Important This Week

• New pastoral opening added to list
• Mark your calendar for Caroline Bashore's ordination service
• Midday and evening opportunities for prayer and study during Lent
• Register for 'Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations' discussion

From the Conference Minister:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalm 51

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12

The liturgical season of Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. Several of my friends outside the church have no idea what those ashes are for or what Lent is. Many of us in the church are not always entirely clear either. There is usually a sense that Lent has something to do with giving something up that may or not be connected with making us better disciples of Jesus.

Lent has always been a personal favorite liturgical season. Not just because it speaks to the contemplative side of my nature. Lent is preceded by today’s act of preparation. Shrove Tuesday or Fasnacht (doughnut) Day—the day when all sugar was cleared from the home; the joy and comfort of which would not return until Easter. I was, for the first part of my life, able to consume enough grandmother-maid fasnachts in one day to carry me contentedly through this forty-day season. A deeper awareness of the health risks of doing so have changed my behavior a bit.

“Deeper awareness” and “changed behavior” are the heart of Lent. It’s more than just “sinner change your cheating ways.” To think and feel deeper is an awakening to the notion that our past thinking and feeling have been more shallow and self-centered than God-centered. And so, consequently, was our past acting. The opportunities to transcend the traditional sacrifices that have accompanied Lent are legion. So are the promises of God’s journeying with us as move closer to the hope and promise of the gospel.

God be with you on your Lenten journey,

Pastor Bill

Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

Caroline Bashore ordination scheduled for March 17

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

Pennsylvania UCC Noontime Lenten Prayer Gatherings

The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30p. The first prayer time is Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20. To register, click here. Leaders will be:

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

Weekly virtual Lenten study from PA conferences

The Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast, and Pennsylvania Southeast conferences of the United Church of Christ invite you to join in this virtual Lenten opportunity! Meeting each Wednesday in Lent at 7:00p, 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 have questions, or you would like to participate in this study, email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link.

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

Pilgrimage for Peace starting in Philadelphia tomorrow

The National Council of Churches is supporting a "Pilgrimage for Peace." It is a march from Philadelphia to Washington, DC beginning on Feb. 14 and culminating Feb. 21. The purpose for the march is to encourage President Biden to call for “an immediate ceasefire” in the war in Palestine. There will be rallies at three points during the march:

• A Rally and Press Conference at Mother Bethel AME in Philadelphia beginning at 8:00a on the 14th.
• A Rally at Payne Memorial AME in Baltimore at 7:00p on the 19th.
• A Rally at the White House at 1:00p on the 21st.

Click here for the Pilgrimage website.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Why I am part of this taskforce

I joined the Addiction & Recovery Task Force because being in long-term recovery myself, I could see a separation between recovering persons and the church I had come to know and love. While addicted persons are often welcome in our churches, a lot of them have no idea that it’s ok to come upstairs out of the basement where most of our 12-Step meetings are held. There are feelings of judgment and pain from experiences past, mine included. I wanted to be part of changing that and helping to bridge the gap so others can not only find freedom from their addictions, but also a loving God’s tender mercy without judgement.

Since joining, my eyes have been opened to so much more, such as providing Narcan to PSEC churches, holding learning events and book club, providing valuable resources, creating prison pen pals and most of all, sharing our stories – both painful and humble – just to name a few. The blessings, mutual love, and respect I have seen blossom and grow is such a huge testament to God working in all of our lives. I can’t wait to see what we do next! Come join us, won’t you?

With Gratitude, Cheryl A. Rathbun

Black History: Unsung Heroes of Environmental Justice

For Black History Month, the UCC will be celebrating past environmental justice leaders and their historic contributions to the movement. We will lift up and reflect upon the lives of champions for justice such as Dana Alston, Damu Smith, Hazel Johnson, and others. To fully appreciate their impact and legacy, we will hear from those in the movement who knew them. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on Feb. 14 at 1:00p, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

Resources from DHS on protecting places of worship

The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships recently sent an email with resources for churches, including:

• WEBINAR: Spring Safety and Security Religious Holiday Briefing on Feb. 21
• Protecting Places of Worship Guidance: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence
• Resources for Protecting Houses of Worship
• FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program Spring Webinar series

To view the email and sign up to receive these emails, click here.

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.

Pathways offering online Boundary Training

March 6-April 23, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is offering "Professional Boundaries and Ministerial Self-Care." For more information and to register ($350 per person), click here.

Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors workshop

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.

'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.

Registration open for 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation

On Saturday, April 6 from 8:30a-3:00p, PSEC will hold the 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation in Boyertown. This year's theme will be Sharing Leadership. For agenda, workshop descriptions, and registration, click here.

Registration open now for

2024 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.

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.

Spiritual Exploration Project events coming this month

Every sentence of Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now rings with truth and power. Charlie Curtis will lead a discussion and guide us in meditation at Soul Cafe on Feb. 20 at 9:30a at West Lawn United Methodist Church. Click here for more information.

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.

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.

Grant opportunity for Latino/a/e seminarians

The Rev. Dr. Hector E. Lopez Scholarship is intended to prepare future Latina, Latino, and Latine ministers educated in the socially and theologically progressive seminaries related to the UCC. The deadline to apply is March 1. Click here for more information and to apply.

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