Message to the Conference | |
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Greeting Penn Central Conference friends and members,
In a time where the line between faith and nationalism is increasingly blurred, the church faces an urgent call to action. Christian Nationalism, with its distorted Gospel message, has grown in influence, undermining the church’s prophetic voice. This threat demands a faithful response.
In October 2024, members of the United Church of Christ and the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) gathered at Camp Daycholah in Wisconsin for the Next Generation Project. Supported by a generous grant from the Penn Central Conference, this gathering brought together pastors and lay leaders committed to resisting the conflation of faith and nationalism and fostering a healthier relationship between religion and democracy.
Camp Daycholah, with its beautiful lakeside setting, offered us a sacred space for reflection and collaboration. Over several days, our group explored the rise of Christian Nationalism, its impact on communities, and how the church can stand against its harmful ideologies in our country and in the greater world. Together we examined how Christian Nationalism distorts the Gospel, turning Christ’s call for love, justice, and humility, into a narrative of exclusion and supremacy.
The gathering’s highlight was the creation of the Daycholah Declaration, a living covenant to resist Christian Nationalism and uphold the liberating Gospel of Christ. Through small group discussions, we reflected on Christian Nationalism’s influence, confessed the Protestant church’s complicity, and affirmed a shared vision. We discerned the core themes we wanted to carry forward into our daily ministry settings. The Daycholah Declaration honors the justice and inclusion rooted in our traditions, providing a framework for faithful resistance. It also represents our commitment to proclaim the liberating Gospel of Christ. Readers are invited to view this document here.
The PCC’s support made this collaboration possible, enabling us to forge relationships across national and denominational lines and to imagine what faithful resistance to Christian Nationalism could look like in the years ahead. As the Next Generation Project continues, we will reconvene in April 2025 in Wuppertal, Germany, to deepen our partnership with the EKD, evaluate our progress, and equip ourselves to address this ongoing challenge.
Moving forward, we are committed to sharing this work with the wider church. Our aim is to equip congregations with tools to recognize and resist Christian Nationalism while embodying the Gospel’s message of love and justice. We hope to deepen the partnership between the UCC and EKD in this shared mission as the next generation of church leaders.
We invite the wider Penn Central Conference to join us in this effort. Together, we can reaffirm the church’s role as a beacon of hope, standing against ideologies rooted in fear and championing a faith that reflects God’s boundless love. As Micah 6:8 reminds us: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Grounded in this call, we remain steadfast, proclaiming the Gospel of liberation and justice for all.
Thank you for supporting this important work.
PCC Representatives of the Next Generation Project of the PCC/EKD Partnership Group: Kelsey O’Brien, Rose Shepley, Adam Shepley
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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. | |
Scheduling Notes
December 17 - Jan 5 - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call on medical leave
December 24 - January 1 - PCC office closed
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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...
Salona UCC, Mill Hall
St. Paul's UCC, Schaefferstown
St. Paul's UCC, Selinsgrove
Mt. Zion Welsh Congregational, Shamokin
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Christmas Fund Offering is December 22, 2024
The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund is a Special Mission Offering that congregations have been supporting for over 100 years. The offering is administered through the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards. Funds provide direct financial support to those who serve the church and are facing financial difficulties. Active and retired clergy, lay employees, and their surviving spouses may be eligible for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and/or Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks.
This offering is received on the Sunday before Christmas.
Order envelopes here.
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The United Church of Christ has established the Hurricane Helene Recovery Appeal and the Hurricanes 2024 Appeal. Your support for these appeals will ensure that communities are supported and accompanied for years as they rebuild. You can donate through your local church, with your gifts going through the Conference to the Appeal. Gifts can be made through PCC here. Under “Directed Gifts” choose “Disaster Relief” and notate “Hurricane Relief”. And you can always mail a check to the PCC offices with the same notation. | |
With all the holiday hustle and bustle did you miss the early bird deadline for the Youth Retreat? You're in luck - we've extended it through Friday! | |
Rock and Roll With It
Hartman Center Winter Youth Retreat
We will be returning to Hartman Center Campground as guests.
5725 Old US Highway 322, Milroy, PA 17063
January 17-19, 2025
Grades 6 through College Grad (or age 22)
Meals and Lodging included
$100 until December 2, 2024 Extended through Friday, December 6!
$150 after December 2, 2024
Use coupon code PCC2025 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference Outdoor Ministries scholarship of 50% off your registration fees.
Register here!
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If anyone is interested in Choir robes, St. Johns in Denver is looking for a new home for a few sets. They also have quite a bit of four-part music for anthems and cantatas, most of the material dating back to early twentieth century.
If you might be interested in having some of this, please contact Pastor Brad Haws at revhaws@ptd.net
| Educational Opportunities | |
From New York Conference
This fall, we're offering monthly opportunities to take Refresher Boundary Awareness Training via Zoom:
Thursday, December 12, from 8 am - 2 pm
Glad to have folks from around the UCC. We can give partial scholarships if needed (email mpurnine@uccny.org before registering). For more information:
https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/66f26fe1-8247-4fe4-a60f-11ef73be0bd0
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2025 PA UCC Women’s Clergy Retreat – “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
January 14, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - January 16, 2025 @ 12:00 pm
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
$190 per person (massages available for additional fee)
Registration closes January 3rd.
