Paid for by your OCWM Contributions | April 07, 2026 | | Message to the Conference | |
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Dear Keystone Members and Friends –
Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.” (John 20:27a NRSV)
Post-resurrection appearances by Jesus are a strange mix of the spiritual (disappearing after speaking) and the physical (eating fish). The episodes read as ephemeral and solid at the same time. Their mysterious nature makes them some of my favorite passages in the gospels. The encounter with Thomas is no exception.
What I love about Thomas is his desire to experience the full physicality of Jesus as the crucified one. And perhaps we don't really think about how odd that is. One would imagine that resurrection implies total transformation, unlike the resuscitation of a corpse (e.g. Lazarus). We might assume that full transformation surely would include healing those wounds from the crucifixion, wouldn't it? And yet the resurrected Jesus appears to the disciples with unhealed wounds and all.
When I read the account of Thomas, I always think of Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (of Moravian fame). Zinzendorf recounts a story from St. Martin of Tours: as St. Martin was walking, Jesus appeared on the road, and the Saint was breathless at Jesus's radiance and glory. He called Martin’s name and indicated he should admire Jesus's glory. At which time, voicing a suspicion, Martin demanded, "Where are your wounds?" and the Christ figure was revealed to be the devil. The devil, Zinzendorf believed, will try to lead us astray by appearing to us as Jesus, but without wounds. And we will be tempted to follow false representations of Jesus full of glory.
Why do the wounds matter? They matter because they demonstrate Jesus’s true humanity. He entered into and understood human pain. Jesus knew grief and despair. He knew the beauty and limits of human flesh, and he knew ultimate torture and suffering in his own body. The wounds from the crucifixion remind Thomas (and us) that God embraced human physical existence and overcame human death. In Jesus’ resurrected appearance he was imperfectly perfect. All our wounds, limits, suffering and physicality are recognized by the one who also suffered. And we will be embraced in his Kingdom as we too are made imperfectly perfect.
As one who has struggled with (and against) my physical self, this brings me comfort and hope. Thomas understood the wounds mattered for his faith to be complete. Grant that we may as well.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Transitional Executive Conference Minister
Keystone Conference UCC
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| | | Printable versions of The Keystone Connection are available here. Feel free to distribute these at your church or ministry setting for those who do not get the weekly emails. | | Clergy - watch your inbox on April 9th for the first monthly Clergy Connection email. This will contain news, events, clergy transitions, churches in search and other information specifically tailored for clergy in the Keystone Conference. You can look forward to receiving this email on the second Thursday of each month. | | |
Opening the poetic space in churches: UCC launches online poetry collective
by Donna Jackson | published on ucc.org on Mar 24, 2026
The end of February, the UCC national offices launched a Facebook group called UCC Poetry Collective to facilitate the sharing of poetry.
Those interested can request to join the private space, which was curated as such to honor and foster the vulnerability that delving the depths of poetry requires.
“This is a space to share poems you have written or ones you have loved with others,” said Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson.
Conference Minister Carrie Call and others from Keystone Conference are quoted in the full article, which can be found here.
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HC Spirit Camp
Registration is now open for HC Spirit Camp, hosted at Hartman Center Campground, Milroy, PA, the former camp home of Penn Central Conference. The folks who operate the now-campground welcome us for a week each summer. The camp community can share their treasured memories while making new ones with young and new campers, and experience and celebrate the new mission and growth of the property.
The theme for HC Spirit 2026 is "In the Wilderness." The camp community will be challenged to see wilderness in action not only in nature, but in our relationships, decision-making, discoveries and visions for God's future. Camp runs from July 26 - August 1, 2026.
Brochure can be found here.
Website and registration can be found here.
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The Global Ministries Team is hosting a colloquy with the German church this summer (elsewhere in these announcements,) and we need hosts for homestays the weekend before (July 24-26) or after (July 31 - August 2 or 3). This is your chance to connect with the global church. Anyone in the conference would be a great host. What you need to do is:
- host the guest in your home for the weekend
- take them to church in your church (they are here to experience the American church!)
