Important This Week

• Rev. Mark Johnson to be installed at St. John's (Hain's) UCC this Sunday
• Registration deadlines: Walking with God, Diversity Training this week, Advanced Boundary Training next week
• Register for Fall Meeting

From the Conference Minister:

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.  Luke 18:1

Pray always and do not lose heart. This is Luke’s introduction to Jesus’ parable about the unjust judge in this week’s gospel text. Pray always and do not lose heart are the words we need to hear and live always and everywhere. Because there is injustice and unjust judges the world over. Pray always and do not lose heart. The pandemic is still with us. Pray always and do not lose heart. Our country and communities seem more divided than ever. Pray always and do not lose heart. The current economic downturn has touched the lives of all of us. Pray always and do not lose heart. It's stewardship season and church budget season. Pray always and do not lose heart.

Prince Rivers an editor for Alban at Duke Divinity School and Pastor at Union Baptist Church in Durham, N.C., shared a helpful reflection about hope vs. fear in conversation about church finances — words I wish I wrote. There are some helpful resources following that I hope you can use. I share them with prayers for your ministry and for your heart.

Pastor Bill

Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

Church finances: Hope vs. fear

By Prince Rivers, Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity

As congregational leaders enter the fall planning season, they likely have more questions than answers, especially as it relates to money. In-person worship attendance is roughly half of what it was pre-pandemic. Consumer prices and interest rates are trending upward. Under these conditions, congregations often take a defensive position. They scale down their plans so they don’t take on too much risk.

Risk management is not a bad thing, but too much of a good thing can have unintended consequences. As you make financial plans for the rest of this year and next year, try not to let yourself and other leaders get trapped in fearful speculation about the future. Since God can do a “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19a), even a church that is about to close its doors for good can have hope that their ending has the potential to be a new beginning.

As the world becomes more anxious about money, congregational leaders need to move beyond talking about money as a need for institutional survival and instead encourage people to think about money as a resource for ministry and transformation. It is difficult to encourage generosity when we start from a place of scarcity, because scarcity thinking is often rooted in fear. We sow seeds of hope when we find ways to publicly and frequently make the connections between what people give and what the church is doing for others.

These are challenging times for so many reasons. Speak about financial stewardship with love, grace and hope. Love and grace will help you convince the unconvinced. Hope can inspire those who are afraid.

This message was part of one of Alban's regular church resource emails. To view the full email, including resources on church finances, click here. From that link you can also subscribe to the Alban email list.

PSEC 2022 Fall Meeting

Sunday, November 13  ~  3:00-5:00p

Salt & Light Community Church, Philadelphia

The PSEC 2022 Fall Meeting will be a hybrid meeting. This means you may attend in person or attend via a Zoom link. Both options will allow you to vote and participate in the meeting. The meeting will take place at Salt & Light Community Church at 5736 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia.

• Click here to register
• Read the Call to Fall Meeting
• Fall Meeting webpage (includes agenda, standing rules, election report, and more)

PSEC staff unavailable today

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the PSEC staff will be unavailable due to a staff retreat. Please excuse any delays in responses

Today is the deadline to register for Diversity Training

Diversity Training will be held via Zoom this Thursday, Oct. 13 from 9:00a-12:00p. If you cannot make that time, register anyway, and you can view the training after it's completed and submit a short paper to receive credit. Diversity Training is a requirement for all Authorized Ministers who do not have Exempt Standing every three years. Click here to register.

Register for Walking with God

Registration is now open for "Walking with God", scheduled for Oct. 15 in East Greenville. Please join us for a day of fellowship, fun, laughter, and learning, ending with worship and communion. This year’s retreat will be held in the New Goshenhoppen Church park where many activities can take place outside, (in God’s Good Creation). The park includes a covered band shell and dining hall, in case of inclement weather. For more information and to register, click here.

Rev. Mark Johnson Installation

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.

Rev. Dr. David Williams Installation at New Gosh

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.

Racial Justice Team High Recommendation for

Amend: The Fight for America

The 14th Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution in 1868. Yet it took well over 100 years, not until 2003, for Ohio, the final state to ratify it. Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment. This six episode series is informative, heartbreaking and hopeful, in addressing America’s ongoing struggle to realize the promises and ideals of the 14th Amendment. Amend: The Fight for America is now airing on Netflix and is available on YouTube. With each episode running approximately one hour, it would make for an excellent mid-week viewing and discussion opportunity for congregations. 

