|
|
Important This Week
Sign up for:
- Community of Practice
- Computer-side Chat on COPs
- PA Academy of Ministry course on bivocational ministry
- Mercersburg Convocation
- Theology of Liturgy discussions
|
|
From the Interim Associate Conference Minister:
The Path TOWARD Justice Begins with Accountability
When the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was televised and I heard “Guilty” three times, my first instinct was to think, Justice has arrived. Some time passed and then I heard the word “accountable” and that to resonated deeply for me. Accountability is necessary before justice can happen.
On Saturday April 24, President Biden was the first sitting President to use the word “Genocide” in acknowledging and naming what Armenians all over the world remember on Armenian Martyrs Day or Remembrance Day. Again, I heard and read, Justice has arrived. Once again, I thought, no, justice hasn’t arrived but the first step toward justice has and it begins with accountability.
As Christians we look to Jesus as the incarnation of God, who calls us into ministry with him as disciples of truth, justice, peace and love. In our worship services part of the liturgy is the Confession of Sin followed by Words of Assurance and then the Passing of the Peace. The order of things matters.
Accountability is the path toward justice and confession is the path toward peace. It is my hope and prayer that the veil of denial, silence, aggravated hostility toward Armenians by the Turkish Government will come to an end. My hope and prayer is that perpetrators will come to understand that confession of truth and accountability is really as much about their freedom as it is for the victims and survivors.
I have shared a prayer I wrote in 2015 throughout this week. I have been asked to share it here. I have also included a link to the music of an Armenian instrument called Duduk. Please center yourselves and listen to this music as a way of resting into God’s presence and then when you are able, lift up this prayer.
May all of us disciples continue the work of the Gospel that leads toward justice and the fullness of the Kin-dom of God.
|
|
Pastoral Prayer for Armenian Martyrs’ Day/Adapted Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Out of the depths Oh God, we call to you.
As your gathered people we come to worship you and to remember your presence in our lives.
You have been with all humanity throughout time.
When each one of us was born your spirit danced within us. Your breath gave us life.
|
|
|
As we age and travel on our journeys you continue to breathe the power of resurrection life in us.
In this season of Eastertide we celebrate the many ways you have conquered death.
You give us transforming moments.
In remembering your own power over death, we come trusting in you: in your forgiveness, your mercy and your love.
As your global church we are mindful of all who make up the body of Christ.
Today we are especially mindful of Armenians throughout the world as they remember the Genocide of their people and continued oppression by the Turkish Government.
We know that on your Good Friday you entered all of our Good Fridays.
Whenever your children have been harmed out of greed, abuse of power and hate you are crucified again.
May your comforting presence be with generation still living.
May your confidence and hope be with them as they continue to seek accountability and justice for wounds not yet healed.
In your power of resurrection hope may healing begin.
We are also mindful of those of us who bring harm to your creation. We are also in your heart.
May we be open enough to receive your love and compassion in the midst of our own repentance.
May the acknowledgement of harmful actions be a step
toward justice that can transform all of us into whole people of God.
We know that being brave and being called to truth telling can lead to death.
Protect those who have the courage and loving heart for justice and truth.
May this day be a day when our solidarity with all of your hurting people becomes a day of life-giving acts of love, hope, joy and peace.
May the power of the resurrection become a living energy within each of us so that your kin-dom on earth will grow into that beloved garden of paradise promised.
In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call
|
|
Communities of practice forming for second half of 2021
Communities of Practice (COP) are small groups that give authorized ministers an opportunity to gather with colleagues for spiritual renewal, group learning and support. While this was an important offering pre-COVID, it has become even more apparent how necessary it is for this kind of peer support. Typically, PSEC runs Communities of Practice groups on a calendar year, but due to additional stress clergy are currently facing, we've been asked to start more groups now.
