Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference -
I want to begin by saying thank you again to Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler for her excellent work as our Facilitator of Care to Clergy and Clergy Families for the past year. Ronnette worked tirelessly during our most trying year and I know her care, compassion and presence had a positive affect on the Conference. She will be missed. Thank you again Ronnette!
I am happy to announce that Rev. Rick Luciotti will be returning to this staff position in the Conference beginning September 13th. Rick served as the facilitator some years ago and we are thankful for his interest and willingness to return. If you would like to welcome Rick, please email him at rluciotti@gmail.com – his words below will provide a good introduction. If you have served as an Association Chaplain to clergy, then you can expect to be contacted by Rick in due course. Your PCC staff is grateful to have Rick with us and we move back into more “normal” days! - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
I welcome the opportunity to continue the ministry of Rev. Ronnette Comfort-Butler and to assist the volunteer chaplains of Penn Central Conference in the area of facilitatingcare fro Clergy and their families. I previously served as pastor of St. Mark's UCC, Lebenon; Faciliatator of Clergy and Family Care; Interim Pastor at Myerstown UCC and as a Search and Call Associate for Penn Central. In these capacities I have learned and experienced the importance of this ministry.
My thoughts regarding Clergy and Family care begin with an awareness that Jesus often took time apart for rest and rejuvenation, as well as gathering with friends. They are also informed by the following scriptures: Ephesians 4:15-16; James 1:22-24 and Matthew 22:37-39. The works of Dr. William Glasser (Reality Therapy and Choice Theory) also inform my thoughts on the subject. Thus, my understanding for this form of ministry is in the providing of direct care in time of difficulty and, as well, the sharing of insights regarding methods for developing effective and efficient self and family care for clergy. I believe that pastoral ministry is enhanced as clergy attend to their personal and family needs as completely as to the needs of a congregation.
It is, I believe, an aspect of what St. Paul was teaching in his letter to the Ephesians when encouraging us to "grow up (mature) in every way unto Christ." Further, the call to love the Lord our God, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength; and our neighbor as our self is viewed as a total behavior requiring a focus on healthy behaviors building up the various components of our lives. Thus, we are called to seek always to attend to more fully learning and practicing effective and efficient means for fully our needs. When we are doing this we are better empowered to model for our congregations the maturing St. Paul addresses.
Rev. Rick Luciotti
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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. |
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Scheduling notes:
July 11 - First UCC, Middleburg - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
July 18 - St. John's, Boalsburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
July 18 - Heidelberg UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
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General Synod 33
"Rooted In Love"
July 11 – 18, 2021
Important links below
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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...
Himmel's Church UCC, Dornsife
Emmanuel (Freysville) UCC, Red Lion
St. Johns UCC, Red Lion
Richfield UCC, Richfield
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COVID-19 Resources
Penn Central Conference has added a special section on our website for COVID-19 resources, including the times and links for Zoom meetings. Find them here: https://pccucc.org/covid-19-resources/
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Penn Central Conference is once again accepting applications for the PCC Innovation Grants which is for PCC churches who are looking for funding for a bold & innovative approach to ministry. Application can be found here, please email completed forms to Paul.
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Annual Meeting Highlights
If you missed PCC's 59th Annual Meeting, or wanted to share the highlights with your congregation - the PCC YouTube channel has highlight videos in one playlist. We had many requests for these particular clips - from Conference Minister Carrie Call's State of the Conference address to the worship services, it's all here and ready to share during meetings and worship services. |
Virtual Pastoral Colloquy: "BEYOND WHITE PRIVILEGE"
Penn Central’s PCC-UEK Partnership Ministry Team & Evangelical Church in Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia
“BEYOND WHITE PRIVILEGE: How Churches Can Engage in Building Peace in Our Societies”
Featuring the Rev. Traci D. Blackmon, Associate General Minister
Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 1:00 to 4:00PM
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Morsels of Excellence
Check out the newest video from ACM Nora Foust's Morsels of Excellence series. This month's morsel is on Copyright & the Church, check out the full playlist here and watch this new video here: |
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Outdoor Ministries
Calling all medical professionals!
There is still a need for some nursing help at Nawakwa. If you are interested and able to help out this summer for part of a week or for an entire week, please either contact PCC’s own Dr. Jan Taylor who is serving as Medical Director for Lutheran Camping Corporation this summer (717-880-2565 or jtaylor@ycp.edu). You can also contact the Lutheran Camping office (717-677-8211) or simply reply to this email.
In addition, the brochure and registration form for the Penn Central Conference Hartman Center Spirit Week at Camp Mount Luther in August can be downloaded at:
(Registration deadline is July 25.)
Check out the all new Outdoor Ministries page on the PCC website here!
And a history of Hartman Center is hosted on the PCC website here.
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Penn Central Conference Lectionary Discussion Group - This group is open to all clergy, meets weekly on Tuesdays at 1:00PM to discuss upcoming lectionary passages. Us this Zoom link here.
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Go Green Sunday
August 8, 2021
Mt. Zion UCC, York
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"Dr. Joe" Utterback live in concert!
Friday, August 20, 7PM - Free Admission
Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg
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Chapel Hill UCC, Lemoyne
OPEN HOUSE
Chapel Hill will be hosting an open house on SUNDAY, JULY 18!
Join us for our 10 AM worship service. Afterwards plan on staying and enjoying a Farm Show milk shake from the Dairymen’s Assoc. vendor truck and a delicious sandwich from the Bucky’s Festival Food truck. We will have games available and will be giving tours of our new facility. This is a community event! Everyone is welcome.
