Important This Week
  • PPP updates from Financial Operations Manager
  • Sanitizer available for churches
  • General Synod moved online
  • Zoom set to address Montgomery County commissioner statement
From the Conference Minister: Making sacred spaces

“Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.” Matthew 10:1

In this Sunday’s lectionary text, Jesus gives the twelve disciples clear instructions, then sends them out to do his works and proclaim his message. Once sent, they are on their own to wonder among the towns and homes of the surrounding countryside.

They are warned about potential dangers including people ‘who might hand them over to councils and flog them in their synagogues.’ Church can be a very dangerous place. Jesus does not, however, ask them to make safe space or even brave space for those ‘who listen to their words’. Jesus asks the disciples to make sacred space; space where the Holy Spirit can do the transformational and liberating work that only God can do.

For today’s disciple doing Jesus’ works and proclaiming his message, the world is no more or less dangerous than for the first disciples. COVID-19 has rendered our worship spaces susceptible to disease. Conversations about the murder of George Floyd, systemic racism and the church’s complicity with that system divide people who are fearful of even acknowledging privilege let alone releasing it. In these dangerous places and times Jesus calls on us to make sacred spaces with “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness”; space where the Holy Spirit can do the transformational work that only God can do.

We may not be able to “cure every disease and sickness” but we can make sacred space for healing (and we can follow the CDC’s guidance about living in the Yellow Phase of pandemic response). We may or may not be able to ‘cast out every unclean spirit’, but we can make sacred space where those spirits are revealed for what they are brought to the Christ light for change. To that end, Dr. Greg Carey, Lancaster Seminary New Testament Professor who led our Continuing Education event last week offered these helpful words : Even those of us who cannot get our imaginations around real demons tormenting poor individuals [who] can relate to what it means to be bound by a power one feels powerless to resist. Such demons need not be found only in "those" people, but they reside whenever evil has us firmly in its grip. Many (all?) people find themselves bound by behaviors, patterns, or structures they cannot escape, often cursing themselves when they repeat the same behavior time and again. When we imagine the realm of exorcism, let us imagine liberation, freedom from powers that constrain us and prevent us from living full human lives.

Liberation, freedom from powers that constrain us and prevent us from living full human lives. That is my prayer for you and for me and for every child of God as we work together to make all spaces sacred space.

Peace,
Pastor Bill

Rev. William P Worley
Conference Minister
From PSEC Financial Operations Manager: Updates on PPP

New month, new tax act. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Clergy payroll is a different beast and I understand that often the "lay" rules don't always speak directly to the clergy payroll calculations. Following is a summary of the legislation’s main points compiled by the AICPA:
 
  • PPP borrowers can choose to extend the eight-week period to 24-weeks, or they can keep the original eight-week period. This flexibility is designed to make it easier for more borrowers to reach full, or almost full, forgiveness.
  • Under the language in the House bill, the payroll expenditure requirement drops to 60% from 75% but is now a cliff, meaning that borrowers must spend at least 60% on payroll or none of the loan will be forgiven. Currently, a borrower is required to reduce the amount eligible for forgiveness if less than 75% of eligible funds are used for payroll costs, but forgiveness is not eliminated if the 75% threshold isn’t met. The original House bill intended the sliding scale to remain in effect at 60%. Senators Marco Rubio and Susan Collins indicated that technical tweaks could be made to the bill to restore the sliding scale.
  • Borrowers can use the 24-week period to restore their workforce levels and wages to the pre-pandemic levels required for full forgiveness. This must now be done by December 31, a change from the previous deadline of June 30.
  • The legislation includes two new exceptions allowing borrowers to achieve full PPP loan forgiveness even if they do not fully restore their workforce. Previous guidance already allowed borrowers to exclude from those calculations employees who turned down good faith offers to be rehired at the same hours and wages as before the pandemic. The new bill allows borrowers to adjust because they could not find qualified employees or were unable to restore business operations to February 15, 2020, levels due to COVID-19 related operating restrictions.
  • Borrowers now have five years to repay the loan instead of two years for new loans initiated after the bill is signed into law. For loans initiated prior to the bill date, the borrower will have to work with the lender to amend the loan terms if they choose and if they are not receiving full forgiveness. The interest rate remains at 1%.
  • The bill allows businesses that took a PPP loan to also delay payment of their federal (social security) payroll taxes, which was prohibited under the CARES Act.  

Blessings for your week,
Tammie

Tammie J. Wisniewski, CPA, CGMA
Finance Operations Manager
Clergy call in response to Mont Co. commissioner remarks

In an effort to bring collaboration to the many efforts around highly problematic statements coming out of the office of the Montgomery County commissioners, a Zoom meeting has been set for Friday at 1:00p in an effort to organize any and all clergy groups who are concerned about this matter. Please contact Associate Conference Minister Rev. Cean James ( james@psec.org ) with questions. A copy of the press statement from Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale is available here .
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 830 6749 9054
Password: 229509
Help needed: Hand sanitizer being delivered on Friday

Last week, PSEC church pastors were asked if they would be interested in getting hand sanitizer from the conference if it were available. Disaster Coordinator Rev. Karl Jones continues to work hard for our churches during this pandemic and was able to secure 260 gallons of sanitizer to be delivered on Friday at 1:00p to the PSEC office in Pottstown. Volunteers are needed to help unload the sanitizer. Please email Sue Creswell ( susan@psec.org ) by Thursday at 9:00a if you are willing to help.
Updates needed: Will your church be online this summer

