Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference -
Your praise will never depart from the hearts of those who remember the power of God. (Judith 13:14 NRSV)
I am surprised by how much power photographs have. Especially old ones. I discovered an app recently that allows me to turn my old film negatives into photographic images that can be edited digitally. I did a substantial amount of B&W film photography years ago and suddenly I’m overwhelmed by the access this digital tool gives me to delve into a former passion. Finding old photographs, especially ones I have not seen in 25+ years, can be jarring. Emotions rise quickly to the surface and generate reflections about time, how I have changed, to whom I was close, and the relationships of my past.
My photographs also remind me that eventually no one will remember any of the names of any of the people in them. Human memory is a web made from gossamer strands that lose their resiliency and tenacity over time. Individual strands can be resurrected for new eyes to see through history and the sharing of stories within families and communities. Much of that work is worthy and enduring, falling within the “never forget” category of human history. However, the vast majority of human memory is eventually lost.
Surprisingly, memory as an abstract concept is not common in the Bible. In the Old Testament the notion of being forgotten is the ultimate insult, and assigned only to enemies. A positive mention of memory (as in remembering someone) happens in wisdom literature and refers to several individuals of outstanding moral righteousness. In the New Testament the word translated as memory turns up only once.
Remembering, however, is common. The faithful are told to remember specific things: slavery in Egypt, the Exodus, the Commandments, the Covenant promises, and the wonderful works of God. There is much for us to remember and meditate upon. In return God remembers as well. God remembers the covenant made with God’s people. God also tells Israel via the prophets that in God’s mercy their sins will not be remembered. God’s memory of the covenant stands even when humankind forgets.
In the New Testament the act of remembering is limited, yet potent. Jesus does spend some time reminding his disciples of various things he taught them. But more significantly we are left with two key references to remembering: The celebration of the Lord’s Supper (“Do this in remembrance of me”); and the brief instruction following the command to baptize in Matthew 28:20 (“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”.) Simple, yet powerful words. Jesus remains with us always – this is what we are to remember.
Both the Old and New Testament references to remembering provide comfort, especially in light of the eventual end of our own capacity to remember. We are told to remember: God promises presence – in the Supper and in discipleship. God promises to uphold the covenants with God’s people made through Abraham, Noah and Jesus. God promises to be with us to the end of the age. God’s claim upon us and in relationship to us remains even when our own memories fade. I am convinced that God holds our memories and our souls - as a bird in a hand - even when we cannot. God remembers with love.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carolyne Call, Ph.D
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Courageous Church Summit - May 10-14
Faith leaders stand at a crossroads in North America today. As people of faith and moral conscious, we can either sit idly by and allow hate, greed, and fear to define us or we can channel the heart of our tradition and speak truth to greedy power, love to angry hate, and hope to unfounded fear.
The Courageous Church Summit provides a critical look at where we are now and how we get to a more sustainable and equitable future. Through interviews with influential North American faith leaders in activist-oriented congregations, the Courageous Church Summit equips virtual leaders with the audacity, connections, and practical advice to be active leaders in an emerging movement for change.
The UCC's own Rev. John Dorhauer, Rev. Traci Blackmon, Rev. Cameron Trimble and Bishop Yvette Flunder will be speaking alongside bestselling authors Rev. Rob Lee, Diana Butler Bass and many more. Learn more here.
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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:
May 9 - St. Thomas UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
May 16 - St. John's UCC, Boalsburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
May 16 - Grace UCC, Spring Mills - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
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The newest Morsels of Excellence from Rev. Nora Foust is now available! The third in the Healthy Church series is on Stories & Traditions Find the full series here or click below for the newest video. |
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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. Luke's UCC, Lock Haven
St. Luke's UCC, Lititz
Sandy Hill (Kistler) UCC, Ickesburg
St. Peter's UCC, Lykens
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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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PCC Virtual Choir
Do you want to be part of the virtual choir for the Penn Central Conference Annual meeting? Julie Holm will be glad to have your voice, and to walk you through the process. All you need is two electronic devices (a computer and a phone is plenty!) Join us to help bring extra beauty to the worship as we gather in June! email Julie Holm at bvfofmusic@gmail.com or call her at (814) 349-5515! |
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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FEMA Funeral Expense Assistance up to $9000 to pay funeral costs for any family experiencing COVID-19-related deaths. The grant phone line to apply is: (844) 684-6333. More information can be found at here and a printable flyer can be found here.
