Message to the Conference | |
Greetings Penn Central members and friends,
“There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” (Mark 7:15, NRSV)
Standing in line at a local grocery store years ago I picked up a small apple pie to have with my lunch. A woman in line behind me said, “You’re not going to actually eat that, are you?” Clearly there was something wrong with me if I did. This wasn’t the only time. I’ve been questioned on the source of my meat and dairy choices, whether I buy organic or non-GMO, and if I understand that Diet Coke is the equivalent of rat poison. Many people have many opinions on the many ways food can defile me. I start my reflection here lest we imagine that this week’s lectionary passage from the gospel of Mark doesn’t apply to us in the here and now.
The Pharisees question Jesus about his disciples' eating practice - why are the disciples not washing their hands before eating? Some clarification is in order. The condition of washing hands before eating was only for priests (prior to offering sacrifice). But the Pharisees took priestly practices and expanded them into the lives of the laity - a move that could draw the laity into participation in the life of the temple in a meaningful way. (This becomes critical after the destruction of the temple because the priests were gone and the rabbis continued this practice, thus keeping temple life alive.) Therefore, washing hands prior to eating was not a requirement for Jesus' disciples although the Pharisees believed it should be.
Jesus was more of a minimalist when it came to practices for the laity and this interaction provides him a moment to teach his disciples about where true defilement comes from.
He reminds them that avarice, envy, slander, pride (and the other awful things in Mark 7:21-23) originate inside of our hearts and are the states of mind and behaviors that defile us. That is, they mar, corrode, or deeply damage the God-given purity and holiness within us. They also wreak havoc or destroy our relationships with others. Jesus’ list of evils is intense – it represents the very worst we can do. His word is a stark truth for the disciples: do not focus on these small practices such as handwashing when the potential for true, devastating defilement is already within you. Focus instead on what is in your own heart.
Those who criticize my eating choices also seek a kind of purity. They believe that what they put into their bodies (or where they do their shopping, etc.) can keep them pure in some way. I understand the temptation. Jesus does too. Focusing on small practices can ease our minds and help us feel that we are good people. But Jesus never encourages the easy way. Instead, he pushes disciples (us) to delve into our own hearts. Look closely. What is brewing there? Think not about what your neighbor is doing or saying. Keep the focus on your own heart. What intentions are brewing there? What prejudices are ensconced? What resentments are nurtured?
Jesus’ teaching reminds me of words from the psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). May we each have the courage to look within.
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
September 5 - 10 - Paul Keller on vacation
September 8 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
September 8 - St. John's UCC, Shamokin - 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...
Faith UCC, Ickesburg
Pleasant Hill UCC, Jonestown
St. John's UCC, Jonestown
Church of the Apostles UCC, Lancaster
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Register now for Keystone Study Group Town Halls
Due to the complex nature of the possible merger, town hall meetings on the subject have been broken into three topics:
1. Timeline, Staffing, Finance
2. Timeline, PA UCC Mission Focus
3. Timeline, Associations.
There are four opportunities to attend a webinar on each of the above topics. They will be hosted by different conferences, but you can attend any. The schedule is below; click the date and time to register. You can also find this information on our website on the Keystone Study Group page under Resources.
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Poetry as Prayer
The American poet Robert Frost wrote, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.” In Poetry as Prayer, a small group of clergy will meet on Zoom to read poems, share with one another the thoughts and emotions that emerge in the listening, and connect poetry with our everyday lives. In addition to online meetings, group members may decide to schedule mini-retreats: opportunities to gather in-person for deeper conversation, and the chance to write their own poems. In community with other clergy, members may discover how engaging with poetry can be a meaningful spiritual practice. Whether you are brand new to poetry, or a longtime poetry enthusiast, we would be delighted for you to join us in Poetry as Prayer. The group will meet on the fourth Thursdays of each month from 1-2:30pm beginning on September 26th and covenant to be together for 1 year. Rev. Allyssa Boyer will facilitate this group. Registration is required, limited to PCC authorized ministers, and capped at 12.
Register here.
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Association Events
October 13 - Lancaster Association Fall Meeting - 3:00PM
October 20 - Harrisburg Association Fall Meeting - Hummelstown UCC - 2:00PM
October 20 - Lebanon Association Fall Meeting - 2:00PM
October 26 - Central Association Fall Meeting - 9:00AM
| 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.