Join us for 44 transformative hours with your Sisters in Christ at a serene retreat center in Shillington, PA. Together, we will celebrate the incredible truth that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. This retreat offers a peaceful environment to nurture your soul and body, with a few group gatherings focused on healing, self-recognition, and embracing the beauty of the person you were created to be.
Expect plenty of opportunities for laughter through fun group activities, as well as time for personal renewal. Unwind with a soothing massage, curl up with a good book in a cozy corner, or enjoy the refreshing outdoors with a peaceful walk. For deeper connection, gather in the living room for heartfelt conversations and lots and lots of snacks!
Additionally, there will be opportunity for one-on-one Gestalt Pastoral Care healing sessions with Deaconess Susan Silhan, our presenter, to reflect and receive spiritual guidance. This retreat is designed to refresh, heal, and uplift—don’t miss this chance to connect, grow, and be celebrated as you truly are!
To register, click here.
Questions? Please contact: Kim Berenotto at kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com or Tammie Wisniewski at tammie@psec.org
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From Pennsylvania South East Conference
Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics' Boundary Training
On Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9:00a-3:00p, join members of the PSEC Ethics Committee in Limerick for a boundary training on "Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics". In this training we will cover:
· the moral and ethical expectations of the pastoral office, identifying the “gray” areas of ministry
· the purpose of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the sections of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the top ethical issues facing pastors today
· the issues that lead to Boundary violations and Fitness Reviews
· the Fitness Review Process
For more info and to register, click here.
| 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.
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UCC Webinar: Reclaiming Our Democracy
After the election, commentators like Tom Nichols urged people to "stay engaged and make their voices heard at every turn.” But most still wonder how, and even if, they can make a difference between elections. What are the options? (1) Protesting? Vital, but usually not the long game. (2) Signing email form letters, which only 3% of Congressional staff says is highly effective? Just gestures. (3) Taking a 2-year nap until the next election? Sadly, the preferred route for many. Few know about (4) transformational advocacy which helps you change an issue while you also become changed in the process. In his book "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," Sam Daley-Harris writes about people who have successfully brought about social change and personal transformation. Join us for this webinar as Daley-Harris shares his stories and wisdom gained from years of leading and coaching advocacy organizations such as Citizen's Climate Lobby, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Catholic Relief Services, and RESULTS. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on Wednesday, December 11th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
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From our friends and partners | |
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Justice Leadership Program – 4 month cohort starting in January
Do you feel called to work for justice? This online program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith in a meaningful and transformative way. Deepen your understanding, learn practical skills, and gain the confidence to take meaningful action through this foundational program. Participants meet weekly.
Apply by December 15
Scholarships available for UCC members (inquire upon applying)
www.justiceleadership.org
info@justiceleadership.com
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Pathways Theological Education
Throughout history, people have used the gifts of the land creating structures to make our lives easier. The Bailey Island Bridge is such a creation of granite slabs strong enough to withstand the powerful tidal forces traveling between Orrs and Bailey Islands. How do human creations hurt or help our relationship with all people, biodiversity, and the planet? PATHWAYS responds to this question through its Environmental Justice Program, introducing theology, ethics, scripture, policy, pastoral care, preaching and worship that embraces diverse cultures, creatures, and the Earth, Our Common Home.
Sign up now and sample an Environmental Justice course, Biomes and Landforms in Scripture (beginning January 8), connecting our lives and lands with the life and land found in Scripture.
Visit our website and learn more about PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
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The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary has its popular "Liturgical Practices" course beginning in mid-January 2025. This class provides participants with the opportunity to plan, prepare, and practice versions of rites and rituals tailored to their own denominational and cultural contexts, including leading Sunday worship, baptisms/child dedications, weddings/union services, and funerals/memorial/homegoing services.
More Information at https://learn-moravian-edu-seminary.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com/courses/pam-liturgical-practices
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Spring 2025 Eden Seminary Ministry Cohorts
Register here
Ministry cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.
Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.
Each Cohort is $250, with Referral Rewards and a Multi-Cohort Bundle available. Go here for information, exact dates, and to register.
6+ Makes a Cohort – Bring a friend!
The Body of Christ and The Body Snatchers - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause; Rev. Shana Johnson as facilitator
Doing Justice in Community - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker; Fr. Aaron Rogers as facilitator
The Psalms for Justice-Seekers and Peacemakers - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Rev. Dr. Nora Foust, facilitator
Church Administration - Digital content by Rev. Dr. John Bracke; Rev. Eric Fistler as facilitator
UCC History and Polity - Dr. Jill Baker, digital content provider and facilitator
Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care - Digital content by Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie, Rev. Dr. Christie Love as facilitator
Grant funded scholarships available, please contact Nora before registering for more information.
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Part-Time Church Office Administrator
Lift UCC, Lancaster
The Church Office Administrator will support the Pastor(s) and Leadership Team in the administrative operations of the church. The Administrator will be responsible for overseeing and managing the administrative processes of the church, including office maintenance and communications. The right candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively, demonstrate strong organizational skills, and maintain a high level of confidentiality. See full job description here.
Contact Pastor Donté Jones if interested at pastor@wisdomstableucc.org or 717.808.7232.
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
Philanthropy
Generosity Officer, Great Lakes Region Close Date: Open until filled
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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: 717-652-1560 x3
Rev. Dwight Hein
Facilitator for Clergy Care
email: dhein@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560 x3
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