Message to the Conference | |
Greetings Penn Central members and friends,
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So, he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:31-34
For years I have longed to have a greenhouse built on my property. This is a place where I can sink my hands into the soil, plant various seeds and watch them bloom into an abundance of hearty fruits and vegetables. This year my husband and two sons helped to build a greenhouse for me to grow my various plants. It has become my sacred space, a place to pray, a place to sing and meditate on the Word. And at the same time, it has become a place to rest. This beautiful little greenhouse allows me to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. What I've come to realize in my seventeen years of ministry is I like the disciples, fall into extreme busyness that sometimes halts me from caring for my own well-being. As a result, I am unable to properly care for others.
Last week if you follow the lectionary, the Gospel of Mark told us the story of how Jesus took his disciples to a deserted place to rest. They were so busy that they didn’t even have time to share a meal. Upon their arrival, they were surprised to be greeted by a large crowd in need of prayer, miracles, and healing. Jesus, immediately showed them compassion, recognizing their needs and began to teach them. This leads me to ask the question: What happens to Christians when we become too busy to take time away or even sit down to eat together? We need moments to step back from our individual activities, even those done in the name of Jesus Christ, to reconnect as the body of Christ.
This text interests me because I believe that this passage takes two avenues. The first is that we all need to rest. Rest allows us to be refreshed and be able to do our work more effectively. The second avenue that is simultaneously taken in this passage tells us as Christians that even if we feel the need to rest, if someone is in need of prayer, or hearing the Gospel, we are to honor their request and show them compassion. It is truly a balancing act for all Christians whether you are a minister or you are a lay person. And sometimes as a minister I find that my individual healing takes place when I am called to reach out to someone who is in need. Something happens in the time that I spend with the person and the time when I return home. There is an unexplained spiritual healing that rejuvenates my tired and weary bones.
So now I have this place that I call sacred in the form of a little greenhouse. Although I know that there is healing in sinking my hands into the rich soil and seeing the plants grow into abundance, I also know that when there is a need for the Gospel to be shared, that I am to mirror the actions of Jesus Christ and to go into the world and spread the seeds of the Gospel just like I spread the seeds in my greenhouse. In both cases, it is a spiritual blessing.
Peace,
Ronnette
Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler
Penn Central Conference
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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. Paul's UCC, Shamokin
Faith UCC, Grantville
Grace UCC, Greencastle
Emmanuel UCC, Hanover
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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.
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After having witnessed the wonderful Climate Hope art of UCC children and youth, we are now ready to kickoff our campaign to collect as many Climate Hope Voter Pledge Cards as possible between now and November 1st. To help you and your congregation participate, we have created this toolkit full of best practices, tips, and more. Learn more here. Register your congregation here.
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Association Events
August 4, 3:00PM - Su Rider ordination service - St. Peter's UCC, Lykens
| Explore our German roots! The PCC-EKiR partnership with the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, Germany, is looking for leaders for their next generation project to participate in two ecumenical church meetings, one in the fall, in Wisconsin, and one in the spring in Wuppertal, Germany. Clergy and involved laypeople in age up to the early 40s are sought. The partnership committee has a commitment to pursuing grants and other funding for your travel expenses. We prefer people who can commit to both meetings, but will consider people who can only commit to one. This is a significant ecumenical continuing education and relationship opportunity! For more information contact Julie Holm at julie@bvfof.org! | 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. | |
Join with a few of your ministry peers for a fun and reflective time learning about fluid art! No experience necessary. You will learn from a professional fluid artist (Ann Benton Yeager) and create a 12x12 canvas of your own. Your Conference staff will share a bit of scripture and poetry and we will also have refreshments for all.
Register here.
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Save the date!
September 7th, 9:30-3 at St. Thomas UCC in Harrisburg
Workshops on Conflict, UCC Identity, and a keynote from CM Carrie Call on Systemic Grief, Loss, and the Role of Nostalgia
Workshop Leaders include: Rev. Joanne Marchetto, Dr. Charles Maxfield, and our very own ACM Nora Foust.
Watch for more info and a registration link very soon!
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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.
Boundary Training: Politics & The Pulpit – August 20, 2024
In the two hour session, we will review of legal issues around political speech in the church, discuss how to mitigate political divisions within congregations and examine case studies involving preaching and politics. Please come and add your voice to what is sure to be a rich conversation! Register here
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 | |
St. Thomas UCC Golf Tournament
Friday, August 2, 2024 12:30PM
Manada Golf Club, Grantville, PA
$85 Entry Fee - 18 holes of golf with cart, luncheon and pig roast dinner
Contact St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg at admin@stthomasucc.net or (717) 652-7259
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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.
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Nawakwa is seeking help at camp in two areas. First, we need someone to cover the camp health officer role during the weeks of July 14 - 19 and July 28 - August 2. This role is typically filled by a nurse, but it could also be handled by an EMT or other healthcare professionals. Even someone with First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications would be suitable.
Secondly, we are looking for assistance in the kitchen during the week of July 28 - August 2. This could be someone we hire for the remainder of the summer or week-long volunteers. Duties include general kitchen work such as meal prep and clean-up, dishwashing, sweeping, floor mopping, and other related tasks.
Contact Mike Youse, Executive Director
myouse@lutherancamping.org
717-677-8211
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Hartman Center Homecoming Camp 2024
Registration is now open!
Sunday, July 28th through Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
We will be returning again to Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, PA as guests.
Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees
Check out the full list of camping experiences for all ages and register here.
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.
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Upcoming events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Click here to register for these and other events
Check out the summer camp options here
Use coupon code PENNCENTRAL2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees.