Pottstown Diaper Bank

opens with PSEC grant help

St. Paul’s UCC, 927 N. Franklin St., Pottstown, is launching a Diaper Bank. Beginning Nov. 2, the Diaper Bank will be open every Wednesday from 10am-12pm. Volunteers will assist Pottstown families in obtaining diapers, wipes and other baby essentials, at no-cost. St. Paul’s Diaper Bank will be the first of its kind for the Pottstown area and we look forward to serving local families experiencing financial hardship. Alert families you know who may benefit from the services. The only requirement is that the families reside in Pottstown.  For a flyer to share, click here. Contact reverendlaurencain@gmail.com with any further questions.

This ministry was funded in part by a PSEC New Ministries Grant.

Lay Leadership group October meeting set

A Lay Leadership Education Team has been formed to be a support team for Consistory Presidents and/or representatives. Pre-COVID several Consistory Presidents and/or representatives started gathering once a month. It was a great place to gain support, knowledge and form friendships. We are revising this gathering.

The Oct. 22 meeting will be hybrid: online or at St. John’s UCC, Lansdale. Make your selection on how to attend at registration. Registration is free. Click here for more information and to register.

Online FAQ session on the ERHS future and move

Do you have questions on the future of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society and recently announced plans to explore a move to Eden Theological Seminary? If so, the Officers of the Society will be holding an FAQ session on Oct. 15 from 2:30-3:30.  

The purpose of this informative session will be to address questions on the timeline and logistics of the proposed move in addition to the transport of church record groups and manuscript collections and how researchers will utilize these collections before, during, and after the move.  

While we recognize that this decision will evoke grief amongst some of our constituents, the focus of the FAQ Session will be on the planning, management, and carrying out of the relocation of the Society in Lancaster, PA to Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. This decision has been made based upon a number of factors, including infrastructure, a changing relationship with Lancaster Theological Seminary, and a lack of storage space. We understand that change of this magnitude is never easy. The primary goal of the Board is to ensure that the integrity of the collection is preserved and that the Society continues to prosper.

Advanced registration is required. Click here to register. A Zoom link for the event will be sent to all registered participants 24 hours prior to the event. 

In order to honor everyone’s time, the session will be moderated. The FAQ portion will consist of answers only to questions that have been submitted beforehand. Please note, this is not an open forum. Therefore, we ask that you submit any and all questions to future@erhistoricalsociety.org by 12:00 noon on Oct. 13. Should you have any additional questions you may also submit them directly to the same email address.

PSEC All Saints Special Offering materials available

All Saints Sunday is the first Sunday in November. We celebrate long ago saints and those known to us as saints. Some of the PSEC pastors who retired years ago are in need of special assistance. Because their retirement income is low, the churches of the PSEC supplement the cost of their health benefits. We remember these saints as we receive the All Saints offering. 2022 resources for that are available here. 

Boundary Training next week: Power and the Office of Pastor

Sunday is the deadline to register for an Advanced Boundary Awareness Training on Power and the Office of the Pastor, facilitated by Rev. Nora Faust, Wednesday, Oct. 19. Six hours of Boundary Training are required for all Authorized Ministers who do not have Exempt Standing every three years. Click here to register. 

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce:

A Book Review for All of Us

Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr is a written within the framework of the 12 steps for those experiencing addiction. But this book is so much more. Rohr goes through the steps weaving biblical passages into the fabric of the steps in such a way that every one of us can benefit from the spiritual journey he takes us on. This book will broaden your understanding of the deeply spiritual healing that takes place in recovery as well as the deeply spiritual healing we all need.

You can read this book in small pieces to let what Rohr is saying sink into you. Let me quote two sentences that are typical of his writing:

“People’s willingness to find God in their own struggle with life -- and let it change them -- is their deepest and truest obedience to God’s eternal will. We must admit that this is what all of us anyway as, “God comes to us disguised as life”!

This book is a gift I hope you open. KJ

Contemplative Spirituality: Native American Spirituality

Dr. Nancy Omaha Boy will present a program on Native American Spirituality at the Contemplative Spirituality group meeting at St. John’s UCC, 257 W. Walnut St., Kutztown, on Thursday at 10:00a.

Cultures are more often judged by their religious ceremonies. Perhaps an equally important indication of their devotion is the personal spiritual beliefs and practices of the members of that culture. Focus will be on the Lakota Sioux, but other native cultures will be reviewed.

Click here for a flyer and more information.

UCC webinar: Churches get paid for going solar

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) changes the landscape of what’s possible for faith communities when it comes to solar and energy efficiency. For example, did you know that this new law now makes it possible for nonprofit organizations to receive a direct payment from the federal government that equals 30% of a solar installation’s cost? Yet, there is much about the law and how it can benefit faith communities that requires careful attention and navigation. Register for this webinar to learn more! It's set for Oct. 12 at 1:00p.

