Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they become discouraged.”
Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
Isaiah 1: 18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”
I believe that these three references from scripture not only interrelate, but that in taking them together, they offer a positive pathway forward for effectively coping with the tensions impacting our culture.
A few years ago, I sat with a family embroiled and embittered with one another. The oldest child was viewed as a challenge (to put it mildly) and causing the family fabric to be ripped apart. Criticisms and yelling had become the primary means of communicating. Parents and child were viewing each other as hating each other. As their rancor unfolded in front of me, I found myself saying to them, “The intensity of your emotions says to me that you love each other very much. You would not be so upset if you did not desperately want to feel the joy of such love. My only question is, ‘how is the manner in which you are expressing your love working for you?’
Their yelling and criticisms were only driving them further apart. This question brought all of them to silence, and in that moment, I quietly gave God thanks for that inspiration. It took a while, and several more times referring to that question, but each began to consider questions regarding and suggestions for how they might more peacefully express their concerns, needs and wants from each other.
It is my thinking that the scripture references cited previously call us to understand that teaching and encouragement are superior to criticism and yelling in helping others to develop positive relationships. Criticizing and loudly expressing disapproval of either actions, opinions or ideas may seem more time efficient methods for correcting what we view as wrong, but ultimately only serve to widen distrust and cause damage to relationships.
The Isaiah text offers a method for the pathway to unity the Psalmist proclaims as God’s intent for relatedness. The tensions within our culture have at the core, I believe, a desire to not only have others do things and think our way, but to resolve problems quickly by use of force. But in relationships, at all levels, the adage ‘Haste makes waste,’ applies.
Reasoning together is a process and worth the effort. It may take patience and compromise and the willingness on all parties’ part to make changes in approach to matters. But as we are all children of God and not God ourselves, is it not worth the time and effort to do so.
Criticizing may feel good momentarily, but when expressed in a judgmental manner it rarely if ever produces positive results. The receiver of such critique may briefly comply, but resentment will linger. We cannot make others bend to our will. If they comply, it is only due to their seeing some brief benefit in so doing. But ultimately the relationship will be damaged.
Choosing to reason together is allowing God to take us by the hand and so join our hand with the hand of the other.
Rick
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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ALUMNI DAY & MECK AND MOSS AWARD RECIPIENTS
It was a great turnout on May 5 as alumni returned to the Lancaster Theological Seminary campus. We worshipped with preacher the Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, MDiv 2016, enjoyed a barbecue lunch, and heard a State of the Seminary update by Dean Heather Vacek. The Rev. J. Kenneth Trauger, Class of 1962, received the Moss Award for specialized ministry and PCC's own Rev. Dr. Martha Boyer, Class of 2000, received the Meck Award for pastoral ministry. Look for details and photos in the June 1 LTS Alumni Bulletin.
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Annual Meeting registration is now open!
"Renewing the Covenant We Share"
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
The 61st Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference will return to in person, with virtual options for plenaries. We will gather at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton; 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 on June 9th & 10th, 2023.
Our special guest is Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, author of Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ. She will be our keynote speaker as well as lead a workshop.
We will be voting on two bylaws changes as well as a slate of nominees. You can see more about those bylaws in the full invitation here.
Read all about the tentative schedule, workshops and more on the registration page here.
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Scheduling notes:
May 28 - Grace UCC, Lebanon - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
June 4 - St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Rick Luciotti preaching
June 11 - Apostles UCC, Waynesboro - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
June 11 - St. Paul's UCC, Shrewsbury final service - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
| 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...
First Reformed UCC, Sunbury
Peace UCC, Denver
Paradise UCC, Milton
Trinity UCC, Turbotville
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National UCC Climate Hope Cards Campaign!
On April 29th, the UCC will be launching an effort to collect as many petition postcards as possible to seek government action for cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Such action could both save lives and put our nation on track to meet climate goals. Sign-up to get updates on the Climate Hope Cards campaign and this launch event.
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Webinar: How to Get Energy Efficiency Grants for Congregations
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced an initiative to fund energy-efficiency improvements in the nonprofit sector, including houses of worship. It is expected that in June the grant application process will open. Daniel Bresette from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)and Energy Study Institute (EESI) will walk us through the process in this webinar on June 1 at 5 pm ET. Sign-up now!!
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UCC Webinar—Seizing an Opportunity: Strengthening EPA Protections in 2023
As UCC congregations across the country embark upon collecting thousands of signed postcards for the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Climate Hope Cards campaign, this webinar will cover how the coming months at the EPA present a significant opportunity to save thousands of lives, address societal inequalities, and put the United States on a path to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on June 14th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
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Congratulations! The United Church of Christ has awarded St. Paul's UCC, Stoverstown in Spring Grove, PA with a $250 matching grant for their fundraising efforts and commitment to assemble 144 Hygiene Kits. These Hygiene kits mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families facing natural disasters, violence, or poverty. We are so proud of this church's ministry! | |
St. Paul's UCC, Dallastown has a large quantity of Chalice Hymnals they no longer need. If your church is in need of them, please contact the church via email or phone (717) 244-2090. | |
Is your church looking for a local mission project? Starview UCC, Mt. Wolf has been partnering with Servants in York County for nearly two decades. Churches can assist with a variety of residential home repairs for people in need, or with meals for volunteers and homeowners. Learn more here. | |
Bethel UCC, Spring Grove will be celebrating 150 years with a Concert and Hymn Sing on June 24m from 2-4PM. Join them for food, fellowship and games! | |
St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg is having their annual blueberry sale! $34 for a ten pound box, last day to order is Tuesday, June 27 with pickup on July 7. | |
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Northern Cluster Pig Roast and Concert – June 25
On Sunday, June 25, beginning at 5pm, the Northern Cluster of UCC Churches will host a free pig-roast and concert at MYO Park in Millersburg. Brothers in Grace, a Southern Gospel quartet from the Hershey area, will provide the music. Bring a covered-dish to share, and a lawn chair. A free-will offering will be received. All are welcome – come join us for great food, music, and fellowship!
