Penn Central Conference Weekly eNews

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Weekly Update - December 13

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

In This Issue...

A Message from Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith

Generosity - NEW!

Clergy News - Registration Open for Clergy Convocation!

Conference Events - NEW!

Church Leadership Resources - NEW!

Church Vitality

Community Needs and Justice Issues - NEW!

Events, Training and Resources

Church Events

Faith Connection Stories

3 Great Loves

Hartman Center

PCC Bay - NEW!

Previous eNews

There is still time to make a tax deductible year-end gift to OCWM using this link.

A Message from Our Conference Minister and President

Love and Joy Restored (John 1: 6-8,19-28)

As we listen to this Sunday's readings, we will hear words which remind us that no matter what happens to us, God is faithful.

In Psalm 126, the psalmist insists that God will ensure that we who sow in tears will reap with joy. We are reminded that even as we endure pain and loss, better things await us -- with joys we can scarcely imagine.

The epistle writer encourages us to be thankful and to pray always, no matter what. Test everything and hold fast to what is good.

In John's Gospel is a story that begins with, "There was a man." Not just any man, but one "sent from God, whose name was John." He came as a witness to Jesus as the Word made flesh... the Word who would come to live among us (v.14). God's only Son who is close to his Father's heart (v.18), through whom the love of God is revealed to us:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16)

If there is ever a time when you feel unlovable, remember God loves you. If there is ever a time when you want to give up on someone you think is unlovable, do not. Even when people disappoint us, do not write them off as unlovable. Remember, God loves the whole world - no exceptions!

This Advent season, and always, may we give thanks to God in all circumstances (I Thess. 5:18). May we pause to thank God for love and joy restored through Jesus, our coming Messiah.

Prayer:

Come Lord Jesus, come. Fill our hearts with your joy and love that we might become more like you. Amen!

In Christ,

Monica

Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith

Conference Minister and President

P.S. For worship planning, here is an Advent resource: "On God Alone I Wait Silently" (script for 3 voices)

Bulletin Insert

Generosity

THANK YOU!

Please click for a personal thank you from Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith

Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to our ministry together in Penn Central Conference!

December OCWM - NEW

December has just begun and our OCWM gifts (through December 10) total $7,601 month to date. For reference, we had $151,583 in OCWM gifts last December (2016).

Thank you for your continued gifts. We invite you to help us finish the year strong and prepare ourselves for an exciting 2018 by prayerfully considering an end-of-year financial gift to Penn Central Conference.

In order to get credit for a 2017 gift, gifts must be received at The Conference Office by January 12, 2018. (If gifts are donated online, they must be received by December 31, 2017.)

Thank you for submitting your OCWM gifts monthly and adding OCWM as a line item in your annual budget. Please let us know what you have pledged to OCWM in the coming year by completing and submitting this 2018 OCWM pledge form.

Generosity Resources - NEW

5 Ideas to Increase Year-End Giving (Leading Ideas)

Year-end Giving Letter (Church Thought)

Clergy News

Mid Winter Clergy Convocation

Proclaiming the Good News Today:

"How We Embody Jesus to the World"

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - Thursday, February 1, 2018

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton

2400 Willow Street Pike

Lancaster, PA 17602

Keynote Speaker - Rev. Dr. Emily C. Heath

Details, agenda and pricing

TO REGISTER

We are hoping to have most of the registrations for our 2018 Clergy Convocation by the end of 2017. If you need to bill your convocation expenses in January, please register by January 3^rd, 2018, which is the final cut off for the Convocation registration.

Sabbatical Planning

Sabbatical Planning? Pastor preparing for sabbatical? We have resources for you. Please c ontact Rev. Betsy Bruaw for additional details.

Conference Events

Thank you for Attending our Christmas Open House - NEW

Thank you for attending the Penn Central Conference Christmas Open House on December 9. We greatly enjoyed seeing you and celebrating Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers.

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The pictures from the event can be found here. And the Litany of Farewell can be seen here.

Penn Central Conference Epiphany Worship Service

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Mt. Zion, York - 1054 Ridgewood Road - York , PA 17406

Live streaming will be available. Please start planning your viewing parties now for those who are interested in joining the service, but not able to attend in person

For details

Church Leadership Resources

Leadership Resources - NEW

Church of England Resurrects Tradition to Attract Millennials (Church Leaders)

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A downtown church forges a new path when it decides to tear down two decaying buildings (Faith and Leadership)

On Recognizing the Church Even When It No Longer Looks, Sounds, Worships, or Acts Like the Church We've Known (Vital Signs and Statistics)

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Worship Planning After a Crisis (Alban)

Penn Central Conference Church Resource Offerings (a list of some of the resources available from The Conference.)

