Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central Conference,
Growing up in the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ, where most of our churches were predominantly African American, and our meetings and community worship services were well-integrated, I think I may have internally assumed a formal history of togetherness between the races. But as I grew older and learned more, I’ve discovered how wrong that assumption was.
Just as Black history is an integral thread throughout the whole of our country’s historical tapestry, so the history of the Black Church is inextricably part of our own denominational histories. But many of us have been unaware of this rich heritage in the UCC, and only recently have we begun to bring it to our communal consciousness.
At General Synod this past summer, former General Minister and President Rev. John Dorhauer publicly apologized on behalf of our whole body for the historical inaccuracy of having named only four founding traditions in all our historical literature: Reformed, Evangelical, Christian, and Congregational. For the past 66 years we have left out the Afro-Christian Convention that was a large part of the Christian and Congregational heritage at their merger in 1931 and at our UCC merger in 1957. Fortunately, we have begun to address this sin of omission with the publication of the new book Afro-Christian Convention: The Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ which was released and celebrated at General Synod.
As part of that celebration, our Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Carrie Call who served on the UCC Historical Council, offered an introduction to the Afro-Christian Connection. That short speech and a video from Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk, the first African American to be ordained by the UCC is available at the one-hour mark of this Plenary 5 video. It is well worth watching as we near the end of Black History month, but hopefully not the end of learning and celebrating more Black history.
You might also want to order the book, The Afro-Christian Convention, that includes an 8-week discussion guide, and host a discussion group at your church. Some of you may recall that I invited one of the contributors, Dr. Julia Speller, to a Penn Central zoom presentation in November. At that time several churches shared that they found the discussion guide to be especially helpful in their exploration of this part of our history. You can order the book from Pilgrim Press.
Other resources worth exploring include an episode of “Thursdays for the Soul” about the inclusion of Afro-Christian Convention in our historic tableau.
And more articles can be found at:
Even though this year’s Black history month is about to end, we all still have much to learn, much to apologize for, and much to celebrate. I encourage you not to stop learning and growing in your awareness of all that separates us, and all binds us together in the United Church of Christ, where we believe that in Christ there is no east or west, or north or south, but one great fellowship of love throughout the world.
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
Thanks to Rev. Margot Pickett (Rocky Mountain Conference) and Rev. Carrie Call (Penn Central Conference) for assistance with this piece.
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ONE WEEK LEFT!
Yearbook data collection has begun! This data is vital for the conference and the national setting to serve our churches to our best ability. Learn more about how to enter Yearbook data before the deadline of March 5, 2024 here.
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Scheduling notes:
March 3 - Lyken Valley Charge - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
March 10 - St. John's UCC Lewisburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
March 17 - Faith UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust 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...
St. Paul's UCC, Shrewsbury
St. Matthew (Coleman's) UCC, Spring Glen
Bethel UCC, Spring Grove
Mount Zion UCC, Spring Grove
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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. | |
March 10, 2024 is One Great Hour of Sharing
The proceeds from this offering channels resources for international programs in health, education and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response, administered by Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.
Order envelopes and other resources for this offering here.
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Pennsylvania UCC Noontime Lenten Prayer Gatherings
The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30p. The first prayer time is Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20. To register, click here.
Leaders will be:
· March 6: Carrie Call
· March 13: Bill Worley
· March 20: Bonnie Bates
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Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows
Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00a via ZOOM.
It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”-- to love and serve one another-- for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.
Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance.
Register here.
| Wisdom & Grace UCC, Lancaster has hymnals and bibles they would like to donate to a church in need. They have 170 New Century Hymnals, 42 softbound NRSV bibles and 8 hardcover NRSV bibles. Please contact the church at wisdomgraceucc@gmail.com if you are interested. | |
Salem's Closet, in Salem UCC, Harrisburg, has partnered with Church World Services and are supplying refugees with clothing and household goods.
The number of refugees that have been coming has gone from just a few to 15 a month. In conversation wtih Cindy at CWS, 15 or more is going to be the new normal. We need clothing for men, boys, teens, infants, and toddlers for all seasons, bedding that includes blankets, and sheets not to mention other household goods. These donations need to be in good condition and clean.
