Message to the Conference | |
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Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
“…for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Matthew 16:23b)
Jesus' words in the Gospel of Matthew reading of the lectionary this week (16:21-28) are some of the most challenging in the gospels. After rebuking Peter, Jesus speaks plainly: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (16:24) This is a passage that readers and preachers have wrangled with for centuries. What sense does it make for us now?
The phrase "pick up your cross" has been misused countless times. We easily turn it into a cliche that diminishes its power and diffuses the impact. We may joke about it, saying "Well, that's just your cross to bear” (with rolled eyes for effect). But we also use it to gloss over one's suffering by claiming that illness, divorce, parental responsibility, and more are "crosses to bear" that will somehow bring wisdom. Only one person picks up a cross: Jesus. And it is on the way to die for proclaiming the gospel. When we truly pick up our cross, we are setting aside everything else to humble ourselves and carry the weight of the persecution that comes with carrying the specific cross of the gospel.
Rarely do we suffer now for proclaiming the gospel, at least in the United States. And rarely would we experience martyrdom. Perhaps the phrase holds more truth for those Christians in other parts of the world who do face direct persecution for living and preaching the gospel (Christian LGBTQ activists in Africa, for example, or Christians in Eritrea or North Korea).
Still, it doesn’t mean there is no enlightenment in these words of Jesus. Perhaps more spiritually challenging for us in our culture are the words that precede picking up a cross. That is, Jesus’ command that would-be followers must "deny themselves" first. Talk about an unpopular phrase in American culture these days! "Denying ourselves" smacks of sacrifice and self-abnegation which are definitely not in vogue. However, all wisdom traditions acknowledge that the denial of the self (or ego) is necessary for enlightenment and for true compassion. Only when we get out of our own way can we lean into the life Jesus calls us to.
The denial of self is not a superficial act (like passing up a donut) but instead involves critical self-reflection to determine which parts of our own motives, desires, inclinations, and habits keep us from freely loving our neighbors, providing aid when needed, and praying for our enemies. Healthy denial of self is a spiritual practice that allows us to lean into the challenging parts of life (often among challenging people) in order to become an instrument of Christ’s peace
Jesus knows humanity and how we will resist his call, find ways to lighten the sting of his words, deflect, speak superficially and simply ignore his commands. So consider what denying yourself would look like in your own life. Not unhealthy or harmful self-abnegation but allowing our own selves to take a backseat so we can get on with living more like Jesus.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Amid wildfires devastation, UCC makes appeal for Hawaii
by Maic D'Agostino | published on Aug 15, 2023
The United Church of Christ, through Wider Church Ministries, is issuing a special appeal to provide essential items and long-term support to those impacted by wildfires across Hawaii, including the deadly wildfires on the island of Maui. Read more here.
The Hawaii Conference also shared a link to donate as well as other information and a prayer, you can read their full message here.
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Scheduling notes:
August 9 - September 4 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust on sabbatical
September 3 - Mt. Gretna community service - Rev. Rick Luciotti preaching
September 10 - St. Jacob's UCC - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
September 17 - Dover UCC - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call 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...
St. John's UCC, Denver
Dover UCC, Dover
Salem UCC, Dover
Mt. Olivet UCC, East Berlin
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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. | |
PCC Fall Budget Meeting
November 11, 2023
9:30 AM
This year's Annual Meeting included a vote for the Penn Central Conference to have a Budget Meeting in the fall. Each authorized minister is a voting member and each church is allowed two delegates to vote. These can be, but do not have to be, the same delegates as went to Annual Meeting. We do still need to reach quorum.
This meeting will be on Zoom only, and will include a budget presentation and vote. We anticipate it to take no more than 60 - 90 minutes.
Register here.
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Old Zion German Reformed Church
Anniversary Service
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Old Zion German Reformed Church, Brickerville, will conduct an annual anniversary service. The service provides an opportunity to reflect on Old Zion’s rich history and faith traditions. This year’s theme will be “Moravians: Threat or Salvation,” and will explore the sometimes contentious, sometimes compatible faith relationships between members of the German Reformed and Moravian Churches in the Eighteenth Century. The German Reformed Church is an early predecessor of the modern United Church of Christ. The theme reflects the historical controversy between members of the Moravian and Reformed Churches, who competed for the attention of believers as they established congregations throughout Central Pennsylvania. That controversy has long since passed, as reflected in the recent merger of the Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Moravian Seminary.
