Stained glass panel at Zion UCC, York, photo by Carrie Call

Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,

"...so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Mark 1:4

The apocalyptic winds and words are gathering in the gospels during Advent. Those who listen carefully to the lectionary texts will hear the warnings about the coming Day of the Lord and a heaven-sent cleansing of the earth and her peoples. Nothing could be further from my reality as I buy Christmas gifts in crowded shops in Lititz or lie on the floor to plug in lighted miniature houses. Yet this week in the gospel lesson a lonely figure out of the wilderness cuts into our shopping, cookie baking, card writing, and package mailing. He is John the Baptist, calling people to repentance and paving the way for the Lord.

Mark’s gospel this week is spare when it comes to John. In chapter 1, verses 1-8, John ushers in the gospel of Jesus Christ and by verse 9 Jesus himself is being baptized by him. With John, repentance is the opening salvo, the first sermon, the focus of preparation for the Kingdom of God. What does that have to say to those of us swamped with Advent doings, comings, goings, and falling prey to the general happy-anxious distraction of the season?

John the Baptist (who I sometimes think of as John the Disrupter) was a prophet who preached a gospel fueled by charisma and challenge. He developed a sizeable following, which continues to this day among the Mandean believers (in Iraq and Iran) who consider him their greatest prophet. John sounds the alarm, in a sense, for the coming judgement of God. John posed a threat to King Herod Antipas (which ultimately cost him his life) perhaps because he preached a message about a different type of power. Not the power of earthy gain, or the privilege of title, but the power inherent in drawing near to God, to coming clean for the Lord. The power of knowing to whom you truly belong.

There are two messages I hear from John the Baptist every Advent. The first is to stop. Stop and listen. The radical nature of John should disrupt our easy ways. I hear him speaking to me, saying “repent.” How terribly uncomfortable. Now is not the time to talk about sin! But yes. Yes, it is. John’s preaching cuts through all the lights, tinsel, wrapping paper, and eggnog. A man from 2,000 years ago calls each of us to stop, look within, and repent. Repentance is not a shaming tactic. It is instead an invitation to humility. To stop and look deeply within. To question ourselves about our own preparedness and willingness to come clean for the Lord. Now is exactly the right time to turn away from the glitz of the world and consider the state of our own hearts and souls.

The second reminder from John is that only God is God. God is the one who forgives sin, and God is free. We do not own God. Rather, we open our own hearts and invite God in. We confess what has drawn us away from God and neighbor. What we have done (and not done) to damage and mar the image of God within ourselves, and within others. In response, God’s grace comes to us as assurance, comfort, empowerment, and liberation.

There was a reason that Advent used to be a penitential season, like Lent. It was a time to prepare our souls for Christ’s light through repentance and prayer. Our world will always be uncomfortable with John the Baptist, because he calls us back. Back to God. Back to forgiveness and humility. Take time to stop. And listen.

Peace,

Carrie

Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

Conference Minister

Penn Central Conference

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.

Scheduling notes:

December 10 - Trinity UCC, Waynesboro - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching

December 22 - January 2 - Office Closed

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...

Redeemers UCC, Littlestown

St. Luke's UCC, Lock Haven

Sandy Hill (Kistler) UCC, Ickesburg

St. Peter's UCC, Lykens

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.

Outdoor Ministries

Check out these events at Wittel Farm!

There’s something special about Wittel Farm in Elizabethtown that draws me there year round. In the spring, summer, and fall it’s The Growing Project managed by my friend Pastor Matt Lenahan. The farm is part of the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA and this year The Growing Project harvested 27,000 lbs of fresh vegetables and fruit for Lancaster County food pantries and food banks. 

Truth be told, Pastor Matt’s energy and charisma is a large part of what brings me back to the farm. I particularly look forward to two December events that he leads at the farm. On Saturday, December 9th there is an Advent Day Apart (9 am – 2 pm) including lunch. The cost is $15. Register here.

