Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

“Beyond White Privilege: How Churches Can Engage in Building Peace in Our Societies," featuring Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister, on July 28 1:00 to 4:00. We are extremely excited and honored that Rev. Blackmon has agreed to present the keynote address for us. Since we have not yet reached the point that it is safe for us to gather in person, the entire event will take place on Zoom and will be conducted in English. After the Rev. Blackmon’s presentation there will be an opportunity for small group discussions with both American and German colleagues. The problem of racism is an extremely important one in both our countries, and we anticipate a fruitful conversation about how the church in both our settings can be engaged as peacemakers in our respective societies. To register, click here.

Boundary Training is not just for Pastors... it also pertains to members of churches! Your church should be safe for all congregants. On Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6:30p, "Lay Boundary Training" will be held on Zoom. Discussion will include: healthy boundaries, varieties and levels of seriousness of boundary crossings and the psychological health we all need to establish boundaries. Click here for a flyer. This training is free thanks to your OCWM contributions. Click here to sign up.

Watch the short video above to see volunteers from Shenkel UCC in Pottstown volunteering in the Eastwick Neighborhood of Philadelphia, damaged by Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020. Click here for information on how your church can help.

Holy Solidarity: Embracing Racial Justice as Women in Ministry is an online event July 30-31 sponsored by International Assoc of Women Ministers. Keynote speaker Friday night is the UCC’s own Traci Blackmon, just elected to another term on national staff; and Saturday seven women from around the world will reflect on racism in their ministries in Brazil, Cuba, Africa, India, Canada, US and Palestine. Registration is free! Register by the 29th. Visit womenministers.org for the link, or email Marian Shearer, uccrev77@gmail.com  For more info, click here for a brochure.

This course is designed for church leaders but is open to anyone who feels challenged to deepen their spiritual life. The course will be led by Dr. Charles Maxfield, an ordained UCC minister with experience in lay ministry training. He will be assisted by Constance Lezenby, a spiritual director recognized by her Friends’ Meeting as a traveling minister. Cost is $15 per person for the three sessions. Registration is on a first-come basis. For more information including how to register, click here.

New York Times, July 14 : "As Covid raged, so did the country’s other epidemic. Drug overdose deaths rose nearly 30 percent in 2020 to a record 93,000, according to preliminary statistics released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s the largest single-year increase recorded."

“Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.

Families with loved ones who have opioid addiction should have naloxone nearby; ask their family member to carry it; and let friends know where it is. People should still call 911 immediately in the event of an overdose.”

The PSEC Addiction and Recovery Taskforce is working to get Narcan in the hands of every congregation in the PSEC. The Narcan can be used in a congregational emergency or given to a family in need. There is no liability if you use Narcan and have taken a short training in its administration. The Taskforce has posted a link to an excellent 12-minute video training for which you can get a certificate on our PSEC webpage. For more information contact the PSEC taskforce member in your county. Contact information for the county taskforce representatives is on our PSEC webpage.

Critical Race Theory has garnered much attention as of late, and is a source of public and political debate. A July 12, 2021, Reading Eagle article, written by David Mekeel, does a good job in clarifying what critical race theory is and is not, its history, and why it is important in the work for racial justice. To read the article click here Local scholars explain CRT.

The Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative team, in promoting racial justice, is offering banners and yard signs free to churches and individuals.

For those who are able, we are suggesting a love offering of $70 per banner (image of the 4’x10’ Vinyl Banner with grommets below) and $7 per yard sign (image of the 18’’x24’’ Yard sign above right). The love offerings will go to further our efforts in this sacred ministry of racial equity and justice. To order, please email Anne Cormier at annecormier@comcast.net. Include in the subject box “banner” or “yard sign”.

Attendees of previous General Synods will remember a physical space set aside for prayer, meditation, and reflection. Within 2021's virtual format, organizers planned a similar opportunity for participants by creating an online retreat space, Sacred Time.

Last spring, the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay of the UCC National Ministries Office put out an open call for submissions of resources for this Sacred Time space. She then selected the works of some dozen writers and musicians, both amateurs and professionals, from around the country. These devotions, reflections, songs, and prayers all centered on the GS33 theme, "Rooted in Love."

Among the contributors to Sacred Time is PSEC member Janeen Adil, Commissioned Minister of Christian Spirituality. Chosen for inclusion were her two reflections: "Roots and Walls" and "Roots and Stars."

All the Sacred Time content is currently available for download at UCC.org. Under Worship Quick Links, click on any of the three Worship tabs—Opening, Wednesday, or Closing—to access these materials. Or read this News item on PSEC.org for a direct link.