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Important This Week
- Deadline next week for Cornerstone Fund pandemic loan for churches
- Housing crisis looming in PA
- New resources for COVID-19 recovery in churches
- Save the date for finance workshops
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From the Interim Associate Conference Minister:
DOING and BEING in an Era of COVID-19
“I enjoy helping people and consider It a privilege. When you think that way, your customer isn’t a transaction. It’s another person – someone to build a relationship with, even it it’s a brief one, and if it’s…(WAIT FOR IT)… a lock. Because in any business, in any industry, relationships are what it really comes down to.” That quote is from a locksmith entrepreneur who was interviewed in an article, The Key to Earning Trust (March 2020, Entrepreneur Magazine).
The article was written by the editor Jason Feifer.
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I picked up a copy of the magazine because I was drawn to Tracee Ellis Ross who was on the cover and the bold letters with the lead article…HOW TO BE A LEADER: Voice. Vision. Authenticity. That’s what Wins, says Tracee Ellis Ross. I’m always surprised when I read something in secular sources that could teach us something in faith communities. Part of me wondered if the team at Entrepreneur had been reading Fr. Richard Rohr’s book, The Universal Christ. But then I had to remember my life before I discerned a call to ordained ministry.
I was working as a Customer Service Representative for my brother-in-law Sam. At the time he was a distributor for Safeguard Business Systems. I was the person who visited our customers to see how they were doing. During our conversations I would listen to hear if there were needs the customer had that matched a product we had. If so, I would show it to them and many times it was the solution they were looking for. We were successful because we listened, we cared, and we built trust. Sam taught me how you can be ethical and profitable in business. The values I learned on that job have been with me ever since.
I remember taking a Church Administration class and when the instructor saw that I wasn’t taking notes, he asked why. I was able to say that everything he was sharing was already taught to me by my brother-in-law and with the exception of changing some of the language, the values and ethics were the same principles I had been using before entering seminary.
Over the past 33 years I have come to see the similarities and moments of caution between “working” in the secular world and “serving” in the church world. Lately, I have almost experienced the church functioning like the secular world than communities of faith.
It was only a couple of weeks after I arrived when we went into the Era of Covid-19. I don’t use the word season anymore because this is becoming a longer experience than I think any of us imagined. During this era many questions have been asked, Zoom meetings held, emails sent, phone calls made and the work and service of the church has continued. What has surprised me is that in July, some of the same anxiety, stress and exhaustion has continued if not gotten worse. There is much to be anxious and stressful about. Exhaustion abounds for sure. However, so much of what I hear is on the DOING and not much about BEING. If there was ever a time when I thought faith communities would have accepted a level of doing and then stopped…so we could be more present in the BEING I thought it would be now. But it isn’t.
I wonder…Is why Jesus detached and went physically to a different location? I wonder… Is why he went to another side? I wonder…Is why he had to be alone? Did he want to remember that it is in our BEING that we stay in touch with that spiritual center? Did he want to get back in touch with his inner conversation with God because he reached a limit when it came to the outward preaching and teaching? Did he take the disciples with him sometimes so followers could learn and develop their own practice and be prepared for when he would not be around on a regular basis to remind them how to be faithful followers? In our DOING are we being attentive to relationships? Is there space for BEING in the midst of all the doing?
I’m not interested in all the tasks getting checked off a list if during that process there is no language about how that doing is a spiritual practice that creates what is best for worshipping and serving God. I am not interested in perfection and slick performance if the judgements, critiques end up not being about how the experience has brought you closer and deeper in your relationship with God and others. I am not interested anything other than the people of God BEING the people of God and rejecting transactions for relationships.
The world is chaotic. It has always been chaotic. The world has always been a mixed bag with tyrants and oppressors. The world has always had injustice steal the beauty of all that God has created. IF we are not centered in our BEing then we will not be able to really be disciples of the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ in our DOing.
Customers are not transactions. Sextons are not transactions. Parishioners are not transactions. Pastors, religious educators, musicians, digital experts, technology people are not transactions. Church Secretaries/administrators and lay leaders are not transactions. Worship, education/faith formation opportunities, funerals, weddings, meetings are not transactions. Prayer, physical nourishment though eating, sleep, rest are not transactions. BEing the church is not a transaction. When you get tempted to engage with others as if they are transactions…STOP…and think about what this teaches our children, our youth and what that communicates to others.
