Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central!
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:14-16 (NRSV)
First, I want to thank you all for the emails and notes welcoming me into the position of Facilitator of Clergy Care when it was announced last month. I am looking forward to serving in this position, fully coming on board to this new shared ministry position on May 1. While I’ve begun checking my new PCC email address occasionally and laying some groundwork for my ministry in that position, until then, please be sure to contact Carrie or Nora for any clergy care needs.
Second, let me tell you all a little more about myself for those of you who don’t know me. I’m in my 30th year of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. The first parish I served was in Sandusky, Ohio, just a few blocks from a lovely bay off Lake Erie. The last 22 years, I’ve been serving with the wonderful people of Salem UCC in Campbelltown, PA, in the southwest corner of the Lebanon Association. I’m in the midst of the transition time of ending my ministry with Salem, and will be moving into the shared ministry position I mentioned above with PCC and as pastor of Quentin UCC. I was the Vice Moderator and then Moderator of the Conference Board of Directors totaling almost four years, but had to resign this position when I was hired by the board as a new staff person. I try to keep balance in my life by playing piano and guitar, reading, and spending time with family and friends, sometimes at a golf course with them. I’ve been married to my wonderfully supportive spouse, Kelly, for over 30 years and we have an only child who is close to graduating from Drexel University and embarking on a new segment of his life, too. This is indeed a significant year of transition and change for my family.
Discerning whether to enter a time of transition can be very difficult. It means making a decision about leaving behind what we know well: the routines and rhythms of life, the varied landscapes of relationships, and the shared experiences of joy, sorrow and healing. I guess that’s why right now in some small way because of the anxiety associated with change I understand the Hebrew people who were constantly badgering Moses and Yahweh with their shouts of, “Why did you make us leave what we knew?!” Leaving behind what and who we know so well is rarely easy or simple.
While I know God can handle my and anyone else’s complaining, there are stories that God used to get a little perturbed about such things, i.e. poisonous snakes, like in our Numbers 24:4-9 lectionary passage from this past Sunday. But through it all, the wandering people were never abandoned by God. Yes, I, too, wonder why God didn’t just get rid of the snakes, instead of the people having to get bitten first and then look at the snake image on the pole to be healed? But again, God didn’t leave them. In John 3:15, in the verse preceding arguably the most well-known verse in that gospel, Jesus asks everyone to look to him being raised up as a way to assure all that God is present now and beyond now.
In times of transitions, both those discerned by us and those hoisted upon us by life, when our footing seems unsure and slithering under us at the first misstep, we are asked to do what people of faith have been asked to do for millennia, look upon God, look upon Jesus, look upon the Spirit. Look beyond ourselves. We are asked to focus the eyes of our heart on the divine beyond time and rest assured of God’s presence in our wildernesses of ever-changing life.
In Peace,
Dwight
Rev. Dwight Hein
Incoming Facilitator of Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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Women's History in the UCC
Women's History Month, celebrated annually in March, honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It originated from International Women's Day which was first observed in the early 1900s and gained traction during the women's rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s.This month serves to raise awareness of women's roles in shaping societies, inspire future generations, and highlight ongoing challenges.
In the eNews each week this month we will be highlighting the contributions of women in the history of the UCC. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of these women this month and every month.
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“The Forest Minstrel”
Popular magazines and newspapers flourished in the early 1800s, giving clergy and lay members new ways to share faith stories, engage in theological debate, and lift up beauty through poetry. Many women became active and successful authors.
Born in Connecticut, Lydia Jane Wheeler (1802-1862) sang and wrote verse by the age of 12, demonstrating early literary skills that eventually became her livelihood. After her marriage to Oliver Pierson at 18, she moved to rural Liberty Township in the Allegany Mountains of Pennsylvania. She was known as the “Forest Minstrel.”
Pierson’s writings appeared in a wide variety of publications. She wrote for the English-language Weekly Messenger of the German Reformed Church, and her short sermonic pieces reminded readers of the call to discipleship in everyday life. She often asked, “And how did Jesus love his disciples? Did he love them for their docility, their gratitude, and affectionate attention? Oh no! He loved them while they were unbelieving, captious, easily offended, and ready to forsake him in the hour of trial.”