The Advent/Christmas in the Barn is planned for Sunday, December 17th (7-8:30 pm).  We will begin around an outside fire circle then end with cookies and cocoa in the barn. There is no cost but registration is appreciated.   

Anne and I will be attending both events and we’d love to see some of our UCC friends there as well.  

Wittel Farm is located at 1753 Mill Road, Elizabethtown. 

Dave Bushnell

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.

Attention youth and youth leaders (if you're not a youth leader, please pass this on to whoever works with the youth or communicates with the youth in your church):

Are you in 6th to 12th grade? Looking for a break after the Christmas season? Want to get away from your family for a couple days? Missing Hartman Center?  

We can help! Come party with us at our winter youth retreat from January 12 to 14. We'll be at Hartman Center in Hartman lodge (formerly Micheaux lodge) and maybe some cabins. You can't beat the price. Register by Dec 4 using code PCC2024 and pay half of the Early Bird price - only $37.50 for the weekend including all meals and lodging and fun!  

Register now and tell your friends to register too. 

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, 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.

Camp makes a great Christmas gift. Check out the summer options from our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald (and Nawakwa) here

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

Local Church

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. 

Blue Christmas

Seasons of Reflections

Wednesday December 20 at 7 p.m. in "The Sanctuary" room at West Arts Center - 816 Buchanan Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603

As we approach the festive season, it is crucial to acknowledge the quieter, more nuanced reality that some in our community face. In our "Seasons of Reflection" program, selected presenters will share their personal stories of navigating the holiday season amid grief and longing. The stories will be interspersed with song—be it secular or religious, expressing a particular tone or mood of the season. Several local talented singers, along with a band, add a heartfelt and authentic dimension to the program.

Sing a New Church into Being!  

Join the members of the Brush Valley Fusion of Faith as we celebrate our merger and the start of a new thing that God is doing in Brush Valley.  We will welcome Bishop Paula Schmidt of the Allegheny Synod of the ELCA, and Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Conference Minister of the Penn Central Conference of the UCC.  Music provided by the Brush Valley Fusion of Faith choir and by Essence 2.   Worship will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 7 at the Brush Valley Fusion of Faith Sanctuary at 113 Madisonburg Pike, Madisonburg, PA, and on Facebook Live under the @bvfof page!  Clergy are invited to vest and process - the Color of the day will be Red.

Educational Opportunities

MEF: Roots of Our Division: How Theology, Slavery & the Civil War set the stage for future culture wars - with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

January 16, 2024 – 10:00AM & 6:00PM

Do you ever wonder how the church became so divided over social issues? This presentation may provide some answers! We will review how biblical interpretation and theology shaped the discussion of slavery prior to the Civil War. Those developments cast a ling shadow and still affect how we approach social and cultural issues today in the church. Guaranteed good discussion! Register here.

Boundary Training in 2024

All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.

February 20, 2024 Intersectionality and Power Dynamics 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. (This will be repeated October 15, 2024.)

March 19, 2024 The Ministerial Code – 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. (This will be repeated September 17, 2024.)

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. Watch for registration links in February. (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.)

Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us

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.

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.

Praying Through Advent

DEC 7, 14, 21, 2023 | 3:30PM - 4:30PM

2024 Financial Ministries Webinars

4^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Lykens Valley Charge, comprised of Peace UCC (Berrysburg PA) and St. Peter’s UCC (Lykens PA), is seeking a passionate ministry leader to serve as the Children,Youth, & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. This person will play a key leadership role in planning and implementing programming for children, youth, and young adults, including but not limited to Sunday school, VBS, youth group, Bible study, service outreach, and other special events as scheduled. Reporting to the pastor and church consistories, the CYYA Ministry Coordinator works to reach, equip, and empower young people to be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. This is a part-time (15-20 hours/week) position.

For more information or to apply, please email lvcucc@berrysburg.comcastbiz.net. (11/22/2023)

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)

Current Openings - UCC National Setting



Philanthropy 

Director of Philanthropy Close Date: 12/7/23

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page