Please contact Susan Nelson at srsews@gmail.com to find out more about how to donate items. If you are able to help transport items donated from further afield, please let her know as well.
| St. James UCC, Stillwater (in Penn North East Conference) is looking for handbells to start a handbell choir. If your church is looking to sell or donate your bells please reach out to Carol Bath at gammybath@gmail.com | Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey, PA is in need of some music stands. If your church is looking to sell or donate some, please contact Kira at info@redeemerchurchucc.org | |
The Brush Valley Fusion of Faith has an extra organ! Our 1969 Allen
electric organ, plus four large speakers are free to a good (church or
individual) home. Contact Julie Holm julie@bvfof.org for more
information.
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Hartman Center Homecoming Camp 2024
Registration is now open!
Sunday, July 28th through Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
We will be returning again to Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, PA as guests.
Camps:
3 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Wednesday, July 31 at 10AM
Getting Started - Grades K - 1 ($190)
Directed by Katie Price
Intergenerational Camp ($190)
Directed by Aleshia Hawkins
3 night camps - Wednesday, July 31st at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Camp of the Heart ($250)
Directed by Kara Druckenmiller
Women's Heart and Soul Camp ($190)
Directed by Nora Foust
5 night camps - Monday, July 28 at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Elementary - Grades 2 - 4 ($300)
Directed by Alex (Weis) Sattazahn and Allyson Butz
Middle School - Grades 5 - 7 ($300)
Directed by Carol Price and Nicole Henry
Senior High - Grades 8 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Nathan Limbert
Leadership - Grades 9 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Betsy Brauw
Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees
Check out the full list of camping experiences for all ages and register here.
In addition to the cabins and lodges, RV sites will be available. We would love it if lots of Penn Central Conference folks are able to reserve and use those sites while we are there. Check the website here.
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Upcoming events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Click here to register for these and other events
Summer Camp Open Houses
March 17 and April 14 at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Earth Day Celebration
April 21 at Kirchenwald
Work Day
April 27 at Nawakwa
May 4 at Kirchenwald
Check out the summer camp options here
Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees.
I love going to camp because of all the fun I have with the activities. I love going to camp for the learning experience. The community is amazing, and I always feel accepted at camp. I have so many great memories which always keep me coming back each year. That is just some of the reasons I love camp Kirchenwald. ~ Hugh Dickel (12 years old. He has attended Arts and Crafts Camp and Guppies Camp)
The reason I like to go to camp is all the friends that I make. I also had a good time with all the counselors there. All of the activities we do are fun. Everyone has a good time at camp as well. Some people I meet I still talk to outside of camp. It’s always nice to take a break from technology and get outside. Every time I come back home I want to go back again because I enjoy it so much. - William Dickel (15 years old. He attended Beach Camp this past year, Kayak Camp, and Kirkenquest Camp in prior years.)
We always feel really good about sending our kids to Camp Kirchenwald and don’t think they miss us at all, the weeks they are at camp! They come home telling us about the fabulous new experiences they’ve had, the new friends they’ve made, and the positive interactions they’ve had with the counselors (great role models!). I can not think of a better way for kids to grow in their faith, gain independence, challenge themselves in learning new skills, and have technology-free time in God’s beautiful creation. Most of all I know they had FUN! And no doubt, will have wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. - Ed Dickel
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Educational Opportunities | Registration is important for planning purposes, even for virtual events, so please let us know if you need to cancel your registration so we have the most accurate numbers. | |
The Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Penn Southeast Conferences of the United Church of Christ cordially invite you to participate in this virtual Lenten opportunity! Meeting each Wednesday in Lent at 7pm, this Bible Study explores the foundations of our identity as Christians and members of the UCC as we explore what the future may hold! Each week is unique so if you cannot attend every date you can still participate in as many as you are able. If you have questions, or you would like to participate in this study, please email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link. Thank you!
February 21: Unity and Foundation
February 28: United Church of Christ
March 6: Lent in Context
March 13: The Priesthood of All Believers
March 20: Communion
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Retired Minister Boundary Training with Rev. Tara Barber
March 14, 1:30 – 4:30PM ET
Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.
