Greetings, everyone, from your PCC Board of Directors,

Our Board met via Zoom on Saturday, January 21, 2023. The following are the highlights of that meeting:

*Agenda, Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2022, and the Treasurer’s Report were all approved by common consent. 

*Staff Reports were posted ahead of the meeting for board members to review. We then checked in with each staff member for any additional information that Carrie Call, Nora Foust, Rick Luciotti, and Paul Keller wanted to share with the board. Our staff continues to serve the congregations of the PCC faithfully and effectively in many different ways. Paul gave us an update that we have received four applications for the new PCC part-time bookkeeper position. Applications for that job close Feb 1, 2023 and the review/interview process will then begin.

*For Committee Reports, I share with you the following highlights: Carrie reviewed the updated Strategic Plan, including a summary of many completed objectives. Under the Finance Committee report, Mike Price, treasurer, reported that two Innovation Grants were approved and funds granted of $4,000 each and a third application was under review. In early December, the Finance Committee asked to bring an emergency motion to the board for an email vote. The Board unanimously approved Christmas gifts of $500 for each staff person to be paid out of reserves, in appreciation for their hard work in another challenging year. The staff were all grateful for that unexpected gift. Personnel Committee chair, DiAnn Baxley, shared that the new process for the yearly evaluation of the Conference Minister needs to and will be revised.

*Old Business included reports from Nora that the Outdoor Ministry Commission continues to develop their structure, working towards the Outdoor Ministry grants process to be opened this year. Carrie reported that the dates and location for the in-person 2023 PCC Annual Meeting are set for June 9-10 at the Double Tree resort in Lancaster. A planning team for the Annual Meeting has been formed and is working hard to get things in place. The board reviewed and approved a by-law amendment that will be brought to the Annual Meeting for review and approval, creates the “Church Futures Commission,” which will continue and expand the work of the Church Empowerment Team and be accountable to the PCC board of directors. The previously approved nesting of the Mercersburg Society within the structure of the PCC continues to be in-process. Carrie shared an update from the Keystone Project which met on January 20, 2023 in Harrisburg. (Watch for an update in next week's e-news for more details).

*Under New Business, a proposed amendment from the Finance Committee was brought forward for review and approved to take to the Annual Meeting for final review and approval. This amendment will add an annual PCC Budget Meeting each fall to be held no later than November 15 of each year to review and approve the proposed following year’s budget. This would allow the Finance Committee to make a more accurate proposed budget based on the state of the PCC’s finances and staff later in the year. There was also discussion about how that meeting would be implemented and possible formats were discussed. Lastly, Carrie led a brief discussion on the sharing of information of best practices for local congregations for financial oversight within a church’s financial structure. The Finance Committee will review available information and share that with congregations in the near future, inviting congregations to utilize these best practices for their own financial protection and well-being.

*The Board will meet next on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in person at location to be determined.

In Peace,

Rev. Dwight C. Hein, Moderator

PCC Board of Directors

Churches of Penn Central Conference:

Yearbook reporting has begun! Here's the full instructions.

Reporting your annual church data cultivates the covenantal relationship with other local churches, associations, conferences and national. It helps us at the conference level to provide appropriate support and resources based on the trends in your statistics. Membership numbers determine the number of delegates the Conference can designate, one of the ways your voice is heard on important issues. Annual reporting is also frequently required for receiving grants and loans from the National Setting and Cornerstone Fund. If you'd like to know more, please see this document.

The Conference staff knows that gathering and inputting all the requested information can be time consuming. Please reach out to us for assistance! If you can only provide the membership and attendance figures, please submit even that much as that is the most valuable data.

Scheduling notes:

January 29 - St. John UCC, Red Lion - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching

January 29 - Trinity UCC, Lewistown - 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...

Christ Madisonburg UCC, Rebersburg

St. Luke's UCC, Dalmatia

St. Paul's UCC, Manheim

Canoe Camp UCC, Mansfield

Local Church

Grace UCC, Hanover has 6 oak, blue padded 20' pews to be given to any organization, church, or group that could use them. Currently the pews are in two 10' sections for easy transport. Anyone interested please call Grace UCC 717 632 1146.

