Message to the Conference | |
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Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
As Halloween has become a day of great pretending, All Saints Day continues to be the day our masks are removed, and we again examine who we are truly meant to become. The appointed lesson for this day is St. Matthew 5:1-12, what we refer to as the Beatitudes. I believe these short verses to be both prescriptive and aspirational. Otherwise, if they were statements of attainment, the word ALL would not apply. It would simply read Saints Day.
Striving to develop positive moral traits of action and focused upon what we should be doing as followers of Christ is understood as a lifelong pursuit. The lives of the Apostles demonstrate that abundantly. Paul's own words describe the difficulty involved in these pursuits. (For I do not do what I want, but the very thing I hate.) Perhaps this is the very reason Jesus began the Beatitudes with "Bless are the poor in Spirit". He begins with a blessing upon those keenly aware of their need for Grace and Mercy.
Upon such awareness the foundation for discipleship is formed. Those we recall today, and we today continue to build on that foundation. Far from perfect, we nonetheless possess the blessing which empowers us to grow in spirit and in truth. As with our predecessors, we too will fall short of at given moments. Yet the wideness that is God's mercy continues to abide and leads us anew.
Thus I want to suggest that ALL Saints Day, in addition to recalling those who have gone before us and their legacy of faith, is also a time for us to meditate upon how we might follow in the footpaths they set before us. Learning from both the positive examples and the moments of need for repentance, we can recommit ourselves to a deepening faith journey.
Lighting candles, placing wreaths or bouquets at a grave or attending a memorial service on this day are appropriate methods for recalling the departed Saints. But choosing to follow their footsteps in picking our up crosses is the truest means by which to honor their lives and spirits.
Rick
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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The war in Israel/Palestine declared on October 7, has claimed thousands of lives, and tens of thousands of people have been injured. The UCC national setting invites your financial support to undergird the work of our partners in the Middle East with whom we have had a long-standing relationship. Your gifts will make an impact and a difference on those suffering so greatly during these days of lamentation and suffering. Learn more and donate here. | |
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Scheduling notes:
November 4 - Penbrook UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
November 12 - St. Paul's (Dubs) UCC, Hanover - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 19 - Zion UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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Prayers for Penn Central Conference
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
This week, we pray for each other as we continue to live into God's calling...
Faith United UCC, Ickesburg
Pleasant Hill Chapel UCC, Ono
St. John's UCC, Jonestown
Church of the Apostles UCC, Lancaster
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Printable eNews are available. Pastors and secretaries, please feel free to share with your congregation members that don't get this weekly email. Download and print this PDF with the weekly message to the conference, prayers for Penn Central and brief list of events. | |
PCC is hiring!
Position: Facilitator of Care to Clergy and Clergy Families
The Facilitator of Care to Clergy and Clergy Families is a part-time position (25 hours per week). This person will be responsible for assessing and responding to pastoral care needs of clergy and clergy families in coordination with a team of pastoral chaplains throughout the Penn Central Conference.
This person is hired and supervised by the Conference Minister.
See attached job description.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
Please send clergy profile with references or a CV with references to penncentralconferenceucc@gmail.com
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The Virtual Choir is starting up! The 2023-24 season will begin with a new Christmas Carol by John Rutter for our churches to use during the Christmas season! Contact Julie Holm, bvfofmusic@gmail.com to be part of the fun! Tracks will be available by November 5, and orientation sessions will be held the week before.
Whether you are a new singer, and need to learn the whole process, or you are someone who has sung with us since 2020, we are glad to have you!
Contact Julie Holm, bvfofmusic@gmail.com, or call (703) 887-1265 to join us for the year!
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As cold and flu season approaches, and as Covid-19 infection increase, please keep the following in mind. Anyone planning on visiting persons in care at any one of the United Church of Christ Homes is urged to contact the specific home prior to their visit to learn of possible guidelines for the visit. Conditions can change rapidly, and the various homes may not all require the same guidelines at any given period.
