Important This Week

• PSEC OCWM Thank You for 2023
• Registration open for clergy conflict resolution workshop
• Taskforce hosting free event for grandparents raising grandchildren
• Keystone Working Group Update

From the Conference Minister:

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons;          

Mark 1:32-34b

Whole libraries could be filled with books about the healing power of the holy. Some books are filled with miraculous stories, others with healthy skepticism. The social sciences haven’t taken a conclusive position on the veracity of Jesus’ healings (that I am aware of) but there is general consensus that religious participation lends itself to overall health and well-being. Regular worship is correlated with less depression, greater social support, greater life satisfaction, more charitable giving, more volunteering, and greater civic engagement among other positive effects. But what effect does the act of leading worship and a religious community have on its leaders particularly clergy and their capacity to be agents of holy healing?

That question was taken up by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research’s project called “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations.” (Find that link by clicking here.) In general, the Hartford study found that, “clergy over all look quite mentally and emotionally healthy.” Among the things that contribute to that—healthy relationships between and among members and pastor(s), and the level of vitality and adaptability of a congregation. No surprise there.

But the study also found that “Over the past few years, we have seen an increasing number of clergy report being burnt out and having thoughts of wanting to leave [ministry].” More than half of religious leaders surveyed (1,700) seriously considered leaving pastoral ministry at least once in the last three years. Among the things that contribute to clergy burnout and/or departure—congregational resistance to meet new challenges, diminished energy, and (primarily) the presence of conflict.

I am very concerned for our colleagues in ministry who have shared some of their struggles with me and for the church and its serious shortage of mature, capable, and committed clergy and clergy candidates. The Hartford study does not offer immediate solutions but there are a few things we will do:

1.     I invite you to read the study and join clergy colleagues in conversation about it via zoom on Thursday, March 14 at 1:00pm. The registration for his event will be highlighted in next week’s eNews.

2.     Rev. Steven Treat will lead a workshop on “Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors” on Thursday, February 22 from 1-4pm. You can register for that here.

3.     Conference Consistory has set aside the funds necessary to create three workshops with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center for clergy and lay leaders on “Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches.” More information about is forthcoming.

The same healing, transformative spirit that was in Jesus Christ is still active in the world and in our lives. And there is hope that will not disappoint, “because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

Thanks be to God,

Pastor Bill

Rev. Bill Worley

Conference Minister

Thank you from PSEC!

Thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of people, communities, and pastoral leadership over the last year through your financial support. Whether you offered what you collected or included OCWM and other givings in your annual budget, you and your church extended the reach of the United Church of Christ.

As we close the books on 2023, PSEC congregations and individuals contributed $731,351 OCWM dollars toward the work of our Conference. With those funds, the PSEC 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!

Although $33,749 short of our OCWM goal of $765,100 the Conference was able to hold the line on expenses and due to unexpected gifts, ended the year with a positive cash flow! Your generosity in giving, besides supporting the work of the Conference, has also impacted many lives all over God’s creation. We were blessed to be able to pass through $76,510 (10% of our projected income) of your OCWM dollars to the National UCC office for their work.

Through OCWM and the other special offerings of the UCC, disaster relief collections, and pass throughs, $310,886 was sent through the Conference office in 2023 to support causes including disaster relief, Lancaster Seminary, Bethany Children’s Home, E&R Historical Society, Phoebe Homes, retiree support, etc., etc.

God bless you and thank you! Here’s to a meaningful and prosperous 2024 for all! 

Important Updates from the Keystone Working Group

Meeting January 19 by Zoom, we discussed the ongoing process overview. We reviewed the priority of functions to support the ministry of the local church and pastors in ministry settings. Out of all the functions identified, the top 5 functions were (1) Administrative/Legal, (2) Oversight/Authorization, (3) Pastoral Care, (4) Leadership Training and (5) Search and Call.

The Working Group approved final versions of the Case Statement and Basis for Union for the Keystone Project website. The Working Group also approved Frequently Asked Questions that consolidated questions and responses from our listening and presentation gatherings across all 4 conferences. You can find these documents and more information here.

