Penn Central Conference Weekly eNews

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Weekly Update - January 24, 2018

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

In This Issue...

A Message from Our Conference Minister and President

Church News - NEW!

Generosity - NEW!

Clergy News - NEW!

Church Leadership Resources - NEW!

Community Needs and Justice Issues - NEW!

Events, Training and Resources - NEW!

3 Great Loves

Hartman Center - NEW!

Devotions - NEW!

Faith Connection Stories

Previous eNews

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR YEARBOOK UPDATE

A Message from Our Conference Minister and President

Making Christ Known (Mark 1: 21 - 28)

On any given day, you never know who will show up for worship. One day a man with demon possession, i.e. an unclean spirit, showed up in a synagogue where Jesus was teaching. I want to focus more closely on this man with the unclean spirit because it seems to me that he is more significant than might first appear.

It was unusual for someone like this man, who was deemed unclean, to be allowed in the synagogue. The gospel writer Mark did not make reference to the man barging his way in but described his entrance as "just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit." (v.23)

The man defied all the laws, looking for release from that which held him bound. He was desperate and came looking for hope and healing in life's sacred place. Using my imagination, I see him coming into the synagogue every Sabbath day crying out with his inside voice; the voice that no one but Jesus can hear. Like this man, perhaps what ails us is not always evident to others.

While it may be difficult to relate to demon possession as it was expressed back then, perhaps it might correlate with some metaphorical modern-day demons like unforgiveness, fear, anger, cynicism, and self-doubt ... to name a few. The metaphorical demons that haunt us are often invisible to others around us. But Jesus knows.

On that day, the man's demons were the first to recognize Jesus' presence and authority. And they could not keep it to themselves. They made Christ known to everyone when they cried out "...Jesus of Nazareth,... I know who you are, the Holy One of God." (v.24) After his encounter with Jesus, the man found release from the demons and was healed .

In Christ's presence, we find a space where destructive spirits are resisted and where a different Spirit operates. That's what the church is intended to be all about. Through Christ's church, God draws near to you in the midst of life's challenges. According to the psalmist, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Through Christ's church and his disciples, God is still at work casting out the unclean spirits in our lives, as well as the evil and injustice in the world.

But how do others know about the church, this place with a different Spirit? Working in and through us, God wants to make Christ known through the ways we embody Christ's spirit in your lives.

May it be so.

In Christ,

Monica

Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith

Conference Minister and President

p.s . A video recording of the PCC Epiphany Worship Service will be available soon - many thanks to everyone who participated! Mark your calendar for February 18 to join us at Colonial Park UCC for the Harrisburg Association meeting to review the PCC 3-year Strategic (Missional) Plan.

Bulletin Insert

Penn Central Conference Epiphany Service - NEW

Thank you to those that attended our Epiphany Worship Service! A link to view the service will be coming in future eNews.

A huge thank you to our hosts - Mt Zion UCC (picture 1), St. John's, Boalsburg (picture 2) and St. Paul's West Milton (picture 3)

Church 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

Eleven Reasons Why Reporting Your Church's Annual Data Is Important
Church Yearbook Instructions
Yearbook Videos- video tutorials and instructions on how to complete the project

PAPER FORMS OPTIO N

Local Church Annual Report Form
Officer's Form - Please send this form to the Conference.
Ministerial Support Form

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.

Events, Training and More... NEW

Events and Information

Learn the basics in Human Resources Management through HR involvement in different stages in the employee life-cycle. This workshop will equip managers and committees with tools and resources to empower their staff to work toward mission objectives while meeting legal requirements.

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?!

Program Information and To register

STEM Scholarships - NEW

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 - NEW

New Journey in Concert, March 11 at 3:00 PM

Generosity

Generosity Resources - NEW

During the month of January, we will explore our 5 for 5 offerings.

Strengthen the Church (STC) is a special mission offering to reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.

As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018.

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STC Resources

Clergy News

Next Generation Leadership Initiative - NEW

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

Mid Winter Clergy Convocation

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton

2400 Willow Street Pike

Lancaster, PA 17602

Keynote Speaker - Rev. Dr. Emily C. Heath

Details, agenda and pricing

Missed the deadline?!?

We may still be able to include you -- please call the Conference office at 717.652.1560 to register.

Lenten Resources - NEW

Lenten Book Studies: Writing to God

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Writing to God: 40 Days of Praying with My Pen

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.

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

Lancaster Theological Seminary

NOW HIRING!

Director of Annual Giving & Alumni/ae Relations - Lancaster Seminary

Check out Lancaster Theological Seminary's spring open classes - for credit or audit - taught by LTS faculty.

Register by Feb. 5 for Luke & Acts with Greg Carey, Gender, Sexuality & The Bible with Julia O'Brien, or - for pastors only - Ministerial Ethics with Darryl Stephens.

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.

Church Leadership Resources

Leadership Resources - NEW

Using Your Building Assets (Creatively using your church building) - NEW

Churches in small towns (Offering places in connection and hope in environments that are stressed by economic decline and narratives of despair)

Make Visitors Welcome: 12 Church Website Tips (A few pointers for an effective church web site)

7 Disruptive Church Trends that will Rule 2018 (Becoming more aware of changes in our culture)

Study finds much uncertainty in 2018 charitable giving (Cornerstone fund study results)

9 Ways To Reverse A Downward Giving Trend In An Otherwise Healthy Church (Ideas for addressing the needs of our congregation)

What Vitality is Not (Rethinking how to assess vitality)

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UCC Handbook for Audit Committee

Prior eNews Leadership Articles (Archive)

Community Needs and Justice Issues

Creation Justice

Resources for Sermons:

Pollinator article of youth setting an example

Mary's Song and Justice for #EachGeneration

Reflection by Peter Sawtell of Eco-Justice Ministries

Climate Sermons from Massachusetts Conference

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 [email protected].

DR&R - NEW

During the month of February 2018 Bill & Ellen Matten will travel to/from Port Arthur, Texas. In Texas they will serve as Partners in Service long term volunteers with UCC Disaster Ministries as they were invited by Zach Wolgemuth to serve as Disaster Recovery Advisors.

They will work with the UCC folks in Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas who are preparing these two locations to receive both long term and short term volunteers. The volunteers will help to rebuild housing in these two areas during the next one to three years from the damages caused by Hurricane Harvey. Please keep all who will come to Texas to help with the hurricane recovery efforts in your prayers. Most of all, we ask that you keep all of those who are suffering loses from the ravishes of Hurricane Harvey in your prayers. Thank you!

On January 18, 2018 UCC Witness for Justice Ministries published the Commentary: Justice work means working with the most vulnerable which was written by Zachary Wolgemuth, Executive for UCC Disaster Ministries. The link to that commentary can be found here.

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.

Events, Training and Resources Available

Insurance Board Webinars - NEW

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, 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

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

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UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

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

Yearbook Contest Drawing Deadline - February 14

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

Yearbook Forms Final Due Date - March 8

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.

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

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

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

Hartman Center's 2018

Summer Camp Brochure is here!

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!

Camp Schedule and To register

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

Hartman Center Wish List

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

More details on the Hartman Center Web site!

Thank you for your continued support!

Prayer List and Devotional

Still Speaking Devotional by Jennifer Brownell

Written by Committee

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." - Psalm 46:1-3, King James Version

Prayer
God, you are our refuge and strength. Ours. Remind us when you call us into communities, and even into committees, that you are calling us to do your sacred work. Amen.

Read Full Devotional Here

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.

Salem UCC - Campbelltown
Chapel Hill UCC - Camp Hill
First UCC - Carlisle
Saint Matthew's UCC - Carlisle

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.