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Important This Week
- Watch last night's conversation on COVID vaccine exemptions
- Resources on Afghanistan refugees
- Prayer for National Recovery Day
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From the Conference Minister:
Religious Exemptions from COVID vaccine
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. Mark 7:1-2
Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees about the habits of his disciples. He turns this moment of conflict into another teaching opportunity. It's a familiar lesson. Jewish leaders are dedicated to the law at the expense of the spiritual wellness of the people. Jesus wants the law and spiritual wellness to live together with integrity (I am, of course, with Jesus on this one. I'm also with the Pharisees about washing hands before eating though obviously for different reasons).
The increased presence of the delta variant to COVID 19 and the onset of the new school year have our communities, especially local school boards, wrapped in confrontation. Particularly around the issue of wearing masks (I was shocked and saddened last week during an NPR report on this issue to be suddenly hearing about the North Penn school district board meeting being brought to a halt when conversation gave way to uncontrollable shouting.).
Some employers, as well as colleges and universities, have begun to require proof of vaccination. Phoebe Ministries is among them. As a result, some students and employees have sought a religious exemption to getting vaccinated. Several of our ministry colleagues have already been asked to provide a letter to that effect. Rev. Leslie Mamas thoughtfully framed some of the issues to consider before doing so and Rev. Cean James led a Conference wide Zoom meeting yesterday (Monday) to give this further consideration (You can find Pastor Mamas’ doc here and a recording of that Zoom meeting here).
There is certainly a need for pastoral care for the one seeking an exemption. But I can identify no religious grounds in our faith tradition to justify a religious exemption from being vaccinated against COVID — not in the scriptures, our traditions or any pronouncement by the National Church or our Conference. And, despite our rampant belief in the authority of the individual, simply holding a personal belief does not rise to the level of “religious exemption.”
The pandemic continues to make people sick, claim lives, and disrupt communities for one simple and inescapable fact — people are refusing to get vaccinated and when not vaccinated refuse to wear a mask. Our physical and spiritual wellness are always at risk. That is the nature of living on this side of heaven. But with regard to COVID, as with so many other stated mandated vaccines, that does not have to be the case. Get vaccinated (if you’re not already), wear a mask and encourage others to do so.
Blessings,
Pastor Bill
Rev. Bill Worley
Conference Minister
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Computer-side Chat: Bivocational Ministry!
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Bivocational ministry! Come and hear what it is and what it isn’t. Bivocational ministry has been around as long as the church has been in existence. The early disciples were tent makers and involved in a vocation of ministry that extended beyond what people think is a church vocation.
Come and engage in a conversation with our very own Tammie Wisniewski and hear how she is not only serving on Conference Staff, but also pastors a congregation and works in an accounting office. ALL of that is her vocational/ministerial life.
Join us Tuesday Sept. 14, 7-8 pm. Email brea@psec.org to receive the Zoom link.
October we will be talking with a pastor who is engaged in ministry with two congregations in a SHARED MINISTRY.
November we will be talking with a pastor who is engaged in a ministry with two congregations who are SHARING a MINISTER.
Hope to see you on these Computer Side Chat Zooms.
Rev. Dr. Susan Miniasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister
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UPDATED: Rev. Dionne Boyice installation at St. James UCC
Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.
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Afghanistan resources from the United Church of Christ
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From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Prayer for those effected by Addiction
(Note: This prayer can be used on Aug. 29 to mark National Recovery Day this week. It is assumed to be one of the petitions used in a service of worship during the prayers of the people. Therefore it includes no salutation or doxology. These should be added if used alone.)
Regard in tender compassion those among us who are suffering from the disease of addiction and the physical. mental, and spiritual alienation created by it.
Graciously come near to them. Lead them not into this temptation. Deliver them from the evil that imprisons them.
Be mindful of Your mercy, Lord, and your power to make all things new.
Remember not the sins of the past. Turn to these your children and be gracious, for they are lonely and afflicted. Relieve them from the troubles of their hearts and bring them out of distress.
For goodness sake, for the sake of Christ our Lord, help us all to abide with them in hope sustained by Your patient and never ending love.
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UCC accepting aid to help after Haiti's earthquake, storms
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The UCC announced last week that it has issued $100,000 emergency appeal after deadly 7.2 earthquake, followed by tropical storm. Read about that here.
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Flood recovery volunteer opportunity in Philadelphia |
Here is a mission opportunity right in your own backyard! Many families in Philadelphia’s Eastwick neighborhood are still struggling to complete repairs to damage from severe flooding in last year’s Tropical Storm Isaias.
The UCC is inviting mission teams to bring a helping hand and hope to 60 families like these:
- The elderly couple rescued from their home just in time as water rose around their necks. Physically unable to climb their stairs to safety, they sat holding hands as they awaited their fate.
- The elementary schooler who now panics every time it rains, asking his mom, “Will that man come with his boat to get us again? I’m scared, mommy.”
- The Katrina survivor who relocated to Pennsylvania and felt safe until flooding there forced a harrowing evacuation through a second-floor window.
Teams of 2 to 5 volunteers are welcome for one to five days at a time. Commute in, or stay overnight for free at Salt and Light Church, Philadelphia. Read more...
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Spiritual life workshops for lay leaders planned for this fall
A course on Spiritual Life will meet at Trinity UCC, Telford on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 as follows:
- Sept. 18 - Spiritual growth through congregational worship
- Oct. 9 - Spiritual growth through personal disciplines
- Oct. 30 - 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 for the three sessions. Registration is on a first-come basis. For more information including how to register, click here.
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UCC "Be the Healing" Conference set for Aug. 27-28
The UCC is offering a two-day "Be the Healing" course with Dr. Joy DeGruy featuring her Post-traumatic Slave Syndrome Work as well as her healing work to an anti-racist world. Register here.
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC, Mohnton (Sunday supply)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Christ Delong, Bowers, and St. Peter's, Topton (3/4-time interim)
- New Goshenhoppen Reformed UCC, East Greenville (part-time Minister of Confirmation & Pastoral Care)
- New Goshenhoppen Reformed UCC, East Greenville (settled senior pastor)
- St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
- Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
- UCC Valley Forge (full-time settled)
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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Classified Ads
Director of Christian Formation Position available in Glenside
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
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Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
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Educational Opportunities
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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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