If you are interested in being part of a Community of Practice and are looking for life-sustaining friendships, a new perspective, a renewed calling, a time for reflection and support, then sign up today. Click here to register before Wednesday, May 19. The annual cost is $250, which is often paid by the local place of ministry. Scholarships may also be available. If you have any questions about Communities of Practice or joining a group, contact Brea Rarick at brea@psec.org. |
Computer-side Chat: Why do I need a Community of Practice? |
You've heard about "Communities of Practice," but do you really understand what they are, who they can help, or why you should join one? There are times when a small confidential gathering can be a safe place where meaningful growth can happen. This is different from a ministerium or an interfaith/ ecumenical cluster. These groups are facilitated by trained authorized ministers to offer safe/confidential space while you are giving care to others. Find out more about COPs and how they can help you at the next Computer-Side Chat with Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:00p. To register, email brea@psec.org. |
PAM: Bivocational Ministry for Congregations and Pastors
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Seminary announces: Bivocational Ministry for Congregations and Pastors, taught by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens, Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30p, May 26-June 30, via Zoom. Generous grant funding allows us to offer this 2.5 CEU class for $100 per participant (or $50 for auditors, no credit). Click here for registration and instructions for payment. Is your congregation considering a part-time pastor? Are you considering a career in ministry alongside a secular job? This class is appropriate for lay leaders and clergy alike. We will explore what it means to be bivocational in ministry. We will study the example of Paul as tentmaker and discuss challenges facing the church today. Students taking this class for CEUs will develop a covenant of expectations between congregation and pastor for successful ministry in a changing world.
Also upcoming: Ministry Job Search Toolkit: Bivocational and Beyond, instructor TBA, July-August 2021. Grant funding allows us to offer this 2.5 CEU class for $100 per participant (or $50 for auditors, no CEUs).
|
Register today: Mercersburg Convocation online June 7-8
The Annual Mercersburg Convocation will be held virtually June 7-8. "Polarization and Reconciliation: Hints from the Mercersburg Tradition" is the theme, with presenters: Lee Barrett, Ph.D., William Evans, Ph.D., and Linden DeBie, Ph.D. Click here for an event flyer or click here for a brochure.
|
Theology of Liturgy discussions starting this week
Do you spend much time thinking about the theology behind the elements of the liturgy? Do you ever ask why we use a prayer of confession? Or what happens in communion? Or why we use the lectionary?
If so, we’d like to invite you to join us for a deeper discussion into our worship elements. We have designed a 6-week, limited-size gathering that will explore the theology under our liturgies – their history, formation and practice today.
This is the first in a series of theological discussion programs offered by Penn Central Conference with an invitation to clergy of PSEC. Together we will broaden, sharpen and deepen our personal theological knowledge and language. Space is very limited so register ASAP.
Two Options:
Thursday Afternoons, May 6 through June 10 (six weeks).
Thursday Evening, May 27 – June 10 (four weeks)
Topics Include:
- Call to Worship
- Confession & Assurance
- Communion
- Scripture and Word
- Prayer
- Lectionary and Liturgical Calendar
|
|
New study on singing and the spread of Covid-19
Scholars from several universities and organizations collaborated on a study from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Maryland released last week: Measurements and Simulations of Aerosol Released While Singing and Playing Wind Instruments. This study specifically looks at the risk of COVID-19 spreading due to singing and musical performances. You can read that complete article here or view a summary here from the Center for Congregational Song. |
Racial disparities and environmental issues
NBC 10 News recently put together a collection of news stories highlighting regional racial disparity in environmental issues. To view the clips, please click this link. Big thank you to Karl Jones for sharing this information with us.
|
Special message from Phoebe board about getting vaccinated
Take a few minutes to view A Special Message from the Phoebe Governing Board. These heartfelt messages from the board volunteers are a testament of their dedication to Phoebe Ministries' partners and residents, and offer encouragement to consider getting vaccinated to protect yourselves and others.
