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Weekly Update - October 18
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

 

A Message from Rev. Patty Dodds

Join Us as a Friend of Penn Central Conference - NEW!

Generosity - NEW!

Church Leadership Resources - NEW!

Reformation Resources 

Boundary/Leadership Training 

Search and Call 

Church Vitality  

Community Needs and Justice Issues - NEW!

Clergy News - NEW!
Church Events  - NEW!

Hartman Center

Ebay, PCC Style 

Previous eNews

Share Your Story

 

Crop Walk Photos Requested

 

 
NoraA Message from Penn Central Conference Staff
Rev. Patty Dodds, Coordinator of Camp and Retreat Ministries

The churches of Penn Central Conference are blessed to have the outdoor setting we know as Hartman Center. This beautiful resource is here for all of us as a safe space to explore our faith, seek refuge, and create and nurture community. I am honored to be called to help you and your church find ways to access and participate in this outdoor setting by recruiting leaders and assisting them in creating outdoor ministry events. If you have an idea to create an event, or work with one we already have, BE In TOUCH! This place and this ministry belong to all Penn Central Conference members.  
This past summer more than 300 individuals participated in summer camp. The theme of our camp was "I am the Vine - You are the Branches." Youth and adults had the opportunity to engage stories with hands on activities, music and conversations focusing on the idea of our connectedness through Christ to one another and the world.
The summer of 2018 theme will be "Beyond Belief: the Universe of God." Using Gospel stories, campers will engage questions like: What if we belong to God?, What if hope is real?, and What if we change the world?. 2018 Camp information will be available in December. On February 11 we are again planning a conference wide visitation and would love to send someone to your church.
Several conference sponsored retreats are also being planned. On November 17-19, two retreats are being held: one for middle and high school students and another for women. Women will have an opportunity to be creative, relax, and build relationships. Yoga is offered and some may hike the knob. Wayne Mueller's book: How then Shall we Live? is the starting point for conversations about finding beauty and meaning. The youth event will begin with "Jesus Loves Me." From this reminder that we are loved youth will move to wondering how they share that love and what does compassion look like.
The annual Confirmation retreat will be held on March 16 - 18, 2018. This event gives our confirmands an opportunity to think about what it means to be the church. Planning will begin in November and anyone who is interested should contact me. May 4-6, 2018 will be the retreat for elementary students.  
If your individual church or other group is interested in a retreat, I am available to help with retreat ideas and resources.
Retreats and summer camp are a way to enhance and support church. In this setting, people are nurtured in faith and may return to their home churches ready to share with others. Perhaps they have discovered some leadership skills, written a prayer, or learned a song they can offer the congregation.  
I hope you will consider ways to participate in your outdoor ministry program at Hartman Center. I am available by phone 717-50Cabin (502-2246) or email [email protected].  
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Patty
P.S.  Please use this link to register for our November retreats!
JoinUs Friends of Penn Central Conference Campaign
THANK YOU for your gifts and generosity!
 
 
THANK YOU for your generosity!
We are currently at $7,2000 and 72% of our $10,000 goal.  (The campaign ends November 28.)
Please help us spread the news of this campaign with your friends and congregation by using this flyer. 
If you haven't already given, here are suggestions of how YOU can give:

1.  Follow this link to our donation page to make a one-time or monthly recurring gift. You may also send your donation by check to the Conference Office. (Please make check payable to Penn Central Conference, noted as OCWM/Friends of Penn Central Conference in the memo line.)

 

2.  Volunteer your time serving in Association/Penn Central Conference ministries. Sign up here. 

 

3.  Secure a matching gift from your company. You can search this database to see if your company matches - http://www.ucc.org/matching-gifts. What an easy way to double your gift!     

 

 

Thank you for ALL you do for Penn Central Conference!

 

In case you missed it, read Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith's reflection on gratitude and generosity (based on Mark 12)


 

 
PCC and Local Churches Connect through Our Mission - NEW
Celebrating our ministry together through stories about local churches living into our mission!
  
 Penn Central Conference
where congregations passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ.
St John's United Church of Christ of Fredericksburg, PA (Lebanon Association), is living out the mission of Penn Central Conference. "The last few years St. John's has allowed rhetoric to put on shoes," says Rev. Tony Fields.  Read their story.

If you have a story to share, please reach out to Stephanie at [email protected].

