Greetings Penn Central members and friends,



“And God said. ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give lights upon the earth.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:14-15 (NRSVUE)

Let me start by saying this is a shameless plug for an upcoming event this weekend sponsored by PCC. However, that event (Painting with Spirit) happens to connect, in my mind, with the opening chapters of Genesis. Stick with me here.

First, you may have heard in a UCC liturgy the assertion that humans are “co-creators” with God. This is said about our ability to create – through art, music, theater, language, technology, and more. We are, without a doubt, a creative species, making things that would not exist without our hands, minds, imagination, or spirits. We are not true CO-creators with God, because we will never be equal partners. I cannot, after all, create an evolutionary process that results in the human brain. However, I like to think that in some tiny degree (the size of a greeting card, usually) I can create something of beauty.

So, I was excited to try Fluid Art as a new means of creation. My initial experience surprised me for several reasons. First, I discovered that the exact moment when the paint was released onto the canvas reminded me immediately of Genesis and the birth of the universe. You must see it to experience it (see a photo below) but everyone in the room met that moment with a slight gasp of awe. [Okay, they might have said, “Wow, how cool!” but I consider that awe.] What was released in that first moment had nothing to do with me – I may have chosen the colors – but the result was completely mysterious and not of my own making. That moment was humbling.

What was even more humbling, however, was the end result. The final piece was not as I had expected. Okay, I wasn’t sure I liked it. Why? Because it did not come out as I had expected it to! And therein lay the most valuable lesson. This is a creative medium that does not allow for complete control. The paint, mixed with physics, chemistry, and gravity, goes where it will. I can suggest a direction by tilting my canvas, but ultimately the mix of colors, where certain colors appear and others recede, is a mystery. A personal insight: apparently, I like having control over things. (Who knew? Please imagine me laughing.) A good reminder from God of my limitations.

A lesson in humility while being part of a beautiful creative process that reminds me of Genesis and thus of my Creator? I can’t think of anything more spiritual for a Sunday afternoon. Seriously.

Please consider joining us. We even have financial aid! Two classes remain:

Sunday July 14 in Lancaster 3:00-6:00 PM

Sunday August 4 in Harrisburg 3:00-6:00 PM.

Register for either or both here.

Peace,

Carrie

Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

Conference Minister

Penn Central Conference 

Join with a few of your ministry peers for a fun and reflective time learning about fluid art! No experience necessary. You will learn from a professional fluid artist (Ann Benton Yeager) and create a 12x12 canvas of your own. Your Conference staff will share a bit of scripture and poetry and we will also have refreshments for all. 

Register here.

Printable eNews are available. Pastors and secretaries, please feel free to share with your congregation members that don't get this weekly email. Download and print this PDF with the weekly message to the conference, prayers for Penn Central and brief list of events.

Scheduling Notes

Sunday, July 14 - St. John's Tylersville UCC, Loganton - Nora Foust preaching

Prayers for Penn Central Conference

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

This week, we pray for each other as we continue to live into God's calling...

Bethany UCC, Ephrata

St. John's UCC, Spring Mill

Trinity UCC, Fort Loudon

St. John's UCC, Fredricksburg

Church Futures Commission

Discover What Coaching Could Do For You: Free Initial Coaching Session for all Penn Central Clergy & Consistory/Council Presidents

The Penn Central Church Futures Commission invites you to experience the clarifying, empowering, and strategic benefits of coaching. Unlike a mentor or a consultant, coaches aren’t there to tell you what to think, feel, believe, or do. Coaches’ deep listening and intuitive questions support clients in their identified growth, problem solving, and strategy implementation, while evoking new awareness. One of the greatest benefits of coaching is that it provides an intentional partner who is there to confidentially support, encourage, and strengthen you in your ministry. The best way to understand what coaching is, is to experience it yourself. Therefore, the Church Futures Commission is providing free initial coaching sessions for all Penn Central clergy and Consistory/Council Presidents. For those wanting to pursue additional coaching, the next three sessions, scheduled over a four-month period, will be available at a 50% discount. Click here to access the Church Futures webpage, where you can learn about our two professionally trained coaches and to schedule your initial session with one of them.

