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Important This Week
- We look forward to seeing you this Saturday for the PSEC meeting. Don't forget to read the advance materials.
- Register now for "Annual Campaigns 101" on Aug. 22.
- Free COVID-19 ebook for kids.
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From the Conference Minister:
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.” Matthew 15
My youngest son Justin is in the doctoral program at Michigan State University. He is studying sports psychology in the school of kinesiology with a focus on servant leadership as that is developed in student athletes. I pay a good bit of attention to what he is learning and what he experiences in Michigan. Last week that took a turn toward the surreal when Leelanau County Road, Michigan, Commissioner Tom Eckerle was asked before a meeting of the county Commissioners why he was not wearing a mask. According to local reports, Eckerle responded by saying: "Well this whole thing is because of them n***** down in Detroit." When asked during a follow-up interview if he regretted it, he replied, "No, I don't regret calling it an n*****…” A n***** is a n***** is a n*****. That's not a person whatsoever."
Jesus is right. Out of the heart comes slander and some pretty evil intentions. Some among us still cling to the belief that racism is not an issue in America; that Tom Eckerle is an outlier and an exception to the rest of the nation. I am absolutely confounded by this perspective. Tom Eckerle's words are not unique or new nor are the racist actions that proceed from people who are like-minded. I become sick as I write this at the layers of racist attitudes we continue to pull back and the pathological denial by which that process is resisted. I want to apologize in some meaningful way to my friends of color. But my much more difficult task is confronting my white friends and colleagues, and myself, with what we know but struggle to transform.
I suppose there would be no hope for something different if what Jesus says is the end of truth; that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart which defiles things with evil intentions, murder, adultery (I would add racism) and all the rest. This is one of the few times where I depart from my master and teacher because I believe there are other things that proceed from the heart and out the mouth that restore, renew and resurrect. (A Canaanite woman challenges Jesus in this same pericope so I feel a little less trepidation at objecting). The Hebrew lectionary text that stands with the Matthew 15 text for this Sunday includes the story of Joseph being reconciled with his brothers in Egypt “And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you.” Despite having received the hatred, animosity and betrayal by his brothers who thought he was dead, Joseph in this moment of reunion, offers only love and grace which also proceed from the heart and out of the mouth.
The words given to pulling back the layers of racism in our nation must continue -- as painful as that is. I appreciate the conversations around Waking up White led by Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian. I am profoundly grateful for the work of the Zachariah Walker group a racial justice initiative that is taking shape in our Conference and which we will hear more about at this Saturday’s Annual Conference meeting. Every day I examine my attitude toward race, in the words I use and by the regrettable silence that perpetuates the problem; a silence says more sometimes than my words. But I know that I have a choice about the words that I use. They have profound impact on the hearts of others. So, I pray every day that God would guard mine. I pray that for you, too.
Be well in the care and keeping of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Bill
Rev. Bill Worley
Conference Minister
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From the Disaster Response Coordinator: Isaias information
My request to you during this storm is to let me know if there are activations and unmet needs in your communities. The PSEC Disaster Team stands ready to help if needed.
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If you and your church need to make a plan to protect yourself and others during this time of COVID-19 go to CDC Hurricanes and COVID-19.
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If you or your people need to talk to a listening ear in this time of hurricanes and COVID-19 click here for information on a 24/7 call line.
- Please seek guidance in the midst of Isaias from county and municipal websites and to register with your county or municipal emergency alert system.
Please remain alert of changing conditions.
Shalom,
Karl
Rev. Karl Jones
Disaster Response Coordinator
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PSEC Special Meeting happening online this Saturday
On Saturday, Aug. 15 the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference will meet on the Zoom platform for a Conference Meeting. Registration for the meeting is now closed. For online materials -- including advance reports, the nominating slate, Rev. Bill Worley's renomination statement, and more -- click here.
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Virtual forum on hate crime and religious institutions
The Protecting Places of Worship Forum, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, will educate faith leaders on hate crimes laws and statistics; how to prevent and respond to hate crimes that target houses of worship and religious institutions; and how to secure places of worship leveraging resources and best practices from government agencies. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Choose from Aug. 13 or 27. Click here to register.
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Free children's book to help children process COVID-19 |
"We're Going to Be O.K." Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb and Ashleigh Corrin Webb live in Charlottesville Virginia. They wrote this award winning book for children and have released it to the world FREE!!!
Click here and you can get your own ebook version with Print Me pages that allow children to reflect. (Available in English or Spanish.) I hope you will enjoy this gift that we have been given.
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Stewardship events set with Generosity Outreach Officer
Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, and Penn Northeast conferences are working with the UCC's Generosity Outreach Officer to create three workshops for our churches and leaders. Registration is now open for "Annual Campaigns 101" on Aug. 22. Upcoming events also include "Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry" on Oct. 17 and "Spirituality of Generosity" on Jan. 20. More information is available on this flyer for you to share.
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Updated list available: PSEC churches online this summer
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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Coronavirus resources available for churches, pastors
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Insurance Board newsletter now available for Summer '20
The Summer 2020 issue of The Steward, the Insurance Board's newsletter on insurance concerns that affect churches, is available now. Get updates on COVID-19, information on creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan, information on hurricane, wildfires, and tornadoes, and more. Click here to read.
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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. Share your experiences with ministry in this season of COVID with other clergy, ask for advice, and be in community together. Click here to join the call on Monday. (Use this link every Monday through Oct. 6.)
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Help keep your church safe with new resources
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a webpage specifically dedicated to providing access to information that supports efforts to secure houses of worship. For that valuable information, click here.
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PSEC climate team challenges churches to commit to change
Climate change is one of the most complex issues facing us today. It involves many dimensions and is a global problem. However, it is felt on a local level and there are solutions that any one of us and our churches can do. The PSEC Climate Justice Working Group invites churches to commit to doing something "green". The Working Group challenges 50 PSEC churches to make a commitment to do something to mitigate climate change in the coming months. Churches can take on garden-planting, recycling, composting, tree planting, and/or preaching about caring for the earth. It only takes a couple of people to listen to climate webinars at ucc.org or read one of many books. For a list of churches that have made a commitment, suggestions for actions your congregation can take, more information, and a form you can use for your church to accept the challenge, visit psec.org/green.
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Church Openings
- Allegheny UCC (Sunday supply)
- Calvary UCC, Barto, and Pennsburg UCC (full-time designated-term)
- Glenside UCC (full-time interim)
- St. James UCC, Havertown (full-time settled)
- 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. 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)
- 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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PSEC Events
Nov. 15: PSEC Fall Meeting at New Goshenhoppen UCC, East Greenville
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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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Classified Ads
Submit Classified Ads here
View a complete list of Classified Ads 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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