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Important This Week
- Register now for "Annual Campaigns 101" this Saturday.
- Recap from this weekend's special meeting from the PSEC Moderator.
- Give to the meeting's offering
- Search and Call updates and info.
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From the Conference Moderator: Special Meeting recap
The present Coronavirus Pandemic moved the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference to adapt gathering for the Special Meeting on August 15th through the use of Zoom technology. This was a first-time event for the conference, with a tremendous expenditure of time, energy and talent by the staff of the conference and many volunteers. Their efforts enabled the delegates and members to do the work of the conference for the benefit of the churches of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference.
Though unable to gather in person, we praised God together through meaningful worship designed for this meeting. From lament to joy, we expressed our faith in the continuing presence of a still speaking God! The Holy Spirit flowed freely in our responses spoken and prayed, in reflections which challenged our hearts and through moments of awareness of new possibilities before us.
Many reports were received by the delegates, informing us of the work of the conference and its committees through this past year. We discovered 73 churches achieved the 5 For 5 status, an achievement to be celebrated. The Conference financial reports and audits were reflective of the adjustments we are making in this COVID era. We were reminded of the need to continue to support the work of our churches and of the Conference through our OCWM giving.
For that work continues, even in these days of Zoom meetings in place of personal gatherings. I was impressed to hear about the various approaches churches are using in this time for sharing their ministries of worship, caring and justice. “Online” has become the buzz word for the church, from worship to Bible study to justice and witness planning, we affirm the endeavors of the churches to speak the gospel of Jesus Christ in a new way.
The Conference also speaks the gospel in new ways. From nascent beginnings at the fall meeting in 2019, several task forces brought forth fruit to the conference. The Addiction Task force has produced not only a listing of resources for the use of churches in addressing this scourge, but four faith reflection essays which the conference affirmed and will provide to the churches in both print and electronic form for use.
We all know the environment is of upmost importance, not only because of the severe risk to the health of our planet, but also, because we are called to be stewards of the gift of creation God has entrusted to us. The Climate Justice team challenges the churches of the conference to participate in the 50-50-50 emphasis to combat climate change through taking on a “green” project as part of its ministry. Even in this time of a global pandemic, 8 churches have agreed to this commitment and are examples to all of us.
This pandemic has advanced the work of the Mobile Office Platform task force, as this committee works to implement a mobile office model for our conference. The pandemic has advanced the original timetable, but has also yielded much needed information of the impact of moving towards such an arrangement in the future. There is continuing feedback on how well this model supports the conference churches.
A new initiative was introduced and affirmed by the delegates, the Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative. In this time of addressing systemic racism, the delegates affirmed honoring the memory of Zachariah Walker, an African-American who was lynched on August 13, 1911 in Coatesville, PA. In honoring his memory, the conference will seek to recognize the sin of systemic racism, seek to confess our embrace of the racist past, and repent and turn our hearts to God who calls us to love one another. The initiative will include a period of worship and reflection, with resources provided to the congregations beginning with Advent for a year long emphasis on seeking to become the beloved community God intends us to be.
During this meeting, the delegates affirmed the leadership of the conference. Our Moderator, Ms. Jennie Strauch was recognized for her service to the conference. She has led the conference through a difficult time, and will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to be elected as your Moderator, and will do my best to build upon the work of those who have come before. With joy, we also elected Mr. Charles Kuthuru as Vice Moderator. Many other positions were elected, I refer you to the reports found on the Conference website for a thorough accounting.
With joy, the delegates affirmed the calling of the Rev. William Worley to a second term as the Conference Minister of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference. His leadership will continue the work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in justice and witness, love and compassion through the ministries of the conference.
This is a time for celebration as we move into the future, with confidence in the presence of God’s Spirit to guide and lead us. For those who were delegates of this gathering of the conference, we thank you for participating in this unique meeting. For the members and churches, we encourage you to hear from the delegates, and to seek ways in which you can share in the work of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world; through the ministry of your church in its local setting and through the work we do together as a conference. May God’s blessings of peace, justice and love be upon all of us as we endeavor to become the beloved community we are called to be!
Rev. Antonio L. Villareal
Conference Moderator
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Search & Call: Updates, Interim Seasons, and Coming Soon
Update: The topic of the last Computer Side Chat was about “Virtual Calls”. Unfortunately, I did not save the recording correctly and so I can’t share it with those of you who were not able to be with us. I do have a written outline Jayme provided of the process she described. Email me at minasian@psec.org if you would like a copy of that.
Thought for the Week: INTERIM SEASONS
Interim Season for Congregations:
One of the things I share with congregations who are in an interim season is that they are now ahead of the curve. The reality is that every congregation is now in an interim season.
This era we are experiencing has moved the whole church into a season of liminality…that in between space. It is a time of being perhaps pushed or shoved into a future not chosen. It may have felt and may continue to feel somewhat chaotic. Is it possible to intentionally stop the chaos? Can we claim what it means to be in this moment as a spiritual practice? Is it possible to name this season as a sabbatical for the church?
