Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central,
Holy Week, for me, is shaped by a trip I took with Conference Minister colleagues to Montgomery Alabama in the fall of 2019. On that trip we visited a number of places, including The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The memorial includes a museum in a former cotton warehouse and a memorial sculpture site that honors those killed by lynching (go to https://legacysites.eji.org/about/memorial/).
The trip was powerful in many ways. I was surprised to find that it brought me to Holy Week, theologically. As I reflected while I was there I had insights into the experience of Jesus as he was betrayed, mocked, and executed, as well as the line from the Apostle's Creed "he descended into hell."
In the museum were excerpts from the journals and notes of former slaves displayed on glass columns. I wandered among them and read how those who arrived at the market prayed over and over that God save them, save their children, provide succor, and honor their baptism. The words were powerful, tragic, and deeply moving. And they brought me to Jesus's betrayal, his words in the garden, and his words from the cross in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
The trip to the memorial, however, struck even more, into my deepest soul-space. The memorial recognizes 4,400 lynching victims, all painstakingly researched and verified. There are 800 columns, one for each county where lynching happened, and on that column are the names the victims and the dates of their death (and yes, counties from PA are present). These are rust-colored corten steel columns and when I began my visit I walked among them at ground level, so I was looking at each straight on. However, the floor begins to slope and as I walked down, the columns rose slowly above me until I reached the lowest point. At that moment I looked up and saw the seemingly endless columns above me. In that moment I realized that I was standing in the position that a member of the lynching mob would have stood, looking up at the work of their hands (and hearts).
In that moment the Apostles Creed - of all things - spoke to me: "He descended into hell." Here I was, standing looking up - at effigies of victims of horrific violence - and I was looking up too at Jesus on the cross.
The theologian John Calvin thought that Jesus entered hell when from the cross he cried out to God, "Why have you forsaken me?" And now I understood it in a visceral, deeply humbling way.
I confess that I wanted to run away from the horror of that moment, out of the dimly lit hell, back up to sunlight and "normal life." But I made myself sit and stay. It changed me.
There is no way to describe what the soul experiences when it comes face to face with the crucified Christ. I think that moment in the memorial was that face to face meeting for me. Now Holy Week carries the echoes of the voices of slaves and those victimized by lynching. The tragedy of the suffering and injustice is broadened. I think about how people have betrayed others in our country's past and the ways we betray one another now - even those we love. I think about hell and the crucifixion as combined. I think about how our histories, personal and national, can weigh so heavily on our souls.
But most of all, my eagerness for resurrection has been amplified and takes on greater urgency now. I carry that eagerness for the triumph of love into every day and every prayer. I carry it into a world full of suffering, injustice, and terror, praying and waiting for the first moment of sun to cross the horizon on Easter Morning.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
|  | Photo credit: Chicago Tribune | |
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Women's History in the UCC
Women's History Month, celebrated annually in March, honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It originated from International Women's Day which was first observed in the early 1900s and gained traction during the women's rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s.This month serves to raise awareness of women's roles in shaping societies, inspire future generations, and highlight ongoing challenges.
In the eNews each week this month we will be highlighting the contributions of women in the history of the UCC. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of these women this month and every month.
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Cultivating Conversation about Race, Gender and Class
She had two daughters. She loved the church, she knew education was important, and she was deeply involved in volunteer work. Yet she felt that God was calling her to do more.
Marilyn Adams Moore (1933-1991) grew up as a Presbyterian in New York City. She was a committed laywoman who did not see herself as a preacher. Yet the transforming power of the Holy Spirit changed her life. Eventually she graduated from New York Theological Seminary, was ordained in the United Church of Christ, and served for a time as an assistant minister at St. Alban’s Congregational Church in Queens.
Moore became secretary for racial and social justice with the UCC Board for Homeland Ministries, helping clergy and laity respond to social issues and support immigrant women and the homeless. She also held positions with the National Council of Churches and the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization.
Her most significant work was with the UCC Commission for Racial Justice, serving as assistant director alongside Charles E. Cobb. She shaped many Commission programs—especially the campaign to free the Wilmington Ten, and to support Marie Hill, a 17-year old African American woman from North Carolina who had been condemned to death for committing murder.