Rev. William LaSalle will portray a Reformed pastor of Old Zion in the mid-1700s. Dr. Lee Barrett, Professor of Systematic Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary, will explore the theme in his sermon by the same title. The worship service will include music and hymns from the period and will feature the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Dr. Mark Herr. The Cloister Chorus will sing songs from the Ephrata Cloister along with music from the Reformed and Moravian traditions. J.P. Welliver, Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Penryn, will play the historical pump organ at Old Zion as part of the service.
Please join us for an afternoon of faith, music, history, and fellowship. Refreshments will be served after the service. Old Zion German Reformed Church is located near Brickerville at 187 Reifsnyder Rd.
| Educational Opportunities | |
Synod Reflections
Penn Central Conference's Synod Delegates are excited to share more about their Synod 34 experiences.
There are two ways to hear directly from our delegates in their own words. First, you can check out written reflections from Kathy Brown, Andrew Boyer, Jerry Thomason, Kelly Shiflett, Rev. Caroline Saxton and Gail Landers.
Second, Synod Seconds – A Keystone-wide Conversation – Join conference staff and delegates from across the keystone state as we explore implementation of General Synod Resolutions and looks at snap-shots of wider-church life. We’ll be starting with 3 zooms this fall, September 11, October 16, and November 13 from 6:30-8 pm. All are welcome. Please register (registration link to come.)
| Full slate of fall educational options, including Boundary Awareness and Anti-Racism Training, Synod Seconds and Ministerial Excellence Forums is now available. See links below and the full description with registration links can be found here, | |
Fifth Stream Conversations
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust is planning three fall conversations open to the whole church on the recognition of the UCC’s fifth founding stream, the Afro-Christian Convention.
3pm September 24th Mt. Zion, York In-person and Zoom
3pm October 15th St. Paul’s at the Farm, Lewisburg In-Person and Zoom
3pm November 12th ZOOM for all Participants
Register here: https://penncentralconference.regfox.com/the-fifth-stream
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Friends, the Damascus Project of the MN and WI Conferences is offering an 8 week course on lay preaching and worship leadership, open to laity, MiDs, those seeking authorization...covering the basics of sermon prep and delivery, weekly and seasonal worship planning. Send your folks our way, we'd love to have them learn with us! Online, blend of asynchronous content and facilitated zoom sessions. Registration: https://the-damascus-project.org/classes/faith-foundations-units-1-8-zf9bj-p2rhx-nk8sx-sg36n-rksae | |
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Camp Director Pastor Alice shares, "please mark your calendar for next year's HC Spirit camp at Hartman Center Campground and Retreat Center - Sunday, July 28th through Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. In addition to the cabins and lodges, the new owners are working on RV sites that should be ready before next summer. We would love it if lots of Penn Central Conference folks are able to reserve and use those sites while we are there."
Wondering how your congregation might engage in outdoor ministry? Camps and retreats aren't the only recipients of grant funds. Kayak church, fire pit fellowships, community gardens, and solar projects are just a few of the ideas discussed for funding. The application window is currently open with applications available here.
Thanks again to all who made our HC Spirit Camp a great success! We hope to see you, and more, next summer July 28-August 3.
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From our Friends and Partners | |
SEAS MAY GET ROUGH: What Your Church Can Do About Climate Change is a 10 session Christian Ed elective created by the Rev. Dr. Dave Bushnell. Dave will share a 100 page PDF file with any congregation interested in offering the elective. He also offers to Zoom with pastors and lay leaders who might plan to offer the course. Each 90 minute session includes: a talk and a time for small group sharing, as well as recommended video presentations available on the internet. The elective offers an abundance of “next steps” options for individuals and congregational climate action plans. If you are interested email Dave at abushnell@aol.com | |
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Rev. Dr. Aaron B. Wade, Minister for Congregational Leadership Development,
Granting & Scholarships, is delighted to share the exciting news that the 2023 Justice and Local Church Ministry Common Application is NOW OPEN. I encourage you to share the link provided below with individuals and churches who may be interested in applying for Operational support, Neighbors in Need, CASA New and Renewing Church, and Pension Board New Church Start Benefit Support grants.
Link to the application: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/89418-United-Church-Of-Christ
This convenient link allows applicants to either print the application or start filling out the common application for any of our four grant offerings. Please note that all applications will require a reference from their respective Conference Minister.
