Penn Central Conference Weekly eNews

Come to the River . . . Come to the River . . ." (c'mon, sing along with me), come to the river where 3,000 persons gathered. Young, old, brown, black and white skin, on scooters, using canes, jumping for joy, we all gathered at the river, or in this case, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, for the meeting of the 31^st General Synod of the United Church of Christ. Some came to move forward issues of justice, others came to enjoy the colorful, energizing worship services; and still others were moved by the Holy Spirit to assemble as one. As we gathered at the river from all corners of the country, we were going to be immersed in the waters and become a community restored to act in love.

Along with the stirring word from the Rev. Traci Blackmon in the opening worship service, we shared in a service of baptism. This service probably looked a little different than the one we are accustomed to in our churches! Each person was given a small piece of sponge, gently soaked in water. At the appropriate time in the service, we were asked to "play" with the idea of baptizing those seated near us. It was an activity enjoyed by the entire convention hall as laughter prevailed and the bonding of new friendships had begun.

Over next two days the delegates met in discussion with small groups to discern a resolution that was assigned to them. We had energizing worship sprinkled in; and time to walk to the Harbor to take in the sights and sounds. An exhibit hall was situated aside of the main hall and there you could find information on many UCC related organizations as well as vendors selling fair trade items, Synod t-shirts, and even crab mallets!

On Sunday we welcomed over 120 persons from PCC who made their way to Baltimore to share in the afternoon worship service. The United Church of Christ is excited about the new vision and the speakers sharing the stage gave us some insight into the meaning they wished to convey in three great loves . . . Love of Neighbor, Love of Children and Love of Creation. See below to learn more!

On Day 4, our delegation crawled out of our pillow-top beds to join together in a breakfast caucus . . . at 7 a.m.! A long day awaited as a majority of the resolutions were brought to the floor to be discussed and amended and to ensure that there is a just world for all. Once the gavel hit the wood and business convened for the day, we shared in worship where the dancers, singers, liturgists and speaker shared the story of Namaan and how he was encouraged to get in the Jordan River to cure his leprosy. (2 Kings)

The dynamic, inspirational speakers invited us to think of the wider church and asked us to make "space" not "room" in our churches for the under-represented; we are to dismantle the balconies as we work for justice for all. And, as Rev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy urged us to "get in the water, Namaan!" we, too, need to get off the safe shores and jump into the water to do God's work. There is much work waiting for us to get done, and it just takes a small pebble to start the ripple . . .

Reflection from Kay Boyer (GS31 delegate from the Lebanon Association)

Make Glad 8/12 x11 bulletin insert and Make Glad 81/2 x14 bulletin insert

A Word from Our Moderator

Nearly 3000 delegates and visitors from across the nation met June 30 - July 4, 2017 for the 31st General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Baltimore, Maryland's Convention Center. This was located right between Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Orioles' Camden Yards.

Synod is convened every two years at different cities across the United States and this was a perfect venue. It was great to have it near Penn Central Conference as many Penn Central folk traveled to Baltimore for the public Sunday service and on other days to visit.

The theme of the Synod was MAKE GLAD based on Psalm 46:4, "There is a river whose streams MAKE GLAD the city of God" and all those attending did just that-- MAKE GLAD!

We did that with inspiring worship services and presentations led by such luminaries as author Glennon Doyle, The Rev. Traci Blackmon, newly elected Executive Minister of Justice and Witness ministries, and Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister of the United Church of Christ.