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UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting are pleased to share 3 new opportunities that will be invaluable in developing or enhancing your Wellness Ministries. If you have any questions, we are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at WellnessMinistries@ucc.org.
What do visitation, healing circles, meal delivery, support groups, and prayer shawls have in common?
These are some of the healing and justice activities of Wellness Ministries.
New Opportunity: A Wellness Ministries Volunteer Orientation 6-week Zoom interactive series is being offered by the UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting
to learn more about how you might prepare effective volunteers.
When: Tuesdays, September 3rd through October 7th at 6:30 – 8:00 pm ET
· All materials will be made available free of charge.
· Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.
Interested? Don’t miss this opportunity. Register here as soon as possible.
We limit the group size to ensure the best learning experience and that each attendee
receives the full benefit of personalized interactions and group discussions.
Have questions? E-mail UCCWellnessMinistriesChair@gmail.com
NURTURE THE SOUL, Faith INFO Webinars
Discover Wellness Ministries in your Congregation
Thursday, October. 10th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Wellness Ministries Intergenerational Holiday Happenings
Thursday, October. 17th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
More details available soon.
UCC Wellness Ministries Handbook for Visitation
Are you visiting a person or writing a note on behalf of the church? Aren’t sure what to do or say to this person?
This handbook furnishes information to guide you in each encounter and provides scripture passages, prayers, and blessings you can easily use.
This Handbook replaces the now-retired Called to Care Pocket Handbook for Caregivers.
The Handbook will be available from the UCC Resources Store by early fall.
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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.
Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers
JUL 24, 2024 | 7:30PM - 8:30PM
Nurture the Soul: Navigating Election Do’s & Don’ts for Churches – Be Prophetic, Not Partisan!
JUL 25, 2024 | 3:30PM - 4:30PM
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EcoPreacher Cohort
New Cohort begins in September 2024
Once monthly meetings online via Zoom
As our climate-changed and changing world continues to demand courage, imagination, and resourcefulness, congregations and their leaders have a unique opportunity to offer prophetic voices of possibility. With their skills and community connections, preachers are in a special position to offer spiritual guidance in the quest for understanding, connection, and resilience in a world in need of environmental healing and wholeness.
Learn more here.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
July 24 – Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvfuigrDwqHdI98h61fh1SpPrQJ2yC26iA
A narrative budget translates the line items of a traditional budget into a story of how your congregation makes a difference in the world. It can be a helpful tool for a stewardship campaign or annual meeting. By telling the story of our congregations' impact, we can inspire generosity in our donors.
August 28 – 3 Best Practices for Stewardship in Congregations
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-6vqTIpG9egZClLQ6xXRV5jWRz-JVYT
We will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership, and online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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UCC's Justice and Peace Action Network are offering 50% scholarships for 12 UCC members for Justice Leadership Program's Justice Jubilee program this fall. The Jubilee program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while gaining knowledge and confidence to do the work of justice within their congregation and community.
Please share this opportunity through conference newsletters or send directly to interested congregations and individuals.
Sign-up today - space is limited!
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Spirits United Interfaith Pride Service
Central PA Pride Weekend
Sunday, July 28, 5:00PM
Keynote Speaker will be PCC's own Rev. Cindy Garis August
Music by the Spirits United Interfaith Choir
Livestreamed on Facebook.com/mccofthespirit
Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit
2973 Jefferson St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding
Aug 27–Oct 1, 2024
Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom
Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert
$325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
This class examines the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, exploring what it means to think about God. As church and community leaders, we will examine the ways in which we articulate our own theological perspectives (and understand those of others) about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in relation to congregational leadership.
Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024
Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom
Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert
$325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
This class examines church, missions, and ministry, exploring how theology impacts the community. Focuses on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission. Students may take this class without having taken Theology I.
Information and registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
PATHWAYS next 12-week UCC Polity and History course begins on August 28, 2024. The website states: "The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more." To register or for more information go to UCC History and Polity on the website.
PATHWAYS Theological Education continues expanding its offerings. Look for information coming soon on the Environmental Justice Certificate, the Advanced Faith Formation Practitioner's Certificate, and new preaching and Bible courses in conjunction with the Southern New England UCC Conference Project Proclaim (funded by the Lilly Foundation). Go to the website to see a schedule of upcoming courses.
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The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is having its first annual House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium on Thursday, August 8, 2024. This event will be held at the Best Western Premier Harrisburg, located at 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
While most churches will never have to face a mass shooter, we are all in danger of having to deal with accidents, robberies, weather disasters, and medical emergencies. Attending a seminar such as this one, can open the door for conversations about developing a church security team that might deal with the following:
- what security measures are in place - not just for worship times, but anytime the building is in use
- who is responsible for collaborating with local law enforcement should there be an emergency
- have adequate child safety precautions been established
- is the congregation prepared to safely exit the building should they need to do so quickly? (i.e. are all exits clearly marked and does EVERYONE know where they are?)
- is there a need for an AED (defibrillator)and if so, who is trained and who is responsible for ensuring it is charged and pass are kept updated
This seminar will help to get your church asking important questions to help them be proactive instead of reactive when a situation arises.
Click on the following link to register online: House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium - Harrisburg
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Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, continuing care retirement communities of United Church of Christ Homes, are seeking a compassionate and resident focused team member for the position of Chaplain.
This full-time position (working 75 hours in a two-week period and splitting time between Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home) provides spiritual support and comfort for the residents of the communities, in coordination with each resident’s home congregation and in accordance with United Church of Christ Homes standards. Responsibilities include planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing programs that meet the individualized spiritual needs of residents; coordinating and conducting regularly scheduled spiritual services for residents; and maintaining a visitation program for all residents. Learn more 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. Dwight Hein
Facilitator for Clergy Care
email: dhein@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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