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UCC Webinar—The Climate Strike Movement 5 Years Later
Five years have now passed from when Greta Thunberg and others launched a movement that reverberated around the world. The movement continues as organizers prepare for the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on September 17th. This webinar will feature faith-based organizers and activists who will reflect back on the movement and where we are today. Speakers will include Rev. Jim Antal, Aly Tharp, and Gabriela Martinez. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on September 13th 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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Our Whole Lives training
In addition to an increasing number of in-person trainings across the country, Our Whole Lives trainings will continue to be offered online in 2023 for UCC and UUA members, at a cost of only $250 plus curriculum.
Registration applications will be accepted from Aug 21-Sept 5 for an Elementary (Grades K-1 and 4-6) Training in October
Registration applications will be accepted from Sept 11-Sept 25 for an All Adult Levels Training in November
More information about these trainings, in addition to information about upcoming in-person trainings, can be found here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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PATHWAYS’ Fall Schedule of Courses
UCC History & Polity
● HT21206 UCC History & Polity (12-weeks) (Sept 6- Dec 8)
Fall II: 6-week Courses Begin October 2 or 9, 2023
● BF10602 Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian (Oct 9-Nov 10)
● BF20602 Old Testament Hermeneutics (Oct 9-Nov 19)
● TH30605 Ecological Theology (Oct 2-Nov 12)
● MP30609 Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square (Oct 9-Nov 19)
● HT10604 Stories of Christian Saints and Sinners (Oct 9-Nov 19)
Learn more here and register here.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering more exciting new programs for the academic year 2023-24.
MORAL INJURY & VETERANS MINISTRY
In November, we'll offer classes on moral injury and ministry for and with veterans of war and survivors of violence. Stay tuned for details!
INTRODUCTION TO PREACHING
Starting in January, we'll offer two great classes on preaching. Introduction to Preaching will help you connect with your congregation, make Biblical text come alive and learn breathing techniques for a more compelling delivery. Your congregation will thank you!
PREACHING & WORSHIP THROUGH THE YEAR
In the spring, our second preaching class, Preaching & Worship Through the Year, will help you tailor your sermons for special Sundays and holiday occasions, use the lectionary, plan sermon series, incorporate music and the arts, and more.
Click the link here for a video preview!
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- Taught by Rev. Roberta Kearney on Monday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm ET
- Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- This class is available online. 2.5 CEUs available. $275.
Even if you are not a teacher within your congregation, the understandings of different learning styles, the relationship between age and learning, the importance of identifying teaching moments, and the actual practice of teaching are valuable components of this class. From children’s chats to adult education, teaching can take so many forms that require a range of skills.
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Phoebe Ministries is hiring a Full-time Regional Director of Pastoral Care and Education for our Allentown Campus.
Responsible for directing the pastoral care program and clinical pastoral education program. Promotes the relationship of Phoebe Ministries with its supporting churches and conferences.
Conducts and supervises a variety of religious activities and provides for the spiritual needs of residents, families and Phoebe staff; coordinating this work within the department as well as with other departments. Responds to inquiries and requests from residents, families, and staff.
Reports pertinent information to the ED of Marketing and External Relations. Hires, directs, and supervises pastoral care staff, and provides periodic reports. Develops, implements, and achieves annual goals and objectives as established in the annual coaching form.
Read more here.
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Christ Church UCC in Elizabethtown, PA seeks a part-time Organist/Pianist to lead worship through music. The successful candidate will possess strong musical skills playing the organ and piano as well as skills in organization and cooperative teamwork. Candidates should have a music degree or equivalent experience and have a broad knowledge of church music repertoire with proficiency in a wide range of musical styles. This position is an integral part of a dynamic and vibrant music ministry program.
Responsibilities of this position include:
- Accompany adult choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings (occasionally other choirs)
- Play up to two Sunday morning worship services (one during the summer)
- Play for a limited number of special worship services
Christ Church UCC has a Safe Church Policy. A background check for all employees is standard procedure.
Annual salary range is between $13,500 and $15,000, based on experience and education. The position also includes $200 annually in Continuing Education.
For more details, please visit www.etownucc.org.
A letter of application, resume, and two professional recommendations can be sent Attention: Organist Search Committee to either Christ Church UCC, 247 S. Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or via email to: GalenRussell@etownucc.org.
A complete job description is available upon request. 08/23/2023
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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
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
email: rluciotti@gmail.com
Phone: 717-433-6306
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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