Weekly Update - August 14, 2019
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A Message from PCC

Hartman Center

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EventTrainingA Message from PCC
Dear Friends of Penn Central -  
 
In the past week I have been cleaning out files in the office and had the opportunity to read reports from previous Conference Ministers. Numerous concerns expressed in those reports echo ones we hear today regarding the "state of the church". Even 25 years ago the UCC was experiencing decline in membership numbers and Penn Central Conference had financial challenges. Churches were closing - although not at the same rate we see these days. Honesty requires us to be up front about our reality: we have struggled for some time. Woven into that reality are the emotions of fear, grief, confusion and frustration. I know this first hand after visiting my home church in Ithaca NY this past winter. This was a church that, in the 1980s, had full pews every Sunday, a huge youth group, and five choirs. The church they were then is not the church they are now. And that is a cause for grief in me. Worshipping in that church shaped my soul and my youth group provided me some of the best experiences of my young life. But those days for that church are gone. Back here in present-day PA there is a community church in Ephrata that is growing by 12% a year and building a huge addition. That kind of statistic causes pain and confusion as well, particularly to church members from our old, mainline churches. After all, they lament, "What do they have that we don't?"
 
Although it can be difficult to do, I push myself to take a 30,000 ft. view of the religious landscape. What I see is that the Spirit is moving in new ways and different ways, both here and around the world. Some of that movement is mysterious. Some of those religious expressions do not look familiar to us. But we cannot deny that the Spirit is at work. After all, contrary to the language we use, the church cannot die. If the church is the body of Christ, then it remains a resurrected body that cannot perish. However, manifestations of that body can change and die. Churches can complete their ministry and close their doors. That never diminishes the value of the ministry that church had - the countless baptisms, funerals, confirmations - all of these, along with every gospel lesson shared, played their role in shaping countless believers through the years. Those cannot be erased. Other manifestations of the church grow and expand, blessing other believers in new or different ways. This is a cycle, a turning of seasons. And we can trust that the Spirit moves through these seasons.
 
As we move forward in the Penn Central Conference, there's no doubt that some ministries will reach completion while others will be renewed and yet others will be born. We can affirm that the body as a whole is alive and dynamic and changing. Our fear and grief can be lessened when we focus on providence and the promised presence of God with us.

In Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Carrie Call, PhD
Transitional Conference Minister
HCWebsiteHartman Center
Thank you for your generosity!!
Thank you for your continued generosity!!
We just reached $6,470 of the $7,000 needed for the Craft Shop.  

That means just over $500 left!   Any funds raised in excess of the Craft Shop project will be used for renovations of Michaux Lodge.

No contribution is too small. Make checks payable to Penn Central Conference and send them to Penn Central Conference, 900 S. Arlington Ave. Rm. 227A, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

We expect renovations to made this summer and early fall with a special dedication to occur at the Hartman Center Fall Festival, October 12, 2019.
 
Shiloh Fall Retreat 

Shiloh Fall Retreat 
at Hartman Center Oct 18 th - 20 th   2019
 
Come join us for a fun and meaningful weekend as we worship, explore our faith, relax, and enjoy nature, good food, and each other's company at our conference's beautiful camp and retreat center. More details to come. 
 
 
Cost will be under $100 for adults and about $60 for youth 6-11 years old, younger ones free for two nights lodging and 4 meals. We'll need at least 12 people to keep our reservations, so if you'd like to come please sign up by Friday  August 9 th. A deposit of $35 for each adult and $20 for each child will be due after you sign up.  The full amount will be due by Sept 29th. 
 
For questions or to sign up, please contact Darcy Decker darcydecker2@gmail.com.  Make checks payable to Shiloh UCC and write "retreat" on the memo line.
Lifelong Learning and Womens's & Men's Retreats
Labor Day Weekend Fishing
Friday, August 30, 2019 beginning at 7 p.m.  - Monday, September 2 ending at 9 a.m.  register online. 
 
  
Forgiveness: A Path for Healing
Monday, September 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. - Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 3 p.m.  register online.  
  
A Marriage Enrichment Weekend - "It's a Wonderful Life"
Friday, November 8, 2019 at 7 p.m.  - Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 3 p.m.  register online.   
 
COMING IN NOVEMBER:  The FALL WOMEN'S RETREAT is planned for Nov. 15-17. (Friday the 15 th at 7 p.m. to Sunday the 17 th at 11 a.m.) Leaders will be Sue D'heedene and Winnie Kowalik.

COMING IN JANUARY 2020:  The FIRST ANNUAL MEN'S RETREAT January 17-19  Planned by pastors and laymen of the Conference. Possible theme: Seasons of a Man's Life. Watch for details this fall.
CNWebsiteGenerosity
Generosity Resources
ALL IN FOR WOMEN & GIRLS: How women's fund and foundation donors are leading through philanthropy 
Previous research has shed light on women's funds and foundations, on giving to women and girls, and on the impact of high-net-worth donors. This report addresses the intersection of these three factors to ask:
What unique role do high-net-worth donors to women's funds and foundations play in catalyzing support for women's and girls' causes? 
" Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission ." - Henri Nouwen
Puerto Rico Disaster Relief  
In Puerto Rico's long recovery from  Hurricane Maria, a congregation serving food to homeless people, undocumented immigrants, young mothers and elderly folks may soon become a center of multifaceted outreach to an entire section of the island, with help, in part, from the United Church of Christ.
In Santurce, a poverty-stricken neighborhood of San Juan,  UCC Disaster Ministries this month approved a $10,000 grant toward efforts to rebuild four rooms and create a Mission Center in the hurricane-damaged Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico de Santurce. It is part of the Ministries' commitment to supporting community-led recovery efforts that address systemic issues.
Read the full UCC News story.

