Message to the Conference | |
Rev. Jes Kast (left) and Rev. Frauke Lasser | |
|
Greetings friends and members of Penn Central Conference,
“that they may all be one” - John 17:21
In January, I had the honor of representing our Penn Central Conference in Germany during the Evangelical Protestant Synod. I want to first thank our conference for this opportunity to represent us; our German roots matter to me (both theological and cultural). This work gave me a greater understanding of our heritage as well as possible future work together. I had an incredible time, personally and professionally!
Ecumenism is one of my passions and I believe when we look at our UCC Scripture motto from John 17 that the DNA of ecumenism is written in the foundations of who we believe God is calling us to be as a denomination from the prayer that Jesus prayed himself for us – that we may be one. In an ever dividing world, working together as the Body of Christ is so important. I feel that vision reignited upon my return to the States.
My work in Germany included leading a workshop for the Synod on How to Engage Your Church Members. They also asked me to write a prayer on peace and lead that in their opening worship. I attended Synod meetings all day as an ecumenical observer of their work. The meetings were all in German, and I sadly do not speak German (at least not yet, however, I have a new hope to learn!) I had a translator with me all day and I cannot thank our partner, Reverend Frauke Lasser, enough for the immense amount of energy she offered in translating for me as well as a true friendship we share now. Additionally, the Synod asked if I would address their entire body as an observer about their work.
I met people who graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary who serve their churches at home in Germany. I met pastors who served my church, Faith UCC in State College, during a Sabbatical converge. That was a treat for me to strengthen relationships with people who are dear to my congregation. I enjoyed numerous conversations with people who love the church, love our God, and are searching for new ways to ensure our outreach of the Gospel is lived into with our theological tradition guiding us.
I am so grateful for the new friends, and also grateful for a calling inside me to continue to nourish our German partnership. We have so much to offer each other in the work of Gospel ministry and this relationship with the German Synod is really important for us to continue to care for. As church culture continues to change I think working together will only become more important.
Here is the prayer on peace I wrote and prayed for the Synod. I pray it may nourish you and perhaps your congregation, too. Here are a few pictures of my time in Germany, too.
Lord, the Scripture says, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” yet, we too often hold grudges and choose fear which turns us against each other. The way of blessing is in the making of peace. Guide our words to create a world of peace; guide our actions to make the peace that passes all understanding here on earth, as it is in your kingdom come. Nourish the peace in our souls so our lives will be witnesses to your peace, Amen.
|  | Rev. Jes Kast addresses our German partners during the Evangelical Protestant Synod | Rev. Jes Kast just outside of Aachen, right foot is in Germany, left foot is in The Nertherlands, and hands are in Belgium. | |
Again, thank you PCC for this opportunity to serve on our behalf and continue to build the body of Christ so that we all may be one!
In Hope,
Jes
Reverend Jes Kast
Faith UCC, State College
| |
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:
February 25 - Salem Stone UCC, Carlisle - 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...
St. John's UCC, Red Lion
Richfield UCC, Richfield
Grace Evangelical & Reformed UCC, Richfield
St. Paul's UCC, Sacramento
| |
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. | |
Pennsylvania UCC Noontime Lenten Prayer Gatherings
The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30p. The first prayer time is Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20. To register, click here.
Leaders will be:
· Feb. 21: David Ackerman
· Feb. 28: Nora Foust
· March 6: Carrie Call
· March 13: Bill Worley
· March 20: Bonnie Bates
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
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.
| |
|
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. | |
The Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Penn Southeast Conferences of the United Church of Christ cordially invite you to participate in this virtual Lenten opportunity! Meeting each Wednesday in Lent at 7pm, this Bible Study explores the foundations of our identity as Christians and members of the UCC as we explore what the future may hold! Each week is unique so if you cannot attend every date you can still participate in as many as you are able. If you have questions, or you would like to participate in this study, please email pattyr@pnec.org to receive the link. Thank you!
February 21: Unity and Foundation
February 28: United Church of Christ
March 6: Lent in Context
March 13: The Priesthood of All Believers
March 20: Communion
| |
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.
| |
|
2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
Feb. 28 – Rebirth and Renewal
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwscOqpqzIvHtRlN222Ekxnewx5YHCRwfYT
Join Rev. Ray Jordan for a conversation about the ways his congregation went from nearly closing to reimagine the ministry and engage new people in worship, service, and advocacy.
See full 2024 list here.
| |
From Exodus to Jesus and Beyond:
A Lenten Series Workshop on Progressive Christianity, Social Justice, and the Bible
There is an amazing and often hidden alternative understanding of what it means to be Christian. From Exodus to Jesus and beyond, the Bible offers an ancient, enduring, and surprisingly relevant story about people living in the light of the love of God. This five-part online workshop series will explore how the lessons and values of our faith can inform our work to build a better world.
Register and find more info here.
This workshop meets online via Zoom on five Tuesdays during Lent at 4:00 - 6:00pm PST. We ask that participants attend in person but recordings will be available for registrants in the event of illness or unavoidable conflict.
$75 per person for all 5 workshops. Group discounts available for groups over 8 people.
This workshop is led by Rev. Rich Gamble who has hands-on experience in leading congregations and a variety of social justice campaigns.
| The Brown Endowment scholarship for MDiv students who have Member in Discernment status and are pursuing authorized ministry in the UCC opened December 1, 2023 and will close midnight March 1, 2024. Learn more here. | |
|
The Reverend Dr. Héctor E. López Scholarship for Latina & Latino UCC Seminarians
The Lopez Scholarship is intended to prepare future Latina, Latino, Latine ministers educated in the socially and theologically progressive seminaries related to the UCC. These leaders will be equipped to proclaim the liberating Gospel message of salvation, full-inclusion, justice, and peace and return to lead vital congregations, minister to Latine constituencies, multicultural communities, and the whole church.
This scholarship is named in honor of The Reverend Dr. Héctor Edmundo López, a laborer in the journey for racial justice. Dr. López is the first Latino ordained in the UCC and the first Latino UCC Conference Minister. It was launched by the Council for Hispanic Ministries in 2005 in collaboration with the national ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Please share this information with your networks
Application Deadline is March 1, 2024
Application Link: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/91838
| |
|
UCC Webinar—Black History: Unsung Heroes of the Environmental Justice Movement
For Black History Month, the UCC will be celebrating past environmental justice leaders and their historic contributions to the movement. We will lift up and reflect upon the lives of champions for justice such as Dana Alston, Damu Smith, Hazel Johnson, and others. To fully appreciate their impact and legacy, we will hear from those in the movement who knew them. Featured speakers will include those who have been at the forefront of the movement: Robert Bullard, Vernice Miller-Travis, and Peggy Shepard. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 14th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
| |
From our friends and partners | |
|
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
|
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
| |
| | | |
