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Important This Week
- There are church openings in four associations! Check the list for part-time and full-time openings.
- Workshops coming up in Schuylkill
- Resources for the coronavirus
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From the Conference Minister: On the coronavirus
Dear Friends,
In response to the Coronavirus, I have received numerous guidance-offering emails. I suspect you have too. Some of that information is included with this
e-blast. There is no shortage of direction from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, our own National Church and many others, in addition to the very good work of our Disaster Ministries Coordinator Rev. Karl Jones who is in constant contact with both the Pennsylvania and Federal Emergency Management Agencies. Let me say these three things.
First, we are people of faith, not of fear. God needs us, I expect us, to be sources of non-anxious presence in a very anxious time. That is the most certain path to witness to the very powerful presence of the resurrected Spirit of Jesus Christ and God's dominion over this world and our lives.
Second, use common sense. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the volume of information presented by countless media and government outlets. It is important to gather as much factual information as possible to inform your own capacity to react to this crisis with thoughtful reasonableness. Trust your instincts working in conjunction with those with whom you minster. Make safe-guarding your own wellness and that of the people closest to you your first priority.
And finally, do not make decisions alone. The collective discernment capacity of lay leaders is significant and life-giving and can be trusted to find the best way forward for each community, congregation and ministry setting. That discernment may lead some congregations to halt worshiping. It may lead others to continue worshiping with enhanced sensitivity to the virus. We will get through this uncertain time together.
I, and our Conference staff, will continue with all planned events including Conference/Association and Committee meetings, preaching engagements, and training events, until such time as their planners or Conference Consistory and our Association Executive Committees determine that a different course of action is required. We will regularly communicate about that via this e-blast, email, and our Conference webpage.
You remain, as ever, in my prayers.
Rev. Bill Worley
Conference Minister
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Coronavirus resources now available at PSEC.org
In the Disaster Response resource section of the PSEC website, you can now find resources for your church's response to COVID-19. Find guidance from the CDC, WHO, and the PA Department of Health, resources from the United Church of Christ and other denominations -- including how to host church digitally and safety precautions within the church -- and printable resources for posting in your building and sharing in bulletins and newsletters. Visit
psec.org/coronavirus
.
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Deadline next week: spiritual life workshops for lay leaders
A course on Spiritual Life will meet at Trinity UCC, Telford on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 as follows:
- March 28 - Spiritual growth through congregational worship
- April 25 - Spiritual growth through personal disciplines
- May 16 - 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 $25 per congregation. Registration, including names of participants, with phone and e-mail, are required by March 20.
Click here
for more info including how to register.
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Recent international grants awarded by Disaster Ministries
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UCC Disaster Ministries has contributed a $5,000 solidarity grant toward a growing ecumenical response to the coronavirus emergency in China. Funds will enable purchase and air shipment of medical standard masks and robes to the Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese social organization founded in 1985 on the initiative of Chinese Christians.
Click here to read more.
Disaster Ministries also recently granted $5,000 for fire survivors in Australia, $10,000 for typhoon and earthquake survivors in the Philippines and $12,500 for winterization items for Syrians struggling to survive prolonged war, massive displacement and dire economic conditions.
Click here to read more
.
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Pastoral Colloquy 2020 set with German, UCC pastors
Pastors from Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, Southern, and Wisconsin conferences as well as
Evangelische Kirche Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz and Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland will gather July 26-31 for a week of learning, discussion, and fellowship at Elizabethtown College. For more information and to register,
click here
.
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Lehigh County Conference of Churches hiring director
Lehigh County Conference of Churches is looking for a Executive Director. For the job description and how to apply,
click here
.
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Lay leaders gathering set for later this month in Gilbertsville
A gathering for lay leaders and consistory presidents will meet March 21 from 9:00a-11:00a at Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC, 2077 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, to support one another, share ideas, and pray for each other. Church lay leaders have opportunity and roadblocks facing us at all times. Our goal is to brainstorm, support, pray, laugh, and learn together in a confidential environment, so that we are strengthened to build healthy, vibrant, and faithful churches. There is no fee to attend. Contact Brenda Semach, Consistory President of Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC, with any questions and to RSVP:
kbsemach@aol.com
.
