Message to the Conference | |
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Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
"Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:21)
In case you have not seen the lectionary readings for the past few weeks, Jesus is in midst of parables and sayings regarding the end times and his apocalyptic return in judgment. Chapters 24 and 25 in the gospel of Matthew are full of warnings regarding the end times, what the signs might be, what is expected of disciples, and what may occur in the final judgment. The parable for this week is well known. A man (the owner) goes on a trip. But before leaving he entrusts each of his servants with some of his property. A "talent" is a huge sum of money, equal to about 15 years work of a day laborer. Each is given an allotment of the owner’s property, “according to his ability”, without instructions. Then the owner leaves town. We learn that the first two servants trade the talents and make more talents. Even without instructions, they knew somehow what was expected of them. But the third buries his allotment of one talent.
We know what happens next. The owner returns and two of the servants have done well with their talents and he commends them. But the third servant - he is the key to the story. He speaks of what he knows of the owner - that he is a harsh man and reaps where he does not sow. The man thunders that he should at least have invested the money to gain interest (actually forbidden in Israelite society). But the servant admits to having been afraid. He wants to return the one talent, but the owner takes it and gives it to the first servant. The ending is harsh, with the servant being thrown into “the outer darkness.”
This parable is not a direct allegory about God. Instead, I see it as a parable about the disciples, and all future disciples. The focus of the story is the third servant. Jesus is teaching about what is expected of the servant, regardless of whether the owner was good or wicked. What has Jesus taught us already so that we know what to do in his absence?
We know this servant was afraid. And we know his fear was at the root of his inaction. Had he acted, he would have taken a risk. On the one hand he could lose everything in a bad investment. On the other he could do just fine and be rewarded. His fear blocks his ability to initiate action as the others did. He gives into that fear and buries the talent.
Jesus tells the disciples (and us) that fear is not an excuse for not carrying out the instructions he has given them/us. Discipleship will not be as easy as trading talents. Even in the face of troubling or evil times we are to act. Jesus knows that fear can paralyze us. That all God has given us and asked of us can be hidden away, not out of modesty or humility, but out of fear. We will lose our initiative as disciples and blame others for our fear.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus seems harsh. He is blunt and his judgments are clear. Sometimes what I read feels cringe-worthy. Yet at times I need such bluntness. I need to be told, do not blame fear because you did not do what God expects you to do! Do your gospel work anyway. Do not blame fear when you turn away from someone in need. Accept the risk. No matter the wickedness of those around us, we are still called to act despite fear. If you fail, you know your effort was faithful - and this is what God cares about. Faithful initiative, eagerness, and loyalty are what Jesus expects of his disciples.
There are countless moments when our fear paralyzes us. But according to Jesus, the coming of the kingdom requires courage alongside preparedness. Keep awake. Pray. Get to work. And be not afraid.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
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 19 - Zion UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 26 - St. Matthew's UCC, Carlisle - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
December 10 - Trinity UCC, Waynesboro - 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, Lancaster
Salem (Rohrerstown) UCC, Lancaster
New Hope UCC, Landisburg
Grace UCC, Lebanon
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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. | |
Open House and Celebration
You are invited to an open house in celebration of Rick Luciotti's time with Penn Central Conference on Thursday, December 7, 2023! His last day as Coordinator of Clergy Care will be December 31st.
We will have light refreshments in the fellowship hall of St. Thomas UCC and the offices will be open for guests to tour and interact with staff from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, with a presentation at 2:30PM in the fellowship hall.
Please RSVP by registering here so we can be sure to have enough food and chairs available.
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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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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.
| Educational Opportunities | |
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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
ADVENT DAY APART
The Wittel Farm
December 9, 2023
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
$15
We don’t like to wait for anything, and especially Christmas. With all its secular attraction, this holiday is often a focus on over-indulgence, and too often neglected is the best gift of all… one worth our waiting. You are invited to The Wittel Farm for a day apart from the busyness of life for prayer and contemplation as we journey toward the celebration of Christmas.
Registration fee includes lunch.
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN
at The Wittel Farm
December 17, 2023
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us at the farm for our annual Advent/Christmas night. This year, we’ll gather around the outdoor fire and have cookies and cocoa in the barn. Lights and decorations!
WINTER YOUTH RETREAT
at Kirchenwald
January 5 - January 7, 2024
$170
Enjoy Kirchenwald in the Winter! Play broom hockey and other games on the frozen pond. Have fun sledding, playing snow soccer and other winter games. Creative Bible studies and worship experiences led by our summer camp counselors are an important part of this retreat. Meet new friends and catch up with your summer camp friends. Other indoor and outdoor activities may be included, as the weather dictates.
For youth in grades 3 through 9. Register here. Use code PENNCENTRAL2024 for a 50% scholarship, courtesy of the PCC Outdoor Ministries Commission.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
Jan. 24 – Orientation for Financial Leaders
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcuGsqT0iG900QU6jmOnzJWFHo0e9Seoi
The presentation reviews basic aspects of the treasurer, financial secretary, and trustee roles in a local congregation. We will discuss creating a “financial dashboard” to help fellow board members understand the finances of the congregation, effective ways to record and thank donors for their gifts, and best practices around cash controls and cash management.
See full 2024 list here.
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OCWM Flyers
The national setting has provided us with four one page (front and back) flyers on what Our Church's Wider Mission does and what it funds. These would be great to include one per Sunday over the course of a month, read aloud in a service, or posted to bulletin board to provide your congregation with information about where their money is going. Download them 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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New Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Scholarship Opportunity
United Church of Christ Homes is offering a wonderful new opportunity for members of our sponsoring UCC congregations within Penn Central Conference! UCC Homes’ CNA Scholarship would pay the training fees for qualifying individuals who wish to complete the required training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and work for a community of UCC Homes.
Qualifying individuals would be those who are members of supporting congregations who are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, speak/read/write English fluently, and who are able to pass state-requirements (pass a physical exam, negative TB tests and/or chest x-ray results, PA Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprint Clearance) for the class and for work in long-term care. Scholarship recipients would also be required to supply references, including one from a member of the sponsoring congregation.
Individuals who are chosen for the CNA scholarship will receive the following:
- Paid pre-class testing (i.e., physical exam, TB/CXR, criminal background checks, etc.)
- Paid class registration (a $1300-$1600 benefit)
- Guaranteed MFT CNA position with a UCC Homes community upon graduation
- Paid registration to complete the state-required skills and written certification exams (up to three times each)
The individual chosen for the CNA scholarship is not paid by UCC Homes until they have successfully completed the CNA training class (2-3 weeks) at which time they will be required to attend a General Orientation session and additional on-the-floor orientation to their position. It is expected that individuals who receive CNA scholarships will remain in UCC Homes’ employment for at least two years upon completion of their course.
The communities of United Church of Christ Homes include The Lebanon Valley Home in Annville, Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home in Carlisle, Ephrata Manor in Ephrata and Kindred Place at Annville and Kindred Place at Harrisburg.
Interested individuals should contact Lori Dierolf, VP of Human Resources, by calling 717-303-1502 or via email at ldierolf@ucc-homes.org for additional information and to arrange a time for an interview. Printable version of this information for your congregations can be found here.
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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 (11/01/2023)
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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 (10/4/2023)
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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
Philanthropy
Director of Philanthropy Close Date: 12/7/23
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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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