Important This Week
  • Tonight's 'Pub Theology' on race
  • Second 'Waking up White' book group forming
  • Deadline this week for PAM course
  • Disaster help needed in Montgomery and Schuylkill counties
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. Thank you for your interest.
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.
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 . June 19 is the last day to register for Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis.
FEMA Grants Portal Applicant Basics webinars scheduled

FEMA will be offering a series of webinars titled: Grants Portal Applicant Basics where you will learn how to register and set up a new Grants Portal account, submit a request for Public Assistance (RPA) and how upload documents and create tiles. Below, you will find dates, times and the link to visit for the course offerings and further below you will find further information related to Grants Portal: 
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!
Join Pub Theology tonight: A Conversation on Race

Immanuel UCC is sponsoring a Pub Theology via Zoom tonight from 7:00-8:30. This will be the beginning of a conversation on how we can be effective as allies in the movement against systemic racism.
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.

Please keep both of these efforts in your prayers.
'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 August 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 information.
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, 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.
  • Monday, June 15
General Synod 2021 moved entirely online amid COVID-19

Last week the United Church of Christ announced that the UCC Board has elected to operate a virtual General Synod in 2021 due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. To read a statement from the Board, click here . For an article about this from the UCC, click 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.
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 .
New for 2020: Three Great Loves Stewardship materials

UCC Resources has announced the 2020 Stewardship Materials Theme of Three Great Loves. For more information, click here . Materials will be available July 1.
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.
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 .
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
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


Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Educational Opportunities

View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Church Events
July 13: Miller-Keystone Blood Drive in Souderton

Submit Church Events here
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!