ONA Ministry Team

ONA Ministry Team Winter Gathering

SAVE THE DATE: “Embracing the Beloved LGBTQ+ Community: The Role of the Church”.  

This year's winter gathering will be held on Saturday, March 4^th, 2023 at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg, PA. The featured speaker is Attorney Henry Sias.  After graduating from Yale Law School, Henry Sias has been working tirelessly as a defense and civil rights lawyer. He’s also a commissioner on Pennsylvania’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. Mr. Sias is a trans man and had a previous run for Judge. He will share his perspective on reasons why our country's political discourse is so focused on the LGBTQ community.



Breakout Sessions - The Role of the Church include:

1. Queer Bible Study 

2.  The “T” in LGBTQ 

3.  ONA 101 – How to get started.

4. ONA 201 – We're ONA, Now What?

Lunch will be provided. There is NO COST to attend, but donations will be collected to cover the cost of the speaker and lunch.

Stay tuned for registration information. 

Creation Justice Team

UCC Climate Hope Cards Finalists and Winners

Congratulations to 2 young artists, Clara, age 9 and Grace, age 12 from Salem UCC, Campbelltown who were named finalists in the recent United Church of Christ Climate Hope Cards Art Contest. Check out this short video of the Finalists' art: Climate Hope Cards Finalists Video

In 2022, the UCC called upon children and youth to draw or paint about climate hope, environmental justice, or protecting the Earth. Ultimately, 339 UCC churches participated from 44 states and DC. There were 880 works of art submitted from children and youth. This ceremony shows the art from the finalists and announces the contest winners: https://youtu.be/HH7aGX33N7Y The winning art will be placed on advocacy postcards that UCC members throughout the country will collect and deliver to elected officials in calling for climate action. Learn more at: www.ucc.org/climatehopecards

2023 Climate Hope Summer Fellowship Grants

Deadline: March 01 2023 at midnight EST

The Environmental Justice Ministry of the United Church of Christ is allotting $30,000 in grants of $2,500 to UCC churches, conferences, and associations as well as UCC-affiliated theological schools and non-profit organizations for the purposes of developing and furthering the work of youth and young adult leaders in the movement for climate justice. A central goal of this grant program is to further develop a prophetic culture of faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crisis. Grants will be awarded to promote a climate justice movement that recognizes the root causes of the climate crisis in relation to corporate power and government policy as well as racial and economic inequity. Grants will be awarded to those seeking to advance climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by the climate crisis, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

Grant applications: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/86991-

Outdoor Ministries

WINTER FUN DAY - Kirchenwald - February 19, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

LENTEN DAY APART - The Wittel Farm - March 4, 2023 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

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!

Also, save the date for Hartman Center Homecoming week July 31 through August 5, 2023. Registration link coming soon!

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)

February 21 - "Equitable Community Change" with Rev. Alice Rauch

In February, our MEF on the 21^st will include some of the material from E-Cornell’s Equitable Community Change Certificate program. Rev. Alice Rauch was inspired to earn a certificate in Equitable Community Change after being a part of her local school district’s Equity Team and finding that the teams were being disbanded shortly after they were started. Inspired by the changes in the school’s policies, a grassroots organization has been formed – Mifflinburg SAS (Supporting All Students) to address inequities in the school district and to provide support to students and families who may need support in addressing inequities in their educational experience.

As people of faith, we are called to witness to justice and compassion in our world. The MEF course will discuss ways to discern community concerns and learn basic methods to address those concerns.

