Category 5 Hurricane Maria is regarded as the worst natural disaster on record to hit Puerto Rico. It made landfall there on September 20, 2017. It was directly responsible for more than 60 deaths – many more when factoring in the crippling of health care, power, water supply and other systems for months after the storm had passed. Maria followed […]
Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit
The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released “The Opioid Epidemic Practice Toolkit: Helping Faith-based and Community Leaders Bring Hope and Healing to Our Communities.” This document provides a simple, but proven, list of actions that churches can take to make a difference in their […]
Leadership Project
First United Church of Christ in Royersford, using a New Ministries Grant from the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, developed a training program to strengthen volunteer leaders in churches. The objective was to create a way for the volunteer leaders from churches and non-profit organizations in the local communities to practice the basic disciplines of team building […]
Natural Disaster and Severe Weather Survival Strategies
A recommended resource from the PSEC Disaster Recovery Ministries is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disasters page, which includes valuable information on nearly a dozen type of disasters, including extreme heat, winter weather, and floods. Visit that page for valuable information to help your church be prepared: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html
Disaster Response Infographics
In 2015 FEMA released preparedness infographics to help spread information on being ready for a disaster. Topics include floods, pet preparedness, disaster kits, and more. Download those graphics by visiting this FEMA website.
After a Disaster
This is a recommended resource from the PSEC Disaster Recovery Ministries. The USA.gov website includes guides for what to do after a disaster. Information includes: Find Family After a Disaster, Find Shelter or Rental Housing After a Disaster, Gas Price Gouging, Help Victims of a Natural Disaster, and Return Home After a Natural Disaster. Visit: […]
Safe Church and Child Abuse Clearances Resources
On October 22, 2014 the Pennsylvania Legislature passed House Bill No. 435 to make changes in PA law pertaining to child abuse. These changes require employers to conduct background checks for any “reporters” (which includes paid professionals as well as unpaid volunteers who “are persons aged 18 or older with direct contact with children: the care, supervision, […]
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Justice & Witness ministries resources and helpful links
Resources These resources have been recommended by the PSEC Justice & Witness Ministry Team. Tools for becoming a UCC Creation Justice Church http://www.ucc.org/how_it_works_becoming_a_creation_justice_church Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit 2.0 – Tools for becoming a UCC Open and Affirming Church https://www.uccresources.com/products/open-and-affirming-planning-guide White Privilege: Let’s Talk – An adult curriculum from the UCC designed to […]
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Justice & Witness Advocacy
Whether you are an experienced grassroots organizer, or are considering advocacy for the first time, as a Christian you belong to a long tradition of political advocacy. Many Christian teachings are political: they dictate how individuals and communities should behave, make decisions, relate to each other, and share life together. The Bible is full of […]