|
Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Narcan in our Pastors' hands
The PSEC Addiction Task force is working to help all active pastors in our conference secure a life-saving supply of Narcan (Naloxone). Why should our pastors have such a thing? Because Pastors may very well be the first to know about the disease of opioid addiction in a family. In the course of offering pastoral care, members of a family may confide in their pastor. This could be long before they turn to other professionals for help or know about this safe antidote. In addition to referring people to local agencies and continuing being caring and supportive, gifting two doses of Narcan, along with education about usage, may very well save lives. Narcan is available free to any Pennsylvania resident. Thanks to a partnership between NEXT Distro and Prevention Point, anyone can become a trained responder. If you have not yet heard about how you can access Narcan, please contact any member of the PSEC Addiction Task force and we will help you get what you need. Check out our website for more information .
|
UCC webinar: Job creation and climate action
To emerge from the pandemic, an economic recovery that prioritizes jobs and justice is desperately needed. Now is a time to cast a vision for a holistic recovery that is guided by a commitment to employment, affordable housing, racial justice, public health, and a transition to a decarbonized economy. This webinar will focus on what a just recovery would look like and what faith communities can do to call for legislation that embodies our values. Three panelists will share with us. Natalie Mebane is a policy specialist for 350.org, one of the nation’s largest climate organizations. Bracken Hendricks has served as a climate advisor to former president Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation in addition to more recently advising Jay Inslee in his presidential campaign. The Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll founded Green the Church, which works at the intersection of Black churches and environmental justice. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time on Wednesday, May 12, at 1:00p, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording of it. Sign-up now for the webinar!
|
New book by Harry Serio published
A new book by Rev. Dr. Harry Serio (Covenant Association) was published last month: The Mysticism of Ordinary and Extraordinary Experience. Read more on the PSEC news page here. |
Strengthen the Church offering collected this month
“Strengthen The Church” (STC) offering is Pentecost Sunday, May 23. This is our second “Five for Five” UCC offering of the year. STC reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to build up our “United and Uniting” church. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. Your offering will support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. More information about this offering may be found here: Strengthen the Church - United Church of Christ. Thank you for your commitment to Strengthen the Church! |
|
Book discussion planned by PSEC Racial Justice Taskforce |
|
Meeting ID: 817 6830 5724
Passcode: PeaceBwthU
Meeting ID: 833 0354 6153
Passcode: PeaceBwthU
|
|
2021 Virtual Annual Meeting |
|
Please register for Annual Meeting today |
“Deepening our Connections, Deepening the Journey” is the theme, and the hope, of PSEC’s Annual Spring meeting that begins Friday, June 4 with nationally celebrated social justice leader and guest presenter Sister Simone Campbell, a Catholic nun who, with a few sisters in faith, chartered a bus to change the world.
Our connecting continues with Saturday’s conferring sessions, workshops and worship services to honor anniversary clergy and congregations, to lament the losses endured through the pandemic and to welcome the hope of better days ahead. We gather online in a new virtual meeting space (“Whova”) for our (hopefully) last completely virtual Conference gathering. Click here to access the Call to Annual Meeting. Click here to access the annual meeting page on the PSEC website which includes the link to registration.
There is less than a month until the registration deadline and we are not at quorum yet.
|
|
Do you have a topic to discuss for the Annual Meeting?
Do you have a topic that you’ve been wanting to share with others? Something that has been on your mind that you would like to hear others’ opinions?
During our upcoming Spring Annual Meeting, there will be an opportunity for “Meet-ups”. This is an opportunity for up to 50 individuals to meet to discuss a topic. Suggested meet-up groups might include (but are not limited to) Christian Ed leaders, new pastors, teens, tech individuals, music leaders etc. A Meet-up could also center around a specific topic.
If you would be interested in leading such a “Meet-up”, please reach out to Susan at the Conference office at susan@psec.org.
|
|
Your Association/Church can be an Annual Meeting sponsor
This year’s Annual Spring Meeting will be taking place using the Whova platform.
This will make it easier for attendees to maneuver between events. In order to keep the cost of the event low, we have opened the sponsorship opportunity to our Associations and our churches. The cost of sponsorship is $60. This will entitle the sponsor to a revolving banner, a virtual booth and a video.
