Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
I love the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" for it makes clear that true sight is beyond what the eyes merely behold. John's Gospel account of the man born blind illustrates this point. Even with his eyes now opened the man still required the personal encounter with Jesus to fully under the source of his restoration and subsequent decision to follow our Lord. The leaders, though never having lost sight, were nonetheless blinded by many worldly concerns as to what constitutes a faith journey.
The hymn's first stanza concludes "Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light". Paul's account in Ephesians 5:8-14 declares "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the in the Lord. Walk as children of light". In this our spirits are to be led by a deeper vision than what is simply visible to our eyes. Life presents so manty options for allegiance and many of those are presented as ultimate truth. In reality are only a pretense for self interest or blind obedience to some nefarious, evil substitute for true faith.
Along this line of thought I am aware that Jesus calls us to not focus on the speck in our neighbor's eyes as nearly as we have need to clear the larger obstacles from our own eyes. Blindness comes in many forms besides the physical. Assuming one's point of view is absolutely the only correct view covers an array of behaviors such as prejudice, greed, self-loathing and on and on we could go. The point being that only in opening ourselves to reading and challenging of the gospel to inform our journey through this life will we experience the true light for our pathways.
The leaders of the Temple assumed they held the key to truth. They embraced tradition without appreciating that their tradition ultimately called for a willingness to engage ever renewing opportunities to experience God's truth being revealed. We also have need to understand that how we perceive God's call and gifts to us must ever be open to new revelations, lest we develop spiritual blindness.
As the man, whose sight was restored, still did not see clearly until his further encounter with Jesus, also must accept that renewal or recommitment in our relationship is to be a daily occurrence. No matter how correct we think we may be on any given subject, we are always called to look more deeply and pray on matters more earnestly, as we listen more fully to other voices and then re-read the gospel so as to enlighten our awareness on any given subject.
In this Lenten season, let us be like the man willing to seek Jesus more fully and not simply receive the gift and then take it for granted.
Rick
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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Scheduling notes:
March 12 - St. Paul's UCC, New Oxford - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
March 19 - St. Luke's UCC, Lockhaven - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust 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...
St. Peter's UCC, Paxinos
Salem UCC, Pillow
Trinity UCC, Dalmatia
Quentin UCC, Quentin
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LANCASTER COUNTY 2023 EARTH DAY CLIMATE SUMMIT
April 22, 2023
A Lancaster County 2023 Earth Day Climate Summit will be held in downtown Lancaster on Saturday April 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Over 50 presentations, workshops, and exhibits will be held at multiple sites in Lancaster City (all walkable distances) including The Ware Center, Tellus 360, First Reformed UCC, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, St. James Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church.
Each site of the Summit will feature an important sector like Land, Food, Water, Buildings and Materials, Transportation, Public Health and Environmental Justice. There will also be a site for Faith Based Climate Action. Keynote speakers will include: President Pedro Rivera (Stevens College of Technology) and President Daniel Wubah (Millersville University).
If you’d be willing to volunteer to help at the Summit contact Dave Bushnell ([email protected]). Dave is the Chair of the Planning Team. For more information go to https://regenall.org/2023climatesummit.
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LAY LEADERS CONVOCATION
Who: For elders, deacons, church council members, and other leaders
What: A full day of worship, address, workshops, and fellowship
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Trinity and Zion U.C.C., Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Cost: $40 per person ($20 for persons coming for part of the program not eating lunch)
The event will include: Worship and Keynote address on
Empowering Lay Leadership
Workshops on some of the following topics:
Being effective as a post-Covid Church
Reviving the Sunday school
Stewardship of Financial Resources
Becoming Spiritual Leaders
Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Church
Church Meetings that get out on time
How does the U.C.C. work
Music ministry when the choir is shrinking
Worshiping when there is no pastor.
Register here
Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team of Penn SE Conference, U.C.C.
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Events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation
QUILTING WEEKEND - Kirchenwald - March 17 - March 19, 2023
SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE - Kirchenwald - March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE - Nawakwa - March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
WITTEL FARM GROWING PROJECT OPEN HOUSE - The Wittel Farm - March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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 [email protected] (director)
or Rev. Amelia Price [email protected] (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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Winter/Spring 2023 MEFs (10AM hybrid, 6PM Zoom)
March 21 - "Just War, Just Peace in Scripture" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PM Zoom Only - register here
No April MEF, staff will be on retreat
May 16 - "Starting Justice Conversations: Part 1" with Rev. Carla Christopher
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PM Zoom Only - register here
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Winter/Spring Boundary Training
Monday, March 20, 10:00AM & 6:00PM, Departure Ethics
via Zoom
Register 10am
Register 6pm
Thursday, April 13, 10:00AM & 6:00PM, Humility as Spiritual Practice
via Zoom
Register 10am
Register 6pm
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Please join the Pension Boards for its upcoming two-day Planning for the Transition to Retirement seminar on March 29-30, 2023.
