Important This Week
  • Free UCC justice webinar offered today on Activist Theology
  • How the UCC is responding to the Puerto Rico earthquakes
  • Few spots open for 'Effective Transitional Ministry' training
From the Conference Minister: What is your soul purpose?

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” John 1:43

John tells the story of Jesus' calling Phillip to the work that would become his soul purpose. Hollywood has attempted to recreate the drama of this moment when the disciples are so memorized by Jesus’ presence they simply drop what they are doing and follow. If you have not seen the call story of Jorge Mario Bergoglio [a.k.a The Pope] depicted in the movie “The Two Popes” I recommend you do. I cannot speak to its historical accuracy, but many of us would recognize the simple simplicity with which God calls people to ministry.
 
Our soul purpose may not be to ordained ministry, or to go out and set up a charitable organization or become an itinerant evangelist for God's shalom or storm the gates of power to bring about political change or create a great artistic work, or to make a lasting contribution to an academic field. It could be any of those things, but it might also be that our soul purpose is to find liberation from the wounds that our families have carried for generations and that have held us in bondage, or to learn how to love authentically, or to be able to speak our truth, or to raise a child who knows that she or he is loved, or to live simply on the Earth.
 
Some of us may have a good deal of clarity about what our soul purposes are. Others of us may still be seeking. But I believe that if we are open to hearing, and if we are willing to let ourselves be called by God -- to let go of the things that keep us constrained in our small selves and small lives -- that the Spirit will somehow, someday reveal something to us, something that our souls have known all along, and when we come to that place we will know it because there will rise up within us a deep and strong and unmistakable "Yes".
 
May it be so for you and the people you love,
Pastor Bill

Rev. William Worley
Conference Minister
Free UCC webinar being held today on Activist Theology

This month’s Creation Justice Webinar will feature the theologian Robyn Henderson-Espinoza who has been named one of 10 Faith Leaders to Watch by the Center for American Progress. With a new book entitled "Activist Theology," Henderson-Espinoza will help us connect the struggle for creation justice to the kind of theological reflection needed to build a movement. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time - Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 1:00p - still sign-up, and we will send a recording. Register today!
UCC helps with disaster relief for Puerto Rico earthquakes

I’m sure many of you are keeping our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico in your prayers, and likely already fielding some questions regarding how folks can help and the UCC response. For those who are unaware, Puerto Rico was hit by a series of earthquakes and numerous aftershocks beginning on Dec. 28. Numerous homes and structures have been damaged and one casualty has been reported. Folks on the island are in the midst of assessing damage and needs.

Giving
The UCC launched this webpage for the Puerto Rico appeal, with a goal of raising $250,000. There is also a bulletin insert, and more information about the response.

Prayer
A Prayer for Puerto Rico
Holy God, source of light and life, our hearts are once again grieving as we witness the many tragedies around us. We pray today for our siblings in Puerto Rico who have awaken to the challenges of these earthquakes. We pray for their strength and resilience. We pray for those who experienced loss and ask their peace and comfort. Help us to be a source of your presence and love with all in this moment. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
By Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
Assoc. General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Operations Co-Executive for Global Ministries

More Information
Did you know that year-end reporting started last week

Last week, emails were sent to churches and pastors with information on year-end reporting. If you should have received that information and didn’t, please contact the Conference Registrar, Brea Rarick, at brea@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 311. Also, you may visit psec.org/reporting for more information on this year’s reporting.
College scholarship available to Berks County UCC members

The DJ Wetzel Fund awards scholarships to members of Berks County UCC churches who are continuing their education after high school at a college or university, graduate school, vocational school, or in a life enrichment program. Click here for more information and to apply. Applications are due March 15.
Few spots open for 'Effective Transitional Ministry' training

PSEC, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conferences are presenting an Interim Ministry Training led by the Interim Ministry Network (IMN). This 10-hour training will be Jan. 28-29, beginning at 5:30p on Jan. 28 until 9:30p. We will reconvene Jan. 29 at 8:30a until 5:30p.

The title of the training is “Effective Transitional Ministry”. Even if you are not presently an interim, this will be a great teaching event for you as all of our churches are in the state of transition. This training will cover the 5 focus tasks for interims plus looking at change theory, family systems, differentiation, triangulation and conflict. 

