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Weekly Update - January 10, 2018
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

A Message from Our Conference Minister and President

January-February Events

Generosity - NEW!
Clergy News - NEW!
  PCC Bay 
Devotions  - NEW!
 
Please remember to submit your yearbook update.
NoraA Message from Our Conference Minister and President
Come As You Are! (John 1:43-51)
The 80's Faberge Organics Shampoo commercial was a good example of multiplication by word of mouth.The commercial starts with a woman talking about her shampoo, then she tells two people. Those two people tell two others and so on. The tag-line for the commercial was "And they'll tell their friends-- and so on, and so on..."
 
A similar multiplication principle was happening in this gospel text. Jesus was on the move. He called his first two disciples Andrew and Peter because John the Baptist told those two men about Jesus. Then Jesus left Bethany and headed to Galilee where he called Philip. The Scripture tells us about Philip, noting that he was from the same town as Andrew and Peter. So, it is likely that these men were friends and knew each other. The multiplication principle continued when Philip told Nathaniel about Jesus.
 
Jesus called these ordinary men to follow him and become his disciples. Some came earnestly seeking him but others, like Nathaniel, came to him with doubt and skepticism. When Nathaniel first heard about Jesus and that he was from Nazareth Nathaniel commented, "can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (v.46) Nathaniel seemed sarcastic and very skeptical. Rather than arguing with him Philip responded, "come and see," (v.46) and Nathaniel went to see Jesus.
 
When Jesus saw Nathaniel coming he said, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" (v.47) Jesus saw honesty in his doubt and authenticity in his skepticism. Jesus fully accepted Nathaniel and called him as a disciple in good standing with no preconditions or probationary period.
 
Coming to faith in Christ was the great equalizer in John's gospel: not where you lived or where you started from. Come even with doubts and skepticism. An encounter with Jesus Christ will transform your life.
 
Jesus invites you to come as you are to deepen your faith and trust in him. Come as you are and invite others to do the same.
   
In Christ, 
Monica
Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith
Conference Minister and President
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p.s.   Remember to join us for the  Conference Epiphany Worship Service - Tuesday, January 23, 6:30pm at Mt. Zion UCC in York. This service will be live-streamed with 2 viewing locations available.

JanFebJanuary - February Events
EpiphanyPenn Central Conference Epiphany Worship Service
 

We invite you to come out and bring family, friends and church members to this community worship.
 
Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Mt. Zion, York - 1054 Ridgewood Road - York, PA 17406
 
 
Live-streaming will be available at http://www.mtzionucc.org/services-online.html

Please join us live in York or join us in Boalsburg or West Milton to view the live stream: 
  • St. John's UCC - 218 N. Church Street, Boalsburg, PA 16827
  • Saint Paul's UCC - 433 High Street, West Milton, PA 17856

For questions, please email srader-titzel@pccucc.org.

 
Mid Winter Clergy Convocation 

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton
2400 Willow Street Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
 
Keynote Speaker - Rev. Dr. Emily C. Heath
 
 
 
Missed the deadline?!?
We may still be able to include you -- please call the Conference office at 717.652.1560 to register.
 
PCC STRATEGIC (MISSIONAL) PLAN PRESENTATION

2017-2020 Strategic (Missional) Plan Presentation with Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith
 
YORK ASSOCIATION - Sunday, January 21, 2018, 3:00pm at Faith UCC, York (gathering to ratify Ecclesiastical Council vote + Strategic plan presentation)
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HARRISBURG ASSOCIATION - Sunday, February 18, 2018, 2:00pm at Colonial Park UCC 

  
ChurchNewsChurch News
It'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.

 

 
 
GenerosityGenerosity
December OCWM - NEW
   
Thank you for your continued generosity!
 
Together, the Penn Central Conference gave $119,771 to Disaster Relief in 2017-
THANK YOU!!
 
Through January 8, we are close to exceeding last year's (2016) month-to-date OCWM giving. While we have exceeded the OCWM year-to-date giving for 2016 by 3%, it is slightly below the budgeted goal by 10%.
 
Many thanks to all who have already sent in their OCWM gifts and thanks, too, for the gifts that are on the way.
 
Remember...donations received by January 12, 2018 will be recorded as 2017 gifts (new this year)!
 
 
 
 
     
 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
During the month of January, we will explore our 5 for 5 offerings.
 
 
The success and sustainability of the United Church of Christ's ministries is relying on your church's contribution to basic operating support and mission. Being 5 for 5 means that your church is a leader, providing support to Our Church's Wider Mission and the Special Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen The Church, Neighbors In Need and The Christmas Fund.

One Great Hour of Sharing® is the Lenten Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports disaster, refugee, and development activities.  The suggested offering date for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering is March 11, 2018.



