Important This Week

• Trauma and Healthy Boundaries Workshop Registration OPEN
• Share the new OCWM video and report
• Register for Safety and Church webinar

Trauma and Healthy Boundaries Webinar July 10 - online

On Wednesday, July 10 from 9:00a-12:00p, an Advanced Boundary Training will be held on "Trauma and Healthy Boundaries" via zoom.

The Rev. Josh Blakesley and others will lead this workshop on the basics of trauma, and how it can potentially effect boundaries between a minister and thier congregation, as well as other relationships within the congregation. The goal is to provide an understanding of trauma, while equipping pastors to set healthy boundaries for themselves and their congregations, as they spiritually and emotionally support those living with it in their congregations. For a flyer, click here. To register, click here.

New PSEC OCWM resources

At the Spring Meeting earlier this month, a 2023 OCWM Annual Report was released. Click here to read it, with details on annual financials, donor acknowledgements, a message from the Conference Minister, and more. A new OCWM video was also shared, providing a brief overview of OCWM and the Conference. It can be used in church meetings, association meetings, and more. The link to share that video is youtu.be/P79sdfESTBo.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce:

And so it continues...

CBS news reported on 5/31 that a Johns Hopkins survey showed that about one in three Americans knows someone who has died of a drug overdose. 

“Thirty-two percent of responders said someone they knew died of a fatal drug overdose. For 18.9% of respondents, the person they knew who died ‘was a family member or close friend.’” 

“A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that more than 321,000 children in the United States have had parents die from overdoses in just the past decade.”

Please have Narcan available. Please consider how your congregation is responding to this crisis.

Animating Antiracism in Faith Formation webinar series

The PSEC Church and Ministry Council has approved this program as fulfilling the requirements for Diversity Training AND three hours of continuing education.

Animating Antiracism in Faith Formation is a webinar series open to all church leaders who wish to expand cultural competency and examine the ways that race and power are present in ministry.

The program seeks to equip participants with shared language and frameworks that will assist them in their ministry of faith formation and build capacity to both identify and disrupt the church’s collusion with white supremacy and systemic racism.

The series includes four, 30-minute video modules which can be viewed independently. After completing each module, participants will also engage in a 1-hour deepening conversation facilitated by leaders who have been trained by Crossroads. In total, the series will be 6-8 hours in length. The cost for the program is $60. Each group is limited to 12-15 participants to allow for full engagement.  

Sessions are happening now, but you can register now for September opportunities. For more info and to register, click here.

'Innovation and New Models

of Leadership' from PAM

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) offers Innovation and New Models of Leadership on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30p July 9-Aug. 13. Rev. Dale Davis will lead this cutting-edge class, introducing you to the latest leadership models. The course features a podcast series produced for PAM, featuring well-known experts Gil Rendle, Karen Georgia Thompson, Doug Powe Jr., Lovett Weems Jr., John Schol, and Sarah Drummond. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Click here for information and registration. For a short video message from Rev. Davis introducing the course, click here.

Safety and Church webinar

Ensuring the safety and security of our congregations is an increasing challenge in our polarized world. Whether it’s safeguarding against physical threats, addressing health and wellness concerns, or promoting a culture of inclusivity and support, the safety of our church communities is a shared responsibility. This June 26 presentation will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can worship, learn, and fellowship without fear. Chad Cunninham, Director of Loss Control for our UC Insurance Program, will offer basic strategies and best practices to cultivate a culture of safety that reflects the values of love, compassion, and protection that define our faith. To register, click here.

Faith-Based Security & Resilience Learning Series

The PA Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, PA Emergency Management Agency, State Police, the three Fusion Centers across the state, Faithbased Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, and the Anti-Defamation League, is offering a quarterly virtual learning series to faith-based organizations on June 27. This learning series will provide valuable information to religious leaders, security personnel, and members of the houses of worship to enhance security and resilience. Click here for more information and to register.

'Together for tomorrow' initiative for planned giving

Learn how to promote planned giving in your congregation. Planned gifts provide a way for a donor to give out of their accumulated assets such as property or stocks to support a congregation or other charitable cause. This free course on July 10 and 17 will help you learn basic concepts, practice skills, and create an implementation plan for your congregation. Register for 'Together for Tomorrow Planned Giving in Your Congregation' here.

VBS materials to share

Is your church storing supplies, decorations, or curriculum from a previous Bible school that's in good condition but likely won't be used again soon? If you have VBS materials available that you would be willing to loan or donate to other churches, email brea@psec.org. To see the updated list with LOTS of materials churches are willing to share, click here.

June ReadyPA Monthly available online now

This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on lightning safety, pet safety, and more. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared. 

New Search and Call video

We are continuously adding new resources to PSEC.org. The newest resource is a video on What to do when your pastor resigns. Check out that video with Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call Rev. Kevin McLemore here:

Fill in when your pastor is away

PSEC maintains a Sunday Supply list of clergy to fill in when pastors are away. During summer vacations it can be harder to find someone. Have you ever thought about preaching when your pastor is on vacation? Among the many resources on our Resources for Lay-led Worship page are sermons that can be read and training videos if you want to try writing a sermon.

This email is brought to you by your generous gifts to OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission)! Thank you!