Greetings Penn Central members and friends,

The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

(Psalm 19:1)

Each week I look ahead to see the lectionary reading for the following Sunday, whether I will be preaching or not. The readings for September 15th are familiar as well as challenging. They include James 3:1-12, a scathing reminder of the evil prowess of the human tongue, and Mark 8:27-38, in which would-be followers are told to pick up their cross and follow Jesus. Both James and Mark offer edgy, defiant words that have some bite - and which are powerful spiritual food.

Yet my focus today is elsewhere. After all, I do not need to read James to be reminded of the fires set by the human tongue or that with it "we curse people made in the image of God" - for politics and social media show me this daily. And as for picking up my cross to follow, well... there are days when I just need to lay it down.

Hence, Psalm 19. Reading these words soothes my spirit. Human language is not referenced. Instead, the heavens declare God's glory, and day and night, while they do not have speech or words, still have a voice that goes out to the ends of the earth. The sun testifies like a strong man running from his tent with joy. And its heat touches everything – stone, water, animals, humans. The psalmist reminds us that creation is always first to speak of God's glory. Creation's voice rings out, dwarfing our small human words. This comes as a relief to me.

The law of the Lord, we are told, is perfect and will revive the soul. The law is more than words - it is a gift from God that rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes. What God teaches is more desirable than gold - it is sweet, and it endures forever. Like creation, God's law simply is. Through it we draw close to God, into relationship with great mystery, transcending the merely human, finding and living into the truth of who we were made to be.

Finally, the last verse of Psalm 19 is all I need for my spiritual practice. If I prayed verse 14 every day, I would be on my way to practicing life with the law of God at its center. In these days, the words are sweet as honey: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." A verse so worthy of repetition.

This week, weary ones, flee the fires of the human tongue. Rest from bearing the cross of the gospel. Listen for the voice of days and nights, feel the sun on your skin, follow its journey across the heavens. Wander in the wilds to meet the mystery of your Creator and draw close to God's law. For God’s law will revive your soul and enlighten your eyes. And in its sweetness, there is great reward. 

Carrie

Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

Conference Minister

Penn Central Conference

Greetings to all from your PCC Board of Directors,

As I prepared to write these notes to inform you of the work of the Board of Directors, a verse from Philipians (4:13) came to mind, “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength”. In the context of the board, I took the liberty of changing this verse just a bit to read, We can do all this through him who gives us strength. Each time the board comes together, the work gets done because of the strength of our Lord and Savior.

Our third quarter meeting was held on August 26th via Zoom. The meeting began with devotions and prayer. After greeting each other, our 2 new members were introduced: Kristin Vines representing the Lebanon Association and Dennis Drummond representing the Lancaster Association. Kristin will serve on the Strategic Planning committee and Dennis will serve on the Finance Committee.

The Agenda, Meeting Minutes (April 27th and June 7th) and the Treasurer’s Report were approved by common consent. Dale Mease, secretary, provides such thorough reports there are few questions if any to be asked. Mike shared that OCWM giving to the conference as of July 31, 2024, is ahead of giving for the same timeframe in 2023 by approximately $40,000. However, he noted that the 2024 OCWM giving includes a $30,000 one-time gift that was received from the congregation of St. Paul’s UCC, Dallastown when they closed earlier this year. He also noted that at this point, the spring PA UCC Conferences meeting appears to have been self-funded.

Staff Reports were shared by Carrie Call, Nora Foust, Dwight Hein, and Paul Keller. 

Committee Reports: 

The Finance Committee report included 2 action items: 1. Two Innovation grants were awarded to Trinity UCC, Fort Loudon, and to St. Paul’s UCC, McConnellsburg. Both astutely prepared grant applications requested funds for audio/visual and livestream technologies for broadcasting worship services, 2. A motion was made by Mike Price and seconded by Rev. Caroline Saxton to approve reallocating the conference investments to achieve a 50/50 ratio in the Beyond Fossil Fuels Fund and the Balanced Funds of United Church Funds. The motion was unanimously approved by the board. The Personnel Committee had nothing to report at this time.

Commission Reports

Church Futures Commission - No report

Outdoor Ministries Commission - Nora reported a successful camping season.

Nominations Commission - No report. It was noted lay representatives are still needed from Central and Gettysburg Associations. 

Old Business:

Keystone Project Update

Carrie shared the details surrounding the motion that has been prepared and extensively reviewed by legal counsel to create the Keystone Conference. Carrie explained that each of the board of directors or consistories of the four current Pennsylvania UCC conferences must approve the motion as it is presented. She stated “The key immediate next steps are: 1. Each board or consistory must approve the motion to create the Keystone Conference, 2.. Each conference conducts a vote on 11/9/24, and all four conferences must approve the motion by a 2/3 majority in order for the Keystone Conference to move forward to the 2025 General Synod.