I do not believe that God created us as a transaction. I do not believe the life, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a transaction. I do not believe the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit is transactional.
YOU are NOT a transaction. You are a human being made in the image of God. You are loved, blessed and you are being held by the love of God in all that is happening in our world. Just as our GOD is in this with us…may we pause, remember and LIVE as followers of Jesus. Jesus…the one who showed us how faithful DOing and BEing brings trust, hope and love from imperfect beings into a world that has already been anxious, stressed and broken AND has the potential to turn all of that upside down into the Beloved Kindom of God.
May it be so. Blessings and Peace be with you all,
Susan
Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister
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Housing crisis looming amid coronavirus in Pennsylvania
Disaster Ministries of the Conference is working with many partners to try to lessen the impact of the looming housing crisis caused by the loss of income for many people due to COVID-19. Beginning on July 10, in Pennsylvania, landlords may file new eviction notices for non-payment of rent at non-federally backed properties. The moratorium on filing evictions at some federally backed properties ends July 25. The moratorium ends for properties with federally backed single-family mortgages on Aug. 31 and eviction protections are provided to federally backed multifamily properties that receive mortgage forbearance.
Here are two items that you can share to help people avert evictions and foreclosures
1. The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania is seeking your
input to assess the need for rental assistance and potential evictions for nonpayment of rent. Please the survey here:
surveymonkey.com/r/PArentalneed
2. There is $175 million of funding for rental and mortgage assistance now available. The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March, provided $3.9 billion for Pennsylvania and is intended to help people who have been hurt economically during the pandemic. In late May, the General Assembly directed $175 million of these CARES dollars to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to provide assistance for struggling renters and homeowners. The portion for rent assistance is at least $150 million. Visit
PHFA.org
for details and eligibility criteria. PHFA’s call center is open weekdays from 8:00a to 5:00p to answer questions. Call 1-855-827-3466 for assistance.
County organizations
will also be able to assist.
Learn more here
.
We know this has been a trying time for everyone. We appreciate your assistance as we work together to seek resources to help renters and home owners who are facing income challenges due to COVID-19.
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Search and Call: You are NOT alone!!! Zoom meeting set
Are you currently serving on a:
Consistory Transition Team? Profile Writing Team? Search Committee?
Maybe you are already in the process of Search & Call OR maybe it is something you are about to deal with and it all feels daunting. Join our Interim Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian for a computer side chat about what Search & Call IS and what it ISN’T…via
ZOOM 7:00p Tuesday, July 14.
Search & Call can be one of the most spiritually inspiring seasons in the life of a congregation. Join the zoom and find out how! Use
this link
to join the Zoom meeting on July 14.
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Stewardship events set with Generosity Outreach Officer
Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, and Penn Northeast conferences are working with the UCC's Generosity Outreach Officer to create three workshops for our churches and leaders. Please save the dates for these events:
Aug. 22, 10:00a-12:00p:
Annual Campaigns 101
–
Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.
Oct. 17, 10:00a-12:00p:
Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry
–
While a significant wealth transfer occurs (and will occur) in our country as our eldest generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options among their members. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. Through this webinar, you will learn key concepts and create an actionable plan for your congregation or ministry.
Jan. 20, 10:00a-12:00p:
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. Gathering together with other pastors, this webinar will help you reclaim money-talk as a faith formation conversation with the members and friends of your congregation.
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Updates to Prayer Pause, Conference Minister check-ins
Prayer Pause:
A Mid-Week Prayer Pause led by staff from PSEC, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conferences happens each Wednesday at noon. Take a break from your labors and restore your soul. You can Zoom into that gathering
here.
Check in with the Conference Minister
on Mondays at 11:00a online. Use the link that was emailed to you
to join the Zoom call and check in, share, and seek help from colleagues and conference staff. View previous calls:
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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
For resources churches and pastors may find helpful in practicing ministry during the pandemic v
isit
ucc.org/coronavirus
or
psec.org/coronavirus
. New resources are being added often. This week at psec.org, new resources include:
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Late pastor's son invents device to help during crisis
The
Social Stick
is a small, retractable rod that extends from less than 11 inches long -- small enough to fit into a purse or pocket -- to exactly six feet. This tool helps to properly maintain social distancing. It was created by the son of Rev. Jean Custer, a PSEC pastor who died earlier this year.