Association Events

July 21, 3:00PM - Dwight Hein installation service - Quentin UCC, Quentin

August 4, 3:00PM - Su Rider ordination service - St. Peter's UCC, Lykens

German Partnership

Explore our German roots! The PCC-EKiR partnership with the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, Germany, is looking for leaders for their next generation project to participate in two ecumenical church meetings, one in the fall, in Wisconsin, and one in the spring in Wuppertal, Germany. Clergy and involved laypeople in age up to the early 40s are sought. The partnership committee has a commitment to pursuing grants and other funding for your travel expenses. We prefer people who can commit to both meetings, but will consider people who can only commit to one. This is a significant ecumenical continuing education and relationship opportunity!  For more information contact Julie Holm at julie@bvfof.org!

Creation Justice

UCC Webinar: An Indigenous Translation of Scripture

The "First Nations Version" is an Indigenous translation of the Christian scriptures. It brings a fresh language to how these scriptures are conveyed and understood. Notably, a decolonized rendering of the sacred texts articulates a different understanding of how humans understand their relationship to both God and all of God's creation. In this webinar, we will hear from three members of the translation council that produced the First Nations Version. Terry M. Wildman, who envisioned the translation, will be joined by Amy Allan and Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson. Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Tuesday, July 16th at 3 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

EcoPreacher Cohort

New Cohort begins in September 2024

Once monthly meetings online via Zoom

As our climate-changed and changing world continues to demand courage, imagination, and resourcefulness, congregations and their leaders have a unique opportunity to offer prophetic voices of possibility. With their skills and community connections, preachers are in a special position to offer spiritual guidance in the quest for understanding, connection, and resilience in a world in need of environmental healing and wholeness.

Learn more here.

Local Church

St. Thomas UCC Golf Tournament

Friday, August 2, 2024 12:30PM

Manada Golf Club, Grantville, PA

$85 Entry Fee - 18 holes of golf with cart, luncheon and pig roast dinner

Contact St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg at admin@stthomasucc.net or (717) 652-7259

Outdoor Ministries

Nawakwa is seeking help at camp in two areas. First, we need someone to cover the camp health officer role during the weeks of July 14 - 19 and July 28 - August 2. This role is typically filled by a nurse, but it could also be handled by an EMT or other healthcare professionals. Even someone with First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications would be suitable.

Secondly, we are looking for assistance in the kitchen during the week of July 28 - August 2. This could be someone we hire for the remainder of the summer or week-long volunteers. Duties include general kitchen work such as meal prep and clean-up, dishwashing, sweeping, floor mopping, and other related tasks.

Contact Mike Youse, Executive Director

myouse@lutherancamping.org

717-677-8211

Hartman Center Homecoming Camp 2024

Registration is now open!

Sunday, July 28th through Saturday, August 3rd, 2024

We will be returning again to Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, PA as guests.

Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees

Check out the full list of camping experiences for all ages and register here.

In addition to the cabins and lodges, RV sites will be available. We would love it if lots of Penn Central Conference folks are able to reserve and use those sites while we are there. Check the website here.

Upcoming events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald and Nawakwa

Click here to register for these and other events

Check out the summer camp options here

Use coupon code PENNCENTRAL2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees.

Educational Opportunities

Registration is important for planning purposes, even for virtual events, so please let us know if you need to cancel your registration so we have the most accurate numbers.

Boundary Training in 2024

Via Zoom - 10:00AM and 6:00PM

These boundary trainings are a repeat of topics covered in the first half of 2024.

Money Matters - July 16, 2024

Financial Health and Vitality can be a challenging conversation and in this two-hour session we will look at the various ways in which money does matter in ministry, personally and vocationally. Financial Misconduct is in the top-five reasons for fitness reviews and conference staff receive numerous questions about how to move in healthy ways when it comes to church money. Come out and we’ll take a deep dive into this sensitive topic. Register here

Healthy Beginnings and Endings – August 20, 2024

All ministries have beginnings and endings. In this session, participants will look at healthy expectation setting in new calls as well as ethical departure requirements. Register here

The Ministerial Code – September 17, 2024

This is the ordained minister’s code of ethics and should underpin our ministry. It’s a grand document. Join Nora as we look at it line-by-line and examine the practical implications of living a life worthy of the calling to which we’ve each been called. Register here

Intersectionality and Power Dynamics - October 15, 2024

In this session, ACM Rev. Dr. Nora Foust will discuss ways in which we as leaders in the church navigate ever changing power dynamics as culturally more and more important intersections are defined. Her participation in a training event with Rev Lori Tapia, the DOC National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries, and Dr. Sharon Fennema, our UCC Curator for Join the Movement, led to the development of this culturally relevant discussion. Register here

Undercurrents and Riptides Online - November 19, 2024

In this session, we will discuss the hidden (and obvious) dangers of ministry in an online world. From Social Media to AI to Pornography, the internet can pull us in many directions and not all of them are good for us. Register here.

