Message to the Conference | |
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Greetings friends and members of Penn Central,
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2, NIV)
Pentecost Sunday is one day that we focus specifically on the Holy Spirit. And it’s dramatic – a great wind, tongues of fire, speaking in many languages and yet understanding one another – the event is pivotal to the birth of the Jesus movement and is considered by many to be the ‘Birthday of the Church’.
Despite Pentecost’s arrival every year, the Holy Spirit is deeply mysterious to me. I have been to many, many worship services in which we ask for the Spirit’s presence among us or assume it is already there. But how do we know? What does it look like? Recently I have been reflecting on my own experiences of the presence of the Spirit. To be honest, they do not happen as often as one might assume for a ‘church lady.’ But now I see some things they all have in common.
For one, the presence of the Holy Spirit is more than an emotional rush. Emotions have a role, but if the experience is only based on emotions, then it is no different than other events (e.g. concerts, theater) that provoke great emotions. I have been deeply moved emotionally by worship. But when the Spirit is present, it feels wholly other. There is more than what I feel personally. There is a sense of pregnant silence, as if there is a presence in the room beyond me, beyond all of us.
Also, every time has been a surprise. For me the Spirit emerges by its own freedom at unexpected times. The Spirit moves where it chooses, not where we want it to be or where we may ask it to come. I have felt the sudden presence of the Holy on a zoom prayer meeting, at an ecclesiastical council, during communion with strangers. All were times I did not expect a particularly special experience and yet was caught off guard by a sudden sense of the other, and I was shifted out of myself – I was de-centered, and the presence of the Holy became the center. Usually, it only lasts for moments and leaves me with no words.
The Spirit moves outside of us. It is more than us. And for me, it moves beyond the church walls – my experiences of the Holy have surprised me in wild mountain places and standing in front of artwork too.
And how do we know that it has been present? Because the gifts of the Spirit emerge where it has passed. I have seen divided people moved to reconciliation, others shifted toward gentleness from wrath, and yet others from rejection to compassion. The Spirit’s presence changes those who are there. Greater humility emerges as we are de-centered. I am reminded of how small I am in the presence of the creating force of the universe.
Where and how does the Spirit move around and within you?
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Strengthen The Church offering is May 19, 2024
The Strengthen the Church Offering supports congregations and initiatives that help us live into the United Church of Christ's "big tent" vision. Funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and renewal initiatives in existing congregations. Your conference and the national ministries work together to use these funds for projects that matter now and for the future of our movement.
Half of your Strengthen The Church offering stays right here in Penn Central Conference. Your donations fund our Innovation Grants, which have helped churches upgrade technology, fund food banks, start LGTBQ youth centers, install new signage and many other projects. Innovation Grant application period opens July 1st.
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May is Asian, Pacific Islander & Desi American Heritage Month | In celebration, Penn Central is highlighting moments and figures in church history. | |
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, a celebration of the Holy Spirit, affectionately thought of as “the birthday of the Church”. It is a day when we recount how our faith ancestors though scattered throughout the world, were all represented in Jerusalem and able to hear the apostles speaking in the tongues of their new homelands.
There are approximately 70 Samoan Churches affiliated with the United Church of Christ. We know firsthand what it means for our people to be dispersed around the world as the Samoan population is dispersed throughout the whole Pacific including Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. The initial migration of Samoans to the United States was driven by the U.S. Navy (military movement) shortly after WWII, particularly settling in Hawaii and then in Southern California. Of course, the migration then established local gatherings that gave birth to the beginnings of the indigenous congregations.
Would you believe that of the approximate total Samoan population of 700,000, over two-thirds live outside the Samoan Islands? So, as Jews might have opportunity to reassemble in Jerusalem for important festivals like Pentecost (Shavuot), we Samoan sometimes, if we are fortunate, may also have opportunity (or obligation) re-assemble back in Samoa for special occasions.
This Pentecost, we invite you to greet one another by “speaking in tongues”; that is, with the simple Samoan greeting “Talofa!” or even more politely “Talofa lava!” Sidenote: The word talofa comes from an old Samoan phrase, “si o ta alofa” which means, “my love for you”.
