Message to the Conference | |
Greetings from the Board of Directors of the Penn Central Conference,
“Ringed by this cloud of witnesses divine, we feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet in your love our faithful lives entwine. Alleluia! Alleluia!”
Vs. 4 of “For the All the Saints” hymn by William W. How, 1864
If you’re ever in the position of needing to write a nomination reference for someone for sainthood, I recommend reading Adomnan of Iona’s, “Life of St. Columba.” Adomnan was a seventh century Irish priest who eventually became the ninth abbot of Iona Monastery on a small island in present day northwest Scotland. He was also a distant relative of Columba who founded Iona about a hundred years before the book was written.
The book itself depicts Columba as a wise abbot, who like Christ, was capable of turning water into wine, controlling sea storms for travelers coming to the abbey, and even raising the dead. After a few pages into reading the book, one realizes it is quite evident the whole point of the book was to lift up Columba as a person of incredible gifts and a person who was clearly a saint, in a time some historians now call “the Age of Saints.” So, again, this book will help you see a format for making a person sound perfect and deserving of every accolade, even sainthood.
However, while reading it, I was left wondering, what about Columba’s flaws? He is at times shown as being impatient or even getting agitated. But I wanted to know if he ever snapped at someone because he was hangry? Or did he ever get tired of the 24 hours of darkness in the northwest Scottish winters? Or did he ever decided to skip morning prayers, like I justify skipping exercising, because it felt better to stay under warm blankets for another half hour? I want to know he “feebly struggled” some days like me.
I’m bringing this up because later this week we’ll celebrate All Saints Day or perhaps All Saints Sunday in our congregations. If your practice on this day is anything like mine, I’m going to remember people who will never be nominated for sainthood, because they were their own unique blend of saint and sinner, like all of us. And I’ll do like most of us do with loved ones and friends who have passed, I’ll remember their best qualities, their best days, and the way they made my life or my community livelier. I’ll also remember how they were forgiven for the unsaintly stuff, just like I hope I am being forgiven for mine. They weren’t perfect and may have hurt me or others, but again if I am honest, that is like my life, too.
But knowing that God’s love for them has found completion in their now being part of the divine cloud of witnesses allows me to stand in gratitude for their part in my life and faith journey. And who knows, maybe someday someone will write down a memory of me and make me sound way better than my worst day, and they’ll remember that I was loved unconditionally by God, just like “all the saints who from their labors rest.”
Rev. Dwight Hein
Facilitator of Clergy Care
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
Sunday November 10 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
Sunday November 17 - First UCC, Middleburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
Sunday November 17 - Trinity UCC, Millersburg - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
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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, Mifflinburg
Trinity UCC, Millersburg
Mount Bethel UCC, Mill Hall
Trinity Reformed UCC, Mountville
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The United Church of Christ has established the Hurricane Helene Recovery Appeal and the Hurricanes 2024 Appeal. Your support for these appeals will ensure that communities are supported and accompanied for years as they rebuild. You can donate through your local church, with your gifts going through the Conference to the Appeal. Gifts can be made through PCC here. Under “Directed Gifts” choose “Disaster Relief” and notate “Hurricane Relief”. And you can always mail a check to the PCC offices with the same notation. | |
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Come together for times of Prayer and Unity during Election Week
On Zoom
Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Peaceful Elections, Monday, Nov. 4, 6pm- 7:15pm. Join interfaith leaders throughout Pennsylvania in praying for our nation. We will lift up election officials, poll workers, candidates and voters. Sponsored by PA Council of Churches and WACH. Register at https://tinyurl.com/Pray-For-Peaceful-Elections
Election Day Prayer Vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8am-11pm ET on Zoom
As the nation heads to the ballot box, join the Shalem community in prayer for unity and peace in our country and for the U.S. election (Join for a few minutes, for an hour, or more). Feel free to join us for whatever part of the day you can, as we hold the nation in prayer. Sponsored by Shalem Institute. Once you register, you will receive a link to join.
Register at https://shalem.org/programs/election-day-prayer-vigil/
In Person, at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg Chapel
Monday, November 4—Join us the night before election day for a time of prayer, peace and support, at 6:30pm. No registration needed. Just come.
Election day, Tuesday, November 5, our Chapel will be open for prayer from 7am – 7pm, for you to come in and pray as you wish. Pastor Cindy, Pastor Scott, and Rev. Patricia Kishpaugh are making themselves available to sit with you, pray with you, if you wish. Patricia also shared that she will make herself available the day of the election for mini spiritual direction/ companioning sessions, as needed. Also, on November 5th
during the day we will offer more “formal” guided prayer times at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm in the Chapel.
November 6-8:
We are aware that things may not feel resolved on the evening of the election; so, we will have our Chapel open for times of prayer, support and connection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Short prayer services will be offered at around noon, Wed.-Fri. election week.