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From the PCC Creation Justice Team
Has your church considered creating a Pollinator Garden this spring? This is a very practical and productive hands-on project that individuals and churches can do. Pollinator gardens actively and constructively contribute to the health of our own immediate environment, and provide food and shelter for the bees and other insects. We do a lot of talking about “policies” and “legislation” with regard to climate change. But this is an action where for folks can get their fingernails dirty and make a tangible contribution! The gardens of native shrubs and flowers provide food, water and nesting sights for our pollinators on which our food supply depends, and build appreciation for God's interconnected creation and community. Penn State Extension has a Pollinator Garden Certification Program that outlines how to begin planning and creating your pollinator garden in four steps and includes many helpful resources. Check HERE for getting started ideas.
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UCC Creation Justice Webinar
May 12, 1 pm
Featuring:
Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll from Green The Church, which works at the intersection of black churches and environmental justice
Natalie Mebane, Associate Director of United States Policy at 350.org
Bracken Hendricks, former senior climate and economic policy advisor for the presidential campaign of Jay Inslee as well as coauthor of Economic Recovery Begins at Home
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PCC Creation Justice Team Meeting
May 13, 6:30PM
Rev. Matt Lenahan, from The Growing Project at the Wittel Farm in Elizabethtown will join us for the very first part of our meeting. So tune into Zoom by 6:30 to learn how our Outdoor Ministry Partners grow many acres acres of vegetables using regenerative farming to feed the hungry in Lancaster County.
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Outdoor Ministries
The 2021 summer camp schedule is set! There are camps for all ages and interests at both Kirchenwald and Nawakwa. Check out what is offered online. There is an early-bird registration discount if you register before April 3. Also, if you attend the Open House, you can get an additional discount. Full brochure here.
Just announced - special PCC discounts available on camp registrations! Read more here.
Calling all high school kids, college-age young adults, and adults interested in working at camp this summer! Lutheran Camping Corporation is recruiting now for this summer's camp season. Learn more here.
This will be a week of summer camp dedicated to carrying on the memorable and special experiences at Hartman Center. It will be a week for folks from Penn Central Conference and friends of Hartman Center to come together and celebrate outdoor ministry with familiar faces and through familiar traditions. There are a variety of camp options ranging from coming for a single day to staying the whole week, from bringing your own food to eating all the meals provided! The Conference has scholarships available - please reach out for more info.
More events and information here.
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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Mercersburg Society Presents
2021 Mercersburg Convocation
Polarization and Reconciliation: Hints From the Mercersburg Tradition
Jun 7 & 8, 2021
REGISTER FOR THE CONVOCATION BY JUNE 1 BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO JOHN CEDARLEAF AT JOHN.CEDARLEAF@GMAIL.COM.
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Spring 2021 Ministerial Education Forums – Third Tuesdays
Due to the constraints of Zoom interactions, MEFs will have registration limits. If a registration is full, email Paul to be added to a waiting list. Please let us know if you need to cancel so your spot can be given to someone on the waiting list.
May 18: Life-Giving Leadership with Rev. Bill Worley, Conference Minister in the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference
“Wherever you see significant progress in an organization, it’s because a leader made difficult decisions.” – John Maxwell.
“The central task of leadership is influencing God’s people toward God’s purposes.” – George Barna
Where there is faithful and effective ministry happening, there is a faithful and effective leader helping people make difficult decisions. The pastor cannot be the only leader—but the pastor MUST be among the leaders equipping church members to do ministry. Instead, pastors burn out because the pastor and the church members expect the pastor to do most or all of the ministry. This is a failure of leadership. So, what is life-giving leadership? What makes a good leader? This workshop addresses that question by examining some of the core characteristics, qualities, and examples of solid pastoral leadership.
