Message to the Conference |
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Dear Friends and Members of Penn Central Conference,
Though the mountains shake … though the seas roar… “Be still, and know that I am God!” - Psalm 46 (NRSV)
Not only is this the Bible verse from today’s (1/15/22) Still Speaking Daily Devotional, but it is also my most favorite verse. I have this verse sitting on my kitchen window engraved in a wooden block. During this pandemic and the holding of yet another PCC Board Meeting in a virtual format, I am reminded how our lives have changed, and yet, how much God stays the same and is in charge.
Your Board of Directors met on Saturday, January 15th. This robust meeting included rich discussions and final decisions on many topics. What follows is a summary.
1. The Sale of Hartman Center: NOTE: An email was sent via the E-News on Monday, December 20th to update the conference on the details of the sale. The board made a number of decisions.
a. Proceeds of the sale, approximately $918,000 will be invested in the United Church Funds and Beyond Fossil Fuels Fund accounts.
b. Two existing Hartman Center fund accounts will be used to 1) reimburse the conference on sale related expenses (i.e. surveying costs, oil tank removal, buried communication cables, etc.); 2) pay off existing line of credit (@$50,000); and 3) provide a payment to Mr. John Freed for service above and beyond in his care of the camp over the past year, plus. All remaining dollars from these two funds will be transferred to the United Church Funds and be used for conference Outdoor Ministries.
2. Creating an Outdoor Ministry Commission: Rev. Nora Foust will be contacting each Association and requesting a representative to serve on this Commission. The Commission is tasked to develop outdoor ministry guidelines and goals, and with the Finance Committee, establish a fund to use sale dollars for outdoor ministries.
a. Summer Camping opportunities are listed on the website at https://www.lutherancamping.org/ . Rev. Nora Foust now serves on the board for the Lutheran Camping Association of Central Pennsylvania. REMEMBER: Camping is a Year-Round Opportunity. Check the above website for year-round opportunities.
b. The conference will fund 50% of camperships during the summer of 2022. PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR LOCAL CONGREGATION!
c. Anne Rankin has resigned from her position. The board thanked her for her superb commitment to outdoor ministries and we wished her well in her next endeavor.
3. Annual Meeting: The 2022 Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual format due to the ongoing concerns with the virus. The Business Meeting will occur on Saturday, June 11, 2022. The theme is how the Church (Big and small) approaches mission. Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson will be our speaker this year. NEW THIS YEAR! Various workshops will be scheduled the week before on key issues impacting the conference.
4. Staffing & Office Updates:
a. The Board reviewed staff reports and expressed appreciation for their work. We have an amazing staff team!
b. The Board approved the Personnel Policies for the Conference. These policies are effective January 1, 2022.
c. The Board approved a sabbatical for Rev. Nora Foust - July 2022 through September 2022. During this time, Rev. Rick Luciotti will assume many of her duties.
d. The office has moved to Linglestown, and staff love the new space and feel so very welcomed by the folks at St. Thomas UCC.
5. Innovation Grants: Four requests for innovation grants were received and all requests were approved at a maximum of $5,000. Requests included video projection systems, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and a Weekend Backpack Food Program.
6. Our Relationship with a Seminary: The Board was updated on the changes at Lancaster Theological Seminary because of the combination with Moravian Theological Seminary. Further discussions will occur on ways to support theological education for individuals within the conference.
7. OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Calling all Small Churches in Penn Central Conference - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, ACM for Congregational Transitions, is planning Small Church Vitality Workshops that will be offered on four (4) Saturdays across the conference. These workshops are for any church that self-identifies as “small.” Small refers to size and not importance or robustness! The focus of the workshops is to celebrate the small church as a sacred part of the future of God’s church, including validating lay leadership to supplement parttime pastorate and identifying the vital mission opportunities of each church as beacons of light to their greater community. Click HERE for more information.
Thank you to the Penn Central Conference. We appreciate your prayers and commitment to your conference office.
Shirley
Shirley Keith Knox
Board Moderator
Penn Central Conference
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Scheduling notes:
January 23 - Heidelberg UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
January 30 - Chapel Hill UCC, Camp Hill - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
January 30 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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Get free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Click on the link below to have the free testing kits sent to you through the U.S. Mail System, it only takes about 60 seconds:
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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...
Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg
Penbrook UCC, Harrisburg
St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg
Salem UCC, Harrisburg
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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. |
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Outdoor Ministries Winter Events
WINTER FUN DAYS at Kirchenwald
February 20 from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Bring your family or youth group and enjoy an afternoon on Kirchenwald’s award-winning toboggan run, ice-skating on the lake, or drinking hot chocolate in the lodge.
For more information and to register, visit:
February 20 Event
"[Every]Body Of Christ" Youth/Confirmation Retreat
March 18-20 at Camp Nawakwa, located near Gettysburg. The weekend will begin at 7:00 on Friday evening and end with a closing program at 10:00 on Sunday morning. Cost is $100 for 2 nights of lodging and 4 meals (3 on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday) Learn more here. Registration link:
For more information and to register, visit:
Check out a full slate of winter and spring Outdoor Ministries events here! |
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Ministerial Excellence Forums
There are monthly MEFs specific Tuesdays that will be offered at both 10am and 6pm via zoom. (Some morning sessions may become in-person later in the spring, depending on virus status).
January: Dr. Dan Jurman will start us off January 25th with church related aspects of Trauma Informed PA. Dan is the former director of Community Action Partnership in Lancaster County and serves as the Executive Director at Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform. He is a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary. (Qualifies as Boundary Training)
February: Our own Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Carrie Call will lead our February 15th session on God and the Problem of Evil in Today’s World. How has the theological world talked about and made sense of evil in the world? Join us for a lively theological discussion.
See the rest of the winter/spring educational opportunities here.
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"History & Polity of the UCC" Class for Spring 2022
This annual course is being taught by Carrie Call and Penn Central Conference staff with special guests. Join with students from all over the UCC to learn more about who we are and where we came from as a denomination!
Classes will take place Fridays at 2:00PM starting February 11, 2022 through April 01, 2022. Register by January 30th. Registration is limited. Classes are online via Zoom. Register here.
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Upcoming Book Study:
Thirteen Turns: A Theology Resurrected From the Gallows of Jim Crow Christianity – facilitated by the author Larry Covin Jr. and co-lead by David Bushnell
Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 PM February 15, 22, March 1, 8, 2022
“It is remarkable that African Americans, the descendants of slaves, embrace Christianity at all. The imagination that is necessary to parse biblical text and find within it a theology that speaks to their context is a testimony to their will to survive in a hostile land.” (from Dr. Covin’s book cover) More information and registration is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/243226897197. The book study is limited to 15. Contact Rev. David Bushnell with questions.
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Travel with Pastor Julie: Presentations on Julie Holm’s Sabbatical
Zoom on Mondays (recordings available after)
● January 24: Scotland: Isolation, Highlands and the Holy Isle.
● February 7: Italy and Switzerland: The Great Church, the Saints, and the Swiss Reformation.
● February 21: Germany, Family, Refugees, and Luther Land.
● March 7: Greece: A Lagniappe, Journeys with Paul, and the Orthodox Church.
For Zoom information, please email julie@bvfof.org. Zoom capability provided via the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ.
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UCC Webinars
These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.
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Global H.O.P.E. Kit Matching Grant Application (20-22)
Requirements
- Grant Application will be awarded to churches that have submitted a completed Global H.O.P.E. Kit Matching Grant Application.
- Grant Applications for 2021 will be received through January 28, 2022.
- Congregations that raise $250 or more (monetary or in-kind supplies) for Church World Service Kits are eligible to apply for a $250 matching grant from UCC Global H.O.P.E.
- 100% of Matching Grant funds must be used for purchasing supplies for the assembly of the CWS Kits or for processing costs ($3/Clean Up Bucket, $2/School or Hygiene Kit).