- work with the committee to arrange transport between where they fly in and your home, and your home and the colloquy. You may provide transport, but are not required to.
If you are able to do this, please contact Julie Holm (julie@bvfof.org) as soon as possible. Germans are making transportation plans now, and need to know where they will be traveling to.
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Sweet Harmonies: Church Music Staff Relations
How can church musicians collaborate effectively with pastors and staff? What are the best practices for music directors managing multiple staff musicians? How can directors support volunteer musicians from the congregation? Join Eric Dundore, UCCMA President and Minister of Music at St. Paul's UCC in PA, and Amanda Udis-Kessler, UCCMA Director of Member Education and pastor/musician at Vista Grande Community Church in CO, for a discussion on church music staff relations across various church sizes.
Eric Dundore is in his 41st year as the minister of music at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He also directs the Men’s Chorus at Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg. He is retired from teaching Vocal/Choral Music at Mechanicsburg Area High School after a 35-year career. Eric enjoys being a stage performer, music director and stage director at Theater Harrisburg.
This is a free, one-hour conversation on ZOOM. All are welcome. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT
Please register for the event to receive the Zoom link.
Can't attend? Register anyway and we'll send you a link to the recording.
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Mercersburg Society Convocation 2026
“Theology in Bricks and Glass: Mercersburg and Visual Art and Architecture”
Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, 2026
On the campus of Lancaster Theological Seminary; 555 West James Street Lancaster, PA 17603
Christian worship spaces offer distinctive theological proclamations, not only through the depictions of biblical characters and saints, but also through the use of color, form, and mass. Different theologies correlate with different artistic styles. We will learn more about how to "read and hear" the glass, stone, bricks, and textures of our churches, with insights from historical examples and the Mercersburg tradition. Workshops will generate suggestions for enhancing congregational celebration and individual devotion.
See the full schedule and register here.
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Climate Justice Action for Earth Month:
Those of us are old enough remember how dirty our world was back in the 1960s and 70s. Summer days brought eye-watering, throat-scratching smog into cities and valleys. Acid rain killed forests and streams and there was even warnings about Lake Erie becoming a dead lake. Industries routinely dumped toxic chemicals into rivers, along back country roads, and into nearby pits. Sad jokes were made about the Cuyahoga River catching fire. And outside Buffalo, the infamous Love Canal, where an elementary school had been built above a toxic waste dump conjured horrors of children getting cancer.
In response to this, the federal government created the Environmental Protection Agency. And because of the work done by this agency we live in a much cleaner world. It is estimated that an additional 200,000 people would have died each year from air pollution alone, but are alive because of the work of the EPA. The overwhelming majority of Americans support what the EPA does.
During Earth Month write a letter to our US Senators, Fetterman and McCormick, and your US Representative thanking them for supporting the EPA. You can do this during a coffee hour.
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Keystone Conference of the United Church of Christ’s first Annual Meeting will be held June 5-7 at Millersville University in Millersville. Overnight accommodations will be on campus as well as the DoubleTree Hilton in Lancaster. Registration will begin in March 2026.
Our theme is “Joy at the Table Together” and our centering scripture is Acts 2:46-47 “Every day they met together, breaking bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.” The meeting will include a Service of Consecration for Keystone Conference.
Speakers will include Rev. Dr. Marcia McFee, author of Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship for Unforgettable Messages; Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. Mary Luti, author of Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living; Rev. Greg Edwards, Executive Director of POWER Interfaith, Secretary Russell Redding, PA Secretary of Agriculture, and Rev. Freeman Palmer, Conference Minister for the Central Atlantic Conference.
