Message to the Conference | |
Greetings Penn Central members and friends,
When we gather for a special meeting of the Conference on November 9th we will vote on the Conference Budget as well as the Keystone Conference Motion. We will also be voting on a resolution brought to us by the STAR Church Coalition. Below is an introduction to the STAR Church Coalition from our own Amelia Price (Central Association). Please read through and then click on the link to read the resolution at the end. Thanks to those of you in PCC who have worked on this important resolution!
“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose…for we are God’s coworkers, working together, you are God’s field…” (1 Corinthians 3: 8-9, NRSV)
The Small Town and Rural Church Coalition (STAR Coalition) grew out of the virtual General Synod in 2021 when a small group of individuals met to share experiences with small town and rural ministry. They lamented the lack of resources available, but they also celebrated the vibrancy and depth of ministry and worship exhibited within those churches. Further, the group noted that that STAR Churches are often assumed to be dying churches. That is not the case. The startling fact is that, as of the UCC Statistical Profile of 2022, almost 65% of UCC churches are designated as small town and rural, contributing to their communities in unique, creative, and important ways. “Small Town and Rural” is roughly defined as areas with populations of less than 25 thousand. The STAR churches in the Coalition largely come from much smaller communities, some with fewer than 100 persons, and the largest with less than 10,000 people. Most of these churches are in areas where agriculture is the dominant industry, making them closely tied to the land, surrounding community, and growing seasons.
Ministry is different in small town and rural settings. Many churches are not in larger towns so the question of, “who is my neighbor?” takes on wider meaning. Ministry takes on different forms in community that encompass farms, ranches, and large geographical expanses, rather than blocks of houses or apartments or neighborhoods. While some problems experienced in urban and metro areas may be similar, they express in different ways. For example, homelessness is not people sleeping on sidewalks, instead it is couch surfing, living out of cars, and children who bounce between homes. And children who, during fall harvest, disappear from classrooms. Drug and alcohol abuse is a large problem, in areas that are generally underserved by hospitals and clinics, and with too few medical and mental health practitioners. Most of these churches are in digital deserts, with little or no access to internet, spotty and very slow connections when they are available, and limited accessibility even if they can afford connections.
The STAR Coalition formed around the desire to share experiences and best practices, and the realized need for specific and targeted resourcing from the UCC national setting and elsewhere. The STAR Coalition desires to share the wisdom and experience of more than half of all congregations in the United Church of Christ with the National Setting (and all settings of the UCC) in a recognized manner as a “Self-Created Group.”
At times STAR churches are a lone progressive voice among their immediate peers. In other cases, they are solidly conservative and solidly UCC. Labels are challenging. Small Town and Rural Churches are not monoliths. Census and Voting data show that rural areas lean more conservative than liberal. This reality highlights one of the real strengths of STAR churches: they have learned to live together amid social and political diversity. Community relationships are vital. Community matters. Relationships matter. This is the wisdom that the STAR Coalition desires to share with the UCC National Setting by being recognized and being granted voice and a permanent place at the table in hopes of informing and shaping the future of the United Church of Christ.
Please take the time to read the STAR Church Coalition resolution HERE. Penn Central Conference will vote whether to sponsor this resolution so it can move forward to Synod 2025 for full discussion and vote by delegates across the denomination.
Amelia Price
Pastor, St. Paul's Verdilla UCC, Selinsgrove
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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. | |
Scheduling Notes
September 29 - Hayshire UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust Preaching
September 29 - Salem UCC, Elizabethville - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
September 29 - St. Paul UCC, Sacramento - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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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...
Trinity UCC, Lewistown
St. Luke's UCC, Lititz
Faith UCC, Littlestown
Redeemer's UCC, Littlestown
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Neighbors In Need offering
Sunday, October 6
In 2024, the Neighbors in Need theme is “Mental Health Justice For All!”
Supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States, including the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM), justice and advocacy, and direct service projects supported by Justice and Local Church Ministries.
This offering is received on First Sunday of October as part of World Communion Sunday.
Order envelopes or posters here.
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Save the date: November 9, 2024, 9:30AM - 12:30PM
Special Fall Meeting
Votes on 2025 Budget, sponsorship of STAR Church Coalition resolution and Keystone Conference vote.
In person and online. More details, registration and official call to meeting coming soon.
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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.
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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.
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2025 Meck and Moss Award Nominations
Nominations accepted through November 30
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Meck and Moss Awards. The Meck and Moss Awards are awarded annually to Lancaster Theological Seminary alumni, of any denomination, who demonstrate commitment to the excellence of ministry. The Alumni Council’s Awards and Recognition Committee will select award recipients.
The Meck Award honors the memory of Allan S. Meck, who graduated from the Seminary in 1911 and served as president from 1947 to 1957. The Meck Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of pastoral ministry.
The Moss Award honors Robert V. Moss Jr. ’45, who graduated form the Seminary in 1945 and served as president from 1957 to 1969. The Moss Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry (i.e., chaplain, administrator, educator, judicatory staff, etc.).
