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Important This Week
- Join a Community of Practice for 2021 now
- New E&R Historical Society director speaking in webinar today
- Add your church to the virtual Christmas Eve service list
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From the Conference Minister:
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1
It is common for us to see God at work in something exotic or distant. It can be more difficult, however, to find God in the familiar and every day. This all too familiar notion leaves me longing for a past that was never that good and in a present reality that is never all that bad; though it certainly does feel that way despite the promise of a COVD vaccine.
It is easier to concede that God has acted in some remembered point in history, but it can be more difficult to affirm that God is acting right now — even as you read this. Granted, God is active in human lives generally, but, ironically, it is often God’s actions in our own lives that are most difficult to trace. Our own days are too common, maybe too unworthy or too familiar to sense the mystery of God within them.
From Mary we learn something about miracles and how to receive them. Mary understood that God is at work in unexpected places, in the life of a simple country girl through the promise of a child, and from her we can learn that God can be at work in perhaps the most unexpected place of all. Me. And you.
God’s miracles are nowhere more difficult to see than when they occur in front of our eyes. Before the crowded inn, before the chorus of angels, before the star, before the shepherds and the wise men, even before the child, there was the mother, who was not much more than a child herself, receiving word that she was to give birth to a child who would give birth to a world-saving hope.
It was a promise fulfilled first in the heart of one young woman, awaiting fulfillment in history. And for us the order has been reversed. The child is born. The promise is already fulfilled. Now it awaits fulfillment in your heart and mine.
I pray we and the world can say with Mary, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
May it be so for you and the people you love,
Pastor Bill
Rev. Bill Worley
Conference Minister
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Join a Community of Practice including retirees, chaplains
Communities of Practice (COP) are small groups that give authorized ministers an opportunity to gather with colleagues for spiritual renewal, group learning and support.
Every year an invitation goes out inviting clergy to partake in this meaningful experience. We ask that the local place of ministry cover the $250 cost of their pastor attending this group.
While this was an important offering pre-COVID, it has become even more apparent how necessary it is for this kind of peer support. If you are currently in a group we hope you will continue. If you are not currently in a group I want to encourage you to consider joining one.
There are times when a small confidential gathering can be a safe place where meaningful growth can happen. This is different from a ministerium or an ecumenical/ interfaith cluster. These groups are facilitated by trained authorized ministers to offer safe/ confidential space while you are giving care to others.
This year, sign ups are open for:
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existing groups with a few openings for authorized ministers (all groups are currently meeting via Zoom; the previous meeting location is listed on the sign-up page in case they decide to meet in person later in the year)
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group on Christian spirituality and direction
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group for retirees and those who plan to retire over the next year (The group will read Parker J. Palmer’s book “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old.”)
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newly-formed group of chaplains and ministers serving settings outside the church
If you are interested in being part of a Community of Practice and are looking for life-sustaining friendships, a new perspective, a renewed calling, a time for reflection, then sign up today. Click here to register before Tuesday, Dec. 22. If you have any questions about Communities of Practice or joining a group, contact Brea Rarick at brea@psec.org.
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'Lament and rejoice' message from UCC General Minister |
Dear Friends in Christ,
As Christmas 2020 approaches, I begin my letter to the church with lament.
So many of the rich traditions that have made this holiday celebration so meaningful to me through the years will have to be abandoned this year. No visit to California to spend some time with my daughter and her spouse. No drive to Chicago to visit with my son, his spouse and our two beautiful grandchildren. The days we spend with both of them are the highlight of our Christmas celebrations.
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Virtual Christmas Eve service list coming soon; sign up
On Dec. 23, we will be sending you a list of congregations holding a virtual/digital worship experience for Christmas Eve. If your church isn't currently worshipping or if you are not able or comfortable attending services, we hope this list will be helpful to you. If your church is planning an online Christmas Eve service and you would like to add it to the list, send the name of the church, church city, and the time and link for the service(s) to brea@psec.org.
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New newsletter from the Pension Board started in Dec.
Starting this month, the Pension Boards have begun sending a weekly e-newsletter "Gateway" with articles, resources, and helpful information for participants. You can click here to read the latest issue. If you could like to subscribe to Gateway, email info@pbucc.org.
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Next Computer-side Chat on Local Church Profiles
PROFILES!!!
Why do we have to do them?
How do we start?
How honest do we have to be?
Are they only good for the search process?
Many congregations don’t even think about a Congregational Profile until they have to do one. There are many pieces to consider and it can seem like an arduous task.
Join me on Jan. 12 for a conversation that just might change your mind. We will also explore how useful that document can be for the life of your ministry beyond the search process. The link to join that Zoom meeting on Jan. 12 is here. If you need info to phone in, email brea@psec.org.