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50 Days of Easter Food Challenge
A People of the Table Mission Project for Keystone Conference’s 1st Annual Meeting
The Challenge: Churches across the Conference are challenged to donate non-perishable food to a local food bank between Easter (04/05/2026) and Pentecost (05/24/2026) and to report the quantities of their donations.
Each church will report its totals (by category) via a web link, and the Conference-wide total will be revealed at the 1st Annual Meeting, June 5–7, 2026. Using categories such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta and rice, toiletries, and more will provide an easy-to-visualize picture of the breadth of donations. Report your donations by clicking here. Read more here.
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2026 Annual Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities
“Joy at the Table Together"
This historic gathering, the first meeting of our new Keystone Conference, will be a time of visioning, fellowship, and celebration as we step into a new chapter together. Sponsorships will help lower costs and provide hospitality for all who attend. Sponsors will be recognized as a vital part of this beginning.
Sponsorship levels include:
$50 – Appetizers Level
$100 – Charcuterie Board Level
$250 – Picnic Level
$500 – Buffet Level
$750 – Feast Level
$1000 – Wedding Banquet Level
There are two ways to become a sponsor:
1. Using a credit card, you may use this link: https://keystoneconference.regfox.com/spring-meeting-sponsorship-opportunities
2. Using a check, please make the check payable to the Keystone Conference and mail to Keystone Conference, P O Box 6625, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Please make sure your check is clearly noted that it is for a sponsorship for the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Any question may be directed to Sue Creswell at sue@keystoneucc.org.
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Join Us for Two Special FUN Events at the 2026 Annual Meeting!
Attendees are invited to choose memorable experiences on Saturday. Late Saturday morning, Living the Experience offers a creative, spiritual, and interactive historical reenactment of the Underground Railroad that invites deep reflection and engagement. On Saturday evening, enjoy Sight & Sound’s JOSHUA—a breathtaking production that brings the biblical story to life, from the banks of the Jordan River to the towering walls of Jericho, in a miraculous adventure for the whole family.
Registration for these events are required by April 15th!
For more information and to register, click here.
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Keystone Congregation Photos Requested:
Preparation for the very first Annual Meeting of the Keystone Conference of the United Church of Christ is well underway! The theme for the meeting is "Joy at the Table Together."
To celebrate the meeting, each Keystone congregation is being asked to:
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Take a Joyful Photo of your worshipping community around the altar/table, which will show the uniqueness and variety of who we are, AND include in the photo a lit white pillar candle, which will serve as a symbol uniting us as the Keystone Conference.
- Please send the photo in jpeg format to Paul Keller at paul@keystoneucc.org by April 20.
As we meet, worship, and celebrate together, we hope that many of the Keystone congregations will be represented visually throughout the event, and through delegations at the event.
Thank you for participating in this exciting moment in our history!
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From Attending to Belonging: Nurturing Participation in Your Congregation
April 9, 2026 6:00PM
Keystone Conference UCC is offering a special learning opportunity hosted by our ministry partners, Vanco and ACS Technologies (ACST) to support congregations in strengthening participation and connection within their churches. You’ll also hear about the discounted eGiving rates available to you because of our partnership.Many people attend worship, yet meaningful engagement grows when individuals find relationships, purpose, and belonging in the life of the congregation. This webinar will explore practical ways churches can encourage connection, service, and stewardship in everyday ministry.Join the team at Vanco and ACST as they share simple approaches churches of any size can implement, along with ways connected ministry tools can help leaders notice participation and respond with care.
What You’ll Learn:
- Ways to invite people beyond attendance into participation
- Discounted rates available through the partnership with Vanco and ACST
- Practical ideas for building connection and community
- Approaches to encourage serving and involvement
- How stewardship grows from belonging
- How ministry insights can support pastoral awareness
- How connected eGiving can grow your ministry
Register now: https://watch.getcontrast.io/register/acst-from-attending-to-belonging-nurturing-participation-in-your-congregation-2
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"The Spirit of Religious and Civic Freedom in the Revolutionary Era."
with Dr. Randall Zachman
Tuesdays, April 21, 28, and May 5, from 7-8:15 p.m. on Zoom.
