Important This Week
  • Book study and conversation starting this Sunday on race
  • Sign up for Thursday's continuing ed., boundary or diversity training
  • Resources for re-opening church buildings
From the Interim Associate Conference Minister:
CONTINUING the CONVERSATION

WAKING UP WHITE: AND FINDING MYSELF IN THE STORY OF RACE
By Debby Irving

If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see. -James Baldwin
 
This past week our Conference Minister, Rev. Bill Worley, sent a letter to the whole Conference after the murder of George Floyd. We know that this is the latest murder in a nation founded on white supremacy. Rev. Worley then invited us to join together for a Zoom gathering on Saturday morning to have a conversation. One of the things we are offering is an opportunity for white people to begin an honest process of self-reflection. People ask, “What can we do?”. If you are not already engaged in anti-racism work/ministry, then this might be a good place for you to start.

It is important for me to be totally transparent with you about what this IS and is NOT. This is an opportunity to risk discomfort. This is not a conversation that will make you feel better. It is not a conversation that will fix things and give you the answers. It will give you the opportunity to discern that for yourself. The “homework” is not to be done by pouring out your learning upon Black people. It is a way to gain insight about what it means for white people to talk with each other and when with Black people, to listen, learn and support from behind.

I hope to see you so we can continue the conversation and engage in meaningful sharing that will hopefully lead to the next step of becoming people who then engage in anti-racism work. We will gather on Sundays beginning June 7 and ending on July 5 at 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. If you are able to do so, please read the first two chapters.

Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 870 2975 4462
Password: 423414

You may purchase a hard copy or a Kindle version of the book by visiting your favorite book provider. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at minasian@psec.org .

Blessings and Peace,
Susan A. Minasian,
Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call
Insurance Board prints COVID-19 liability guide for churches

As churches are planning to gather again following decreased restrictions, many are wondering "Is there increased liability if someone gets sick from attending a church event, worship service, or from working or volunteering at my church?" To answer this and other liability questions, the Insurance Board has released this FAQ sheet . Find this and other resources on the pandemic, re-opening buildings, and disaster response at psec.org/coronavirus .
Philadelphia guidelines for churches gathering again

Last week, Philadelphia Mayor Kenney announced a "Safer at Home" plan for reopening when the Stay-at-Home order is lifted. The plan -- available here -- specifically outlines guidelines for religious communities. On Wednesday at 11:00a the city will host "Yellow Phase Faith: Questions and Considerations for Houses of Worship," special COVID-19 update call for Faith Leaders. Register here.
Register today for Thursday continuing ed., workshops

Training events that were scheduled for Thursday, June 4 prior to the (now-cancelled) annual meeting have been moved to the Zoom platform and registration is open. Sign up today for one of the following events. All workshops will be 2:00-5:00p June 4.
Click here for a flyer with more info.
Updates to Prayer Pause, Conference Minister check-ins

Prayer Pause: Starting Wednesday, June 3, our week-day Prayer Pause will become a “Mid-Week Prayer Pause” led by staff from PSEC, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conferences. Take a break from your labors and restore your soul at noontime every Wednesday through June. You can Zoom into that gathering here.
 
Check in with the Conference Minister on Mondays at 11:00a online. Use this link to join the Zoom call and check in, share, and seek help from colleagues and conference staff. View previous calls:
  • Monday, May 11
  • Monday, May 18
  • Monday, June 1
  • This call featured a presentation by Rev. Dr. Jeanita W. Richardson, a Professor and Director of Community Education, Research and Practice in the Department of Public Health Science (PHS) in the University of Virginia, School of Medicine. Her slides on "Shepherding Through a Pandemic" are available here.
Religious Leaders Council gives statement on Floyd death

The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia has released a statement on the death of George Floyd.

"As a community of multiple faiths, we collectively struggle to breathe as we mourn the death of Mr. George Floyd and all the deaths this tragedy represents. That no mercy was afforded to Mr. Floyd during his dying moments is atrocious. We denounce the judgment Officer Chauvin used to pin Mr. Floyd’s neck to the street with his knee. It is cruel and inhumane that Mr. Floyd’s dying cries for his deceased mother and pleas that he could not breathe in the moments before his death went unanswered. This is an appalling repeat of the deaths that result from racial bias and policing done wrong. We hold that all life is sacred and stand in solidarity that black lives matter. ..." Read full statement here .
New pandemic loan from the Cornerstone Fund