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Continuing Education in Theology – Open to all MIDs and Authorized Ministers
PCC Staff have been thinking a lot about theology and liturgy. You are invited to join us for a deeper discussion of our worship elements. We have designed a number of discussions for a registration required, limited-size continuing education opportunity. Twelve hours of theology credits will be offered.
Do you spend much time thinking about the theology behind the elements of the liturgy? What does an assurance of pardon really mean when pastors offer these words following a congregational prayer of confession? Did anyone really confess anything? How do we know? And what about communion - what happens when we speak the prayer of consecration and words of institution?
Register and join us for deeper discussion and community learning!
Theology of Liturgy (Evening): May 27th, and June 3rd, 10th, and 17th
Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM
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Lectionary Discussion Group continues - using a new Zoom link starting May 4th! Join other clergy on Tuesdays at 1:00PM to discuss the lectionary passages. NEW Zoom link here.
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Book Reviews
This month's reviews by Rev. Ken Trauger
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The commandment to remember the Sabbath is often interpreted to remember to rest every seventh day. This book explains that the Sabbath Day is to resist becoming a slave again of the idol of ‘production’.
In Egypt the Israelites were slaves making clay bricks for the Pharaoh. They were liberated from being a slave making bricks. This commandment is to stop working a day of the week in order to be free from ‘production slavery’. Animals, servants and land rest for a day weekly. “
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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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Looking Ahead:
General Synod "Rooted in Love: Special Edition"
General Synod 33 will take place Sunday July 11, 2021 – Sunday July 18, 2021. Pre-Synod events will occur on July 7-10, 2021. Learn more 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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From our Partners & Friends: |
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The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Seminary announces:
Is your congregation considering a part-time pastor? Are you considering a career in ministry alongside a secular job? This class is appropriate for lay leaders and clergy alike. We will explore what it means to be bivocational in ministry. We will study the example of Paul as tentmaker and discuss challenges facing the church today. Students taking this class for CEUs will develop a covenant of expectations between congregation and pastor for successful ministry in a changing world.
Also upcoming:
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Veterans’ Moral Injury and
Suicide Prevention
May 11, 2021 from 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Veterans are at higher risk for suicide than the average population. Moral
Injuries can have an underlying effect upon the Veteran, as the Veteran feels overwhelmed with shame and guilt. Faith community leaders are encouraged to join us for this virtual training event to learn more about how to help Veterans who may be contemplating Suicide and/or suffering from moral injury. To register and receive the link call: 717-272-6621 ext. 5085 or Email Vince: Vincent.Zvorsky@va.gov
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Safe Church - Safe Communities
FREE resource! "Guide to Creating Safe Environments For Survivors of Sexual Abuse"
We encourage you to download this new, 36-page guide which includes:
- The impact of child sexual abuse on faith
- Guide to conversations in the congregation
- Elements of a safe environment for survivors
- Pastoral care for survivors
- Sermon texts and seeds
- Helpful resources such as books, websites, workshops & supports for survivors
Download this free resource here, which is co-authored by Rev. Mark Harris from Salem UCC, Columbia .
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Update: COVID-19 and the Church
On Saturday May 15, 10-11am, Dr. Jeffrey R. Martin of Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health is back by popular demand. He will present timely, local information regarding the trajectory of the pandemic, vaccine distribution, and what to consider when planning in-person gatherings. The second half of the session, Dr. Martin will field participant questions. Like you, he is weighing options for how and when his church can gather safely in this next phase of COVID-19.
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Save the Date! June 13th is ERHS Heritage Sunday
The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society looks forward to partnering with you in celebrating the continuing legacy of our historic E and R churches throughout the Penn Central Conference on Sunday, June 13th. Additional details are forthcoming. In the meantime, you can always visit us at erhistoricalsociety.org and follow us on Facebook @erhistoricalsoc and Instagram @erhistoricalsociety.
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May 16 is Seminary Sunday at Lancaster Seminary, a day when our faculty, students and staff visit (this year it'll be virtual visits) congregations to either preach, teach or simply say a few words about LTS and the importance of educating the next generation of leaders to serve the church. The pastor decides the level of involvement and are invited to email their interest / availability to our Admissions Team at admissions@lancasterseminary.edu, which is organizing the outreach this year. |
Mt. Gretna Tabernacle
Ecumenical Program
Friday Nights in June - 7:00PM
"GOD'S PRESENCE" is the common theme for Friday night worship services
during June at the historic Mt. Gretna Tabernacle. For speakers and more info, check out the full flyer here.
