Greetings Penn Central members and friends,

I’d like for you time remember a time when you got to witness the baptism of an infant in a worship service. That little one was the epitome of grace and there was absolutely nothing that infant child could have done to earn God’s love.  

Around the corner from the days as a compliant infant, a child will eventually learn the word, “No!” That pivotal revelation in childhood that leads from having no choices to valuing choice above all things and the privilege it is to have choices. What follows is that they are then judged by others as being a good person or otherwise.

But doing right or wrong is not at the core of being saved by Christ’s grace alone, is it? Most of us as children were told that Jesus loves us. Then at some point that changes in our minds. We start to think God judges us by our doing right or wrong, instead of being saved by grace alone. With the worry of “cheap grace” in the background, if we truly believe that Christ was sent into the world to save humanity through his life, death and resurrection, why do we put on each other the need to always be doing good in the rest of our lives? 

Enter the letter of James in the New Testament telling us to be doers not just hearers of God’s word. Did you know that James is one of the scriptures for which the Protestant Reformers had great disdain? 

Dr. Thomas G. Long, professor emeritus of preaching at Candler School of Theology wrote, ““Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” is the kind of statement that drove Reformer, Martin Luther up a wall. Luther famously thought James to be “an epistle of straw.” …I tacitly agreed with Luther. I perhaps would never have spoken out loud frank criticisms of James, but I was so attached to sheer grace as a theological theme that James’ little moral lessons—on everything from holding one’s tongue to showing patience in suffering to the ethics of ushering in worship—seemed to me to be, if not straw, at least small potatoes. I wanted people to be hearers of the word; doing was for Sunday school.”

Moravian pastor, Rev Katie Van Der Linden in her recent column in The Christian Century titled, “Faith in Public and in Private” tries to explain the paradox of James this way. “James is looking at the big picture…What does a faithful person look like, act like, be like? …Faith is about what God sees and what the world sees; they are not separate.”

What James does well is to hold a magnifying glass to the ethics of everyday life with his capacity to urge us toward deeds that flow from our being faithful disciples of Christ, not just resting on our blessed assurances. 😊

We say that our two sacraments, communion and baptism, are outward and visible signs of the inward and spiritual grace that we receive. Our daily actions should be outward and visible signs of the grace that we know so well, sharing that grace and love with others, and as James states it, “being doers, not just hearers” of God’s holy word.

Dwight

Rev. Dwight Hein

Facilitator of Care to Clergy and Clergy Families

Penn Central Conference

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

September 5 - 10 - Paul Keller on vacation

September 8 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching

September 8 - St. John's UCC, Shamokin - 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...

Faith UCC, Lancaster

First Reformed UCC, Lancaster

Hamilton Park UCC, Lancaster

Lift UCC, Lancaster (new church start)

Register now for Keystone Study Group Town Halls

Due to the complex nature of the possible merger, town hall meetings on the subject have been broken into three topics:

1. Timeline, Staffing, Finance

2. Timeline, PA UCC Mission Focus

3. Timeline, Associations.

There are four opportunities to attend a webinar on each of the above topics. They will be hosted by different conferences, but you can attend any. The schedule is below; click the date and time to register. You can also find this information on our website on the Keystone Study Group page under Resources.

Poetry as Prayer

The American poet Robert Frost wrote, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.” In Poetry as Prayer, a small group of clergy will meet on Zoom to read poems, share with one another the thoughts and emotions that emerge in the listening, and connect poetry with our everyday lives. In addition to online meetings, group members may decide to schedule mini-retreats: opportunities to gather in-person for deeper conversation, and the chance to write their own poems. In community with other clergy, members may discover how engaging with poetry can be a meaningful spiritual practice. Whether you are brand new to poetry, or a longtime poetry enthusiast, we would be delighted for you to join us in Poetry as Prayer. The group will meet on the fourth Thursdays of each month from 1-2:30pm beginning on September 26th and covenant to be together for 1 year. Rev. Allyssa Boyer will facilitate this group. Registration is required, limited to PCC authorized ministers, and capped at 12.

