Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central Conference,
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel; Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
I realize this is not the lectionary passage for this week that you may have arrived here to read about, but when the Spirit puts the same verse in your path four times in a week, you sit with it a little differently, a little longer.
We use names all the time, parent-given names, nicknames, position-derived names, educated titles. In this verse, and other places throughout scripture, we are reminded of the profound significance found in the act of being called by name for a specific purpose, "fear not Nora, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; Nora, you are mine."
Take a deep breath and read that last part again with your name, hearing it as the words of God (as revealed through the prophet Isaiah).
I'm inviting you to read this epistle today as a bit of a meditation. Close your eyes and take another deep breath and let the weight of being called by name by God settle into the depths of your being. The Almighty, the Creator of the Cosmos, your Creator, called and is calling you by name - a name uniquely yours within a melody of God breaths - calling forth your being in the world.
(*Ok, I know you can't read with your eyes closed, but read that paragraph again and then close your eyes and sit in quiet reflection, attune yourself to your feelings. And then open your eyes and follow the read and closed-eye reflection pattern for each paragraph below.*)
We live in a time of anonymity and fitting in. Being named, called by that name, is an incredible affirmation of your worth. It is a personal invitation from the Divine in this Lenten wilderness that can reach into the depths of your soul, casting out the shadows of doubt and fear. As you close your eyes, picture naming your fears and doubts with God.*
Some might say that a name holds power for it is not just a combination of letters - but rather a framing of your identity, your journey, your very purpose. For the Creator to call you by name acknowledges how known you truly are. Your joys, your struggles, your triumphs, your defeats, even your doubts are known and held by God. What are your joys and struggles today? How does it feel to name them with God?*
It is more than just being named in this verse, it is also being claimed. This verse offers an affirmation to each of us that in the grand design of the universe, each of us matter to God and are called to live lives that matter. God declares, " you are mine. " In that truth we can each hear the profound truth that you belong to God, you are cherished beyond measure. You are not lost in the vastness of creation, for the God who named you, claims you, and loves you. What does God's love feel like right now?*
As we think about this verse today, or perhaps carry it through part of the Lenten wilderness, listen for how God calls your name, surrounds you in the wilderness, and whispers words of reassurance and love. In that safe and brave space let go of the burdens you carry and give them over to the One who calls you by name. Let the hearing of your name grow the sense of purpose within you that you might know God's love, find strength for the hard places of life, and deeply know the peace of Christ.**
Close this time of prayer knowing that you are not just a face in the crowd, you are a beloved creation, called by name, and held in the heart of God. Amen.*
Thanks for praying with me today. May your calling be clear in this wilderness season.
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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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. | |
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Scheduling notes:
February 25 - Salem Stone UCC, Carlisle - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
March 3 - Lyken Valley Charge - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
March 10 - St. John's UCC Lewisburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
March 17 - Faith UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust 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...
Mount Zion Welsh Congregational Church, Shamokin
St. John's UCC, Shamokin
Salem UCC, Coal Township
Grace UCC, Shippensburg
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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. | |
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
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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.
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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.
Camps:
3 night camps - Sunday, July 28 at 4PM through Wednesday, July 31 at 10AM
Getting Started - Grades K - 1 ($190)
Directed by Katie Price
Intergenerational Camp ($190)
Directed by Aleshia Hawkins
3 night camps - Wednesday, July 31st at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Camp of the Heart ($250)
Directed by Kara Druckenmiller
Women's Heart and Soul Camp ($190)
Directed by Nora Foust
5 night camps - Monday, July 28 at 4PM through Saturday, August 3 at 10AM
Elementary - Grades 2 - 4 ($300)
Directed by Alex (Weis) Sattazahn and Allyson Butz
Middle School - Grades 5 - 7 ($300)
Directed by Carol Price and Nicole Henry
Senior High - Grades 8 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Nathan Limbert
Leadership - Grades 9 - 12 ($300)
Directed by Betsy Brauw
Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees
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.
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Camp makes a great Christmas gift. Check out the summer options from our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald (and Nawakwa) here
Use coupon code PCC2024 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference campership for 50% of your registration fees.
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
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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
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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.
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Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
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.)
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Lay Leadership Convocation 2024
Saturday, April 6
This Year’s Theme: Sharing Leadership
Keynote speaker: Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration and coffee
9:00 - 9:45 am Keynote Address by Dr. Sarah B. Drummond: “Shared Leadership”
10:00 - 11:15 am Workshops
12:45 –1:45 pm Lunch
1:45 – 3:00 pm Workshops
Workshops on various topics.
Learn more and register here.
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Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us
May 7 - 9, 2024
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.
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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.
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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. | |
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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
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From our friends and partners | |
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Hello, my name is Jordan Lesher; I’m the new agent for the Insurance Board at Keystone Miller Insurance and I love talking to church people and serving well.
Before moving back to central Pennsylvania in 2022, I lived in southeastern Pennsylvania for over six years and was an active member of my United Church of Christ congregation in Norristown. While there, I came to serve as a deacon during 2020, and afterward, as an elder (and I still attend their weekly Bible Studies by computer.)
I’m a 2016 graduate of Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, studied abroad in London for a semester, interned in Prague with a consulting company, and prior to joining the wild world of insurance I worked in finance for a large investment company with the retail clients and then finished my career on the institutional side. Offered the opportunity, I moved closer to my family, enjoy the peace of living in the picturesque Susquehanna River valley, and joined the Miller Agency where I now carry on part of the legacy started in 1934 by Ken and Barry Miller’s father Percy. When you insure your church with us, that choice affords you the opportunity to work with Insurance Board, United Church of Christ’s insurance program that was founded by the UCC almost 40 years ago. The program provides an array of loss control and safety resources dedicated to protecting ministries of the United Church of Christ. To learn more about Insurance Board, visit: https://www.insuranceboard.org/
Thanks for reading my brief story, and I look forward to speaking with you! You can reach me by phone at (272) 231-1043 and by email at JLesher@KeystoneMillerIns.com.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
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.
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Chaplain in the Park Opportunity: Locust Lake State Park
Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park!
Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.
The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here: https://pachurches.org/ministries/campground-ministry/
You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more information: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.
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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!
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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
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
email: pkeller@pccucc.org
Phone: 717-652-1560
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