Keystone Conference UCC Disaster Ministries

04/18/2026

Zion Ucc

03/26/2026

Today, the Antietam Valley Long-Term Recovery Group, along with other leaders, received the Common Ground USA Spirit of Civility Award for their actions in July 2023 in response to the major flooding. The event was held today at the Berks History Center in Reading.

This project was supported by a Recovery Grant to St. Paul's UCC in Amityville, which served as the financial sponsor. Martha Sitler, a member of St. Paul's, served as the UCC representative on the Unmet Needs Committee. The project was also supported by the work of Ed Bibic and Sharon Sgriccia, who served as UCC Partners in Service.

Pictured here are Ed and Julia Frank with Lutheran Disaster Response, Pastor David Duquette of Pennside Presbyterian Church, and Donnie Swope of Berks County Emergency Services, all of whom were honored today.

The Common Ground USA's Spirit of Civility Award is traveling to several cities across Pennsylvania to highlight citizens who demonstrate a commitment to strengthening their communities through civility, compassion, and constructive leadership. Common Ground USA says that the spirit of cooperation, generosity, and determination shown throughout the recovery effort reflects exactly the kind of community leadership this award recognizes.

Common Ground USA is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to encouraging civility, respectful dialogue, and cooperation across differences in American public life. The Spirit of Civility Award recognizes local leaders who demonstrate those values through their work in their communities.

03/16/2026

Early this morning, CDRC Gary Mark Barraco delivered a few hundred disaster hygiene kits assembled by St John's United Church of Christ Emmaus, PA to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg.

Gary is participating in the Mid-Atlantic VOAD Conference this week and facilitating a session of emotional and spiritual care in disaster responses.

He is joined by other CDRCs from other
Conferences- Kevin Gehres and Barbara Kershner Daniels.

03/10/2026

Gary Mark Barraco

Dear Friends…

Grace and peace to you during this season when our shared ministry of compassion is more needed than ever. As you may know, a devastating fire occurred on February 20, 2026, at the Hampton Hotel located at 462 Northampton Street in Easton. Dozens of residents were displaced, many of whom lost not only their homes but also essential personal belongings.

In response, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has activated the PA Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) to support households affected by this event. DRAP offers a one-time grant of up to $15,000 per household for those who meet eligibility requirements. These funds may help with:
• Temporary Housing: For homeowners and renters unable to stay in their homes due to fire damage. This includes temporary lodging or rental assistance for household members and pets.
• Essential Personal Property: For homeowners and renters needing help replacing vital items lost or damaged.
While this financial assistance is a great help, many survivors will need administrative support to navigate the application process—especially those who find it challenging to manage technology, documentation, or emotional stress after a disaster.

This is where our congregations can make a meaningful difference. We are asking UCC congregations to help by providing volunteers who can:
• Obtain a basic understanding of program guidelines
• Describe the program to survivors, including required documentation
• Assist survivors with completing applications
• Assist survivors with program compliance by collecting and submitting signatures, receipts, and any other required documentation
This is not case management; it is compassionate, practical accompaniment—helping neighbors take the next step toward stability.

Virtual orientation and training will be provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and supported by Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). These are two identical offerings; volunteers only need to attend one.
• Monday, March 16, 1-2 pm or Tuesday, March 17, 7-8 pm

UCC Volunteers will be asked to provide assistance on Thursday, March 19, and/or Friday, March 20, 4-6 pm at the shelter location, Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC), 400 W Berwick St, Easton, PA 18042. We might be called to do more after these dates.

Interested individuals should contact me directly by email to register: [email protected].

03/10/2026

Dear Friends…

Grace and peace to you during this season when our shared ministry of compassion is more needed than ever. As you may know, a devastating fire occurred on February 20, 2026, at the Hampton Hotel located at 462 Northampton Street in Easton. Dozens of residents were displaced, many of whom lost not only their homes but also essential personal belongings.

In response, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has activated the PA Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) to support households affected by this event. DRAP offers a one-time grant of up to $15,000 per household for those who meet eligibility requirements. These funds may help with:
• Temporary Housing: For homeowners and renters unable to stay in their homes due to fire damage. This includes temporary lodging or rental assistance for household members and pets.
• Essential Personal Property: For homeowners and renters needing help replacing vital items lost or damaged.
While this financial assistance is a great help, many survivors will need administrative support to navigate the application process—especially those who find it challenging to manage technology, documentation, or emotional stress after a disaster.

This is where our congregations can make a meaningful difference. We are asking UCC congregations to help by providing volunteers who can:
• Obtain a basic understanding of program guidelines
• Describe the program to survivors, including required documentation
• Assist survivors with completing applications
• Assist survivors with program compliance by collecting and submitting signatures, receipts, and any other required documentation
This is not case management; it is compassionate, practical accompaniment—helping neighbors take the next step toward stability.

Virtual orientation and training will be provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and supported by Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). These are two identical offerings; volunteers only need to attend one.
• Monday, March 16, 1-2 pm or Tuesday, March 17, 7-8 pm

UCC Volunteers will be asked to provide assistance on Thursday, March 19, and/or Friday, March 20, 4-6 pm at the shelter location, Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC), 400 W Berwick St, Easton, PA 18042. We might be called to do more after these dates.

Interested individuals should contact me directly by email to register: [email protected].

02/23/2026

Katahdin - Maine UCC - Association

02/23/2026

The Tool Trailer was successfully delivered by folks from the Maine Conference to North Carolina.

It will live for a while there.

02/22/2026

Our eyes and ears are open to hear any needs in those areas affected by the winter storm/blizzard.

We have been collaborating with PEMA, the American Red Cross, and SEPA VOAD, and stand ready to provide aid.

+ Message us here if you know of a need.
+ Message us here if you can open your church as a warming shelter in an emergency.
+ Message us here if you can volunteer at another shelter.

02/13/2026

I ask everyone to add the volunteers from the Katahdin Association of the United Church of Christ in Maine to their prayer lists. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069640812863 #

A team will be headed on a mission trip to North Carolina for long-term disaster rebuilding in the Boone, NC region.

One of the former PNEC tool trailers will be deployed with them.

An association of local UCC churches dedicated to serving Jesus Christ in our communities promoting justice and peace issues for all God's children.

02/03/2026