Retired Minister Boundary Awareness Training – will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 1:30 – 4:30pm ET. Registration is here; this three-hour training may meet Association or Conference requirements for boundary training for retired clergy

UCC National Setting

UCC Webinars

These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.

An Indigenous Translation of Scripture

JUL 16, 2024 | 3:00PM - 4:00PM

Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers

JUL 24, 2024 | 7:30PM - 8:30PM

2024 Financial Ministries Webinars

4^th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)

July 24 – Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers 

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvfuigrDwqHdI98h61fh1SpPrQJ2yC26iA

A narrative budget translates the line items of a traditional budget into a story of how your congregation makes a difference in the world. It can be a helpful tool for a stewardship campaign or annual meeting. By telling the story of our congregations' impact, we can inspire generosity in our donors.

August 28 – 3 Best Practices for Stewardship in Congregations

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-6vqTIpG9egZClLQ6xXRV5jWRz-JVYT

We will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership, and online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.     

See full 2024 list here.

UCC's Justice and Peace Action Network are offering 50% scholarships for 12 UCC members for Justice Leadership Program's Justice Jubilee program this fall. The Jubilee program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while gaining knowledge and confidence to do the work of justice within their congregation and community.

Please share this opportunity through conference newsletters or send directly to interested congregations and individuals.

Sign-up today - space is limited!

Spirits United Interfaith Pride Service

Central PA Pride Weekend

Sunday, July 28, 5:00PM

Keynote Speaker will be PCC's own Rev. Cindy Garis August

Music by the Spirits United Interfaith Choir

Livestreamed on Facebook.com/mccofthespirit

Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit

2973 Jefferson St.

Harrisburg, PA 17110

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) offers Innovation and New Models of Leadership.

July 9–Aug 13, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom.

Instructor: The Rev. Dale Davis. 

This cutting-edge class introduces you to the latest leadership models and features a podcast series produced especially for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry, featuring well-known experts Gil Rendle, Karen Georgia Thompson, Doug Powe Jr., Lovett Weems Jr., John Schol, and Sarah Drummond. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Information and registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.

o  Four-week and Six-week long summer courses offered include:

o  Pluralism and Religion in North America (6-wks) – July 10 to August 20

o  Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) (6-wks) – June 19 to August 6, 2024

PATHWAYS next 12-week UCC Polity and History course begins on August 28, 2024. The website states: "The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more." To register or for more information go to UCC History and Polity on the website.

PATHWAYS Theological Education continues expanding its offerings. Look for information coming soon on the Environmental Justice Certificate, the Advanced Faith Formation Practitioner's Certificate, and new preaching and Bible courses in conjunction with the Southern New England UCC Conference Project Proclaim (funded by the Lilly Foundation). Go to the website to see a schedule of upcoming courses.

The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is having its first annual House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium on Thursday, August 8, 2024. This event will be held at the Best Western Premier Harrisburg, located at 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

While most churches will never have to face a mass shooter, we are all in danger of having to deal with accidents, robberies, weather disasters, and medical emergencies. Attending a seminar such as this one, can open the door for conversations about developing a church security team that might deal with the following: 

- what security measures are in place - not just for worship times, but anytime the building is in use

- who is responsible for collaborating with local law enforcement should there be an emergency

- have adequate child safety precautions been established

- is the congregation prepared to safely exit the building should they need to do so quickly? (i.e. are all exits clearly marked and does EVERYONE know where they are?)

- is there a need for an AED (defibrillator)and if so, who is trained and who is responsible for ensuring it is charged and pass are kept updated

This seminar will help to get your church asking important questions to help them be proactive instead of reactive when a situation arises.

Click on the following link to register online: House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium - Harrisburg

Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, continuing care retirement communities of United Church of Christ Homes, are seeking a compassionate and resident focused team member for the position of Chaplain.

This full-time position (working 75 hours in a two-week period and splitting time between Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home) provides spiritual support and comfort for the residents of the communities, in coordination with each resident’s home congregation and in accordance with United Church of Christ Homes standards. Responsibilities include planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing programs that meet the individualized spiritual needs of residents; coordinating and conducting regularly scheduled spiritual services for residents; and maintaining a visitation program for all residents. Learn more here.

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

Church Building and Loan Fund

Regional Mission Interpreter Close Date: Open until filled

Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy Close Date: 7/26/24

The Cornerstone Fund Loan

Portfolio Assistant Close Date: Open until filled

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page