900 S. Arlington Avenue - Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.pccucc.org  717.652.1560
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 PENN CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Where congregations passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ!
  Weekly Update - May 3, 2017

This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...
 

Community Events

Faith Connection Stories 

Hartman Center

NEW UCC Mission Initiative 
 
WeeklyMessageWeekly Message from Our Conference Minister
Gathered Together in One Place (Acts 2:44-47)
  
  
In Central Pennsylvania, it is almost warm enough for short sleeves and a light jacket! Warm weather reminds me of grilling outdoors and gathering with friends and family. Acts 2:44-47 also makes me think of family gatherings. The people who gathered seem to have the kind of togetherness I have experienced at family reunions. After reading the scripture passage, I wonder if you get a similar sense:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers...All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." --- Acts 2: 44-47
There was a certain camaraderie as the disciples seemed to like each other and shared things in common. Emphasis was placed on the word "together," which was mentioned twice in the first few verses. Perhaps the author of Luke-Acts wanted to emphasize the importance of being gathered in community.
Why did they need to be together?
For the importance of being together, let us go back to my reference to outdoor grilling for a lesson from charcoals. While I am no expert at lighting charcoal grills, I am aware of the following important steps to take:
Step 1: Heap the charcoal in the grill.
Step 2: Douse the charcoal with lighter fluid and let it sit for a while.
Step 3: Ignite the charcoal.
Once lit, it will produce a huge flame which eventually dies down to reveal glowing charcoal. Inevitably, there are usually one or more charcoal briquettes that will fall away from the pile, no longer touching or connected to any of the other glowing briquettes.
Have you ever noticed what happens to the disconnected briquettes?
Over time they simply lose their glow. Similarly, I believe this is what can happen to people who neglect assembling together. They lose their glow because they are not around others who have a common focus or goal.
When we come together for worship and business meetings at this year's Penn Central Conference Annual Meeting, June 9-10 at Susquehanna University, we will gather in Weber Chapel (not the auditorium), I hope we feel a deep sense of awe from God's presence with us. At the end of our meetings, I hope we leave affirming all the ways that "We Are CONNECTED" in Christ's love.
Below are a few of the events planned for this year:
  • 40 interesting and relevant workshops
  • Several displays from partner organizations - great opportunities to find resources for your church
  • Presentation of the 2017-2019 Conference Strategic/Missional Plan (hosted with a wine and cheese reception)
  • "Think Tank" (idea sharing session) for Association Leaders
  • Live stream of new pool dedication at Hartman Center... this will be interactive and fun!
  • Hearts and Minds Bookstore will be there with lots of books!
  • Inspiring worship - Jazz Vespers (Friday) and Communion Worship Service (Saturday)

Join us!  There is still room for you to gather with us and it is easy to register.

 
See you at Annual Meeting!
 
Abiding in Resurrection Hope,
Monica
Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith
Conference Minister and President
AnnualMeetingAnnual Meeting and Synod
Call to Penn Central Conference Annual Meeting
On-line Registration Open Until May 15!
 

 
This is our official call to the 55th Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference - June 9-10, 2017 at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA.   There is less than 2 weeks left to register on-line!  Please register now as our on-line registration is only open until May 15 (and this is your last chance for on campus housing).  After May 15, walk-in registration will be available on June 9. 

Our Web site, www.pccucc.org. contains lots of information on applications for displays and workshops.  Please consider offering a Display at Susquehanna University. Please check our Web site frequently as it will be updated regularly as we get reports and updated information.

Exciting news:  We will hold worship and plenary sessions once more in the Weber Chapel - this will give us more seating and better access for everyone!
  
We appreciate hearing of names of church members and clergy members who have passed away over the past year.  Their names will be read at the Saturday Worship, as well as their accomplishments listed in the Advance Report's Necrology.  Submit any names here.
  
You can make a difference by supporting our TWO outreach opportunities:

Each church should submit to our office the " Designation of Delegates" form.

  

June 30 - July 4, General Synod

YOUR Church Can Be Featured! 
 

 
Is your church doing something to help build a just world for all?  We want to know!  Make a 30-60 second video of you or someone from your church telling us what you are doing.  

Your video can show us anything you're doing to make a difference in caring for all God's children and God's creation.
 
Some examples include:
  • Your food pantry or food drive
  • After-school program
  • Tutoring
  • Participation in community projects
  • Help for the homeless
  • Working to protect the environment
  • Housing rehab

Send your video to jannsoha@ucc.org and your church may be featured on screen at General Synod in Baltimore this summer!
 
