I tried as often as I could to get to the Wernersville Jesuit Retreat Center before it closed— which broke my heart. Years ago, when I was running more than I do now, my spiritual director at the Center introduced me to a book of prayers by Malcolm Boyd called Are You Running With Me Jesus.

By the time I finished my yearlong Iraq deployment I had plenty of experiences to confirm that the protection of that army was around me. And from time to time, I go back to those moments. I know Jesus is running with me even when I must walk. I know I labor under the protection of Saints who have gone before me. I know that I loved Jesus more often than I was aware for all the times when my gratitude for what he did, or is doing, turned into affection. I hope to use this Lenten season to draw closer to those memories and I pray that people near and far — and especially of the people in Ukraine today — have their own.

Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

We have been told about two different PSEC churches who have found that they have had checks stolen from their mailboxes. The reason they found out is because parishioners stated that their annual giving report didn't match their own check registers. The thieves steal the checks from the mailbox, scribble something on the back, and then deposit them into ATMs.

Did you know there is a new Stewardship/Development Mission Team in PSEC? The goal of this new group is to foster a spirit of generosity among the congregations of PSEC. We will provide you with information, resources and best practices to support stewardship in your congregation all year round. To that point, the Wisconsin Conference, in partnership with the national UCC, is offering a series of free webinars on a variety of giving topics. You can read more and register here. In addition, you can check out the related item in this eNews on the new stewardship materials, “From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving.”

Since we are in the organizational stages of the life of this team, we are meeting about once a month with some assignments in between. It is anticipated we can meet less frequently, perhaps quarterly, after we are fully launched. Meetings are generally held via Zoom. There are no formal prescribed terms for this mission team, so length of service is flexible. If you would like to join us, please contact Caroline Dunleavy at carolineayost@gmail.com or 484.947.9079. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

We are particularly grateful for the RCH prioritizing of vulnerable populations who are unable to leave Ukraine for multiple reasons. The elderly and IDPs have emerging needs requiring attention. Most of the focus is being placed on those crossing the borders. RCH provided a webpage with daily updates, which is now posted on the Global Ministries website.

If your church has not yet completed year-end reporting for the United Church of Christ, you have until tomorrow at midnight to take action. Find information about the reporting by visiting psec.org/reporting. Contact Brea at the Conference Office with any questions: brea@psec.org, 484-949-8774 ext. 311. 

Sitters may work one shift, an entire day or both days. Sitters will receive free lunch and/or dinner if covering both shifts on either side of those meal times. Compensation will be $20/hour. Please share this opportunity with childcare/ nursery attendants you know. Anyone interested should contact Susan at the Conference office at susan@psec.org.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Save the date for changing how the Church views addiction workshop

To learn more, contact our Conference Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, at 570-617-4018 or kjones275@comcast.net.

The United States military is one of the world’s biggest polluters. As an institution, it leads the world in oil consumption and emits enormous amounts of greenhouse gases. To grasp the environmental impact of the U.S. military, however, requires us to go beyond statistics and numbers. One must listen to those from the communities directly affected. This webinar will provide an overview of environmental justice concerns pertaining to the U.S. military while also centering the voices of those engaged in the struggle to stop the pollution caused by the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on the island of Oahu. Faith communities will not only learn about the issues, but also how they can take action for justice. Even if you can’t make the scheduled time of 1:00p on March 9, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

On March 10 at 1:00, there will be an Advanced Boundary Training on "Supervising Staff", led by Rev. Bill Worley. Should church members be paid members of staff? Should the Pastor be 'head of staff'? How and when do you end a staff member's tenure? Staff supervision, especially in congregations and faith communities, requires a unique set of skills and very clear boundaries. If you feel like your education prepared you for everything but this critical part of authorized ministry, you are not the only one. No matter the size of your church, healthy, effective working relationships rely on clear lines of authority, defined expectations and good communication. Click here for more information and to register.

Phoebe Ministries is accepting applications for its Summer Intensive CPE Group. For more information, click here for a flyer.