Register here.

UEK Partnership

On September 12 at 1 PM there will be a PCC-EKD partnership meeting. 

This ministry group works in partnership with the churches in several

regions of Germany. The meeting is conducted via Zoom. If you are

interested in serving in this international relationship group, contact

Julie Holm julie@bvfof.org.

Innovation Grant Applications Being Accepted

In 2018, Penn Central Conference established an Innovation Grant program to assist churches. As originally planned, the window for applying for a grant is from July 1 through October 31 each year. Funding is from the Strengthen The Church offering and the proceeds of the Conference investments which amounts to approximately $25,000 per year and is supplemented as needed from other sources.

The Grant Application can be found here or is available on the Conference website under the Resources tab at the top of the page. The drop down list reveals Documents and Forms and clicking on that enables you to scroll down to the Finance section, then select PCC Innovation Grant Form.

This same application is for use by Lebanon Association churches and groups to apply for a St. John’s, Lebanon grant. These grants are funded through the investment proceeds of monies that were received from the sale of the Building of St. John’s, Lebanon which amounts to approximately $5,000 per year.

Both grants are available to either begin or enhance ministries of the church.

To date, this year the Finance Committee has received two applications, both for updating the church’s AV equipment enabling the congregation to make a more effective witness to their communities through their Sunday Services. It also will provide for homebound members a better opportunity to experience the worship within the walls of the building.

In previous years, the Innovation Grants have gone to churches and groups upgrading equipment and signage, starting a food pantry, planting gardens and create an LGBTQ youth center among other projects.

If you need or want any further information, contact the Conference Treasurer, Mike Price, at treasurer@pccucc.org or Paul Keller, Office Manager at pkeller@pccucc.org.

Association Events

October 13 - Lancaster Association Fall Meeting - 3:00PM

October 20 - Harrisburg Association Fall Meeting - Hummelstown UCC - 2:00PM

October 20 - Lebanon Association Fall Meeting - 2:00PM

October 26 - Central Association Fall Meeting - 9:00AM

November 9 - Gettysburg Association Fall Meeting - 10:30AM (fellowship luncheon following the Keystone Conference vote)

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.

Boundary Training in 2024

Via Zoom - 10:00AM and 6:00PM

These boundary trainings are a repeat of topics covered in the first half of 2024.

The Ministerial Code – September 17, 2024

This is the ordained minister’s code of ethics and should underpin our ministry. It’s a grand document. Join Nora as we look at it line-by-line and examine the practical implications of living a life worthy of the calling to which we’ve each been called. Register here

Intersectionality and Power Dynamics - October 15, 2024

In this session, ACM Rev. Dr. Nora Foust will discuss ways in which we as leaders in the church navigate ever changing power dynamics as culturally more and more important intersections are defined. Her participation in a training event with Rev Lori Tapia, the DOC National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries, and Dr. Sharon Fennema, our UCC Curator for Join the Movement, led to the development of this culturally relevant discussion. Register here

Undercurrents and Riptides Online - November 19, 2024

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. Register here.

Retired Minister Boundary Awareness Training – will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 1:30 – 4:30pm ET. Registration is here; this three-hour training may meet Association or Conference requirements for boundary training for retired clergy

Local Church

Harvest Home Worship Service at Old Zion German Reformed Church

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., Old Zion German Reformed Church, Brickerville, will conduct an annual anniversary service. The service provides an opportunity to reflect on Old Zion’s rich history and faith traditions. This year’s theme will be “Harvest Home,” and will draw on excerpts from a late 19^th Century liturgy of the Reformed Church entitled “Golden Sheaves.”  

Please join us for an afternoon of faith, music, history, and fellowship. Refreshments will be served after the service. Old Zion German Reformed Church is located near Brickerville at 187 Reifsnyder Rd.

Please visit our website www.oldzionchurch.org - read the full press release here.

Registration form here

Learn more 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.

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.