GenerGenerosity
 Generosity Resources - NEW
 
Stewarding Our Finances (David P. King)
 
LeadershipChurch Leadership Resources
Leadership Resources - NEW
Faith Practices  (UCC Bible Study Resource)
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The Leader and the Loyal Opposition (Faith & Leadership)
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Sorry, Pastor - Numbers Are Not People (Karl Vaters, a perspective on considering church metrics)


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

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Crunch Time for Small Congregations (Congregational Consulting Group - 3 part series)
                                                                    
WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY - Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi
 
Big Gifts, Small Packages: Church Vitality in Small Churches - a workshop about healthy churches. 
Date: October 28, 2017
Time: 9:30 (registration), 10:00 - 3:00 presentation with lunch
Cost: $15 per person, $12 per person for groups of 3 or more, includes lunch
 

Reformation500th Anniversary of the Reformation
Reformation Resources
 
The PCC-UEK Partnership Team, which supports our Conference partnerships with our German partners in the Rhineland and in the Berlin area, would like to offer some respources for worship materials that you might wish to use in your observance of this year's 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. 
 
Please use them responsibly and observe any copyright restrictions.  And in any case, please acknowledge the sources of any materials you may use. 
 
We hope that you will find blessing in observing this major event in the church's history! 
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Other Resources:
"Sola Gratia"  - Hymn written at Craigville Colloquy  
Spirit on Tap - October 31 at 7:00 with Dr. Jane Ellingwood - The Reformation at 500 and Beyond
 
JusticeCommunity Needs and Justice Issues
Disaster Ministries
 
Bucket Drop Off Sites

St. John's UCC in Boalsburg will be a local drop-off point for clean up buckets.  Please call the church office at 814.466.7162 before coming.  The collection will continue until October 31.

CWS has a direct drop off site in Carroll County, Maryland as well.  If you are interested, please contact Brethren Disaster Ministries.
 
601 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
Phone:1-800-451-4407
Fax: 410-635-8739

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On Wednesday, 10/11/17, we participated in a Global Ministries seminar featuring the Rev. Miguel A. Morales Castor, General Pastor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico. For one hour yesterday we listened to and watched the live conversations with the Rev. Miguel A. Morales Castor as he sat in his church in Puerto Rico. The content of his conversation broke our hearts as we listened to his reporting on the status and conditions of the people, buildings and land in Puerto Rico at this time.
 
Please take the time to listen to what we heard that Rev. Castor shared during this Global Ministries webinar:  https://vimeo.com/237780147?from=outro-embed

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Creation Justice

      Creation Justice is working to collect information on our churches.  Please fill out this survey.
 
To read the newest The Pollinator.

BoundaryBoundary/Leadership Training
Training for Our Whole Lives

Training for Our Whole Lives, a series of sexuality education programs developed jointly by the UCC and UUA, will come to the Lancaster Association on October 27-29, 2017. 
Retired Boundary Training
"Healthy Practices in the Third-Third: Boundary Awareness in Retirement"
 
November 16 at St. John's in Lewisburg
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM  

This training will count toward your association's Boundary Training requirement.

Come explore topics around vocation and identity as well as look at some of the logistics of leaving well and in some cases becoming a member instead of the pastor. With much of the expertise already in the room, we anticipate lively discussion of life in real-world retirement and how we navigate the blessings and challenges of this time in our lives.
 
Register using this form or by emailing Janice at [email protected]

 
SearchandCallSearch and Call
Search and Call Event
Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2-5PM  
St. Thomas UCC, 6490 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg
 
For leaders in PCC congregations, this is an opportunity to explore current versions of both the Minister's Profile and the Local Church Profile.

Hear from a panel of leaders who have recently worked on a Local Church Profile and completed a Search Process.

Learn from ministers who have recently been in the Search process about what they experienced.

Engage with one another in conversations about Search and Call.

Please register for this event with Janice Mountain at [email protected] by November 1st.
 
Search and Call News
Sabbatical Planning?   Pastor preparing for sabbatical? 
We have resources for you.  Please c ontact Betsy for  additional details. 
VitalityChurch 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   [email protected]

Events1Events, Training and Resources Available
UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS
Lebanon Association Meeting - Grace, Richland, October 22 - 3:00
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Authorizing Ministry in the 21st Century - October 23 and 24, Clarion Hotel, Essington (event at capacity, no longer receiving registrations)      
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Clergy Leadership - October 25, Colonial Park UCC, 1-4

Bi g Gifts in Small Packages, Church Vitality in Small Churches Workshop - October 28 with Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi               
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Clergy Leadership (Saturday Session) - November 4, Colonial Park UCC, 9-12
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Central Association Town Hall - November 5, St. John's Lewisburg, 2:30
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DR&R Mission Central Meeting - November 10, Mission Central, Mechanicsburg, 10 AM
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Advancing Healthy Ministry, Boundary Bites - November 11, 9:30 - 12
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Search and Call Event - November 12, St. Thomas, Harrisburg, 2-5