Please help the staff and residents of the homes by observing any stated visitation
guidelines and also refrain from visiting if you are not feeling well.
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PCC Fall Budget Meeting
November 11, 2023
9:30 AM
This year's Annual Meeting included a vote for the Penn Central Conference to have a Budget Meeting in the fall. Each authorized minister is a voting member and each church is allowed two delegates to vote. These can be, but do not have to be, the same delegates as went to Annual Meeting. We do still need to reach quorum.
This meeting will be on Zoom only, and will include a budget presentation and vote. We anticipate it to take no more than 60 - 90 minutes.
Register here.
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Salem UCC Harrisburg is sponsoring a bedding drive for refugees being resettled by Church World Service. New and lightly used double and twin sheets, blankets, quilts, and comforters as well as new pillows may be brought to the fellowship hall at St. Thomas UCC (6490 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg), Salem UCC Harrisburg (contact Susan Nelson @ 717-319-8992) or to the Harrisburg Association Meeting on October 29.
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Ten Days for Peace Service – November 12, 4pm
The Northern Cluster of Churches, as part of the partnership between the Penn Central Conference of the UCC and the UEK Churches in Germany, hosts an annual worship service dedicated to peacemaking. This year’s service will be held on Sunday, November 12, 4pm, at St. Matthew’s UCC, Spring Glen. Mrs. Ulicny from the Tri-Valley School District will share her presentation on her work in Africa. The offering will be given to an organization she supports there: Aspire Youth, located in South Africa, which helps build job skills and entrepreneurship for young adults in poverty.
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Association Meetings
November 4: Central Association on Zoom, 9:00 AM
November 12: York Association at Starview UCC in Mt. Wolf, 2:00 (lunch at 12:30)
November 12: Mercersburg Association on Zoom at 3:00 PM
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The Gettysburg Association and Penn Central Conference are inviting you to a Keystone Project meeting on Thursday, November 16th beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will be offered in person and via Zoom.
If you are attending in person, the meeting will be held at Redeemer’s UCC, 107 E. King Street, Littlestown PA and is expected to last about 75 minutes.
If you are attending via Zoom, the link for the meeting is noted below.
Zoom Link Info
Topic: Keystone Presentation GA
Time: Nov 16, 2023, 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86364497089?pwd=cXU5cDRMSXZZVWpOb3ZHV0tROS9GUT09
Meeting ID: 863 6449 7089
Passcode: 220606
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,86364497089#,,,,*220606# US (New York)
+13017158592,,86364497089#,,,,*220606# US (Washington DC)
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UCC Webinar—From Greenwashing to Environmental Justice at UN Climate Conference
The President of the upcoming UN Climate Conference is the CEO of the one of the world's largest oil producers and is currently working to aggressively expand his company’s production. In this webinar, panelists will not only provide a critical assessment of the greenwashing and corporate capture of this conference, but they will also cast an alternative vision and pathway forward. The world deserves and desperately needs a UN process dedicated to the advancement of all peoples, a core principle of the UN Charter. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on November 8th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
| Educational Opportunities | |
Synod Seconds – A Keystone-wide Conversation
On November 13th, the last session of Synod Seconds will gather via zoom for continued Synod resolution implementation discussion. Resolutions are our Synod’s way of talking to the churches. These sessions have been wide ranging as we have addressed possible implementation avenues for resolutions on closing the digital divide (3), advocacy in healing for harm reduction (5), study on Indian Boarding Schools (2), and Guns to Garden – Gun Violence Reduction (6). In November we will look at possible ways for local churches to implement resolutions encouraging reduction in plastic pollution (9) and supporting public school educators and equity efforts in schools (10). You can read these resolutions at www.generalsynod.org/proposed-resolutions using the committee number in parentheses to help find the resolutions.
If your local church is interested in resources for the advocacy for harm reduction, I have received a number of items for local leadership consideration and am happy to share those. Our October conversation also generated some great ideas for gun violence reduction and safety awareness and I can share that list as well.
