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Weekly Update - February 7, 2018
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

Hartman Center Love Offering - NEW!

Hartman Center

Yearbook Information

Penn Central Conference Epiphany Service - NEW!

Church News - NEW!

Generosity - NEW!

Devotions  - NEW!

  PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR YEARBOOK UPDATE
NoraHartman Center Love Offering
EpiphanyA Message from Rev. Dr. Dave Bushnell

In June of 2016, a resolution was passed at the Conference Annual Meeting to have an Annual Offering taken in the congregations of Penn Central Conference to benefit the programs, especially the summer programs of Hartman Center. We didn't take up an official offering in 2017 because of the special appeal and support given for the new swimming pool (over $70,000 was given by individuals, congregations, and Associations).   We decided that the 2018 offering would be taken on the Sunday (February 11) before Valentine's Day.   We wanted it to be a LOVE OFFERING.
 
Here are just a few of the things I LOVE about Hartman Center. I hope you or someone you know has a list of their own.
 
I LOVE remembering the first time I directed a Labor Day Family Camp back in 1982.
I HAVE LOVED hiking the knob over the years especially with children and youth that couldn't imagine ever making it to the top of the mountain.
I LOVE the memory of sleeping out in the pines, or by the pond, or on the O-deck.
I HAVE LOVED watching my own children growing up attending camp, first as campers; then as counselors; and then as an SST.
I LOVE remembering Confirmation Retreats over the years with creative ways of learning what it means to be a church.
I LOVE rafting on the Juniata River and, in recent years as co-director of Fishing Camp with Mike Landis, fishing on the Juniata and hearing a camper cry out "fish on".
I LOVE memories of Hamilton Park Church retreats at camp, Youth retreats and Women's Retreats (I was never invited to them.)
I REALLY, REALLY LOVE being able to take our four grandchildren to camp.
I LOVE the Hartman Center Golf Outing and the Fall Festival.
I LOVE that Hartman Center is being managed by UCCR (United Camps, Conferences, and Retreats) and that they are helping us encourage lots of other groups to use the camp.
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE about the people (campers, directors, volunteers, SSTs, and nurses) who make it all happen at camp, year after year.
FINALLY, I LOVE people in our Penn Central Congregations willing to INVEST in one of the very special ways that God touches the lives of people of all ages.
 
THANK YOU for supporting the ministry of Hartman Center and for receiving the 2018 LOVE OFFERING on February 11.

We hope you enjoy this year's Summer Camp Brochure sent out to all the churches. And if your church is scheduled to have a visit on February 11 as part of the BIG SPLASH #2....thanks for your support. We hope to see you at camp sometime soon!  
 
Dave Bushnell, Hartman Center Advisory Committee
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P.S.  Please check out the Love Offering resources below.
 
  
HartmanCenterHartman Center
Hartman Center News and Resources
Hartman Center's 2018

2018 is shaping up to be another epic summer at Hartman Center!  In addition to popular weeks like Fishing Camp, Soccer Camp and Water World, we've expanded our popular MADD Camp theme into a whole week of arts camps for all ages!  Plus, we have added a music-focused Getting Started Camp, Arts and Crafts Camp for grades 4-6 and Creative Writing Camp for grades 7-10. 
 
As always, activities will include hiking, climbing, swimming, arts and crafts, music, theatre, campfires, games, rafting, archery, fishing and navigating the co-op trail obstacle course.  Hartman Center is a great opportunity to grow in God's love, form friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime!
 
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FEBRUARY 11, 2018 LOVE OFFERING for Hartman Center - NEW
 
Several resources are available to spread the news about the Love Offering:

Information letter explaining the NEED for the offering . 

flyer describing THE BIG SPLASH #2,

FLYER promoting the offering to hang around the church 

some labels that you can use on small envelopes for the offering

 
 
Confirmation Retreat

The PCCUCC Confirmation Retreat is on the weekend of March 16-18 at the Hartman Center and the cost is $110.  Please check the eNews in future weeks for a registration link.

The focus of this year's retreat is discipleship using our UCC "Be the Church" values.  If your church is planning to participate in this year's Confirmation Retreat, please contact Rev. Patty Dodds ([email protected]) by February 1, 2018.   The next planning meeting for the Confirmation Retreat is February 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Conference Office.

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Elementary Retreat   - May 4-6, 2018, Save the Date!

----Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018
More details on the Hartman Center Web site!
 
Thank you for your continued support!
 
NoraYearbook
YearbookIt's Yearbook Time! 

Every year, the UCC asks for updated data from all their churches and makes it available in the  UCC Yearbook & Directory , Access UCC, and Find A Church on ucc.org.  
 
