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Important This Week
- PSEC 2020 Compensation Guidelines available now
- How you can help right now with the hurricane recovery that will be needed soon
- Resources for the Neighbors in Need special offering
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From the Conference Minister: Christianity in dangerous places
Luke 14:26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (The Gospel Lectionary for this Sunday)
Helicopters flew over my home this morning. Several. The last time I saw that many helios “holding on station” I was in Iraq. These were responding to another shooting. This time at a veteran’s living facility in East Vincent Township.
Gun violence and mass shootings have filled the news since my last writing in this space when I suggested that all gun owners should be required to serve in their state’s militia (a suggestion that was too bold for some and not bold enough for others). It feels as if the world is more dangerous now than it ever has been. It
feels
that way but
is it
that way? The violence lived out on our streets and covered in our news is heart rending and defies both rational explanation and political solution. But it is not new to the human condition. I am not sure I could convince a first century Palestinian Jew living under the constant threat of crucifixion that our time is more dangerous than his. Or hers. Or theirs.
And yet that is exactly where Jesus invites his followers to go. With him. Into the danger. “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” “When Christ calls a man,” wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “he bids him come and die.” The transformative power of the gospel comes alive most vividly in dangerous places. In relationships that threaten the status quo. In conversations between drastically different people determined to stay in relationship. In prophetically pastoral sermons that challenge the perspectives of paying church customers.
If we wait for the spaces we minister in to be safe, we may wait for a long time. I expect that in dangerous places Jesus will show up very quickly. He has in those dangerous places my journey has taken me and I give thanks for the certain knowledge he always will.
May it be so, too, for you and the people you love.
Bill
Rev. William Worley
Conference Minister
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Neighbors in Need offering materials available online now
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Most UCC congregations will receive the Neighbors in Need offering on Oct. 6 as part of their World Communion Sunday observance. NIN is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.
- To download posters, a leader guide, bulletin inserts, and envelopes, click here.
- To make NIN contributions online, click here.
- Applications for NIN grants will be accepted through Sept. 30. Apply here.
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Webinar: Faith Communities & the upcoming climate strike
The next
UCC Creation Justice Webinar
will focus on the upcoming global climate strike on Sept. 20. Already, the strike is shaping up to be one of the largest mobilizations in the history of the climate justice movement. The UCC Council for Climate Justice is a national co-sponsor of this strike which is taking place in over 265 locations across the United States. Learn more about the climate strike and how faith communities are getting involved from an interfaith panel of speakers. The webinar is on Sept. 10 at 1:00p. Sign-up even if you cannot make it, so that the video recording can be sent to you.
Register now!
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2020 PSEC Compensation Guidelines available now
The Conference Consistory has approved a 3% salary increase for Conference Compensation Guidelines. To view the 2020 guidelines,
click here
.
The 2020 Pension Board Medical and Dental Benefits rates for 2020 are not available yet. That will be shared as soon as it's available.
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What you can do to help with hurricane recovery right now
1. Pray for all who are now and will be in harm's way during this current hurricane season.
2. Donate to UCC Disaster Ministries:
click here
.
3. Vounteer at a UCC Disaster Ministers recovery site:
more info
.
4. Help Restock CWS Buckets, Kits:
more info
.
Thank you for your help & support,
Rev. Karl Jones
PSEC Disaster Response Coordinator
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Fundraisers scheduled for Phoebe Ministries in Allentown
The following fundraisers will be held to benefit Phoebe Ministries at Phoebe Allentown, 1925 Turner Street, Allentown. Please click the event name for a flyer to share.
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Register by Wednesday for church social media workshop
In today's ever-evolving landscape, if your congregation doesn't have a healthy social media presence, you are practically irrelevant to half of the population. Many churches hesitate to be active on social because they're afraid of the unknown and feel unequipped to launch into this deep abyss. Every congregation, with very little money and some serious elbow grease can -- and should -- have a very active presence on social media. During this three hour workshop, you will learn how.
There are three opportunities to participate in this workshop. Each session will offer the same information. It is best for churches to attend in groups and each group should have a laptop. Wifi will be provided. If you don't have a laptop, a smartphone will do. Click on the event date to register.
- Sept. 7 at Zion Blue Mountain, Strausstown
- Sept. 28 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Boyertown
- Oct. 5 at Grace Trinity UCC, Philadelphia
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Disaster Preparedness workshop for churches
A Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Churches and Their Leaders will be held Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:00a-4:00p at Jordan UCC, Allentown. Cost of the workshop is $15/person. For more info including how to register,
click here
.
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Save the date for a Clergy Blessing and Open House
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VA Community Mental Health Summit set for Philadelphia
The 2019 Community Mental Health Summit will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 7:45a-1:00p at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz (Philadelphia) VA Medical Center. The purpose of the Mental Health Summit is to enhance the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their family members through increased collaboration between the VA and the community. A resource fair will be a large portion of the Summit to facilitate active dialogue, exchange of information and collaboration. For more info and to RSVP,
click here
.
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Register now for 2019 Ventures Retreat at Mariawald
Ventures, in its 44th year, is a retreat for all ages. It is a time of faith, Bible study, worship, fellowship and fun! Come to Mariawald Retreat Center, Sept. 24-26 and experience a beautifully relaxed and peaceful setting. This year’s theme is "Hear Me - Is God Listening". For a flyer,
click here
. To register,
click here
.
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Consistory Presidents gathering coming on Sept. 21
As Presidents of Consistory (or other governing body of your church), we have opportunity and roadblocks facing us at all times. Our goal is to brainstorm, support, pray, laugh, and learn together in a confidential environment, so that we are strengthened to build healthy, vibrant, and faithful churches. There is no fee to attend. The next meeting will be Sept. 21 from 9:00-11:00a. The location has changed to St John's Gernant's UCC, 12 Gernants Church Road, Leesport.
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PS
EC summer reading list
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Have a book to recommend for other clergy and lay leaders? Email
brea@psec.org
a 100-200 word description of the book and why you're recommending it and we'll add it to the summer reading list and share your recommendation in eNews. Check out all of the books that have been recommended at
psec.org/booklist
.
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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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