Message to the Conference | |
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Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
“A healing tongue is a tree of life but perversion in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
These past two weeks have been difficult. I have engaged in multiple conversations about the Middle East: the complexity of the history, the competing “goods” related to land and safety, the brutality of the attack on Israel by Hamas, and the devastation of Palestinians. There is horror on all sides. What can be especially difficult for people of faith is we have little to no influence on the state of the war when it comes to government action or military strategy. We face an enormous drama to which most of us will only be witnesses.
When the drama is geo-political and the suffering immense, I know that I ask myself what I can do in response? Or how may I do anything to make any kind of difference? While we may feel small in the face of the war between Israel and Hamas, we are still effective, important, and ‘large’ in our own world, and the world of those around us.
As my reading of Proverbs has continued, I have come back to a single verse in chapter 15 several times. The sage writes, “A healing tongue is a tree of life…” This is the only mention of the tree of life outside of Genesis. The tree of life is one of the oldest symbols in human religious thought, speaking variously to the connection between the earth and the sky, the creation and the Creator, a dwelling place of ancestors, and a place of enlightenment. Here the sage reminds the reader of the power of speech, and it is in speech that you and I can do our (very small) part in bringing healing to the world.
I cannot speak to world leaders or to those suffering in Israel and Gaza. But I can speak to the people around me – to the strangers I meet, to my colleagues, friends, debating partners, and those who oppose my faith. Scholar Ellen Davis writes about the reference to the tree of life, “The inference would seem to be that wise speaking points the way back to Eden. More than any other sphere of human activity, speaking has the potential to effect healing at the deepest level. It is a tree of life; it restores us to the condition of harmony with God and our fellow creatures for which we were made.”[i]
The sage also knows how speech can do tremendous damage, breaking apart relationships and trust, wrecking reputations and lives. All the more important is our contribution of healing, restorative speech; speaking or preaching grace into places of despair or pain. As Davis notes, “We have not completely lost the understanding that true speaking holds the power of life. This is the presupposition common to poets and psychotherapists, to those who pray and write love letters, to those who ask for forgiveness and wait hopefully to hear absolution pronounced by a minister or loved one.”[ii]
While political words of war fly above our heads in these troubled days, may our own tongues bring nothing but healing, and may our words be a tree of life.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
[i] Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, 2002 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox), p.97.
[ii] Ibid.
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Scheduling notes:
October 18 - 29 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust out of office
October 29 - Trinity UCC, East Petersburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 12 - St. Paul's (Dubs) UCC, Hanover - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 19 - Zion UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call 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...
Zion UCC, Herndon
Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey
Emmanuel UCC, Howard
Hummelstown UCC, Hummelstown
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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. | |
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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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.
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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.
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Ten Days for Peace Service – November 12, 4pm
The Northern Cluster of Churches, as part of the partnership between the Penn Central Conference of the UCC and the UEK Churches in Germany, hosts an annual worship service dedicated to peacemaking. This year’s service will be held on Sunday, November 12, 4pm, at St. Matthew’s UCC, Spring Glen. Mrs. Ulicny from the Tri-Valley School District will share her presentation on her work in Africa. The offering will be given to an organization she supports there: Aspire Youth, located in South Africa, which helps build job skills and entrepreneurship for young adults in poverty.
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Association Meetings
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
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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)
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UCC Webinar—From Greenwashing to Environmental Justice at UN Climate Conference
The President of the upcoming UN Climate Conference is the CEO of the one of the world's largest oil producers and is currently working to aggressively expand his company’s production. In this webinar, panelists will not only provide a critical assessment of the greenwashing and corporate capture of this conference, but they will also cast an alternative vision and pathway forward. The world deserves and desperately needs a UN process dedicated to the advancement of all peoples, a core principle of the UN Charter. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on November 8th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
| Educational Opportunities | |
Synod Seconds – A Keystone-wide Conversation
On November 13th, the last session of Synod Seconds will gather via zoom for continued Synod resolution implementation discussion. Resolutions are our Synod’s way of talking to the churches. These sessions have been wide ranging as we have addressed possible implementation avenues for resolutions on closing the digital divide (3), advocacy in healing for harm reduction (5), study on Indian Boarding Schools (2), and Guns to Garden – Gun Violence Reduction (6). In November we will look at possible ways for local churches to implement resolutions encouraging reduction in plastic pollution (9) and supporting public school educators and equity efforts in schools (10). You can read these resolutions at www.generalsynod.org/proposed-resolutions using the committee number in parentheses to help find the resolutions.
If your local church is interested in resources for the advocacy for harm reduction, I have received a number of items for local leadership consideration and am happy to share those. Our October conversation also generated some great ideas for gun violence reduction and safety awareness and I can share that list as well.
Register for Synod Seconds at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=betijzaab&oeidk=a07ejwzwkvyc0f6cf0c
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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.
November 1, 6:30PM - Zoom Only
November 15, 6:30PM - Quentin UCC, Quentin (in-person only)
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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.
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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 12th ZOOM for all Participants
Register here:
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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 6th and 7th 6:30-8pm on Zoom. Register here. | |
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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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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!
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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
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
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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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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.
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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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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
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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.
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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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