Message to the Conference | |
Greetings Penn Central members and friends,
“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths… so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, NRSV)
Recently I did an internet search for “self-guided walking tours of Berlin.” I will be there for an extra day in September with our German partners and wanted to see what sites were highly recommended. I found a listing by a woman who had been to Berlin, put her own list of ‘best sites’ together, and then published it. I was interested in her list, but I quickly fell down a rabbit hole by reading the comments in response to her post. Before I knew it, I was deep in an underground pit of condescension, jeering, meanness, insults, and put-downs. When I resurfaced, I sat in stunned silence. All I could think was, “Humans are awful.” Scratch the surface with an innocuous online post, guarantee anonymity, and watch the claws and frothing emerge.
In contrast, reading the fourth chapter in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians seems like a dispatch from another world. Paul writes in poetic prose about living in unity and peace, the role of love, and the gift of the grace of God. The section of Chapter 4 included in this week’s lectionary (verses 25-32) finishes out this remarkable chapter. Paul’s expectation of followers of Jesus is that believers will differentiate themselves from others around them. Their (our) speech, in particular, will be mindful – not letting the sun go down on our anger, making sure our words build up others, allowing speech to give grace, and putting away malice, slander, and bitterness.
As I thought about my brief experience with the on-line search I wondered if verse 31 might now be translated “Put away from you all snarkiness and disrespect and trolling and outrage and offence, together with all hatefulness.” Not a bad way to think about it.
Paul was writing about those within the early Christian community, not about strangers having random social encounters. And yet the same trolling, outrage, and offense occur within our faith communities. I hear, on a regular basis, members and leaders of churches casually disrespecting, condemning, and slandering other Christian leaders and believers – usually because they are on different sides of social issues. And I wonder, when did this become blithely acceptable to us? I am asking myself too, when do I do this? Can I hear myself when I do? Why do I feel I can so easily judge another’s faith or practice? The questions are always hard for me to answer. The answers from within my own heart are hard to hear.
And while some might read Paul’s closing words, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” as Pollyanna ‘nice-nice,’ I see them differently. I see the instructions in Chapter 4 as some of the most difficult discipleship practices we face. I find it easier to slide into casual judgement of others than to push myself to hold that person in prayer or think about them as God’s own child.
In the weeks and months to come, I will be reflecting more deeply on Paul’s instructions: “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Will you join me?
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
August 14 - 17 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust 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...
Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg
Pennbrook UCC, Harrisburg
St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg
Salem UCC, Harrisburg
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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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After having witnessed the wonderful Climate Hope art of UCC children and youth, we are now ready to kickoff our campaign to collect as many Climate Hope Voter Pledge Cards as possible between now and November 1st. To help you and your congregation participate, we have created this toolkit full of best practices, tips, and more. Learn more here. Register your congregation here.
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Thursday, September 12, 1:00 PM - PCC - EKD (Evangelical Church in
Germany) partnership meeting via Zoom. To attend, please contact Julie
Holm julie@bvfof.org.
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The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is having its first annual House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium on Thursday, August 8, 2024. This event will be held at the Best Western Premier Harrisburg, located at 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
While most churches will never have to face a mass shooter, we are all in danger of having to deal with accidents, robberies, weather disasters, and medical emergencies. Attending a seminar such as this one, can open the door for conversations about developing a church security team that might deal with the following:
- what security measures are in place - not just for worship times, but anytime the building is in use
- who is responsible for collaborating with local law enforcement should there be an emergency
- have adequate child safety precautions been established
- is the congregation prepared to safely exit the building should they need to do so quickly? (i.e. are all exits clearly marked and does EVERYONE know where they are?)
- is there a need for an AED (defibrillator)and if so, who is trained and who is responsible for ensuring it is charged and pass are kept updated
This seminar will help to get your church asking important questions to help them be proactive instead of reactive when a situation arises.
Click on the following link to register online: House of Worship Safety and Security Symposium - Harrisburg
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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
| 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. | |
Fall Education Day
September 7th, 9:30AM - 3:00PM at St. Thomas UCC in Harrisburg
Morning: Workshops
Session One: (Choose one)
"UCC Covenant" with Dr. Charles Maxfield (PSEC)
"Neighbor Studies (Demographics)" with Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (PCC)
Session Two: (Choose one)
"Conflict Work" with Rev. Joanne Marchetto (PNEC)
"Congregational Boundaries"
Lunch (included)
Afternoon: Keynote Speaker
"Grief Work, Nostalgia, and Visioning the Future" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Register here.
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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.
Boundary Training: Politics & The Pulpit – August 20, 2024
In the two hour session, we will review of legal issues around political speech in the church, discuss how to mitigate political divisions within congregations and examine case studies involving preaching and politics. Please come and add your voice to what is sure to be a rich conversation! Register here
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 | |
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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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 | |
UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting are pleased to share 3 new opportunities that will be invaluable in developing or enhancing your Wellness Ministries. If you have any questions, we are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at WellnessMinistries@ucc.org.
What do visitation, healing circles, meal delivery, support groups, and prayer shawls have in common?
These are some of the healing and justice activities of Wellness Ministries.
New Opportunity: A Wellness Ministries Volunteer Orientation 6-week Zoom interactive series is being offered by the UCC Wellness Ministries of the National Setting
to learn more about how you might prepare effective volunteers.
When: Tuesdays, September 3rd through October 7th at 6:30 – 8:00 pm ET
· All materials will be made available free of charge.
· Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the series.
Interested? Don’t miss this opportunity. Register here as soon as possible.
We limit the group size to ensure the best learning experience and that each attendee
receives the full benefit of personalized interactions and group discussions.
Have questions? E-mail UCCWellnessMinistriesChair@gmail.com
NURTURE THE SOUL, Faith INFO Webinars
Discover Wellness Ministries in your Congregation
Thursday, October. 10th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Wellness Ministries Intergenerational Holiday Happenings
Thursday, October. 17th, 3:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time
More details available soon.
UCC Wellness Ministries Handbook for Visitation
Are you visiting a person or writing a note on behalf of the church? Aren’t sure what to do or say to this person?
This handbook furnishes information to guide you in each encounter and provides scripture passages, prayers, and blessings you can easily use.
This Handbook replaces the now-retired Called to Care Pocket Handbook for Caregivers.
The Handbook will be available from the UCC Resources Store by early fall.
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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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UCC's Justice and Peace Action Network are offering 50% scholarships for 12 UCC members for Justice Leadership Program's Justice Jubilee program this fall. The Jubilee program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while gaining knowledge and confidence to do the work of justice within their congregation and community.
Please share this opportunity through conference newsletters or send directly to interested congregations and individuals.
Sign-up today - space is limited!
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Virtual Open House
Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 7:00-8:00pm via Zoom
Meet the instructors. Learn about upcoming classes. Talk with previous students. Get the scoop on our exclusive podcast. Q&A about multiple pathways of theological education for authorized ministry. RSVP required.
Audience: laity, clergy, judicatory leaders, members in discernment
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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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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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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