Written by Rev. Mikey Kelemete, Senior Pastor of Faaaliga o le Alofa (Vision of Grace) Church in Las Vegas, Nevada ,and Rev. Samuelu “Sam” Tialavea, Associate Pastor of Faaaliga o le Alofa. This originally appeared in Worship Ways.
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62nd Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference
Attendance registration deadline: May 31st
For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Annual Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.
We will be joined by General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, who will be preaching during closing worship on Sunday. All four conferences will be hosting a reception with her on Saturday evening as well.
All Authorized Ministers in good standing are voting members of Penn Central Conference. Each church shall be entitled to be represented by two (2) lay delegates with voting privileges.
Registration is now open - register here.
Unfortunately the Penn Stater ran out of rooms before everyone could reserve a room. We have arranged with Country Inn and Suites, State College. They are a very nice hotel, about 4-5 minutes from the Penn Stater with free hot breakfast, pool/fitness, and a shuttle that runs to the Penn Stater from 8AM - 11PM. They cannot meet the exact cost, but have drastically reduced their overnight rate to $145 - only $6 difference. And of course taxes would be added.
You can register by calling 814-234-6000 and mention "United Church of Christ"
Last date to reserve is May 20 and there is a VERY limited number of rooms so please reserve ASAP!
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We recognize that the prices involved are higher than what our churches and clergy have spent in the past for Annual Meeting. We do not want budget concerns to prevent your attendance at this important meeting - scholarships are available!
Please fill out this form and email it to Paul Keller to apply for financial assistance.
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Worship for Churches to use on June 9:
The Conference Ministers of the four Pennsylvania Conferences have prepared a worship liturgy and sermon for use in churches on Sunday, June 9. This will allow clergy and church delegates to remain for the entire Annual Meeting. The materials align with Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson's theme for the Sunday worship at Annual Meeting. The worship at Annual Meeting will be recorded, but not livestreamed. Churches' lay leaders can use the following liturgy and sermon manuscript that morning.
Liturgy for Sunday worship .docx
Liturgy for Sunday worship PDF
Sermon for Sunday worship .docx
Sermon for Sunday worship PDF
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2024 Annual Meeting Mission Project
Our mission project this year is to make and distribute Period Packs. Period poverty is limited or inadequate access to menstrual products because of financial constraints or negative stigmas. Please sign up to donate supplies, this will help prevent us from having too much of one item and not enough of another. Thank you.
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Scheduling notes:
June 12 - St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching
| 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. | |
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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. John's UCC, Bellefonte
Peace UCC, Berrysburg
Zion UCC, Blain
St. John's UCC, Boalsburg
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Keystone Project Town Halls
Please join us to learn more, ask questions and give feedback about the Keystone Project on one of these three Zoom calls before our larger conversations at Annual Meeting. Click on the date to register.
May 15 - 7:00PM
May 30 - 7:00PM
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God is still speaking….. How?
For the past 20 years the United Church of Christ (UCC) has popularized the sayings, God is Still Speaking or Still Speaking God. If you are a person 18 years of age or older who is a UCC member in good health, an active visitor, or authorized pastor participating in a UCC church in Pennsylvania, USA, here is a research survey study in which you can participate that will give you the opportunity to explain what this idea means to you.
Participating should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your answers are kept strictly confidential, only to be viewed by the project investigator. Data gathered will be de-identified prior to results being reported. The survey is completely voluntary and you may withdraw from completing it at any time. It will ask you personal questions about how you experience God or spirituality in your life.
If you are interested, click here to read and approve the consent form and start the survey.
| 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 Mystical Presence and Sacred Meals”
The 2024 Mercersburg Society Convocation
Lancaster Theological Seminary, May 20-21, 2024
The Mercersburg heritage has encouraged a profound and heart-felt sense of the mystical presence of Christ through the celebration of the Eucharist. This Mercersburg Society Convocation will explore the experiential dimensions of this Eucharistic spirituality, focusing on the emotions and dispositions that it has sought to nurture. We will compare this rich form of piety to the unique Eucharistic spiritualities of other Christian traditions and also to the spirituality implicit in secular corporate meals. This investigation will promote a deeper appreciation of the resonances with the Mercersburg heritage that other traditions may harbor. These other expressions of meal-focused sacred experience could be illumined by our Mercersburg legacy and the conversation could be mutually enriching for all.
Information about registration, rooms, and meals can be found here.