Board Action – A motion was made by Rev. DiAnn Baxley and seconded by Thaddeus Sampsonmfor the board of directors of Penn Central Conference to approve the motion, as presented, to create the Keystone Conference of the United Church of Christ. The motion was unanimously approved by the board.

New Business:

STAR Coalition-Rev. Amelia Price, secretary/treasurer of the Central Association, shared background on the resolution to recognize the STAR (Small Town and Rural Churches) Coalition as a self-created group within the United Church of Christ. Amelia noted 64.4% of UCC churches meet the metrics of small and rural churches and serve in communities of 25,000 or less. Amelia asked the board of directors to vote to sponsor this resolution and to include this in the agenda for the conference meeting on 11/9/24.The board members shared dialog asking if alternatives have been considered to have the STAR Coalition move forward without a resolution. Amelia noted the coalition has justified that this needs to move forward as a resolution.

Board Action – A motion was made by Rev. DiAnn Baxley and seconded by Jan Taylor for the board of directors of Penn Central Conference to sponsor the STAR Coalition resolution and to add this to the agenda for the 11/9/24 conference meeting. Motion passed

Initial Planning Discussion for the 11/9/24 Penn Central Conference Meeting

Carrie shared key details that have been worked out so far in planning for the 11/9/24 conference meeting. The meeting will be a hybrid meeting with participation available in-person and online via a ZOOM meeting. The fellowship hall at St. Thomas UCC, Linglestown, has been reserved on 11/9/24 to host the in-person meeting. A detailed timeline for the events that will occur on 11/9/24 is being developed.

Proposed 2025 Clergy Compensation Guidelines

Nora reported the Commission on Ministry reviewed and revised the 2025 Compensation guidelines. She reported the guidelines used comparisons to compensation to teachers/educators with master’s degrees as a basis to compare clergy compensation. During discussion, it was noted that the clergy compensation guidelines are a key tool for pastors to use to be sure that they are protected and not taken advantage of when it comes to compensation.

Board action- The proposed revised Clergy Compensation guidelines were approved by the board.

The next Board meeting will be held on October 19, 2024 9;30 AM to noon, at the UCC Homes offices.

If you have any questions about this summary or any board activities, please feel free to contact me or any board member.

Blessings to all!

Carolyn P. Herman, Moderator

PCC Board of Directors

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.

Scheduling Notes

September 15 - St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching

September 22 - Starview, York - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching

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...

Salem (Rohrerstown) UCC, Lancaster

New Hope UCC, Landisburg

Grace UCC, Lebanon

Hill UCC, Lebanon

Register now for Keystone Study Group Town Halls

Due to the complex nature of the possible merger, town hall meetings on the subject have been broken into three topics:

1. Timeline, Staffing, Finance

2. Timeline, PA UCC Mission Focus

3. Timeline, Associations.

There are four opportunities to attend a webinar on each of the above topics. They will be hosted by different conferences, but you can attend any. The schedule is below; click the date and time to register. You can also find this information on our website on the Keystone Study Group page under Resources.

RALLY FOR PEACE & UNITY

On August 24, Nazis from a hate group called Blood Tribe marched through Harrisburg. Our community is coming together to declare we will not tolerate their hatred and threats of violence. We are responding with a rally and counter march:

Date: Saturday, September 14

Time: 10 AM

Location: Pennsylvania Capitol steps (N 3rd St and State St, Harrisburg)

The plan is to rally together, listening to speakers on the Capitol steps beginning at 10 AM. At around 10:30, the march will begin; participants who wish to will march up N. 3rd St, circle around past Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Grove, and end back at the Capitol building around 11:30 AM.

Let's join together with our neighbors to stand against hatred and stand up for peace, equality, justice, and love!

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.

UEK Partnership

On September 12 at 1 PM there will be a PCC-EKD partnership meeting. 

This ministry group works in partnership with the churches in several

regions of Germany. The meeting is conducted via Zoom. If you are

interested in serving in this international relationship group, contact

Julie Holm julie@bvfof.org.

Innovation Grant Applications Being Accepted

In 2018, Penn Central Conference established an Innovation Grant program to assist churches. As originally planned, the window for applying for a grant is from July 1 through October 31 each year. Funding is from the Strengthen The Church offering and the proceeds of the Conference investments which amounts to approximately $25,000 per year and is supplemented as needed from other sources.

The Grant Application can be found here or is available on the Conference website under the Resources tab at the top of the page. The drop down list reveals Documents and Forms and clicking on that enables you to scroll down to the Finance section, then select PCC Innovation Grant Form.

This same application is for use by Lebanon Association churches and groups to apply for a St. John’s, Lebanon grant. These grants are funded through the investment proceeds of monies that were received from the sale of the Building of St. John’s, Lebanon which amounts to approximately $5,000 per year.

