Greetings members and friends of Penn Central Conference,

He called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7)

Readings for the third Sunday in Lent include a passage about the Israelites’ wandering in the desert. In Exodus chapter 17, v. 1-7 the newly liberated generation complains about the lack of food and drink and demands a response from Moses. This group was prone to rigorous complaining, looking back toward Egypt with longing, and wandering astray to craft idols they believed would save them. God and Moses wrestled with them constantly. If you also read Psalm 95 for Sunday this “first free generation” appears again, and not in flattering terms. In verses 8-10 the psalmist writes from God’s perspective, “Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, on the day of Massah in the wilderness, when your ancestors tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. For forty years I loathed that generation and said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they do not regard my ways.’” (v. 8-10)

When I was younger, I marveled at the desert Israelites. I didn’t understand why they longed for Egypt. Hadn’t they been slaves there? Hadn’t God freed them? Shouldn’t they be grateful? Now as an adult I put away my childish ways and I understand better why they behaved as they did. And why we may do the same.

Freedom for the Israelites came at a cost. Their rescue by God included spiritual and physical liberation. Both were tremendous gifts from God. But the Israelites had to leave behind a valuable possession: security. Even in their enslaved state, they had homes, food, and drink. In the desert the loss of that security led to complaining, quarreling, wandering astray, and consistently berating Moses. God drew them forward, imploring them to seek a new form of security and trust even in the face of physical insecurity. But the memory of what they used to have (regular food and drink, at least) held them. The liberated generation spent time seeking security in all the wrong places. They could not let go of what they used to have.

The subsequent generation, born into the insecurity of the desert, learned to rely only on God. Their ancestors could not reach that blessed place.

I am humbled by this narrative. I know my own desire for security can trump following where God might lead me. My home is a haven and at times I do not want to leave it to enter into the wilderness of deep human messiness, suffering, and sin. But God cares not for our security, but only for our faithfulness and trust. I know the church holds back as well. The thought of following God into the wilderness – either away from civilization into silence or more deeper into it to suffering -  can be frightening. What do we need to release to follow where God is leading us? Complaining and nostalgia, certainly.  But deeper still, our grip on human-designed security? Consider what following God into uncharted territory might require of you. As the psalmist says, “He is our God, and we the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!”

Peace,

Carrie

Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

Conference Minister

Penn Central Conference

The news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise to well over 40,000. Amid this current uncertainty, you can be certain that with your financial support the United Church of Christ will be there helping those in need. Give generously by clicking here. You may also text UCCDISASTER to 41444.

Scheduling notes:

March 12 - St. Paul's UCC, New Oxford - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust preaching

March 19 - St. Luke's UCC, Lockhaven - 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.

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...

Elias UCC, Newmanstown

St. Paul's (Millbach) UCC, Newmanstown

Trinity UCC, Palmyra

Jacob's (Reeds Station) UCC, Paxinos

Local Church

LAY LEADERS CONVOCATION

Who: For elders, deacons, church council members, and other leaders

What: A full day of worship, address, workshops, and fellowship

When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Trinity and Zion U.C.C., Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Cost: $40 per person ($20 for persons coming for part of the program not eating lunch)

The event will include: Worship and Keynote address on

Empowering Lay Leadership

Workshops on some of the following topics:

Being effective as a post-Covid Church

Reviving the Sunday school

Stewardship of Financial Resources

Becoming Spiritual Leaders

Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Church

Church Meetings that get out on time

How does the U.C.C. work

Music ministry when the choir is shrinking

Worshiping when there is no pastor.

Register here

Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team of Penn SE Conference, U.C.C.

Outdoor Ministries

Events with our partners at Lutheran Camping Corporation

QUILTING WEEKEND - Kirchenwald - March 17 - March 19, 2023

SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE - Kirchenwald -  March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE - Nawakwa - March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

WITTEL FARM GROWING PROJECT OPEN HOUSE - The Wittel Farm - March 19, 2023 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Summer Camp with Lutheran Camping Corporation - use code PENNCENTRAL2023 to use a 50% campership from PCC's Outdoor Ministries!

Hartman Center Homecoming week

July 31 through August 5, 2023

We will be returning to Hartman Center Campground in Milroy, PA as guests.

Camping experiences for all ages, including intergenerational camps. For more information, contact Rev. Alice Rauch alirauch07@gmail.com (director) 

or Rev. Amelia Price aashivers@gmail.com (registrar)

Register here and print a brochure here

Summer camp with St. John's UCC, Chambersburg

2023 Summer Camps 

Camp Galilee (9-12) June 18-23

Camp Kum Ba Yah (5-8) June 25-30

Camp Noah (K-4) June 26-30

Learn more here.

