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Important This Week
- Tomorrow is the deadline to register for Fall Meeting
- Computer-side chat tonight with Cean James and Susan Minasian
- Sign the PSEC anti-racism statement
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From the Interim Associate Conference Minister:
What is your MISSION? What is your CALL?
I hear many people talk about the times we are in. Depending on the make up of a congregation I hear different things. Here is what I am going to ask you to do.
Whenever I am conflicted about anything, I know it is a moment when my head and my heart and my experience and what I hope for can all be swimming around looking for a place to land. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I prayerful ask for God to guide me to do God’s will. There are some things I read PRAYERFULLY and then I pray for discernment and then I pray in silence, I pray walking, I pray listening and I pray to recognize what God is speaking.
I turn to two books for all of this. The first is the Bible and the second is the United Church of Christ Book of Worship. I read my confirmation verse and other verses that remind me of the words of Jesus. I then read the Order for Baptism and then Confirmation which is the Affirmation of our Baptism. As an ordained clergywoman I then read the Service of Ordination. Next, I read the Code of Ethics for Clergy. Last but not least, I read the Mission Statement of wherever I have been serving at that moment. ALL of these inspired words of God are what guide my values and my life. ALL of this helps me answer what my mission is to be with other people of faith in community and what my call is when it comes to my personal vocation as an individual.
When I rise and stand on the solid ground of Jesus… I fear nothing. Now, all of this comes with a disclaimer. This comes with the willingness to lose my life for life in Christ. Following Jesus Christ comes with a cost. In the UCC Statement of Faith we proclaim the “Cost and Joy of Discipleship”. It is a price I am willing to pay because I belong ONLY to Christ.
My prayer for each of you reading this today, is that you will make time as an individuals and communities of faith to sit with these inspired words of YOUR Baptism, YOUR Confirmation, YOUR code of ethics, YOUR ordination vows and YOUR Mission Statement as a congregation or other community of Christ’s service… and in doing all of that…discern what is your MISSION and what is your CALL/VOCATION.
I’ll be holding us all in prayer. Remember what Jesus said is the greatest commandment: Matthew 22:37-40, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Remember our children are learning about what to believe and do, by the words they hear and the actions they see. What will they see of your MISSION and your CALL?
Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian
Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call
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Register for Sunday's Fall Meeting now
Registration is just below quorum for this weekend's meeting
The 2020 PSEC Fall Meeting will be this Sunday, Nov. 15 from 3:00-5:00p on Zoom. There is no fee for this meeting, but you must pre-register to receive the link and for administrative reasons. Register now by clicking here. Registration will close tomorrow at midnight. The meeting agenda includes:
- reports from the Environmental Justice, Addiction, and Zachariah Walker working groups
- report on the movement toward a mobile/hybrid PSEC office
- OCWM report and approval of the 2021 spending plan
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Sign on to the PSEC Anti-Racism Statement
The PSEC Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative (Zachariah Walker RJI) task force, named for the man who was brutally lynched on August 13, 1911 in Coatesville, Pa., is committed to expanding our consciousness and conversations around racial justice issues with the hope of nurturing anti-racism efforts in our congregations and communities. The task force invites congregations and individuals to a deeper awakening of the impact systemic racism and white supremacy have on white American Christian faith and culture. To that end, we issue the following statement on anti-racism.
PSEC Anti-Racism Statement
The Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ commits itself to the proclamation of the Gospel and the furthering of the mission of Jesus Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we are all called to follow the mandate to love one another completely, regardless of race, creed, gender, culture or difference. This is our mission: to speak the truth with love to powers and principalities, confronting bigotry and bias wherever we go.
We acknowledge the role that white Christians have played in both denying and, at the same time supporting, racist structures and attitudes, and we humbly beg forgiveness for our conforming to the evil of racism. We understand that bias can be an unconscious and unintentional failure, as well as a chosen worldview. We are reminded by the Scriptures that diversity and inclusion are necessary components of a mature, radically welcoming faith. We accept that each one of us has our own story to tell, our own history to own, and our own confession around racism for which we must atone.
Over the centuries, we have seen the pain and suffering brought about by systemic racism, and we commit ourselves to being proactively anti-racist in our work, our worship, and our communities. While we mourn the tragic losses created by a system rooted in white supremacy and nurtured by a system of white privilege, we commit ourselves to doing the work of Jesus to overcome hatred and oppression in our faith communities. We commit ourselves to opposing racism wherever it appears, whether it be institutional, economic, faith-based, or social.