In the national UCC offices Moore played a key role on the “Women’s InterStaff Team,” bringing women staff together to cultivate honest and open dialogue about the intersection of race, gender and class. She pressed UCC leaders to create a new “Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM).” Such a Council, she believed, would encourage UCC sisters and brothers to collaborate with each other for more effective and relevant racial and ethnic ministries. She believed that one table surrounded by various colors, stories and gifts would inspire the UCC.
Collaborator: Yvonne V. Delk
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This information originally appear in UCC Roots, May 2018 | |
62nd Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference
For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Annual Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.
We will be joined by General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, who will be preaching during closing worship on Sunday. All four conferences will be hosting a reception with her on Saturday evening as well.
All Authorized Ministers in good standing are voting members of Penn Central Conference. Each church shall be entitled to be represented by two (2) lay delegates with voting privileges.
Registration is now open - register here. You can learn more in this video featuring all four conference ministers, plus a tentative schedule is posted to the registration page.
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We recognize that the prices involved are higher than what our churches and clergy have spent in the past for Annual Meeting. We do not want budget concerns to prevent your attendance at this important meeting - scholarships are available!
Please fill out this form and email it to Paul Keller to apply for financial assistance.
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Scheduling notes:
April 7 - Maytown Reformed UCC, Maytown - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
April 14 - Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
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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...
Emmanuel Union UCC, Centre Hall
St. John's Tylersville UCC, Loganton
St. Paul's Verdilla UCC, Selinsgrove
Trinity UCC, Watsontown
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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. | |
Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows
Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00am via ZOOM.
It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”-- to love and serve one another-- for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.
Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance.
Register here.
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Salem's Closet, in Salem UCC, Harrisburg, has partnered with Church World Services and are supplying refugees with clothing and household goods.
The number of refugees that have been coming has gone from just a few to 15 a month. In conversation wtih Cindy at CWS, 15 or more is going to be the new normal. We need clothing for men, boys, teens, infants, and toddlers for all seasons, bedding that includes blankets, and sheets not to mention other household goods. These donations need to be in good condition and clean.
Please contact Susan Nelson at srsews@gmail.com to find out more about how to donate items. If you are able to help transport items donated from further afield, please let her know as well.
| St. James UCC, Stillwater (in Penn North East Conference) is looking for handbells to start a handbell choir. If your church is looking to sell or donate your bells please reach out to Carol Bath at gammybath@gmail.com | Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey, PA is in need of some music stands. If your church is looking to sell or donate some, please contact Kira at info@redeemerchurchucc.org | |
The Brush Valley Fusion of Faith has an extra organ! Our 1969 Allen
electric organ, plus four large speakers are free to a good (church or
individual) home. Contact Julie Holm julie@bvfof.org for more
information.
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Association Events
April 7, 2:00PM - Northern Association Spring Meeting
April 14, 3:00PM - Lebanon Association Spring Meeting - Hill UCC, Lebanon
April 14, 3:00PM - Lancaster Association Spring Meeting - St. Paul's UCC, Manheim
April 21, 2:30PM - Gettysburg Association Spring Meeting - Trinity UCC, Gettysburg
May 5, 3:00PM - Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting
| St. Luke's UCC, Lock Haven - Installation Service for Pastor Dave Miller - April 14, 3:00PM | |
For Children and Youth: UCC Climate Hope Art Contest
To give our children and youth a voice this election season, while also reminding adults of their responsibility for the next generation, the UCC is conducting a Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest. From now until April 16th, art submissions will be accepted. Participating churches should register now to receive important information and updates.
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UCC Earth Summit Featuring Bill McKibben and Award-Winning Activists
The UCC's second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, "Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?" Additionally, the following panel of award-winning activists will speak about the multi-national struggle against the pollution of Formosa Plastics, one of the world's largest plastics producers. Both Sharon Lavigne and Diane Wilson have won the Goldman Prize which is often referred to as the “green” Nobel Prize. They will be joined on the panel by Nancy Bui from the International Monitor Formosa Alliance and Justice for Formosa Victims. The two-and-a-half-hour summit will also feature the announcement of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award winner, a celebration of the UCC's newest Creation Justice Churches, and a video showcasing the environmental ministries of our host congregation, The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College. Even if you cannot make the event on April 20th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and a recording will be sent to you. Register now
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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.
