Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings Friends and Members of Penn Central Conference,
“The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” -Luke 3:22
In this passage, the identity of Jesus is made clear to the gathered people. Our identities are also made clear in baptism: we are the beloved of God! Because we share in Christ’s baptism, we are called to discipleship in his church. Lives of discipleship ask us to live differently in the world. Since we are all ministers and members of the Body of Christ, all are called to the work of building up the Body. Some are called to leadership roles, others to follower roles.
This past weekend I was at the Hartman Lodge with 16 Members in Discernment (MIDs) who are actively discerning their calls to ordained ministry in the church. Along with the MIDs were fellow Conference staff from across our four PA Conferences; it was our first Keystone MID Retreat. One participant commented about how “it offered such a valuable time to come together as a community of faith and share stories with one another.” (Amy Fawks, Gettysburg MID)
This coming together is important to the whole Body of Christ, not just to our pastors or MIDs. In our workshop on “Pastor as Teacher and Visitor” with Rev. David Ackermann, our group was reminded of how important the ‘being together’ is for our members that can’t come to the church building anymore. We also explored how a church visit does not always have to come from the pastor.
We are all called to different ministries in the church through our baptisms. While those MIDs are called to pastoral leadership, perhaps you are called to a visitation ministry. Years ago, there was a blue binder training for congregations titled, “Called to Care.” This resource has been updated and is available from the national setting offering guidance for anyone in the church who might feel called to visit their congregation’s members at home.
The new resource is called the UCC Wellness Ministries Handbook for Visitation. The description asks: “Are you visiting a person or writing a note on behalf of the church? Aren’t sure what to say to this person?” And in response offers, “This handbook furnishes information to guide you in each encounter and provides scripture passages, prayers, and blessings you can easily use.”
Church-life is changing and more and more churches are seeing shifts to part-time ministry, as well as longer seasons of transition between called pastors. In both of these situations, lay people will be called on for more of the types of church visits that homebound members want from their church family. This resource may be just what your consistory or other church leadership is looking for to help these folks answer this call on their discipleship journey.
Call happens along all our discipleship journeys, not just in the lives of those that are called to ordination like our MIDs. As we all approach the celebration of Christ’s baptism in this Sunday’s lectionary, I encourage you to listen for your everyday ministerial calls and claim your identity in the Body of Christ. There are many resources available to help you explore your own call, whatever it may be. Talk with your pastor or reach out to the office today for resourcing your “Yes” on the discipleship way.
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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This year we will celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the German Reformed Church in the United States which began with the first communion at Faulkner Swamp, October 15, 1725. This celebration of our immigrant heritage is particularly meaningful and instructive given the current conversations about immigration happening around the nation.
An 300th Anniversary Committee of representatives from all four Pennsylvania UCC Conferences has begun the work of planning a series of events and worship celebrations to mark the occasion. They include (among other things) quarterly presentations of German Reformed History, a liturgy for congregations to share on the morning of Sunday, October 12th and a Festival of Celebration on Wednesday, October 15th.
A history strong in its roots and its capacity to evolve within God’s unfolding creation leads us into an uncertain future by God’s certain presence. This is something to celebrate! Please watch your conference newsletters for more details will be forthcoming.
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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. | |
Scheduling Notes
December 17 - Jan 12 - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call on medical leave
January 12 - St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg - 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. Peter's UCC, State College
Trinity UCC, State Line
First Reformed UCC, Sunbury
Peace UCC, Denver
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Church Treasurers - the final date for remittance to the conference to be credited to 2024 is January 10, 2025. Checks must be in our PO Box on that date, not merely postmarked by then.
As a reminder, the mailing address is:
PO Box 6625
Harrisburg, PA 17112
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The United Church of Christ has established the Hurricane Helene Recovery Appeal and the Hurricanes 2024 Appeal. Your support for these appeals will ensure that communities are supported and accompanied for years as they rebuild. You can donate through your local church, with your gifts going through the Conference to the Appeal. Gifts can be made through PCC here. Under “Directed Gifts” choose “Disaster Relief” and notate “Hurricane Relief”. And you can always mail a check to the PCC offices with the same notation. | |
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Rock and Roll With It
Hartman Center Winter Youth Retreat
We will be returning to Hartman Center Campground as guests.
5725 Old US Highway 322, Milroy, PA 17063
January 17-19, 2025
Grades 6 through College Grad (or age 22)
Meals and Lodging included
$150 after December 2, 2024
Use coupon code PCC2025 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference Outdoor Ministries scholarship of 50% off your registration fees.
Register here!
