Bonnie's Letter

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NRSV)

Dear Friends,

If you missed our historic meeting on November 9, here are the four conference results from the vote on the merger motion:

a) PWC: 135 YES; 15 NO = 90%

b) PCC: 286 YES; 28 NO = 91%

c) PNEC: 141 YES; 2 NO = 98.6%

d) PSEC: 246 YES; 19 NO = 92%

The widespread support for our moving forward makes me incredibly happy. This means you all believe we have done the research and the work to determine this as a positive option for our conferences. Thank you!

The motion also generated questions about what this will mean for us as a conference, as we move into becoming an association. One of the questions was funding. Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM) is funding from congregations that will go directly to the conference. That will continue as we become the Keystone Conference. This raises the question about how to fund the work of our association. One of the options is to continue to expand individual and congregational support of Friends of the PNEC, which we will rename as we become an association. This money could fund our administrative costs, mailings, etc. and supplement the scholarship resources that will support pastors, continuing education, youth programming and authorization preparation.

We will need an association board that will involve some expenses which will be supported both by the conference and by the association, which can include fees for programs and events, as well as the Friends of the PNEC resources.

If you are unfamiliar with the Friends of the PNEC, this is a fund established for individuals and churches to support the conference in addition to the OCWM funds we retain. It is important for you to know that 10% of all OCWM dollars received by the conference go to support the national setting of the UCC. Friends of the PNEC is anticipated to augment OCWM gifts in an unrestricted way, so that new and continuing programs can be supported.

November 24, 2024, has been established by the Conference Board as Covenant Sunday, when congregations are asked to celebrate the covenantal relationships within and among the settings of the UCC (congregation, conference, and national setting). Worship resources have been provided and we ask individuals and congregations to have a special offering to support Friends of the PNEC. (Click Here for a link to the Worship Resources.) Please consider giving generously as you celebrate our conference and the programs that we continue to offer. May our generosity be in gratitude for the partnership we have and the programs and resources we share.

~Blessings, Bonnie

How to Church Video # 6

The newest “How to Church” video link? It’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nox1RC0m4e4 and it focuses on the part of UCC polity that greatly parallels the democratic process of our country: how each of us has a vote and a voice.

Webinar Led by Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, Missionary in Japan

 Thursday, November 14 and Thursday, November 21, 2024, 7-8:15pm Eastern 

The Dignity Workshop - Global Ministries

KEYSTONE WIDE MID RETREAT

Who: ALL UCC MIDs in PA

When: Noon, Friday, Jan 3 – 2pm. Saturday, Jan 4, 2025

Where: Hartman Retreat Center, Milroy, PA

       NO COST outside your personal travel

Click here for more information and to register:

https://penncentralconference.regfox.com/keystone-wide-mid-retreat

UCC Outdoor Ministries

Campfire Connection - November

Click Here to Read

Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley

“ATTN Pastors, Confirmation teachers and youth leaders - if you are looking for a great opportunity for your youth/confirmand, check this out!”

Participate in Night Without a Bed -- Experience homelessness for 12 hours. Beginning at 7pm on November 23^rd spend the night in your yard or join us at UCC Greenawalds Church to participate in Night Without a Bed. Share your experience on social media to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. For more information visit our website or contact Roslyn at Director@fplehighvalley.org to reserve your spot at UCC Greenawalds today. If anyone has additional questions, you can direct them my way. Thanks 

~ Janet 

Pastor Janet Newett; Cell 610-657-2189

Workshop on the Problem with Plastics

November 29 with April Clisura. Register separately for the “Challenge" by emailing  bdavidsmith2@gmail.com with a note saying you will commit to reducing plastic.

Thank you for taking action to preserve and protect all of life. Together we can take steps to make for a healthier environment.

Sincerely, B. David Smith, Founder, Crossroads and Connections, Building Relationships and Community with programs on the environment, racism, gun violence and mass incarceration. 

Disaster Ministries

Ways to Respond to Hurricane Milton - Please see attached

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A new Disaster Preparedness Guide/Workbook has been published. This is a great document that will help local churches understand how to plan for disasters, something that is becoming more widespread. Preparedness Resources: - United Church of Christ

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November ReadyPA Monthly available online now... Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared.