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Important This Week
- UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event's Registration Open
- CWS Cleanup Buckets Needed
- New Suicide/Crisis Lifeline
- Phoebe Requests Your Help
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UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event
The UCC Clergywomen’s Leadership Event has been postponed at least twice during the pandemic, and we are excited to be offering the event this September 27-29 in Decatur, GA. “For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender” is open to authorized clergywomen* in the United Church of Christ. Registration is now open for the in-person and online gathering. (* This invitation is expansive to include all cis and trans women as well as non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.)
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Please share: New Suicide
and Crisis Lifeline
On Saturday, July 16, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is rolling out a new, nationwide 988 dialing code that will connect callers to a network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.
Similar to the 911 emergency number, the 988 Lifeline is designed to be an easy-to-remember direct connection to care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance abuse crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The 988 system will connect with callers via call, chat, or text. The lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the Unites States. Numerous studies have shown that the Lifeline works – most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.
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Phoebe Requests
your Help
Phoebe is asking for your assistance to Keep Temporary Nursing Assistant (TNA) Flexibilities. Phoebe is facing the
possibility of losing approximately 90 of their Temporary Nursing Assistants (TNA’s) because of this issue within the state regarding training and competencies. They would appreciate your help in contacting your representative to let Congress know how their actions will negatively impact Phoebe.
Click here for the "Make your voice heard" webpage. Simply click the box "Ask Congress to Keep Temporary Nursing Assistant (TNA) Flexibilities" and then enter the information into the blocks on the right side of the screen.
Thank you for your advocacy efforts on behalf of Phoebe Ministries.
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May ReadyPA Monthly available online now
This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on hurricane preparedness in PA, wildfires, dam safety, and more. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared.
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From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Step Nine
We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Shortcomings such as pride, fear, and procrastination can stand in the way of progress and growth. We make the amends we can and are ready to accept the reactions of the people we harmed. Amends are made when the opportunity presents itself. If amends are not possible at the present time, we remember to hold on to our willingness. It is often necessary to take guidance from others in these matters.
Unresolved conflicts may still exist and we humbly ask for understanding of past wrongs. Amends can be made both directly and indirectly. We do not have the right to contact someone who may still be hurting from our misdeeds. Step Nine helps us with our guilt and helps others with their anger. Sometimes the only amend is to stay clean.
We learn to contribute to our society and communities. We begin effectively relating to others and our own physical pain and mental confusion is lessened.
Through humility and patience, our relationships can be restored and the change within us becomes more easily accepted.
Courage and faith are key components in making an amend and spiritual growth results. We are slowly freeing ourselves from the wreckage of our past and we continue moving forward with a personal daily inventory in Step Ten .
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Help replenish CWS storm supplies
UCC Matching Grants for congregations assembling CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets and other Kits are still available. UCC congregations may apply for up to $250 to supplement their own efforts to assemble these life-giving supplies.
Completed kits get warehoused, ready to send out on quick notice.
Priority is Emergency Cleanup Buckets, but other kits also are welcome.
Learn more about these kits and church drop off locations by clicking here.
Take your pictures and record your stories and send them to Karl Jones so we can inspire others with your story.
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Our Faith Our Vote 2022: Faithful Engagement in a Time of Increased Voter Suppression
Throughout Scripture and in the teachings of Jesus, we hear the faith call to be in just, compassionate right relation with each other. So discipleship draws us to engagement with our common life, what we call the political process, as the way we order our relationships.
Join this webinar and learn how the UCC Our Faith Our Vote campaign can be integrated into congregational life and shape congregational identity, complementing and amplifying other congregational covenants like ONA and Just Peace. Click here to register.
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Shaping Generations: Queer Justice and Love in the UCC
2022 National ONA Gathering
Join us Aug. 5-7 for our first National ONA Gathering since 2019! Our virtual event will celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the ONA Coalition and Bill Johnson’s ordination as the first openly gay man authorized to serve an historic Christian church as a minister of word and sacrament.
Leaders include the Rev. Rhina Ramos (worship leader), Bishop Yvette Flunder (closing address and charge), the Rev. Bill Johnson and the Rev. Anne Holmes, and the Rev. Andy Lang (State of the ONA Movement).
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Tips On
Church Property Use
Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the United Church of Christ has received numerous questions regarding one-time or short-term use of your church property by individuals and groups.
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Faith-Based Security & Resilience Learning Series
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (GOHS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the three Fusion Centers (PaCIC, WPAHFC, DVIC) across the Commonwealth, Faith-based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), cordially invite you to attend the third a quarterly event of our virtual learning series for Faith-based Organizations. This learning series will provide valuable information to religious leaders, security personnel and members of the houses of worship to enhance security and resilience. The next session is on Thursday, July 28, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please see the attached flyer with additional details. Registration is now open.
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"Making All Things New"
General Synod 2023
Making All Things New” will be the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled for June 30–July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis.
The General Synod of the United Church of Christ will get back to business a year from now. And it will do so in person.
After an all-virtual experience in 2021, the UCC’s biennial national meeting will require all voting delegates to be in Indianapolis in 2023. That’s according to the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, the associate general minister who serves as Synod administrator.
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Single Day
Volunteer Opportunities
Assist the Eastwick neighborhood in Philadelphia to rebuild.
Who: Volunteers with general construction/carpentry skills & those willing to learn ages 18+
What: Rebuilding residential homes (insulation, flooring, painting, framing, taping, etc.)
When: Saturday, August 6th
Wednesday, September 14th Thursday, September 15th
Why: To help our neighbors recover after damage from Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020
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Tips on Leasing Your
Church Property
Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the United Church of Christ has received numerous questions regarding leasing your church property.
Heather posted "Leasing Church Property to a Tenant: What Churches Need to Know". To access this article, click here.
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Three Different Advanced Boundary Trainings Available
Advanced Boundary Training "Keeping Time for Rest and Renewal" with PSEC Staff - September 14th, 9:00a - 12:00 noon, via zoom. To register for "Keeping Time for Rest and Renewal" click here.
Advanced Boundary Training "Power and the Office of Pastor" with Rev. Nora Faust - October 19th, 9:00a - 12:00 noon via zoom. To register for "Power and the Office of Pastor" click here.
Advanced Boundary Training " Pastoral Self Care" with Rev. Wanda Craner - November 2nd, 9:00a - 12:00 noon at Church of the Good Shepherd, Boyertown. To register for "Pastoral Self Care" click here. |
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Church Openings
- Barnesville-Delano Tri-Charge, Schuylkill County (full-time settled)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Brownback's UCC, Spring City (full-time interim)
- Community UCC, Reading (full-time interim or designated)
- Glenside UCC, Glenside (full-time settled)
- Immanuel UCC, Shillington (half-time associate pastor)
- St. Andrew's UCC, Perkasie (full-time settled)
- St. James UCC, Havertown (full-time interim)
- St. John's UCC, Lansdale (full-time interim)
- Trinity Reformed UCC, Pottstown (full-time interim)
- Wentz's UCC, Lansdale (full-time settled)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev. Kevin McLemore: 484-949-8774 ext. 302 or mclemore@psec.org.
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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
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Missed an email? Read past emails 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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