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Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
March 19, 2024 The Ministerial Code – This is the ordained minister’s code of ethics and should underpin our ministry. It’s a grand document. Join Nora as we look at it line-by-line and examine the practical implications of living a life worthy of the calling to which we’ve each been called. Register here. (This will be repeated September 17, 2024.)
April 16, 2024 Money Matters – Financial Health and Vitality can be a challenging conversation and in this two-hour session we will look at the various ways in which money does matter in ministry, personally and vocationally. Financial Misconduct is in the top-five reasons for fitness reviews and conference staff receive numerous questions about how to move in healthy ways when it comes to church money. Come out and we’ll take a deep dive into this sensitive topic. Register here. (This will be repeated July 16, 2024.)
May 21, 2024 Healthy Beginnings and Endings – All ministries have beginnings and endings. In this session, participants will look at healthy expectation setting in new calls as well as ethical departure requirements. Register here. (This will be repeated August 20, 2024.)
Boundary Training at Keystone Annual Meeting
June 7, 2024 Undercurrents and Riptides Online – A two-hour session will be offered as part of the Keystone Annual Meeting (this one will not be via Zoom.) In this session, we will discuss the hidden (and obvious) dangers of ministry in an online world. From Social Media to AI to Pornography, the internet can pull us in many directions and not all of them are good for us. Watch for registration links in February. (This will be repeated November 19, 2024 in Zoom format.)
Topics are subject to change, but changes will be announced.
Basic Boundaries for Congregations will be offered via zoom, 6:30-8pm April 15, 2024. This session will feature discussion on Behavioral Covenants, Financial Boundaries, and Pastoral Relations. Anyone is welcome to join, consistory/council members are highly encouraged to attend. Nora is also available for this session at a church or group of churches if desired. Register here. (This will be repeated October 14, 2024.)
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Lay Leadership Convocation 2024
Saturday, April 6
This Year’s Theme: Sharing Leadership
Keynote speaker: Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration and coffee
9:00 - 9:45 am Keynote Address by Dr. Sarah B. Drummond: “Shared Leadership”
10:00 - 11:15 am Workshops
12:45 –1:45 pm Lunch
1:45 – 3:00 pm Workshops
Workshops on various topics.
Learn more and register here.
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Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us
May 7 - 9, 2024
You are not alone. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time.
Clergy Convocation 2024 – Tentative Agenda
To register, click here.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
Feb. 28 – Rebirth and Renewal
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwscOqpqzIvHtRlN222Ekxnewx5YHCRwfYT
Join Rev. Ray Jordan for a conversation about the ways his congregation went from nearly closing to reimagine the ministry and engage new people in worship, service, and advocacy.
See full 2024 list here.
| The Brown Endowment scholarship for MDiv students who have Member in Discernment status and are pursuing authorized ministry in the UCC opened December 1, 2023 and will close midnight March 1, 2024. Learn more here. | |
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The Reverend Dr. Héctor E. López Scholarship for Latina & Latino UCC Seminarians
The Lopez Scholarship is intended to prepare future Latina, Latino, Latine ministers educated in the socially and theologically progressive seminaries related to the UCC. These leaders will be equipped to proclaim the liberating Gospel message of salvation, full-inclusion, justice, and peace and return to lead vital congregations, minister to Latine constituencies, multicultural communities, and the whole church.
This scholarship is named in honor of The Reverend Dr. Héctor Edmundo López, a laborer in the journey for racial justice. Dr. López is the first Latino ordained in the UCC and the first Latino UCC Conference Minister. It was launched by the Council for Hispanic Ministries in 2005 in collaboration with the national ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Please share this information with your networks
Application Deadline is March 1, 2024
Application Link: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/91838
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From our friends and partners | |
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Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, and Saint Luke Episcopal Church, Mount Joy will hold a Celtic Celebration Weekend March 1, 2 and 3, 2024. The weekend will feature music composed and performed by Brother Stefan Andre Waligur, founder of the Community of Peace, a religious community in Louisa, VA.