Camps:
3 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Wednesday, July 31 at 10AM
Getting Started - Grades K - 1 ($190)
Directed by Katie Price
Intergenerational Camp ($190)
Directed by Aleshia Hawkins
3 night camps - Wednesday, July 31st at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Camp of the Heart ($250)
Directed by Kara Druckenmiller
Women's Heart and Soul Camp ($190)
Directed by Nora Foust
6 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Elementary - Grades 2 - 4 ($300)
Directed by Alex (Weis) Sattazahn and Allyson Butz
Middle School - Grades 5 - 7 ($300)
Directed by Carol Price and Nicole Henry
Senior High - Grades 8 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Nathan Limbert
Leadership - Grades 9 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Betsy Brauw
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.
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Upcoming events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Click here to register for these and other events
Summer Camp Open Houses
April 14 at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Earth Day Celebration
April 21 at Kirchenwald
Work Day
April 27 at Nawakwa
May 4 at Kirchenwald
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.
I love going to camp because of all the fun I have with the activities. I love going to camp for the learning experience. The community is amazing, and I always feel accepted at camp. I have so many great memories which always keep me coming back each year. That is just some of the reasons I love camp Kirchenwald. ~ Hugh Dickel (12 years old. He has attended Arts and Crafts Camp and Guppies Camp)
The reason I like to go to camp is all the friends that I make. I also had a good time with all the counselors there. All of the activities we do are fun. Everyone has a good time at camp as well. Some people I meet I still talk to outside of camp. It’s always nice to take a break from technology and get outside. Every time I come back home I want to go back again because I enjoy it so much. - William Dickel (15 years old. He attended Beach Camp this past year, Kayak Camp, and Kirkenquest Camp in prior years.)
We always feel really good about sending our kids to Camp Kirchenwald and don’t think they miss us at all, the weeks they are at camp! They come home telling us about the fabulous new experiences they’ve had, the new friends they’ve made, and the positive interactions they’ve had with the counselors (great role models!). I can not think of a better way for kids to grow in their faith, gain independence, challenge themselves in learning new skills, and have technology-free time in God’s beautiful creation. Most of all I know they had FUN! And no doubt, will have wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. - Ed Dickel
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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. | Thursday April 4: Clergy Forum at 6:30 pm. You are invited to join your colleagues in a facilitated discussion of "How America got Mean," by David Brooks. The article is a significant take on moral formation in today's society and what the role of the church is in that. Brooks' article is insightful and provocative and will provide material for an engaging conversation. Register here. | |
Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
April 16, 2024 Money Matters – 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. (This will be repeated July 16, 2024.)
May 21, 2024 Healthy Beginnings and Endings – 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. (This will be repeated August 20, 2024.)
Boundary Training at Keystone Annual Meeting
June 7, 2024 Undercurrents and Riptides Online – A two-hour session will be offered as part of the Keystone Annual Meeting (this one will not be via Zoom.) 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. (This will be repeated November 19, 2024 in Zoom format.)
Topics are subject to change, but changes will be announced.
Basic Boundaries for Congregations will be offered via zoom, 6:30-8pm April 15, 2024. This session will feature discussion on Behavioral Covenants, Financial Boundaries, and Pastoral Relations. Anyone is welcome to join, consistory/council members are highly encouraged to attend. Nora is also available for this session at a church or group of churches if desired. Register here. (This will be repeated October 14, 2024.)
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Lay Leadership Convocation 2024
Saturday, April 6
This Year’s Theme: Sharing Leadership
Keynote speaker: Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration and coffee
9:00 - 9:45 am Keynote Address by Dr. Sarah B. Drummond: “Shared Leadership”
10:00 - 11:15 am Workshops
12:45 –1:45 pm Lunch
1:45 – 3:00 pm Workshops
Workshops on various topics.
Learn more and register here.
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Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us
May 7 - 9, 2024
You are not alone. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time.
Clergy Convocation 2024 – Tentative Agenda
To register, click here.
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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.