Register for Synod Seconds at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=betijzaab&oeidk=a07ejwzwkvyc0f6cf0c
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Town Hall: Keystone Project
Choose from three in person and one Zoom Town Hall to learn more about the Keystone Project, the current working group's assessments and how they are visioning "Together we are stronger: the Keystone Conference." Register here.
November 1, 6:30PM - Zoom Only
November 15, 6:30PM - Quentin UCC, Quentin (in-person only)
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Monday, November 6, 5:30-8:30pm ET – Boundary Training for Retired Clergy
By request, we have added another BAT for those considering retirement or who are already in retirement. Join us for a focused conversation on boundary topics faced in retirement – identity, leaving well, exempt status, as well as a refresher on the Ministerial Code, power, and accountability. Led by Revs. Tara Barber, Melanie Oommen, and Anissa Glaser-Bacon.
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Fifth Stream Conversations
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust is planning the final of three fall conversations open to the whole church on the recognition of the UCC’s fifth founding stream, the Afro-Christian Convention.
3pm November 12th ZOOM for all Participants
Register here:
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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Ministerial Excellence Forums for Clergy Continuing Education Please register.
· November 21st What does it mean to be “trauma-informed” as pastors and church leaders? How do our own trauma responses affect the ministry we do? How can we guide our congregations through traumatic events in a way that makes way for healing and wholeness for all? This class will give us “tools for the toolbox” of facing traumatic events whether it be personally, or in our faith community. (10am hybrid at 6094 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg ONLY)
Rev. Rachel Schwab, visitation pastor at First UCC-Carlisle, for 9 years, and ordained for 23 years, received her trauma certification last year in response to the increasing number of members/visitors approaching her for counsel on personal and global traumas that affected these folks deeply. Rachel is also a Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher , featured in book, “Radiating Our Reiki Light”, ed. By Rickie Meryl Freedman. Rachel shares reflections on Reiki and Religion. This 2-hour session is considered boundary training. Register here.
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Camp Director Pastor Alice shares, "please mark your calendar for next year's HC Spirit camp at Hartman Center Campground and Retreat Center - Sunday, July 28th through Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. In addition to the cabins and lodges, the new owners are working on RV sites that should be ready before next summer. We would love it if lots of Penn Central Conference folks are able to reserve and use those sites while we are there."
Wondering how your congregation might engage in outdoor ministry? Camps and retreats aren't the only recipients of grant funds. Kayak church, fire pit fellowships, community gardens, and solar projects are just a few of the ideas discussed for funding. The application window is currently open with applications available here.
Thanks again to all who made our HC Spirit Camp a great success! We hope to see you, and more, next summer July 28-August 3.
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From our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation
Annual Quilt Auction
November 5, 2023 at Nawakwa
Join us for this year’s annual Quilt & Craft Auction, November 5, at Nawakwa. This fun-filled day of bidding raises money for the Camping Corporation’s Endowment Fund, which helps to financially sustain our fine ministry activities.
Oct 28 – Nov 2 – Online Bidding – High bids will become starting bids on Nov 5
2:00 – Silent Auction of Handmade Craft Items
3:00 – Live Auction of Quilts
Dinner following Live Auction
More information, including preview, rsvp and how to donate a quilt or online bid here
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At a time when so many of our church leaders experience anxiety about their financial security, the Minister’s Financial Vitality Initiative (MFVI) continues to impact an ever-growing number of UCC authorized ministers, providing the basics of personal finance, guidance from experts, direct financial support, and a supportive community to break the silence around money. To date, nine cohorts of thirty pastors each have benefited from the content and community of this program, and testify to the positive impact on themselves, their families, and their ministries.