If we all embrace this time as an interim season, it can allow for some meaningful reflection beyond logistics. It can be a time for thoughtful, prayerful conversation about who God is calling us to be and how we live out that call not only as individuals but as congregations.
Interim Season for Authorized Ministers:
One of the things I share with authorized ministers who are in an interim season is that they are ahead of the curve. The reality is that many pastors are now in an interim season.
I hear people reevaluating their gifts and graces for ministry and with that comes questions about call and how this new season is waking us up to re-examine our call to be in authorized ministry.
You too can engage in a spiritual practice of discernment. Some of us have been ordained long enough to know that the Marks on Faithful and Effective Ministry were not around when we began our journey toward ordination. How about taking some time to sit with these marks? Each week address a section of the marks and pray with them. By the end you might discern either an affirmation of what you already thought, or you just might discern something new about yourself.
Don’t be afraid to be in an interim season. It can help us see ourselves in a deeper way. Go ahead and explore…engage…reflect. GOD is still speaking, calling, and listening.
THE NEXT COMPUTER SIDE CHAT will be on Sept. 8. TOPIC: Call Agreements
My guest on Computer Side Chat will be our very own Brea Rarick. Join us at 7:00 p.m. via zoom and learn more about what a Call Agreement is, what needs to be in it and why this is not just a negotiated contract but another covenant of how an authorized minister and a congregation appreciate all that is shared in ministry. The information of how to join that zoom will be coming to you soon.
Until then…Blessings and Peace,
Susan
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call
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United Christian Church, Levittown holds vigil for racial justice |
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On June 10, members of United Christian Church in Levittown held a faith-based vigil for racial justice. Participants took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time a white police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, leading to his death. To see the new coverage in the Bucks County Courier Time, click here.
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Give to Special Mtg. offering for OCWM, Disaster Ministries
The offering from Saturday's Special Meeting has topped $1,000 so far. Funds will go to the National OCWM and PSEC Disaster Ministries. It's not too late to send your offering. Click here to visit the donation page of the PSEC website and submit your "PSEC Special Meeting Offering-Aug 2020."
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Response to the explosion in Beirut earlier this month
Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian (Philadelphia Association) is a missionary in Beirut, serving the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in Lebanon.
Donations to support the response may be sent to PSEC with "Beirut Explosion" indicated in the Memo line.
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PSEC climate team challenges churches to commit to change
Climate change is one of the most complex issues facing us today. It involves many dimensions and is a global problem. However, it is felt on a local level and there are solutions that any one of us and our churches can do. The PSEC Climate Justice Working Group invites churches to commit to doing something "green". The Working Group challenges 50 PSEC churches to make a commitment to do something to mitigate climate change in the coming months. Churches can take on garden-planting, recycling, composting, tree planting, and/or preaching about caring for the earth. It only takes a couple of people to listen to climate webinars at ucc.org or read one of many books. 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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Monday Meetings with the Conference Minister continue
Each Monday at 11:00a, authorized ministers and church leaders are invited to check in with the Conference Minister, Rev. Bill Worley, on a Zoom call. Share your experiences with ministry in this season of COVID with other clergy, ask for advice, and be in community together. Click here to join the call on Monday. (Use this link every Monday through Oct. 6.) There will be no meeting on Sept. 7 for Labor Day.
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Save the Date: Building Church Differently webinar series |
The UCC Church Building & Loan Fund is hosting a 2020 web seminar series on "Building Church Differently." The cost is $25 total for three webinars from 2:00-3:30:
- Make an Impact (Sept. 17)
- Lead with Technology (Sept. 24)
- Transform Communities (Oct. 1)
Registration will open soon.
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Philadelphia religious leaders respond to Rodney Muhammad
"We join in denouncing racial bigotry, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and any ideology that violates the sacredness of life. The meme posted by Rodney Muhammad has stirred generational pain. It is a reminder that actions, beliefs, and words that have roots in maligning and dehumanizing people are too often perpetuated. This time, the concern surrounds anti-Semitism. Regardless of the racial, cultural, gender, or religious group, such imagery is unacceptable." Read more
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Aug. 27 virtual forum on hate crime and religious institutions
The Protecting Places of Worship Forum, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, will educate faith leaders on hate crimes laws; how to prevent and respond to hate crimes that target houses of worship and religious institutions; and how to secure places of worship leveraging resources and best practices from government agencies. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and FEMA. Click here to register.
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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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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Free children's book to help children process COVID-19 |
"We're Going to Be O.K." Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb and Ashleigh Corrin Webb live in Charlottesville Virginia. They wrote this award winning book for children and have released it to the world FREE!!!
Click here and you can get your own ebook version with Print Me pages that allow children to reflect. (Available in English or Spanish.) I hope you will enjoy this gift that we have been given.
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First stewardship event this Saturday on annual campaigns
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. Registration is now open for "Annual Campaigns 101" on Aug. 22. Upcoming events also include "Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry" on Oct. 17 and "Spirituality of Generosity" on Jan. 20. More information is available on this flyer for you to share.
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- Calvary UCC, Barto, and Pennsburg UCC (full-time designated-term)
- Glenside UCC (full-time interim)
- 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. 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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Educational Opportunities
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Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads 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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