Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,

“So, give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22: 21 

Jesus’ answer to the Pharisee attempting to trap him is as relevant to our age as it was when first spoken. Who among us wants to pay taxes and does not seek ways to avoid or at least limit the amount needing to be paid?  

 Like the Pharisee posing the initial question, many today continue to echo in a variety of expressions. “Is it right to pay the Imperial tax?” The basic flaw with this question, then as now, lies in the reality that those speaking critically of the tax nonetheless partake in the benefits of the society to whom the tax is paid. The religious leaders, while raising objections to Roman rule, still enjoyed positions of privilege and had the protection of Rome. 

 Anyone of any age can raise questions concerning accountability for and responsible use of taxes levied. Such are reasonable exercises of citizenship, but to seek excuses for not paying, while making full use of governmental programs is at best short sighted. 

As an example, I hear many persons express critique of school taxes sighting that they no longer have children attending school and demanding to know what benefit received for the tax they pay. But though they may no longer have children attending school, there are still many benefits. Most emergency service personnel are products of the public schools, as are many workers providing services to all citizens of our communities.  

 The question posed by the Pharisee was deceitful and aimed at finding a reason to discredit Jesus by citing religious or moral objections. But throughout the ages many believers have utilized similar ploys to line their pockets, while at the same time hiding behind noble sounding religious chatter. Yes, loyalty to God is to be our priority. It can be confusing to know when to stand on principle as we consider the many issues and causes demanding our attention and loyalty. But such should never be utilized as a means of economic expediency. 

Jesus makes clear that a time for decision will be required, but we must weigh that call with great care. We must be diligent in prayer and study to discern whether it is the call of Christ or our own selfish desire to avoid paying by finding fault with authority. Daily we encounter situations wherein we must choose how to express our loyalty and live accordingly. Discerning where and how to place our loyalty requires our complete spiritual focus and practice. So may we attend more fully on how it is we determine what and how we will honor our God and how we will responsibly participate in our social contacts. 

Rick

Rev. Rick Luciotti

Coordinator of Clergy Care

Penn Central Conference

Scheduling notes:

October 16 - 22 - C. Paul Keller out of office

October 18 - 29 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust out of office

October 19 - 23 - Rev. Rick Luciotti out of office

October 29 - Trinity UCC, East Petersburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching

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...

Salem UCC, Harrisburg

Trinity UCC, Hallam

David's UCC, Herndon

St. Paul's UCC, Herndon

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.

Installation of the 10th General Minister and President

OCT 20, 2023 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM

You are cordially invited to attend the Installation of the 10th General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson. Learn more about the Installation here: www.ucc.org/gmp-installation/. Can’t attend in person? You can participate in the service online: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/8016942040880/WN_SwP7ZZcjQAubcJjuSl-Upw

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.   

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.

Local Church

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. 

WANTED: 25 choir robes to be used for middle school play! Need from late October to mid-November. Call Kay Boyer at 717-507-9400. Thank you!

Home Sought for Historic Local Painting

One of the dilemmas faced by St. Paul UCC in Shrewsbury, PA as it closes its doors is what will happen to this historic painting of Jesus in Gethsemane currently at the front of our sanctuary. Can anyone offer or suggest an appropriate home for it? Perhaps a local place of worship, a prayer room at a college or nursing home, or a museum? The buyer of the St. Paul building is not interested in keeping this local work so we need to move it quickly before the ownership is transferred.

Believed to have been installed in St. Paul’s sanctuary in the late 1940s, the painting is the work of York, PA native and Evangelical United Brethren Pastor, Rev. Dr. C. Guy Stambach (pictured) who lived from 1895 until 1972. Rev. Stambach had three formal art lessons as a child but didn’t start painting till the early 1940s as an adult. He rarely created original works but based his life-sized studies of Jesus on works of master painters like this one treasured by the St. Paul congregation. His paintings were popular with churches in part because he was known for only charging recipients the cost of his supplies. Making headlines across our nation as the “painting pastor”, he considered his art part of his ministry. He once told his son he had sold or donated more than 330 paintings across the country to multiple denominations.



St. Paul’s painting is 72” tall and 108” wide. During the 1990s, the painting was completely restored which involved a complicated process of removing the painting from the wall where it had been glued. The painting is now mounted on plywood and can fairly easily be moved by removing wood molding that hides the screws attaching the painting to the wall.

Association Meetings

October 15: Lebanon Association at St. John’s UCC in Fredericksburg, 3:00 PM

October 29: Harrisburg Association at Colonial Park UCC in Harrisburg, 2:00 PM

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

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)

Winds of the Spirit - Welcome Backpacks Assembly Report

Central Association – Penn Central Conference

We had a group 19 individuals who gathered on Saturday, September 16^th to assemble CWS (Church World Service) Welcome Backpacks at First Reformed UCC in Sunbury, PA. The folks from Sunbury provided a wonderful breakfast for the group.

The morning started with sorting the materials that were gathered, eating breakfast and sharing in a brief devotional. Then the work of packing and assembling the kits started. In just about an hour there were 35 Welcome Backpacks prepared. CWS describes the project: “When neighbors around the world are forced to leave their homes and begin a new life in various parts of the U.S., they often travel with few material possessions. CWS Welcome Backpacks is how we ensure our newly arriving neighbors essentials … and a warm welcome home”. In addition, like loaves and fishes, there were quite a few leftover items. The gathered group found locations for the extra items, including a shelter in Sunbury, a school nurse, a food backpack distribution effort and a community center. Thanks to everyone who generously donated supplies and funds for this project. Many ministries and individuals will be blessed by your generosity.