Community Safety Training Series

Sep 9, 2024 | 8:00pm - 9:00pm

UCC Webinar: Churches as Climate Refuges in Times of Trouble

As the climate crisis leads to more extreme weather events, faith communities can play a vital role as places of refuge and resiliency. For example, a house of worship with solar panels, battery storage, air conditioning, and an air filtration system can provide a place for community members to come during heat waves, power outages, or unhealthy air quality days. Faith communities not only can serve as drop-in centers, but they can also serve as evacuation zones, emergency shelters, and resource hubs in times of trouble. In this webinar, we will learn more about the cutting edge of how faith communities are embodying a love of neighbor in very tangible and needed ways. We will hear from those leading the way in their local communities to make this happen with the help of government funding. Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Wednesday, September 11th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

Church Building and Loan Fund is excited to announce the agenda for this year’s Partners in Building virtual conference on September 26th and 27th! Visit the website to view the full list of speakers and panel participants who are ready to help you think differently about your church’s future and its role in community transformation. Early bird price is $65

The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while learning effective tools to build a more just, compassionate world. This online program provides a foundational introduction to boost your knowledge, skills and confidence in working for change. Justice Jubilee begins in October and space is limited - apply today.

Scholarships are available thanks to the UCC's FaithINFO team.

2024 Financial Ministries Webinars

4^th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)

October 23 – End the Year Strong: Making the Most of Year End Giving

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdemqrz8qGNJJOs_gDoFH2nxcItmlhUGD

November and December can be the strongest months for giving in charities. How can we make the most of this generous time in our culture? The conversation will lift up ideas and messages to promote giving to congregations.

Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous

Crossroads and Connections, an ecumenical group based in Lancaster will offer a Workshop event on Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous. Dr. Greg Carey, an international expert on the topic will present and lead discussion on the history, impact, and concerns of Christian nationalism.

Three sessions, an hour, and a half each, with the same program, will be offered on the dates listed below. The registration is unlimited as Dr. Carey usually speaks to large gatherings and events. 

Please register for one of the three events for September by clicking on one of the links below:

Dates of events:

 Thursday, September 12, 2024

 Monday, September 16, 2024

 Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Continuing Education Opportunities with Eden Theological Seminary this Fall! Check out these opportunities and know that Rev. Betsy Bruaw (mission theology global community) and Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (justice-seekers and peacemakers) will be facilitating two of the cohorts. These are for anyone and continuing education credit is available. Most content is asynchronous but there is a monthly synchronous zoom with your facilitator. Each cohort is $250 and grant funded financial assistance is available, just ask Nora. Contact Betsy or Nora if you have questions or check out the website for all the fall options (including UCC History and Polity) and more information.

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry has fall courses available in theology with Dr. Eric Seibert. Courses are 6-weeks and include synchronous zooms each week. Courses are $325. Contact program director Dr. Darryl Stephens at stephensd@moravian.edu for more information.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

Fall Classes

Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Aug 27–Oct 1, 2024

Theology II: Leadership and Community, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024

Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert

Each six-week class is $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs

This class is appropriate for lay leaders, members in discernment, and clergy. Even if you've already studied theology, these classes will offer new perspectives and stimulating discussion. 

Registration and information: paacademyofministry.org OR https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/ 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Coming this Fall!

The lay and authorized congregational leaders can now obtain the Faith Formation Practitioner certificate through this new program. This initiative aims to assist the conferences and committees on ministry by providing a comprehensive course of study for lay ministry that is progressive, theologically sound, and based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.

This Fall first-term 6-week courses begin on September 4 and the second-term 6-week courses begin on October 16, 2024. UCC History and Polity begins its 12-week run on August 28.

Explore all PATHWAYS course offerings on the PATHWAYS website.

We invite you to reach out to us at: www.pathwaystheological.org

or by email at: pathwaysregistrar@gmail.com

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

Church Building and Loan Fund

Regional Mission Interpreter Close Date: Open until filled

Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy Extended Close Date: 8/31/24

The Cornerstone Fund Loan

Portfolio Assistant Close Date: Open until filled

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page