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Important This Week
- Today is the last chance to register for Advanced Boundary Training: Responding to the Other
- Statement on a peaceful election
- Resources, articles from Zachariah Walker Racial Justice team
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From the Associate Conference Minister: Otis' Dream
I remember to this day the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., tell the story of the first time his father, Otis Moss, Sr., went to vote. Dr. Moss’ heritage, like my own, is from the many rural African American communities of Georgia. For many years of his ministry, when Dr. Moss would preach in different locations, people would request that he tell this story. A story about a black widower who got dressed in his finest suit, and walked a total of almost 25 miles, as he was turned away from one polling place after another, by those who were determined to make sure that we was disenfranchised.
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Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, pastor of Trinity UCC in Chicago, has recently developed a short film about this story called Otis’ Dream. You can watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=CyctjUB2z8g. Whatever your historic orientation in these United States of America, there is something universal about a person's determination to lay hold of their God given and constitutional right to vote. Please watch this film and share it with anyone who needs a little inspiration on just how valuable the vote is and just how far many in our history were willing to go to secure it.
Rev. Cean James
Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development
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An Advent Examination:
When Bigotry Paraded Through Our Churches and the Streets
by Rev. Anne Cormier, Co-Chair
Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative (ZWRJI) Task Force.
As we approach the season of Advent and prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew, the PSEC Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative (ZWRJI) task force, named for the man who was brutally lynched on August 13, 1911 in Coatesville, Pa., is committed to expand our consciousness and conversations around racial justice issues with the hope of nurturing anti-racism efforts in our congregations and communities. The ZWRJI 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.
White supremacy continues to linger in our churches and in the psyche of American Christendom. Author and researcher Robert P. Jones, in his book White Too Long, reveals that racism and Christianity have a positive correlation; that a white person is more likely to be racist if they are church-going Christians.
Let that sink in for a minute.
Jones writes, “Four hundred years after the first African slave landed on our shores, and more than 150 years after the abolition of slavery, a combination of social forces and demographic changes has brought the country to a crossroads. We white Christians must find the courage to face the fact that the version of Christianity that our ancestors built – “the faith of our fathers,” as the hymn celebrates it – was a cultural force that, by design, protected and propagated white supremacy. We have inherited this tradition with scant critique, and we have a moral and religious obligation to face the burden of that history and its demand on our present. And we have to accept, given the way in which white supremacy has burrowed into our Christian identity, that refusing to address this sinister disorder in our faith will continue to generate serious negative consequences not just for our fellow Americans but also for ourselves and our children.” (pg. 234, emphasis mine) …
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PA Council of Churches statement on 2020 election
A Statement Calling for a Peaceful 2020 Election: "While Americans have always had their differences based on political preferences and how we work to progress the ideal of “liberty and justice for all,” for years we managed to find ways to work together to accomplish this end. All that has changed, and while it has been coming for some time, ideological differences have hardened into sharp lines of division. Those who disagree are not simply wrong, they have become the enemy. Anger and antipathy have escalated, and neighbors with different positions are vilified. In some cases, anger has intensified into rage, and then to physical violence." Read more.
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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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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 faith communities can do to compel congress to pass the climate legislation that our world needs so much right now. In congressional districts across the country, 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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Next Search and Call Computer-Side Chat next week
The next Computer-Side Chat will be held next 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. A link to the service will come with next week’s eNews.
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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'Responding to the Other' Boundary Training Thursday
On Thursday, there will be an online Advanced Boundary Training on “Responding to the Other”. Regardless of who wins the election emotions will run high. How do individuals and churches address their differences? What skills help us engage each other? This workshop will focus on what makes tough conversations productive and safe when emotions run high. Today is the last chance to register for this 3-hour training, click here.
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Recording from Communion Zoom meeting on Monday
During the weekly check-in Zoom call with the Conference Minister Monday, guest speakers Rev. Dr. Deborah Clemens from PSEC and Dr. Lee Barrett, Professor of Systematic Theology at Lancaster Seminary facilitated a conversation about the theology of virtual communion. Rev. Clemens wrote on the topic of virtual communion this article which we have shared in previous Conference communications and on the PSEC COVID-19 Resources webpage. To view a recording of that call, click here.
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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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Watch the memorial service for Rev. Jean DeLong Custer
On Oct. 25, a memorial service was held for Rev. Jean DeLong Custer at St. Peter UCC, Knauertown. Rev. Custer died on March 13. Click here to view the service.
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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:
Peace in Zion UCC, Zieglerville: We learned that "Matthew 25: Ministries accepts donations of empty plastic pill bottles for inclusion in shipments of medical supplies and for shredding and recycling. Our pill bottle program fulfills the dual needs of improving medical care in developing countries and caring for our environment." (m25m.org) Peace In Zion is collecting pill bottles, and to date have collected 80 bottles. We are so pleased that our empty bottles will help someone, and will not land in a land fill.
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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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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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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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Bethany Children's Home shares Christmas lists
Each year, Bethany youth and team members look forward to Hanging of the Greens service, cookie socials, ornament exchanges, fellowship opportunities, the Youth Christmas Dinner, Christmas Eve service, and of course, Christmas Day! We aren’t sure what Christmas will look like this year, but we will make the holiday season amazing for our youth! Click here to visit the "Holidays at Bethany" webpage where you can learn how to donate, view the Wish Lists, and review the drop-off info.
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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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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)
- 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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