Important This Week
  • Stewardship workshop set for this weekend with Rev. Cean James
  • Get updates on plans for PSEC Annual Spring Meeting, youth events
  • Read about the theology of virtual communion, see an example
From the Conference Minister: Holy Week amid COVID-19

Holy week is upon us. The familiar story that begins with a palm parade and ends with an Easter proclamation is being intruded upon by proclamations of COVID-19 news and clear guidance to continue social distancing -- at least until the end of April.

Holy week this year, shaped by social distancing, will mean profound experiences of loss: the shared palms on Sunday morning; candle lit sanctuaries for Maundy Thursday communion; the glory of familiar hymns lifting our Easter message that “Christ is Risen.”
 
I know that some of our congregations are trying to escape that loss by holding services. I get that. I also understand that doing so puts people and communities at risk. It conveys the message that our religious freedom to gather means more than the safety and well-being of our society. And it begs a theological question, if we cannot endure the temporary loss of (or at least radically altered) deeply held rituals how do we bear the enduring sacrifice of the cross?

Despite our current challenges, there is much to celebrate beginning with Jesus’ Palm Sunday courage. The deep pain and fear he confronts riding into Jerusalem brings to mind the courage and pain of medical practitioners and first responders who everyday ride into the presence of the coronavirus to bring hope and healing. His vulnerability is matched by theirs and I want to be part of that which, in our day, means staying home from the parade. 

Still, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we join Jesus who isn’t just heading towards those who plot his death. He will fail his followers (which brings to mind John Ortburg’s observation that, “Leadership is the art of disappointing people at a rate they can stand.”). He knowingly moves towards the confrontation that would let down those who had laid so many expectations upon him. But he went anyway.

Still, Jesus shows us that disappointment doesn’t have to have the last word; and neither will this disease. Disappointment can walk out of a tomb and shatter the present powers of this world.

May that be so for you and the people you love and serve.
Pastor Bill

Rev. William Worley
Conference Minister
An important message from the PSEC youth leadership

Youth of the PSEC (and their pastors and parents),

In the midst of what feels like a slew of cancellations and mounting anxieties, I am also here with some disappointing news. The PSEC Spring Youth Event April 24-26 and the National Youth Event July 22-25 have both been cancelled/rescheduled. This news may feel discouraging, but we know that the best way to love our neighbors and to care for one another is to stay socially isolated to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

The plan for National Youth Event is to reschedule at Purdue University for the summer of 2022 -- this will take the place of the Regional Youth Event that would have normally been planned for 2022. In addition, there will be some online NYE materials available this summer -- we will publish information on that once it's received. If you are looking for a national youth gathering sooner, plan to attend the Youth @ Synod program at General Synod in Kansas City, Missouri July 16-20, 2021 (more details to follow).

With NYE being canceled for this summer, the hope is to have the Spring Youth Event sometime over the summer. Since we don't know when we will be gathering in large groups again I don't have the specific details. I can assure you that we are doing everything possible to still find a way to get the PSEC Youth together this summer (as long as that's a safe thing to do).  

Even though as a community of youth we are being separated right now, I hope you all know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and that love connects us to each other across the miles. 

Don't be afraid to reach out to your friends during this time and if you need to chat or need someone to listen (or have any questions), don't hesitate to reach out to me: kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com

In Christ's love,
Rev. Kim Berenotto 
PSEC Spring Annual Meeting canceled due to coronavirus

The PSEC Spring Annual Meeting, June 5 and 6, 2020 at The Inn At Reading has been canceled. We have not made a final decision regarding the Pastor’s Continuing Education events scheduled for Thursday, June 4. The Annual Meeting Planning Team is exploring a one-day worship gathering at the end of August to celebrate the end of social distancing and God’s sustaining presence through these difficult days . More information about that will be forthcoming. The Conference Fall meeting is still on the calendar for mid-November 2020. Refunds will be forthcoming via your reservation thru Eventbrite. If you have any questions regarding your refund, please contact Sue Creswell at susan@psec.org .
You are not alone: Support for clergy during the pandemic

A Prayer Pause will be offered by Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conference staffs every day at 12:00p for pastors to check-in, share intercessions, scripture, and prayer. Click here for a flyer with the link to join.
 