The weekend begins with a concert at 7 pm on Friday March 1, 2024 featuring Br. Stefan on the keyboard and vocals, Davie Krak on the Irish Harp, Valerie Henry with liturgical dance, at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, 340 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512. The concert is free and open to the public.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024 Br. Stefan will lead two workshops on Celtic Spirituality: The Wonder and the Wild at Saint Luke Episcopal Church, 209 S. Market Street, Mount Joy, PA. 17552
During two successive workshops, 10 am - noon and again from 2 pm - 4 pm, Brother Stefan will explore the rich tradition of the Irish Celtic world.
Following the workshops, Br. Stefan will lead the prayers and chanting of Saint Luke’s monthly Taize worship service at 5 pm. A reception will follow the service for those wishing to meet Br. Stefan.
On Sunday, Br. Stefan will be the guest preacher at Saint Paul’s 9 am service in Columbia and at Saint Luke’s 11 am service in Mount Joy.
All events are free and open to the public.
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Join Us for a Webinar - Book Banning! What Comes Next?
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Dave Bushnell and Tom Davis-Chappell will facilitate a discussion with our experts - Nikki Rivera, Molly Magro, Parker Webb and Dr. Robert (Bob) Hollister.
Participants should come prepared for a thoughtful discussion about the impact of book banning in our society.
Book Banning has been around for almost as long as books have been published. The presenters for this Webinar are very familiar with the pressures of book banning efforts especially in public schools. Why is this happening and what are ways for school librarians, superintendents, and school boards to respond to the challenges? Our webinar will focus especially on LGBTQ+ literature bans because LGBTQ+ youth are often marginalized and need ‘safe places’ of support and affirmation. After presentations and interactions of the presenters, they will respond to questions from those attending the Webinar.
Who Should Attend?
Parents of school aged children; school superintendents; school librarians; school board members; LGBTQ+ community; anyone interested in this topic.
Register here.
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Hello, my name is Jordan Lesher; I’m the new agent for the Insurance Board at Keystone Miller Insurance and I love talking to church people and serving well.
Before moving back to central Pennsylvania in 2022, I lived in southeastern Pennsylvania for over six years and was an active member of my United Church of Christ congregation in Norristown. While there, I came to serve as a deacon during 2020, and afterward, as an elder (and I still attend their weekly Bible Studies by computer.)
I’m a 2016 graduate of Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, studied abroad in London for a semester, interned in Prague with a consulting company, and prior to joining the wild world of insurance I worked in finance for a large investment company with the retail clients and then finished my career on the institutional side. Offered the opportunity, I moved closer to my family, enjoy the peace of living in the picturesque Susquehanna River valley, and joined the Miller Agency where I now carry on part of the legacy started in 1934 by Ken and Barry Miller’s father Percy. When you insure your church with us, that choice affords you the opportunity to work with Insurance Board, United Church of Christ’s insurance program that was founded by the UCC almost 40 years ago. The program provides an array of loss control and safety resources dedicated to protecting ministries of the United Church of Christ. To learn more about Insurance Board, visit: https://www.insuranceboard.org/
Thanks for reading my brief story, and I look forward to speaking with you! You can reach me by phone at (272) 231-1043 and by email at JLesher@KeystoneMillerIns.com.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Preaching and Worship through the Year. April 9–May 14, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. Lectionary planning, sermon series, music and arts, special services, and more. 2.5 CEUs.
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Chaplain in the Park Opportunity: Locust Lake State Park
Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park!
Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.
The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here: https://pachurches.org/ministries/campground-ministry/
You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more information: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.
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Are you looking for a rewarding career in a mission-minded organization? Mission Central might be your place! We are looking for a Director of Development and Communications to join our dynamic team.
The ideal candidate would have fundraising and communications experience, ideally within a nonprofit entity, covering areas such as development of a comprehensive fundraising program, major gift fundraising, grant writing, website content, newsletters, social media, and donor communications. The ability to take knowledge, transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it is critical.
Please help us spread the word and encourage interested individuals to access our full job description and application process here. Thank you!
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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
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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