The “big tent” has long been a descriptive term for the UCC that means different things to different people. The Working Group affirmed that we share a diverse spectrum and many commonalities. We strive for consensus and honor each perspective’s faithfulness to remain engaged in conversation. With our varied demographics, our theology and traditions, we embrace our deep commitment to the love of God and neighbor. We believe in this “big tent” way to be the Church! There is a place to be inspired and call “home” for all in this Keystone Conference “big tent,” because Together We Are Stronger!

Five subgroups will meet and gather more detailed information to share next steps in our progress toward further development of recommendations for a proposed merger of the 4 area conferences. Conference Ministers and Task Groups continue to study issues related to:

Finance

Governance

Legal Issues

Approval Process

Staffing Needs

Realizing that “Hope alone is not a strategy,” we know that merged ministries call for more resources to meet our aspirations. We believe any new conference programming and guidance will better equip and strengthen our many places of worship to be the starting points for transformation. Aspiration anchored in reality will guide us in meeting our goals.

We further explored our initial logo presentation and “Keystone Conference” name. We aim to create an image and name that will guide us as we form the new conference. It is important early on to secure domain and social media options to help us clearly and consistently communicate who we are in our process. The new body and governance leadership can then recommend logos and a conference name going forward. The initial logo design of the “Keystone Conference” is also available on the website.

Please visit the Keystone Conference Project website hosted by the PSEC. Your questions and comments continue to help us develop a greater shared ministry. You can always reach us by email or direct mail through your own area Conference Office.

Remember to Save the Date for the joint meeting of all 4 conference areas, June 7-9, 2024 at State College. A Communications Booklet will soon be developed in preparation for the event.

Sharing our progress in grace and hope,

KWG Communications Team

Steve Davis                      St. John’s UCC, Fullerton (PNEC)

Heather Kurtz                 Zion UCC, Arendtsville (PCC)

Bob Fogal                         Peace in Zion, Zieglerville (PSEC)

Deb Long                         First Trinity UCC, Youngwood (PWC)

*A study, discernment and working group of the 4 PA area UCC Conferences – Penn West, Penn Central, Penn NE, and Pennsylvania SE

Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors workshop

On Thursday, Feb. 22 at 1:00p, PSEC will host a training on "Conflict Resolution Skills for Pastors." Conflict is a normal part of life; unfortunately, the church is not exempt. This three-hour session will introduce (or refresh) participants to basic insights and skills necessary to manage conflicts in congregations. Join colleagues to learn to regard conflict not as a negative force, but as a positive opportunity for reconciliation, spiritual growth, and a renewed awareness of God’s intention for your church. For information and to register, click here.

Special event for grandparents raising grandchildren

"You Are Not Alone: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" will be held April 20 from 1:00p-5:00p at Calvary UCC, Reading. This program is being presented to provide resources, connections and support for grandparents raising grandchildren. Supervised children's activities will be offered during this free program. For more info and to register, click here.

Church Admins CoP

meeting next week on Zoom

Join other "Assistants and Secretaries of the PSEC for our "Community of Practice". On Feb. 7 at noon, the Church Admins will fellowship over lunch (via Zoom this time) and take time to share resources and connect. All admins welcome. Even if you haven't joined us before, you are welcome. Register for free, by clicking here.

PSEC supports Phoebe Ministries; find out more

Phoebe Ministries has long been a significant Ministry partner for the pastors, people, and members of both eastern and central Pennsylvania UCC conferences. They are continually recognized and awarded for exceptional care of our eldest community members. Our conference contributes about $9,000 annually to the support that care. Click here to find very simple yet informative facts about this valued Ministry partner. 

Clinical Pastoral Education set for this summer at Phoebe

Phoebe Ministries will be holding a summer CPE unit beginning in June. It will be a full-time commitment: 40 hours a week for 10 weeks for a full unit with ACPE. We do recognize, however, that students have other responsibilities and duties and may need to begin their clinical hours early and/or finish them after the official end of unit. We are willing to work with students on this if they are committed to completing a CPE unit with us at Phoebe this summer. For more info, click here.

Book Study on Wiesenthal's The Sunflower

Tuesday evenings in February, PSEC will hold an online book study for clergy and laypersons on the book The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. Participation is free and will constitute 3.75 hours of continuing education for clergy. Click here for more information and to register.