This three-week series will explore the ways the quest for religious freedom influenced the pursuit of civic freedom during the revolutionary era in the American colonies. We will begin by looking at the arguments for religious freedom in Roger Williams and William Penn, over against the involvement of the state in religious life during their times. We will then turn to the ways in which religious and civic freedom were seen to be inseparable in the sermons of Jonathan Mayhew and John Witherspoon, so that a nation cannot have one without the other. We will conclude by hearing from the first four US presidents regarding their conviction that the constitutional project of civic freedom can only succeed if the American people remain both moral and religious, without the government sponsoring religion. Short selections of primary source readings will be provided for each session.
There is no registration fee, but you must register to receive the Zoom link for the series.
This series will have suggested reading between sessions.
This series will be counted as 6 hours of Continuing Education for authorized ministers in the Keystone Conference.
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As our Keystone Conference ministry teams begin to come together, leaders from the southeast will be hosting a visioning and planning meeting for the Racial Justice Ministry Team. We invite those with a passion for racial justice to join in and discuss what is possible with a conference wide team.
April 23, 5:30PM
RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/4kzfu3nd
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Keystone Climate Justice Team
For Earth Month encourage your members to join the fourth annual Earth Summit on April 25, 1:00pm - 3:30pm. The theme this year is "A Future with Hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). To ground and inspire us as people of faith in difficult times, the Jim Antal Keynote Address will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel, a renowned advocate and organizer for justice who serves as the pastor of Victory for the World Church in Decatur, Georgia.
If your church does not have a Green Team and would like to begin one, this would be an excellent opportunity for a joint watch party.
For more details and to register for the Zoom link go to ucc.org/event/2026-earth-summit/
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Healthy Congregations: Equipping Lay Leaders for Such a Time as This
Webinar, Sunday, April 26, from 2-5 PM ET
Who is God calling you and your church to be? This online workshop will help us name together how God is calling us in these times, and reflect on the relationships that exist within your congregation. This includes relationships between congregants, pastor, and church leadership. We will explore ways in which healthy boundaries and healthy communication practices can enhance your church’s work and witness to the world.
Rev. Tara Barber has been serving as your Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability for six years. She comes to this work as a lifelong Pacific NW UCCer, camper, and engaged lay leader, who participated in wider church ministries as a teenager and young adult, and later as a Youth Leader and companion to older adults. Ordained in 2001, she served as an Associate Pastor in Northern California and co-pastor in the Pacific NW, before turning her focus back to the wider church, working with COMs, developing a COP program, teaching Boundary Trainings and consulting around Intercultural Compassion locally and beyond the PNC. Continuing this work in her role on the MESA team, she works from her home in Seattle, gathering with family and venturing to the beach as often as possible.
Register here: https://healthycongregations.eventbrite.com
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German-American Colloquy 2026
Church as Witness in a Divided World
Who? Pastors and local church lay leaders.
What? A week of learning, discussion and fellowship.
Where? Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
When? Sunday, July 26 (afternoon) – Friday, July 31, 2026
Language? English
Our world is experiencing significant division and upheaval, and return to authoritarian government throughout the world is discouraging to those who are familiar with the legacy of such government in the past. What do we as church do about it? How do we maintain as witnesses of Jesus, who taught us to love one another, even those who are prodigal, even the enemy? How do we deal with divides even in our congregations, and maintain our love and our witness?
Learn more about the event and speakers and register here.
