Message to the Conference | |
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Above: The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Below: Nora Foust (R) and Maria Soto, UCC Pension Boards Regional Account Manager
(Photo credit: Maria Soto)
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central!
I was in Saint Louis last week with our UCC Council of Health and Human Services Ministry team and their member organizations for the annual gathering. CHHSM Agencies serve multiple functions: the well-being of children, care of aging adults, health care organizations, and facilities for adults with mental health or developmental concerns. Most of these agencies see their work as directly related to, and a ministry of, the church that brought them into being. It was a powerful experience to be among nurses, facility directors, CEOs, activity directors, social workers, and chaplains - who all understand their daily work and the mission of their organization as expressions of collective faith, and in many cases personal faith as well. The overarching theme for our time together was Collaboration as a Gateway to Innovation. We heard repeatedly Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “It is better to have a partner. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down the other helps.” (The Message)
One of the major takeaways for me on the very first day was a need for the Church to “get outside”: outside of our history, outside of ourselves, outside of our models, outside of our buildings, outside of what we think we know about tomorrow. This “getting outside” was repeatedly set in the context of the story of Rev. Louis Nollau whose congregation of German immigrants in 1858 opened an orphanage for children of the cholera pandemics. A congregant told Rev. Nollau that “we don’t have the money for that” to which Rev. Nollau thoughtfully replied, “But we have the children.” The need was tremendous in that day and Every Child’s Hope continues to serve an immense need among children and families in the greater St. Louis area today because “we have the children” and local congregations and donors continue to see the value of mission-first spending.
If you were to look outside, who are the “children” in your community? In what ways might you share yourselves in a greater mission of caring and changing lives? Perhaps there you will see the unhoused or the food insecure, those needing community re-entry resources after prison, or those in recovery. Your congregation may not need to start an organization to serve the need - there is likely one already doing the work - but your partnership in that work would make a greater impact for changing lives.
One of the core values in the United Church of Christ is “changing lives.” How does your congregation live out that core value in partnership with agencies outside yourself? (And in case you are curious, the other core values are “continuing testament” and “extravagant welcome.”) No one congregation or agency can solve all the issues of our broken world, but our belief in who God is and how God acts in the world can beckon us to work for a world we believe is possible. So, the call this week is to look outside and find a partner, to “share the work, share the wealth.”
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Women's History in the UCC
Women's History Month, celebrated annually in March, honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It originated from International Women's Day which was first observed in the early 1900s and gained traction during the women's rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s.This month serves to raise awareness of women's roles in shaping societies, inspire future generations, and highlight ongoing challenges.
In the eNews each week this month we will be highlighting the contributions of women in the history of the UCC. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of these women this month and every month.
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Education By Women, For Women
Much has been said about the accomplishments of the feminist movement that erupted in the 1970s in the secular world. Less is celebrated, however, about this same feminist energy in theological education and the church. Florence Amanda Fensham (1861-1912) has the distinction of being the first woman in the nation to receive a theological degree from a Congregational seminary. Her enrollment at Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) in 1902 caused “considerable consternation.” But her excellent work earned the highest honors in her class, “raised the tone of the student body distinctly,” and opened the door for other women to enter.
Born in East Douglass, Massachusetts, she was educated in Europe at Mansfield College, and Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh universities. She was an accomplished biblical scholar and linguist. Her studies prepared her for teaching and missionary positions at the American College for Girls in Constantinople, Turkey in 1883 and the Dean of women at Beloit College from 1902. This passion for women’s education also positioned her as the key figure among Congregationalists to provide education opportunities for women. The culmination of her life’s work came through the creation of the Congregational Training School for Women (CTSW) in 1909.
The CTSW had roots in the ancient and often forgotten role of “deaconess.” This office was restored in the late 19th century by the Evangelical Synod, a forerunner of the United Church of Christ. While it advanced volunteer service with the sick, poor and homeless, many women sought more. Fensham’s new model expanded vocational opportunities for women, laying the groundwork for many contemporary paths to ministry for women in the United Church of Christ today. Prominent CTS professor Graham Taylor, said, “She gave it all she had . . . she was its inspiration and initiative, its principal instructor and only administrator, its homemaker and outside representative.”
Julia M. Speller, Contributor
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This information originally appear in UCC Roots, October 2021 | |
62nd Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference
For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Annual Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.
We will be joined by General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, who will be preaching during closing worship on Sunday. All four conferences will be hosting a reception with her on Saturday evening as well.
All Authorized Ministers in good standing are voting members of Penn Central Conference. Each church shall be entitled to be represented by two (2) lay delegates with voting privileges.
Registration is now open - register here. You can learn more in this video featuring all four conference ministers, plus a tentative schedule is posted to the registration page.
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We recognize that the prices involved are higher than what our churches and clergy have spent in the past for Annual Meeting. We do not want budget concerns to prevent your attendance at this important meeting - scholarships are available!