Chapel Hill Church
1019 Mumma Road
Lemoyne, PA 17043
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Sunday, August 29 - Lancaster Association Ordination Service for Joao Teixeira - 3:00PM - Wisdom’s Table at St. Peter’s. The service will be in-person and live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page.
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UCC Webinars
These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.
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UCC Musicians Association Conference 2021
July 8-10, 2021
Join us online for workshops, worship services, a wonderful concert, vendors and networking. We will be virtually hosted by the First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in the historic town of Glastonbury, Connecticut. From Thursday evening through the Saturday 4 pm closing worship service, we provide a plethora of activities that will enhance your music skills and give you resources and ideas for new ways of expressing God's Spirit in these pandemic times. We also provide glimpses of the historic scenery around the church in Glastonbury, which you would have enjoyed if you had come in person as originally planned. Join us instead online for a mental reset and spiritual refreshment with a taste of Connecticut. Learn more here.
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Employment Opportunities
The Lebanon Valley Home, a continuing care retirement community affiliated with United Church of Christ Homes, is seeking a compassionate and resident focused team member for the position of Chaplain. This position is Part Time (15 hours per week).
The primary duty of the Chaplain is to provide spiritual support and comfort for the residents of the facility in coordination with the resident’s home congregation.
The chaplain will communicate a caring friendship with a tolerant attitude for multiple cultural traditions and a wide range of spiritual beliefs. The chaplain will offer encouragement and support to clergy and churches as they continue to minister to the needs of their members.
The chaplain will be available to offer comfort to the individual as well as the family. During difficult times, sensitivity and compassion are requisite for the spiritual support needed by all involved; the resident, family, and staff.
Providing comfort for the dying is a key part of the Chaplain's job as well as coordinating and conducting regularly scheduled religious services for residents.
Requirements – Must be an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ with a minimum of one year experience in a pastoral ministry as well as one unit Clinical Pastoral Education.
A resume and letter of interest should be submitted to:
Meredith Schell Fields
Executive Director
The Lebanon Valley Home
550 East Main Street
Annville PA, 17003
mfields@ucc-homes.org
Fax (717) 867-7060
EEOE
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PT Church Office Administrator - Christ UCC, Elizabethtown, an ONA congregation, looking for PT Church Office Administrator—28 hrs/wk. The Office Administrator should have skills, education, and experience in church office administration which includes web site construction, word processing, office management, and inter-personal relationships. Send application letter, résumé, and two references to GalenRussell@etownucc.org or mail to: Christ Church UCC, 247 So. Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 by May 13, 2021 |
Trinity United Church of Christ in Waynesboro, Pa. is looking for a Director of Faith Formation and Programming. The position is part-time (20-25 hours per week) and is open beginning August 1st, 2021. The Director position will be responsible for developing programs for youth, adults and children from pre-school age through fifth grade. The Director will engage children with exciting and relevant opportunities for learning, serving, and growing towards a meaningful relationship with God. Director will be responsible for providing leadership and effective communication for youth and adult Sunday School classes and other Christian Formation offerings (such as Vacation Bible School, book studies, outdoor education, etc.). The Director will engage all ages with exciting and relevant opportunities for learning, serving, and growing towards a meaningful relationship with God. Full description here.
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St. Paul’s United Church of
Christ in Selinsgrove is looking for a part-time Youth Leader who will build up
our children and youth programs. The candidate is to closely connect with and
relate well with children, youths and their families, should be tech savvy, work well in a team, and have all necessary clearances. Compensation is based on 20 hrs/week at $15-18/hr based on education and experience. St. Paul’s UCC is an Open and Affirming Congregation that extends an extravagant welcome to all of God’s children reflecting God’s unconditional love by celebrating diversity and inclusion. The individual best fit to fill this position will be dedicated to collaborating closely with church leadership to revitalize the
youth programming at St. Paul’s following the disruption caused by the pandemic
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PT Director of Music - Christ Church UCC, an ONA congregation in Elizabethtown, PA seeks a candidate to lead worship through music and oversee the church’s music program. The candidate will possess strong skills in music, leadership, cooperation, organization, and recruitment. A music degree or equivalent experience, broad knowledge of church music, and a willingness to grow the music program are required. Salary up to $19,975 depending on background and experience.
The responsibilities include:
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Director of Music (Approx. 3-5 hours required/week)
Oversee and coordinate the overall music ministry of six choirs
Meet regularly with pastors to plan worship
Coordinate special music for worship services
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Chancel Choir Director (Approx. 10 hours required/week)
Direct the adult choir (not during summer)
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PT Musician Position - We're looking for someone to assist with the casual service at St. Thomas UCC in Linglestown. This person would help to plan worship, coordinate musicians, and lead the music for Sunday services by playing (keyboard or guitar) and singing. This is a paid, part-time position; for more information, contact Dan Schmidt (pastor@stthomasucc.net)
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ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
The Administrative Assistant is an employee of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, hired by Consistory, working under the supervision of the Pastor and Consistory.
JOB SUMMARY
· The Administrative Assistant is responsible for assuring the timely and accurate completion of all assignments to effectively meet the needs of the church.
· This on-site hourly position is responsible for providing administrative support services to St. Paul's for 35 hours per week.
· The Administrative Assistant provides support for a variety of people such as the Director of Music, Director of Christian Education / Youth Pastor, various committees and members of St. Paul's, prioritizing the work of the Pastor. Read more here...
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 12
Rev. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex.13
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Ph.D.
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 15
Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler
Facilitator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
phone: 717-719-1895
Anne Rankin
Outdoor Ministries Liaison
phone: 717-945-4585
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 14
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