Prior eNews Leadership Articles (Archive)

Community Needs and Justice Issues

Creation Justice

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A Call for Sermons in Solidarity with Youth Seeking Justice

Twenty-one youth have taken our federal government to court in demanding accountability and action in response to the damage done to our climate and the immense impact this damage has on their generation. One of those youth is Kiran Oommen who is the son of the Rev. Melanie Oommen of First Congregational UCC in Eugene, Oregon. Ultimately, the case brought by the youth is about seeking justice for #EachGeneration. To further the compelling and inspiring efforts of the youth, the UCC Council for Climate Justice has initiated a call for more than a thousand sermons to be preached in solidarity with them. To pledge a commitment to deliver a sermon, visit Each Generation. Youth are especially encouraged to preach.

Additional Information in June 23, 2017 The Pollinator

Disabilities Ministries

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Please join us!

We are hoping to kick off a new Disabilities Ministry for Penn Central Conference. There is a lot that can and needs to be done here!

Please let us know if you are interested and/or if you know folks from your church or Association that might want to be involved by filling out this survey.

Disaster Ministries - NEW

"Volunteering for a disaster work team is a marvelous experience, but it can also break your heart a little. So affirmed UCC Penn Central Conference Disaster Coordinators Bill and Ellen Matten after volunteering for a week at the UCC's hurricane recovery site in Volusia County, Fla." Read more here

Church Vitality

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.

Events, Training and Resources Available

UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

Penn Central Conference Office Closed - December 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Penn Central Conference Office Closed - January 1 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Board of Director's Meeting - January 6, PCC CC, Board Room, 10 - 2

ONA Ministry Team - January 10, PCC CC - East, 2 - 3:30

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - PCC Office Closed - January 15

Conference Epiphany Worship Service - January 23, Mt. Zion UCC, York - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee - January 27, PCC CC - East, 9 - 12

Clergy Convocation - January 30 - February 1 - Lancaster

Click to see our Web site for more details.

Association Links

STAY CONNECTED TO PCC ASSOCIATIONS:

Central Association Facebook

Gettysburg Association Facebook

Harrisburg Association Facebook

Harrisburg Association Web Page

Lancaster Association Facebook

Lebanon Association Web Site

Mercersburg Association Web Page

York Association Facebook

York Association Web Page

2018 - SAVE THE DATE!

Hartman Center Golf Outing - May 12, 2018 - Fairview Golf Course in Quentin, PA

2018 Penn Central Annual Meeting - June 8 and 9, 2018

Susquehanna University

National ONA Gathering - June 27-29, 2018

Dallas, TX

Partners in Peace - July 5, 2018

Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Event - July 19-22, 2018

California University of Pennsylvania

Widening the Welcome (Disability Ministries) - November 1-3, 2018

Niagara Falls, NY

General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Please check out the SAVE THE DATE Section Under Hartman Center too!

Lancaster Theological Seminary

POSITIONS OPEN!
Lancaster Theological Seminary has opened searches for two full-time jobs: a 3-year faculty position in Pastoral Theology to start July 1, 2018 (application deadline is Jan. 2) and an administrative staff job as Director of Admissions & Financial Aid to begin immediately. The job listings are posted on Lancaster Seminary's Web site.

MECK AND MOSS AWARDS

Wanted: Nominations of worthy graduates of Lancaster Theological Seminary whose ministries are making a difference! Dec. 31 is the deadline to submit nominations for the Meck and Moss Awards recognizing excellence in ministry.

Pathways

Pathways Courses Available:

Dynamics of Difference

Christian Faith Formation

Small Church Administration

For details.

Insurance Board Webinars

The following webinars are scheduled for 2018. These webinars are free and open to all. All webinars are scheduled to begin at 2 PM EST. To register for one of these webinars click on this link, and click on "Insurance Board Webinars":

Wednesday, February 7^th: Preventing and Dealing with Sexual Harassment at Church (Praesidium)

Wednesday, April 11^th: Risk Management for Camps (The Insurance Board)

Wednesday, September 12^th: Trending Risk Management Concerns for Churches (The Insurance Board)

Additional webinars and recorded webinars available under the Online Learning section.

Events, Training and More...

Events and Information

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Church News

Christ Church (Elizabethtown) Carillon Choir

In case you are seeing Amy Grant this weekend...

Christ Church Carillon Choir (bells) are playing as part of the orchestra for Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith at the Giant Center on Sunday night, December 17th!

