Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian

Interim Associate Conference Minister

Check out the November newsletter from UCC Disaster Ministries. Get info on the Global HOPE Blue Christmas Worship on Dec. 1; read about the Volunteer of the Month; and check out which churches have been approved for UCC Global HOPE grants -- including two from PSEC! To read that newsletter, click here.

Not everyone has an equal voice and vote in our democracy when campaign contributions make the playing field of electoral races vastly uneven. Currently, the fossil fuel industry has an enormous impact on Congress through campaign donations. This is a matter that relates to core values of fairness, justice, and love of neighbor in the face of powerful forces that continue to damage and threaten people and planet for the sake of profit. This free webinar will feature three panelists from some of the leading organizations addressing the influence of fossil fuel money on Congress: Sarah Bryner from OpenSecrets, Tyson Slocum from Public Citizen, and RL Miller from Climate Hawks Vote. Even if you can’t make the scheduled time of 1:00p on Wednesday, Dec. 8, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

Please, pastors, send this appeal on to anyone in your congregation who might see this as a ministry. Connect them with any of us listed on the PSEC website page so that our work may expand. Thank you.

Pastors are you weary? Is the yoke of pastoring in this extended season of COVID heavy? Share your burdens and joys as we pray together on Thursdays at noon during the season of Advent! A brief period of facilitated check-in will be followed by curated poems, prayers, and silence. Light a candle and feed your spirit this Advent by gathering in prayer with colleagues from Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast conferences and prepare for the inbreaking of Emmanuel once again! Join us Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at noon https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88299554125?pwd=cU90LzZhS2lOU05qVFo5QWhjK2p3UT09. We will end promptly at 1pm.

Well, I thought we had our last Computer-Side Chat! However, some people would like to have just one more and this time have lay people share their experiences around Shared Minister/Ministry contexts.

So, if you are a lay person who is currently a member of a congregation that is sharing a minister with another congregation OR a congregation intentionally sharing ministry with another congregation… EMAIL ME at miniasian@psec.org.

So back by popular demand… the LAST LAST Computer Side Chat will be Tuesday Dec. 7, 7:00- 8:00p. You can get a link for that meeting by emailing Brea@psec.org.

Introduction to Pastoral Care, Jan. 6-Feb. 10. This class provides an introduction to pastoral care with attention to trauma histories, healthy boundaries, self-care, and social justice. You will be introduced to pastoral care practices in a variety of settings, including organizing caring ministries within the congregation, and attend to particular circumstances of ministry, such as loss and grief, illness, marriage, and family. Learning activities include use of role play and analysis of case studies.

Fundraising Fundamentals: Churches and Other Non-Profits, Feb. 22-March 29. This class provides essential fundraising tools for lay leaders, pastors, and other ministerial leaders. Whether working in a congregation or not-for-profit, all ministerial leaders need to be able to raise money. Taught by an experienced fundraising consultant, this class helps participants hone their skills in developing the fundraising “ask,” writing letters for fundraising, and leveraging networks to grow your ministry.

Each six-week class is offered online. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Deadline to register for Pastoral Care is Dec. 21.

As you are making preparations for Advent, the Racial Justice Initiative is again offering the wonderful Advent Candle Lighting liturgy crafted by the Rev. Becky Hoover. It incorporates the tensions we are experiencing in our nation and offers healing and hope as we seek the dawning of Christ anew. Click here to download.

May 3-5, join PSEC and PNEC for a time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministries and members in discernment... Clergy Convocation 2022! Rev. Emily Heath will join the group as the Presenter. For more information and to register, click here.

This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on snow squall safety, winter weather awareness, and how to sign up for alerts. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared.

This workshop will explore the various ways that churches are, 1. Creating new connections, 2. Reconnecting with those who fell away, 3. Maintaining connection with the faithful, during this pandemic. Bring what has worked for you and hear what is working for others. This workshop, facilitated by Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development, Rev. Cean James, will take place twice. For an event flyer, click here. To register, click the links below:

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”.