We did it with workshops, hearings, plenary sessions for business and voting, perusing exhibits in the exhibit hall and connecting with many new and longtime friends and participants attending Synod

We prayed, sang, studied, voted, deliberated, debated, celebrated, danced, spoke our truth, acted upon and reacted to proposed resolutions and pronouncements from all over the U nited Church of Christ with such varied topics as:

· New endowments to strengthen future ministries

· Endorsing raising the minimum wage

· Gun violence

· The environment

· Children living under military occupation

· Corporal punishment of children

· Immigrants

· Persons with disabilities

· and bylaws changes... to name a few

A full reporting of all the actions of the General Synod will be available UCC.org under the Synod section. Ask any Synod Delegate about their experience or invite them to report at your church or consistory meetings. They will be glad to share. Also, be sure and thank them for all their work in preparation and participation the Synod process as we again had a very hardworking and dedicated delegation representing Penn Central Conference at Synod 31.

As moderator, I had the opportunity to meet with other moderators representing various conferences across the nation. Many were reporting diminishing staff and considering cooperative models and merging of resources in a survival mode mentality. We can be extremely proud of recent initiatives of the Penn Central Conference indicative of a thriving mode for "Together we are doing great things."

Thank you for the opportunity to represent the Penn Central Conference at General Synod 31.

Dr. Craig Ellis, Moderator, Penn Central Conference

THANK YOU DELEGATES!

Delegates,

The entire Penn Central Conference can again be extremely proud of the delegates representing our conference at General Synod 31 in Baltimore Maryland last weekend.

This was my 17th General Synod and the 5th serving as a voting delegate. I have always been impressed and amazed by the dedication of our Penn Central Delegates.

Synod is a great commitment of time, talents and energy to study, reflect and attend hearings and committee sessions, attend and vote at plenary, and attend and participate in other events and worship services. It is also a rewarding and inspirational experience.

Thank you for your dedicated service! Also, my compliments for your participation. Penn Central folk really take their duties seriously. Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith would give you a big "Woo Hoo "... and so do I. Thank you so very much for serving as a General Synod Delegate in 2017 for Synod 31 in Baltimore, Maryland.

There is a river whose streams MAKE GLAD the city of God - Psalm 16:4

Dr. Craig Ellis, Penn Central Conference Moderator

Delegates,

Thank you to all the 27 Association representatives that served as Penn Central Conference delegates to GS31 in Baltimore Maryland.

Thank you for using your gifts, your voices, and spending countless hours in educational intensives and deliberations to impact the results of key resolutions that will bear public witness and guide the work of our denomination. And finally, thank you for all that you do for PCC, your church and your community.

May we all continue to Make Glad!

Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith, Conference Minister and President

GS31 Delegate Reflections

Many of us left General Synod feeling Connected, Engaged and Transformed.

Read some of our delegate reflections...

Shirley Keith-Knox (Mercersburg Association) shares her perspective on "The Road Ahead" - ONA National Gathering 2017. She speaks about the event and the importance of " understanding each person's pronouns. Some of us use the pronouns of he, him, his or she, her, hers. Some of us use they, them, theirs as their pronouns. Asking someone about their pronouns honors their personhood."

Chip Hoover (York Association) speaks of his experiences at General Synod and appreciates the ability of the delegates to respect each other enough to "share our thoughts and visions freely." He mentions "being among the larger body, representing such a diverse community, always puts a more personal quality to our deliberations."

Gail Landers (Central Association) explores the music of General Synod. "Worship Services at Synod are visually and musically spectacular. The Spirit speaks in many forms. The echoes of the week continue in heart and soul to prompt on going community calling."

Charlotte Pinette (Gettysburg Association) shares her experience at General Synod and reflects upon Many sights and sounds - Much business to conduct and resolutions to discuss - Workshop's to attend - New friends to make, and old friends to greet. Read her synopsis here.

Les Loucks (Gettysburg Association) reviews many of the GS31 resolutions and recounts Traci Blackmon's sermon. "Do we see injustice to children, neighbors, or creation and say we need to do something? That's the wheelbarrow test - we need to get in the wheelbarrow and take the risk that would help ease the injustices we see."

In addition to her ONA work, Shirley Keith-Knox (Mercersburg Association) put together a presentation that highlights General Synod.