Since March 20, we have been providing a list of churches in PSEC that are holding digital/virtual worship experiences. We hope this list is helpful to congregations that aren't worshiping. An update of the list is being created for the summer months as some churches change their times and others return to their sanctuaries. If you have an update, contact brea@psec.org . Tomorrow is the deadline to submit a service. The current list is available here .
New for 2020: Three Great Loves Stewardship materials

UCC Resources has announced the 2020 Stewardship Materials Theme of Three Great Loves. For more information, click here . Materials will be available July 1.
General Synod 2021 moved entirely online amid COVID-19

Last week the United Church of Christ announced that the UCC Board has elected to operate a virtual General Synod in 2021 due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. To read a statement from the Board, click here . For an article about this from the UCC, click here .
Updates to Prayer Pause, Conference Minister check-ins

Prayer Pause: A Mid-Week Prayer Pause led by staff from PSEC, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conferences happens each Wednesday at noon. Take a break from your labors and restore your soul. You can Zoom into that gathering here.
 
Check in with the Conference Minister on Mondays at 11:00a online. Use this link to join the Zoom call and check in, share, and seek help from colleagues and conference staff. View previous calls:
  • Monday, May 11
  • Monday, May 18
  • Monday, June 1
  • This call featured a presentation by Rev. Dr. Jeanita W. Richardson, a Professor and Director of Community Education, Research and Practice in the Department of Public Health Science (PHS) in the University of Virginia, School of Medicine. Her slides on "Shepherding Through a Pandemic" are available here.
Join the 'Waking up White' book group that began Sunday

PSEC Interim Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian is hosting a book study of “Waking up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving. This is an opportunity to gain insight about what it means for white people to talk with each other and when with Black people, to listen, learn and support from behind. The group began on June 7 and will continue to meet Sundays from 3:00-4:30p until July 5. Join the Zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87029754462?pwd=TkdqY3JoOXdCVy8rYmM1N1ppZHFvUT09
Meeting ID: 870 2975 4462
Password: 423414
You may purchase a hard copy or a Kindle version of the book by visiting your favorite book provider. If you have any questions, feel free to email minasian@psec.org .
Insurance Board prints COVID-19 liability guide for churches

As churches are planning to gather again following decreased restrictions, many are wondering "Is there increased liability if someone gets sick from attending a church event, worship service, or from working or volunteering at my church?" To answer this and other liability questions, the Insurance Board has released this FAQ sheet . Find this and other resources on the pandemic, re-opening buildings, and disaster response at psec.org/coronavirus .
New pandemic loan from the Cornerstone Fund

Leaders of the financial ministries of the United Church of Christ have created a loan vehicle shepherded by the Cornerstone Fund to make available low interest loans to UCC congregations. $50,000 has been made available to congregations in our Conference. You can apply for low interest (2.5%) short term loans (1 year). Details about this loan can be found at cornerstonefund.org/psec/
Loan applications are due July 15, 2020.
Registration now open for PA Academy of Ministry courses

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is offering online classes this year. Register for Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis (starting Saturday, June 27 taught by Rev. Dr. Brunilda Martinez) or Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding (starting Saturday, Aug. 7 taught by Rev. Holly MillerShank). Both classes are 6-weeks and offer 2.5 CEUs. Cost is only $325. For details or to register, click here .
PSEC climate team starts
50-50-50 green church initiative

The PSEC Climate Justice Workshop Group invites churches to commit to doing something "green". The 50-50-50 Challenge is that 50 PSEC churches will commit to do something to mitigate climate change during the 50 days of Easter for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. 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 .
Philadelphia guidelines for churches gathering again

Last week, Philadelphia Mayor Kenney announced a "Safer at Home" plan for reopening when the Stay-at-Home order is lifted. The plan -- available here -- specifically outlines guidelines for religious communities. On Wednesday at 11:00a the city will host "Yellow Phase Faith: Questions and Considerations for Houses of Worship," special COVID-19 update call for Faith Leaders. Register here.
Spiritual life workshops being offered for lay leaders
 
A course on Spiritual Life will meet at Trinity UCC, Telford on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 as follows:  
  • Sept. 26 - Spiritual growth through congregational worship
  • Oct. 24 - Spiritual growth through personal disciplines
  • Nov. 14 - Spiritual growth through small groups
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. Registration is being accepted now. Enrollment will be limited due to social gathering restrictions. Click here for more information including how to register.
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 .
Apply now: Sabbath Reading for Preachers event in October

We invite you to experience 3 days of Sabbath-keeping and renewal Oct. 27-29 at Mariawald Renewal Center, Shillington. You will spend three days with 15 other colleagues. It will be a time of nourishing rest and reflection. The event is being facilitated by Daniel Moser, Hilary Barrett, Jonathan Hauze, Tony Villareal, and Teresa Martin. Click here for more info. The deadline to apply is June 15.
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. Mark's UCC, Reading (10 hrs/ week)
  • 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 at Zwingli UCC, Souderton



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
Classified Ads

Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
Educational Opportunities

View more events on the PSEC Calendar
Church Events
July 13: Miller-Keystone Blood Drive in Souderton

Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
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!