 
ClergyNewsClergy News
Clergy Events
 
January 21: Dan Schmidt Installation - St. Thomas, Harrisburg - 2:30 PM
Cutting Edge Faith Foundation, 2018 - NEW
Mid-Atlantic Association of United Church Educators announces their 2018 workshop, 'Cutting Edge Faith Foundation, 2018" from April 9 - 11.  For details. 
Lenten Clergy Breakfast and Worship

March 22, 2018
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

9:30 Breakfast - 10:00 Worship - 10:45

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


RSVP by March 13
 Clergy/Clergy Family Care Program Highlights
The Clergy/Clergy Family Care program of Penn Central Conference serves the spiritual, emotional and professional needs of clergy and families, both active and retired, within our Conference. It is designed to offer support, friendship, mentoring and hospitality at various stages of a career. The goal
is to coordinate the existing programs of service and to establish ever new opportunities for more effectively supporting clergy and their families.
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Serving as a resource for Clergy, the program is an extension of the ministry of the Conference and Associations. The program facilitator, and in turn the association chaplains, work cooperatively with Conference Staff and the chairpersons of each Association Committee on Ministry. The facilitator and Association Chaplains work cooperatively with, but are not a part of the placement or oversight functions of Conference and Committees on Ministry.
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A primary goal of the program is to establish trusting and confidential relationship and to offer
assistance and or referral for more effective coping with challenges to a clergy's professional and or
family well being.
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Any clergy interested in serving as an Association Chaplain should contact Rev. Rick Luciotti, program facilitator at 717-679-0001 or at rluciotti@gmail.com 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
"Church bullies are common in many churches. They wreak havoc and create dissension. They typically must have an "enemy" in the church, because they aren't happy unless they are fighting a battle."  Read 9 Traits of Church Bullies for more information.
 
"The way people give is changing. If your church hasn't felt the results of those changes yet, you will soon."  Find out more in 4 Assumptions Pastors Can No Longer Make About Church Giving Patterns
 
Reaching new people is not about events and transactions, it's all about building relationships.  Read more from Paul Nickerson Coaching.

"As you plan ahead for your church, here are 5 hard truths to keep in mind about healthy church growth." Read 5 Hard Truths About Healthy Church Growth

"I think it's important that church spaces are used for other things than worship on Sunday," said Anderson.  Read more at Religious Buildings More Than Houses of Worship

 
   
JusticeCommunity Needs and Justice Issues
Creation Justice - NEW

 
A Call for a Sermon in Solidarity with Youth Seeking Justice
 
Twenty-one youth have taken our federal government to court asking for accountability and action in response to the damage done to our climate and the impact this damage has on their generation.
These young people, who are currently 10 to 21 years old, include Kiran Oommen, the son of the Rev. Melanie Oommen of First congregational UCC in Eugene, Oregon. Their suit asserts that the U.S. government has not protected their right to life, liberty and property without due process of law and failure to protect essential public trust resources.
This claim is based in part on the fifth amendment to the constitution. Their presentation shows that the government has known about this problem since at least 1965. This is a very specific concrete example that people can accept. To further the compelling and inspiring efforts of the young people, the UCC Council for Climate Justice has initiated a call for this story to be conveyed by sermons to be preached in solidarity with them.
Here is the link to  the legal descriptions and cameos of the 21 youth.  Click on Legal, then Landmark U.S. Federal. setting an example:  

Other links:

Creation Justice is looking for pictures for the Web site.  If you have pictures of your church engaged in creation justice activities, please send them to srader-titzel@pccucc.org.
 
DR&R

 
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.
 
Tuesday, 01/02/18, NBC News posted the following update regarding the current recovery conditions in Houston, TX and on Saturday 12/30/17, NBC News posted the following update about the current conditions in Puerto Rico.
  
For those attending the PA Farm Show - The 2018 Farm Show runs from Saturday, January 6, through Saturday, January 13. We encourage you to stop by the "ReadyPA table and choose materials that are of interest to you, your church, and your PCC Association.  T here will be a "ReadyPA" table at the Farm Show that you should checkout. The general theme for the ReadyPA booth is "Easy, fast ways to get ready NOW'. There will also be general ReadyPA materials and a game that can help you focus on preparedness/ready topics.
 
