Important This Week

• Noontime and evening Wednesday Lenten opportunities begin tomorrow
• New pastoral opening added to list
• Read to discover tips for the pastor's role in church stewardship
• Conflict resolution workshop for pastors this week

Lenten opportunities from the PA conferences start tomorrow

There are online two opportunities starting tomorrow for midweek Lenten gatherings from the Pennsylvania UCC Conferences (Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Northeast, Penn Central, and Penn West).

For half an hour starting at noon, join the Lenten Prayer Gatherings, led by staff members from the four conferences. The schedule is:

• Feb. 21: David Ackerman
• Feb. 28: Nora Foust
• March 6: Carrie Call
• March 13: Bill Worley
• March 20: Bonnie Bates

In order to receive the link to participate, you need to register here.

On Wednesday evenings at 7:00p, a Lenten Study will be held on "Looking Back to Look Forward." This Bible Study explores the foundations of our identity as Christians and members of the UCC as we explore what the future may hold. Each week is unique so if you cannot attend every date you can still participate in as many as you are able. If you would like to participate in this study, email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link. The topics will be:

• Feb. 21: Unity and Foundation
• Feb. 28: United Church of Christ
• March 6: Lent in Context
• March 13: The Priesthood of All Believers
• March 20: Communion

From the Generosity Mission Team: Pastor's Role in Stewardship

What is the Pastor's role in church stewardship? When and where do you start? The PSEC Generosity Mission Team recommends this article from the UCC's "Imagine Together" Stewardship Resource, the 2024 Generosity/Stewardship materials. The article details 11 ways pastors can be involved and engaged in advancing the practice of faithful stewardship. Please take a few minutes to review this short article.

Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors workshop on Thurs.

On Thursday, Feb. 22 at 1:00p, PSEC will host a training on "Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors." Conflict is a normal part of life; unfortunately, the church is not exempt. This three-hour session will introduce (or refresh) participants to basic insights and skills necessary to manage conflicts in congregations. Join colleagues to learn to regard conflict not as a negative force, but as a positive opportunity for reconciliation, spiritual growth, and a renewed awareness of God’s intention for your church. For information and to register, click here.

Next Theology with a Twist: Faith & the upcoming elections

The next Theology with a Twist will be held Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00p on the topic "Faith and the Upcoming Elections," by Dr. Lee Barrett. The nation's increasingly combative political polarization is partly fueled by the tension between "red state" and "blue state" forms of Christianity. Join Dr Lee Barrett as we explore the visceral spiritual hungers and fears that motivate each of these factions and consider possible ways to promote a less belligerent conversation. For more info, click here.

Spirit on Tap next week on 'Holy Ground and Thin Places'

At Spirit on Tap at the DoubleTree on Feb. 27, Harry Serio will speak about the Celts' special reverence for holy ground and thin places where access to other dimensions of reality becomes accessible. Then the Shanachians will offer a lively concert of familiar Irish tunes, reels, and jigs. Click here for more information.

Early registration deadline next week for Clergy Convocation

Registration is now open for Clergy Convocation, May 7-9 in Lancaster. Open to UCC clergy in Pennsylvania, our time together will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. There will be time dedicated for worship, reflection, gathering of affinity groups, and free time. Click here for more information, a tentative agenda, and registration.

Register: PATHWAYS Spring II and Summer courses

Wherever you are on life's journey, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. welcomes you! Click here to learn about PATHWAYS. Check out Spring II and Summer courses. You can see the schedule here and registration is open.

Does your church have

VBS materials to share?

Is your church storing supplies, decorations, or curriculum from a previous Bible school that's in good condition but likely won't be used again soon? If you have VBS materials available that you would be willing to loan or donate to other churches, email brea@psec.org. In a few weeks we'll share a list of available materials in this email.

Chaplain in the Park: Locust Lake State Park

Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park!

Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.

The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.

Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here.

You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more information: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Registration open

'You Are Not Alone'

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren gathering at Calvary Reformed UCC in Reading on Saturday, April 20 from 1 to 5 now has registration open. Please encourage any grandparents you know of who raising their grandchildren to come to this free event. Childcare is provided. They can expect resources, fellowship and support from professionals and peers.

They can register here.

2024 Stewardship Materials

“Imagine Together” is the theme for the UCC's 2024 stewardship campaign. This year's theme is "Imagine Together," helping people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities. Materials include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters, and faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults. Also provided are practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Print materials or digital downloads available. Click here to order.

'Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations'

What effect does the act of leading worship and a religious community have on its leaders, particularly clergy and their capacity to be agents of holy healing? That question was taken up by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research in their project Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations. On March 14, clergy are invited to join in discussing the results of this study and its results. For more information and to register, click here.

Clinical Pastoral Education set for this summer at Phoebe

Phoebe Ministries will hold a summer CPE unit beginning in June. It will be a full-time commitment: 40 hours a week for 10 weeks for a unit with ACPE. We recognize that students have other responsibilities and duties and may need to begin their clinical hours early and/or finish them after the official end of unit. We are willing to work with students on this if they are committed to completing a CPE unit with us this summer. For more info, click here.

Caroline Bashore ordination scheduled for March 17

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share. Don't forget to RSVP.

Registration open for 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation

The Lay Leadership Convocation will be held Saturday, April 6 from 8:30a-3:00p in Boyertown on the theme Sharing Leadership. Click here for agenda, registration, and workshop descriptions.

Join PNEC for Faith Formation Leadership Retreat in May

A Faith Formation Leadership Retreat will be held May 3-5 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center in Canadensis. Cost is $195 and includes all programming and three meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast. Click here for an event flyer. To register, email pattyr@pnec.org or you can register here. Any questions, contact Rev. Janet Newett at pastorjanetn@gmail.com.

This email is brought to you by your generous gifts to OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission)! Thank you!