Important This Week

• Conference Minister message on Christian Nationalism
• Rev. Jon Bauman to be installed at First UCC, Quakertown this weekend
• Register for Fall Meeting, Recovering Racists book study, and "Changing the way the Church Views Racism"

From the Conference Minister:

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt…” Luke 18:9

Jesus’ parable in this week’s gospel lesson describes two different practices of faith. One by a Pharisee who defines his relationship with God against others who he believes are different and more corrupt than himself. The other, a tax collector, who turns inward to name and confess his own shortcomings and his need for God's mercy. You don't have to race to the end of the story to know who Jesus lifts as the example to follow. The task of the disciple (that’s you and me) is not to define or make the world like us but to make ourselves more like God — and to acknowledge our constant need of God’s grace to do so. We fail regularly at this. And there is no better example of that failing than Christian Nationalism.

I am a patriot. I love my country. But my allegiance to the United States always falls behind my commitment to Christ. A significant component of that commitment is our call to love all people — enemies included. Doing so is the evidence that we are making ourselves more like God. Christian Nationalism marries the name of Christ with a specific political agenda that seeks to make the world in its own image. Not God’s.

Scholars of every discipline share an almost unanimous observation that nationalist governments routinely evolve to become authoritarian and oppressive. Our nation and many states used Christianity in its most corrupt expression to support slavery and segregation; a practice that continues in support all the “isms” of our day. Christian nationalism treats fellow Americans as second-class citizens and does not respect our full religious liberty as that is established in the U.S. Constitution or in William Penn’s founding vision for the State of Pennsylvania. It is a danger to democracy and a complete anathema to the Jesus Life set before us in the gospels.

Several Pennsylvania clergy drafted a petition to speak to this issue that is published in today’s Pennsylvania Capital Star. I hope you will take a moment to read that and consider facilitating conversations in your local church or ministry setting about this. You can also find additional resources at our Conference’s Racial Justice webpage.

With prayers for your ministry,

Bill

Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

Rev. Jon Bauman Installation

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.

'Changing the Way the Church Views Racism' hybrid event

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.

This free event has been approved by the PSEC Church and Ministry Council as meeting the requirements for Diversity Training for PSEC authorized ministers.

Lay Leadership group October meeting this weekend

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.

Webinar: Tips for meaningful 2023 volunteer mission trips

Is your church planning a Volunteer Mission Trip in 2023? Do you want some tips on making your trip meaningful and successful? Would you like to plan and trip, but do not know how to start? 

You are invited to join the Wednesday for the World webinar on Oct. 19 at 11:00a. This webinar will include: ideas and planning suggestions, new UCC curriculum to deepen youth trips into Faith Formation experiences, and practical pieces for creating a positive and productive experience. All are welcome! Click here for registration and more information.

Webinar: Trending Business Concerns for Ministries

Misclassification of workers, including ministers, as independent contractors when they are legally employees may result in financial liability to churches as well as unfairness to employees. Understanding the difference between an employee and an independent contractor is key to reducing this risk.

Allowing community groups to utilize your facility may further your church’s mission as well as offset some of the costs of operating your church. Good stewards of church assets will consider the legal and financial risks associated with a third party’s use of the church property when establishing or revising the church’s facilities use policy.

Join the Insurance Board for this webinar on Oct. 26 at 2:00p. Click here for more information and to register for the webcast.

Webinar: Planning for transition to retirement

If you are an actively-contributing Pension Boards member, 45 years of age or older, you may be interested in their upcoming Financial Wellness Seminar entitled, “Planning for the Transition to Retirement.” Whether you are planning to retire soon or are in the middle of your career, clergy or lay, this seminar is designed to help you prepare for the decisions you’ll need to make prior to retirement. 

We invite you to join us for this important session with our Pension Counselors on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 12:00p to 4:00p. Register here by Nov. 1.