Winter/Spring 2023 MEFs (10AM hybrid, 6PM Zoom)

March 21 - "Just War, Just Peace in Scripture" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

10:00AM hybrid - register here

6:00PM Zoom Only - register here

No April MEF, staff will be on retreat

May 16 - "Starting Justice Conversations: Part 1" with Rev. Carla Christopher

10:00AM hybrid - register here

6:00PM Zoom Only - register here

Winter/Spring Boundary Training

Monday, March 20, 10:00AM & 6:00PM, Departure Ethics

via Zoom

Register 10am

Register 6pm

Thursday, April 13, 10:00AM & 6:00PM, Humility as Spiritual Practice

via Zoom

Register 10am

Register 6pm

Please join the Pension Boards for its upcoming two-day Planning for the Transition to Retirement seminar on March 29-30, 2023.

Whether you are planning to retire soon or are in the middle of your career, clergy or lay, this seminar is designed to help you transition to retirement. If you are an actively-contributing Pension Boards member, 45 years of age or older, we invite you to participate.

Here is what you can expect:

• On Day One of our presentation, we discuss some of the landmark issues along the journey to retirement and how we can best prepare to hit those milestones. We will then focus on the two largest financial sources for most of our members: Social Security and the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ.

• One Day Two of our presentation, we will dig a little deeper into some of the accompanying details of the retirement journey. We will look at how our investment choices should be informed by our current lives and future goals, and review additional benefits to help smooth our path. Finally, we will examine the way our lives will change and what we can do to continue leading purposeful, fulfilling lives in retirement.

Date: Day One: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on EST 

Date: Day Two: Thursday, March 30, 2023

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on EST 

Register here by March 28, 2023. The Zoom credentials you receive upon registration are the credentials you will use to participate in both Day One and Day Two of the Planning for the Transition to Retirement seminar.

Suicide and Moral Injury Clergy Workshop

with Lebanon VA Chaplain Rev. Dean Luther

Full flyer here

Friday, March 24^th 10-12 on Zoom

Register here

Friday May 19th 10-12 on Zoom

Register here

Welcome your new friends and colleagues from Penn West as they join together for the first time with Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conferences for a time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministries and members in discernment...Clergy Convocation 2023! May 2-4, 2023

Focus Texts: John 17: 20-23 and John 15: 1-5

Being One: Clergy Wellness, Clergy Wholeness

Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on connection - connecting with God, self and others. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time. Our teaching focus on clergy wellness will take shape in four 90-minute sessions, each dedicated to one of the components of wellness every pastor needs: spiritual wellness, vocational wellness, financial wellness, and physical wellness. Pension Boards staff and outside facilitators will provide attendee with thoughtful and relevant content for those engaged in local church ministry.

For flyer, click here.

UCC National Setting

UCC Webinars

These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.

How do we fund the future?

MAR 15, 2023 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM

"Making All Things New"

General Synod 2023

"Making All Things New” will be the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled for June 30–July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis.

Delegates and visitors will meet June 30 through July 4 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

For the full press release, click here.

Our Whole Lives training

In addition to an increasing number of in-person trainings across the country, Our Whole Lives trainings will continue to be offered online in 2023 for UCC and UUA members, at a cost of only $250 plus curriculum.

Registration applications will be accepted from Feb 21-Mar 6 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in April

Registration applications will be accepted from March 13 through March 27 for an Elementary (Grades K-1 and 4-6) Training in May

Registration applications will be accepted from April 17 through May 1 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in June

Registration applications will be accepted from July 17-July 31 for a Jr Sr High Level Training in September

Registration applications will be accepted from Aug 21-Sept 5 for an Elementary (Grades K-1 and 4-6) Training in October

Registration applications will be accepted from Sept 11-Sept 25 for an All Adult Levels Training in November

More information about these trainings, in addition to information about upcoming in-person trainings, can be found here.

CHURCH HISTORY 2 - PROTESTANT REFORMATION: REFORMED AND REFORMING

April 11 - May 16, 2023

Online on Zoom

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Join Rev. Matthew Deal to identify historical roots and analogies for contemporary ecclesial issues. We'll study the basic sweep of Christian history, including key figures, movements, denominations, and turning points in their cultural contexts

 For clergy/pastors and lay leaders

 $325 for the series of six classes

2.5 CEUs

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 1

May 23 - June 27, 2023

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION 2

July 11 - August 15, 2023

Tuesday evenings via Zoom.

Clergy and laity are invited to join instructor Kelsey Wallace for an introduction to the art and practice of biblical interpretation. We will consider issues of historical context, translation, literary analysis, and social location and the skills necessary to be a responsible public interpreter of scripture.

For clergy/pastors and lay leaders

$325 for each of the two series of six classes

2.5 CEUs may be earned for each series

Information and Registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/

2023 Festival of Biblical Storytelling

AUGUST 2,3, AND 4, 2023

At the Maritime Conference Center near BWI and Baltimore, MD

Save the date - REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2!