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT - United Church of Christ
Launched at the 2022 General Synod, the Movement toward Racial Justice is an invitation to demonstrate God’s love and to partner with others who are working for the transformation of racism in our world so that we might foster flourishing lives for all. Check out the website at jointhemovementucc.org
Every setting of the UCC, from local churches to global partners, has a role to play in expanding our practices of antiracism and strengthening our capacities as partners and participants in the burgeoning racial justice movements of our time. In this effort, story-sharing is a key component. Our stories show us not only who we are, but also inspire who we may become. Providing opportunities to encounter the antiracism journeys of others, Join the Movement will be a hub for churches within the United Church of Christ of story-sharing that draws others to participate and opens hearts to new possibilities and practices of racial justice.
The Christian church began as a movement towards a just world through the teachings of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we believe it is our mandate to work for and seek justice, love, and compassion, as we join with and become our own Spirit-led movements toward racial justice.
Go to the website to learn what churches are doing, find antiracism resources, and identify local and national practices that are unjust.
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From our friends and partners |
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NEW online classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry:
Fundraising Fundamentals: Churches and Other Non-Profits, Feb. 22 – March 29, 2022. This class provides essential fundraising tools for lay leaders, pastors, and other ministerial leaders. Whether working in a congregation or not-for-profit, all ministerial leaders need to be able to raise money. Taught by an experienced fundraising consultant, this class helps participants hone their skills in developing the fundraising “ask,” writing letters for fundraising, and leveraging networks to grow your ministry.
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South Central PA Task Force Presents 2022 Congregation Security Webinar
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Virtual
Who should attend: This workshop is geared for all faith-based organization leaders, administrators, ushers and safety/security team members by providing exposure to resources and references from subject matter experts in houses of worship security. The workshop will provide the participants an opportunity to: ▪ Receive an overview on the safety & security role of the Ushers ▪ Learn about the preparation, response and recovery for an active shooter incident ▪ Obtain security best practices for Houses of Worship ▪ Learn about government resources and assistance to the faith-based community
To register for this event, click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. There is no charge to attend this workshop as it is sponsored by the South Central PA Task Force and Millersville University. |
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UCC Homes is seeking an Accounts Payable/General Accounting Clerk for a full-time position working 75 hours in a two week pay period. This position requires previous general office experience, basic computer skills and attention to detail. Subject to reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is a condition of employment for this position. Excellent wages and benefits, including retirement plan. EEOE
Interested persons should please mail, fax or e-mail resume and letter of interest to UCC Homes, Attn: Human Resources, 30 North 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; (717) 303-1607 FAX or corpjobs@ucc-homes.org by
December 20, 2021.
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Zion UCC, Arendtsville job openings
The Choir Director directs a 15-member choir to prepare music for regular Sunday morning services. The choir director also works with the minister and the organist to plan special services. Duties include preparing music, scheduling choir practices, identifying soloists, and developing special music presentations. Salary compensation is negotiable.
The organist/pianist accompanies a 15-member choir at regularly scheduled Sunday morning services. Applicants must have the ability to play both the piano and the organ, and be prepared for weekly choir rehearsals. Duties include following the direction of the choir director and minister in planning musical services. This includes Sunday worship and special services. He/she must attend regularly scheduled and special choir rehearsals. Salary compensation negotiable.
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Hamilton Park UCC, Lancaster has two positions open:
Director of Children & Family Ministry: Authentic, Out-going, Creative, Enthusiastic and have a passion for sharing the love of Christ with children and their families? Raise your hand if that is you! Hamilton Park United Church of Christ (HPUCC) is looking for someone like you to become our Director of Children and Family Ministries (DCFM). Join the commitment leaders and members of HPUCC in finding new, innovative ways to share and experience the love of Christ within the church and the community. Contact the Administrator of the Church for more information: admin@hpucc.org
Worship Accompanist: Like to lift a joyful noise? Do you love playing a wide variety of music among an enthusiastic congregation? Hamilton Park United Church of Christ (HPUCC) is searching for someone to bring their gifts to their Sunday morning worship service where we appreciate both piano and organ music as well as a blend of contemporary and traditional pieces. The successful candidate will provide piano and organ music during one Sunday worship service as well as accompany one weekly rehearsal throughout the choir season.
Contact the Administrator of the Church for more information: admin@hpucc.org Read more here.
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-2587
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Ph.D.
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3564
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
Phone: 717-433-6306
Anne Rankin
Outdoor Ministries Liaison
phone: 717-945-4585
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560
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