Mercersburg Association Meeting - November 12, Apostles, Waynesboro - 3:00

York Association Meeting - November 12, Salem Dover, 2:00
 
Green Justice Team - November 14, Penn Central Conference Center, 10-12
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Transitional Ministry Gathering - November 15, Penn Central Conference Center, 10-12
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Retired Clergy Boundary Training - November 16, St. John's Lewisburg, 9:30 - 12
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Women's Retreat - November 17-19, Hartman Center
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Youth Retreat - November 17-19, Hartman Center
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Commission on Ministry - November 20, Penn Central Conference Center, 9:30-11:30
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Hartman Center Committee of the Board of Directors - November 20, Penn Central Conference Center, 6-8
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Penn Central Conference Office Closed - November 23 and 24
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Clergy Leadership - November 29, Colonial Park UCC, 1-4
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Pastor's Breakfast and Worship - November 30, Shiloh UCC, Danville, 9:30 - 11:30
 
Join Our List

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Join Our Mailing List
Association Links
Events, Training and More... NEW
 
Reading the Qur'an as a Non-Muslim
A Case of the Wiggles: Helping Children Focus without Shaming
Breaking Down Digital Barriers
Safeguards in Youth Ministry
Making Disciples: Every Church Needs a Plan for Adult Discipleship Groups
and more   
Loss Control Webinars

The Insurance Board is pleased to present the following upcoming Loss Control webinars, available to all participants and members.
 
Saturday, November 11, 1-4, Live Webinar at Shiloh, Danville UCC
 
  
Here's a link to their Web site to register:

Pathways Courses - NEW


 
PATHWAYS course offerings this month include a course in Old Testament Hermeneutics that Bible study leaders will find engaging and informative. 
  
Gaining an appreciation of worship as both part of the shared life of the congregation and an individual's spiritual practice is the focus of the course The Art of Worship. 
  
Both courses begin on October 23, last six weeks, and are available online.  For more information, visit www.pathways-ucc.org.
  
2018 - SAVE THE DATE!
 
Clergy Convocation - January 30 - February 1, 2018
  Doubletree by Hilton - Willow Valley, Lancaster PA
 
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

General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
Please check out the SAVE THE DATE Section Under Hartman Center too!
ChurchNewsChurch News
Happy Anniversary!
Salem UCC, Harrisburg celebrates their 230th Anniversary on October 29
Trinity UCC, York celebrates their 275th anniversary on October 29
St. John's, New Columbia celebrates their 200th anniversary on October 29
*Please let us know if your church has an anniversary they are celebrating.
Now Hiring: Minister of Music
 
Saint Paul's UCC in West Milton
seeks a part-time Director of Music.  Saint Paul's is a vibrant congregation with a growing music program.  Candidates should be exceptional in piano/organ accompaniment and choral conducting and a have a desire to grow a music program with great potential.  Contact Pastor Timothy Hogan-Palazzo, [email protected]
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Inspired Director of Music sought for First Reformed Church United Church of Christ in Sunbury, PA. Part-time position for person able to provide music for 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sundays (autumn through early summer) and 9:30 a.m. service(summer), with possibility of adding Saturday afternoon contemporary service. Evening services include Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Responsible for Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir. Call Diane Luberecki at 570-286-2712.
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Bethany United Church of Christ, Ephrata, Pa., is seeking a part-time Director of Music.  The Director of Music is responsible for directing the choir and other ensembles and should be experienced in a variety of music genres. If interested, please contact Rev. Wm. LaSalle at 717-733-9608.
 
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Starview United Church of Christ in Mount Wolf
is looking to hire a part time Minister of Music, responsible for weekly worship and for choirs: chancel, men's, children, and chimes. Piano and/or Organ skills required. Compensation package will be discussed during the interview. Send resume to: [email protected]
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Hamilton Park UCC is a warm and friendly congregation, ready for growth and vitality, which seeks to hire a part-time Director of Music that is able to provide encouraging, enthusiastic and supportive leadership for the church ministry.  For details.
 
Advent Resource
 
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.
 
Association Events - NEW
CENTRAL:
  • The Central Association will host their Town Hall on November 5, 2017.  Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan.  For details.
 
LANCASTER:
  • Join Trinity, East Petersburg for Quint Essentially Brass at 4:00 on October 22.  For Details.
  • Lancaster Association Fall Meeting - November 5 at 3:00 at St. Luke's, Lititz.
 
