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Important This Week
- Last week's march in Montgomery County and how you can help now
- New boundary training worships set
- Read how PSEC's Disaster Coordinator worked to find hand sanitizer for congregation
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From the Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development: March against Joe Gale
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Thank you to everyone for your support of our march this past Thursday responding to the racism and bigotry of Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale. Whether you were present in body or in spirit, your support was overwhelming! If you would like to continue to be an ally in this effort, there are many ways to help.. These are things that can all be done from home and if you know of other allies who can assist with this work, please share!
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Resolution 334
- Call or email the following contacts and demand Jake Corman call a vote on Resolution 334
- CALL
- 717-787-1377 the direct line to Jake Corman, Chair of the PA Senate Rules Committee
- Template Script:
- “Hi Mr. Corman, I am calling to urge that you call a vote for Resolution 334, the People’s Resolution to remove Joe Gale from office. His racist words published on official county letterhead do not represent the views of the Montgomery County people. Thank you.”
- EMAIL
- ssikorski@pasen.gov, Scott Sikorski is Jake Corman’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislation and Policy
- Email Template:
- Hello Mr. Sikorski, I am emailing to demand Jake Corman call a vote for Resolution 334. Joseph Gale is unfit to hold public office and does not represent Montgomery county residents. Sincerely, [Name]
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
- Support letters needed to be sent by this Friday June 26th. Mail to Attention: Mr. Chad Lassiter, Executive Director; 333 Market Street, 8th Floor; Harrisburg, PA 17101. (717) 787-4410
- Letter Template: Dear Mr. Lassiter, The purpose of this letter is to support the Ethnic Intimidation complaint filed by PA Women Rise, which was submitted Friday, June 12th. We are a partner coalition and avidly stand by their efforts requesting a hearing to hold Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale accountable for his divisive and racially-charged statements issued on June 1st. Sincerely, [Name]
State Ethics Commission
- Support letters needed to be sent by this Friday June 26th. Mail to Attention: Robert P. Caruso, Executive Director; State Ethics Commission; Finance Building; 613 North Street, Room 309; Harrisburg, PA 17120-0400. (717) 783-1610
- Letter Template: Dear Mr. Caruso, The purpose of this letter is to support the Conflict of Interest complaint filed by PA Women Rise, which was submitted Monday, June 15th. We are a partner coalition and consciously stand by their efforts requesting a hearing to hold Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale accountable for his racially-charged and inappropriate letter issued on Facebook and Twitter on June 1st. He posted his comments on his official county letterhead; we strongly agree that Commissioner Gale abused his authority as a publicly elected official. [Feel free to expand upon this as well.] Sincerely, [Name]
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Disaster Coordinator works to get PSEC churches sanitizer
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As churches of the PSEC began to plan to resume in-person services the Conference staff was receiving requests for leads on hand sanitizer. Conference Minister Bill Worley and Conference Disaster Coordinator Karl Jones consulted to determine if the Conference could assist with this request. Karl accepted the task.
Read more
.
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Registration deadline for PA Academy of Ministry course
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 $325. For details or to register,
click here
.
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ONA webinar series beginning this Thursday, June 25
By popular demand, the ONA Coalition is repeating its ONA webinar series this summer. Beginning with "ONA 101" this Thursday, June 25, our webinars are the perfect stay-at-home activity for ONA and not-yet ONA churches alike! Learn how to lead your church through an ONA process in ways that build consensus and reduce the risk of conflict. Existing ONA churches can learn new ways to strengthen their ONA covenant. During the pandemic, we're offering a special Season Pass that allows any number of your members to participate from their homes. Learn more at
openandaffirming.org/ona-webinars
.
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'Embracing Healing in These Day's' online course offered
Registration is open for a Gestalt Pastoral Care online course on "Embracing Healing in These Days," taught by Rev. Wanda Craner. The course will be held on six Wednesdays beginning Aug. 5 from 1:00-2:30. Anyone interested in healing outreach -- faith community and church members, prayer group members, seminarians, and pastors -- should consider this course. The class is limited to 20 students. Cost to register is $120.
Click here
for more info. The PSEC Church and Ministry Council approved this course for 9 contact hours of continuing ed. credit.
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Register for fall Boundary Awareness Training events
The Lehigh Presbytery is hosting full-day Boundary Training opportunities for our pastors this year. A training previously set for May has now been rescheduled. Their remaining opportunities for basic Boundary Training will be on Oct. 14 in Reading and Nov. 4 in Bethlehem. For more information or to register,
click here
.
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Resources: National ONA Sunday is June 28
UCC congregations around the country will celebrate National ONA Sunday on June 28. Visit the Open and Affirming Coalition's
worship page
for resources. They recommend that after the sermon, the congregation recites the words of your ONA covenant together as a reaffirmation of faith. And join us at 7:00p that Sunday for an inspiring service in our Zoom Chapel at
zoom.us/j/5556624822
!
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Church uses PSEC donation
to hold food distribution
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In early April, the PSEC pulled money from its “rainy day” fund from the proceeds of the sales of Camp Mensch Mill and the Collegeville Church House to send each of our 156 churches a check for $1,000 to help during the pandemic.
Click here
to read about how St. Peter's UCC, Tremont used this money to feed 125 families.
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Updates to Prayer Pause, Conference Minister check-ins
Prayer Pause:
A Mid-Week Prayer Pause led by staff from PSEC, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conferences happens each Wednesday at noon. Take a break from your labors and restore your soul. You can Zoom into that gathering
here.
Check in with the Conference Minister
on Mondays at 11:00a online. Use the link that was emailed to you
to join the Zoom call and check in, share, and seek help from colleagues and conference staff. View previous calls:
- 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.
- Monday, June 15
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Disaster help needed in Montgomery and Schuylkill Co.
There are about 40 homes in 4 townships in Montgomery County that could use some help with tree/debris removal from the wind storm 2 weeks ago. If you or your church can help with debris removal or chainsaw work, contact Tim Elbertson, Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, at
telberts@montcopa.org
.
There is ongoing flooding in Gilbertson, Schuylkill County, due to an unknown source. About 30 homes have been involved. The Schuylkill Association has activated their disaster team who are working with local agencies and disaster relief groups. Watch for more details about the unmet needs.
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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.
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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
.
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Second 'Waking Up White' book group forming now
The WAKING UP WHITE reading group is now closed for this first round of the process. If you were not able to join this time but would like an opportunity to join another group, email Susan at
minasian@psec.org
. The second round of gatherings will be held during a weekday via Zoom. The Church and Ministry Council has approved this group for Diversity Training credit for authorized ministers.
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Updated list available: PSEC churches online this summer
If your church isn't currently worshipping or you are not able or comfortable attending services, 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.
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UCC Webinar June 24 on Protest during a Pandemic
Instead of becoming suppressed by the pandemic, the spirit of justice has arisen with fierce determination and become embodied in countless ways. This webinar will reflect upon how protest has manifested itself during this time and the lessons that can be learned for communities of faith dedicated to answering the unrelenting call of justice. Three panelists will share what they have learned: Sophia Benrud from the Black Visions Collective in Minneapolis, Lindsay Harper from Arm-in-Arm in Atlanta, and Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick from the University of San Diego.
Register now!
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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Church Openings
- 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.
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PSEC Events
Nov. 15: PSEC Fall Meeting at New Goshenhoppen UCC, East Greenville
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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads
here
View a complete list of Classified Ads
here
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Educational Opportunities
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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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