Message to the Conference |
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Dear friends and members of Penn Central Conference,
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruits in its season. Psalm 1:3a
The 33rd General Synod of the United Church of Christ was held in July. Twenty-six delegates from the Penn Central Conference (delegates from each Association) represented the voices of our conference. This is the first time that GS was held virtually, and while we would have wanted to be in person in Kansas City, all the virtual logistics went as planned. The Penn Central delegates joined together in Lancaster for the last part of General Synod - we worshiped together, listened to the plenary sessions, voted on the resolutions, and attended educational intensives.
While it is impossible to share all that we learned and how the spirit touched us, we wanted to share the actions taken at General Synod #33 on each of the resolutions. The national setting of the United Church of Christ does not 'speak for' the local church, but it is important to share what transpired at this year's Synod with the local church.
Over the next few weeks, many of your delegates will share a brief overview of a resolutions, the action taken at Synod, and if available, some resources for learning more. Some of them may inspire you to learn more!
Blessings,
Shirley Keith Knox
Moderator
Penn Central Conference
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Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action – Resolution Summary
By Sterling Fritz & Charlotte Pinette
This Resolution of Witness (a resolution affirming the UCC’s position on moral, ethical, and religious matters) was overwhelmingly passed by General Synod 33. Biblically based on Jesus’ life, examples, and teachings as found in Matthew 4:1-11 Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-21, 13 among other verses. Jesus could often be found teaching, praying, supporting the marginalized, and seeking solitude to commune with God. Continues here...
Declare and Respond to Racism as a Public Health Crisis – Resolution Summary
By Shirley Keith Knox
This Resolution calls the United Church of Christ to declare and respond to racism as a public health crisis. Since its inception, the United Church of Christ has been committed to social justice and has dedicated efforts towards racial justice and health justice. We have called for a commitment to be an antiracist church by examining both historic and contemporary forms of racism. Continues here...
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Scheduling notes:
August 15 - Salem UCC, Elizabethtown - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
August 15 - St. Paul's UCC, Sacramento - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
August 15 - St. John's UCC, Boalsburg - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
August 22 - St. John's UCC, Boalsburg - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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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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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. Peter's Lischey's UCC, Spring Grove
Trinity Roths UCC, Spring Grove
Grace UCC, Spring Mills
Starview UCC, Mt. Wolf
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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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Connect 2021 was a collaborative outreach event of four churches (St. John’s Center UCC, East Earl; Bowmansville Mennonite; Bethany Grace Fellowship; Vibrant Church) and Pathways Homeschool Cooperative, which took place July 11-15. The vision was cast about what it would look like if churches came together in the name of Christ display the “light” of God’s love in the community. The theme for the week became “The Hands and Feet of Christ.”
Different faith communities came together to work at 12 work sites. More than 50 people came together in planning and working to help “the least of these.” We also did a little extra work around 2 of the churches in the community. God blessed this event and we are beginning to plan next summer’s collaboration.
We are always willing to share more for those that would like to know. Our name will change to be an ongoing work and we will be called Connect ELANCO. We look forward to other faith communities to join us so that we may be the “hands and feet of Christ.”
See more in the video below! Thanks to Pastor Ken Evitts for sharing!
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Outdoor Ministries
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE WITTEL FARM
CAMPFIRE WORSHIP
August 15; 8-9 p.m.
THE GROWING PROJECT
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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Boundary Training – All Zooms unless otherwise noted, 2 credit hours
September 15 10am ( Register) and 6pm ( Register) – Power and the Pastoral Office with Rev. Nora Foust
This has been offered with some ministeriums this year so you may want to double-check before you register as you can only get credit once. Drawing from writings of Karen Lebacqz and Richard Gula, we will explore some of the aspects of the professional power that comes with the pastoral office. The power that pastors have is often understated and misunderstood. Some of you may remember this example from FaithTrust Institute and Margaret Atwood.
- She unlocks her office door, then locks it behind her to disguise the fact that she’s in there. It’s not her office hours but the students take advantage. They can smell her out, like sniffer dogs; they’ll seize any opportunity to suck up to her or whine, or attempt to impress her, or foist upon her their version of sulky defiance. I’m just a human being, Tony wants to say to them. But of course she isn’t. She’s a human being with power. There isn’t much of it, but its power all the same.” Robber Bride, Margaret Atwood
Like that of a professor and student, the pastoral relationship is one of unequal power between minister and congregant. Unequal power does not necessarily indicate abuse, but it is something for us to consider with some regularity and intentionality.
September 29 10am-1pm LIVE at Lancaster Theological Seminary and Pepper Theo Café – Retired and Supply Boundaries and Departures (with LUNCH at Pepper Theo) $10 ( register and pay)
We will spend time reflecting on ways to let go of congregational life in the ways that you have experienced it as a pastor and learn to navigate it as a member. Retired and Supply pastors are often in and out of pulpits and we will look at the delicate boundaries that come with this type of ministry as well. Additionally, we will examine the boundaries outlined by MESA’s Departure Ethics for Retired Ministers.
October 13 6pm ( Register) – A Boundary Refresher for All Stages of Ministry with Rev. Nora Foust
This session will review some of the self-care basics and boundary foundations as well as look a little deeper at social media and departure ethics that focus on moving from church to church. We will also spend some time with case studies around recurring situations that have come up over the past couple years.