You do not need to be a member of the church to join us in these times. All are welcome.
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Special Fall Meeting
November 9, 2024, 9:30AM - 12:30PM
The special fall meeting of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:30 am EST. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary of St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 6490 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112, and remote participation will be available via ZOOM. Associations within Penn Central Conference will also be hosting remote gatherings at official sites to allow participation in the meeting via ZOOM.
There are three items of business on the agenda for this meeting.
1. Presentation and approval of the proposed 2025 Penn Central Conference budget
2. Presentation and consideration for recognition of the STAR (Small Town and Rural Churches) Coalition as a self-created group within the United Church of Christ
3. Consideration and voting on a motion to create the Keystone Conference out of the four present Conferences of Penn Central, Penn Northeast, Penn West, and Pennsylvania Southeast.
Read the full call to meeting here.
Register here.
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Rock and Roll With It
Hartman Center Winter Youth Retreat
We will be returning to Hartman Center Campground as guests.
5725 Old US Highway 322, Milroy, PA 17063
January 17-19, 2025
Grades 6 through College Grad (or age 22)
Meals and Lodging included
$100 until December 2, 2024
$150 after December 2, 2024
Use coupon code PCC2025 if you would like to use a Penn Central Conference Outdoor Ministries scholarship of 50% off your registration fees.
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2025 Meck and Moss Award Nominations
Nominations accepted through November 30
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Meck and Moss Awards. The Meck and Moss Awards are awarded annually to Lancaster Theological Seminary alumni, of any denomination, who demonstrate commitment to the excellence of ministry. The Alumni Council’s Awards and Recognition Committee will select award recipients.
The Meck Award honors the memory of Allan S. Meck, who graduated from the Seminary in 1911 and served as president from 1947 to 1957. The Meck Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of pastoral ministry.
The Moss Award honors Robert V. Moss Jr. ’45, who graduated form the Seminary in 1945 and served as president from 1957 to 1969. The Moss Award is presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry (i.e., chaplain, administrator, educator, judicatory staff, etc.).
Learn more about the selection criteria here. Submit a nomination by November 30th here.
| The United Church of Christ is pleased to award New Hope UCC in Landisburg, PA with a $250 matching grant for their fundraising efforts and commitment to assemble 50 Hygiene Kits, to be distributed by Church World Service (CWS). These Hygiene kits mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families facing natural disasters, violence, or poverty. | PCC's own Solomon's UCC, Chambersburg is featured in The Wall Street Journal! Read all about how they installed solar panels and how the laws have changed to allow government subsidies for non-profits in rural areas to make these clean-energy installations. The article also features some great pictures of the church. Read the full thing here. | |
On Sunday, November 3rd at 3:00 pm. St. Luke's UCC in Lititz will be hosting acclaimed writer and comedian Claire Berger, who is asking out loud the question you’ve been silently pondering for years, “How Much Is Enough?” Claire wrote this book and launched live events to start a long overdue conversation. Her innovative mashup of memoir and self help genres invites you to join her in the search of Enough in all aspects of our lives. Health, money, family, success, food and sex are just a smattering of the topics up for discussion in a touching, highly relatable, often hilarious conversation that features thought-provoking questions and creative prompts for deeper personal reflection. You will leave with a renewed appreciation for all that they are and all that they have, which is often more than enough. Please call (717) 626-7100 or email church@stlukesucc.com to let us know how many chairs will be enough.
| Quentin UCC invites you to our annual Veteran’s Day Concert to be held Monday, November 11, 7:00 p.m. This musical tribute honors all branches of the military and we hope you’ll consider attending. We are located at 11 E. Main St., Quentin; and, the building is accessible to all. | |
Association Events
November 3 - Mercersburg Association Fall Meeting - St. John's UCC, Chambersburg - 3:00PM
November 9 - Gettysburg Association Fall Meeting - 9 AM registration, continental breakfast, and brief Association Meeting; 9:30 AM - PCCUCC meeting live streamed; 11:30 Vote on the formation of the Keystone Conference; short meeting with the PCCUCC immediately following the result of the vote.)
November 10 - York Association Annual 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. | |
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.
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 | |
From Southern New England Conference
Revising Your Church's Bylaws: When, Why & How
November 10. 4:00PM
When the timing is right, the purpose is clear, and a plan is in place, revising a set of bylaws can breathe new life into a congregation. When roles, responsibilities, and processes are up-to-date, when the bylaws reflect current realities, and when decision-making processes are mapped, healthier dynamics can help create a more inclusive, positive culture. The process described in this session can be used to solicit input and increase buy-in for any major change initiative.
$13 for individuals, $58 for watch parties of 5 or more
Register here by November 7.