General Synod Highlights

From amazing worship services to awe-inspiring speakers and a robust business schedule, General Synod was a roaring success. Thank you to the Penn Central Delegates for your focus, commitment and dedication to Penn Central Conference and the UCC.

Video Highlights

In these video highlights of General Synod 31, Rev. Traci Blackmon preaches "God is our Refuge and God is Ours." Highlight Video of General Synod

Activism

Penn Central's Shirley Keith Knox and Martha Keith march for immigration reform. Shown here they are marching to ICE office in Baltimore, protesting deportation of a man held in detention, no crimes with his family separated. See more in this video -

UCC Marchers Demand Immigration Justice Video

Health Care for All UCCers join the nation's capital to express, "Good stewardship is not taking away healthcare for millions of Americans."

"We have a choice between hatred and love." "Our purpose is to love God with our whole hearts, minds, soul and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves." A Just World for All

Community Worship

"This is who we are," Rev. John Dorhauer said, "This is the river that brings joy to the city of God. "We are a united and uniting church that is radically inclusive," the Rev. Shari Prestemon added, "even when we are all these things - imperfectly. We are brave enough to embrace a bold vision of a just world for all." Community Worship Video

Getting Down to Business...

Robust plenaries featuring key business were a feature of General Synod from June 30 -July 4. Highlights include PCC's Fred Young with the Credentials Report (Plenary 1), a Tribute to Rev. John Deckenback (Plenary 2), Rev. Traci Blackmon's election (Plenary 3), Keynote Aaron Mair (Plenary 4) and Rev. John Dorhauer launching Three Great Loves (Plenary 5) among the countless points of business and resolutions addressed and voted upon.

See full videos of the plenaries below.

Plenary 5 Video

A Few Resolution Highlights

Delegates Approve Economic Justice Resolution and $15 Mnimum Wage

Adoptee Resolution Falls Short of Required Votes

General Synod Elects to Provide Support to Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect

Leadership Reshaping Changes Approved

Changes to OCWM and Financial Support Pattern Approved

United Church Funds Progress on Synod Resolution - Climate Change

General Synod included an Emergency Resolution on climate change. United Church Funds addressed their call for urgent action and how they have been using the 2013 resolution as a guide.

Full article

UCF was part of the #WeAreStillIn campaign, declaring their intent to continue to ensure the US remain a global leader in further reducing carbon emissions.

UCF hosted a meeting of investors with the Standing Rock Sious Tribal Chairman and co-filed a resolution with Marathon Petroleum Corp. on the risks of the company's partnership with the Dakota Access Pipeleine. The resolution received 35% support.

UCF created the Beyond Fossil Fuels Fund and the Beyond Fossil Fuels Balanced Fund in response to the 2013 resolution and more recently eliminated coal and tar sands from all of our funds

3 Great Loves

In last week's eNews, we shared the 3 Great Love initiative that launched at General Synod. This initiative cultivates the UCC's historic and current love of neighbor, love of creation and love of children. Check out the 3 Great Loves Brochure ... featuring Wisdom's Table at St. Peter's in Lancaster. Please think about sharing your story to show how we at Penn Central are working, impacting and transforming the world, united in this key mission.

Other Key Dates:

Fall 2017 - denomination-wide drive to provide basic items to those in need of protection, shelter and/or support
Fall 2018 - collection and donation of school supplies to address inequities in our education systems.
2019 - 5K Walk to raise money and awareness for caring for creation

Church Vitality

Next Vitality Workshop July 16 - Harrisburg

Have you noticed a drop in worship attendance?

Are you wondering how to get more visitors to show up on Sunday morning?

What kinds of changes to worship can be made that will have the biggest impact ?

This workshop walks pastors and leaders through the process of reaching out to the community and attracting new people to attend worship. Once they are attending worship, three changes will be recommended to ensure their return . We will explore Web sites , visitor tabs and using the Smart Phone as a device for evangelism. Key learnings will be around worship days and times, how to make Holy some of the secular Holidays and how to do small groups in the middle of worship.