Three things to remember:
  • Video should be 30-60 seconds long
  • Shoot the video horizontally (hold phone sideways)
  • Email your video to jannsoha@ucc.org
  • Videos are due May 31!
 
Thank you!  We can't wait to see Penn Central Conference congregations and your great works highlighted at Synod!

  
GrantsGrants and Opportunities
Nine Grant Opportunities!
 
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is Now Accepting Applications for Nine Grant Opportunities!   Read more.

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Does someone in your Conference have a great idea for next generation ministry, but limited funding to get started? Might they consider a move to the Southeast if the right opportunity arose? 

On Easter Sunday, Holy Covenant UCC launched a request for proposals, offering up to $100,000/year for new ministry in South Charlotte. 
  
  
If you would like additional details, please be in touch with Cheri Lovell, Principal at The Strategic Org, 704.564.5049.

  
Parish Resource Center Seeking Education Consultant
Parish Resource Center - Lancaster, PA  is seeking a Christian Education/Religious Education Consultant. 

EventsEvents, Training and Resources Available
UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

"Treasure Hunt" Older Elementary Retreat at Hartman Center - May 5-7
 
Boundary Training -
May 10
  
Hartman Center Golf Outing - May 13, 2017 - 1:30 pm

Clergy Leadership Series -   May 24 - at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Conference Annual Meeting - June 9-10, 2017, Susquehanna University
 
General Synod UCC - June 30 - July 4 in Baltimore
  
Is Posting a "Prayer Chain" an invasion of privacy?
This question is often asked - here is how our Insurance Board answers it.
Read more here.
 
SAVE THE DATE!
Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Event
July 19-22, 2018
California University of Pennsylvania
 
MAY 10 - BOUNDARY TRAINING
Register here for the May 10th Advanced Boundary Awareness session at First UCC in Carlisle.
Resources for Small Churches:
"The Value of a Small Church" - this is a great article from Christianity Today!     Read it here.
 
And here is another article about Small Churches.

To read the always-informative resource, "The Parish Paper" for April, click HERE.   This talks about reclaiming small church ministry.
 
ALSO:  Read THIS about Rural America Challenges and Opportunities.
 
NEW 2017 Stewardship Theme Materials Available
Available for download here for $35!
P.A.M. Classes for Lay Leaders
 
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry will be conducting a basic enrichment class called Spiritual Nurture on May 13, 2017 at First UCC in Schuylkill Haven from 9am to 4pm.  The instructor for this class will be  Dr. David Mellot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the Seminary, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, and Director of Ministerial Formation. 
 
Go to our website or click the link here to register for the class. On June 10, 2017 PAM will also be conducting our Worship Planning & Prep course at First UCC in Schuylkill Have from 9am to 4pm that also includes "rites and sacraments" of the church. This class is an advanced class and "Understanding Worship" is a prerequisite for this course. 
 
Registration for this class will be posted in the next 2 weeks, so check out our website for all of our upcoming classes. If you have any questions or need additional assistance please contact Rev. Steve Hummel, Program Director at paacademyofministry@gmail.com or 484-239-5578
Would You Like a Mystery Visitor to Come to Your Church?

The conference has trained 12 Mystery Visitors who are willing to visit your church on Sunday morning and give you a detailed report. Pastors can request a visitor (and they are the only ones allowed to do so) and they will receive the report to do with it as they see fit.

These visitors will assess the website, curb appeal and hospitality (as well as the coffee!). They will not be evaluating the pastor or the service itself. While most of the mystery visitors are churched, we also have a few seekers. To request a mystery visitor, contact Laurene Bowers   LBowers@pccucc.org




Ministry Guide for Church Ushers
Church ushers play a vital role in the hospitality and welcome ministry of the local church. 

Together with church greeters, parking lot volunteers, welcome center volunteers, and hospitality hosts, church ushers help the church member, visitor (or guest) experience a wonderful worship service.

Read more at this  link.

