Message to the Conference | |
Greetings Penn Central members and friends,
“Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise…” Ephesians 5:15
I was just joking with a group of friends that I’ve evidently reached that age where I love bird watching! Now, I’m not talking about going for “The Big Year” quite yet (check out the delightful movie by that same name, if you don’t know it). But each morning I’ve begun to drink my coffee and do my devotional time out on our porch, while also listening and watching the birds around our backyard. And thanks to the wonderful phone app, “Merlin”, developed by the ornithology department at Cornell University, my attention span for my coffee and devotional time has been shortened, because every time I hear or see a bird I don’t know, I reach for my phone and use that app to identify the bird! So, while my goal each day is to have some quiet time, often it can become another time of my brain is hopping from coffee to the app to the devotional to the app and back to coffee. Maybe I’m becoming bird-brained?! Ha!
However, it turns out becoming bird-brained may not be such a bad thing. I rediscovered some research that indicates that birds have episodic memory, something previously believed to be unique to humans, as it seems scrub jays remember not only where, but also when, they hid worms and other food. This type of memory involves mental images of past events, like retracing our steps the last time we misplaced our phone. And even better for me is that researchers have discovered that black-capped chickadees grow brain cells to store information about where they find their food. When that information is no longer needed, those brain cells are discarded.
That all makes me feel good about my emerging birdbrain, especially as we find ourselves in “Wisdom Week” in the common lectionary, at least that’s what I’m calling it. We’ve got young Solomon asking God for an understanding mind in 1 Kings 3; we have Wisdom personified in Proverbs 9 inviting us into her feast for us simple-minded to “lay aside immaturity…and walk in the way of insight”; and Paul writing to the Ephesians, “Be careful how you live, not as unwise people but as wise…” (5:15).
In this Age of Distraction, these scriptures are calling us back to focus on that which nurtures our unsettled minds as they entwine with our souls and faith journeys. They ask us to seek God first, as we face yet another tempestuous election cycle. They ask us to sit down with those whose company satisfies our hunger for real relationship. They ask us to live as people of songful gratitude in a time when we are told we always need more to make us happy.
So, friends, if you haven’t read these three scriptures yet this week, maybe join me in grabbing your favorite morning beverage, putting down our phones and our favorite apps, and taking time to refresh ourselves for the journey with a bit wisdom from our ancestors in faith. I’m hoping it may nurture my episodic memory, maybe grow a few new brain cells, all the while drawing me closer to an understanding and grateful heart in the wisdom of God.
In Peace,
Dwight
Rev. Dwight Hein
Facilitator of Clergy Care
Penn Central Conference
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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
August 14 - 17 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust on Vacation
September 8 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
September 8 - St. John's UCC, Shamokin - 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, Hellam
David's UCC, Herndon
St. Paul UCC, Herndon
Zion UCC, Herndon
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Dear members and friends of Penn Central Conference –
You requested more information on aspects of the Keystone Project, and we heard you! Please find our Transitional Timeline here. We hope this will provide some clarity about what would happen next if all the Conferences vote to pass the Motion for the creation of a Keystone Conference.
Please keep the following things in mind as you review the timeline:
1. This timeline is evolving. More information will be added to it in the next few months including timeframes for financial decisions, sale of real estate, office location, legal paperwork submission, and the like. New versions will be released on a regular basis.
2. The full transition of four Conferences into one takes several years. A crew of transitional staff is necessary to carry the work of the new Conference into and through its first year, especially as a transitional Board is getting established. The timeline for staff transitions (current to transitional to settled) is a dynamic operation and we will adapt as needed.
3. Following the official start of the Keystone Conference (01/01/2026) there will remain four ‘skeletal’ boards of the original conferences. At this point the current four Conferences will come to be the “Historic Penn Northeast Conference” etc. This is necessary as we move toward financial integration, which will happen over the following few years.
4. All our significant timeline decisions are made with the knowledge and counsel of the National setting of the UCC, including our General Counsel, Heather Kimmel.
Please share your feedback and questions at:
Keystone.Conference.project@gmail.com
In Peace,
Your Conference Ministers
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Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rains to much of Pennsylvania. The hardest hit areas were in Penn Central Conference - Tioga, Potter, and Lycoming Counties. However, heavy rains caused flooding for residents all over Pennsylvania.
In response, Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD) (of which PCC is a part) and Crisis Cleanup have set up a call center to streamline recovery efforts. This call center aims to efficiently coordinate volunteer assistance for muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup for affected residents.
Crisis Cleanup is a renowned disaster work order management platform that facilitates better coordination among relief organizations, minimizes duplication of efforts, and enhances the volunteer experience.