Whether you are planning to retire soon or are in the middle of your career, clergy or lay, this seminar is designed to help you transition to retirement. If you are an actively-contributing Pension Boards member, 45 years of age or older, we invite you to participate.
Here is what you can expect:
• On Day One of our presentation, we discuss some of the landmark issues along the journey to retirement and how we can best prepare to hit those milestones. We will then focus on the two largest financial sources for most of our members: Social Security and the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ.
• One Day Two of our presentation, we will dig a little deeper into some of the accompanying details of the retirement journey. We will look at how our investment choices should be informed by our current lives and future goals, and review additional benefits to help smooth our path. Finally, we will examine the way our lives will change and what we can do to continue leading purposeful, fulfilling lives in retirement.
Date: Day One: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on EST
Date: Day Two: Thursday, March 30, 2023
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on EST
Register here by March 28, 2023. The Zoom credentials you receive upon registration are the credentials you will use to participate in both Day One and Day Two of the Planning for the Transition to Retirement seminar.
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Suicide and Moral Injury Clergy Workshop
with Lebanon VA Chaplain Rev. Dean Luther
Full flyer here
Friday, March 24th 10-12 on Zoom
Register here
Friday May 19th 10-12 on Zoom
Register here
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Welcome your new friends and colleagues from Penn West as they join together for the first time with Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conferences for a time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministries and members in discernment...Clergy Convocation 2023! May 2-4, 2023
Focus Texts: John 17: 20-23 and John 15: 1-5
Being One: Clergy Wellness, Clergy Wholeness
Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on connection - connecting with God, self and others. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time. Our teaching focus on clergy wellness will take shape in four 90-minute sessions, each dedicated to one of the components of wellness every pastor needs: spiritual wellness, vocational wellness, financial wellness, and physical wellness. Pension Boards staff and outside facilitators will provide attendee with thoughtful and relevant content for those engaged in local church ministry.
For flyer, click here.
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Though the proposed Retiree Convocation scheduled for May 9-11 has been postponed, work on redeveloping "Journey Into and Through Retirement" will continue. Please watch this space for announcement regarding a rescheduled date. | |
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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 Feb 21-Mar 6 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in April
Registration applications will be accepted from March 13 through March 27 for an Elementary (Grades K-1 and 4-6) Training in May
Registration applications will be accepted from April 17 through May 1 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in June
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 | |
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This event will be held at
Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown.
Breakfast and lunch are included with the cost of your ticket.
To register you can email Barbara Jennings at [email protected] and send your check for $35 made payable to PNEC to the Conference Office (PNEC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071)
OR
you can register and pay through tithe.ly at https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/6681834
Keynote; “Repenting of the unforgivable” Through the medium of storytelling, Rev JimBear Jacobs will share how the legacy of Indigenous residential boarding schools has left a stain upon the church. The sin of complicity in the boarding school has for far too long been ignored or rationalized away. It is time to face this sin head on and enter into a season of lament that can hopefully lead to repair. Workshop: “Beyond lament; Movement towards repair” In this workshop Rev. JimBear Jacobs will explore some tangible and challenging steps that churches might wrestle with as they consider reparations for the traumatic legacy of the boarding school system
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) | |
CHURCH HISTORY 2 - PROTESTANT REFORMATION: REFORMED AND REFORMING
April 11 - May 16, 2023
Online on Zoom
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Join Rev. Matthew Deal to identify historical roots and analogies for contemporary ecclesial issues. We'll study the basic sweep of Christian history, including key figures, movements, denominations, and turning points in their cultural contexts
For clergy/pastors and lay leaders
$325 for the series of six classes
2.5 CEUs
BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 1
May 23 - June 27, 2023
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
Save the date - REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2!
