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Important This Week
- Registration open for Walking With God one-day free event
- Two new church openings were added to the list
- This week is the deadline to register for the Men's Clergy Retreat
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From the Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development:
About three years ago I was knee deep in the work of merging two congregations. This was not easy work, but I knew it was what God was calling us to and that the blessing on the other side would be well worth the initial pain. One of the tough decisions was naming the new church. This may be the one place where William Shakespeare and I disagree; I believe that names matter. After much prayer and deliberation, we found ourselves drawn to a very simple analogy that Jesus uses twice (Matthew 5:12-15 and Mark 9:50). There are two physical objects that Jesus directly connects us to; Salt & Light. That we are to be salt to the earth and light to the world. In the days of Jesus, salt was extremely valuable, often used to pay Roman soldiers. Salt was a preservative and used for flavor. We, as God’s children are all valuable, we all have the ability to preserve the things of God, and we certainly add flavor to this world. If we are salt, that means the church is simply a saltshaker. And salt is no good if it stays in the shaker, it must be sprinkled on the world. This pandemic has taught us that even when we can’t get to the saltshaker, we still have the responsibility and honor of being Salt & Light!
Rev. Cean James
Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development
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Registration open for one-day Walking With God free event
Join the PSEC Spiritual Life Mission Team for a day of fellowship, fun, laughter, and learning, ending with worship and communion on Saturday, Oct. 30. Out of an abundance of caution, this year's retreat will be held in the New Goshenhoppen Church park where many activities can be held outside. The park includes a covered band shell and a dining hall, in case of inclement weather. Click here to register.
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PAM: Money and Ministry course beginning next month
Money and Ministry: A Theology for Congregational Leaders, Thursday, Oct. 14, 7-8:30p and Tuesdays, 7-8:30p, Oct. 19-Nov. 16 via Zoom. Instructor: Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Register by Oct. 5.
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How to help Afghan evacuees arriving in southeastern PA
Material goods are not being collected right now at the Philadelphia locations where people from Afghanistan are arriving. The best way to support individuals and families is through monetary donations to vetted groups who are providing immediate long-term relief. Philadelphia's Office of Immigrant Affairs is working with the Nationalities Services Center and HIAS Pennsylvania which have donation pages on their websites. If you wish to donate material goods, the Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team has a list of materials that can be dropped off or mailed to Fort Dix, NJ. For more information on that, click here.
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This week: Building Church Differently training event |
You are invited to join the Church Building and Loan Fund on Sept. 22- 23 for Partners in Building (PIB) 2021. PIB is a multi-day training event, where leaders from congregations are invited to engage in various presentations and workshops.
PIB connects pastors and other church leaders with information on how to repurpose, finance, and manage church-owned property through presentations and workshops. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with experts including a variety of topics: Navigating Land Use, Repurposing Resources for Mission, Faith Based Entrepreneurs, Fund Raising, Social Media & Marketing and so much more.
At just $30 a ticket, you get access to a whole host of innovative faith leaders and transformative content. Click here to register.
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Sign up for the Men's Clergy Retreat in October
"Releasing Your Inner Warrior" will be the theme of the 2021 Men's Clergy Retreat being held at Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA. The event, taking place Oct 5-7 (Tues-Thurs) will be a mixture of worship, small group discussions and relaxation! The facilitator of the group will be Rev. Dr. Tom Johnson, UCC Pastor and co-founder of The Neighborhood Academy. Full vaccination is required to attend. For event flyer, click here. To register, click here.
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PSEC minister holding presentation and book signing |
Monday, Oct. 18 at 6:00p, Dr. Harry L. Serio will speak on “The Nature of Mysticism” at an Author Presentation and Book Signing at the Firefly Bookstore, 271 West Main St., Kutztown. He will present an overview of his book, The Mysticism of Ordinary and Extraordinary Experience.
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Low-interest disaster loans available for Ida recovery
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents, including churches, in Pennsylvania following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida on Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2021.
The disaster declaration covers Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Churches in Berks County are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website, and should apply under SBA declaration #17165.
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From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Founded in Akron, Ohio in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob S., Alcoholics Anonymous provides a God-centered approach to recovery for people suffering with addiction to alcohol. The AA text book was written by Bill W. in 1939 and explained the philosophy and methods which are now known as the 12 Steps of Recovery. From that point, AA grew at a rapid rate across the US and Canada.
By 1950, 100,000 recovered alcoholics could be found world-wide. Today, AA is present in over 180 nations with membership estimated at more than 2 million worldwide. There are more than 118 thousand AA groups around the world and the ‘Big Book’ has been translated into 70 languages.