The Ministerial Code – September 17, 2024
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
Intersectionality and Power Dynamics - October 15, 2024
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
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.
| 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 | First Reformed Church has about 325 red hymnals to give away before the end of August. If your church is interested in these hymnals, contact Jim Chryst at 973-222-5499 or jchryst@embarqmail.com for more information. | |
Harvest Home Worship Service at Old Zion German Reformed Church
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, 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 “Harvest Home,” and will draw on excerpts from a late 19th Century liturgy of the Reformed Church entitled “Golden Sheaves.”
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.
Please visit our website www.oldzionchurch.org - read the full press release here.
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Registration form here
Learn more 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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UCC Webinar: Churches as Climate Refuges in Times of Trouble
As the climate crisis leads to more extreme weather events, faith communities can play a vital role as places of refuge and resiliency. For example, a house of worship with solar panels, battery storage, air conditioning, and an air filtration system can provide a place for community members to come during heat waves, power outages, or unhealthy air quality days. Faith communities not only can serve as drop-in centers, but they can also serve as evacuation zones, emergency shelters, and resource hubs in times of trouble. In this webinar, we will learn more about the cutting edge of how faith communities are embodying a love of neighbor in very tangible and needed ways. We will hear from those leading the way in their local communities to make this happen with the help of government funding. Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Wednesday, September 11th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!
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Church Building and Loan Fund is excited to announce the agenda for this year’s Partners in Building virtual conference on September 26th and 27th! Visit the website to view the full list of speakers and panel participants who are ready to help you think differently about your church’s future and its role in community transformation. Early bird price is $65 | |
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
August 28 – 3 Best Practices for Stewardship in Congregations
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-6vqTIpG9egZClLQ6xXRV5jWRz-JVYT
We will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership, and online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous
Crossroads and Connections, an ecumenical group based in Lancaster will offer a Workshop event on Christian Nationalism: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous. Dr. Greg Carey, an international expert on the topic will present and lead discussion on the history, impact, and concerns of Christian nationalism.
Three sessions, an hour, and a half each, with the same program, will be offered on the dates listed below. The registration is unlimited as Dr. Carey usually speaks to large gatherings and events.
Please register for one of the three events for September by clicking on one of the links below:
Dates of events:
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Monday, September 16, 2024
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
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Continuing Education Opportunities with Eden Theological Seminary this Fall! Check out these opportunities and know that Rev. Betsy Bruaw (mission theology global community) and Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (justice-seekers and peacemakers) will be facilitating two of the cohorts. These are for anyone and continuing education credit is available. Most content is asynchronous but there is a monthly synchronous zoom with your facilitator. Each cohort is $250 and grant funded financial assistance is available, just ask Nora. Contact Betsy or Nora if you have questions or check out the website for all the fall options (including UCC History and Polity) and more information.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry has fall courses available in theology with Dr. Eric Seibert. Courses are 6-weeks and include synchronous zooms each week. Courses are $325. Contact program director Dr. Darryl Stephens at stephensd@moravian.edu for more information.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Fall Classes
Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Aug 27–Oct 1, 2024
Theology II: Leadership and Community, Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm ET via Zoom, Oct 15–Nov 19, 2024
Instructor: Dr. Eric Seibert
Each six-week class is $325, Earn 2.5 CEUs
This class is appropriate for lay leaders, members in discernment, and clergy. Even if you've already studied theology, these classes will offer new perspectives and stimulating discussion.
Registration and information: paacademyofministry.org OR https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
Coming this Fall!
The lay and authorized congregational leaders can now obtain the Faith Formation Practitioner certificate through this new program. This initiative aims to assist the conferences and committees on ministry by providing a comprehensive course of study for lay ministry that is progressive, theologically sound, and based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.
This Fall first-term 6-week courses begin on September 4 and the second-term 6-week courses begin on October 16, 2024. UCC History and Polity begins its 12-week run on August 28.
Explore all PATHWAYS course offerings on the PATHWAYS website.
We invite you to reach out to us at: www.pathwaystheological.org
or by email at: pathwaysregistrar@gmail.com
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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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