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Important This Week
- Register by Wednesday for this weekend's church closure workshop
- Register by Monday for the clergy negotiating skills workshop
- Recommended book by Spring Annual Meeting speaker: "The Great Spiritual Migration"
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Register is still open for Saturday's church closure workshop
Necessary Endings:
When Does Closure Become an Option
Saturday, April 6
9:00a-12:00 noon
St. James UCC, Limerick
On an average day in the United States, nine churches close their doors for good. Since 2014, one PSEC congregation has closed, on average, every six months. This isn’t often talked about in church circles — partly because that news is filled with feelings of profound loss and grief. It’s the source of uncomfortable shame — that somehow church members failed to do all they could do to maintain their sacred space. It provokes questions about the power and/or presence of God. Taken together, these things make it difficult to say what sometimes needs to be said: “It's time for our church to close.”
This workshop is intended to create a safe space where difficult questions can be discerned with brothers and sisters who are sharing a similar predicament of congregation decline and potential closure.
You will receive resources and meet lay people and pastors who have church closure
experiences that can be put to work for you as you discern your own congregation’s future. There is no fee for this event, but registration is required. Register by Wednesday at midnight by
clicking here
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Read 'The Great Spiritual Migration' for Annual Meeting
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As previously announced
author, speaker, activist, and public theologian
Brian McLaren will join us for our Spring Meeting. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. Brian’s presentations during the weekend will be based on his book: “The Great Spiritual Migration – How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian”. Not to confuse you, the book can be found in two formats, hardback and paperback, each with a different cover. BOTH books are the same. Watch for more info on Annual Meeting and the possible opportunities to discuss “The Great Spiritual Migration”. Spring Meeting will take place May 31-June 1 at West Chester University.
Click here
to register.
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April ReadyPA disaster newsletter available now
The
April ReadyPA newsletter
provides information on being financially prepared if a disaster strikes and being on the lookout for scams after disasters. The April Action Sheet provides information on preparing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
Spring has Sprung! Now that threats of winter hazards are over, springtime severe weather begins. The State Meteorologist provides tips on how to prepare for severe weather.
Did you know April 7-13 is National Volunteer Week? There are approximately 20 million volunteer hours of service per year. Look for opportunities in your community to volunteer.
Please pass this info on to your church, your family and friends. Remember, both the ReadyPA Monthly and the Action Sheet are available at
www.Ready.PA.gov
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Consistory Presidents gathering scheduled for May 11
A Gathering Community for Consistory Presidents is forming now. Many of our Pastors meet regularly in clergy groups to support one another, share ideas, and pray for each other. A gathering community for Consistory Presidents will offer similar opportunity for these critical lay leaders. As Presidents of Consistory (or other governing body of your church), we 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.
Brenda Semach, Consistory President of Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC, invites you to a gathering
9:00-11:00a
Saturday, May 11
at Falkner Swamp,
2077 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville
(Covenant Assoc.). Please RSVP to her:
kbsemach@aol.com
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Registration open for June 3-5 Mercersburg Convocation
Registration is open for the Mercersburg Convocation, June 3-5 at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The theme will be "Mercersburg: Does It Matter?" In light of the existential angst felt by Americans in general and American Christians in particular we are drawn to the following questions: What really matters in our world today? What matters for the people of faith? What matters for people of no faith? Has cynicism and despair taken over? Have the traditional “Loves” commanded by Torah and reaffirmed by Christ gotten lost, sidelined, rationalized away?
Click here
for a brochure with registration form or
click here
to register online.
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Sign up for 'How to Negotiate a Call Contract' workshop
The Church & Ministry Council is following up on the survey conducted last year with the actively serving female clergy. One of the results of that survey was a request for education regarding negotiating a call. Therefore, on April 10 at Trinity UCC in Pottstown from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. we will be offering a negotiating call workshop. This is open to ALL clergy not just female clergy. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here
to register.
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Budget and Finance Committee needs a few new members
The PSEC is looking for a few new members for the Budget and Finance Committee. The Committee is an important component of the Financial Operations of your Conference organization. Here is a description of the duties of the Committee:
- Attend 6 regularly scheduled meetings and special meetings as required. The meetings are usually held at the Conference office near Pottstown.
- Review and approve Conference Financial Statements in advance of the bi-monthly Consistory meetings.
- Review and approve the Conference’s annual budget. This is done once annually in advance of the Fall Meeting.
- Recommend Conference financial policies to Consistory.
- Other duties as necessary.
We are looking for folks with some financial background. If you are interested in serving in this important role within the PSEC leadership, please send an email to Rob Stilwell, describing your qualifications and a resume if available. His email address is
laurel.mountie@comcast.net
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Educational Opportunities
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Missed a week? Read past eNews here:
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