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Association Events
May 18, 9:00AM - Harrisburg Association Spring Meeting, St. Matthew's (Coleman's) UCC, Spring Glen
June 2, 3:00PM - Rev. Steven Ostenforf installation service - Trinity UCC, Hanover
June 23, 3:00PM - Rev. Preston Van Deursen installation service - St. Paul's UCC, New Oxford
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EcoPreacher Cohort
New Cohort begins in September 2024
Once monthly meetings online via Zoom
As our climate-changed and changing world continues to demand courage, imagination, and resourcefulness, congregations and their leaders have a unique opportunity to offer prophetic voices of possibility. With their skills and community connections, preachers are in a special position to offer spiritual guidance in the quest for understanding, connection, and resilience in a world in need of environmental healing and wholeness.
Following on from a successful EcoPreacher Cohort in 2022-2023, and with the desire to support, educate, and engage preachers in the integration of climate consciousness into their preaching, The BTS Center has partnered with Creation Justice Ministries and Lexington Theological Seminary to offer this year-long cohort of learning, companionship, and exploration that will begin in September 2024.
This cohort will offer monthly sessions to help preachers understand climate change and other environmental justice issues more deeply as spiritual crises that require creative, faith-rooted action. Our intentions for this cohort are:
- To create a covenanted space for preachers to learn, reflect together, and offer support to one another as they regularly preach in a climate-changed world
- To create a diverse, respectful, identity-forming ecumenical group that welcomes preachers from lectionary-grounded, non-lectionary-focused, and identity-based communities
- To offer opportunities for participants to take risks in exploring ecological and eco-justice themes in their preaching, in a safe, mutually-supportive, non-judgmental space
- To increase engagement with eco-preaching resources, including the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 resources being offered through the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
Facilitated by Rev. Nicole Diroff of The BTS Center and Derrick Weston of Creation Justice Ministries, with collaborators Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, this cohort will offer an expansive opportunity for connection, creativity, and grounded responses to climate change through the art of preaching.
Learn more here.
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Greetings from The Hartman Center in Milroy, PA!
We're thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Open House event on Saturday, May 18th, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. We'd love your support in spreading the word to our local community.
Our Open House promises to be a day filled with fun and relaxation for attendees of all ages. Activities will include tours of our newly renovated property guided by our expert and friendly staff, complimentary donuts and coffee, a community campfire complete with s'mores, and opportunities for fellowship with board games and card games. This event is free and open to the public, and we welcome everyone to join us for a day of exploration and enjoyment.
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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
Check out the summer camp options here
Use coupon code PENNCENTRAL2024 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. | |
Boundary Training in 2024
All dates are 10am and 6pm for 2-hour zooms.
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. (This will be repeated November 19, 2024 in Zoom format.)
Topics are subject to change, but changes will be announced.
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Book Discussion
Are you wondering what is next for the church? Are you tired of hearing words like “revitalization” and “membership growth?” Are you willing to make drastic changes if it means that your children and grandchildren may be interested in participating in a Christian community? In this presentation, author, pastor, and professor, Laurene Bowers walks us through the process of letting go of everything “church.” She will lead a discussion about how to envision and create a new community, based on her most recent book, The Future of American Christianity. She will also take questions from those who have read the book. This discussion will take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30 PM, via Zoom. If you’d like to receive Zoom information for the discussion, please email Andrea Kopcak at andrea@pennwest.org by Wednesday, May 22, and let her know that you would like her to send you the Zoom link for the discussion. We will plan to send out the Zoom link for the event on Friday, May 24.
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UCCMA National Conference 2024
Conference 2024, the national biennial gathering of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA), will take place July 10-13, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Connecticut. Designed for church musicians, choral and handbell choir members and worship leaders, the three-day event includes workshops, plenary sessions, worship services, evening entertainment and networking opportunities. The stellar roster of presenters includes:
- · Tom Shelton, associate professor in choral activities at Westminster Choir College
- · Nathanial Gumbs, concert organist and director of chapel music at Yale
- · Ellen Dickinson, director of bell programs at Yale
- · Braxton Shelley, associate professor of music, sacred music and divinity at Yale
- · Janet Yieh, concert organist and specialist in women composers
The conference’s theme, “A place at the table,” inspired the planning for the entire conference experience. Our goal is to send participants home reenergized with lots of new resources and ideas to use in their local congregations.
