Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central!
Last week I attended a meeting in Cleveland for the Council of Conference Ministers. As part of that meeting we had opportunities to hear from our General Minister and President, leaders from the Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization (MESA) team, our General Counsel, the Insurance Board, and the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). I certainly will not tire you with all the details, but I do want to share a few reflections about what we heard.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, our General Minister and President, spent quality time answering our questions and sharing reflections on what she sees ahead for the UCC. Karen Georgia holds the idea of a Broad Tent closely and affirmed that this is who we are as the UCC. She wondered aloud what would happen if pastors or laity from Open and Affirming and Faithful and Welcoming churches sat at the same table, or pastors/members from urban and very rural churches – what would our conversations be? Could talking about our own spiritual lives be a way of hearing one another? She believes that spiritual experience is a deep desire for many people right now. People are seeking ways to enter sacred experiences and practices to encourage that entrance. Karen Georgia is a poet and she spoke to how creativity has a way of bridging divides and may help us explore how to live together, since that is what we have been called to do. She will be with us at our Keystone meeting in June and will offer a sermon Sunday morning. She plans to include several of her poems in the worship service, and will offer a workshop on Saturday about Poetry as a Spiritual Practice. There is no doubt in my mind that Karen Georgia’s leadership will encourage us to ask different kinds of questions and engage with one another in new ways. I am encouraged and hopeful – more than I have been in some time.
Our MESA staff gave a presentation on the new Manual on Church that is in review and revision stage now. Nora and I have both read the draft and submitted our feedback on-line to the writing team. There are parts of this manual that will be very, very helpful to local churches. When the time comes, our Committees on Ministry and all the churches in our associations will have the opportunity to claim the manual as their own for their own practices. You will hear much more about this later in the year.
We also learned about the licensure process and how the designation of “Licensed Pastor” may be reintroduced to Associations depending on how the Committees on Ministry decide. (The recent Manual on Ministry discouraged the designation for a variety of reasons.) I know that this possibility will please various people across the UCC.
Our General Counsel, Heather Kimmel, discussed legal issues, focusing on the need for robust judicatory checks when a candidate is being considered for a church. If you are part of a search team, keep in mind that Nora and I can assist you with those checks (contacting the candidate’s previous Conference) and it is very important for your own protection. Heather also lifted the reminder about ‘politics and the pulpit’ since we are now in an election year. Please know that I will be offering several zoom opportunities for reviewing the legal aspects of what a church and pastor can and cannot do when it comes to politics, so watch for the announcements about those.
Finally, the presentation by our Insurance Board leaders was a sobering reminder of the effects climate change has had on the insurance industry. The Insurance Board was created by the Council of Conference Ministers decades ago to provide reasonable coverage for churches. The IB’s success depends on the participation of our churches. Church membership in the Insurance Board is voluntary and it provides a place for churches to come together in covenant for the benefit of all. Natural disasters (especially flood and fire) have wreaked havoc on UCC properties. Now is the time to review your church’s insurance policies and contact me with questions so we can all be assured of coverage as our climate changes.
I am always grateful for the opportunity to gather with colleagues in Cleveland. Thank you for supporting me in my ministry with the national setting. I am especially grateful for a spirit of hope and new possibilities!
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Women's History in the UCC
Women's History Month, celebrated annually in March, honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It originated from International Women's Day which was first observed in the early 1900s and gained traction during the women's rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s.This month serves to raise awareness of women's roles in shaping societies, inspire future generations, and highlight ongoing challenges.
In the eNews each week this month we will be highlighting the contributions of women in the history of the UCC. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of these women this month and every month.
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UCC Women’s Week
General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson highlighted the history of advocacy for women that is vital to the UCC.
“This is a time when we celebrate and lift up the rich diversity and expansiveness of women around the world,” she says in her message. “UCC Women’s Week is a longstanding tradition we have upheld for decades.”