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Buy
John Lewis: Good Trouble
to help justice ministries
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LGBTQI Clergy Support Group forming in PSEC
The Conference staff has been asked to help form a support group for our LGBTQI clergy. We do not assume to know who all the clergy would be and so instead of making assumptions we value the right for individuals to self-identify. If you are an LGBTQI clergy person and you would like to gather with others on Tuesday July 14 at 1:00p, please email Sue Creswell at
Susan@psec.org
and a link for the Zoom gathering will be emailed to you. At this gathering the group will move from there in discerning how they would like to come together for future support.
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Church World Service is accepting kits again
There is a particular need in PSEC for Church World Service kits because we just used 31 cleanup kits for flooding in Schuylkill Association. Here are links to the CWS Kits promotional video:
YouTube link
or a
Downloadable mp4
. Matching Grants of up to $250 for UCC churches assembling kits are available, although the caution remains to not gather to assemble kits until it is safe.
Click here for full info
.
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Registration deadline for PA Academy of Ministry course
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is offering online classes. Register for Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding (starting Saturday, Aug. 7 taught by Rev. Holly MillerShank), a 6-week class for 2.5 CEUs. For details or to register,
click here
.
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New pandemic loan from the Cornerstone Fund
Leaders of the financial ministries of the UCC created a loan vehicle shepherded by the Cornerstone Fund to make available low interest loans to UCC congregations. $50,000 has been made available to congregations in our Conference. You can apply for low interest (2.5%) short term loans (1 year). Details about this loan can be found at
cornerstonefund.org/psec/
Loan applications are due
July 15, 2020
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PSEC climate team starts
50-50-50 green church initiative
The PSEC Climate Justice Workshop Group invites churches to commit to doing something "green". The 50-50-50 Challenge is that
50 PSEC churches
will commit to do something to mitigate climate change during the
50 days of Easter
for the
50th anniversary
of Earth Day. For a list of churches that have made a commitment, suggestions for actions your congregation can take, more information, and a form you can use for your church to accept the challenge, visit
psec.org/green
.
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Second 'Waking Up White' book group forming now
The WAKING UP WHITE reading group is now closed for this first round of the process. If you were not able to join this time but would like an opportunity to join another group, email Susan at
minasian@psec.org
. The second round of gatherings will be held during a weekday via Zoom. The Church and Ministry Council has approved this group for Diversity Training credit for authorized ministers.
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center announces webinars
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is holding "Leadership and Anxiety in the Church" on Aug. 19 via Zoom. The webinar is comprised of a series of presentations that look at the challenges posed by rising levels of anxiety in churches and in society. Works of art are integrated to help facilitate theological reflections on the themes being presented. The Center is also hosting:
- Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches (July 18): Sessions include "Finding Renewal in Conflict" and "How to be Effective when People are Angry."
- Healthy Congregations (July 21): Learn how to keep anxiety within your church from becoming infectious, put limits on invasive behavior, manage reactivity, focus on strengths, and more!
These workshops are particularly effective when members of the same church attend as a group. Members of groups can save $40-$50 per person. Multiple sessions of all three workshops are available.
Visit
lmpeacecenter.org/brochures/ f
or more dates, group discount coupons, and details.
. To register go to
brownpapertick ets.com/producer/720852
.
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'Embracing Healing in These Day's' online course offered
Registration is open for a Gestalt Pastoral Care online course on "Embracing Healing in These Days," taught by Rev. Wanda Craner. The course will be held
from 1:00-2:30
on six Wednesdays beginning Aug. 5. Anyone interested in healing outreach -- faith community and church members, prayer group members, seminarians, and pastors -- should consider this course. The class is limited to 20 students. Cost is $120.
Click here
for more info. The PSEC Church and Ministry Council approved this for 9 contact hours of continuing ed. credit.
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Updated list available: PSEC churches online this summer
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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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- St. James UCC, Havertown (full-time settled)
- 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)
- 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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PSEC Events
Nov. 15: PSEC Fall Meeting at New Goshenhoppen UCC, East Greenville
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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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