This conference is open to all. Scholarship help is available for first-time UCCMA conference attendees who wouldn’t be able to attend without some financial assistance.
Complete information is available at https://uccma.wildapricot.org/conference-2024.
Learn more about UCCMA and what it has to offer the musicians in our denomination by signing up for a free 90-day trial membership (or join as a full member!). Information about the 2024 conference can also be found on our site: https://uccma.wildapricot.org/join-us
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
May 22 – Together for Tomorrow: Planned Giving in the Local Congregation
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdu-sqTwqG9M0viVLUPFro21LUFmy6_ea
While a significant wealth transfer occurs as each generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. This workshop will share key concepts and help you create an action plan for your congregation or ministry to promote planned giving.
See full 2024 list here.
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From our friends and partners | |
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry, upcoming classes
https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
PAM is a Regional Theological Education Program of the UCC and serves church leaders in the PC(USA), ELCA, UMC, and other denominations.
Practices of Church Leadership. May 21–June 25, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Sara Hertzog.
This nuts-and-bolts class covers the basics of leadership and administration, with practical application for everyone on the ministry leadership team. Topics include: covenant and authority; conflict; family and congregational systems; vision and mission; handling administrative tasks; spiritual care and boundaries. Clergy, lay leaders, and MIDs are encouraged to register. 2.5 CEUs. $325.
Innovation and New Models of Leadership. July 9–Aug 13, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: the Rev. Dale Davis.
This challenging class engages an array of exciting leadership models and is supported by a podcast series produced especially for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry, featuring Gil Rendle, Karen Georgia Thompson, Doug Powe Jr., Lovett Weems Jr., John Schol, and Sarah Drummond. 2.5 CEUs. $325.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
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 indepth learning experience.
o UCC Polity and History starts on May 8, 2024. There are still a few spaces left.
o Four-week and Six-week long summer courses offered include:
o What about the Bible (4-wks) – June 1 to 30, 2024
o Stories of Christian Saints and Sinners (6-wks) – May 8 to June 18, 2024
o Pluralism and Religion in North America (6-wks) – July 10 to August 20
o Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) (6-wks) – June 19 to August 6, 2024
Go to pathwaystheological.org to find out more.
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Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, continuing care retirement communities of United Church of Christ Homes, are seeking a compassionate and resident focused team member for the position of Chaplain.
This full-time position (working 75 hours in a two-week period and splitting time between Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home) provides spiritual support and comfort for the residents of the communities, in coordination with each resident’s home congregation and in accordance with United Church of Christ Homes standards. Responsibilities include planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing programs that meet the individualized spiritual needs of residents; coordinating and conducting regularly scheduled spiritual services for residents; and maintaining a visitation program for all residents. Learn more here.
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United Church of Christ of Hummelstown Office Administrator
Provide direct clerical and administrative support to the Pastor and the church,
act as point of contact for church publications, building use and data
management. See the full job description here.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume, including at least 3 references that can speak to your employment history to search@hummelstownucc.org
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Title: Director of Go Tell It In the Mountains Initiative
Supervisor: Bishop of the Allegheny Synod
Job Context Information: Go Tell It In the Mountains is a grant funded between three
ELCA Synods: Allegheny, Upper Susquehanna and Northwest Pennsylvania. The Director will be supervised by the Bishop of the Allegheny Synod. Resident of one of the three sponsoring Synods or a willingness to relocate preferred. Position begins May 1, 2024.
Job Purpose: The grant proposal seeks to expand the role of preaching to encompass
education and outreach using modern communication tools to prepare worshipers for
Sunday’s message, engage listeners beyond Sunday morning, and empower all to serve.
This vision is to be accomplished through three goals: train compelling preachers to use
new media to share the gospel, recruit and train aspiring individuals to be preachers, and
oversee the process of creating and distributing compelling preaching content centralized
to a website and marketed through social media so everyday Christians can integrate their faith into their attitudes, actions and ministries in daily life. The Director will work with the Steering Committee to initiate, oversee, edit and accomplish the goals, objectives,
strategies, and indicators laid out in the grant application. Visit
https://www.alleghenysynod.org/general-4 to view the complete proposal.
Learn more here.
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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
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
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