Both grants are available to either begin or enhance ministries of the church.

To date, this year the Finance Committee has received two applications, both for updating the church’s AV equipment enabling the congregation to make a more effective witness to their communities through their Sunday Services. It also will provide for homebound members a better opportunity to experience the worship within the walls of the building.

In previous years, the Innovation Grants have gone to churches and groups upgrading equipment and signage, starting a food pantry, planting gardens and create an LGBTQ youth center among other projects.

If you need or want any further information, contact the Conference Treasurer, Mike Price, at treasurer@pccucc.org or Paul Keller, Office Manager at pkeller@pccucc.org.

Association Events

October 13 - Lancaster Association Fall Meeting - 3:00PM

October 20 - Harrisburg Association Fall Meeting - Hummelstown UCC - 2:00PM

October 20 - Lebanon Association Fall Meeting - 3:00PM

October 26 - Central Association Fall Meeting - 9:00AM

November 9 - Gettysburg Association Fall Meeting - 10:30AM (fellowship luncheon following the Keystone Conference vote)

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.

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.

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

Congregational Boundary Training

October 14, 2024

6:30PM via Zoom

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. Register here.

Local Church

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.

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.

Nurture the Soul Special Offering: “Toxic polarization and partisan divides: Holding on to Faith, Hope, and Love this election season”

Sep 12, 2024 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Living Our Extravagant Welcome, A Two-Part Series

Sep 19, 2024 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Community Safety Training Series

Sep 23, 2024 | 8:00pm - 9:00pm

Church Building and Loan Fund is excited to announce the agenda for this year’s Partners in Building virtual conference on September 26th and 27th! Visit the website to view the full list of speakers and panel participants who are ready to help you think differently about your church’s future and its role in community transformation. Early bird price is $65

The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while learning effective tools to build a more just, compassionate world. This online program provides a foundational introduction to boost your knowledge, skills and confidence in working for change. Justice Jubilee begins in October and space is limited - apply today.

Scholarships are available thanks to the UCC's FaithINFO team.

2024 Financial Ministries Webinars

4^th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)

October 23 – End the Year Strong: Making the Most of Year End Giving

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdemqrz8qGNJJOs_gDoFH2nxcItmlhUGD

November and December can be the strongest months for giving in charities. How can we make the most of this generous time in our culture? The conversation will lift up ideas and messages to promote giving to congregations.

Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous

Crossroads and Connections, an ecumenical group based in Lancaster will offer a Workshop event on Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous. Dr. Greg Carey, an international expert on the topic will present and lead discussion on the history, impact, and concerns of Christian nationalism.

Three sessions, an hour, and a half each, with the same program, will be offered on the dates listed below. The registration is unlimited as Dr. Carey usually speaks to large gatherings and events. 

Please register for one of the three events for September by clicking on one of the links below:

Dates of events:

 Thursday, September 12, 2024

 Monday, September 16, 2024

 Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Continuing Education Opportunities with Eden Theological Seminary this Fall! Check out these opportunities and know that Rev. Betsy Bruaw (mission theology global community) and Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (justice-seekers and peacemakers) will be facilitating two of the cohorts. These are for anyone and continuing education credit is available. Most content is asynchronous but there is a monthly synchronous zoom with your facilitator. Each cohort is $250 and grant funded financial assistance is available, just ask Nora. Contact Betsy or Nora if you have questions or check out the website for all the fall options (including UCC History and Polity) and more information.

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry has fall courses available in theology with Dr. Eric Seibert. Courses are 6-weeks and include synchronous zooms each week. Courses are $325. Contact program director Dr. Darryl Stephens at stephensd@moravian.edu for more information.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

Fall Classes

Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Aug 27–Oct 1, 2024

Theology II: Leadership and Community, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024

Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert

Each six-week class is $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs

This class is appropriate for lay leaders, members in discernment, and clergy. Even if you've already studied theology, these classes will offer new perspectives and stimulating discussion. 

Registration and information: paacademyofministry.org OR https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/ 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Coming this Fall!

The lay and authorized congregational leaders can now obtain the Faith Formation Practitioner certificate through this new program. This initiative aims to assist the conferences and committees on ministry by providing a comprehensive course of study for lay ministry that is progressive, theologically sound, and based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.

This Fall first-term 6-week courses begin on September 4 and the second-term 6-week courses begin on October 16, 2024. UCC History and Polity begins its 12-week run on August 28.

Explore all PATHWAYS course offerings on the PATHWAYS website.

We invite you to reach out to us at: www.pathwaystheological.org

or by email at: pathwaysregistrar@gmail.com

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

Church Building and Loan Fund

Regional Mission Interpreter Close Date: Open until filled

The Cornerstone Fund Loan

Portfolio Assistant Close Date: Open until filled

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page