Important This Week
  • Conference consistory approves 2021 compensation guidelines
  • Apply for PAM courses or a hybrid Clinical Pastoral Education course
  • Join Search & Call computer-side chat
From the Interim Associate Conference Minister:
LIFE is a Parable!
From the beginning of June until the end of November the Gospel readings have been and will continue to be from Matthew. Back in the day when Robert Duke was the professor of Worship and Preaching at Lancaster Theological Seminary, I learned for the first time that we receive the new texts for the week on Sunday and are invited to live into them throughout the week. That was so helpful and yet challenging for pastors who prepare worship and write sermons. They are living in one text for one week while looking ahead and doing study of another text for the upcoming Sunday.

Matthew is inviting us to live into the messages of parables. Sometimes they are puzzling stories that use metaphor as a way of describing the best and worst of humanity and yet there is a gem with a sliver of grace in what is possible. There is harsh language in some and yet there is also hope. They can conjure up curiosity and perhaps slow us down to ponder meaning instead of rushing through a story because we think we know what it is teaching us. Sometimes the parables are so familiar we don’t even consider there may be something new for us to glean.
Photo of the John Lewis mural designed by Sean Schwab taken by Susan Minasian on the 2018 Charlottesville Civil Rights Pilgrimage.
Parables are not just short stories. As I read obituaries of people who have died, life as a parable has become more evident. When my cousin Krikor was in a motorcycle accident in the late 60’s he became totally dependent on my aunt for everything. He lived that way for over 40 years, eventually dying in a nursing home because she became too old and unable to physically handle his needs. They were members of the Armenian Orthodox Church. I will never forget what the priest said in his homily at the funeral. He asked… "What did Krikor’s life teach you?”

You see, he understood why people were sharing stories about how wonderful my aunt had been all those years. He understood the speed with which people would jump to language that almost pitied Krikor’s life. He also understood that there was more to Krikor’s life than his surviving that accident only to live in such a dependent state. It was as if his life ended in value once he couldn’t produce what we as a society value…human production and success. Such it is in patriarchal capitalistic systems. However, in the Kindom of God…all life has value and all life is a story…all life is a parable. So, what did Krikor teach us?

My sister and I laughed and cried as we answered that question on the way to the cemetery. Krikor taught us what it meant to have fun, to let people share themselves with others, to offer care, to be patient, to listen, appreciate what we could do but not pity someone else’s limitations. The list goes on. I think you get the picture. LIFE as a parable is real.

In one week, two Civil Rights icons died. Rev. C.T. Vivian and John Lewis. I was mindful throughout the day when there was no mention of their deaths and when there were friends posting pictures they had taken with John Lewis specifically, on several occasions. The testimonies of their lives expand decades. They both died before they could see the full manifestation of their life work. I just hope they died knowing that the parable of their lives created generations of people who are committed to seeing what they hoped for will indeed be accomplished.

If we only mark their lives with quotes on our social media walls, we limit the understanding of the parable of their life work. What did they teach us? What gifts did they leave us? What honor can we bring to the memory of all they accomplished this side of heaven?

Parables are meant to be studied. LIFE is a parable to be lived and then understood as our best teachers. I give thanks for all the lessons these men taught me. Jesus asked us to remember him and that whatever we do to the least of these we do it to him. May we remember these great saints and in our remembering, may the lessons learned and the actions of our own lives be a parable that transforms the world so that dreams of the Kindom of God…the Beloved Community will indeed be manifested in our lifetimes. Because at the end of the day…even your LIFE is a parable. When you die…what will your life teach?

Blessings and Peace,
Susan

Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call
Important updates from the Pension Board on hardship withdrawals and the Ministers' Financial Vitality Initiative

For the last three years PSEC has been a leading partner with the UCC Pension Board’s “Generations of Service Campaign”. The Pension Board is putting the blessings of that campaign to work while also helping its members confront COVID challenges:
 
COVID-Related Hardship Withdrawals
Under the CARES Act, non-annuitized members who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 (as defined in the Act) are eligible to take hardship withdrawals from their retirement accounts. The following provisions apply for members of the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ:
  • Members may request hardship withdrawals only from their personal employee pre-tax contributions (also known as contributions to the tax-sheltered annuity or TSA) or personal after-tax contributions. Withdrawals may not be made from employer contributions.
  • Members may withdraw up to 50% of their account balances, with a maximum of $100,000.
Members who qualify for a withdrawal under these provisions may contact the Member Services team for information by calling 1.800.642.6543 or by email: info@pbucc.org . Detailed information, including forms, will be available shortly at pbucc.org/ .

Generations Financial Resources: A New Service for MFVI Program 1 Participants
Generations Financial Resources, Inc., a controlled subsidiary of the Pension Boards, is a lending corporation to help alleviate the crushing burden of clergy indebtedness. Operating in coordination with the Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative that was launched by the Pension Boards in 2017, it will combine personal finance education, needs-based grants to reduce debt levels, and most significantly, low-interest rate refinancing to substantially reduce the rates our clergy are paying on educational debt.