“Lydia Jane’s” poetry focused on the moral dynamics of families. She called out fathers and husbands, speaking plainly about how one could not abuse family members and then kneel to pray. Keeping the Sabbath, attending to the Word, practicing fervent prayer and worship were paramount.
The voice of this creative laywoman still rings strongly almost two hundred years later in her poem, “Hymn to Jesus.”
Wake and sing, my raptured soul!
Wake and sing in sacred lays;
Let the sounding numbers roll
To thy Great Redeemer’s praise.
Sing to Jesus—spotless, bright,
Source of every pure delight.
Now he sways infinity!
Yet his grace is still the same;
Still he hears the sinner’s cry,
Still he loves the humble frame,
Still he bids the weary breast
Welcome to his blissful rest.
Contributor: Carolyn Call
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This information originally appear in UCC Roots, September 2020. | |
62nd Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference
For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Annual Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.
We will be joined by General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, who will be preaching during closing worship on Sunday. All four conferences will be hosting a reception with her on Saturday evening as well.
All Authorized Ministers in good standing are voting members of Penn Central Conference. Each church shall be entitled to be represented by two (2) lay delegates with voting privileges.
Registration is now open - register here. You can learn more in this video featuring all four conference ministers, plus a tentative schedule is posted to the registration page.
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We recognize that the prices involved are higher than what our churches and clergy have spent in the past for Annual Meeting. We do not want budget concerns to prevent your attendance at this important meeting - scholarships are available!
Please fill out this form and email it to Paul Keller to apply for financial assistance.
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YEARBOOK DATA
Yearbook data collection is not over yet! If you were unable to enter your information into the DataHub before last week's deadline, there is still time for it to be counted. Paul has access to enter any late contributions through March 21st - please fill out this document and email it back to him. Having accurate membership and attendance numbers helps the Conference do our best work to assist our churches and clergy.
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Scheduling notes:
March 17 - Faith UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
April 7 - Maytown Reformed UCC, Maytown - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
April 14 - Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr.
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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...
Starview UCC, Mount Wolf
Faith UCC, State College
St. Peter's UCC, State College
Trinity UCC, State Line
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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. | |
Pennsylvania UCC Noontime Lenten Prayer Gatherings
The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30p. The first prayer time is Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20. To register, click here.
Leaders will be:
· March 13: Bill Worley
· March 20: Bonnie Bates
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Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows
Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00am via ZOOM.
It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”-- to love and serve one another-- for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.
Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance.
Register here.
| Wisdom & Grace UCC, Lancaster has hymnals and bibles they would like to donate to a church in need. They have 170 New Century Hymnals, 42 softbound NRSV bibles and 8 hardcover NRSV bibles. Please contact the church at wisdomgraceucc@gmail.com if you are interested. | |
Salem's Closet, in Salem UCC, Harrisburg, has partnered with Church World Services and are supplying refugees with clothing and household goods.
The number of refugees that have been coming has gone from just a few to 15 a month. In conversation wtih Cindy at CWS, 15 or more is going to be the new normal. We need clothing for men, boys, teens, infants, and toddlers for all seasons, bedding that includes blankets, and sheets not to mention other household goods. These donations need to be in good condition and clean.
Please contact Susan Nelson at srsews@gmail.com to find out more about how to donate items. If you are able to help transport items donated from further afield, please let her know as well.
| St. James UCC, Stillwater (in Penn North East Conference) is looking for handbells to start a handbell choir. If your church is looking to sell or donate your bells please reach out to Carol Bath at gammybath@gmail.com | Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey, PA is in need of some music stands. If your church is looking to sell or donate some, please contact Kira at info@redeemerchurchucc.org | |
The Brush Valley Fusion of Faith has an extra organ! Our 1969 Allen
electric organ, plus four large speakers are free to a good (church or
individual) home. Contact Julie Holm julie@bvfof.org for more
information.