Reporting your data is now easier and less time-consuming! You can enter the  information directly into the UCC database via the "DataHub" (see instructions below).
 
However, filling out the paper forms (attached below) is still an option if you're not comfortable using the DataHub. Please send completed forms to the Conference office by the deadline: March 7, 2018.   We will happily take it from there!
 
DATAHUB OPTION
 
PAPER FORMS OPTIO N

As a Special Thank You for your efforts (and for a bit of fun), yearbook data and OCWM  pledge forms received by February 14 (Valentine's Day) will be entered into a drawing for one of the following gifts: 
  • Winter Warming Bundle (Equal Exchange coffee, UCC coffee mug and UCC fleece blanket)
  • Summer Reading List (4 books)
  • FREE Pastor Registration for Annual Meeting

 

Random drawing will be held for 5 winter warming bundles, 5 summer reading lists and 1 Pastor Annual Meeting registration.  Winning churches will be notified February 16 by email.

  

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Stephanie, Wendy, or Janice at the Conference office.

 

 
 
NoraPenn Central Conference Epiphany Service
EpiphanyServices

Dear Friends, 
 
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the Conference Epiphany Worship Service on January 23,  at Mt. Zion UCC in York. This congregation regularly livestreams their worship services, but engaging technology in this way for a Conference-wide worship service, held on a weekday evening, was new for many of us. 
 
The theme for the worship service was "Discipleship: Following Jesus Anew." Testimonials from Rev. Danielle Neff (Pastor, Mt. Zion UCC, York), Rev. John Ward Diorio (Pastor, St. Paul's UCC, Mechanicsburg) and Zoe D'heedne (2nd year seminarian, Lancaster Theological Seminary) offered authentic and powerful voices to the cost and joy of following Jesus.
 
View  the entire worship service on our YouTube channel here.
 
In Christ,
Monica
Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith
 
 
Mt Zion UCC (picture 1), St. John's, Boalsburg (picture 2) and St. Paul's West Milton (picture 3)
 
 
  
 
ChurchNewsChurch News
Events, Training and More...
Conflict Management Workshop 
Systemic Issues Affecting Conflict
Conflict, however minor in appearance, is often not what it seems.  Did you ever observe or experience a congregation go through cycles of conflict situations? Does your congregation effectively manage conflict or is conflict definitely something to be avoided?!

STEM Scholarships
Trinity College Preparatory Academy: Jacob DeHoff Learning Center, a program designed to assist youth in their quest for higher education, is pleased to announce the full funding of twelve (12) student scholarships for its July 2018 STEM Program.

Jazz for the Journey

Jazz: A Language of Faith and Model for Ministry, A " Life at Eden" Program, March 2-3, 2018, For Details


Northern Cluster of Churches Lenten Concert and Potluck - March 11
Gender Revolution (Movie and Pizza) - April 15 - NEW
GenerosityGenerosity
Generosity Resources - NEW
During the month of February, we will explore Planned Giving
 
What is Planned Giving? 

A Planned Gift is one you make during your lifetime, but which benefits a charitable organization after your death.  You may designate your congregation, association, or conference; UCC-related college, seminary, or health and human services institution; or a UCC national ministry as the recipient of your gift.

The most common Planned Gift is a bequest; other types of Planned Gifts may provide:

● An attractive income for life with no management responsibilities.

● Income for a surviving loved one.

● A charitable tax deduction, if you itemize.

● Tax savings on long term capital gains.

● Financial support for future ministry in the many settings of the UCC.

 
ClergyNewsClergy News
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
A Workshop Offered by Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ for the clergy of our conference.
  
We know that being a church leader can be difficult. The expectations of your calling and your profession can sometimes create stress in relationships. No matter how "well" a relationship is, it is important to take time to learn ways to enhance it.

To support you in your life beyond ministry, you are invited to spend a day learning new principles to enhance your relationship.
 

Next Generation Leadership Initiative
Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) application deadline is February 19! This is a transformative leadership initiative of the Pension Boards. Ideal candidates are:  
  • 35 years of age or under by June 1, 2018,
  • Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference,
  • Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish
  • Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting,
  • Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ

Read more
Lenten Resources
Lenten Book Studies: Writing to God
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Eastern Region Youth Event
 
The planing committee for the Eastern Regional Youth Event (July 19-22, 2018) is looking for congregations that have youth groups.  Please email Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette if you have a youth group.

ERYE2018, Eastern Regional Youth Event
at California University in PENNSYLVANIA
July 19-22, 2018

Contemporary live music, worship, youth workshops, service project, keynote speakers, special gifts, market place, YOUTH from FROM MARYLAND TO MAINE!
  