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
OPTIC – MarCom
Editorial Communications and News Strategist, Extended Close: Open Until Filled
Web and Digital Specialist – Close: 3/31/23 - new
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Faith UCC Grantville, PA seeks Director of Music, Choir Director, Organist, Pianist
Faith UCC Grantville, PA in the Harrisburg Association of the Penn Central Conference United Church of Christ, seeks a Director of Music-Choir Director-Organist-Pianist. Responsibilities may be assumed by one or two individuals. Responsibilities include:
· Collaborating with the Pastor to organize worship experiences
· Choose seasonally appropriate anthems
· Conducting Faith’s vocal choir
· Playing organ and/or piano for choir accompaniment, leading congregational singing, prelude, postlude and special pieces, as able.
· Organ is a Rodgers 2-manual with 5 ranks of pipes. Piano is relatively new
This is (these are) part time position(s) in the range of 10-15 hours per week or time needed to prepare/practice
About Faith UCC Grantville: Faith honors its historical roots with a traditional worship style in a relaxed atmosphere where fellowship is highly valued.
Faith UCC is located in Grantville, a rural/commuter community in Central Pennsylvania, 7 miles north of Hershey, 15 miles east of Harrisburg, and 30 miles from Lancaster. We are easily accessed via Route 81.
If you would like more information, please contact Pastor George Robertson at: [email protected] 2/22/23
| Peace United Church of Christ is seeking candidates for the position of Church Musician. Primary responsibility is to provide piano and/or organ music during one contemporary and one traditional worship service on Sunday mornings, with adult choir accompaniment September-May. Salary dependent upon experience. Resumes may be sent via email to: [email protected], or mailed to: Peace UCC 37 E. Swartzville Road Denver, PA 17517 For additional information or questions, please contact Rev. Betsy Bruaw at 717-484-4400. 2/8/23 | |
Job opening for Director of Music of Salem UCC, Campbelltown, PA
The Salem UCC Director of Music will be responsible for performing the music used in worship services, including the congregational, choral and special group music throughout the church liturgical year, including Sundays and some holy days. Currently there is one traditional service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. The candidate should be a person of faith, comfortable theologically with the United Church of Christ and a person who brings vitality and flexibility to the duties of this ministry. Musical ability on pipe organ or piano are required. The candidate should have the ability to play a variety of types of musical expressions; possess good communication and organizational skills; the ability to sight‑read would be a plus. Salem UCC is a congregation that highly values and encourages creativity and musical abilities of all ages within the congregation. The Director of Music will be encouraged to use creativity to help foster and nurture the music ministry within the church community in the years ahead. Employment at Salem UCC requires compliance with the Pennsylvania Child Protection Laws, with employees being subject to the required background checks and clearances.
Note: The congregation is open to this position being an accompanist only position, rather than a Director of Music with choir director responsibilities. See contact below for more information.
Details of Director of Music position:
Quarter-time position (approximately 10 hours a week) includes:
- preparing worship music
- accompanying congregation singing in worship
- selecting choir anthems, preparing and leading Wednesday evening choir rehearsals 2-3 times a month (12-15 adult choir members)
- accompanying the choir during the regular Sunday worship service (2-3 times a month) and occasional holy day evening services. Choir rehearsals and singing in worship usually occur September through May.
- attending Worship & Music Committee evening meetings (3-4 times a year).
Salary - $9000 - $12000 per year (negotiable based on experience and skill level)
- paid twice a month
- additional income from occasional weddings and funerals is possible, based upon
availability of the organist/accompanist.
Vacation - four paid vacation Sundays a year with the responsibility of arranging substitute organist/accompanist, substitute’s fee paid by the church.
Contact Rev. Dwight Hein, Pastor of Salem UCC, Campbelltown
[email protected]
717-838-4236 – office 2/8/23
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Music Ministry Positions at Emmanuel UCC, Hanover PA
Emmanuel United Church of Christ is a forward-looking, Open and Affirming faith environment. These part-time positions offer competitive salary and vacation packages. For details, visit www.emmanuelucc.org. Submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Organist/Accompanist Needed
EUCC is excited to be searching for an Organist/Keyboardist for Sunday worship and special occasions. We’re open to you leading our Choirs and Handbells as well if you have the experience and savvy. Contact us soon before someone else slides into the bench before you!
Choir/Handbell Director
EUCC is excited to be searching for a Choir and Handbell Director for Sunday worship and special occasions. We’re open to you playing our organ/keyboards as well if you have the experience and savvy. Contact us soon before someone else slides into the lead before you! 1/11/23
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
email: [email protected]
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Dr. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
email: [email protected]
Phone: 717-433-2587
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
email: [email protected]
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: [email protected]
Phone: 717-652-1560
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