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If anyone is interested in Choir robes, St. Johns in Denver is looking for a new home for a few sets. They also have quite a bit of four-part music for anthems and cantatas, most of the material dating back to early twentieth century.
If you might be interested in having some of this, please contact Pastor Brad Haws at revhaws@ptd.net
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United in Song Music Festival
Sunday, March 2, 2025, 3:00PM
First Reformed UCC
160 Chestnut St, Sunbury, PA
Bring your friends and family to celebrate the music ministries of Central Association Congregations and enjoy a variety of performances with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall
Featuring:
- Choirs and Small Groups
- Congregational Hymn Favorites
- A Massed Choir
A freewill offering will support a local ministry. For more information, contact Verlaine Shaw, Music Director at First Reformed UCC, Sunbury vshaw@ptd.net
| Educational Opportunities | |
Penn Northeast Conference Racial Justice Team Book Study
The Penn Northeast Conference Racial Justice Team is hosting a book study on Zoom on the book "This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us" by Cole Arthur Riley. Authorized Ministers participating in the entire book study will receive five hours of continuing education credit OR can use this to fulfill their Diversity Training requirement.
| The Zacahariah Walker Racial Justic Inititative is happy to invite you to participate in our first Book Club of 2025. We are offering a zoom study of Yvonne Delk's edited collection Afro-Christian Convention: the Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ. Please click through the following Eventbrite link and register! We will begin January 21st at 1 pm and ask that you read the Introduction to be prepared for the first meeting. Clergy and Laypersons are welcome. Register here. | |
Boundaries in Ministry: Tools from Congregational Systems
On Jan. 23, online Advanced Boundary Training on "Boundaries in Ministry: Tools from Congregational Systems Theory" will be offered; choose morning or evening session. Using his training as a “Healthy Congregations" facilitator, Rev. Kevin McLemore will cover basic congregational systems and their application for pastors navigating increasingly anxious congregations. A mixture of basic systems theory, videos and discussion will be used during the 2.5 hr. training. Click here for more information and to register.
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From Pennsylvania South East Conference
Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics' Boundary Training
On Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9:00a-3:00p, join members of the PSEC Ethics Committee in Limerick for a boundary training on "Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics". In this training we will cover:
· the moral and ethical expectations of the pastoral office, identifying the “gray” areas of ministry
· the purpose of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the sections of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the top ethical issues facing pastors today
· the issues that lead to Boundary violations and Fitness Reviews
· the Fitness Review Process
For more info and to register, click here.
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PCC Boundary Training 2025
Spiritual Health for Pastors
March 23, 2025, 3PM - 6PM
April 6, 2025, 3PM - 6PM
In Person - locations tba
Join us at this in-person event for a time of centering worship, small group reflection, and deep discussion about the pastor’s spiritual health. Part of being able to lead in ministry is our own solid foundations. Come out for what we hope will be a time of mini-retreat and spiritual nourishment. Mark your calendars, registration link to come!
Online Ethics for Clergy Today
May 20, 2025, 10AM and 6PM zoom only
With social media, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, and the sheer amount of time most folks spend online, its time for a deeper discussion of what personal and professional boundaries clergy might want to have in place to create healthy habits around their online activities. Register here.
Financial Integrity
September 19, 2025, 10AM and 6PM zoom only
Getting back to one of the original five basics of boundary discussions, this will be a deep dive into clergy ethics and church money. We will look at gifts, church credit cards, rewards programs, and more. Register here.
Anti-Bias Training: Cultural Humility in Ministerial Practice
November 12, 2025, 10AM and 6PM zoom only
We serve a church that is 83% white that strives to be a justice seeking denomination, as well as one that is multicultural and multiracial. Your own congregation, perhaps even your community, may not be very racially diverse but is likely more culturally diverse that you would think on the surface. Join this discussion for deeper understanding of the ways in which we carry implicit and explicit biases in our daily lives and how those biases can impact ourselves, those around us, and the Church. Register here.
| Church Futures Commission | |
Discover What Coaching Could Do For You: Free Initial Coaching Session for all Penn Central Clergy & Consistory/Council Presidents
The Penn Central Church Futures Commission invites you to experience the clarifying, empowering, and strategic benefits of coaching. Unlike a mentor or a consultant, coaches aren’t there to tell you what to think, feel, believe, or do. Coaches’ deep listening and intuitive questions support clients in their identified growth, problem solving, and strategy implementation, while evoking new awareness. One of the greatest benefits of coaching is that it provides an intentional partner who is there to confidentially support, encourage, and strengthen you in your ministry. The best way to understand what coaching is, is to experience it yourself. Therefore, the Church Futures Commission is providing free initial coaching sessions for all Penn Central clergy and Consistory/Council Presidents. For those wanting to pursue additional coaching, the next three sessions, scheduled over a four-month period, will be available at a 50% discount. Click here to access the Church Futures webpage, where you can learn about our two professionally trained coaches and to schedule your initial session with one of them.
