When my heart is broken and I have run out of prayers, I give thanks and find comfort in the raging words of the psalmist and Hebrew prophets. Here are two I have been crying out with today as I ponder just how long we can continue to lament a world in chaos. Your conference staff join in prayer with each of you as we see more loss of life to gun violence, both in Buffalo and Uvalde.
Psalm 13:1-3a
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Habakkuk 1:2-3
How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
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Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
“I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” - John 17: 23
In the lessons following Easter we view the disciples growing from a fearful and tentative gathering of believers and toward a more unified, confident and trusting movement. Jesus prayerful petition, which we read in John’s gospel, is clearly coming to fruition. I think the first aspect of this transition was in the unity Christ called for. Even when Peter appears to have decided to just go home and return to fishing, we see that the others went along with him. And whether their decision to follow Peter was, ‘misery loves company’ or some other motive, they remained together. From this, Jesus was able to heal their wounded spirits and prepare them for the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
In some ways this is a lesson for each of us as we begin to emerge from devastation of the Covid experience and cultural divisions impacted what we traditionally regarded as church. Fear, frustration and even doubt have confronted our spirits. There have been many declarations that things will never again be what they used to be. Laments regarding attendance and lethargic, complacent attitudes often dominate conversations. Again, the refrain, “Well, it used to be” prevails.
Frankly, the good ship ‘used to be’ sailed a long time ago. The world continues to change and in far too many cases the church and its members have chosen not to adapt. Unlike the disciples, many have drifted away from unity and into a singular approach. We must always recall Christ’s pray of, “I in them and you in me.” The Holy Spirit continues to offer the breath of life to renew efforts to adapt. This promise will be enhanced by greater efforts at unity.
We are to be a movement of persons possessing various gifts. The coming of God’s Holy Spirit is not simply to confer authority. It is as importantly inspiration to become ever more faithful disciples worshipping and working together to more effectively love God and neighbor. I this way, together, we can better develop consensus around the theme of becoming ever more loving, creating and learning communities of faith.
Yes, we are not yet completely out of the woods from Covid, but that does not mean striving to become more unified as community is not possible. “It used to be…” and similar phrases offer no hope. “What might yet be’, is what we can be stating as an open invitation to grow with others. Like the disciples, it means putting aside preconceived notions, old bias and stale patterns of behavior and allowing the breath of the Holy Spirit to again breathe on us.
Rick
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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PCC Virtual Choir
Want to sing in the choir for the Annual Meeting? We will be doing a piece, virtual choir style for the worship for that meeting. Join our core of Virtual Choir singers to enhance the worship. All you need is two pieces of equipment: one that can play video (for example, your computer) and one that can record video (typically your phone!) Julie Holm will help step you through the process, but connect quickly - email her at bvfofmusic@gmail.com or call (814) 349-5515! Video tracks for the Annual Meeting are due June 5.
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Scheduling notes:
May 29 - St. Mark's UCC, Lebanon - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
June 5 - St. John's UCC, Lewisburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
June 12 - Church of the Apostles UCC, Lancaster - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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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. |
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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. John's UCC, Red Lion
Richfield UCC, Richfield
Grace UCC, Richland
St. Paul's UCC, Sacramento
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The call to the Sixtieth Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ will convene via Zoom
"Mission In Focus"
"See, the former things have come to pass and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them." - Isaiah 42:9
June 6 - 11, 2022
Check out the full list of workshops on the registration page - hosted by conference staff, PCC clergy and our friend and partners on a variety of topics.
Documents have begun being uploaded to the Annual Meeting page on the PCC website - check back as more are uploaded each week. |
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On behalf of myself and the Starview United Church of Christ congregation, we want to extend an invitation to other congregations which might be hoping to join other
Churches, in person, for the 60th ANNUAL MEETING. We are asking that congregations RSVP by June 6th, so we can have adequate tables set up, along with snacks and drinks (water, coffee, tea) for everyone. The meeting will be viewed on a large screen via a projector, and communion elements will, of course, be provided. Afterwards, anyone wishing to join the delegates of Starview for lunch are invited to do so. Sandwiches, salad, and dessert will be provided. To RSVP, by MONDAY, June 6th is 717-266-4248 or email: starviewucc@comcast.net.
Blessings,
Pastor Laura Baker
Starview United Church of Christ
4832 N. Sherman St. Ext.
Mount Wolf, PA 17347
PS – the church is easily accessible:
Only 6 miles off of I-83 (Emigsville Exit)
Only 5 miles from the York Galleria Mall, York (Rt. 24)
Only 5.5 miles from intersection of Rt. 30 and George Street, York
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Outdoor Ministries
Watch for Rev. Nora Foust's emails on Thursdays for links to register for Outdoor Ministries events and a taste of the summer camp curriculum. Read last week's here or on our Facebook page. If you aren't getting these emails, contact Paul to be added to the mailing list. And don't forget to use code PENNCENTRAL2022 for 50% off camp at both HC Spirit Week and Lutheran Camping Corporation camps
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SUMMER CAMP programs from June-August To learn more about and to register for youth camp summer programs, visit here.
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To learn more about and to register for family camp summer programs, visit here.
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To learn more about and to register for elder camp, visit here.
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HC Spirit Week - What's in a Name?
"Naming and Claiming Who God Made Us to Be"
Saturday, August 6
through Friday, August 12
Camp Mt. Luther
See the full brochure here for all the details!