OrdinationsOrdinations and Installations
May and June
May 21: Steve Ericson Installation at Hill, Lebanon - 3:00 PM
May 21: Lou Ann Jones Installation at St. John's Blyemire, Dallastown - 3:00 PM
May 21: Marion Anderson, Ecclesiastical Council in Lewistown - 3:00 PM
May 25: Vernon Baum (Retired Conference Minister) 70th Anniversary of Ordination at Trinity East Petersburg - 10:30 AM

June 4: Melissa Burkhart Ecclesiastical Council at St. Paul's Manheim - 3:00 PM
June 4: Tim Hogan-Palazo Installation at St. Paul's West Milton - 3:00 PM
June 4: Dave Bowles Last Worship at Grace Lebanon
June 4: Barb Albert Installation at Green Ridge Village, Newville at 3:00 PM
June 11: Melissa Eicholtz's Last Sunday at St. Jacobs Stone
June 11: Roger Snyder Last Sunday and 45th Ordination Anniversary at St. John's Tylersville
June 25: Dave Longenecker Installation at Homestead Village 3:00 PM
 
InvitationsCommunity Events
Harrisburg Commonwealth Interfaith Service 
You are invited to join your brothers and sisters in faith for the Commonwealth Interfaith Service: Prayers for Justice and Peace on May 8, 2017. The service will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Hadee Mosque, 245 Division Street, Harrisburg.  
 
Flyer 
 
Free parking is available in the lot next to the Mosque-enter from Division or Shamokin Street. Please join your friends and raise a collective voice for a more just and peaceful world; help us to create a culture of shalom, hospitality, and welcome.
 
The service will be followed by a reception hosted by the Hadee Mosque. For more information, contact Rev. Sandra Strauss at (717) 545-4761 s.strauss@pachurches.org
 
A Trauma Informed School to Prison Pipeline Presentation
When: May 9th- 7:00-9:00 pm- Light refreshments will be available following the presentation
Where: First Zion Baptist Church of Edgemont, 1500 Edgemont Road, Harrisburg, 17109
Who: Dr. Joan Duvall-Flynn, current president of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference will be our guest speaker!
 
Dr. Duvall-Flynn is a retired educator. Her professional career spans forty years of classroom practice which includes experience teaching from pre-school through graduate school. She is a published writer and a known public speaker and workshop presenter. Since 2010 she has focused intensely on the impact of emotional and physiological trauma as an impediment to school performance and has carried that message to create local, state and federal education policy.
   
Register today: RSVP at johnmichael@pachurches.org or 717-545-4761
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches with support from The William Penn Foundation

Invitation to Marchers Visiting DC
One of our sister UCC churches located just outside of DC is making a kind welcome to "Marchers" who may be coming to the capital to participate in the upcoming marches.  May 6 is the Immigrants March and June 11 is Equality March for Unity and Pride.  They will be offering free sleeping space and basic accommodations -- read more here.
FaithConnectionStoriesFaith Connection Stories
Read and Share Our Faith Connection Stories!
TWO New Faith Connection Stories this Week... Thank you to Redeemer's Littlestown and Quentin!
 
Redeemer's UCC, Littlestown - NEW THIS WEEK!
Quentin UCC - NEW THIS WEEK!


Request from Lancaster Association:
 
HartmanCenterHartman Center
Have you seen the Hartman Center Video?  
Check it out here.
 
GOLF OUTING!
We had a great response for the Golf Outing Fund Raiser for Hartman Center!   Thank you for your support!  We hope all golfers enjoy a super round of golf while helping our camp!!
 

SWIMMING POOL FUND - Progress Update!!
Thank YOU for your support.  We now have over $67,000 promised!  You can donate by credit card by going on line to : ww.regonline.com/swimmingpoolfundraisingcampaign  
 
NewUCCMissionInitiativeNEW UCC Mission Initiative
3 Great Loves - Love of Children, Creation and Neighbor
 
"3 Great Loves: Love of Children, Love of Creation, Love of Neighbor" is a UCC-wide mission initiative that will be launched at General Synod 2017 and conclude at General Synod 2019. This initiative invites us to look at our work through the lenses of the 3 Great Loves. 
 
How does our work express a love of children, a love of creation, and/or a love of neighbor? 
 
Every Conference as been invited to participate in this initiative by sharing our Conference stories in written or short video (30 sec) form.   We encourage each of our congregations to share their stories of ministry moving us toward a just world. 
 
To curate these stories, we are seeking a volunteer "Just World for All Conference Coordinator" for Penn Central Conference. Please email Wendy at whepler@pccucc.org if you are interested.
 
 
Contact information:      Stephanie Rader-Titzel
email: srader-titzel@pccucc.org   phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
web: http://www.pccucc.org