Important This Week

• TODAY is the last chance to register for the Annual Spring Meeting
• PSEC hosting "Are you being called to ministry" event next month on Zoom
• 'Foundations of Worship Planning' workshop this Saturday for lay, clergy

TODAY is the deadline to register for the Spring Meeting

There will be a $25 penalty fee added to each late registration and we cannot guarantee your meals or housing, if you don't register today.

The Annual Spring Meeting will be June 2-3 at West Chester. The theme will be "May They All Be One: Unleashing the Spirit", focusing on ways to re-imagine what it means to be the Body of Christ. That includes building partnerships between local churches who share resources (including pastors), merging ministries, and connecting with community partners. Representatives from congregations share how this has been life giving for them and how they overcame longtime resistance to making it happen. Similarly, representatives of the Keystone Study Group will share their conversations about creating partnerships between and among our four PA Conference that may lead to a four Conference merger. Click here for more information and to register. Reports have been added to the webpage.

Counseling, Spiritual Director recommendations at PSEC.org

In a recent Advanced Boundary Training, participants asked for a collection of recommendations for counselors and spiritual directors be compiled as a resource for clergy. That has now been added to psec.org/help.

Who can you invite? 'Are You Being Called to Ministry' event

On June 21, PSEC Conference Minister Rev. Bill Worley will host a one-hour gathering on Zoom to help curious individuals explore "Are you being called to ministry?", what it means to be called to ministry and answer questions. In addition, you’ll hear brief stories of others who have answered the call to serve the church in these roles at different points of their lives. For more information, click here.

Please consider attending or inviting someone in your congregation who may need a nudge.

'Foundations of Worship Planning' for lay, clergy

“Foundations of Worship Planning” will be held online this Saturday, May 20 from 9:00a-1:00p. This workshop prepares lay leaders and refreshes authorized ministers on the foundational principles of worship with an emphasis on practical application. Participants will gain tools and sharpen skills for planning meaningful worship that facilitates holy encounters. No previous experience with worship planning is necessary.

Participants should bring a recent bulletin or order of service from their context as well as a Bible and music selection resources (i.e. hymnal and/or songbook). Click here for more information and to register.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Words to Ponder

“Most people do not see things the way they are, they see things the way they are.”

Richard Rohr, Breathing Underwater, p.95

Register for summer courses with PA Academy of Ministry

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 1

May 23-June 27, Tuesdays, 7-8:30p, Zoom

Would you like an introduction or a refresher on biblical interpretation? Clergy and laity are invited to join instructor Kelsey Wallace for an introduction to the art and practice of biblical interpretation. Old Testament / Hebrew Bible. Details here.

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 2

July 11-Aug 15, Tuesdays, 7-8:30p, Zoom

Instructor Kelsey Wallace. New Testament. Open to all laity and clergy; Biblical Interpretation 1 is NOT required. Details here.

Chaplain in the Park Opportunity at Locust Lake

Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park! Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the PA Council of Churches. Chaplains can be -- but need not be -- ordained ministers. Duties include the worship service as well as visiting campsites to lend a listening ear and invite campers to worship. If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here. Contact Rev. Maureen Duffy- Guy for more info: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text her at 717-619-8337.