October 25 10am ( Register) – A Boundary Refresher for All Stages of Ministry with Rev. Nora Foust
This session will review some of the self-care basics and boundary foundations as well as look a little deeper at social media and departure ethics that focus on moving from church to church. We will also spend some time with case studies around recurring situations that have come up over the past couple years.
October 28 10am-1pm LIVE St. John’s in Lewisburg Retired and Supply Boundaries and Departures (with LUNCH) $10 ( register and pay)
We will spend time reflecting on ways to let go of congregational life in the ways that you have experienced it as a pastor and learn to navigate it as a member. Retired and Supply pastors are often in and out of pulpits and we will look at the delicate boundaries that come with this type of ministry as well. Additionally, we will examine the boundaries outlined by MESA’s Departure Ethics for Retired Ministers.
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Do you think of yourself as a RURAL CONGREGATION? If so, there is a new coalition designed to address some of the unique realities in this setting. Their first conversation is August 24th at 3pm on zoom. Conference Ministers from Penn Northeast and Montana-Northern Wyoming partnered with the UCC Minister designated for RURAL CHURCHES, Roberto Ochoa, to lead this conversation. If you have questions or need more information, contact Rev. Nora Foust in the Penn Central Office.
Join Zoom Meeting
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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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TAMARS REMNANT
August/September 2021
We are a community working together to welcome and support individuals who suffered child sexual abuse and other sexual traumas as we recover together.
Meeting 1 -Tues Sept 7th @ 7pm via zoom
Meeting 2- Thurs Sept 26th @ 2pm in person
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"Dr. Joe" Utterback live in concert!
Friday, August 20, 7PM
Free Admission
Colonial Park UCC
5000 Devonshire Rd, Harrisburg, PA (Next door to Best Buy
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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.
In their book “Saying No to Say Yes” (written by David C. Olson and Nancy G. Devor), we are invited into a discernment process that engages our family of origin legacies alongside systems thinking and an astute sense of life in ministry. The authors write, “Part of our job as clergy is to model an understanding of who saves us—and for what. It is our job to preach, teach, and live a gospel that doesn’t depend on human over-functioning but on God’s grace. Ultimately, such a life enables us all to become masters of renunciation: saying “a hundred nos for the sake of an overwhelming Yes.”
While this is true for pastors, it is also true for congregations and other ministry settings. In a time where we face the tension between “going back” to how it used to be and forging ahead to a new way of engaging in ministry, it will be vitally important to discern what nos will allow us to say YES to the future God imagines. Take some time to read the book and join us in conversation with COMs, PPRCs, pastors, and congregational leaders.
August 23, 2021, 7:30PM-9pm
Explore the behind-the-scenes craft of Our Whole Lives design! This “tour,” will help you with scheduling and implementation and provide tools you can use to craft other types of lessons and programs. You’ll learn the rationale behind workshop length, scope, and sequencing; how to use learning goals and objectives to your group’s advantage; and how to tailor OWL to a group’s personalities and needs. You’ll also get the scoop on field testing and keeping current between revisions of the curriculum.
Note: There will not be a live chat or Q & A feature for this webinar. You may submit questions which will be forwarded to the presenter for answering at a later time. Please include contact information in your question.
September 1, 2021, 12:00PM - 1:00PM
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Is your church planning any Back to School events? A colleague from the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania chapter is hoping to partner with anyone who is doing this with a message about returning safely and trying to counter some of the vaccine hesitancy out there.
If you are interested or know of anyone doing this, just let me know and I will make a connection with the AFT representative.
Thanks for considering!
Blessings and peace,
Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach
Pennsylvania Council of Churches
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Job-Hunting Field Guide: Bivocational Ministry and Beyond, Tuesday nights September 7 – October 12, 2021, via Zoom. $100 for 2.5 CEU credits. Instructor: Packard Brown. Hands-on classes will equip you to create your own promotional package, develop and hone interview skills, find jobs before they are posted, and design your own job-search campaign. This class is beneficial for secular as well as ministerial job searches. Register by Aug 31.
Money and Ministry: A Theology for Congregational Leaders, Thursday, October 14, 7–8:30pm and Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm, Oct 19–Nov 16, 2021, via Zoom. Instructor: Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Register by October 5.
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Phoebe Berks (Wernersville, PA)
Part time and full time
RNs, LPNs, CNAs
Resident Care Assistants (no exp. necessary)
Dining Services positions
Cooks
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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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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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Zion UCC, Arendtsville job openings
The Choir Director directs a 15-member choir to prepare music for regular Sunday morning services. The choir director also works with the minister and the organist to plan special services. Duties include preparing music, scheduling choir practices, identifying soloists, and developing special music presentations. Salary compensation is negotiable.
The organist/pianist accompanies a 15-member choir at regularly scheduled Sunday morning services. Applicants must have the ability to play both the piano and the organ, and be prepared for weekly choir rehearsals. Duties include following the direction of the choir director and minister in planning musical services. This includes Sunday worship and special services. He/she must attend regularly scheduled and special choir rehearsals. Salary compensation negotiable.
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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
Anne Rankin
Outdoor Ministries Liaison
phone: 717-945-4585
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 14
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