Leaders of the financial ministries of the United Church of Christ have created a loan vehicle shepherded by the Cornerstone Fund to make available low interest loans to UCC congregations. $50,000 has been made available to congregations in our Conference. You can apply for low interest (2.5%) short term loans (1 year). Details about this loan can be found at cornerstonefund.org/psec/
Loan applications are due July 15, 2020.
Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors

For resources churches and pastors may find helpful in practicing ministry during the pandemic v isit ucc.org/coronavirus or psec.org/coronavirus .
Share this list of churches online with your congregation

If your church isn't currently worshiping, 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.
Book recommendations from Hearts and Minds Books

One of the things that clergy look forward to each year at Clergy Convocation is browsing, discussing, and buying books from Byron Borger from Hearts and Minds Books. Clergy Convocation planning chair Rev. Nick Pence virtually met with Byron to discuss book recommendations to share. You can view that conversation here . If you don't have enough time to listen to the entire 70-minute conversation, click here for a list of the books Byron recommends. Next to the name of the author, you'll find at what time in the video Byron talks about that author. Order books from the Hearts and Minds Books website .
Registration now open for PA Academy of Ministry courses

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is offering online classes this year. Register for Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis (starting Saturday, June 27 taught by Rev. Dr. Brunilda Martinez) or Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding (starting Saturday, Aug. 7 taught by Rev. Holly MillerShank). Both classes are 6-weeks and offer 2.5 CEUs. Cost is only $325. For details or to register, click here .
Spiritual life workshops being offered for lay leaders
 
A course on Spiritual Life will meet at Trinity UCC, Telford on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 as follows:  
  • Sept. 26 - Spiritual growth through congregational worship
  • Oct. 24 - Spiritual growth through personal disciplines
  • Nov. 14 - Spiritual growth through small groups
 
This course is designed for church leaders but is open to anyone who feels challenged to deepen their spiritual life. The course will be led by Dr. Charles Maxfield, an ordained UCC minister with experience in lay ministry training. He will be assisted by Constance Lezenby, a spiritual director recognized by her Friends’ Meeting as a traveling minister. Cost is $15 per person. Registration is being accepted now. Enrollment will be limited due to social gathering restrictions. Click here for more information including how to register.
PSEC climate team starts
50-50-50 green church initiative

The PSEC Climate Justice Workshop Group invites churches to commit to doing something "green". The 50-50-50 Challenge is that 50 PSEC churches will commit to do something to mitigate climate change during the 50 days of Easter for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. For a list of churches that have made a commitment, suggestions for actions your congregation can take, more information, and a form you can use for your church to accept the challenge, visit psec.org/green .
Registration open: PSEC Special Meeting this summer

Let us joyfully come together for fellowship, praise, healing, and to conduct a bit of important Conference business! A special PSEC meeting will be held at Zwingli UCC, Souderton at 1:00p on Saturday, Aug. 15. There is no fee for this meeting, but registration is required. For a flyer to share, click here . To register, click here .
Apply now: Sabbath Reading for Preachers event in October

We invite you to experience 3 days of Sabbath-keeping and renewal Oct. 27-29. We will gather at the Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillington. You will spend three days with 15 other colleagues. It will be a time of nourishing rest and reflection, beginning Tuesday morning and ending mid-afternoon on Thursday. The event is being facilitated by Daniel Moser, Hilary Barrett, Jonathan Hauze, Tony Villareal, and Teresa Martin. Click here for more information and to apply.
Church Openings
Many openings are on UCC's Ministerial Opportunities page. Especially note:
  • Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
  • St. James UCC, Havertown (full-time settled)
  • St. John Hill UCC, Boyertown (full-time settled)
  • St. John's UCC, Orwigsburg (full-time settled)
  • St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
  • St. Luke's UCC, Ottsville (part-time settled or designated)
  • St. Mark's UCC, Reading (10 hrs/ week)
  • St. Paul's UCC, Kutztown (full-time settled)
  • St. Paul's UCC, Pottstown (part-time settled)
  • Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
  • Trinity UCC, Rehrersburg (part-time settled)
  • Wyomissing UCC (part-time settled)
  • Zwingli UCC (full-time associate)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Dr. Susan Minasian: minasian@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
PSEC Events

June 4: Diversity Training on Zoom


Aug. 15: PSEC Special Meeting at Zwingli UCC, Souderton



Sept. 24: Advancing Sexual Health - Continuing Education in Schuylkill Haven



Nov. 15: PSEC Fall Meeting at New Goshenhoppen UCC, East Greenville

View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Classified Ads

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View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Educational Opportunities
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Church Events
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View a complete list of Church Events here
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!