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Join the Launch of a Climate Hope Affiliate in Lancaster
In a time when many feel powerless in the face of increasing inequality as well as the threats of climate change and war, local chapters are being launched across the country that are designed to dissolve feelings of powerlessness in addressing the interconnected crises of climate change and societal injustice. Climate Hope Affiliates is a program of the United Church of Christ that works to bring about change by developing ongoing relationships of influence with members of congress, the local media, and the broader community. To launch a Lancaster Climate Hope Affiliate, we are organizing a pre-launch team that will gather at 6 PM ET on Thursday, April 9th at LiFT United Church of Christ in Lancaster (540 W Walnut St.) The gathering will be led by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, who serves as the Director for Climate Hope Affiliates and the Minister for Environmental Justice of the United Church of Christ. To RSVP or learn more, email Berndt at berndtb@ucc.org.
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Six Western Association Merger Proposal
The six western Associations in the Keystone Conference (Lake Erie, Clarion, Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, Somerset & Juniata) have been in a conversation for some time about merging. There was an “all-or-nothing” vote taken by our Associations in 2025 which failed in one Association by a few votes, so no merger has yet occurred. But, as per the proposal, we moved to the contingency timeline on it.
Read the full proposal, the proposed motion, links for the the proposed budget and more here.
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April 11 - Multi-Association Meeting (Clarion, Juniata, Lake Erie, Pittsburgh, Somerset, and Westmoreland) - Denmark Manor UCC, Export - 1:30PM
April 12 - Northern Association Spring Meeting - St. John’s UCC, Bellefonte - 1:30PM
April 19 - Gettysburg Association Spring Meeting - Zwingli UCC, East Berlin - 2:00PM
April 19 - Service of Installation for Rev. Tammie Wisniewski - One UCC, Reading - 3:00PM
May 3 - Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting
May 3 - Schuylkill Association Spring Meeting - Zion's Red Church, Orwigsburg - 3:00PM
May 16 - Harrisburg Association Spring Meeting - St. Peters UCC, Lykens
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Open Registration for Urban Mission Immersion Experience in Cincinnati
Make your youth and mission-minded adult’s summer experience like non-other!
Register for a week in June or July to immerse your mission team in love, grace and joy by serving in Cincinnati’s urban core. It’s a life-changing experience for all ages!
It’s not limited to Youth! Adults teams and families are welcome.
Washingtonucc.org/immersion
Contact Pastor Melissa – melissa@washingtonucc.org, (859) 802-2745
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Attention Youth Campers and Families,
Please read the following information carefully, as the Conference policy for supplementing youth summer camping has changed.
For the 2026 summer season, the Keystone Conference will campership or reimburse 30% of the cost for one youth to attend one summer camping experience. If a youth attends more than one camp during the summer, only one camp will be eligible for the 30% reimbursement. Please use the application for additional camps if this creates a hardship.
Camps Using a Coupon Code
For the following camps, please enter the coupon code at the time of registration and your 30% will be credited immediately:
- Camp Kirchenwald: KEYSTONEUCC26
- Camp Nawakwa: KEYSTONEUCC26
- HC Spirit Camp: KEYSTONEUCC26
All Other Camps
If a youth from a United Church of Christ congregation within the Keystone Conference is attending any other church camp during the summer of 2026, please follow this process:
- Register for the camp and pay the full registration fee. Be sure to obtain a receipt.
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Complete the Conference reimbursement application, found here, and mail it, along with a copy of your camp receipt, to:
Keystone Conference
Attn: Sue Creswell
P.O. Box 6625
Harrisburg, PA 17112
- Upon receipt of the completed application and camp registration receipt, the Conference will issue a check reimbursing 30% of the camp tuition.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sue Creswell at sue@keystoneucc.org.
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Living Waters Camp & Conference Center
300 Camp Living Water Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559
6th Annual Fishing Tournament
Saturday May 2 & Sunday May 3
125 Tagged Fish - $1000 in Prizes
Top Prize $100
Kids 6 and under free with paying adult
Kids 7-12: $5.00
Adults 13 and up: $15.00
Schedule both days
7:00AM Registration
8:00AM - Shotgun start
6:00PM - Competition ends
6:30PM - Last call for tags
Weekend info
Bait vendors an food on site
50.50 and other raffles
RV sites and cabins available
Trustin' Jesus! Summer Camps
Fishing Camp ($160) June 28 to July 2
For grades completed: 5th to 12th. Spend time on our living waters while we learn about God's Creation
Primary ($325) July 5 to 11
For grades completed: K-3rd. Begin a new adventure at camp, make new friends, and come to your new home away from home!