If you are not yet in MFVI Program One, we encourage you to learn more and consider applying and become eligible for Generations Financial Resources services. Applications and information for MFVI Program One (online program of financial education) are now available. The program will accept 60 new members in two cohorts and because of the Lilly Endowment’s generosity, we are now able to open the application process to all UCC authorized ministers.
2021 PSEC Compensation Guidelines available now

The Conference Consistory has approved a 3% salary increase for Conference Compensation Guidelines. To view the 2021 guidelines, click here .

The 2021 Pension Board Medical and Dental Benefits rate for 2021 are not available yet. That will be shared as soon as it's available.
Is your church helping people with housing, homelessness?

In light of the looming housing crisis because of the impact of COVID-19, we would like to know which PSEC churches are assisting street homeless, tenants, landlords, and mortgage payees. If your congregation is currently providing housing services and assistance, please email the following information to our Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, at kjones275@comcast.net . Thank you!
  • Name of congregation or organization providing the service,
  • Name of the program,
  • Primary contact person, if available (phone number, email address),
  • Website link to the Program
Computer-side Zoom Chat Take 2: Virtual Search & Call

Virtual Call!!! Is this even possible??? Our next chat, on Aug. 4 at 7:00p, will be about what it is like to search for a call when the process goes virtual. My guest for this Computer Side Zoom Chat is Jayme Babczak. Jayme has been a Member In Discernment in Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and recently completed her first Search & Call process. We will share how Jayme engaged in this discernment of call virtually. Yes, it can be done.

If you are an authorized minister who is curious about this process or if you are currently on a search committee and want to hear from someone who has just completed this wonderful journey, please join us. It will be an hour you won’t want to miss. There will be time for your questions. So, hope to see you! To get the Zoom link/number, email brea@psec.org .

If you have requests for other topics we can cover in our monthly Computer Side Zoom Chats, please email me (Susan Minasian) at minasian@psec.org .
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 .
Mission Birdsboro moves forward despite pandemic

St. Paul's UCC, Birdsboro's "Mission Birdsboro" is set to take place this week. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, they're moving forward with more than 100 volunteer applicants. Take a few minutes to read this story .
Phoebe Ministries offering hybrid CPE opportunity

Phoebe Ministries is offering a unique hybrid Clinical Pastoral Education class October through April that will meet partially by Zoom and partially in person for classes Tuesday evenings. The clinical work can be done on any of the Phoebe campuses. CPE is for seminarians, lay folks who want to be better Christian caregivers and for clergy who may want to sharpen their pastoral skills or transition to chaplaincy. We are very fortunate now to have a significant CPE endowment which also enables us to give scholarships to anyone in need. Click here for more information on applying to the program.
Registration open for PA Academy of Ministry courses

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is offering online classes.

Register for Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding (Aug. 22-Oct.1) taught by Rev. Holly MillerShank), a 6-week class for 2.5 CEUs. The class provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in relation to congregational leadership. Just $325. For details or to register, click here .

Registration is also open for Theology II: Leadership and Community (Oct. 3-Nov. 12) taught by Rev. Holly MillerShank), a 6-week class for 2.5 CEUs. The class provides an intro to Christian theology, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission. Students may take this class without having taken Theology I. Just $325. For details or to register, click here .
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 this week have included a compilation of ministry care and support resources for health and wholeness, a list of COVID-19 grants from the UCC, and PowerPoint slides to help teach Confirmation virtually.
Register for UCC webinar: Green New Deal & Reparations

When it comes to justice-oriented policy proposals that seek to fundamentally transform our society, the Green New Deal and reparations currently rise to the top. Yet, often they are discussed separately, despite clear and compelling connections. To explore such connections and how faith communities can work to advance just policies, this webinar on Aug. 5 at 1:00p features three panelists: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 350.org’s North America Director Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, and the UCC’s Economic Justice Minister Sekinah Hamlin. Register now!
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.
'Embracing Healing in These Day's' online course offered

Register for a Gestalt Pastoral Care online course on "Embracing Healing in These Days," taught by Rev. Wanda Craner. The course will be 1:00-2:30 six Wednesdays beginning Aug. 5. Anyone interested in healing outreach should consider this course. The class is limited to 20 students. Cost is $120. Click here for info. PSEC Church and Ministry Council approved this for 9 contact hours of continuing ed. credit.
Church Openings
Many openings are on UCC's Ministerial Opportunities page. Especially note:
  • 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. 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.
PSEC Events
Aug. 15: PSEC Special Meeting on Zoom



Sept. 24: Advancing Sexual Health - Continuing Education in Schuylkill Haven



Nov. 15: PSEC Fall Meeting at New Goshenhoppen UCC, East Greenville

View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Church Events
July 27: Drive-Thru Vacation Bible School in Reading

Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
Classified Ads

Worship Leader needed in East Goshen


Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Educational Opportunities
View more events on the PSEC Calendar
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!