For more info or to register for the event, visit eryeucc.org
Church Educators Workshop
Mid-Atlantic Association of United Church Educators announces their 2018 workshop, 'Cutting Edge Faith Foundation, 2018" from April 9 - 11.  For details and agenda 
Lenten Clergy Breakfast and Worship

March 22, 2018
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

9:30 - Gathering for Coffee
10:00 - Complimentary Breakfast
10:45 - Worship

Zion UCC - Arendtsville - 3 Gettysburg Street, Arendtsville, PA 17303

Please register online  - RSVP by March 13
 Communities of Practice Groups
 
Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. -Etienne Wenger
 
Clergy Communities of Practice are a place where the focus is ministry and shared knowledge is practice and experience based. These communities covenant to offer care, support and accountability to one another as they nurture practices of spiritual discipline and continually develop their craft of ministry while strengthening practices of pastoral leadership and engage in theological reflection. I have been a part of a community of practice since 2012 and absolutely cannot imagine ministry without this group of people, the covenant we share and our time together each month. It is both life-giving and ministry-sustaining time.
 
Your Penn Central Staff is committed to bringing these types of clergy communities to life among us. I am training a group of facilitators and will begin forming both affinity groups and geographic groups during February with a goal of meetings beginning in March. Some of you may already be part of a covenant group and that is wonderful! Please continue to connect with those clergy colleagues regularly. If you would like more information or are ready to register for these new Communities of Practice, please contact Rev. Nora Foust.

Affinity Groups:
  • Bi-Vocational & Part-Time Pastors
  • Licensed Pastors
  • Faithful and Welcoming Pastors
  • 20/30 Pastors
  • Retired Pastors
  • Would prefer geographical group
 Clergy/Clergy Family Care Program Highlights
 
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Any clergy interested in serving as an Association Chaplain should contact Rev. Rick Luciotti, program facilitator at 717-679-0001 for more information.
 
Sabbatical Planning
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Sabbatical Planning?   Pastor preparing for sabbatical?  We have resources for you.  Please c ontact Rev. Betsy Bruaw for  additional details. 
LeadershipChurch Leadership Resources
Leadership Resources - NEW
JusticeCommunity Needs and Justice Issues
ONA - NEW
What is the Open and Affirming Ministry Team?
The ONA Ministry Team seeks to support the Open and Affirming Movement within the Penn Central Conference.  Assistance is provided to local congregations as they consider and move through the United Church of Christ's Open and Affirming process.  Support is also provided to congregations "after the vote" as this journey continues long after the official voting.  Types of support can include:  information about the process, access to other ONA churches who can share their ONA experiences, and connections to local resources.

For more information about the ONA Ministry Team, contact: Committee Lead:  Shirley Keith Knox, [email protected]
Pilgrimage to Peace - NEW

February 18 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Lancaster is the first stop in the Pilgrimage to Peace, a one-week speaking tour given by the national consortium Churches for Middle East Peace. For details.
 
DR&R

Do you need information or assistance with evacuees from Puerto Rico currently coming to PA?  If so, please contact Karl Jones.
 
 
The year of 2018 will find the PCC DR&R Team & UCC Disaster Ministries confronted with another very busy schedule.  Here are the current UCC Disaster Ministries work sites that are open and accepting volunteers.
 
 
Events1Events, Training and Resources Available
Pathways
 
Register now for:
UCC History and Polity
Theology in the Public Square
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, March 14: Driver Management for Owned and Non-owned Vehicles (The Hartford)
Wednesday, April 11: Risk Management for Camps (The Insurance Board)
Wednesday, May 9: Ladder Safety (The Hartford)
Additional webinars and recorded webinars available under the Online Learning section.
 
Association Links
Lancaster Theological Seminary - NEW

 
NOW HIRING!
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Lancaster Theological Seminary is accepting applications for two new recruiting positions: Full-Time Admissions Associate and Part-Time Admissions Associate.
 
2018 - SAVE THE DATE!
 