Elementary Camp ($325) July 5 to 11
For grades completed: 4th-6th. Come spend a week learning about faith while getting fresh air and having a blast!
Junior-Senior High Camp ($325) July 12 - 18
For grades completed: 7th-12th. Experience God in nature and have fun doing it!
Grandparent / Grandchild Camp ($160) July 12 to 15
For children up to age 10. Cost incudes one grandparent and one child. 40 for each additional child. Join us in a half week of activities, music, crafts and more with someone you love.
Register here.
College students can also attend the TYC (Trinity Youth Conference) camp planned by the Presbyterian Church - July 19 - 25.
HC Spirit Camp is hosted at Hartman Center Campground, Milroy, PA, the former camp home of Penn Central Conference. The folks who operate the now-campground welcome us for a week each summer. The camp community can share their treasured memories while making new ones with young and new campers, and experience and celebrate the new mission and growth of the property.
The theme for HC Spirit 2026 is "In the Wilderness." The camp community will be challenged to see wilderness in action not only in nature, but in our relationships, decision-making, discoveries and visions for God's future. Camp runs from July 26 - August 1, 2026. Keep checking in at hcspiritcamp.org for the upcoming brochure and registration links, COMING SOON!
Lutheran Camping Corporation Summer Camps
Our friends at Camp Kirchenwald and Camp Nawakwa provide a variety of camping experiences throughout the summer. They offer multi-child and early registration discounts as well as their own camperships. See their full schedule and register here.
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Forks UCC, Stockertown – Chicken & Dumplings Dinner – 04/11/2026
Community UCC, Reading - Sandwich Sale (orders due 04/03) - 04/11/2026
Ziegels Union Church, Breinigsville - Free Clothing Giveaway - 04/11/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Selinsgrove – Hot Topic Discussion: The Humanity of Our Approach to Child Maltreatment Matters – 4/12/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Kutztown – Young At Heart – 04/15/2026
Salem UCC, Moorestown – Basket Raffle – 04/18/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Fleetwood – Family Style Pot Pie Supper – 04/18/2026
Trinity UCC, Greensburg – Clothing Drive – 04/18/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Fleetwood - Chicken Pot Pie Supper – 04/18/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Selinsgrove – The After Party: Navigating Faith & Politics Together – 04/19 – 05/24/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Selinsgrove – Messy Church “Patience: Wait For It” – 04/19/2026
St. Paul’s UCC, Mechanicsburg – “1948: Creation & Catastrophe” Documentary Film Screening – 04/19/2026
| | From our Partners and Friends | | |
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training with Liberty Lutheran
Eucharistic Visitors are members of the congregation who are selected by their pastor and trained to bring the communion meal from worship to ill and homebound members of their congregation who are unable to attend service.
LCS’s training ministry engages learners in the Biblical and theological background of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and teaches potential Eucharistic Visitors about visitation and administration of the sacrament.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:30AM-4:00PM
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 826 Mahoning Dr. W, Lehighton, PA 18235
Saturday, May 23, 2026 9:30AM-4:00PM
Advent Lutheran Church, 1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA 19382
How to Register
To register for training, please complete this online form and submit the $30.00 fee per person. If you prefer to register or pay another way, contact Julia Frank at jfrank@libertylutheran.org. Registration must be completed by the Monday before the Saturday session you plan to attend.
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United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc.
Biennial National Conference Announcement
The United Church of Christ Musicians Association is pleased to announce its upcoming biennial national conference to be held July 8 – 11, 2026 at the First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio.