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PowerPoint from Monday Mtg on Handling Objections
On Monday, Rev. Ken McDowell presented at the Monday Check-in Meeting with the Conference Minister on "Handling Objections." Leaders who understand how to handle objections are proven to be more effective and are able to foster healthier communities and avoid unnecessary alienation. To download the PowerPoint of that presentation, click here.
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Monday Meetings with the Conference Minister continue
Each Monday at 11:00a, authorized ministers and church leaders are invited to check in with Conference Minister Rev. Bill Worley on a Zoom call, share experiences in this season of COVID, ask for advice, and be in community. We encourage you to join this opportunity for theological and practical reflection and discussion. Click here to join the call on Monday. There will be no gathering on Dec. 28.
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Update from the E&R Historical Society; Webinar today
The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society is pleased to announce that Caroline Dunleavy was recently hired as the Society's first-ever Executive Director. Her two-year appointment was funded by a generous grant from the Arcadia Foundation. Caroline has been a long-time volunteer with ERHS, mostly recently serving as Co-Chair of the Development Committee. She is a member of Salem UCC, Doylestown, and serves as Music Minister at St. Peter's Tohickon UCC, Perkasie. Caroline previously served as Director of Music Ministry at UCC East Goshen, West Chester, for many years. Caroline also serves on the PSEC Budget and Finance Committee.
Caroline will be representing ERHS on the upcoming "Tuesdays for Nurture" series webinar offered by the denomination. The topic will be "Stepping into the Archives." It will air on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 3:30p. Registration is required -- click here.
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Sign the PSEC
Anti-Racism Statement
The Zachariah Walker Racial Justice task force of the PSEC of the United Church of Christ is inviting individuals and entire congregations to join our anti-racism initiatives and sign this anti-racism statement. Please click here to sign: ipetitions.com/petition/psecucc-antiracism-statement.
The statement with signatures will be released to the media on Jan. 15, the start of the weekend of MLK Day.
It is our hope that as we circulate this statement during Advent and Christmas-tide it promotes both reflection and discussion. Together, with courage in our hearts, we pray that Christ gives us the ability to understand this as a white problem that mars the soul of Christianity and our nation.
"This is our mission:
to speak the truth with love to powers and principalities, confronting bigotry and bias wherever we go."
Click here to read the entire statement and add your signature. Click here to share the statement to your Facebook page (or a page you manage).
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December ReadyPA Monthly available online now
This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on National Flu Vaccination week, COVID-19 Holiday Safety, the COVID-19 Alert App, and more. Click here for the newsletter.
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Churches commit to change;
PSEC 50-50-50 Challenge
The PSEC Climate Justice Working Group has started the 50-50-50 Green Church Initiative, challenging 50 PSEC churches to make a commitment to do something to mitigate climate change in the coming months. Churches can hold a special service, share educational materials, take on a project of recycling or composting, or many other things. One is example is here:
First UCC, Royersford: Our property committee has had the boilers of both the church and parsonage serviced. We also have a garden club which continues to beautify the church grounds. Recently we created a raised garden for our youth to plant complete with a bird house. Members of our congregation have been purchasing meals from locally-owned businesses to feed essential workers and church folks who live alone during this pandemic. Our pastor will preach on climate change in the near future. We vow to cease using foam cups, to hold a meat-free potluck meal, and to join the denomination-wide goal of planting 50,000 trees in various ways. We look forward to continuing and/or accomplishing these earth friendly expressions of respect for God's creation when we are back together again worshiping as a congregation.
For a list of all churches that have made a commitment, more suggestions for actions your congregation can take, and a form you can use for your church to accept the challenge, visit psec.org/green.
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Response work from Tropical Storm Isaias receives UCC grant |
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The response in southeast PA to COVID-19 and TS Isaias have merged some of the Conference priorities. The PSEC Disaster Ministry team is at work with our colleagues in the Southeast PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD) in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia to help that community recover. This ministry is bringing together disaster ministries, racial justice, and climate justice. This section of Philadelphia was built on a “superfund” site, has seen more than its share of racial disparities, and now has been hit hard by a natural disaster. It is in that context that we work to “create a just world for all.”
The need has been recognized by elected officials and community leaders, as well as disaster recovery specialists. The national setting of the UCC is providing a Long-Term Recovery grant of $5,000 to the Unmet Needs Roundtable of SEPA VOAD. This grant will be used to help provide heat and other essentials to the homes damaged by Isaias. Other denominational and non-profit colleagues are also providing support, as we work with the City of Philadelphia to bring positive change to the community. Representing the PSEC on the Unmet Needs Roundtable are the Rev. Denise Statham and the Rev. Karl Jones.