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

OPTIC – MarCom

Editorial Communications and News Strategist, Extended Close: Open Until Filled

Web and Digital Specialist – Close: 3/31/23 - new 

Global H.O.P.E.

Minister for Volunteer Engagement Close: 3/8/23

Faith UCC Grantville, PA seeks Director of Music, Choir Director, Organist, Pianist

Faith UCC Grantville, PA in the Harrisburg Association of the Penn Central Conference United Church of Christ, seeks a Director of Music-Choir Director-Organist-Pianist. Responsibilities may be assumed by one or two individuals. Responsibilities include:  

·     Collaborating with the Pastor to organize worship experiences

·     Choose seasonally appropriate anthems

·     Conducting Faith’s vocal choir

·     Playing organ and/or piano for choir accompaniment, leading congregational singing, prelude, postlude and special pieces, as able.

·     Organ is a Rodgers 2-manual with 5 ranks of pipes. Piano is relatively new 

This is (these are) part time position(s) in the range of 10-15 hours per week or time needed to prepare/practice 

About Faith UCC Grantville: Faith honors its historical roots with a traditional worship style in a relaxed atmosphere where fellowship is highly valued. 

Faith UCC is located in Grantville, a rural/commuter community in Central Pennsylvania, 7 miles north of Hershey, 15 miles east of Harrisburg, and 30 miles from Lancaster. We are easily accessed via Route 81.  

If you would like more information, please contact Pastor George Robertson at: faithgrantville@gmail.com 2/22/23

Peace United Church of Christ is seeking candidates for the position of Church Musician. Primary responsibility is to provide piano and/or organ music during one contemporary and one traditional worship service on Sunday mornings, with adult choir accompaniment September-May. Salary dependent upon experience. Resumes may be sent via email to: secretary@peaceunitedchurch.org, or mailed to: Peace UCC 37 E. Swartzville Road Denver, PA 17517 For additional information or questions, please contact Rev. Betsy Bruaw at 717-484-4400. 2/8/23

Job opening for Director of Music of Salem UCC, Campbelltown, PA     

The Salem UCC Director of Music will be responsible for performing the music used in worship services, including the congregational, choral and special group music throughout the church liturgical year, including Sundays and some holy days. Currently there is one traditional service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. The candidate should be a person of faith, comfortable theologically with the United Church of Christ and a person who brings vitality and flexibility to the duties of this ministry. Musical ability on pipe organ or piano are required. The candidate should have the ability to play a variety of types of musical expressions; possess good communication and organizational skills; the ability to sight‑read would be a plus. Salem UCC is a congregation that highly values and encourages creativity and musical abilities of all ages within the congregation. The Director of Music will be encouraged to use creativity to help foster and nurture the music ministry within the church community in the years ahead. Employment at Salem UCC requires compliance with the Pennsylvania Child Protection Laws, with employees being subject to the required background checks and clearances.

Note: The congregation is open to this position being an accompanist only position, rather than a Director of Music with choir director responsibilities. See contact below for more information.

Details of Director of Music position:          

Quarter-time position (approximately 10 hours a week) includes:

 - preparing worship music

 - accompanying congregation singing in worship

 - selecting choir anthems, preparing and leading Wednesday evening choir rehearsals 2-3 times a month (12-15 adult choir members)

 - accompanying the choir during the regular Sunday worship service (2-3 times a month)  and occasional holy day evening services. Choir rehearsals and singing in worship usually occur September through May.

 - attending Worship & Music Committee evening meetings (3-4 times a year).

Salary - $9000 - $12000 per year (negotiable based on experience and skill level)

- paid twice a month

- additional income from occasional weddings and funerals is possible, based upon

  availability of the organist/accompanist.

Vacation - four paid vacation Sundays a year with the responsibility of arranging substitute organist/accompanist, substitute’s fee paid by the church.

Contact Rev. Dwight Hein, Pastor of Salem UCC, Campbelltown

pastor@salemucccampbelltown.org

717-838-4236 – office 2/8/23

Music Ministry Positions at Emmanuel UCC, Hanover PA

Emmanuel United Church of Christ is a forward-looking, Open and Affirming faith environment. These part-time positions offer competitive salary and vacation packages. For details, visit www.emmanuelucc.org. Submit your cover letter and resume to pastor@eucchanover.org.

Organist/Accompanist Needed

EUCC is excited to be searching for an Organist/Keyboardist for Sunday worship and special occasions. We’re open to you leading our Choirs and Handbells as well if you have the experience and savvy. Contact us soon before someone else slides into the bench before you! 

Choir/Handbell Director

EUCC is excited to be searching for a Choir and Handbell Director for Sunday worship and special occasions. We’re open to you playing our organ/keyboards as well if you have the experience and savvy. Contact us soon before someone else slides into the lead before you! 1/11/23

Penn Central Conference Ministry Opportunities Page