There is no cost to attend. Please read Transformative Worship: Changing Lives through Religious Experience by Laurene Beth Bowers (available on Amazon). This will prepare you to ask questions and have a conversation about how to incrementally grow your church.

Vitality Workshop "How to Increase Worship Attendance"

All Workshops are from 1:00 - 4:00

July 16 - Colonial Park, Harrisburg

August 6: Apostles, Lancaster

August 20: Dreisbach, Lewisburg

September 24: Hayshire, York

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 [email protected]

Church Leadership Resources

NEW - Resources

What does Christian Vocation Look Like for the Elderly? (The Christian Century)

UCC Public Policy Advocacy Guide Link and Guide

The Failure-Tolerant Leader (Lewis Center for Church Leadership)

How Serving Its Community Transformed a Dwindling Church (Faith & Leadership)

Big Gifts in Small Packages (small church workshop) - COMING SOON

NEW- Lancaster Seminary News

Get $3,000 to pursue your Doctor of Ministry

Thanks to generous donors, Lancaster Seminary is offering fifteen $3,000 scholarships this year to members of the incoming Doctor of Ministry class! That makes Lancaster's new, 3-year doctor program even more accessible. The program combines convenient online learning with on-campus intensives for 5-days in the fall and spring. To qualify, applications must be completed by August 1. Details at lancasterseminary.edu.

Lancaster Seminary opens key courses for audit

Because in ministry you never stop learning, Lancaster Seminary is opening some popular courses for audit, taught by esteemed faculty. Lee Barrett presents Knowing God, Julia O'Brien presents Gender, Sexuality and the Bible, and Greg Carey teaches Luke and Acts. There also are courses just for pastors - like Ministerial Ethics - and courses for spiritual practice - like Writing as a Spiritual Practice. Term One starts in August, Term Two starts in October, and Term Three begins in February. Come, learn with us! Details at lancastersxeminary.edu

Events, Training and Resources Available

UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

Vitality Workshop: How to Increase Worship Attendance - July 16, Colonial Park UCC

Pastor's Breakfast and Worship - July 27, Hartman Center

Vitality Workshop: How to Increase Worship Attendance - August 6, Apostles, Lancaster

Vitality Workshop: How to Increase Worship Attendance - August 20, Dreisbach, Lewisburg

Click to see our Web site for more details.

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2018

SAVE THE DATE!

Clergy Convocation - January 30 - February 1, 2018

Doubletree by Hilton - Willow Valley, Lancaster 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

General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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NEW - Pension Board 2018 Updates

At a recent meeting, Pension Board approved the following rates and updates. Read Details Here

NEW - PCC Disaster R&R

Our help is needed to handle the long-term recovery of Hurricane Matthew. We are being asked by David Heald, the Conference Disaster Coordinator for the Florida Conference. Please read David's appeal and share it with your home congregation, with your PCC Association and throughout Penn Central Conference.

You can contact David or go to this UCC website link to sign up a group to work at David's location in Florida:

http://www.ucc.org/disaster_ucc_hurricane_matthew_response

NEW - ONA Congregations of PCC

The ONA Congregations of Central PA once again will have an information and outreach booth at Pride Festival of Central PA! This year's festival will be held in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg on July 26, 2017. Festival hours are 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Volunteers are needed!! All ONA Congregations are invited to participate in staffing the booth, talking to other festival attendees, and distributing information on your congregation.

Please contact Shirley Keith-Knox ( [email protected]) if you would like to participate in this year's Pride Fest activities. If you cannot participate in the booth, be sure to stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you there!

2017 Loss Control Webinars

The Insurance Board is pleased to present the following upcoming Loss Control webinars, available to all participants and members.