The need in this community, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, has gotten the attention of the elected officials in Harrisburg. Governor Wolf held a press conference on Dec. 2 where he announced a new long-term initiative to build more resilient communities. The work that PSEC is doing in Eastwick was recognized, as well as what we have done in Schuylkill County. You can learn more about the Governor's plan here.
The picture above comes from the NBC10 coverage of Tropic Storm Isaias's damage in southwest Philadelphia. Click here to watch that footage.
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Spirituality of Generosity webinar coming next month
On Jan. 20, Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Northeast, and Penn Central conferences will co-host a seminar on the Spirituality of Generosity. Jesus talked about money second only to the kingdom of God, yet many in the church today treat money as a non-spiritual topic. We can theologically engage questions of money, wealth, and giving. Teaching and preaching about generosity and the use of our financial resources can deepen the faith life of our congregations. For a flyer on this event, click here. To register, click here.
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Zoom UCC History and Polity course starting in February
Lancaster Theological Seminary will partner with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call (and Penn Central Conference staff) to offer UCC History and Polity via synchronous Zoom sessions. This course satisfies the History and Polity requirement for authorization by association Committees on Ministry. Join us live on Zoom each Friday from 2:00p-5:00p Feb. 12-March 26. Cost of the course is $100 and you can register now. The course is fun and informative and will change the way you think about the UCC.
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PSEC 2020 Giving Cut-Off
Books of the PSEC will close Jan. 18. All OCWM contributions for 2020 must be in our office by that date or they will be counted towards 2021 contributions.
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Social isolation meetings scheduled for seniors in PA
If you are working with seniors let them know about this program. The PA Council on Aging’s Social Isolation Task Force is holding virtual, small-group, interactive sessions designed to help older adults safeguard their mental, spiritual, and physical health. Now more than ever, these tips and reminders are critically important.
SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online can be viewed in a self-guided way from a computer or smart device by clicking here. Here are the session days and times:
- Tuesday, 12/15 1:00-2:00
- Thursday, 12/17 10:00-11:00
- Tuesday, 12/22 11:00-12:00
- Thursday, 1/7 5:00-6:00
- Tuesday, 1/12 10:00-11:00
- Thursday, 1/21 1:00-2:00
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Seminary
Nondegree classes are ideal for:
- Lay Ministers already pastoring churches
- Pastoral Leaders in part-time or bi-vocational ministries
- Individuals in discernment
- Laity serving Christian denominations and independent churches
Theology: “Leadership and Community,” Jan. 9-Feb. 18. Rev. Holly MillerShank offers a six-week online class through the PA Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The class provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission. This 2.5 CEU class starts Saturday, Jan. 9, followed by five weeks of asynchronous online instruction. Cost $325. Registration deadline is Dec. 21. Apply online.
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Bigotry Paraded Through Our Churches and Our Streets
Author and researcher Robert P. Jones, in his book White Too Long, reveals that racism and Christianity have a positive correlation; a white person is more likely to be racist if they are church-going Christians.
Jones writes, “We white Christians must find the courage to face the fact that the version of Christianity that our ancestors built…was a cultural force that, by design, protected and propagated white supremacy. We have inherited this tradition with scant critique, and we have a moral and religious obligation to face the burden of that history and its demand on our present.” (pg. 234, emphasis mine)
To bring this closer to home within the PSEC, the Rev. Jay Meier, who served as the assistant librarian with The Historical Society of Montgomery County, recently presented me with a folder full of newspaper clippings and articles documenting the widespread activity of the KKK in Evangelical and Mainline church communities within Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
What struck me was how casually the Klan activities of meetings, parades, recruitment events, and attendance at services of worship were advertised in local newspapers as if seemingly innocuous, and the general presence of the Klan and the formal welcome its members enjoyed in local churches. Some of these churches are now part of the PSEC. Click here to read more.
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Updated list available:
PSEC churches online
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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Mid-Atlantic Association of United Church Educators event |
This has been a truly strange year and continues to be so. We were forced to cancel our gathering in 2020, and missed the valued time of being together and sharing successes and challenges. Providing Christian Education has never been more mystifying whether you are a pastor, youth minister, children's program coordinator, or lay leader. We need each other and the sooner the better. So our 2021 retreat is going virtual – like everything else. We've changed the dates from a mid-week event to a Friday-Saturday event hoping to make it accessible for more of our churches' part-time leaders. Workshops will include an opening presentation, small group reaction/ sharing, and large group report outs. All of our conversations will include ideas for virtual, in-person, and hybrid situations.
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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Calvary UCC, Barto, and Pennsburg UCC (full-time designated-term)
- Christ Delong UCC, Bowers and St. Peter's UCC, Topton (3/4-time interim)
- St. James UCC, Limerick (3/4-time, interim)
- St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
- St. John's UCC, Schuylkill Haven
- Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
- 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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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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