Theology with a Twist: Ministry that Ran Away with the Circus

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, attend Theology with a Twist at the Kutztown Tavern for "The Ministry that Ran Away with the Circus." Sister Dorothy Fabritze (MSC) shares about her unique, 20-year-long, ministry with Ringling Brothers Circus, Roberts Brother Circus, and Circus Vargas (just to name a few). Using pictures, stories, and humor she will reflect on the meaning of relating to others with peace, joy, and compassion.

Theology with a Twist is meets at 7:00p the First Tuesday of the month at the Kutztown Tavern, 272 Main St Kutztown, in the upstairs room. For more info go to our Facebook page or call 610.926.3907. 

UCC issues appeal for 'Pakistan Response Fund'

Following massive flooding across nearly three-quarters of the country, the UCC is issuing an appeal in support of the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has been enduring severe monsoon weather since June, with rainfall equivalent to 2.9 times the national 30-year average. To date, more than half of the country’s 160 districts have been declared ‘calamity hit’ by the government, a number that is expected to increase as rain and flooding continues. Click here for more information or to contribute.

Conference Planning Team Seeking Additional Members

The PSEC Planning Team is the group that facilitates the PSEC Spring Annual and Fall Meetings. The committee is looking for new members who can bring creative ideas and new energy to meet the needs of our conference members. The committee meets via Zoom once a month. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please reach out to Susan Creswell at the PSEC office at susan@psec.org or 484-949-8774 x 312.

Kutztown church hosts accessible services

Several churches in eastern Berks County worked together to start a new ministry, hosting a monthly no-shush, no-judgement service, specifically welcoming to people with intellectual disabilities. (The picture above is of one of the signs labeling spaces around the church featuring the word in clear letters, in braille, and a 3D representation.) These services are held at St. Paul's UCC, Kutztown. To read about how this ministry and how it came to be, 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.

Upcoming PA Academy of Ministry Classes

Jews and the American Civil Rights Movement, Jan. 11-Feb. 15. Wednesdays, 7-8:30p via Zoom. Instructor, Rabbi Jack Paskoff. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Church History To the Reformation, Jan. 10-Feb. 14. Weeknights via Zoom. Instructor, the Rev. Matt Deal. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Click here for more information and registration.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce:

Overdose prevention

From the United Church of Christ website:

We know that people who use drugs are beloved by God. In the United States, almost 200 people die every day from an accidental drug overdose, 130 of those from an opioid overdose. That’s 70,000 parents, siblings, lovers, spouses, friends, children, colleagues, beloved community members dying every year from a largely preventable cause.

People who are living in poverty, people who are experiencing homelessness, people who are incarcerated, and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color are at elevated risk of death from opioid overdose and other harms of racialized drug policy.

Providing overdose prevention, recognition, response education, and access to naloxone to people who use drugs and their friends, families, and church communities is a harm reduction strategy that saves lives and an act of love and justice for our most marginalized neighbors.

Overdose and overdose fatalities are preventable. Register here for the Nov. 10 program on Harm Reduction.

Alban Weekly: Reengaging ministry volunteers

This week's Alban Weekly email featured articles and resources on "Reengaging Ministry Volunteers." 

"Most congregations reopened their doors to in-person worship many months ago. The clergy and lay staff show up each week hoping that scattered members will finally return to a consistent rhythm of weekly fellowship and worship. One of the big challenges for many of us who work in churches is that the slow return to in-person worship is having a direct impact on the ability to mobilize volunteers for ministry."

Check out that email here for some valuable tips including "7 ways to reengage volunteers" and "How to train volunteers."

Spirit on Tap next week:

Many Religions, One God

“Many Religions, One God” by Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohnsman will be presented at Spirit on Tap on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7:00p at the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading.

The gathering will explore common truths and points of similarity in all faiths and will seek to find ways to overcome the danger of religious exceptionalism.

Click here for more information.

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)

Addiction and Recovery Taskforce hybrid event Nov. 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.

Rev. Dr. David Williams Installation at New Gosh

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.

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.

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. 

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.