Message to the Conference | |
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Greeting Penn Central Conference friends and members,
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help." (Psalm 146:3, NRSV)
Writing an epistle for the day after a Presidential election is always dicey. However, our lectionary readings for this coming Sunday offer some unexpectantly appropriate words via Psalm 146.
This psalm is context-free, thus rendering it akin to a timeless bird that brings a new song no matter the season in which it sings. Verse 3 (above) is particularly potent in our current time and is more powerful than the English translation appears. Hebrew Bible scholar Wil Gafney (Brite Divinity School) tells us that the word translated at the end of the verse as "help" is the Hebrew word teshua. This word is usually translated as "salvation," which changes the emphasis and scope in the English: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no salvation."
Further on, verse 5 reads, "Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob”, and the word “help” appears again. This time, however, it is the Hebrew word ezer which does translate to English as "help or assistance." This task of helping is a specialty of God and is used in reference to God except God uses the word for the creation of the human woman in the garden. God is the one who will be present to help and save us in times of deepest need, something no prince or president can do. According to the psalmist, unlike God, the breath of mortals fades and their plans perish eventually.
These verses from over 2000 years ago are as meaningful today as they were then: do not place trust in humans when it comes to salvation. While we are tempted to view our leaders as those who will save us, we must resist. The One who is constant and who holds our salvation is the God of Jacob. No other. Human princes (and candidates and presidents) come and go. No matter who is in power our call remains to be faithful. We belong to God first, not to a party or a political platform. God remains the One in whom we trust.
Lest we imagine this is a passive trust without substance or action, the psalmist raises up all God does for us. God keeps faith forever, executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, loves the righteous, watches over the stranger, guards the widow and orphan, and lifts up those who are bowed down. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Our challenge is to mirror God’s saving actions in our own lives. Through our own choices and behaviors, we may reflect God’s concern for the oppressed and bowed down, the widow, orphan, stranger, and the blind and hungry. This is ongoing, unsung work. But it is faithful work. God provides the only model we need for how to live as believers in the world. The one God who “made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever.”
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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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
Sunday November 10 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
Monday November 11 - Office Closed
Wednesday & Thursday November 13 & 14 - Office Closed
Sunday November 17 - First UCC, Middleburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
Sunday November 17 - Trinity UCC, Millersburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
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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...
Zion Goshert's UCC, Lebanon
Meyerstown UCC, Myerstown
Emmanuel UCC, New Berlin
Zion UCC, Newburg
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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. | |
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Special Fall Meeting
November 9, 2024, 9:30AM - 12:30PM
The special fall meeting of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:30 am EST. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary of St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 6490 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112, and remote participation will be available via ZOOM. Associations within Penn Central Conference will also be hosting remote gatherings at official sites to allow participation in the meeting via ZOOM.
There are three items of business on the agenda for this meeting.
1. Presentation and approval of the proposed 2025 Penn Central Conference budget
2. Presentation and consideration for recognition of the STAR (Small Town and Rural Churches) Coalition as a self-created group within the United Church of Christ
3. Consideration and voting on a motion to create the Keystone Conference out of the four present Conferences of Penn Central, Penn Northeast, Penn West, and Pennsylvania Southeast.
Read the full call to meeting here.
Register here.
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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
$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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2025 Meck and Moss Award Nominations
Nominations accepted through November 30
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Meck and Moss Awards. The Meck and Moss Awards are awarded annually to Lancaster Theological Seminary alumni, of any denomination, who demonstrate commitment to the excellence of ministry. The Alumni Council’s Awards and Recognition Committee will select award recipients.
The Meck Award honors the memory of Allan S. Meck, who graduated from the Seminary in 1911 and served as president from 1947 to 1957. The Meck Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of pastoral ministry.
The Moss Award honors Robert V. Moss Jr. ’45, who graduated form the Seminary in 1945 and served as president from 1957 to 1969. The Moss Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry (i.e., chaplain, administrator, educator, judicatory staff, etc.).
Learn more about the selection criteria here. Submit a nomination by November 30th here.