Finally, we promise to be allies to all who are oppressed by these systems, committing ourselves to listen to the words of those who have been harmed by racism. We will stand in support of all who face oppressive situations, working together to dismantle the structures of this sin. We do this as servants of the risen Christ, who was Himself a poor person of color, oppressed by an invading nationalistic power, who was murdered for standing with others just like Him.
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- Ray Edwards
- Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohnsman
- Ann-Therese Ortiz
- Rev Anne Cormier
- Rev. Beth Lyon
- Rev. Leslie Mamas
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7. Susan Wargo
8. Rev. Bill Worley
9. Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian
10. Rev. Cean James
11.
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It is our hope that, as we circulate this statement during Advent, it promotes both reflection and discussion. During this time, individuals and congregations are invited to add your signature to ours. The letter with signatures will be released to the media on January 15, 2021, the start of the weekend of MLK Day.
In order to add your name to ours, please email Anne Cormier (annecormier@comcast.net). Please put “PSEC Anti-Racism Statement” as the subject of the email, and in the body of the email include your name, your church’s name and town.
Together, let us begin this Advent season with courage in our hearts and pray that Christ gives us the ability to understand this as a white problem that mars the soul of Christianity and our nation.
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Next Search and Call Computer-Side Chat tonight
The next Computer-Side Chat will be held tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:00p. This month my guest will be Rev. Cean James, Associate Conference Minister of Congregational Development. Rev. James is going to give a presentation around Natural Church Development. Many times congregations that are in an interim season need to engage in assessment of who they are, what they are called to do and how they want to move into their future. I have learned that this is also something that isn’t a one-time task but can be approached as a Spiritual Practice for congregations as a whole. If you have any questions, please contact me at minasian@psec.org. The link to join that call on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:00p is here. If you need information to phone in, email brea@psec.org.
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Recorded services for churches coming in November
You and your congregation are invited to the Council of Conference Ministers’ virtual worship service! The service has been recorded and will be ready for use on Sunday, Nov. 15 in full and in parts, but can be used at any time. The liturgy and sermon are centered around the Parable of the Talents. We expect that service to be available on Thursday. It will be emailed to pastors when it has been shared with us.
Additionally, the PSEC Ministry Team will be creating a recorded service for use in churches on Sunday, Nov. 29. A link to the service will be in an upcoming eNews.
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'A Very UCC Christmas' pageant set for use in worship
The staff of the national setting is working on a Christmas Pageant and full worship service coming for Local Churches to use as worship for on or around Dec. 27, or in pieces, with each piece downloadable as a video file. In the meantime, as you're planning for Advent and Christmas, a list of music videos and scripture, and details about a "Lessons and Carols" service and a full movie "A Very UCC Christmas" are available here.
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Conference Minister joins sermon series on missions
This weekend, Ridge Valley UCC's Sunday service was streamed live from the PSEC Conference office where Conference Minister Rev. Bill Worley discussed the ministry of the Conference and how we work for and with churches. View the whole service here.
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'Reset for Renewal' scheduled for those who work with youth
Today is the deadline to register for Reset for Renewal, a three-day virtual gathering on Nov. 12-14 to foster relationships, reclaim your resilience and gifts for ministry, and reconnect with the pulse of young people amid today’s world. This program will meet the needs of those serving young people in various ways for personal development, spiritual grounding, and collaboration to strengthen individual and collective witness to the Church and world. This event is open to clergy, churches, outdoor ministries, and all other youth-serving ministries. Registration is $99, but because the hosts don’t want cost to be a barrier to anyone attending, a discounted rate of $49 is available by using the code RESET50. To register, click here.
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Churches commit to change;
PSEC 50-50-50 Challenge
The PSEC Climate Justice Working Group has started the 50-50-50 Green Church Initiative, challenging 50 PSEC churches to make a commitment to do something to mitigate climate change in the coming months. Churches can hold a special service, share educational materials, take on a project of recycling or composting, or many other things. One is example is here:
Rosedale UCC, Laureldale: Our church is planning to join the denomination-wide goal of planting 50,000 trees. We will plant trees at our church, around our homes, or have a tree planted for $1 in a National Park. We plan to cease using Styrofoam cups at church gatherings. Our building committee will continue to have our boiler serviced annually. And we plan to plant a butterfly garden in our church yard in the spring.
For a list of all churches that have made a commitment, more suggestions for actions your congregation can take, and a form you can use for your church to accept the challenge, visit psec.org/green.