LEBANON:
  • The Lebanon Association Fall Meeting is October 22 at 2:00 at Grace UCC in Richland.  Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan.  For details.
MERCERSBURG:
  • The Mercersburg Association Fall Meeting is November 12 at Church of the Apostles in Waynesboro.  Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan.  For details.
 
YORK:
  • Benefit Relief Concert, October 22 - 3:00 - 4:30 with Troy D. Winemiller at St. Paul UCC - 161 South Main Street, Shrewsbury
  • Dover United Church of Christ invites you to an evening of music with Buddy King and Diane Susek on Friday, October 27.  The concert (and accompanying silent auction) benefits the upcoming partnership 2018 People-to-People Pilgrimage to Kenya. The concert begins at 7:00pm.  The doors open 6 p.m.  There is a suggested donation of $5 for the concert. Silent auction items include pottery, jewelry and original artwork.  The event will take place at Dover UCC, 45 W. Canal Street, Dover, PA 17315.  Refreshments included.  For details.
  • On November 12, Starview UCC in Mt. Wolf will host an opioid epidemic seminar from 12 - 2.  For details.
  • The York Association will host Mr. Mark Lutz, the author of UnPoverty, at their Annual Meeting November 12. 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.  
OrdinationsClergy News
October - November - NEW
October 22 Jackie Lingelbach's last Sunday at Quentin
October 22: Jeff Kardisco Installation Mt. Zion, York - 3:00 PM
October 29: Elizabeth Nocheck Installation at Hamilton Park, Lancaster - 3:00 PM
 
November 19: Brian Percy Ecclesiastical Council at Faith, York - 3:00 PM
November 19: Melissa Burkhart Ordination at St. Paul's, Manheim - 3:00 PM
November 19: Dan Schmidt Installation at St. Thomas, Linglestown - 3:00 PM
November 19: Amelia Price Ordination at Emmanuel, Penns Creek - 2:30 PM
  
Register Today for the Pastor's Breakfast and Worship, November 30 at Shiloh, UCC in Danville from 9:30 - 12:00.  (9:30 - Coffee, 10:00 - Breakfast, 10:45 - Worship) 
 
ThreeGreat3 Great Loves
 3 Great Loves
  
We have seen some great 3 Great Loves stories! 
Thank you for your commitment to Love of Neighbor, Love of Children and Love of Creation. 

 
Now Available - Download 3 Great Loves Toolkit to review and use the resources the UCC has created for your congregation. Make your community ministry - that uses love to light the way to a more just world for all - more visible and meaningful.

Please continue to share your stories with us!  We love seeing Penn Central Conference congregations connected, engaged and transformed through Christ's love!
 
 
HartmanCenterHartman Center
Hartman Center News and Resources
  

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Save the Date for Upcoming Hartman Center Events:
  • Women's Retreat - November 17-19, 2017 flyer and registration
  • Youth Retreat - November 17-19, 2017 flyer and registration
  • Confirmation Retreat - March 16-18. 2018
  • Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018

More details on the Hartman Center Web site!

 
 
Thank you for your continued support!
 
EbayEbay, Penn Central Style
Faith UCC, New Cumberland Donations 
 
Thank you to Faith UCC New Cumberland. 
They are offering some great items to give away that other churches might be able to use.
  
Choir robes, communion ware, and a Faith UCC banner, altar, pulpit, lecturn, baptismal font and kneeler as well as some New Century Hymnals and some NRSV pew bibles (though not many).  Paraments are not included. 
Please reach out to Cindy Garis via text/voice at 717-679-1492 or email at 1[email protected]
 

  
 
 
Adult Choir Robes (FREE)
 
 
Christ Church, Elizabethtown has 50 adult choir robes in off white/blue. They are free.  If you would like them, please reach out to Nadinne Ziegler at [email protected] or (717) 367-1208.

 
Plastic Candle Holders from Emmanuel, Hanover
 
Are you planning for Christmas?
As you gather your materials, you may find your candle holders need to be replaced.
If so, Emmanuel, Hanover can help!
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Well crafted candle holders for $1/each.  Order yours today!

 
FaithConnectionStoriesFaith 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. 
Share your story today!  Click here to share your own congregation's story  - please send to [email protected].

 
ShareYourStoryHave a Story to Share?!
CropCROP Walk Photos Requested
We saw a lot of great pictures from CROP Walks this past weekend.  Thank you for walking (working) to end hunger in Central PA and around the globe. 
 
We would love to highlight and showcase these pictures in a future eNews story.
 
Please send any pictures along with details about the walk: date/time of the walk, how much was raised and what local group was supported (if applicable) by 10/23 to Stephanie at [email protected].
 
ArchiveArchive
Our Previous eNews
 

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