Register online here or mail your registration form to the PCC offices. |
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Christ Church UCC, 200 S White Oak St, Annville, (on 934) is hosting an outdoor Flea Market on Saturday, June 18 from 8am - 2pm. Rain or Shine - Food for sale too! Call 717-867-1641 to reserve a spot ($10) or for more information. We look forward to having you to sell, shop & eat!
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PCC has launched a new monthly email just for clergy, with news, events and clergy transitions. If you did not get this month's email on Tuesday, please let Paul know.
We will be including some items in the eNews (see below), but please check out the full email here for more events and news! |
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Building a Just Peace in an Unjust World:
Learning with and from Our Anabaptist Colleagues
Pastoral Colloquy 2022
Sunday, 24 July, through Friday, 29 July, 2022 - Learn more and register here.
Who? Pastors from all the church bodies listed above
What? A week of learning, discussion, and fellowship
Where? Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
When? Sunday, 24 July, through Friday, 29 July, 2022
Weekend visits before and after the colloquy are available for our German guests.
Why? “All we are saying is ‘Give peace a chance!’” ~ John Lennon, 1969
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UCC Webinars
These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.
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From our friends and partners |
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)
Learn more and register here!
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Personal Finances for Ministers, July 12–Aug 16. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. Instructor, Lovett Weems. Introduction to basics of personal financial management, including special considerations for religious professionals and congregations where they serve. Topics include budgeting, debt, compensation and taxes, insurance, investing, and estate planning. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125
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Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development, instructor Jessica Young Brown, Aug 23–Sept 27, 2022. A Ministerial Institute class. Confidentiality, fiduciary duty, healthy boundaries, and self-care in ministry. $325.
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Evangelical & Reformed Heritage Sunday - June 12
As we prepare to celebrate Heritage Sunday in the coming weeks we should take a moment to reflect on our beginning, traditions, and memories as moments from the past are part of our story and that is a story that future generations will look back on and write the next chapter. The mission of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society is to preserve the past, educate future generations and continue building a renewed interest in our legacy.
We are thankful for your generosity. Prepare for your Heritage Sunday Celebration with a renewed excitement for your faith. If you would like to make a gift online click here to support the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society.
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Forty Days: A Pilgrimage of Peace
July 15 - August 25
Louisa, Virginia USA
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Songs of Desire: New Music for the Churches
Saturday July 9, 2:00Pm - Sunday July 10, 9:00PM
Suggested Donation: $50 including accommodation and meals.
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Accompanist Position Available
We are searching for an Accompanist to bring their gifts to our church where we appreciate a blend of contemporary and traditional music.
General Responsibilities:
In support of the vision of the church, this year-round, part time, salaried position will provide music for worship and other events in a manner that enhances the spirit of worship and enriches the congregation's appreciation of music.
The current music ministry of HPUCC consists of one volunteer choir, as well as instrumental and vocal soloists.
For more information, please call the church at 717-397-9791 or email: admin@hpucc.org. If interested, please mail or email resume to: Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Attn: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603
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Audio/Visual System Operators Needed
Church of the Apostles, United Church of Christ in Wayne Heights is looking for two people to operate our Audio/Visual system during Sunday morning worship services at 10:45 am (summer worship at 10 am, beginning the first Sunday in June and ending with Labor Day weekend). Other services would include weddings, funerals, Lenten services and Christmas Eve. These are part-time, independent contractor positions; paid per service. Responsible teenagers will be considered. Training will be provided. Read the full description here.
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Position: Music Director
Effective: Immediately
As a part of the United Church of Christ denomination, we at Hamilton Park UCC seek to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and caring environment where people of all backgrounds and from all walks of life can experience the support of a community where they are valued and loved and where they can experience the love of God given by Christ.
General Responsibilities:
In support of the Pastor and the vision of Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, this year-round, part time, salaried position will coordinate the total music ministry program of HPUCC, to include playing instruments, such as piano, organ, guitar, etc. in a manner that enhances the spirit of worship and enriches the congregation's appreciation of music.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Music Director plans and oversees a diverse musical program that enhances the total worship programming of the church that includes worship services and special events.
If interested, please mail or email resume to: Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Attn: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Email: admin@hpucc.org.
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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY AT LOCUST LAKE STATE PARK Summer 2022
The Schuylkill Association of the PA Southeast Conference, UCC, has a ministry opportunity for a part-time chaplain at Locust Lake State Park near Tamaqua, PA. If you are a Christian (Clergy or lay) who can function in an unstructured situation and who has a love of God, God’s creation, and God’s people, then this might be the opportunity for you.
The chaplain represents the church as a Christian presence and quiet witness among those who camp at this beautiful state park. The responsibilities of the chaplain include:
· Conduct campsite visitation weekly.
· Provide informal, inspirational weekly worship services.
· Provide availability to park/campground staff and campers for crisis situations.
· Provide informal programs such as campfires, hymn sings, special musical events, and activities for children, as needed.
Training and ministry support and resources will be provided by the PA Council of Churches Chaplains in the Park program and the Locust Lake Committee.
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St. Matthew’s UCC (Carlisle) is seeking a part-time
church administrative assistant. Starting pay 15.00 or higher
based on experience/credentials. 10-15hrs/week. Read full description here.
If interested, please contact Pastor Tim Dugan
Preferred contact phone number: 570-428-4290.
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Dr. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-2587
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Ph.D.
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3564
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560
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