Conference 2026: United in Spirit, Diverse in Sound will offer workshops, worship services, concerts, optional activities and networking to church musicians and worship leaders. The First Community Church of Columbus, Ohio, which is affiliated with both the Disciples of Christ (DOC) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), will host the conference. Attendees will have access to a wide range of activities designed to refine musical skills and provide valuable resources and ideas for expressing God's Spirit creatively, especially during challenging times.
This in-person event is open to all. Special recognition is extended to the Association of Disciple Musicians (DOC).
Our Lead Presenters:
• Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, Choral Specialist – Professor Emerita of Choral Studies at the University of Toronto.
• Jarod Ogier, Handbell Specialist – Artistic Director of Columbus Rings, an auditioned community handbell ensemble.
• Dr. Collin Richardson, Organ Recitalist – Associate Faculty in Organ at The Ohio State University.
• Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Keynote Speaker – Minister for Worship and Theology of the United Church of Christ and Pastor of First Congregational Church in Wellington, Ohio.
• Raise Mass Choir in concert directed by Dr. Raymond Wise
Scholarship Opportunity!
• The John Stansell Fund is available to UCCMA and UCC members who wish to attend our national conference for the first time but may be limited by financial constraints. A portion of your registration can be paid for with this Fund.
• For more information or to apply for scholarships, contact Eric Dundore, UCCMA President, at ericdundore@uccma.org.
For complete information and registration, please visit Conference 2026.
For information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, visit www.uccma.org.
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ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESENTS
Mountain Maryland Lecture Series
A Post-Easter Gathering with Dr. Rolf A. Jacobson
Wrestling with God: From Lament to Praise
Dates: Friday, April 17- Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026
Location: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cumberland, MD
Cost: $50.00 (includes one session Friday evening and two sessions on Saturday)
The biblical practice of lament has largely been either lost or ignored by the church. Perhaps the reason for this is that lament is seen either as negative or unfaithful. Engaging deeply in lament can help the church face the hard economic and divisive realities around us - and move us to trust and praise God.
Rolf Jacobson is Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul. He is a familiar voice from both the Sermon Brainwave and Narrative Preaching Podcasts.
To register, please email stjohnscumberland@gmail.com for the registration link.
Come as you are - bring your questions and your hope with you!
| | From the 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.
This Month at the UN
Apr 7, 2026 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Global Rise of Religious Nationalism: Implications & the Church’s Response
Apr 12, 2026 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
Future of Faith: Faith in Chaotic Times
Apr 20, 2026 | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Economic Justice and the Special Mission Offerings
Apr 21, 2026 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
| The UCC Council of Conference Ministers invites you to "The Seven Last Words of Christ" Good Friday Online Service livestream. April 3rd, 2026 at 12PM on the Southern New England Conference Facebook page. | The Manual on Local Church is available! The United Church of Christ is rooted in covenantal relationships that shape who we are and how we live in community. The Manual on Local Church is a new resource (released at General Synod in 2025) developed by and for the United Church of Christ that helps Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences understand and fully embrace these covenants, providing clear guidance on governance, leadership, and ministry practices. With resources ranging from the Congregational Code and Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches to practical tools for accountability and support, this Manual equips every setting of the UCC to engage faithfully, grow in vitality, and live out our witness in the world. Check out the The Manual on Local Church website to learn more. You can download a free pdf of the Manual here or order a paper copy from UCC Resources here. | |
Climate Change Music Video, “You are OUR Sunshine”
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/i8yC9Sh4qz0
Vimeo link: https://vimeo.com/1119912993
Lyrics and Chords
This video was filmed in houses of worship from across Massachusetts, including AME (African Methodist Episcopal Church), Jamaica Plain, Old South Church UCC, Boston, North Parish UU, North Andover, and two other locations: True Collaborative, YWCA, Manchester, NH, and on the Boston Common, in front of the Massachusetts State House.