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WISE Conference on Mental Health planned in Allentown
UCC W.I.S.E. (Welcoming. Inclusive. Supportive. Engaged) will be hosting a Conference on Mental Health Saturday, May 16 at Jordan UCC, Allentown. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, UCC Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice. WISE featured speakers include: Rev. Amy Petré Hill (Minister of Mental Health & Inclusion at Mountain View United Church, Aurora, CO) and Robin Kempster (Parish Nurse at First Church Berkeley UCC in California). Registration is now open.
Click here
for lots more information.
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Deadline this week: Berks Co. UCC college scholarship
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.
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Pastor's son featured on news segment on health study
Dr. Rohit Soans, a bariatric health expert and son of Rev. Dr. Chandra Soans, joined Good Day Philadelphia last week to discuss the national obesity rate.
Click here
to watch that segment.
The January/February issue of the Wellness Ministries of the UCC featured information on the state of obesity in America, as well. To read that newsletter or subscribe,
click here
.
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Schuylkill Haven church hosting survivor workshop
First UCC, 110 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven will host "ACEs and Resilience: The invisible and unexpected consequences of early adversity, toxic stress and the power of connection on Thursday, March 19 from 9a-12 noon.
For more information,
click here
.
RSVP by March 12 to Rev. Shawn Van Dyke at
firstuccpastor@verizon.net
.
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Workshop this Saturday on avoiding church decline
The Tamaqua Ministerial Association and the Tamaqua Faith Fellowship Network are sponsoring "Autopsy of a Deceased Church", a workshop for ordained and lay leaders this Saturday, March 14 from 10a-2p at Trinity UCC, 22 Laffayette Street, Tamaqua. Register by March 11.
Click here
for more information.
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UCC launches campaign to plant 50,000 trees for Earth Day
Over the course of 50 days in 2013, the United Church of Christ planted over 141,000 trees as part of Mission 4/1 Earth. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd, this year we are seeking to
plant over 50,000 trees in ten days from April 17 to 26.
In expanding the scope of our collaborative efforts in 2020, the UCC’s
Ministry of Environmental Justice
has partnered with Interfaith Power and Light to make this tree planting campaign part of their
Faith Climate Action Week
. To participate, churches and their members can plant their own trees or they can have trees planted on their behalf. The UCC has provided four options for organizations that can do the work for you. Additionally, worship resources are provided for congregations to celebrate the planting of trees.
Learn more about the different possibilities and resources available.
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CWS Kit and Blanket Shipping Report now available for 2019
The UCC and Church World Service have released the 2019 CWS Kit and Blanket Shipping Report.
Click here
to view that.
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Registration for Spring Meeting open for just two more months
This year's PSEC Annual Spring Meeting will be held June 4-6 at The Inn at Reading. You
must pre-register
for the event before May 3. No registrations can be accepted after that date.
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Changes made to the PA Child Protective Services Law
Effective Dec. 31, 2019, the PA legislature amended the Child Protective Services Law to prohibit the employment of an individual who works with children on a provisional basis (without all certifications being obtained). All certifications must be obtained prior to employment. There are waivers for certain facilities; not churches.
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PNEC installing Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates
You are invited to the installation of Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates as the fourth Conference Minister of the Penn Northeast Conference on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00p at UCC Greenawalds, 2325 Albright Ave., Allentown. There will be a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall. There will be procession of clergy; please wear your favorite stole.
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Global Ministries planning Holy Land tour for clergy, MIDs
Disciples of Christ/UCC Global Ministries is planning a "Palestine/Israel Pilgrimage: An Alternative Holy Land Tour for Clergy & Seminarians" from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11. For more information,
click here
.
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Church Events
Submit Church Events
here
View a complete list of Church Events
here
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Transitions
Week of March 10
Rev. Sharon Morris's first Sunday at Calvary UCC, Barto.
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Educational Opportunities
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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads
here
View a complete list of Classified Ads
here
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- 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)
If you’re interested in a position, contact Rev.Dr. Susan Minasian:
minasian@psec.org
or 484-949-8774 ext. 302.
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Missed a week? Read past eNews 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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