Advent Resources

Jesse and Natalie Turri, artists, and Rev. Dr. Christopher Rodkey, devotions and prayers

Experience the stories of the liturgical seasons in a vibrant new way this year! Coloring Advent features a new illustration and scripture reflection each day of the season to lead you deeper into the stories you've known your whole life. Make Coloring Advent part of your journey to Bethlehem!

Bulletin Inserts and Coloring Pages and To order.

Mary's Joy is For Everyone

UCC Advent Resources

From Nickerson Coaching:

Advent and Christmas is an ideal time to invite, pick up and bring someone with you to an activity and/or worship. People who don't go to church often will come with you to a Christmas concert, Advent workshop, special mission project or Christmas Eve service. So pick up the phone and invite. Or go down the street with a plate of cookies and invite. Or send out a note and follow it up with and invitation. But please invite. Currently only 2% of church members invite anyone. Let's up that percentage in this special season.

But just don't invite. It's not enough to say to someone, "Oh, you are welcome anytime". That still leaves all the onus on the guest to show up, walk into a strange building, filled with people they don't know. Most guests won't do that. But what a difference if that guest is in your car and walks in the door with you. So invite, pick up and bring and help someone experience the incredible birth of Jesus.

3 Great Loves

3 Great Loves

There is now a section on the UCC site for you to share your 3 Great Loves.

Post Love of Neighbor, Love of Children, Love of Creation and please remember the Spotlight Awards!

Spotlight Awards are designed to lift up stories of exceptional individuals who are creating a more just world for all through love of neighbor, love of children and love of creation.

Those receiving a Spotlight Award nomination will receive a letter from UCC General Minister and President, Rev. John C. Dorhauer, a certificate and a special UCC gift. Spotlight Award winners will get a banner for their congregation, a plaque and a visit from Rev. John Dorhauer. Additionally, nominees and winners will be recognized on www.3greatloves.org, on ucc.org, in social media, in KYP and at General Synod 2019.

Please use these links and continue to share your stories with us! (Or if you prefer, send your story to Stephanie and she can share it for you!)

We love seeing Penn Central Conference congregations connected, engaged and transformed through Christ's love!

Hartman Center

Hartman Center News and Resources - NEW

Confirmation Retreat

The PCCUCC Confirmation Retreat is on the weekend of March 16-18 at the Hartman Center.

If your church is thinking about sending your confirmands, you are welcome to attend the next planning meeting on Monday, January 22 at 1 PM at the Conference Office in Harrisburg. The focus of this year's retreat is discipleship. We will be encouraging discipleship through living faith, hospitality, personal mission, prayer and spirituality while lifting up our UCC "Be the Church" values: protecting the environment, caring for the poor, forgiving often, rejecting racism, fighting for the powerless, sharing earthly and spiritual resources, embracing diversity, loving God, and enjoying this life. Reverend Patty Dodds, Conference Coordinator of Camp and retreat ministries is facilitating the planning process. Please contact her for more information or to get your group added to the list of participants.

Love Offering

On Sunday, February 11, 2018 the congregations of Penn Central Conference are invited to take a LOVE OFFERING* to benefit the Conference's ministry at Hartman Center. Love Offering Flyer and offering envelope labels. Also on February 11 will be the BIG SPLASH 2018, when a 'wave' of visitors will go out to our churches to promote the camp. *At the 2015 Conference Annual Meeting a resolution was adopted to have a yearly offering to benefit Hartman Center.

If you would like a visitor to come to your church, please contact us: Program@HartmanCenter.com or 717-50CABIN (502-2246).

If you are already a fan of Hartman Center and would be interested in visiting a church contact us as well. We will have a meeting to discuss ideas and hand out materials for the promotion on Saturday February 3, 10 am at the conference office on Harrisburg.

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Conference Elementary Retreat

Mark your calendars for the Conference elementary retreat to be held May 4-6, 2018. More information coming soon!

Hartman Center Wish List

----Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018

More details on the Hartman Center Web site!

Thank you for your continued support!

PCC-Bay

Penn Central Conference Books and More - NEW

We are having a book sale - a bag of books for $10.

Additionally, Faith, New Cumberland donated some books for both Children's and Adult Ministries. These are available for free.

Please stop by the Conference Office to see these and even more holiday goodies!

Schulmerich Handbells

Three Complete Octaves (37 Bells)

For details

Hymnals Needed

St. David's UCC in Hanover is in need of hymnals for a ministry in the Philippines. If you have hymnals that you will no longer be using, please contact Stephanie at 717.652.1560, x11.

Faith Connection Stories

Passionately Declaring and Demonstrating the Courageous Love of Christ

We love to hear stories of Penn Central Conference congregations working within their communities to passionately declare and demonstrate their courageous love of Christ.