Check in with the Conference Minister on Monday at 11:00a online. Use the information here to join the Zoom call and check in, share, and seek help from colleagues and conference staff.
View previous calls to find out how other churches are handling Sunday services, funerals, communion, reaching young members, and more.
E&R Historical Society seeking Executive Director

The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society seeks applications for an executive director. This is a two-year grant funded position. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works with them to carry out the current mission of the ERHS, to collect, organize, preserve and make available for research the records of the Reformed Church and the Evangelical & Reformed Church. Resume, cover letter, and references should be submitted to erhs@lancasterseminary.edu by July 15, 2020. For questions about this position, please contact Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell at james@davidsucc.net . For more information about the position, click here . For the job description, click here .
Stewardship workshop this weekend with Rev. Cean James

The Creative Stewardship workshop that had to be canceled is being offered in a Zoom format THIS Saturday, April 4 from 10:00a-1:00p. For information on how to join the workshop, click here .

For most congregations today, financially supporting the work of ministry requires more than what is collected in the offering plate on Sunday morning. With a little thinking outside the box, congregations can use old and new techniques to undergird their streams of revenue. In this workshop we will explore how any congregation can find multiple sources of financial support.
Theology of virtual communion offered by retired PSEC pastor

The COVID-19 virus has challenged us to be church in new and different ways — including the celebration of communion. Rev. Dr. Deborah Clemens has helped us think through the theological implications of a virtual approach to our incarnational sacrament in this doc . You can also reference guidance issued by our PCUSA ecumenical partners here . Watch the recorded Conference Zoom call from Monday now posted here that concluded with a virtual communion experience.
Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors

Visit ucc.org/coronavirus or psec.org/coronavirus for collections of resources that churches and pastors may find helpful in practicing ministry during the pandemic.
Video: How your church can benefit from the CARES Act

Last Friday, March 27, Congress passed The CARES Act in an effort to provide economic relief and stimulus to our economy as we battle through the impact of COVID-19. There are many details yet to be determined as regulatory agencies and financial institutions prepare this week to begin offering much-needed relief to individuals, families, and small businesses — which includes churches. In this video, a representative from Horizons Stewardship speaks with an attorney, Jeff Watson, to better understand the details of the recent stimulus package and what it means for churches. Click here to watch the interview.
Share this list of churches online with your congregation

If your church isn't currently worshiping, we have compiled a list of churches in PSEC that are holding digital/virtual worship experiences. Please share this with friends, family, and church members that might not have another option for worship. Click here for an updated list as a PDF (to view, email, and share) or here as a JPEG (to post to your social media page)
April is National Financial Capability Month: prepare now
 
With the call to stay at home at this time due to COVID-19, April could be a good time for people to look at ways to prepare financially for a disaster. April is National Financial Capability Month and FEMA is working with its private sector and governmental financial partners to get the word out on the importance of financial preparedness.

There are so many ways to prepare yourself financially should you or your loved ones be affected by a disaster. It goes beyond just saving money in a bank account. That’s what makes financial preparedness so important. Implementing a multi-faceted approach to financial preparedness can give you peace of mind during your response to and recovery from a disaster. Mentally, knowing that certain expenses will be taken care of can lift a heavy burden.

Take, for instance, insurance. Each year, you should review your policies to make sure they are up-to-date and that your coverage is adequate. This means reviewing your homeowners insurance and renters insurance. It doesn’t stop there. This is also an opportunity to review all types of insurance that you may carry, to include auto, flood and other types of insurance.