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Events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation
Summer Camp with Lutheran Camping Corporation - use code PENNCENTRAL2023 to use a 50% campership from PCC's Outdoor Ministries!
Hartman Center Homecoming week
July 31 through August 5, 2023
We will be returning to Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, PA as guests.
Camping experiences for all ages, including intergenerational camps.
2 night camps - Monday, July 31 at 4PM through Wednesday, August 2 at 4PM
Getting Started - Grades 1 and 2 ($125)
Intergenerational Camp ($125)
3 night camps - Wednesday, August 2 at 4PM through Saturday, August 5 at 11AM
Intergenerational Camp ($190)
Camp of the Heart ($250)
5 night camps - Monday, 31 at 4PM through Saturday, August 5 at 11AM
Elementary - Grades 3 - 5 ($300)
Junior High - Grades 6 - 8 ($300)
Senior High - Grades 9 - 12 plus ($300)
Leadership - Grades 9 - 12 plus ($300)
For more information, contact Rev. Alice Rauch alirauch07@gmail.com (director)
or Rev. Amelia Price aashivers@gmail.com (registrar)
Register here and print a brochure here
Summer camp with St. John's UCC, Chambersburg
2023 Summer Camps
Camp Galilee (9-12) June 18-23
Camp Kum Ba Yah (5-8) June 25-30
Camp Noah (K-4) June 26-30
Learn more here.
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From our Friends and Partners | |
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Bethany Children's Home
Celebrating 160 Years
Summer Concert Series
July 14th - Flamin' Dick & the Hot Rods - 5:00PM, $5.00 per car
August 19th - Anniversary Day Returns: Raffles, Live Music, Carnival Games, Food & Ride - $5.00 per car & additional costs for activities
Jeff Krick Jr: Elvis Tribute - 12:00PM
The Celtic Martins - 3:00PM
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On June 15, Phoebe will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our Clinical Pastoral Education program with current students, alumni, staff, generous donors and members of the community. The Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart, currently Director of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs for the city of Philadelphia will be speaking at the event. She is a graduate of Lancaster Seminary and an ordained UCC minister. The event will take place at the Lehigh Country Club, at 2319 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103.
If your church, business or organization would like to be a sponsor for the event, here is the link to the sponsorship page on our website: https://phoebe.org/cpe-25-years-sponsorship-form/ If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to be in contact with me.
| Are you interested in singing inspirational and fun music for Central Pennsylvania Pride? MCC of the Spirit's choir is welcoming UCC and UU singers to join our rehearsals for Voices United Pride Concert (July 28th, 7:00PM) and the Spirits United Interfaith Pride Service (July 30th, 5:00PM) Rehearsals begin every Thursday from 7:00-9:00PM starting June 1st at MCC of the Spirit, 2973 Jefferson St., Harrisburg, PA 17110, plus additional optional rehearsals Mondays in July at Colonial Park UCC. Ability to read music not required, just have a willingness to learn and make a joyful noise. The choir will be singing religious, inspirational and pop pieces. Contact Rev. Lawrence at revlawrence@mccofthespirit.org for more details or to let him know if you are interested. | |
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"Making All Things New"
General Synod 2023
"Making All Things New” will be the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled for June 30–July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis.
Delegates and visitors will meet June 30 through July 4 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
For the full press release, click here.
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Our Whole Lives training
In addition to an increasing number of in-person trainings across the country, Our Whole Lives trainings will continue to be offered online in 2023 for UCC and UUA members, at a cost of only $250 plus curriculum.
Registration applications will be accepted from July 17-July 31 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in September
Registration applications will be accepted from Aug 21-Sept 5 for an Elementary (Grades K-1 and 4-6) Training in October
Registration applications will be accepted from Sept 11-Sept 25 for an All Adult Levels Training in November
More information about these trainings, in addition to information about upcoming in-person trainings, can be found here.
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From our friends and partners | |
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) | |
BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 2
July 11 - August 15, 2023
Tuesday evenings via Zoom.
Clergy and laity are invited to join instructor Kelsey Wallace for an introduction to the art and practice of biblical interpretation. We will consider issues of historical context, translation, literary analysis, and social location and the skills necessary to be a responsible public interpreter of scripture.
For clergy/pastors and lay leaders
$325 for each of the two series of six classes
2.5 CEUs may be earned for each series
Information and Registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
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2023 Festival of Biblical Storytelling
AUGUST 2,3, AND 4, 2023
At the Maritime Conference Center near BWI and Baltimore, MD
Learn more and register here.
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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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