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Important This Week
- The Conference office will be closed Friday, April 19 for Easter.
- Register before Thursday for the webinar "Facing Your Church's Uncertain Future"
- Read a story of a church that turned around its path to decline.
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A Holy Week message from the Conference Minister
I have no attachment to the Notre Dame Cathedral. I've never been. From the countless pictures I've seen it looks like it has been there forever and, having survived two world wars, could remain until the end of time.
Watching it burn yesterday moved me to tears. The fall of the center spire brought gut wrenching memories of 9/11. Woods beams, some carved in the sixth and seventh centuries, the immense rose windows, the irreplaceable pipe organ all ablaze overwhelmed me -- and seemingly much of the world
--
with a profound sense of loss.
Not surprisingly, it didn't take long for communal divisions to rise; the conspiracy theories, blaming without evidence, talk of lawsuits. Conversely, there was intense coming together, hymn singing and prayers from national leaders. An international fundraising campaign to raise money for repairs began before the fire was under control including a $100 million dollar gift from one generous soul. Tragedy brings out the worst and the best in humanity.
Yesterday an incredibly poignant second day of holy week -- a week that is mired in the worst and best of humanity. The Prince of Peace is nailed to a cross. The disciples, called to watch, fall asleep. Judas and Peter, two of Jesus’ closest companions, deny and betray. Followers flee. The crowd demands blood. The authorities connive. Pilate washes his hands.
But there is also profound grace. Friends break bread. A woman anoints Jesus’ feet. Simon of Cyrene carries Christ’s cross. Women of courage gather at the foot of torture. The disciple that Jesus loved assumes responsibility for Mary. Joseph of Arimathea steps forward to provide a tomb.
Humans are liable to terrible deeds AND capable of amazing grace. We’re a mixture of good and bad, but God... God is good all the way down, all the time, all the way beyond forever and back.
The irony in watching the Notre Dame Cathedral burn came in Jesus' whispering voice, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In Jesus’ death, HIS destruction and resurrection, we are reconciled to God. He becomes the temple/cathedral/church, the only and supreme meeting-place between God and sinners. For everyone. For all time.
Buildings will come and go. Grass will wither. Flowers will fall, but The Word of our God endures forever.
May that Word bless and keep you this week. And for all time.
Bill
Rev. William P. Worley
Conference Minister, PSEC
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Stories of church turn-arounds
Several folks around the Conference and our Associations have asked for stories of church turn-arounds. Here is one from the Massachusetts Conference. There are similar ministries happening in our area and we sill share more here soon.
After many decades of decline, Payson Park Church, UCC of Belmont, had to make a hard decision in 2015. The congregation brought in the CrossRoads / New Beginnings program, and actively consulted with Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart to help answer the question about the church’s future. Would the congregation now close, merge with another congregation, or rededicate themselves to a new mission and bring in another settled minister? Out of a time of discernment during a two year interim, the congregation decided to call a new pastor, and the Rev. Eric Wefald arrived at the end of 2016.
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New York Times Bestselling Author featured in webinar
The featured guest for this month's
Creation Justice Webinar
recently entered into the New York Times bestseller list. Author adrienne maree brown will focus on the strategies and practices needed to build a vision-based, systemic-change-oriented movement. Brown will draw upon insights gained from years of working within organizations dedicated to environmental justice and black liberation.
Sign-up for the webinar on April 30th.
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UCC Survey: Church Environmental Practices
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Pathways Theological Education registration open
Pathways Theological Education has opened registration for spring/summer courses. Pathways is an online program in progressive theology for those on the path to authorized ministry, clergy looking for continuing education opportunities, or anyone interested in a certificate in Biblical Studies, Preaching, Theological Studies, or Foundational Theology. Courses are aligned to the UCC Marks for Faithful and Effective Ministers. Courses include:
- UCC History and Polity (May 1-July 23)
- Spiritual Care of Self and Others (May 1-June 11)
- New Testament Hermeneutics (May 1-June 11)
- Opioid Crisis: A Christian Perspective (May 8-June 4)
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Webinar: Facing Your Church's Uncertain Future
On Thursday, May 2 from 3:30-4:50, the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund will be holding a webinar: Facing Your Church's Uncertain Future. When your church’s future is uncertain, it’s time to have courageous conversations and make faithful decisions. Ministry in these congregations calls for faithful, honest (and often difficult) conversations that pastors and/or their congregations might sadly avoid.
Facing Your Church’s Uncertain Future
is a NEW resource that offers good practices for discerning, discussing, and making decisions that concern a church’s future. Pastors and congregational leaders are invited to join in this zoom webinar presenting theological, liturgical and helpful insights for congregations, including closure and legacy.
There are two option to view:
At the Conference Office:
Join Conference staff and other church leaders and pastors to watch the webinar together at the Conference administrative center in Pottstown. This option is free of charge, but spaces are limited so please RSVP to
brea@psec.org
.
Watch on your own:
Register to connect to the webinar on your own. Register by April 18 by
clicking here
. The cost is $5 for the webinar or $10 for the webinar and a copy of the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund resource
Facing Your Church’s Uncertain Future
.
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Free green webinar: So, how COOL is your congregation?
Learn 25 ways
under $25 to transform your church into a greener space at this free webinar by the Cornerstone Fund at 2:00p on Tuesday, April 23.
Click here to sign up
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PNEC Hosting Effective Transitional Ministry training
On May 24 from 9:00a-5:00p, the Penn Northeast Conference will host an Interim Ministry Network "Effective Transitional Ministry Training" event. Registration for the one-day event is $200.
Click here
for a registration form.
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Sign up for the E&R Historical Society President's Reception
On Saturday, May 11 from 3:00-5:00p, the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society (ERHS) will be hosting a President’s Reception at Falkner Swamp UCC, 2077 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville. Join ERHS President Richard Berg for an inspiring afternoon of history at America’s oldest German Reformed church. There will be a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Lee Barrett of Lancaster Theological Seminary, a presentation by Rev. Dr. Martha Kriebel on her new book,
Promise Kept with a Paintbrush
, and remarks by Rev. Frances Chester, Pastor of Falkner Swamp UCC. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free; donations to ERHS are greatly appreciated. RSVP to ERHS by email
erhs@lancasterseminary.edu
or by phone 717.290.8734.
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Disaster Recovery Challenge Simulation set in Norristown
You are invited to a special event at Norristown State Hospital on April 29, as resilience, access to services, and poverty are intrinsically linked. Register for
Disaster Recovery Challenge: A Poverty Simulation.
This will be a hands-on half-day simulation with discussion focused on disaster recovery inclusive of low income populations. Click here for an
event flyer
. To register, you'll need to create a free PA Train account. Instruction for that are
available here
. Questions? Contact PSEC Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Karl Jones at
kjones275@comcast.net.
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Consistory Presidents gathering scheduled for May 11
A Gathering Community for Consistory Presidents is forming now. Many of our Pastors meet regularly in clergy groups to support one another, share ideas, and pray for each other. A gathering community for Consistory Presidents will offer similar opportunity for these critical lay leaders. As Presidents of Consistory (or other governing body of your church), we have opportunity and roadblocks facing us at all times. Our goal is to brainstorm, support, pray, laugh, and learn together in a confidential environment, so that we are strengthened to build healthy, vibrant, and faithful churches. There is no fee to attend.
Brenda Semach, Consistory President of Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC, invites you to a gathering
9:00-11:00a
Saturday, May 11
at Falkner Swamp,
2077 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville
(Covenant Assoc.). Please RSVP to her:
kbsemach@aol.com
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Educational Opportunities
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