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UCCMA National Conference 2024
Conference 2024, the national biennial gathering of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA), will take place July 10-13, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Connecticut. Designed for church musicians, choral and handbell choir members and worship leaders, the three-day event includes workshops, plenary sessions, worship services, evening entertainment and networking opportunities. The stellar roster of presenters includes:
- · Tom Shelton, associate professor in choral activities at Westminster Choir College
- · Nathanial Gumbs, concert organist and director of chapel music at Yale
- · Ellen Dickinson, director of bell programs at Yale
- · Braxton Shelley, associate professor of music, sacred music and divinity at Yale
- · Janet Yieh, concert organist and specialist in women composers
The conference’s theme, “A place at the table,” inspired the planning for the entire conference experience. Our goal is to send participants home reenergized with lots of new resources and ideas to use in their local congregations.
This conference is open to all. Scholarship help is available for first-time UCCMA conference attendees who wouldn’t be able to attend without some financial assistance.
Complete information is available at https://uccma.wildapricot.org/conference-2024.
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A note from United Church Funds
We understand that finding relevant and helpful content to share with church leadership about values-aligned investing and fiduciary responsibilities can be daunting. UCF provides resources to fill this gap.
* UCF’s Fiduciary Focus articles discuss a variety of topics that are insightful for churches and faith-based investors;
* If churches are interested in learning more about sustainable and responsible investing, and we’ve created this video on the Five Tools in Sustainable Investing;
* For churches that want to dive into planned giving campaigns in 2024, we offer resources and videos on the topic here.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
April 24 – A Good Pitch - Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuCvpzojG9BHNVrZXiYVjmHakz1H2pWe
Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
Pax Christi Harrisburg will hold its annual Walking Way of the Cross in downtown Harrisburg on Good Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. Participants should gather at 9:45 a.m. at Front & Market Sts. (Dauphin County Courthouse). This event connects Jesus’ journey to the cross with current day themes of peace and justice. The walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and will occur, rain or shine. For more information, call Rick Woodard at 717-991-4204. | |
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SEARCHING FOR JOY: CLERGY YOGA FOR THE EASTER SEASON
For clergy, church staff, and faith leaders, the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter can be profoundly impactful and deeply resonant, while at the same time bringing with them a deep level of physical and mental exhaustion. This 7-week yoga series (beginning April 3 at 9am Eastern via Zoom) is a place for leaders to come and receive a space of rest and renewal, coupled with gentle movement and contemplative prayer as we together seek the renewing joy of resurrection, exploring the theme of joy as a spiritual practice.
These classes will blend together elements of restorative yoga, plus gentle hatha (active) yoga. All classes are appropriate for all levels; beginners are welcome. Included in this course is one (optional) individual session of spiritual direction, plus a weekly written meditation for use in your spiritual practice.
CEUs are available.
To register, visit www.sacredsoulscapes.org/challenge-page/searchingforjoy
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Preaching and Worship through the Year. April 9–May 14, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. Lectionary planning, sermon series, music and arts, special services, and more. 2.5 CEUs.
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United Church of Christ of Hummelstown Office Administrator
Provide direct clerical and administrative support to the Pastor and the church,
act as point of contact for church publications, building use and data
management. See the full job description here.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume, including at least 3 references that can speak to your employment history to search@hummelstownucc.org
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Title: Director of Go Tell It In the Mountains Initiative
Supervisor: Bishop of the Allegheny Synod
Job Context Information: Go Tell It In the Mountains is a grant funded between three
ELCA Synods: Allegheny, Upper Susquehanna and Northwest Pennsylvania. The Director will be supervised by the Bishop of the Allegheny Synod. Resident of one of the three sponsoring Synods or a willingness to relocate preferred. Position begins May 1, 2024.
Job Purpose: The grant proposal seeks to expand the role of preaching to encompass
education and outreach using modern communication tools to prepare worshipers for
Sunday’s message, engage listeners beyond Sunday morning, and empower all to serve.
This vision is to be accomplished through three goals: train compelling preachers to use
new media to share the gospel, recruit and train aspiring individuals to be preachers, and
oversee the process of creating and distributing compelling preaching content centralized
to a website and marketed through social media so everyday Christians can integrate their faith into their attitudes, actions and ministries in daily life. The Director will work with the Steering Committee to initiate, oversee, edit and accomplish the goals, objectives,
strategies, and indicators laid out in the grant application. Visit
https://www.alleghenysynod.org/general-4 to view the complete proposal.
Learn more here.
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
email: ccall@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Dr. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
email: nfoust@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-2587
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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