Parking GPS Address: 41 Boulevard St., Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
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CALL FOR APPLICATION: PHOEBE MINISTRIES’ CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (CPE) SEEKS SUMMER 2021 APPLICANTS TO SERVE SENIORS ON WERNERSVILLE AND RICHLANDTOWN CAMPUSES
Allentown, PA – Phoebe Ministries seeks applicants for the 2021 Summer CPE Program for those seeking Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) certification.
The 2021 Summer CPE program is full-time, 40-hours per week and runs ten weeks beginning May 24, 2021 through July 30, 2021. Three and a half days are spent in clinical assignments available at Phoebe Berks in Wernersville, PA and Phoebe Richland in Richlandtown, PA. Group seminars include one day on the Allentown campus and four hours virtually.
The Phoebe Ministries’ CPE program is designed to offer clergy, seminary students and qualified community members of all faiths the opportunity to practice ministry to senior adults in a variety of settings, including nursing homes and retirement communities. The CPE curriculum includes Spiritual Assessment, Bioethical Issues in Aging, Ministry to Persons with Dementia, and Life Review. Phoebe staff chaplains provide mentoring and guidance for students as they lead worship, Bible study, bereavement and support groups, and Spirit Alive™, Phoebe’s proprietary Montessori-based program developed for seniors with dementia. Interdisciplinary care conferences and case consultations for residents are also part of each student’s education. Each campus setting provides opportunities for students to develop long-term pastoral relationships comparable to parish experiences.
Phoebe Ministries is accredited as a center for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. It is one of only ten accredited CPE programs in the nation serving the long-term care setting.
About Phoebe Ministries
Phoebe Ministries is a not-for-profit, multi-facility organization specializing in healthcare, housing, and support services for seniors. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Phoebe Ministries offers a full continuum of care — from independent living to rehabilitation, personal care, and memory support — through four continuing care retirement communities. In addition to eight managed or owned affordable housing locations, four pharmacies, and several other community based services, Phoebe offers 14 entities serving 11 Pennsylvania counties. For over a century, Phoebe's tradition of excellence and passion for caring have made us the leader in care for senior adults and their family members. For more information about Phoebe Ministries, call toll free 800-453-8814, visit www.phoebe.org, “like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/phoebeservingseniors) or visit our YouTube page (youtube.com/phoebeservingseniors).
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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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There is a summer ministry opportunity open at Locust Lake State Park for this summer. The PA Council of Churches has supported a program of chaplains in PA's state parks for 60 years. The Schuylkill Association of the PA Southeast Conference supports the chaplain at Locust Lake State Park.
The Committee is looking for a lay or ordained chaplain to serve at Locust Lake State Park on weekends from Memorial Day, May 31, through Labor Day, September 6, 2021. It is a part-time position. Duties of the chaplain include leading Sunday worship in the park, and walking through the campground, visiting campers in a socially distanced manner on a Friday or Saturday. All ministry takes place outdoors, so it is among the safest ministries!
Worship draws many kinds of people from many different church backgrounds.
The position description can be found at:
Training is provided.
APPLICATION and SCREENING FORM Summer Campground Ministry (Section 1 of 8)
******PLEASE READ****** Do not hit the back arrow button or attempt to go back while completing this form. You will have an option at the end of the form to edit any information you have entered. An older paper version of this form can be found at this link: https://www.pachurches.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Campground-Application.pdf - Please do not include your SSN or Drivers License number on the paper version of this form. If you complete the paper version of this form, please email a scanned copy to campgoundministry@pachurches.org or mail to: Pennsylvania Council of Churches Campground Ministry Coordinator 900 South Arlington Ave. - Suite 211A Harrisburg, PA 17109-5089 docs.google.com
For more information contact the Committee Chair, Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy at mduffyguy@hotmail.com or (570) 952-5474. |
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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 |
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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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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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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