Anyone who needs help with cleanout should call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline 1-844-965-1386; more info is here.
If you are interested in supporting the call center, please contact PA Southeast Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Karl Jones, 570-617-4018 or kjones275@comcast.net. He will be happy to set you up!
Find a flyer to share with your congregations here.
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Poetry as Prayer
The American poet Robert Frost wrote, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.” In Poetry as Prayer, a small group of clergy will meet on Zoom to read poems, share with one another the thoughts and emotions that emerge in the listening, and connect poetry with our everyday lives. In addition to online meetings, group members may decide to schedule mini-retreats: opportunities to gather in-person for deeper conversation, and the chance to write their own poems. In community with other clergy, members may discover how engaging with poetry can be a meaningful spiritual practice. Whether you are brand new to poetry, or a longtime poetry enthusiast, we would be delighted for you to join us in Poetry as Prayer. The group will meet on the fourth Thursdays of each month from 1-2:30pm beginning on September 26th and covenant to be together for 1 year. Rev. Allyssa Boyer will facilitate this group. Registration is required, limited to PCC authorized ministers, and capped at 12.
Register here.
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After having witnessed the wonderful Climate Hope art of UCC children and youth, we are now ready to kickoff our campaign to collect as many Climate Hope Voter Pledge Cards as possible between now and November 1st. To help you and your congregation participate, we have created this toolkit full of best practices, tips, and more. Learn more here. Register your congregation 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 - 2:00PM
October 26 - Central Association Fall Meeting - 9:00AM
| 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. | |
Fall Education Day
September 7th, 9:30AM - 3:00PM at St. Thomas UCC in Harrisburg
Morning: Workshops
Session One: (Choose one)
"UCC Covenant" with Dr. Charles Maxfield (PSEC)
"Neighbor Studies (Demographics)" with Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (PCC)
Session Two: (Choose one)
"Conflict Work" with Rev. Joanne Marchetto (PNEC)
"Congregational Boundaries"
Lunch (included)
Afternoon: Keynote Speaker
"Grief Work, Nostalgia, and Visioning the Future" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Register here.
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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.
Boundary Training: Politics & The Pulpit – August 20, 2024
In the two hour session, we will review of legal issues around political speech in the church, discuss how to mitigate political divisions within congregations and examine case studies involving preaching and politics. Please come and add your voice to what is sure to be a rich conversation! Register here
The Ministerial Code – September 17, 2024
This is the ordained minister’s code of ethics and should underpin our ministry. It’s a grand document. Join Nora as we look at it line-by-line and examine the practical implications of living a life worthy of the calling to which we’ve each been called. Register here
Intersectionality and Power Dynamics - October 15, 2024
In this session, ACM Rev. Dr. Nora Foust will discuss ways in which we as leaders in the church navigate ever changing power dynamics as culturally more and more important intersections are defined. Her participation in a training event with Rev Lori Tapia, the DOC National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries, and Dr. Sharon Fennema, our UCC Curator for Join the Movement, led to the development of this culturally relevant discussion. Register here
Undercurrents and Riptides Online - November 19, 2024
In this session, we will discuss the hidden (and obvious) dangers of ministry in an online world. From Social Media to AI to Pornography, the internet can pull us in many directions and not all of them are good for us. Register here.
| Retired Minister Boundary Awareness Training – will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 1:30 – 4:30pm ET. Registration is here; this three-hour training may meet Association or Conference requirements for boundary training for retired clergy | First Reformed Church has about 325 red hymnals to give away before the end of August. If your church is interested in these hymnals, contact Jim Chryst at 973-222-5499 or jchryst@embarqmail.com for more information. | |
Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society posted this to Instagram:
Help! The following photograph was recently discovered at the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society and we do not know the name or location of this church building. Sadly, the photograph does not have any writing on the back and a sign or cornerstone is not visible in the photo. Can you help us identify this church?
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Harvest Home Worship Service at Old Zion German Reformed Church
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., Old Zion German Reformed Church, Brickerville, will conduct an annual anniversary service. The service provides an opportunity to reflect on Old Zion’s rich history and faith traditions. This year’s theme will be “Harvest Home,” and will draw on excerpts from a late 19th Century liturgy of the Reformed Church entitled “Golden Sheaves.”
Please join us for an afternoon of faith, music, history, and fellowship. Refreshments will be served after the service. Old Zion German Reformed Church is located near Brickerville at 187 Reifsnyder Rd.
Please visit our website www.oldzionchurch.org - read the full press release here.