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Women’s History Month
Speaking on Women’s History Month, Acting Associate General Minister Rev. Shari Prestemon pointed to the work the UCC has done with the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women, which will convene for its annual gathering March 11 to 22.
“Engagement with the various agencies of the United Nations is an important part of our vision to create a just world for all,” she says. “The UCC has long advocated for gender equality, and participation in the Commission on the Status of Women is part of that calling.”
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Past, present, and future of women in the UCC
Both officers spoke to the past, present, and future of women in the UCC in a final video.
Prestemon remarks that the UCC continues its legacy of support for women “through our work for reproductive justice, commitment to gender expansive language, ending gender-based violence, and uplifting the connection between sexism and racism.”
“This work is local and global, personal and societal,” Thompson says. “Today and every day, the United Church of Christ will celebrate and center those who identify as women.”
| This information originally appear on ucc.org as Watch: UCC officers honor women in church and beyond on March 5, 2024 | |
FINAL DAY
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:
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...
St. Paul's UCC, Spring Grove
St. Peter (Lischey's) UCC, Spring Grove
Trinity Roths UCC, Spring Grove
Grace UCC, Spring Mills
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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. | |
March 10, 2024 is One Great Hour of Sharing
The proceeds from this offering channels resources for international programs in health, education and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response, administered by Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.
Order envelopes and other resources for this offering here.
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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:
· March 13: Bill Worley
· March 20: Bonnie Bates
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Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows
Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00am via ZOOM.
It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”-- to love and serve one another-- for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.
Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance.
Register here.
| Wisdom & Grace UCC, Lancaster has hymnals and bibles they would like to donate to a church in need. They have 170 New Century Hymnals, 42 softbound NRSV bibles and 8 hardcover NRSV bibles. Please contact the church at wisdomgraceucc@gmail.com if you are interested. | |
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
6 night camps - Sunday, 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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Upcoming events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation's Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Click here to register for these and other events
Summer Camp Open Houses
March 17 and April 14 at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa
Earth Day Celebration
April 21 at Kirchenwald
Work Day
April 27 at Nawakwa
May 4 at Kirchenwald
Check out the summer camp options 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!
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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UCC Webinar—How Long Till Justice?: Flint, Jackson, and Red Hill
In April, the 10th anniversary of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan will be marked. Yet, justice, in many forms and by many measures, has remained elusive. In Jackson, Mississippi and near the U.S. Navy’s toxic Red Hill facility in Hawai’i, justice has also been difficult to achieve in the wake of water crises. Learn how leaders from these communities envision the path to justice in this webinar on March 13th at 1 pm ET. Register now!
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
April 24 – A Good Pitch - Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuCvpzojG9BHNVrZXiYVjmHakz1H2pWe
Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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Join Us for a Webinar - Book Banning! What Comes Next?
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Dave Bushnell and Tom Davis-Chappell will facilitate a discussion with our experts - Nikki Rivera, Molly Magro, Parker Webb and Dr. Robert (Bob) Hollister.
Participants should come prepared for a thoughtful discussion about the impact of book banning in our society.
Book Banning has been around for almost as long as books have been published. The presenters for this Webinar are very familiar with the pressures of book banning efforts especially in public schools. Why is this happening and what are ways for school librarians, superintendents, and school boards to respond to the challenges? Our webinar will focus especially on LGBTQ+ literature bans because LGBTQ+ youth are often marginalized and need ‘safe places’ of support and affirmation. After presentations and interactions of the presenters, they will respond to questions from those attending the Webinar.
Who Should Attend?
Parents of school aged children; school superintendents; school librarians; school board members; LGBTQ+ community; anyone interested in this topic.
Register here.
| Pax Christi Harrisburg will hold its annual Walking Way of the Cross in downtown Harrisburg on Good Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. Participants should gather at 9:45 a.m. at Front & Market Sts. (Dauphin County Courthouse). This event connects Jesus’ journey to the cross with current day themes of peace and justice. The walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and will occur, rain or shine. For more information, call Rick Woodard at 717-991-4204. | |
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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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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