Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central Conference,
In a recent issue of the Christian Century, Professor Philip Jenkins of Baylor University wrote a short essay titled “A Landscape of Lost Denominations”. In it he reflected on a recent stay in central PA during which he explored churches in the area and remarked at the ‘forgotten’ lineage of Reformed, German Reformed, and E&R churches, noting that “rarely do church members have any sense of that really impressive Protestant heritage.”[i] As you can imagine, I immediately had a bit of a defensive reaction. Once I calmed down, I wrote a letter to the Editors of Christian Century, noting that I would love to host Dr. Jenkins and introduce him to a variety of our churches who both understand and celebrate their German roots!
I do not deny that as churches move through their lives the connection to their past may be weakened or even lost. To me, that is always unfortunate, because our shared history holds a wealth of resources to draw upon as we greet new challenges. The Reformed tradition is one such history, and I am deeply impressed with those clergy and laity in Penn Central who actively engage the Heidelberg Catechism and other Reformed traditions in their own theological reflections and preaching (and yes, it even happens in progressive churches!).
The German Reformed tradition has been a theological center of gravity in the history of the UCC. The Reformed clergy engaged theology in written and spoken form, producing the Mercersburg and Ursinus movements and eventually joining with the Evangelical Synod of North America to become the Evangelical and Reformed denomination. The E&R continued to produce theological treasures from a wide variety of scholars and preachers including Reinhold Niebuhr and Walter Bruggemann. And it was a handful of E&R clergy and one congregationalist pastor in St. Louis that sat down and started talking about unity – back in 1937. By 1943 the predecessor bodies of the UCC had drafted a Basis of Union.
The Basis of Union was a document that stated the theological basis for the proposed union, all with Christ at the center. They proclaimed, in part, “The faith which unites us and to which we bear witness is that faith in God which the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments set forth, which the ancient Church expressed in the ecumenical creeds, to which our own spiritual [ancestors] gave utterance in the evangelical confessions of the Reformation, and which we are in duty bound to express in the words of our time as God gives us light.”[ii] The writers held their own traditions to be crucial to talks of union.
As we labor together for new expressions of the church and in hope of continued unity, the Keystone Working Group recently approved our own Basis of Union. This is a theological statement proclaiming hope for the churches in all four PA Conferences. We (and you, as voting delegates) have not yet determined the outcome of the Keystone Project. But this is a step in which we share our Christ-centered intention. And where we hold to the belief as Gustav Mahler said, that “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, it is the preservation of fire.”
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
[i] Jenkins, Philip. “A Landscape of Lost Denominations” in Christian Century, February 2024, pp 34-35.
[ii] https://www.ucc.org/who-we-are/about/general-synod/general-synod-resolutions-regarding-environmental-justice/beliefs/beliefs_basis-of-union/
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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 4 - Church of the Redeemer UCC, Hershey - 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...
Salem-Zion Church of Pillow UCC, Pillow
Trinity UCC, Dalmatia
Quentin UCC, Quentin
Himmels UCC, Dornsife
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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.
| 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 | |
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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.
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
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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Association Events
York Association - Ecclesiastical Council for Rev. Dr. Kellie Turner - February 4, 2024 - 3PM
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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. | |
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.
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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.
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.)
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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.
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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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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!
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From our friends and partners | |
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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.
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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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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)
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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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