Sign up for book study with Racial Justice Team

The PSEC Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative is offering a six-week book study on Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change, by Christina Barland Edmondson and Chad Brennan. This book speaks directly to Christians who may feel ill-equipped to recognize and respond to racism. The authors use research analysis, theology, history, and social-political ethics to create interventions that challenge and resist racism in our institutions and everyday lives. There are two different time slots available for this exciting six-week book study:

• Thursdays from 7:00-8:00p, Feb. 1-March 7 (hosted by Rev. Ann Therese Ortiz and Liz Brunton)
• Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00p, Feb. 6-March 12 (hosted by Rev. Geneva Butz and Rev. Stephen Ohnsman)

Anyone is welcome to participate. To register, click here.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Save the Date

The PSEC Addiction and Recovery Task Force is hosting a gathering for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on April 20 from 1 to 5 at Calvary UCC, Reading. The program theme is “You are Not Alone”. There will be issues and information shared as well as time to mix and mingle with others who are facing similar challenges. For more information and to register, click here.

Forum on Youth Ministry at Princeton in April/May

The Institute for Youth Ministry’s Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary will be themed “Craft: The Future of Youth Ministry,” and the dates are April 30-May 3 on the seminary campus. The Forum is a unique opportunity for youth ministry leaders who crave a community of peers seeking to be transformed through theological reflection that meets practical application in ministry with young people. Click here for more info.

UCC Scholarships and Grants

Click here to check out the brochure of United Church of Christ Scholarships and Grants. The traditional timespan for applications is Dec. 1-March 1.

Non-profit FEMA grant intro seminars scheduled

FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate invites interested organizations to attend webinars regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The NSGP is a competitive grant awarded to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack for the purposes of facility hardening and other security enhancements. It is strongly recommended that you review the NSGP resources found here to maximize the benefit of attendance.

• Thursday, Feb. 8, 2:00p. Register.
• Friday, Feb. 16, 1:00p. Register.
• Thursday, Feb. 22, 3:00p. Register.
• Thursday, Feb. 29, 1:00p. Register.
• Friday, March 8, 2:00p. Register.
• Thursday, March 14, 4:00, Register.
• Friday, March 22, 2:00p. Register.

Following registration, you will receive a calendar invitation via email for the webinar. The link to join the webinar will be contained in that calendar event email. 

Registration open for 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation

On Saturday, April 6 from 8:30a-3:00p, PSEC will hold the 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation in Boyertown. This year's theme will be Sharing Leadership. For agenda, workshop descriptions, and registration, click here.

Pennsylvania UCC Noontime Lenten Prayer Gatherings

The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30p. The first prayer time is Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20. To register, click here.

Leaders will be:

• Feb. 21: David Ackerman
• Feb. 28: Nora Foust
• March 6: Carrie Call
• March 13: Bill Worley
• March 20: Bonnie Bates

Registration open now for

2024 Clergy Convocation

Registration is now open for Clergy Convocation, May 7-9 in Lancaster. Open to UCC clergy in Pennsylvania, our time together will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. There will be time dedicated for worship, reflection, gathering of affinity groups, and free time. Click here for more information, a tentative agenda, and registration.

Weekly virtual Lenten study from PA conferences

The Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast, and Pennsylvania Southeast conferences of the United Church of Christ invite you to join in this virtual Lenten opportunity! Meeting each Wednesday in Lent at 7:00p, this Bible Study explores the foundations of our identity as Christians and members of the UCC as we explore what the future may hold. Each week is unique so if you cannot attend every date you can still participate in as many as you are able. If you have questions, or you would like to participate in this study, email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link.

Topics will be:

• Feb. 21: Unity and Foundation
• Feb. 28: United Church of Christ
• March 6: Lent in Context
• March 13: The Priesthood of All Believers
• March 20: Communion

Next Theology with a Twist: Faith Formation and Families

The next Theology with a Twist will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:00p on the topic "Faith Formation and Families." The evening will include discussion on faith formation, programs that work and don't work, and how the church tends to be one step behind what families want and need in their faith lives. The panel includes Marjorie Hughes, Kimberly Berenotto, and Sara Hertzog. For more information, click here.

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