There are no membership dues or fees to attend AA. Meetings are held in person and virtually 7 days a week and consist of peer-to-peer support through the recovery process. Participants can share their day-to-day struggles with each other, learn coping mechanisms and provide support to others while examining their own life patterns, history and relationships through ‘Step Work’.
A Meeting Guide app and additional information about this program can be found on www.aa.org. Please consider hosting a group at your church.
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Save the Date: Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Symposium |
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Copyright Concerns for Ministries webinar this month
The Insurance Board will host "Copyright Concerns for Ministries" at 2:00p Sept. 29. During these challenging times, ministries rely heavily on the virtual environment and various electronic mediums to share the printed forms of inspiring poetry, quotes from prayer books and daily affirmations, as well as song lyrics during worship and through other forms of ministry. As a result, some ministries are shocked to find they are in violation of copyright infringement; join us as Heather Kimmel, UCC General Counsel, offers information on how to help your ministry avoid this situation. Click here for more info.
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Webinar on disaster response: 'Muck and Gut' training
On Sept. 22, Lutheran Disaster Response will host a 2-hour webinar on the basic issues that need to be addressed before starting the Muck and Gut of a home impacted by a disaster. The training will include safety issues that need to be assessed before, during, and after the clean out of a home, and some steps that can prevent the damage of a residence in freezing temperatures and other steps that can be taken to reduce damage. Click here to register.
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Neighbors in Need special offering materials available
The 2021 Neighbors in Need “Unfailing Love” offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects serving our homeless and immigrant neighbors and communities. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities. Most churches collect the offering on Oct. 3 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time. Click here for all the NIN 2021 information and PDF downloads. Or order these print items for your church free with free shipping: offering envelopes, 11"x17" glossy poster.
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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”.
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Zion Blue Mountain UCC helps following recent flooding
Zion Blue Mountain UCC in Strausstown distributed 13 cleanup buckets in the northern part of our conference earlier this month following the flooding from Hurricane Ida. Read about their mission work in this article by Rev. Jason Stump.
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Free Lay Boundary Training event coming this month
Boundary Training is not just for Pastors... it also pertains to members of churches! Your church should be safe for all congregants. On Sept. 29 at 6:30p, "Lay Boundary Training" will be held on Zoom. Discussion will include: healthy boundaries, varieties and levels of seriousness of boundary crossings and the psychological health we all need to establish boundaries. Click here for a flyer. This training is free thanks to your OCWM contributions. Click here to sign up.
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Free Science and Religious symposium coming
Palmer Theological Seminary would like to welcome you to a two-day symposium on science and religion on our St. David's campus at Eastern University. Admission is free and the event will be livestreamed as well.
The symposium comes as part of Palmer’s selection to participate in the Science for Seminaries project. The project is made possible by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) through their Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program, in partnership with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Highlighting the work of professors, scientists, chaplains, nurses, students, and activists in the fields of astronomy, medicine, and ecotheology, each session will feature a student essay contest, a panel of local experts, and a special keynote speaker.
This event will be of value to local ministers as well as their congregations. If you have any questions email the director, Rev. Zack Jackson at zjackson@eastern.edu.
Friday, October 1 from 2-5p
Jennifer Wiseman: “Galaxies, Stars, Black Holes, and Life: A Universe of Awe and Inspiration”
Dr. Wiseman is an Astrophysicist, Author, and Director of DoSER.
Saturday, October 2 from 9am-12:30p
Dr. Devan Stahl: "The Great Physician: Navigating Trust in Medicine and Faith in Miracles”
Dr. Devan Stahl is Assistant Professor of Religion at Baylor University.
Saturday, October 2 from 2-5p
Melanie Harris: "All Creation Groans: Ecotheology and Climate Justice”
Dr. Melanie Harris is Professor of Black Feminist Thought and Womanist Theology at Wake Forest School of Divinity.
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Classified Ads
Director of Christian Formation Position available in Glenside
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
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Educational Opportunities
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC, Mohnton (Sunday supply)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Christ Delong, Bowers, and St. Peter's, Topton (3/4-time interim)
- New Goshenhoppen Reformed UCC, East Greenville (settled senior pastor)
- St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
- St. Peter's UCC of Wilshire (full-time interim)
- Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
- UCC East Goshen (full-time
- UCC Valley Forge (full-time settled)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Dr. Susan Minasian: minasian@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
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Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
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Missed a week? Read past eNews here: |
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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! |
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