This summer Hartman Center offerings were split between the camp ministries and Disaster Relief in Puerto Rico. Thanks to the generosity of campers, $889.85 was raised for ministries like the one above!
CNWebsiteCommunity and Justice Issues
The Youth Climate Movement Webinar
August 15, 2019 - 1:00 PM EST - Register today
From September 20th to the 27th, there will be a Global Climate Strike led by youth. In the United States, the 17-year-old Jamie Margolin has been at the forefront of the youth climate movement. She led the call for last year's youth climate march, and she is a co-founder of the youth organization Zero Hour. 
She will be our guest presenter for this edition of Creation Justice Webinars as we prepare for ourselves for the climate strike by focusing on the moral power and perspective that youth bring to the movement. 
Community and Justice Resources
Training
Training and Ongoing Education
With 5 General Synod Resolutions at General Synod, there is no time like the present to learn more about Environmental Justice and Greening the Church! These short classes are open to lay members and clergy alike online via Pathways Theological Program in the UCC's Southeast Conference.
 
Events
Northern Cluster Hymn Sing
August 25th:
 Your congregation is invited to join a group of churches for the annual Northern Cluster hymn sing.  Join us Sunday, August 25 (rain or shine) at St. Peter's (Hoffman's) Church on the South Crossroads.  We will gather at 5:00 PM in the church pavilion.  The Joyful Noise Handbell Choir from St. Paul's UCC (Sacramento) will share their music. 
 
Homemade ice cream and other goodies will be provided, and you are welcome to bring something of your own to share as well.  Please share this information with your congregation, and we hope you can join us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!  F or planning purposes, please RSVP by August 20 to rayholland03@gmail.com or 570-452-0050. Thanks!
Tea with MOM
August 25th:  How Shall We Approve Individuals for Ministry?
3:00-4:30 PM at Lancaster Theological Seminary Dietz Hall Refectory (Gypsy Kitchen)
 
Join us for a facilitated discussion about how the preparation for authorization might be changing in light of the new Manual on Ministry. We will explore the possibilities of multiple paths and how they work. We will also discuss the potential new assessment committee to be formed at the Conference setting for assessment of all Members in Discernment. 
 
We promise amazing food from the Gypsy Kitchen and stimulating dialogue with colleagues! Please register in advance and we look forward to hearing your reflections on this critical topic for the church.  
Advent Planning for Clergy and Music Directors
 
August 29th: Clergy and Music Directors, please join us for time with colleagues, reflection and collaborative exploration.  We will be envisioning worship, dedicating time to plan for the seasons as well as spend time pooling our resources and thoughts.
 
 
Colonial Park United Church of Christ
5000 Devonshire Road - Harrisburg, PA 17109
August 29, 2019 -- 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Please REGISTER for the event.
The cost is  $15
Upcoming Ministerial Excellence Forums  - NEW 
September 18 - Rev. Nora Foust, Changing Religious Landscape: Reflecting Nationally and in Penn Central Conference
This clergy cultural competency education training session is designed to raise awareness of the statistical realities of living in a pluralistic society, as well as discuss ministry needs of real church neighbors. We will look at potential neighbors and use local specific demographic data to study actual neighbors and how local church ministry might meet their ministry needs.  (3 hours of Continuing Education in Cultural Competencies)  To register, click here. 
  
Octobe r 16 - Scott Watts, Tug of War
A life in ministry can be characterized as alternating between times of sheer joy and aching sorrow. This workshop explores the dynamics that contribute to a tug of war that sometimes occurs in ministry around the issue of power. The workshop invites us to explore the   dynamics and experience of power and its counterpart-powerlessness.   How do we view, implement and respond to its exercise in our lives and churches? (3 hours of Boundary Training) To register, click here. 
 
November 20 - Rev. Donna Hale and Rev. Gloria McPherson, The Opioid Cr isis
It seems as though every corner of American life has been touched by the current Opioid Addict   ion Crisis, so much so that at General Synod this summer the UCC urged every congregation to recognize it at a health epidemic. Revs. Donna Hale and Gloria McPherson have been working in their communities for some time now in various capacities. Gloria will be talking with us about the physical and personal realities of addiction, and Donna will follow with ways for churches to assist in the spiritual recovery as well as through community partnerships. They both highly recommend the book In Pain: A Bioethicist's Personal Struggle with Opioids, by Travis Rieder, as a good read in preparation for our time together, however the reading is not required. (3 hours of Continuing Education) To register, click here. 
   