From the PSEC Racial Justice Team:

The PSEC Racial Justice Team is helping to sponsor “Changing the Way the Church Views Racism” featuring Rev. Dr. Drew Hart Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 2:00p. Ascension UCC, 1700 W Main Street, Norristown, in collaboration with One Book, One Norristown will be hosting the event. Dinner/Reception following. Registration is free for this hybrid event – in-person or online. Click here to register.

Addiction and Recovery Taskforce hybrid event November 10

Join the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce on Nov. 10 either online or in Fort Washington for "Resurrecting Hope: Harm Reduction and Healing Centered Engagement to End Overdose." Click here for more information and to register.

2023 PSEC Compensation Guidelines available now

Conference Consistory has approved a 6% increase for Conference Compensation Guidelines. To view a letter from the Conference Minister about this increase and the 2023 guidelines, click here.

SNEUCC Faith Formation Leadership Program

Beginning in the fall, the Southern New England Conference UCC will be coordinating a Community of Practice in Pennsylvania Southeast Conference for youth ministry leaders and clergy through their Faith Formation Leadership program. There are already three PSEC clergy and faith formation/Christian education leaders committed to joining the group, but there are still a few open spots. The cost is $250/year. For more information or to sign up, contact Debbie Gline Allen, the SNEUCC Minister of Faith Formation, at glineallend@sneucc.org.

Ministry Loss Control workshop in Pottstown

The Insurance Board is hosting a Loss Control Workshop for all PA Southeast Conference Churches on Oct. 25 from 5:00-8:00p at Shenkel UCC in Pottstown. Topics of the workshop include, Active Shooter Awareness and Response, Abuse Prevention Considerations, Church Operations and Trending HR Concerns, Financial Controls Best Practices and Cyber Awareness. A member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be in attendance as a presenter of the Active Shooter segment of the program.

Click here for a PDF brochure and click on the “To Register Click Here” section of the PDF to register for this event.

Should you have any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Gabe Michaels at 215-322-0815 x-126 or Mike Doyle at 215-357-8600 x-112.

Rev. Jon Bauman Installation

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.

Option for Boundary Training

The New York Conference has several dates for upcoming Boundary Awareness Training sessions in October, November, and December. Please check with your COM chair to see if this would fulfill your requirement before registering. The cost of the training is $95. For more information and to register, click here.

2022 Fall Book Study

Recovering Racist: Dismantling White Supremacy and Reclaiming Our Humanity

The PSEC Racial Justice Initiative is offering a 2022 Fall Book Study on Recovering Racist: Dismantling White Supremacy and Reclaiming Our Humanity by Idelette McVicker.

As a white Afrikaner woman growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Idelette McVicker was steeped in a community and a church that reinforced racism and shielded her from seeing her neighbors' oppression. Recovering Racists shares McVicker's journey over thirty years and across three continents to shatter the lies of white supremacy embedded deep within her soul.

She helps us realize that grappling with the legacy of white supremacy and recovering from racism is lifelong work that requires both inner transformation and societal change. As we work for the freedom for everyone, we also find freedom for ourselves. Join us for five on-line sessions, Tuesdays Nov. 1-29, 3p or 7p each week.

Approved for PSEC Diversity Training Credits

Registration is free! To register click here.

Save the date: Women's Clergy Retreat set for January

Mark your calendars for the 2023 PSEC/ PNEC Women's Clergy Retreat, to be held Jan. 24-26 at Mariawald Retreat Center in Reading. More information coming soon.

Clinical Pastoral Education opportunity at Phoebe

Phoebe Ministries is accepting applications for a CPE unit from January through May. For more information, click here for a flyer.

Christian Concern seeking

new board members

Board Members are needed for Christian Concern Management and Development, Jefferson Apartments and Jefferson East Apartments. Jefferson and Jefferson East are living facilities that provide quality housing for lower income people.

CCMD is the management company that oversees Jefferson Apartments and Jefferson East Apartments. Our Boards oversee all three entities. We have four quarterly meetings a year: December, March, June, September. On three of our four meeting dates, we have one meeting which includes CCMD and both residences. Thus our meetings are not long unless there is a particular problem which needs to be addressed by the Board. The fourth meeting requires that we have an individual meeting for each entity but again, it is not a long evening. Our meetings are held at Jefferson Apartments in Norristown.

If you have an interest in helping to make sure that our seniors have good housing conditions that are affordable, and would like to serve on a Board of Directors who have been overseeing such living facilities for many years, please call and we can answer any additional questions you may have. It is not a terribly time consuming on taking, but this is one small way we, ordinary people, can help to do an important part of God’s work.

If you have any questions or would like to share in our ministry, please contact: Betty Booraem, Secretary. 610-639-8774.