The 10th and 11th cohorts of MFVI will begin in January 2024 and the application period opens on October 1. Are you or members of your staff aware of pastors within your conference who have expressed concerns about their finances, or are serving in situations where you know financial issues are challenging? The Director of MFVI, Joaquin Labour-Acosta, is seeking your recommendations of pastors who may be candidates for this program. If you are able to confirm interest with those individuals, please send their names and contact information to ministerialassistance@pbucc.org. Joaquin and his team will reach out for conversation and assist with the application process.
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From our friends and partners | |
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PATHWAYS’ Fall Schedule of Courses
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering more exciting new programs for the academic year 2023-24.
MORAL INJURY & VETERANS MINISTRY
In November, we'll offer classes on moral injury and ministry for and with veterans of war and survivors of violence. Stay tuned for details!
INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING
Starting in January, we'll offer two great classes on preaching. Introduction to Preaching will help you connect with your congregation, make Biblical text come alive and learn breathing techniques for a more compelling delivery. Your congregation will thank you!
PREACHING & WORSHIP THROUGH THE YEAR
In the spring, our second preaching class, Preaching & Worship Through the Year, will help you tailor your sermons for special Sundays and holiday occasions, use the lectionary, plan sermon series, incorporate music and the arts, and more.
Click the link here for a video preview!
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Are you a looking for a place that values its employees? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of a whole community? Apply now to the small church with a big heart! Hummelstown United Church of Christ is seeking a flexible and engaging Office Administrator to be the face of our congregation. Schedule is flexible and we strive to create a relaxed and refreshing place to work.
This vibrant and inclusive congregation is excited to hire a point person to:
- Provide direct clerical and administrative support to the Pastor and the church
- Create and maintain church publications and data management
- Act as point of contact for building use
Benefits include personal and sick time, flexible scheduling options and team based creative atmosphere.
Position start date is 12/26/2023, with hope for training prior to start with outgoing administrator.
For details on position available, check out our website: https://www.hummelstownucc.org/hire.html
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The communities of United Church of Christ Homes are currently seeking candidates to fill several positions, including Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Dining Service Assistants. If you or someone you know is looking for a new employment opportunity, please visit UCC Homes Employment Opportunities page on our website at https://www.ucc-homes.org/employment-opportunities/
for more details or to fill out our Quick Application Form.
Position Highlight:
The Corporate Office of UCC Homes is seeking a Payroll Administrator for a full-time position, working 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. The Payroll Administrator is responsible for the preparation and processing of bi-weekly payroll for approximately 800 employees of United Church of Christ Homes. Duties include verification of data used to prepare paychecks and all required reporting. Also responsible for preparing tax withholding payments and reports to applicable taxing authorities as required as well as year-end preparation and filing of W-2s to employees and tax authorities, sales tax data collection, filing, and other accounting duties. Microsoft Word and Excel experience is required. Knowledge of payroll processing is required. Excellent wages and benefits including retirement plan. Interested persons should please mail, fax or email resume and letter of interest to UCC Homes, Attn: Larry Kilpatrick, VP of Finance/CFO, 30 N. 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; (717) 303-1607 FAX or lkilpatrick@ucc-homes.org by November 7, 2023.
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Position Available: Church Musician
St. John's UCC, Boalsburg
Thus 9 to 12 month position includes playing for weekly adult choir rehearsals, a scheduled single Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship service and occasional evening/special services. Proficiency with piano is required. We have two Yamaha studio upright pianos that are well maintained via regular tuning/maintenance. We also have the historic 1868 Durner tracker pipe organ that was restored in 1998 and is well maintained via regular tuning/servicing. Candidates will work with church/choir leaders in rehearsing and planning musical material appropriate to the liturgical calendar.
Candidates should send a letter of introduction and resume to: joyousucc@comcast.net or mail to St. John's UCC, PO Box 88, Boalsburg, PA 16827
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
Global H.O.P.E. – Humanitarian. Opportunities. Progress. Empowerment.
Team Leader Extended Close Date: 11/28/23
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
email: ccall@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Dr. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
email: nfoust@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-2587
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
email: rluciotti@gmail.com
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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