Learn more about the selection criteria here. Submit a nomination by November 30th here.
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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 3 - Mercersburg Association - St. John's UCC, Chambersburg - 3:00PM
November 9 - Gettysburg Association Fall Meeting - 10:30AM (fellowship luncheon following the Keystone Conference vote)
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The churches of the Northern Association of the Penn Central Conference are once again hosting an Outreach Mission Event to fight world hunger. The Association is working with the organization "Rise Against Hunger", a group striving to end world hunger in our lifetime. Rise Against Hunger is a program that packages nutritious dehydrated meals of rice, soy, vegetables, and 23 essential vitamins and minerals. The packaged meals are then sent to areas around the world affected by natural disasters and conflicts as needs dictate.
The Association meal packaging event will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Centre Hall Lion's Club beginning around 10 am. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please consider contributing to this event by volunteering to package the meals and/or donating to cover the cost (each meal costs 40¢).
This is a great fun activity and no special skill or equipment is required. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteers can vary in age from 5 years old to 99 years old. The goal is to package 15,000 to 20,000 meals--meaning we need to raise $6,000 to $8,000 to cover the meal cost. We will also need approximately 60 volunteers. We are looking to run two shifts 10 am to 12 noon; and 1 pm to 3 pm. and 30 volunteers for each shift. If you feel comfortable you can sign up for both shifts. You may register online at http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/Centrehall2024 or you may contact Susan Rudy at 1-303-349-3028 and provide her your information and she will register you. We are also looking for a few strong arms/backs to lift 50-pound bags when the truck arrives to unload. They would need to arrive around 8:30 am that day September 28, 2024.
To sign up to volunteer, again please contact Susan Rudy at 1-303-349-3028 or 814-349-8334 (please leave a message as she works during the day) or go on-line to the site listed above.
To make your tax deductible donation, please make checks payable to Northern Association and mail them to:
Teresa Hockenberry, Treasurer - (please note in memo line "Rise Against Hunger")
117 Green Grove Drive
Spring Mills, PA 16875
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Susan Rudy
President
Northern Association, Penn Central Conference
| 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.
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.
| 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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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 | |
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UCC Webinar: Project 2025 as a Threat to God's Creation
Project 2025 is a compilation of policy proposals and a presidential transition project launched by the Heritage Foundation. The proposed policies would have far-reaching implications from bolstering the US military to cutting social welfare programs. In this webinar, we will look specifically at what Project 2025 would mean for environment justice. Our panelists will include Xavier Boatright from the Sierra Club, Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Abigail Cipparone from the Advocacy Office of the United Church of Christ. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 9th 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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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.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th 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.
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From our friends and partners | |
Fractured Lives, Fractured Churches
Presented by Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
October 12, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Church of the Good Shepherd, Boyertown
American society is fracturing as more and more families experience estrangement with their loved ones. Tensions in American public life affects their private lives and vice-versa. Americans lack a shared identity, disagree on the nation’s purposes, values, and history, and are becoming more and more intolerant of those with whom they disagree. Estrangement in private lives often leads to intense tribalism in public life. Anchored in Family Systems, the workshop is designed to help leaders understand phenomenon of estrangement, how it comes about and how can the church be a gathering place for restoration and healing.
This Workshop Will Help You/Your Church…
– Learn how estrangement has played a role in the life of your church and family
- Transform estrangement into restoration and healing
- Learn how to have meaningful relationships with individuals with different opinions
- Overcome triablism to view the world through a more unified lens
Who Will Benefit:
- Clergy who are interested in learning a proactive approach to managing estrangement in their church
- Church lay leaders who want to gain confidence in their position
- and how to best manage challenges
- Anyone interested in learning how to manage self and become a
- positive representative for the church
To register, click here.
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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.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Fall Classes
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/
Explore Our Crossroads Lay Leadership Programs
Our introductory course, Compass, begins October 17 and takes participants through two different paths. First, it is a discernment process to help the participant identify their gifts, passion, and style. Through reading, journaling, and a valuable small group process, participants are encouraged to explore, articulate, and hone their personal sense of call as a lay person in the church and in the community.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
Are you looking for Continuing Education Units in theological education or pastoral care or leadership training? Insightful and open-minded, PATHWAYS inclusivity invites conversation with the text and among the learners in a broad variety of courses. The Ministerial Preparation program can fulfill the requirements for authorized ministry but any of the PATHWAYS’ courses will fulfill your need to ponder your faith, to discern your gifts and call, or to build your faith community leadership skills. (https://www.pathwaystheological.org/)
The new term begins October 16 with the following 6-week courses :
Understanding the Bible, Intro to New Testament, Old Testament Hermeneutics, Intro to Storytelling, Preaching, & Proclamation, Writing about Faith & Religiton for the Public, Variety of Beliefs within Christianity, and Ecological Theology.
A short 4-week course, Singing the Bible, begins October 9, 2024.
The next UCC History and Polity course begins January 8, 2025.
Go to the website to see the full schedule of Fall courses.
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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: 717-652-1560 x3
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 x3
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