All forums are for clergy and will be held at
St. Thomas UCC - 6490 Linglestown Road - Harrisburg, PA 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society Annual Meeting - NEW 
September 21st: Join with us in celebrating the Bicentennial of the birth of Philip Schaff (1819-1893) - church historian, theologian, biblical scholar, author, ecumenist, professor   
 
Hafer Center, second floor of Schaff Library
Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, PA
 
Members Business Meeting: 1:00PM-1:30PM
Break for refreshments: 1:30PM-2:00PM
All Welcome to presentations: 2:00PM-3:30PM
 
Dr. Lee Barrett, Professor of Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary will present a sketch of the life of Philip Schaff which will set the context for this bicentennial celebration.  
 
Keynote speaker Elizabeth A. Clark, Professor Emeritus of the John Carlisle Kilgo Profes sorship of Religion at Duke University, will present "Transatlantic Mentoring: Philip Schaff and Arthu r Cushman McGiffert."  Dr. Clark is the author of numerous articles and books on early Christian history, women and religion.
Installations, Ecclesiastical Councils and Ordinations 
September 22 - Installation of Rev. Tony Fields, Sr. at Christ Church UCC, Annville - 3:00 PM
Preaching Like the Choir - NEW 
October 17th: How to prepare and present sermons with rhythm, melody and prose with Rev. Cean James.

Workshop 9 AM - 3 PM
(registration @ 8:30 AM)
Lunch included, Cost $12

 First United Church of Christ,
110 Route 61 South,
Schuylkill Haven, PA
 
 
"A Howard H. and Marion A. Shaup Preaching Seminar/Symposium"

As the PSEC Associate Conference Minister of Congregational Development, the Rev. Cean James works with churches on renewal, vitality, growth, and planting new ministries. Rev. James also preach-es with vitality, in a way that renews his listeners, encouraging growth and outreach. The founding pas-tor of Grace Christian Fellowship UCC in Philadelphia, Rev. James is currently working on his doctorate through Lancaster Theological Seminary. He teaches a preaching course at Lutheran Seminary of Philadelphia and looks forward to sharing his joy of preaching through this workshop.
 
 
PCC Clergy have been invited to register and attend by PSEC. 
Save The Date!  
For those filling up their 2020 calendars, please save:  
 
January 8 (Worship Planning at Colonial Park)
February 19 (MEF at St. Thomas)
March 18 (MEF at St. Thomas)
April 22 (MEF at St. Thomas)
May 13 (Worship Planning at Colonial Park)
 
More info to come! 
EventTrainingResources and Calendar
Important Links
Calendar and Save the Dates 
      
2020 Clergy Sabbath
SAVE THE DATE - January 21-23, 2020
 
Annual Meeting 2020 
SAVE THE DATE - June 12 and 13, 2020
 
General Synod - Kansas City
SAVE THE DATE - July 16 - 20, 2021
 
Contact Us!
PCC Office Staff
  • Rev. Carrie Call, PhD - Transitional Conference Minister
    email: ccall@pccucc.org / Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 12 
     
  • Rev. Nora Driver Foust - Associate Conference Minister 
    email: nfoust@pccucc.org / Phone: 717-652-1560 ex.13
     
  • Rev. Patricia Dodds - Coordinator of Camps/Retreats/Youth Ministry
    email: program@hartmancenter.com / Phone: 570-506-0677
     
  • Scott Watts - Facilitator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
    email: swatts@pccucc.org / Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 15
     
  • C. Paul Keller - Office Manager
    email: pkeller@pccucc.org / Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 14
     
  • Laura Dalton - Administrative Assistant/Search & Call Assistant
    email: ldalton@pccucc.org / Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 10
Prayers1Morsels of Excellence Archive
January - July Archive
Prayers1Open Positions
Part-time Director of Music Ministries - NEW 
Dreisbach United Church of Christ, Lewisburg, PA, seeks an enthusiastic individual to lead its music ministries. Responsibilities include accompanying worship services and leading the musical groups of the chu rc h. A multi-generational congregation, Dreisbach enjoys a diverse range of musical selections in its worship lif e. Our worship is a blended type with both contemporary and traditional elements, and the candidate must be profi cient in playing a wide variety of sacred music. We worship at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings with an average attendance of 120. Musical groups of the church include an adult choir, bell choir, praise group, and inter-generation al choir.  
Qualified applicants should send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Dreisbach United Church of Christ
Attn: Diane Hackenberg
875 Dreisbach Church Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Re: Director of Music Ministries or e-mail dhackenb@ptd.net and reference Director of Music Ministries in the subject line. 
NOW HIRING 
Prayers1Prayers for Penn Central Conference
 
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT):  18 
 
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

This week, we pray for each other as we continue to live into God's calling...
 
 
  • Trinity UCC, Millersburg
  • Mount Bethel UCC, Mill Hall
  • Saint John UCC, Milton
  • Trinity Reformed UCC, Mountville
Prayers1Support the Conference
 Support Penn Central Conference 
with a donation to OCWM or shop using Amazon Smile.
Contact information:      C. Paul Keller
email: pkeller@pccucc.org    phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
web: http://www.pccucc.org      
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