After the work was done, the group talked about hopes and plans for the future ministries of the Central Association. Most immediately, there will be a small group of folks who will travel to New Windsor, MD to deliver the backpacks and have a tour of the Brethren Service Center on October 23^rd. They will also have the opportunity to volunteer and will assemble other kits for a couple of hours.

The Winds of the Spirit/Fully Alive Team

David Beckley, Sally Dries, Jan Garinger, Dietmar Plajer, and Alice Rauch

Educational Opportunities

Synod Reflections

Penn Central Conference's Synod Delegates are excited to share more about their Synod 34 experiences.

There are two ways to hear directly from our delegates in their own words. First, you can check out written reflections from Kathy Brown, Andrew Boyer, Jerry Thomason, Kelly Shiflett, Rev. Caroline Saxton and Gail Landers.

Synod Seconds – A Keystone-wide Conversation

You are invited to participate in a zoom conversation about how we bring synod resolutions to life back here in our local communities on November 13 from 6:30-8 pm. If you were a delegate serving on one of these committees and would be willing to share a brief reflection, please contact the discussion facilitator at nfoust@pccucc.org. Register to join us.

In September we had a very generative discussion on how to partner with local agencies and government offices to spend the $1 billion in digital infrastructure dollars recently received by the commonwealth. We recognized that it is not all about access to broadband, but also access to devices and the knowledge to use them. These are unique and local discussions that invite on the ground action by our members. We also had deep and caring conversations on how local churches might begin work on harm reduction covenants and education tool kits as starting places for our rural congregations to engage that work. In October's session we discussed the resolutions on Guns to Gardens and the Church's relationship to Indian Boarding Schools.

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.

October 18, 6:30PM - St. Paul's UCC, Mechanicsburg (in-person only)

November 1, 6:30PM - Zoom Only

November 14, 6:30PM - Quentin UCC, Quentin (in-person only)

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 12^th ZOOM for all Participants

Register here:

Boundary Awareness and Anti-Racism Training - Intersectionality and Power Dynamics

These sessions on October 25^th are open to anyone clergy or lay. Register for the 10am or 6pm Zoom sessions here. Each are 2-hours.

A Fall Book Study – Rev. Dr. Nora Foust will lead a two-night discussion on Clint Smith’s 2021 NY Times bestseller, How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery in America. All are welcome to join the discussion on November 6^th and 7^th 6:30-8pm on Zoom. Register here.

Ministerial Excellence Forums for Clergy Continuing Education  Please register.

·      November 21^st 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.

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.

Clergy Burnout and Self-Care Workshop

The Florida Conference will be underwriting a "Clergy Burnout and Self-Care" online workshop on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. Together we will acknowledge the very real risk of clergy spiritual, physical and relational exhaustion, and we will explore how to recognize the red flags of unhealthy ministry relationships and practice self-care so as to avoid burnout. Florida Conference clergy who attend will earn one unit of boundary training credit. Registration is required, but there is no cost to participate for clergy who have their standing in Florida. Cost is $40 for clergy who have their standing in another conference or association. The workshop will take place via Zoom video conference, and links will be emailed to registrants the week before the workshop. Register today!

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.

Outdoor Ministries

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.

From our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation

Fall Foliage Days

At Nawakwa - October 22, 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Return to camp for the afternoon to enjoy fall activities, worship, and a picnic supper. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends or introduce new folks to camp. An evening meal is included.

Enjoy Pumpkin Painting, Hayrides, Hiking, and More!

Join us this day as we celebrate the burning of the mortgage from the success of the Seeding the Future and Imagine Campaigns!

$15 per person (4 and under free) – includes all activities and evening meal.

Register here

At Kirchenwald - October 22, 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Return to camp for the afternoon to enjoy fall activities, worship, and a picnic supper. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends or introduce new folks to camp. An evening meal is included.

Enjoy Pumpkin Painting, Canoeing / Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Hayrides, Hiking, and More!

$15 per person

Register here

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

Register here.

UCC National Setting

UCC Webinars

These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.

Donors Who Don’t Come to Church: Engaging Donors Outside of Sunday Morning

OCT 25, 2023 | 7:30PM - 8:30PM

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 10^th and 11^th 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.

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you like to drive and explore local areas?

If your answer is yes, The Lebanon Valley Home has the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Volunteers play a vital role in the ministry of UCC Homes. They serve in a variety of ways that make life more enjoyable and pleasant for those we serve…the residents!

The Lebanon Valley Home in Annville, PA is seeking an energetic and fun-loving person to serve as Volunteer Van/Bus Driver to transport residents on short local trips in our 14-passenger bus, mostly on weekdays and some early evenings. The hours and commitment will be of your choosing based on your availability and we do offer volunteer orientation and training.

Join our volunteer team at The Lebanon Valley Home in providing residents with weekly grocery trips, shopping trips, lunch and breakfast outings, rides to Indiantown Gap Military cemetery, and seasonal drives to view fall foliage and Christmas lights.

No special license needed! A valid PA Driver’s License is required, and the driver must be 25 to 75 years old. A Department of Transportation physical is required but at NO COST to the volunteer and which the staff at The Lebanon Valley Home will arrange.

If you would like to share your time with the residents of The Lebanon Valley Homes, please contact Amy Tillinger, Director of Activities, at (717) 867-4467.

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of this opportunity to add value not only to your own life but also to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

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!

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

PER DEIM CHAPLAIN’S NEEDED

Holy Spirit in Camp Hill is seeking clergy to serve as Hospital Chaplain’s on a per diem basis. Those interested are required to have completed 4 units of CPE, though ordination is not required.

If interested, contact Rev Paul Hansen, Holy Spirit Hospital. Phone # is 717-972-4255 and the email is phansen@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for further information and or to apply.

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

OPTIC - Philanthropy

Generosity Officer, New England Region Open until filled

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page