The three conferences are subsidizing this event so you can attend for a small fee of $50. You may want to encourage your congregation to pay for this event because I believe it will be a blessing for your congregation as well as you.

The event is being held at Zion (Blue Mountain) UCC, right off of I-78, exit 19. The address is 6573 Old Route 22, Bernville. There is lodging in Hamburg.

At this time, we have 5 openings . PLEASE contact Rev. Sharon Morris at 484-949-8774 ext. 302 or morris@psec.org if you are interested. First come, first served.
Read the ReadyPA Monthly on disaster preparedness

Here is the latest Ready PA Monthly . This issue stresses the importance of safe driving over the winter months. We “Ask a Plow Truck Driver” about how PA roads are cared for during winter storms, look at how to maintain oil and propane supplies for the winter, share suggestions to help pets stay warm and healthy throughout the winter, and the State Meteorologist has provided “The Cold, Hard Facts” of winter. 
Save the date: LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training

The LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training that was scheduled for last Saturday at Boehm’s UCC has been rescheduled. The training will be Saturday, May 9 from 9:00a to 12:00p, with optional luncheon to follow. For more information, visit boehmschurch.com .
Lancaster Seminary holding meeting on lay ministry

Lancaster Theological Seminary is launching a new Ministerial Institute to provide lower cost and more accessible theological education for lay and pastoral leaders through the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM). If you believe you might have the gifts, skills and interest in part-time, theological, hands on church leadership training, this program is for you. You will not earn a degree but you will be better prepared to lead in your church.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, from 7–8pm, a video conference will be held t o address whatever might block your participation (time, travel, etc.) and to gather info for this program. To RSVP and receive log-in info, email PAM Director Darryl Stephens: dstephens@lancasterseminary.edu .

If you are unavailable on that date, contact Darryl Stephens for information about the dates and times of the focus group meetings offered in partnership with other UCC conferences.
Recommend something to the conference reading list

Have a book to recommend for other clergy and lay leaders? Send an email to brea@psec.org with a 100-200 word description of the book and why you're recommending it and we'll add your recommendation to the PSEC reading list and share it in eNews.  Check out all of the recommended books at psec.org/booklist.
PSEC 2019 financial giving deadline this week

The PSEC financial books will close for 2019 on Friday, Jan. 17. OCWM contributions and pass-throughs for 2019 must be received in our office by the close of business Friday, Jan. 17 in order to be counted for 2019.
2020 mileage reimbursement rates released by IRS

Beginning in 2020, the standard mileage rates for business miles driven has decreased from 58 cents in 2019 to 57.5 cents per mile for 2020 . Charitable mileage remains at 14 cents per mile.
Disaster Ministries hurricane recovery sites open in NC

Volunteers are now being accepted to repair and rebuild homes in Eastern North Carolina. Hurricanes Dorian (2019), Florence (2018) and Matthew (2016) caused severe flooding and wind damage, the effects of which continue to be felt.
UCC Disaster Ministries is collaborating with the United Methodist Church North Carolina Conference Disaster Ministries to recruit work teams for 15 sites and a call center in Garner, N.C. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for anyone willing to serve, such as building disaster kits, answering phones in the Call Center, and repairing homes. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome.   Read more.
Church Events


Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
PSEC Events
Jan. 24: Cultivating Generous Congregations in Boyertown


Jan. 28-29: Interim Minister Training

Feb. 22: ALICE Training in Bernville

March 7: ALICE Training in Quakertown

May 5: Clergy Convocation in Lancaster

View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Classified Ads


Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Church Openings
Many openings are on UCC's Ministerial Opportunities page. Especially note:

  • St. John's UCC, Orwigsburg (half-time designated)
  • St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
  • St. Mark's UCC, Reading (10 hrs/ week)
  • St. Paul's UCC, Pottstown (part-time settled)

If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Sharon Morris: morris@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
Staff Preaching
Rev. William Worley
Jan. 26: St. Paul's UCC, Sellersville

Rev. Sharon S. Morris
Jan. 26: St. John's UCC, Pottstown
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!