Pete Seeger, the famous American Folk Singer, used to say, “A good song reminds us of what we are fighting for.” May I add, so does a good music video. Music is unifying and uplifting. This video is positive and motivating, a Call to Action. It is meant to be used as a tool for educational purposes to inspire action. “We Can Do This, Oh Yes We Can” (last verse from the song).
This is God's planet, not ours. We are temporary stewards charged with caring for this precious earth. Sadly, we are not doing a very good job of it.
Please consider using “You are OUR Sunshine” song and or video in a climate related service around Earth Day April 22, 2026.
This project is totally NON-Profit. Anyone working or educating on climate change, has full permission to use the song and our music video – “You are OUR Sunshine” in any way you see fit. Its use is covered by the Fair Use Doctrine.
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2026 Earth Summit
Apr 25, 2026 01:00 PM
The theme for the fourth annual Earth Summit is "A Future with Hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). To ground and inspire us as people of faith in difficult times, the Jim Antal Keynote Address will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel, a renowned advocate and organizer for justice who serves as the pastor of Victory for the World Church in Decatur, Georgia.
This two-and-a-half-hour summit will also include a panel discussion, “Power to the People: Energy Justice for an Equitable Future,” featuring Dr. Shalanda Baker, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Justice and Equity; Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta; and Brionté McCorkle, Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters.
Learn more and register here.
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Dryland United Church of Christ is looking for a friendly, organized individual to join our team! If you’re looking for a way to stay involved in the community while earning extra income, this flexible role is the perfect fit.
• Pay: $15.00/hour
• Hours: Approximately 10 hours per week with flexible scheduling.
• Low-stress, meaningful work that leaves plenty of time for your daily activities.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Manage the church calendar and telephone inquiries.
• Design and prepare weekly worship bulletins.
• Act as a point of contact for community and outside organizations.
Requirements:
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in the use of Google applications (docs and calendar) and management of Google Drive.
To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to DUCCmusic2@gmail.com
or contact the church office directly at 610-759-4444
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The United Church of Christ at Valley Forge has an opening for a part-time Preschool/Nursery Aide/Assistant.
The successful candidate for this position will provide a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children during worship services, ministry programs, and specific church events.
The part-time hours will be weekly on Sundays for 2 hours (10 AM to 12 Noon) except Sundays when on-site worship is cancelled (ex: inclement weather.) With advance notice, there may be periodic extended hours either before or after worship (not to exceed 2 additional hours) for special events (not to exceed 6 events per year.)
The hourly rate range is $20-$25/hour (depending upon experience.)
The successful candidate must be at least 18 years old, dependable, with the ability to relate well with children and families and the ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team. Experience with working with young children is preferred.
The United Church of Christ at Valley Forge (UCCVF) is an Open and Affirming church regarding LGBTQ+ identities and is an equal opportunity employer. Full job description is available on request.
Apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: church@uccvf.org
| | St. Peter’s Church, West Penn is accepting applications for the position of Director of Music/Organist and Pianist. Job duties include performing during worship services, directing choirs, and assisting pastor with musical selections. Detailed job description available upon request. Salary commensurate with experience. Targeted start date of March 1, 2026. Submit resume to St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, 184 St. Peter’s Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252 or via email to info@stpwp.com | | |
Part-Time Music Position - Christ UCC, Latrobe
Christ UCC in Latrobe seeks an organist/pianist for morning worship services and choir. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to Christ UCC, 1414 Ligonier St., Latrobe PA 15650 (724-537-4901). The hours would be Sunday mornings, 10:30 AM till noon and one evening a week for choir practice. Questions: Call Ann at 724-694-0374 or Ellen at 724-527-8244.
| | United Church of Christ of Robesonia is seeking a Chancel Choir Director. Choir Director would be the piano accompanist for the choir; a separate organist will lead the worship music. Read a full description here. | | | | |