10:00AM hybrid - register here

6:00PM Zoom Only - register here

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, February 6, 6:00 – 9:00pm ET, Specialized Minister Boundary Training with the Rev. Tara Barber and the Rev. Stephen Boyd

This training, hosted by Revs. Tara Barber and Stephen Boyd, is open to ministers serving in specialized settings throughout the United Church of Christ. Serving in specialized setting requires particular attention to boundaries within the ministry setting and home church that are challenging and different from those serving as local church pastors. This training will focus on matters that relate specifically to issues that these ministers face, providing opportunities for clergy to reflect on best practices and growth in their practice of ministry. *Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Register here

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

JOURNEY INTO AND THROUGH RETIREMENT 

A convocation for Retired Clergy and Spouses 

MAY 9, 10, 11 at the Doubletree Convention Center, Willow Street, PA 

Brought to you by Penn Central Conference

and the United Church of Christ Pension Boards 

The above announced convocation is for all retired clergy within the Penn Central Conference. It will be a time of renewing friendships and presentations on a wide range of topics of interest and concern during the retirement years. The Pension Boards will have personnel on hand to cover issues of finance, health care and general support services, such as the Annuitant Visitor program. There will be representatives from The UCC Homes and Phoebe Homes to share information on various levels of care available. We will also have persons representing the Area Agency on Aging, AAA and AARP available to assist with questions and interests you may have concerning services and opportunities available for retirees. 

We have reserved space for 150 registrants and so we are sending this information now and ask that you indicate your interest in this program. There will be both registration for staying at the convention center and also a commuter option. Finals details regarding cost have not yet been finalized and so we are only asking interest lever for our planning purposes.   

Please indicate your interest in participating by contacting:

Rev Rick Luciotti, Facilitator for Clergy Care 

Penn Central Conference 

PO Box 6625 

Harrisburg. PA 

Or by email: rluciotti@pccucc.org 

Save the Date – Suicide and Moral Injury Clergy Workshop with Lebanon VA Chaplain Rev. Dean Luther Friday, March 24^th 10-12 on Zoom, registration details will be shared when available.

Mark your calendars – Pennsylvania UCC Clergy Convocation May 2-5, more information coming soon

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.

3 Best Practices: Set a New Year’s Resolution for Increasing Giving

JAN 25, 2023 | 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Visions of Truth Telling, Reparation, and Forgiveness

JAN 26, 2023 | 3:30PM - 4:30PM

I Heart Orgasms–Pleasure, Sexual Health and Consent

FEB 1, 2023 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM

The Land Back Movement

FEB 8, 2023 | 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Virtual National Gathering of UCC Rural/Small Town Churches and Ministries

FEB 9 - 11, 2023

Be A Global Mission Church

FEB 16, 2023 | 3:30PM - 4:30PM

The Virtual National Gathering of UCC Rural/Small Town Churches and Ministries

Theme: Nourishing the Seeds of Faith (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Presented by the Coalition for UCC Rural Ministries

Hosted by the UCC National Faith INFO Ministry Team of the Justice and Local Church Ministries

February 9-11, 2023 - 4:00-7:00 pm EST



Registration Now Open: https://cvent.me/rQ8RQo

Contact: Rev Roberto Ochoa, UCC Minister for Ethnic Inclusion, Rural and Small Churches – ochoar@ucc.org

"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 Jan 17-30 for an All Adult Levels Training in March

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.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) NEW CLASS DATES

Jews and the American Civil Rights Movement, Feb. 8 and 15, March 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2023. Wednesdays, 7–8:30pm via Zoom. Instructor, Jack Paskoff. The American Jewish community played a meaningful role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This class opens a window into this complex and multi-faceted era in Black-Jewish relations. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Church History 1, Beginnings to Reformation Rumblings, four Tuesdays and two Thursdays, Feb. 23 and 28, March 7, 14, 23, 28. 7–8:30pm EST, via Zoom. Instructor, the Rev. Matt Deal. Exploring how the church sorted out key paradoxes from the first century up to the Reformation. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

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

Insurance Board Webcast:

Please join us on February 28th at 2:00 p.m. EST for our upcoming webcast, Internal Controls for Financial Operations, facilitated by Insurance Board’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Andrea Gauding, to learn about financial controls and best practices to protect ministries. For additional information and the registration link, please see the attached flyer or visit our website at: https://www.insuranceboard.org/online-learning/

Current Openings - UCC National Setting

OPTIC – MarCom

Editorial Communications and News Strategist Close Date: January 31, 2023

Event Management

Associate for Event Technology Close Date: January 31, 2023

Cornerstone Fund

Loan Underwriting Specialist Close Date: February 17, 2023

Education for Faithful Action Ministries

Minister for Economic Justice Close Date: February 17, 2023

Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA)

Minister for Ministers in Specialized Settings and Endorsement Coordination Close Date: February 17, 2023

Communication and Development

Communications Specialist Close Date: February 17, 2023

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! 

