"Keeping TIme for Rest and Renewal" reviews The UCC Ministerial Code call that all authorized ministers commit to “setting aside time for Sabbath and vacation”. Meanwhile, the UCC Call Agreement for a pastor names that “the covenant with our church requires your attention 24/7 to matters beyond your control.” How do you prioritize time for rest while being available to the church 24/7?

Register for this new Advanced Boundary Training by clicking here.

The Advanced Boundary Training "Power and the Office of Pastor" which was scheduled for September 14th has been re-scheduled for October 19th. To register for "Power and the Office of Pastor" click here.

A new Advanced Boundary Training "Keeping Time for Rest and Renewal" has been placed into the September 14th date. To register for "Keeping Time for Rest and Renewal" click here.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Step Five

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (GOHS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the three Fusion Centers (PaCIC, WPAHFC, DVIC) across the Commonwealth, Faith-based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), cordially invite you to attend the third a quarterly event of our virtual learning series for Faith-based Organizations. This learning series will provide valuable information to religious leaders, security personnel and members of the houses of worship to enhance security and resilience. The next session is on Thursday, July 28, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please see the attached flyer with additional details. Registration is now open.  

FEMA will present two webinars on “Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN) Part 1 and 2,” on June 28 and June 29 from 1-2:30p. Churches that are unable to sustain operations during an emergency incident exponentially impact individuals and the community who rely on them. The OPEN program offers a ten-step action plan for essential community resilience. This webinar will review the steps of the action plan and explain how churches can use OPEN to identify risks, locate resources, and consider immediate preparedness actions. Click here for June 28 registration. Click here for June 29 registration.

Some PSEC clergy have created an LGBTQA+ Facebook group: PA UCC LGBT Clergy. Use that link to join. This is a place for LGBTQIA+ Clergy (or MIDS) in the Pennsylvania Conferences of the UCC to have a space for community building and camaraderie.

Also, they are looking for any LGBTQ-affirming clergy who would like to take part in a "Listening and Blessing" tent at the Bucks-Mont Pride Festival on June 26. Clergy can join any time from 12:00-5:00p at the Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown. We will be at the Love in Action table. For more information or to volunteer, contact Rev. Elaine Ely at pastor_elaine@yahoo.com.

Beginning in the fall, the Southern New England Conference UCC will be coordinating a Community of Practice for youth ministry leaders and clergy through their Faith Formation Leadership program. There are already three PSEC clergy and faith formation/Christian education leaders committed to joining the group, but there are still a few open spots. The cost is $250/year. For more information or to sign up, contact Debbie Gline Allen, the SNEUCC Minister of Faith Formation, at glineallend@sneucc.org.

Beginning July 1, the standard mileage rates for business miles driven has increased to 62.5 cents per mile. Charitable mileage remains at 14 cents per mile. For more information, click here.

A generous donor has provided money to pay for two new PAM students to enroll in Lovett Weems's class, Personal Finances for Ministers, which begins July 12. Anyone interested in applying for this scholarship should complete the PAM application found online and indicate that they would like to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be selected by noon on July 5.

Personal Finances for Ministers, July 12-Aug. 16. Tuesdays, 7-8:30p. Instructor Lovett Weems. Introduction to basics of personal financial management, including special considerations for religious professionals and congregations where they serve. Topics include budgeting, debt, compensation and taxes, insurance, investing, and estate planning. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125

Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development, Aug. 23-Sept. 27. Tuesdays, 7-8:30p. Instructor Jessica Young Brown. A Ministerial Institute class. An in-depth look at ethics in ministry, including confidentiality, fiduciary duty, healthy boundaries, and self-care. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Church Finances, Oct 11.-Nov. 15. Tuesdays, 7-8:30p. Instructor, Lovett Weems. Skills for creating and presenting budgets grounded in the church’s mission, expanding means of giving and sources of income, presenting accurate tracking and reporting of giving, proper financial administration of funds, and exploring new options for funding ministry. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125.

For information or to register, click here.