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For Children and Youth: UCC Climate Hope Art Contest
To give our children and youth a voice this election season, while also reminding adults of their responsibility for the next generation, the UCC is conducting a Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest. From now until April 16th, art submissions will be accepted. Participating churches should register now to receive important information and updates.
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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.
Camps:
3 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Wednesday, July 31 at 10AM
Getting Started - Grades K - 1 ($190)
Directed by Katie Price
Intergenerational Camp ($190)
Directed by Aleshia Hawkins
3 night camps - Wednesday, July 31st at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Camp of the Heart ($250)
Directed by Kara Druckenmiller
Women's Heart and Soul Camp ($190)
Directed by Nora Foust
6 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Elementary - Grades 2 - 4 ($300)
Directed by Alex (Weis) Sattazahn and Allyson Butz
Middle School - Grades 5 - 7 ($300)
Directed by Carol Price and Nicole Henry
Senior High - Grades 8 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Nathan Limbert
Leadership - Grades 9 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Betsy Brauw
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
Summer Camp Open Houses
March 17 and April 14 at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Earth Day Celebration
April 21 at Kirchenwald
Work Day
April 27 at Nawakwa
May 4 at Kirchenwald
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.
I love going to camp because of all the fun I have with the activities. I love going to camp for the learning experience. The community is amazing, and I always feel accepted at camp. I have so many great memories which always keep me coming back each year. That is just some of the reasons I love camp Kirchenwald. ~ Hugh Dickel (12 years old. He has attended Arts and Crafts Camp and Guppies Camp)
The reason I like to go to camp is all the friends that I make. I also had a good time with all the counselors there. All of the activities we do are fun. Everyone has a good time at camp as well. Some people I meet I still talk to outside of camp. It’s always nice to take a break from technology and get outside. Every time I come back home I want to go back again because I enjoy it so much. - William Dickel (15 years old. He attended Beach Camp this past year, Kayak Camp, and Kirkenquest Camp in prior years.)
We always feel really good about sending our kids to Camp Kirchenwald and don’t think they miss us at all, the weeks they are at camp! They come home telling us about the fabulous new experiences they’ve had, the new friends they’ve made, and the positive interactions they’ve had with the counselors (great role models!). I can not think of a better way for kids to grow in their faith, gain independence, challenge themselves in learning new skills, and have technology-free time in God’s beautiful creation. Most of all I know they had FUN! And no doubt, will have wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. - Ed Dickel
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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. | |
The Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Penn Southeast Conferences of the United Church of Christ cordially invite you to participate in this virtual Lenten opportunity! Meeting each Wednesday in Lent at 7pm, this Bible Study explores the foundations of our identity as Christians and members of the UCC as we explore what the future may hold! Each week is unique so if you cannot attend every date you can still participate in as many as you are able. If you have questions, or you would like to participate in this study, please email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link. Thank you!
March 6: Lent in Context
March 13: The Priesthood of All Believers
March 20: Communion
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Retired Minister Boundary Training with Rev. Tara Barber
March 14, 1:30 – 4:30PM ET
Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.
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Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
March 19, 2024 The Ministerial Code – 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. (This will be repeated September 17, 2024.)
April 16, 2024 Money Matters – Financial Health and Vitality can be a challenging conversation and in this two-hour session we will look at the various ways in which money does matter in ministry, personally and vocationally. Financial Misconduct is in the top-five reasons for fitness reviews and conference staff receive numerous questions about how to move in healthy ways when it comes to church money. Come out and we’ll take a deep dive into this sensitive topic. Register here. (This will be repeated July 16, 2024.)
May 21, 2024 Healthy Beginnings and Endings – All ministries have beginnings and endings. In this session, participants will look at healthy expectation setting in new calls as well as ethical departure requirements. Register here. (This will be repeated August 20, 2024.)
Boundary Training at Keystone Annual Meeting
June 7, 2024 Undercurrents and Riptides Online – A two-hour session will be offered as part of the Keystone Annual Meeting (this one will not be via Zoom.) 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. Watch for registration links in February. (This will be repeated November 19, 2024 in Zoom format.)