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From New York Conference
This fall, we're offering monthly opportunities to take Refresher Boundary Awareness Training via Zoom:
Tuesday, November 12, from 9am – 3 pm
Thursday, December 12, from 8 am - 2 pm
Glad to have folks from around the UCC. We can give partial scholarships if needed (email mpurnine@uccny.org before registering). For more information:
https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/66f26fe1-8247-4fe4-a60f-11ef73be0bd0
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From Pennsylvania South East Conference
Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics' Boundary Training
On Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9:00a-3:00p, join members of the PSEC Ethics Committee in Limerick for a boundary training on "Examining the Ministerial Code of Ethics". In this training we will cover:
· the moral and ethical expectations of the pastoral office, identifying the “gray” areas of ministry
· the purpose of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the sections of the Ministerial Code of Ethics
· the top ethical issues facing pastors today
· the issues that lead to Boundary violations and Fitness Reviews
· the Fitness Review Process
For more info and to register, click 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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The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith while learning effective tools to build a more just, compassionate world. This online program provides a foundational introduction to boost your knowledge, skills and confidence in working for change. Justice Jubilee begins in October and space is limited - apply today.
Scholarships are available thanks to the UCC's FaithINFO team.
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2024 Financial Ministries Webinars
4th Wednesdays of the Month – 7:30pm Eastern (6:30 Central)
October 23 – End the Year Strong: Making the Most of Year End Giving
https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdemqrz8qGNJJOs_gDoFH2nxcItmlhUGD
November and December can be the strongest months for giving in charities. How can we make the most of this generous time in our culture? The conversation will lift up ideas and messages to promote giving to congregations.
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UCC Webinar: What Is Owed—International Climate Debt
While developed countries disproportionately caused the climate crisis, developing countries have disproportionately suffered the consequences. As a result, a debt is owed. Yet, the opposite is happening as developing countries are the ones saddled with the crushing burden of debt payments. According to a report from the IMF and World Bank, 47 developing countries will pay $400 billion dollars to service their debts in 2024. With the risk of default, these countries are not able to devote the money needed to address the climate crisis. As the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Azerbaijan, we will focus on the enormous moral and financial issues at stake with climate debt. Athena Peralta from the World Council of Churches and Karimi Kinoti from Edeni Platform will discuss these critical matters. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, 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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Parish Resource Center
Secure Your Church’s Information
November 12, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Learn how congregations can protect the information entrusted to them, and proactively educate congregants to identify scams and protect themselves. Don’t let the hard work you’ve done building a community of trust be turned against you. This workshop is ideal for pastors, church administrators, lay leaders, and others who are entrusted with sensitive information and the policies around handling it. Register here.
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Continuing Education Opportunities with Eden Theological Seminary this Fall! Check out these opportunities and know that Rev. Betsy Bruaw (mission theology global community) and Rev. Dr. Nora Foust (justice-seekers and peacemakers) will be facilitating two of the cohorts. These are for anyone and continuing education credit is available. Most content is asynchronous but there is a monthly synchronous zoom with your facilitator. Each cohort is $250 and grant funded financial assistance is available, just ask Nora. Contact Betsy or Nora if you have questions or check out the website for all the fall options (including UCC History and Polity) and more information.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry has fall courses available in theology with Dr. Eric Seibert. Courses are 6-weeks and include synchronous zooms each week. Courses are $325. Contact program director Dr. Darryl Stephens at stephensd@moravian.edu for more information.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Explore Our Crossroads Lay Leadership Programs
Our introductory course, Compass, begins October 17 and takes participants through two different paths. First, it is a discernment process to help the participant identify their gifts, passion, and style. Through reading, journaling, and a valuable small group process, participants are encouraged to explore, articulate, and hone their personal sense of call as a lay person in the church and in the community.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education Courses are Accessible and Interactive
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 in depth learning experience.
PATHWAYS Theological Education Courses are Flexible
Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.
The next course offerings begin in early January. Go to the PATHWAYS website to see the course schedule and to sign up for a class or a certificate or continuing education.
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Current Openings - UCC National Setting
Philanthropy
Generosity Officer, Great Lakes Region Close Date: Open until filled
Office of the Associate General Ministers
Associate General Minister, Love of Church Close Date: November 30, 2024
Associate General Minister and Co-Executive for Global Ministries, Love of Neighbor Close Date: November 30, 2024
Office of General Counsel
Paralegal Close Date: October 30, 2024
Global HOPE – Humanitarian: Opportunities, Partnerships, Empowerment.
Minister for Refugee and Migration Services Close Date: October 30, 2024
Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD)
Research Analyst Close Date: October 30, 2024
Cornerstone Fund
Investment Services Manager Close Date: October 30, 2024
Commercial Loan Underwriting Specialist Close Date: October 30, 2024
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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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