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Clean-up buckets needed by Church World Service
There's a new drop-off site for Church World Service buckets and kits in PSEC! Consider starting a project to compile clean-up buckets or other CWS kits. The deadline to apply for matching grants through the UCC is Jan. 31. UCC congregations may apply for up to $250 to supplement their own efforts to assemble these life-giving supplies. Click here for information and to apply. To look for a drop-off site near you, visit PSEC.org.
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Download your free 3 Great Loves Advent toolkit today
Download your free 3 Great Loves Advent Toolkit today. Knowing that this Advent season is unlike past years due to the pandemic, this resource was adapted with online and streaming worship in mind. The toolkit includes:
- a sample suggested calendar
- theme graphics
- weekly social media graphics
- weekly Advent video prayers on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love for use in worship and on social media.
Prayers are written and recorded by UCC clergy and lay leaders from across the life of the church.
3 Great Loves is our denomination-wide mission initiative, telling the story of how we live out God’s love through the lens of 3 Great Loves: Love of Neighbor, Love of Children, and Love of Creation. To share the stories of how we, as a united church, live out God’s love in missional, measurable, and meaningful ways, please visit 3greatloves.org.
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Thank you from Wentz's UCC 'Creep it Real'
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! For families in our region facing food insecurity, you've made this fall a little less scary! Through your incredible generosity, we collected more than 1500 LBS of non-perishable food items and carloads of cleaning supplies at CREEP IT REAL! We also welcomed more than 100 guests into Wentz's "haunted" cemetery. That doesn't count those who survived their spooky drive...and then came back to drive through again! You can see pictures here. CREEP IT REAL is a terrific example of what Wentz's UCC is all about - coming together to share kindness and create change in the world. It only took a few weeks to change lives forever! Thank you for making a difference!
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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Webinar: Prophets and Power: Compelling Congress to Act
In the tradition of prophets who spoke and acted with the power of their faith during critical times, this webinar focuses on what churches can do to compel congress to pass the climate legislation that our world needs. Faith-rooted advocates have enormous potential to be the moral and spiritual force needed in this moment. The featured panelists for this webinar include Rabbi Daniel Swartz from the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, Shantha Ready Alonso from Creation Justice Ministries, and Todd Fernandez from Climate Crisis Policy. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time on Nov. 18 at 1:00p, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Sign up now to join the webinar!
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Rev. Trudy Irving installation set at St. Paul's, Sellersville
Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share.
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Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy from Zachariah Walker team
On behalf of the Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative Team, we’d like to thank Rev. Rebecca Hoover for creating this wonderful Advent Candle lighting liturgy for congregations this Advent season. To download or view the liturgy, check out the "Liturgical Offerings" section of the Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative webpage: psec.org/zachariah-walker.
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Monday Meetings with the Conference Minister continue
Each Monday at 11:00a, authorized ministers and church leaders are invited to check in with the Conference Minister, Rev. Bill Worley, on a Zoom call to share experiences in this season of COVID, ask for advice, and be in community together. We encourage you to join this opportunity for theological and practical reflection and discussion. Click here to join the call on Monday.
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Updated list available: PSEC churches online this fall
If your church isn't currently worshipping or you are not able or comfortable attending services, we have compiled a list of churches in PSEC that are holding digital/ virtual worship experiences. Share this with others that might not have another option for worship. Click here for an updated list.
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New resource for churches to share worship components
Several churches asked for more worship resources: music for live-streaming, worship components, and services from the Conference staff. In response to that, PSEC created a Google Drive for churches and pastors to share worship components. If you or your congregation recorded a service, sermon, children's moment, musical selection, or order for communion you would allow others to use, upload that video to the Google Drive. Note: each church needs to take responsibility for its own copyright use. Visit the Google Drive (drive.google.com/drive/folders/18wnxvyEEbyEaVhx0Tonj0DU_j2TbZ_by?usp=sharing) and read "PLEASE READ: Requirements" for more information.
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- Bern Reformed UCC, Leesport (three-quarter time settled)
- Calvary UCC, Barto, and Pennsburg UCC (full-time designated-term)
- Christ Delong UCC, Bowers and St. Peter's UCC, Topton (3/4-time interim)
- St. James UCC, Limerick (3/4-time, interim)
- St. John's UCC, Pottstown (part-time interim)
- St. John's UCC, Schuylkill Haven
- Salem Hetzel's UCC (shared ministry; full-time interim)
- 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.
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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads here
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Educational Opportunities
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Church Events
Submit Church Events here
View a complete list of Church Events here
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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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