Topics are subject to change, but changes will be announced.
Basic Boundaries for Congregations will be offered via zoom, 6:30-8pm April 15, 2024. 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. Nora is also available for this session at a church or group of churches if desired. Register here. (This will be repeated October 14, 2024.)
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Lay Leadership Convocation 2024
Saturday, April 6
This Year’s Theme: Sharing Leadership
Keynote speaker: Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration and coffee
9:00 - 9:45 am Keynote Address by Dr. Sarah B. Drummond: “Shared Leadership”
10:00 - 11:15 am Workshops
12:45 –1:45 pm Lunch
1:45 – 3:00 pm Workshops
Workshops on various topics.
Learn more and register here.
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Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us
May 7 - 9, 2024
You are not alone. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time.
Clergy Convocation 2024 – Tentative Agenda
To register, click here.
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A note from United Church Funds
We understand that finding relevant and helpful content to share with church leadership about values-aligned investing and fiduciary responsibilities can be daunting. UCF provides resources to fill this gap.
* UCF’s Fiduciary Focus articles discuss a variety of topics that are insightful for churches and faith-based investors;
* If churches are interested in learning more about sustainable and responsible investing, and we’ve created this video on the Five Tools in Sustainable Investing;
* For churches that want to dive into planned giving campaigns in 2024, we offer resources and videos on the topic here.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
April 24 – A Good Pitch - Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuCvpzojG9BHNVrZXiYVjmHakz1H2pWe
Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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Join Us for a Webinar - Book Banning! What Comes Next?
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Dave Bushnell and Tom Davis-Chappell will facilitate a discussion with our experts - Nikki Rivera, Molly Magro, Parker Webb and Dr. Robert (Bob) Hollister.
Participants should come prepared for a thoughtful discussion about the impact of book banning in our society.
Book Banning has been around for almost as long as books have been published. The presenters for this Webinar are very familiar with the pressures of book banning efforts especially in public schools. Why is this happening and what are ways for school librarians, superintendents, and school boards to respond to the challenges? Our webinar will focus especially on LGBTQ+ literature bans because LGBTQ+ youth are often marginalized and need ‘safe places’ of support and affirmation. After presentations and interactions of the presenters, they will respond to questions from those attending the Webinar.
Who Should Attend?
Parents of school aged children; school superintendents; school librarians; school board members; LGBTQ+ community; anyone interested in this topic.
Register here.
| Pax Christi Harrisburg will hold its annual Walking Way of the Cross in downtown Harrisburg on Good Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. Participants should gather at 9:45 a.m. at Front & Market Sts. (Dauphin County Courthouse). This event connects Jesus’ journey to the cross with current day themes of peace and justice. The walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and will occur, rain or shine. For more information, call Rick Woodard at 717-991-4204. | |
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SEARCHING FOR JOY: CLERGY YOGA FOR THE EASTER SEASON
For clergy, church staff, and faith leaders, the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter can be profoundly impactful and deeply resonant, while at the same time bringing with them a deep level of physical and mental exhaustion. This 7-week yoga series (beginning April 3 at 9am Eastern via Zoom) is a place for leaders to come and receive a space of rest and renewal, coupled with gentle movement and contemplative prayer as we together seek the renewing joy of resurrection, exploring the theme of joy as a spiritual practice.
These classes will blend together elements of restorative yoga, plus gentle hatha (active) yoga. All classes are appropriate for all levels; beginners are welcome. Included in this course is one (optional) individual session of spiritual direction, plus a weekly written meditation for use in your spiritual practice.
CEUs are available.
To register, visit www.sacredsoulscapes.org/challenge-page/searchingforjoy
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Preaching and Worship through the Year. April 9–May 14, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. Lectionary planning, sermon series, music and arts, special services, and more. 2.5 CEUs.
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Chaplain in the Park Opportunity: Locust Lake State Park
Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park!
Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.
The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here: https://pachurches.org/ministries/campground-ministry/
You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more information: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.
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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
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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