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November 10 Vocal Recital
Emmanuel UCC’s 2024-2025 Concert Series opens Sunday, November 10, with a 3 pm recital, Five Voices II. A reprise of last season’s popular vocal concert, the program will feature a program of classical pieces, stirring opera selections, inspirational gospel, favorite Broadway hits and more. Performers include EUCC’s Music Director, soprano Amy KeeSun Kwon; plus baritone YoungSoo An; mezzo soprano Diana Cantrelle; Emmanuel’s pastor, Rev. Ken Peterkin, baritone; and baritone Colin James. They will be accompanied by Pianist Sophie Hong. Admission is free and all are invited to stay afterward for a dessert reception. Emmanuel UCC is at 124 Broadway, Hanover. Visit online at www.emmanuelucc.org.
| Quentin UCC invites you to our annual Veteran’s Day Concert to be held Monday, November 11, 7:00 p.m. This musical tribute honors all branches of the military and we hope you’ll consider attending. We are located at 11 E. Main St., Quentin; and, the building is accessible to all. | |
Association Events
November 9 - Gettysburg Association Fall Meeting - 9 AM registration, continental breakfast, and brief Association Meeting; 9:30 AM - PCCUCC meeting live streamed; 11:30 Vote on the formation of the Keystone Conference; short meeting with the PCCUCC immediately following the result of the vote.)
November 10 - York Association Annual Meeting - 2:00PM
| 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. | |
Boundary Training in 2024
Via Zoom - 10:00AM and 6:00PM
These boundary trainings are a repeat of topics covered in the first half of 2024.
Undercurrents and Riptides Online - November 19, 2024
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. Register here.
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From Southern New England Conference
Revising Your Church's Bylaws: When, Why & How
November 10. 4:00PM
When the timing is right, the purpose is clear, and a plan is in place, revising a set of bylaws can breathe new life into a congregation. When roles, responsibilities, and processes are up-to-date, when the bylaws reflect current realities, and when decision-making processes are mapped, healthier dynamics can help create a more inclusive, positive culture. The process described in this session can be used to solicit input and increase buy-in for any major change initiative.
$13 for individuals, $58 for watch parties of 5 or more
Register here by November 7.
| Retired Minister Boundary Awareness Training – will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 1:30 – 4:30pm ET. Registration is here; this three-hour training may meet Association or Conference requirements for boundary training for retired clergy | |
From New York Conference
This fall, we're offering monthly opportunities to take Refresher Boundary Awareness Training via Zoom:
Tuesday, November 12, from 9am – 3 pm
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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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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The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while learning effective tools to build a more just, compassionate world. This online program provides a foundational introduction to boost your knowledge, skills and confidence in working for change. Justice Jubilee begins in October and space is limited - apply today.
Scholarships are available thanks to the UCC's FaithINFO team.
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UCC Webinar: What Is Owed—International Climate Debt
While developed countries disproportionately caused the climate crisis, developing countries have disproportionately suffered the consequences. As a result, a debt is owed. Yet, the opposite is happening as developing countries are the ones saddled with the crushing burden of debt payments. According to a report from the IMF and World Bank, 47 developing countries will pay $400 billion dollars to service their debts in 2024. With the risk of default, these countries are not able to devote the money needed to address the climate crisis. As the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Azerbaijan, we will focus on the enormous moral and financial issues at stake with climate debt. Athena Peralta from the World Council of Churches and Karimi Kinoti from Edeni Platform will discuss these critical matters. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, 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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Parish Resource Center
Secure Your Church’s Information
November 12, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Learn how congregations can protect the information entrusted to them, and proactively educate congregants to identify scams and protect themselves. Don’t let the hard work you’ve done building a community of trust be turned against you. This workshop is ideal for pastors, church administrators, lay leaders, and others who are entrusted with sensitive information and the policies around handling it. Register here.
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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 Courses are Accessible and Interactive
Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more in depth learning experience.
PATHWAYS Theological Education Courses are Flexible
Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.
The next course offerings begin in early January. Go to the PATHWAYS website to see the course schedule and to sign up for a class or a certificate or continuing education.
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United Church of Christ Homes is accepting letters of interest and resumes for the position of President/CEO.
The President/CEO is responsible for carrying out the mission of United Church of Christ Homes, "In the spirit of Christ's love, the ministry of United Church of Christ Homes is to provide care and service to the elderly through acts of love and compassion." The President develops and monitors organizational policy in conjunction with other management personnel and the Board of Directors.
Read the full posting here.
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
Philanthropy
Generosity Officer, Great Lakes Region Close Date: Open until filled
Office of the Associate General Ministers
Associate General Minister, Love of Church Close Date: November 30, 2024
Associate General Minister and Co-Executive for Global Ministries, Love of Neighbor Close Date: November 30, 2024
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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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