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UCC Webinar: From a Toxic Media to a Toxic Environment
Jan 15, 2025 01:00 PM
Media in our society can have a decisive influence on everything from elections to the quality of the very air we breathe. It can shape and inform the demands of a public and the political will of those in office. In short, a toxic media can lead to a toxic government and, literally, a toxic environment. This is evident in the influence that media conglomerates can have on matters as vital as the climate crisis. In this webinar, our guest panelists will help us to understand our current media landscape, how it impacts the climate crisis, and what we can do about it. Our three panelists will include Allison Fisher from Media Matters for America, Elyse Martin from the Environmental Defense Fund, and Cheryl A. Leanza from UCC Media Justice. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register today!
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From our friends and partners | |
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Do you have a passion for helping others and possess basic piano playing skills?
If your answer is yes, Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home have 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!
Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home are seeking a Volunteer Pianist to provide accompaniment once a month for the weekly worship services. Services are held at Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home on Wednesdays at 2pm and at Thornwald Home on Thursdays at 2pm. The volunteer pianist plays hymns during the service and other music of their choosing for a short periods prior and after the worship service.
Join our volunteer team at Thornwald Home and/or Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home as you provide your musical talents for the benefit of the residents.
If you would like to share your time with the residents of Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, please contact Rev. Fa Lane, Chaplain, at (717) 249-4118.
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.
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Pathways Theological Education
Throughout history, people have used the gifts of the land creating structures to make our lives easier. The Bailey Island Bridge is such a creation of granite slabs strong enough to withstand the powerful tidal forces traveling between Orrs and Bailey Islands. How do human creations hurt or help our relationship with all people, biodiversity, and the planet? PATHWAYS responds to this question through its Environmental Justice Program, introducing theology, ethics, scripture, policy, pastoral care, preaching and worship that embraces diverse cultures, creatures, and the Earth, Our Common Home.
Sign up now and sample an Environmental Justice course, Biomes and Landforms in Scripture (beginning January 8), connecting our lives and lands with the life and land found in Scripture.
Visit our website and learn more about PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
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The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary has its popular "Liturgical Practices" course beginning January 14, 2025. This class provides participants with the opportunity to plan, prepare, and practice versions of rites and rituals tailored to their own denominational and cultural contexts, including leading Sunday worship, baptisms/child dedications, weddings/union services, and funerals/memorial/homegoing services.
More Information at paacademyofministry.org/
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Spring 2025 Eden Seminary Ministry Cohorts
Register here
Ministry cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.
Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.
Each Cohort is $250, with Referral Rewards and a Multi-Cohort Bundle available. Go here for information, exact dates, and to register.
6+ Makes a Cohort – Bring a friend!
The Body of Christ and The Body Snatchers - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause; Rev. Shana Johnson as facilitator
Doing Justice in Community - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker; Fr. Aaron Rogers as facilitator
The Psalms for Justice-Seekers and Peacemakers - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Rev. Dr. Nora Foust, facilitator
Church Administration - Digital content by Rev. Dr. John Bracke; Rev. Eric Fistler as facilitator
UCC History and Polity - Dr. Jill Baker, digital content provider and facilitator
Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie, Rev. Dr. Christie Love as facilitator
Grant funded scholarships available, please contact Nora before registering for more information.
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Part-Time Church Office Administrator
Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey
The position is responsible for creating church bulletins, maintaining church calendars, answering phones, coordinating church events, and other tasks as needed to manage a small church office. As time and training allow, the position may also be responsible for counting/recording funds, some bookkeeping, and maintenance of a website and social media communication. Time management and the ability to maintain confidentiality are of utmost importance. See full job description here. Apply via Indeed.
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Part-Time Church Office Administrator
Lift UCC, Lancaster
The Church Office Administrator will support the Pastor(s) and Leadership Team in the administrative operations of the church. The Administrator will be responsible for overseeing and managing the administrative processes of the church, including office maintenance and communications. The right candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively, demonstrate strong organizational skills, and maintain a high level of confidentiality. See full job description here.
Contact Pastor Donté Jones if interested at pastor@wisdomstableucc.org or 717.808.7232.
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
Philanthropy
Generosity Officer, Great Lakes Region Close Date: Open until filled
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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: 717-652-1560 x3
Rev. Dwight Hein
Facilitator for Clergy Care
email: dhein@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560 x3
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