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Registration form here
Learn more here
| Church Futures Commission | |
Discover What Coaching Could Do For You: Free Initial Coaching Session for all Penn Central Clergy & Consistory/Council Presidents
The Penn Central Church Futures Commission invites you to experience the clarifying, empowering, and strategic benefits of coaching. Unlike a mentor or a consultant, coaches aren’t there to tell you what to think, feel, believe, or do. Coaches’ deep listening and intuitive questions support clients in their identified growth, problem solving, and strategy implementation, while evoking new awareness. One of the greatest benefits of coaching is that it provides an intentional partner who is there to confidentially support, encourage, and strengthen you in your ministry. The best way to understand what coaching is, is to experience it yourself. Therefore, the Church Futures Commission is providing free initial coaching sessions for all Penn Central clergy and Consistory/Council Presidents. For those wanting to pursue additional coaching, the next three sessions, scheduled over a four-month period, will be available at a 50% discount. Click here to access the Church Futures webpage, where you can learn about our two professionally trained coaches and to schedule your initial session with one of them.
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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 | |
UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting are pleased to share 3 new opportunities that will be invaluable in developing or enhancing your Wellness Ministries. If you have any questions, we are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at WellnessMinistries@ucc.org.
What do visitation, healing circles, meal delivery, support groups, and prayer shawls have in common?
These are some of the healing and justice activities of Wellness Ministries.
New Opportunity: A Wellness Ministries Volunteer Orientation 6-week Zoom interactive series is being offered by the UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting
to learn more about how you might prepare effective volunteers.
When: Tuesdays, September 3rd through October 7th at 6:30 – 8:00 pm ET
· All materials will be made available free of charge.
· Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.
Interested? Don’t miss this opportunity. Register here as soon as possible.
We limit the group size to ensure the best learning experience and that each attendee
receives the full benefit of personalized interactions and group discussions.
Have questions? E-mail UCCWellnessMinistriesChair@gmail.com
NURTURE THE SOUL, Faith INFO Webinars
Discover Wellness Ministries in your Congregation
Thursday, October. 10th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Wellness Ministries Intergenerational Holiday Happenings
Thursday, October. 17th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
More details available soon.
UCC Wellness Ministries Handbook for Visitation
Are you visiting a person or writing a note on behalf of the church? Aren’t sure what to do or say to this person?
This handbook furnishes information to guide you in each encounter and provides scripture passages, prayers, and blessings you can easily use.
This Handbook replaces the now-retired Called to Care Pocket Handbook for Caregivers.
The Handbook will be available from the UCC Resources Store by early fall.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
August 28 – 3 Best Practices for Stewardship in Congregations
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-6vqTIpG9egZClLQ6xXRV5jWRz-JVYT
We will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership, and online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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UCC's Justice and Peace Action Network are offering 50% scholarships for 12 UCC members for Justice Leadership Program's Justice Jubilee program this fall. The Jubilee program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while gaining knowledge and confidence to do the work of justice within their congregation and community.
Please share this opportunity through conference newsletters or send directly to interested congregations and individuals.
Sign-up today - space is limited!
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Virtual Open House
Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 7:00-8:00pm via Zoom
Meet the instructors. Learn about upcoming classes. Talk with previous students. Get the scoop on our exclusive podcast. Q&A about multiple pathways of theological education for authorized ministry. RSVP required.
Audience: laity, clergy, judicatory leaders, members in discernment
Fall Classes
Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Aug 27–Oct 1, 2024
Theology II: Leadership and Community, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024
Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert
Each six-week class is $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
This class is appropriate for lay leaders, members in discernment, and clergy. Even if you've already studied theology, these classes will offer new perspectives and stimulating discussion.
Registration and information: paacademyofministry.org OR https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
Coming this Fall!
The lay and authorized congregational leaders can now obtain the Faith Formation Practitioner certificate through this new program. This initiative aims to assist the conferences and committees on ministry by providing a comprehensive course of study for lay ministry that is progressive, theologically sound, and based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.
This Fall first-term 6-week courses begin on September 4 and the second-term 6-week courses begin on October 16, 2024. UCC History and Polity begins its 12-week run on August 28.
Explore all PATHWAYS course offerings on the PATHWAYS website.
We invite you to reach out to us at: www.pathwaystheological.org
or by email at: pathwaysregistrar@gmail.com
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Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, continuing care retirement communities of United Church of Christ Homes, are seeking a compassionate and resident focused team member for the position of Chaplain.
This full-time position (working 75 hours in a two-week period and splitting time between Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home) provides spiritual support and comfort for the residents of the communities, in coordination with each resident’s home congregation and in accordance with United Church of Christ Homes standards. Responsibilities include planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing programs that meet the individualized spiritual needs of residents; coordinating and conducting regularly scheduled spiritual services for residents; and maintaining a visitation program for all residents. Learn more here.
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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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