 2018 Penn Central Annual Meeting - June 8 and 9, 2018, Susquehanna University
 
Nat'l 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
 
UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS
Fitness Review Training - February 8, CC, East - 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Communities of Practice, Group B - February 8, CC - West - 12:00 PM  - 2:00 PM

Confirmation Retreat Planning - February 8, CC - Board Room, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Big Splash Presentations - February 11, PCC Churches, during worship

Creation Justice - February 13, CC - East, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
Yearbook Contest Drawing Deadline - February 14

Harrisburg Association Strategic Plan Presentation  - February 18, 2018, Colonial Park UCC - 2:00 PM 

Community of Practice Facilitators - February 20, CC - East, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
 
Board of Directors Hartman Center Committee - February 20, PCC CC - East, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 
Communications Commission - February 22, PCC - East, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
 
Lay Boundary Awareness Training - March 3, Trinity East Petersburg, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Nominations Commission - March 7, PCC CC - East, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
 
Yearbook Forms Final Due Date - March 8

Creation Justice - March 13, 6:00 PM via ZOOM
 
Confirmation Retreat - March 16 - March 18, Hartman Center, 6:00 PM - Noon
 
Advanced Boundary Training - March 20, Faith UCC, York, 9:30 AM - Noon
 
Lenten Pastor's Breakfast and Worship - March 22, Zion UCC, Arendtsville, 9:30 AM

ONA Winter Gathering - March 24
 
Good Friday - PCC Office Closed, March 30
 
UEK Partnership - April 3, CC - East, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  
Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 7, Saint Paul's, Selinsgrove 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Board of Directors Meeting - April 7, UCC Homes, Camp Hill - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Creation Justice - April 10, CC - East, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
CPONA Meeting - April 11, CC - East, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 
Camp Directors Training - April 14, TBD, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
 
Board of Directors, Hartman Center Committee - April 16, CC - East, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 
York Association Celebration Banquet - April 22, Wyndham Garden York - 12:00 Noon
 
Committee on Ministry Consultation - April 23 and 24, LTS, Lancaster
 
Retired Boundary Training - April 24, Trinity UCC, Palmyra, 9:30 AM - Noon
 
Hartman Center Advisory Council - April 28, CC - East, 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
 
Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 28, 1st Carlisle, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Camp Directors Training - April 29, Faith UCC, York, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 
Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, Hartman Center
 
Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting - May 6, TBD, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
 
Creation Justice - May 8, 6:00 PM via ZOOM
 
Clergy Spouse Workshop - May 12, Hayshire, York,  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Hartman Center Golf Outing - May 12, Fairview Golf Course, Quentin - 1:30 PM
 
Basic Boundary Training - May 19, Hummelstown UCC, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Memorial Day - May 28, PCC Offices Closed

Click to see our Web site for more details.
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ThreeGreat3 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!
 
 
DevotionsPrayer List and Devotional
 
 
Still Speaking Devotional by Anthony Robinson
 
The Beginning of Wisdom
"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt." - Luke 6: 27 - 29

Prayer
Save us, good Lord, from fitting in so damn well. Amen.

Read Full Devotional Here
Sign Up to receive the Still Speaking Devotional to your inbox


 
Prayers for Penn Central Conference Churches

"Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you."  (2 Thess. 3:1)
 
Beginning in 2018, we have created a prayer list to invite you to pray with us as we pray for all of our congregations. Each week we will list names of various churches in Penn Central Conference hoping you will add them to your prayer list, and hold them in prayer throughout the week.
  • Solomons UCC, Chambersburg
  • Zion Reformed UCC, Chambersburg
  • Christ UCC, Cordovus
  • Salem UCC, Columbia
FCSFaith 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. 
 

Faith Connection Stories
 
 
Testimonials
1st UCC Carlisle (Mercersburg Association)
St. John's Boalsburg (Northern Association)
St. Paul's Sacramento (Harrisburg Association)
Trinity East Pete (Lancaster Association)
Fredericksburg UCC  (Lebanon Association)
St. Paul's Dallastown (York Association)
First Reformed UCC, Sunbury (Central Association)
David's UCC - Hebe (Central Association)
 
PICTURES!!  WE WANT PICTURES!
We would love to use your pictures on our social media pages!  If you have pictures you are willing to share that show your church actively engaged in our mission "where congregations passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ", please send them to Stephanie.
 
Share your story today!  Click here to share your own congregation's story  - please send to [email protected].

 
ArchiveArchive
Our Previous eNews

November 29, 2017, November 22, 2017, November 15, 2017, November 8, 2017, November 1, 2017

October 25, 2017, October 18, 2017, October 11, 2017, October 4, 2017

September 27, 2017,  September 20, 2017, September 13, 2017, September 6, 2017 

August 30, 2017, August 23, 2017, August 16, 2017, August 9, 2017, August 2, 2017 

July 26, 2017,  July 19, 2017, July 12, 2017, July 5, 2017

June 28, 2017, June 21, 2017, June 14, 2017, June 7, 2017,

May 31, 2017, May 24, 2017, May 17, 2017, May 10, 2017, May 3, 2017

 
Contact information:      Stephanie Rader-Titzel
email: [email protected]   phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
web: http://www.pccucc.org