Greetings members and friends of Penn Central Conference,

Here we are in 2024. Where did the time go? Along with the celebrations and the parties to bring in the New Year, there is also a bit of apprehension and wonder of what this new year may bring. January can be a time when the dreaded January blues or Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can rear their ugly heads, leaving us with depression and anxiety. I tend to gravitate towards the sun as much as I can during the gray days of January in an attempt to feel the warmth that radiates from that little speck of sun and the effect it has on my wellbeing.

However, Psalm 139:1-13 is another source of light that warms my heart in these gloomy days of January. I take solace in knowing that God knows me intimately:

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

This Psalm brings me so much joy and peace knowing that the God who created the universe and everything in it, is with me, even when I feel the dreaded apprehension and anxiety of not knowing what will come in the new year. But verse 14a is the part that fills my heart with warmth: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each one of us was created by God, not just as an afterthought, but fearfully and wonderfully made. That is the kind of God we serve and praise. That is the kind of God that knows our thoughts before we think or speak them.

As we enter the new year, whether it's with great celebration or whether it is with the January blues, what is evident is that we serve a God that is the light in the darkness and who walks beside us no matter where we are in our life’s journey. May your January and the entire 2024 fill you with the warmth of knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Peace,

Ronnette

Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler

Search and Call Associate

Penn Central Conference

Yearbook data collection has begun! This data is vital for the conference and the national setting to serve our churches to our best ability. Learn more about how to enter Yearbook data before the deadline of March 6, 2024 here.

Scheduling notes:

January 15 - Office Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 28 - Locust Grove UCC - Rev. Dr. 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...

Trinity UCC, Mountville

Zion Goshert's UCC, Lebanon

Myerstown UCC, Myerstown

Emmanuel UCC, New Berlin

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.

Creation Justice

Is your church looking for ways to care for creation in 2024? Rev. Mitch Nelson has shared an article to the UCC website on raising Monarch butterflies. If you don't have the space or volunteers for a full pollinator garden, you can learn how to care for Monarchs in his article, found here.

Outdoor Ministries

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, 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. Registration link coming next week!

Camp makes a great Christmas gift. Check out the summer options from our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald (and Nawakwa) here

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

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.

MEF: Roots of Our Division: How Theology, Slavery & the Civil War set the stage for future culture wars - with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

January 16, 2024 – 10:00AM & 6:00PM

Do you ever wonder how the church became so divided over social issues? This presentation may provide some answers! We will review how biblical interpretation and theology shaped the discussion of slavery prior to the Civil War. Those developments cast a ling shadow and still affect how we approach social and cultural issues today in the church. Guaranteed good discussion! Register here.

"Where Have All The Clergy Gone?"

January 24, 2024 10:00AM & 6:00PM

We know the church is changing. One of the most obvious shifts is the availability of clergy for our churches. What has happened and how did we get here? Join us for a zoom presentation that will cover the trend in clergy numbers in the UCC and what affects them. We will discuss what might come next and what we can do to help our local churches. 

Register here.

Worship Planning for Lay Leaders

Feb 5, 2024, 6:30PM

Many members of consistories and church councils are finding themselves needing to do more with worship planning for their congregation, some are even stepping into the pulpit. Our Penn Central Churches are experiencing longer and longer seasons of transition and interim and supply leadership is just not filling the whole of the growing need. This 90-minute workshop will look at available resources to assist lay leaders with worship development like liturgies, prayers, hymn selection, lectionary passages, and more, as well as touch on sermon preparation for those filling that need. All are welcome, please register.

Retired Minister Boundary Training with Rev. Tara Barber 

March 14, 1:30 – 4:30PM ET

Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.

Boundary Training in 2024

All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.

February 20, 2024 Intersectionality and Power Dynamics 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. (This will be repeated October 15, 2024.)

March 19, 2024 The Ministerial Code – 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. (This will be repeated September 17, 2024.)

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. Watch for registration links in February. (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.)

Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us

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.

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.

OWL Taking Flight: Updates for Grades 10-12

FEB 7, 2024 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM

2024 Financial Ministries Webinars

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

Jan. 24 – Orientation for Financial Leaders

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcuGsqT0iG900QU6jmOnzJWFHo0e9Seoi

The presentation reviews basic aspects of the treasurer, financial secretary, and trustee roles in a local congregation. We will discuss creating a “financial dashboard” to help fellow board members understand the finances of the congregation, effective ways to record and thank donors for their gifts, and best practices around cash controls and cash management. 

See full 2024 list here.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry

PAM Open House, Tuesday, January 23, 7pm via Zoom. Hosted by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens. Bring your questions and meet folks! 

Introduction to Preaching. Jan 30–March 5, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. For lay and clergy, any level. 2.5 CEUs.

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. 

PATHWAYS

Are you looking for an open-minded, online theological course where your doubts and questions are welcome? Do you want to know more about Jesus speaking for justice and the poor? Are you exploring authorized ministry? Do you want a theological education by which you can begin, finish, or supplement a suite of courses already completed? PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. has a complete educational program for those seeking to be authorized ministers. If you are theologically curious - individual courses, countinuing education, and certificates are also available. Check out our offerings. Please donate to PATHWAYS as it further extends its reach to theologically inclined individuals in rural, suburban, or urban areas!

Are you looking for a rewarding career in a mission-minded organization? Mission Central might be your place! We are looking for a Director of Development and Communications to join our dynamic team.

The ideal candidate would have fundraising and communications experience, ideally within a nonprofit entity, covering areas such as development of a comprehensive fundraising program, major gift fundraising, grant writing, website content, newsletters, social media, and donor communications. The ability to take knowledge, transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it is critical.

Please help us spread the word and encourage interested individuals to access our full job description and application process here. Thank you!

The Lykens Valley Charge, comprised of Peace UCC (Berrysburg PA) and St. Peter’s UCC (Lykens PA), is seeking a passionate ministry leader to serve as the Children,Youth, & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. This person will play a key leadership role in planning and implementing programming for children, youth, and young adults, including but not limited to Sunday school, VBS, youth group, Bible study, service outreach, and other special events as scheduled. Reporting to the pastor and church consistories, the CYYA Ministry Coordinator works to reach, equip, and empower young people to be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. This is a part-time (15-20 hours/week) position.

For more information or to apply, please email lvcucc@berrysburg.comcastbiz.net. (11/22/2023)

Current Openings - UCC National Setting



Global H.O.P.E. – Humanitarian. Opportunities. Progress. Empowerment.

Team Leader Extended Close Date: Open until filled

Philanthropy

Generosity Officer, New England Region Close Date: Open until filled

Child and Elder Sponsorship Program and United Nations

Program Assistant, CESP and UN Close Date: Open until filled

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page