Bookkeeper Position

Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, located in Harrisburg, PA, is seeking a part time bookkeeper (averaging 10 hours a week.) A working knowledge of financial systems and processes, computer skills (including Microsoft Office and Servant Keeper) and a willingness to learn new skills as necessary are essential. Responsibilities include preparing payables; tracking receipts and payments of conduits; assisting in preparation of materials requested by auditors; working closely with accounting firm, bankers, auditors, and other financial partners; generating reports; preparing and generating year end giving statements. Hourly pay, compensation commensurate with experience. This position will report to the Office Manager. Interested parties may send a resume to Paul at pkeller@pccucc.org by February 1, 2023

Now Accepting Applications or Referrals for

FT STAFF CHAPLAIN AT PHOEBE RICHLAND

General Responsibilities 

Conducts variety of religious activities and provides for the spiritual needs of residents and families and ministry with staff. Provides clinical oversight and mentoring for CPE intern chaplains, per diem chaplain and volunteers. Works closely with inter-disciplinary staff to meet the needs of residents. Conducts outreach to churches and community. Works collaboratively with other chaplains in the department. Will help establish pastoral care at our new Chestnut Ridge at Rodale campus in Emmaus, PA.

Requirements

• Master of Divinity; ordination in the United Church of Christ or a denomination closely related or dual standing in the UCC.
• Minimum of 4 units of CPE; Eligible for APC Board Certification or working toward this certification
• 2-3 years of ministry experience in a parish or chaplaincy setting

Part time music director

Dreisbach UCC, Lewisburg, is looking for a music director beginning in January 2023. Dreisbach enjoys a diverse collection of music in its services including both contemporary and traditional. We have a small adult choir, a bell choir, and a praise band. We are looking for someone who can work approximately 3-6 hours per week. Position responsibilities include leading and directing the adult choir in rehearsal and worship, leading the praise band, directing the bell choir, and picking music for all ensembles.

Appropriate clearances are required. Qualified applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and references to: Dreisbach United Church of Christ, 875 Dreisbach Church Road, Lewisburg, PA. 17837, or email to pam_adminsec@dreisbachucc.org.

Organist and piano accompanist

Dreisbach UCC, Lewisburg, is looking for an organist and piano accompanist beginning in January 2023. Dreisbach enjoys a diverse collection of music in its services including both contemporary and traditional. Dreisbach has an Allen digital organ that was installed in 1997. The organ has 2 manuals, a midi system, and a recording system. We are looking for someone who can work approximately 3-6 hours per week. Position responsibilities include accompanying the worship service and the choir, working with the pastor to choose music for the worship services, and reporting organ and piano repair and tuning needs to the consistory.

Appropriate clearances are required. Qualified applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and references to: Dreisbach United Church of Christ, 875 Dreisbach Church Road, Lewisurg, PA. 17837, or email to pam_adminsec@dreisbachucc.org.

Starview United Church of Christ has a Director of Music position open. This position involves 1 Sunday morning worship service, special liturgical services throughout the year, and direction of the church choirs. The estimated time per week is a 6 hours, which naturally, will vary depending on the church season and number of services planned. Compensation is negotiable. Resumes may be emailed to: starviewucc@comcast.net or mailed to 4832 N. Sherman St. Ext., Mount Wolf, PA 17347.

For additional contact information to address specific questions with the Worship Committee Chairperson or the pastor, please call 717-266-4248.

Starview United Church of Christ is located approximately 6 miles off of I-83 at Exit 24 and 6 miles north of the Galleria Mall on Rt. 24 (Mt. Zion Exit off of Rt. 30).

UCC National Positions:

Global Ministries

Area Executive, Southern Asia Office Extended Search: Open Until Filled