Please fill out this form and email it to Paul Keller to apply for financial assistance.
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YEARBOOK DATA
Yearbook data collection is not over yet! If you were unable to enter your information into the DataHub before last week's deadline, there is still time for it to be counted. Please email Paul by end of day tomorrow with the most pertinent information - 2023 membership and average attendance.
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Scheduling notes:
April 7 - Maytown Reformed UCC, Maytown - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
April 14 - Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr.
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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...
First Reformed Church UCC, Sunbury
Peace UCC, Denver
Paradise UCC, Milton
Trinity UCC, Turbotville
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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. | |
Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows
Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00am 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.
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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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Association Events
April 7, 3:00PM - Northern Association Spring Meeting
April 14, 3:00PM - Lebanon Association Spring Meeting - Hill UCC, Lebanon
April 14, 3:00PM - Lancaster Association Spring Meeting - St. Paul's UCC, Manheim
April 21, 2:30PM - Gettysburg Association Spring Meeting - Trinity UCC, Gettysburg
May 5, 3:00PM - Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting
| St. Luke's UCC, Lock Haven - Installation Service for Pastor Dave Miller - April 14, 3:00PM | |
For Children and Youth: UCC Climate Hope Art Contest
To give our children and youth a voice this election season, while also reminding adults of their responsibility for the next generation, the UCC is conducting a Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest. From now until April 16th, art submissions will be accepted. Participating churches should register now to receive important information and updates.
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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
6 night camps - Sunday, 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
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 PENNCENTRAL2024 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!
March 20: Communion
| Thursday April 4: Clergy Forum at 6:30 pm. You are invited to join your colleagues in a facilitated discussion of "How America got Mean," by David Brooks. The article is a significant take on moral formation in today's society and what the role of the church is in that. Brooks' article is insightful and provocative and will provide material for an engaging conversation. Register here. | |
Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
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. (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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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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UCCMA National Conference 2024
Conference 2024, the national biennial gathering of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA), will take place July 10-13, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Connecticut. Designed for church musicians, choral and handbell choir members and worship leaders, the three-day event includes workshops, plenary sessions, worship services, evening entertainment and networking opportunities. The stellar roster of presenters includes:
- · Tom Shelton, associate professor in choral activities at Westminster Choir College
- · Nathanial Gumbs, concert organist and director of chapel music at Yale
- · Ellen Dickinson, director of bell programs at Yale
- · Braxton Shelley, associate professor of music, sacred music and divinity at Yale
- · Janet Yieh, concert organist and specialist in women composers
The conference’s theme, “A place at the table,” inspired the planning for the entire conference experience. Our goal is to send participants home reenergized with lots of new resources and ideas to use in their local congregations.
This conference is open to all. Scholarship help is available for first-time UCCMA conference attendees who wouldn’t be able to attend without some financial assistance.
Complete information is available at https://uccma.wildapricot.org/conference-2024.
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A note from United Church Funds
We understand that finding relevant and helpful content to share with church leadership about values-aligned investing and fiduciary responsibilities can be daunting. UCF provides resources to fill this gap.
* UCF’s Fiduciary Focus articles discuss a variety of topics that are insightful for churches and faith-based investors;
* If churches are interested in learning more about sustainable and responsible investing, and we’ve created this video on the Five Tools in Sustainable Investing;
* For churches that want to dive into planned giving campaigns in 2024, we offer resources and videos on the topic here.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
April 24 – A Good Pitch - Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuCvpzojG9BHNVrZXiYVjmHakz1H2pWe
Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
Pax Christi Harrisburg will hold its annual Walking Way of the Cross in downtown Harrisburg on Good Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. Participants should gather at 9:45 a.m. at Front & Market Sts. (Dauphin County Courthouse). This event connects Jesus’ journey to the cross with current day themes of peace and justice. The walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and will occur, rain or shine. For more information, call Rick Woodard at 717-991-4204. | |
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SEARCHING FOR JOY: CLERGY YOGA FOR THE EASTER SEASON
For clergy, church staff, and faith leaders, the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter can be profoundly impactful and deeply resonant, while at the same time bringing with them a deep level of physical and mental exhaustion. This 7-week yoga series (beginning April 3 at 9am Eastern via Zoom) is a place for leaders to come and receive a space of rest and renewal, coupled with gentle movement and contemplative prayer as we together seek the renewing joy of resurrection, exploring the theme of joy as a spiritual practice.
These classes will blend together elements of restorative yoga, plus gentle hatha (active) yoga. All classes are appropriate for all levels; beginners are welcome. Included in this course is one (optional) individual session of spiritual direction, plus a weekly written meditation for use in your spiritual practice.
CEUs are available.
To register, visit www.sacredsoulscapes.org/challenge-page/searchingforjoy
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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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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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