Keeping Your Ministries Safe: 5 Things Churches Can Do to Prevent Abuse
Wednesday, September 13th, 2pm Eastern (Praesidium)

How to Avoid Background Screening Litigation

Wednesday, October 11th, 2pm Eastern (Praesidium)

Here's a link to their Web site to register:

https://www.insuranceboard.org/online-learning

Church News

Friendship Fest and Ice Cream Social

Trinity United Church of Christ, East Petersburg, PA, is hosting their annual Friendship Festival and Ice Cream Social on July 16 from 5:00 - 7:00. Face painting, Jim Rule concert, fun and fellowship!

See flyer for additional details.

NEW - 13th Movie Screening

Join St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Thursday, July 20th at 6:00 for a screening of 13th, The Netflix documentary that highlights from slave to criminal with just one amendment. Flyer

Trinity, Mercersburg Celebrates 225 Years!

Trinity United Church of Christ, Mercersburg PA, is celebrating its 225^th Anniversary (1792 - 2017) by hosting a worship service, catered celebratory picnic and program on Sunday, July 23, 2017.

The event will be held at the Lion's Club Park in Mercersburg PA; worship service at 11:30 a.m. and meal and program beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Members, church participants, local clergy, friends and special guests have been invited.

Gettysburg Association Summer Picnic

All members and friends are invited to the annual summer picnic Thursday, July 27 from 6:00 - 8:00.

The event will be held at the St. James UCC - 1200 Harney Road, Littlestown (in the social hall.)

Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls and drinks will be provided. Please bring a covered dish to share. RSVP by July 23 to [email protected] or 717.359.4019.

CRN Event "I Wish I Would Have Done Something"

St. Paul's Mechanicsburg invites you to learn how to effectively and sensitively intervene when someone is being verbally or physically harassed.

August 2, 2017 from 6:00 - 8:00 at St. Paul's Mechanicsburg

For additional details.

Mercersburg Association Clergy and Family Picnic

Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 11:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M

St. Matthews United Church of Christ - 3240 Spring Road, Carlisle PA

Hot Dogs and Beverage provided but please bring a bring a dish to share and come out for games, fun and fellowship.

RSVP to Pastor Mike Boehm at [email protected] or (717)536-0163

York Association November Association Annual Meeting

The York Association will host Mr. Mark Lutz, the author of UnPoverty, at their Annual Meeting in November.

In preparation for his visit, Community Outreach members have prepared a study guide for you and your congregations to use as you read this book. Currently the Association has 30 copies of this book you can borrow. As you make your plans for summer and fall, please contact Rev. Cathy Sherry ( CathyLHS[email protected] ) to reserve copies for use at your church.

Partners in Peace, 2018

If you are between the ages of 18 and 25 and would like to be one of three participants for the next Partners in Peace adventure, please see attached flyer

Questions can be directed to Peter Emig at [email protected].

Clergy News

Register for Pastor's Breakfast and Worship by July 17!

We look forward to the Pastor's Breakfast and Worship at Hartman Center on July 27. The event is free.

Details below...

Please register by July 17!

July - August

July 23: Kenno Meko Korssa Ordination at Wisdom's Table at St. Peter's, Lancaster - 3:00 PM

July 30: Jeff Kardisco Ordination at Trinity, Waynesboro - 3:00 PM

August 1: Bonita Zobeck last day at Colonial Park UCC

August 6: Margaret Wise retiring from Zwingli, East Berlin

Hartman Center

ONE More Camper Campaign

For $420, you, your church or a group can sponsor a camper to attend Hartman Center this summer.

We need more than 300 (ideally 350) campers for the summer program to operate in the BLACK.

Can your church provide a CHRISTMAS IN JULY for a child/youth in your church or in your community?

If every PCC congregation could send just ONE MORE CAMPER that would make a world of difference to Hartman Center BUT EVEN MORE to those children/youth that get to experience the blessings of a week at summer camp.

The best way to experience camp for the first time is to come with a friend, or a parent, or grandparent. Intergenerational camps are offered each week.