 Another strategy to follow is backing up critical documents. Take a day in April to make copies of important documents, like deeds, mortgages and personal identification cards. Keep them in a waterproof safe or fireproof safe. If you don’t have access to a safe, talk to a neighbor and see if you can keep it in theirs, or, keep it in a secure and accessible part of your home so that you can access these documents when you need them the most. To this end, we’re reminded of stories during disasters where residents had to provide documentation and proof of residence to return to their homes.

You don’t need an economics degree to prepare financially for a disaster. Many of the strategies you’ll find in this toolkit are common sense solutions. Remember, it’s not all about saving money, but we encourage that too if you’re able. Even if it is $5 a week in a savings account, that can add up over time. Every little bit will help.

Take the month of April to do a bit of spring cleaning of your financials, your critical documents and your insurance. For more information, click here .
Resource for clergy preparing funerals during pandemic

The Massachusetts Council of Churches in close consultation with public health officials has created a guide for Christian Funerals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to view that resource.
Online and virtual recovery support resource list here

Several clergy have expressed concern in recent Zoom calls about the members of the support groups that aren't able to meet in their churches during the pandemic. Click here for a list of online and virtual recovery support resources.
Pastoral Colloquy 2020 set with German, UCC pastors

Pastors from Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, Southern, and Wisconsin conferences as well as Evangelische Kirche Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz and Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland will gather July 26-31 for a week of learning, discussion, and fellowship at Elizabethtown College. For more information and to register, click here .
Register your churches social services with Pennsylvania

Register your services with the state to let people know you're available. PA 211 is the agency that is coordinating information on volunteers and service providers related to COVID-19. If your church has services to provide please register and note both services available and volunteer opportunities. You may use this form  to provide PA 211 with the latest news and information regarding your organization's services during the COVID-19 outbreak. 
Rescheduled: PNEC installing fourth Conference Minister

The installation of Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates as the fourth Conference Minister of the Penn Northeast Conference has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 28 at 3:00p at UCC Greenawalds, 2325 Albright Ave., Allentown. There will be a reception following the service. Clergy will process; wear your favorite stole.
From the UCC: COVID-19 facts without falsehoods or fears

The United Church of Christ started a new website with daily updates on the COVID-19 pandemic with "facts, not falsehoods or fears." Click here to view that site.
From our Disaster Coordinator on church response

I know that our churches are doing amazing things in the face of COVID-19. The Conference would like to know about how you are serving your church and community. Please answer a few "simple" questions to help us serve you better:
1. Please name a few of the ministries that have continued.
2. Please name any new ministries you have begun in the face of COVID-19.
3. Please let us know of community partnership that are assisting you serve the community.
4. Please let us know of any resources that we need to help you in your work. (Please remember that I might be good at what I do, but I might not be a miracle worker.)

Rev. Karl Jones
Disaster Ministries Coordinator
Free online streaming licenses offered during pandemic

OneLicense is offering free licenses to churches in light of the coronavirus, so that they can legally stream their music. Here is the link to the website . For information on churches and copyright law, click here .
Contact these leaders for help with online church services

Get help from PSEC leaders who have experience with online streaming technology. Volunteers from each association who have worked with digital church before are available to answer your questions if you get stuck.
Church Openings
Many openings are on UCC's Ministerial Opportunities page. Especially note:
  • Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
  • St. John Hill UCC, Boyertown (full-time settled)
  • St. John's UCC, Orwigsburg (full-time settled)
  • St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
  • St. Luke's UCC, Ottsville (part-time settled or designated)
  • St. Mark's UCC, Reading (10 hrs/ week)
  • St. Paul's UCC, Kutztown (full-time settled)
  • St. Paul's UCC, Pottstown (part-time settled)
  • Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
  • Trinity UCC, Rehrersburg (part-time settled)
  • Wyomissing UCC (part-time settled)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Dr. Susan Minasian: minasian@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
Classified Ads

Treasurer wanted in Reading

Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Educational Opportunities
View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
Missed a week? Read past eNews here:
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!