Honoring the Dream: MLK Event
 
 
Please join First, Carlisle on January 14, 2018 for "Honoring the Dream"
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This event honoring the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Carlisle).
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  • 2:30 PM - Meet outside First Evangelical Lutheran Church (corner of East High/South Bedford Street)
  • 2:45 PM - March from church to Old Courthouse in The Square
  • 3:00 PM - MLK Celebration at Old Courthouse
  • 4:00 PM - Program at First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Keynote Speaker: Rozella White)
 
 
Events1Events, Training and Resources Available
UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS
 
ONA Ministry Team - January 10, PCC CC - East, 2 - 3:30
 
Board of Directors Meeting - January 13, 10 AM - 2 PM, PCC - Board Room,
 
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - PCC Office Closed - January 15

York Association Strategic Plan Presentation - January 21, 3:00 PM,  Faith UCC, York
 
Commission on Ministry - January 22, PCC CC - West, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
 
Confirmation Retreat Planning - January 22, PCC CC - East, 1PM - 3PM
 
UEK Partnership - January 23, PCC CC - East, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
 
Conference Epiphany Worship Service - January 23, Mt. Zion UCC, York - 6:30 PM
 
Finance Committee - January 27, PCC CC - East, 9 AM - Noon
 
Clergy Convocation - January 30 - February 1 - DoubleTree, Lancaster
 
Big Splash Training - February 3, PCC CC - Board Room, 10 AM - Noon
 
Big Splash Presentations - February 11, PCC Churches, during worship

Harrisburg Association Strategic Plan Presentation  - February 18, 2018, 2:00 PM,  Colonial Park UCC 
 
Board of Directors Hartman Center Committee - February 20, PCC CC - East, 6 PM - 8 PM
 
Lay Boundary Awareness Training - March 3, Trinity East Petersburg, 10 AM - 3 PM
 
Nominations Commission - March 7, PCC CC - East, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
 
ONA Winter Gathering - March 10, Colonial Park UCC
 
Confirmation Retreat - March 16 - March 18, Hartman Center, 6 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
 
Good Friday - PCC Office Closed, March 30
  
Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 7, Saint Paul's, Selinsgrove 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 28, 1st Carlisle, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
Clergy Spouse Workshop - May 12, Hayshire, York,  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Click to see our Web site for more details.
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Events, Training and More...
Association Links
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 7th: Preventing and Dealing with Sexual Harassment at Church (Praesidium)
Wednesday, April 11th: Risk Management for Camps (The Insurance Board)
Wednesday, September 12th: Trending Risk Management Concerns for Churches (The Insurance Board)
Additional webinars and recorded webinars available under the Online Learning section.
 
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 - NEW
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!
 
 
HartmanCenterHartman Center
Hartman Center News and Resources 

FEBRUARY 11, 2018 LOVE OFFERING for Hartman Center - NEW
 
Every congregation in Penn Central Conference will soon be receiving a SNAIL MAILING with information for the February 11th LOVE OFFERING for Hartman Center.  BUT you can open up that mailing right now electronically. 
 
This information packet contains an Information letter explaining the NEED for the offering . There is also a flyer describing THE BIG SPLASH #2, a wave of visitors going out to churches that would like a visit on Feb. 11th.  The purpose of the visit is to promote the 2018 Summer Camping programs.   
 
We even created a FLYER promoting the offering to hang around the church.  Finally, we've designed some labels that you can use on small envelopes for the offering.  Please join us in this very special giving opportunity for Hartman Center.
 
-Dave Bushnell, Hartman Center Advisory Committee member
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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.

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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! 

----Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018
More details on the Hartman Center Web site!
 
Thank you for your continued support!
 
PCCBAYPCC-Bay
Baptismal Fonts Needed
UCC Homes is looking for two baptismal fonts as neither chapel has one and they'd like to have it visible and available to use. If anyone has access to one and is willing to share, please contact Mark at mruzicka@ucc-homes.org.  
Schulmerich Handbells
Three Complete Octaves (37 Bells)
DevotionsPrayer List and Devotional
 
Still Speaking Devotional by Vicki Kemper
 
Well Pleased
 
And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." - Mark 1:10-11

Prayer
For reminding me I am beloved, I give you thanks and praise. May I please you today and every day.

Read Full Devotional Here
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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.

  • Saint John's UCC, Bellefonte
  • Peace UCC, Boalsburg
  • Trinity UCC, Biglerville
  • Zion UCC, Blain
FCSFaith Connection Stories
Passionately Declaring and Demonstrating the Courageous Love of Christ  - NEW
 
We love to hear stories of Penn Central Conference congregations working within their communities to passionately declare and demonstrate their courageous love of Christ. 
 

NEW - New Covenant UCC, Williamsport shares their year of mission and ministry in a slide show showcasing their decision to become a Creation Justice church, their 40 day Lenten collection, meal packing, Cereal Sunday, mission trips, CROP Walk and more!


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)
 
 
Share your story today!  Click here to share your own congregation's story  - please send to srader-titzel@pccucc.org.

 
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: srader-titzel@pccucc.org   phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
web: http://www.pccucc.org