The deadline to take advantage of this opportunity is April 26. If interested, please reach out to Susan at the Conference office at susan@psec.org.
|
|
Webinar: How disasters expose systemic racism
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is hosting a webinar titled “Systemic Racism: Disasters Expose It – How Do We Address It?” on May 13 at 2:00p to look at how COVID-19 and other disasters make the presence of systemic racism more obvious. Speakers will share practical tips to increase funding for equity and anti-racism work, as well as supporting BIPOC organizations responding to crises in their communities. This webinar is part of Equity in Disasters, a series of webinars, blog posts and resources highlighting systemic racial and intersectional equity issues linked with communities’ abilities to recover from and withstand disasters. Register.
|
'Anti-Racism & the Tulsa 100 Year Commemoration' event
The UCC is hosting "Anti-Racism and the Tulsa 100 Year Commemoration" on May 27 at 8:00p on Zoom. The keynote speaker will be Kevin Willmott, Academy Award winning filmmaker ( BlacKkKlansman) and professor at the University of Kansas. Reflections will be given by Dr. Velda Love, UCC Minister for Racial Justice, and Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries. For more information and a flyer to share, click here. Click here to register. |
Monday Meetings with the Conference Minister continue
Each Monday at 11:00a, authorized ministers and church leaders are invited to check in with Conference Minister Rev. Bill Worley on a Zoom call, share experiences in this season of COVID, ask for advice, and be in community. We encourage you to join this opportunity for theological and practical reflection and discussion. Click here to join the call on Monday.
|
Virtually connecting worship with a landline telephone
Rev. Dr. Ben Motz (St. Paul's UCC, Robesonia) shares his church's experience with a phone streaming service that shut-ins can use to listen to the church service without any internet, computer, or cell phone necessary. Read that article on the PSEC news page here. |
Updated list available:
PSEC churches online
If your church isn't currently worshipping or you are not able or comfortable attending services, we have compiled a list of churches in PSEC that are holding digital/ virtual worship experiences. Share this with others that might not have another option for worship. Click here for an updated list.
|
|
YouTube presentations on preparing for hybrid worship |
The Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC hosted a two-session YouTube presentation about preparing for hybrid worship. If, like so many churches, you are trying to figure out who you'll need to push the buttons, what tech to buy and build, and how to do both in-person and live-on-screen worship at the same time, this is the series for you.
|
From the Racial Justice Team: How to be an ally
In the wake of the recent flood of concern surrounding policing and race in our country, many people are asking “How can I be an ally?” An article in Sojourners, written by Courtney Ariel, entitled “For Our White Friends Desiring to Be Allies”, Ariel writes “Being an ally is different than simply wanting not to be racist (thank you for that, by the way). Being an ally requires you to educate yourself about systemic racism in this country.” To learn how to become a better ally, click here for the full article.
|
Racial justice banners and yard signs available |
The Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative team, in promoting racial justice, is offering banners and yard signs free to churches and individuals.
For those who are able, we are suggesting a love offering of $70 per banner (image of the 4’x10’ Vinyl Banner with grommets below) and $7 per yard sign (image of the 18’’x24’’ Yard sign above right). The love offerings will go to further our efforts in this sacred ministry of racial equity and justice. To order, please email Anne Cormier at annecormier@comcast.net. Include in the subject box “banner” or “yard sign”. |
|
Educational Opportunities
|
|
Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
|
Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
|
|
Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC, Mohnton (Sunday supply)
- Armenian Martyrs Cong'l Church, Havertown (full-time bridge pastor)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Christ Delong, Bowers, and St. Peter's, Topton (3/4-time interim)
- Immanuel UCC, Shillington (1/2-time bridge associate)
- St. Andrew's UCC, Perkasie (full-time interim)
- St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
- Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Dr. Susan Minasian: minasian@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
|
|
Missed a week? Read past eNews here: |
|
PSEC is the link that connects our church’s various and diverse ministries both locally and globally. Together, we provide our local churches, pastors and congregations with the training and inspiration they need to carry out our church’s wider mission. We are stronger together; therefore, we embrace diversity, and above all, we spread God’s love! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
