Weekly Update - August 15, 2018
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

ERYE - NEW!

Welcome, Laura - NEW!

Resources 

Calendar 

Events and Training - NEW!

Clergy News - NEW!
 Church News 

 Generosity- NEW!

Prayers and Devotions - NEW!
OtherResolutionEastern Regional Youth Event
 A Reflection from Rev. Nora Foust - NEW
The youth of our church give me great hope for today and the tomorrows of our church.
 
In July, I had the humbling privilege of being at the Eastern Regional Youth Event at California University of Pennsylvania with more than 325 youth and leaders from Maine to Virginia. We gathered in plenary, worship, workshops, mission and play.
 
If you ask around the office, they could confirm that I could talk about the powerful moments from this event for quite a while, but I want to focus on one for this reflection. Our theme was "My theme song is God's love and justice" (Psalm 101:1) and we devoted each day to exploration of the 3 great loves: neighbor, children and creation. On Thursday evening we collected our offering of more than $900 to give to this initiative.
Shortly after leaving worship, a leader saw that our General Minister and President, Rev. John Dorhauer, was requesting 25 hardcover Good News Bibles for a small church of Lakota Sioux in North Dakota. Planners let John know that our gathering would cover it. The next night, we face-timed with John and it was announced that we would put baskets out to collect about $300 for the Bibles. The youth donated another $700+ with the overage being added to our 3 great loves offering.
Friends, this is the Church. Speaking to a passion for many of the gathered on a day that we celebrated with Simply Smiles founder Brian Nurnberger about the additional land that his organization was receiving for work on a Lakota Reservation in South Dakota, Youth readily met the challenge.
How does your church seek to invite people's passion to meet community needs?
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Nora Foust, Associate Conference Minister for Ministerial and Congregational Excellence
 
A Message from the Youth at Peace UCC, Denver - NEW 
The Eastern Regional Youth Event was a wonderful opportunity for PCC Youth to experience "Love and Justice: For, with, and towards God."  
 
Using the theme of the national UCC - "3 Great Loves: neighbor, children, and creation" youth from all over the east coast celebrated what it means to be "the youth" in the UCC.  We participated in worship which included music from the Convergence Music Project which was led by Bryan Sirchio, Andra Moran, Christopher Grundy and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan. A highlight from worship was using bubbles to share in the worship experience. 
 
In addition to worship, we had to opportunity to learn about and understand some of the challenges that communities have placed on others just because of where on lives or are allowed to live.  This mission opportunity was an eye-opening experience to see how rich and poor can live side by side but have totally different opportunities in life. 
 
We feel that one of the best things about ERYE was the opportunity to hear and meet others who are growing in their faith journey and to hear and see some of the challenges they face and how they have overcome them.  At our concluding worship we were told that the youth are not just the future of the church, but "the present." We were told that we have the power to do great things in the UCC and world and we have to work to make great things happen!
 
This was an terrific experience and we look forward to the National Youth Event in 2020! 

Youth at Peace UCC


NewPCCNEW PCC Staff Member!
Welcome, Laura Dalton - NEW 
Laura Dalton joins the Penn Central Conference staff with p r e v ious experience working as Event Coordinator, Director of Communications, Program Director and Sr. Recreation Specialist for Hempfield Area Recreation Commission.
 
She is familiar with Microsoft programs, Web sites (WordPress) and various marketing tools. Her writing and editing skills are highly honed,having written and produced web-based and print articles, publications, and projects. She has also served on several social media marketing teams using Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter platforms.
 
Having planned many events during her career,she thinks incrementally with the mind of a project planner. Of course, this will be very helpful for assisting with planning Annual Meeting and other Conference events.
 
Laura sings with the Central Pennsylvania Womyn's Chorus and currently serves as a Metropolitan Community Church Northeast Network Leader. Her educational background includes a Master of Science degree in Park, Recreation and Tourism, Certificate of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration and English (Summa Cum Laude).
 
We are pleased to welcome Laura Dalton to the Penn Central Conference Staff, effective August 8, 2018, as a part-time Administrative Assistant!  For her bio and more information...
HCHartman Center
Thank you for your support! - NEW
 
Friends,
 
The summer campers, staff and, volunteers thank God for you. The support we have received from the members and churches of Penn Central blessed us all. You sent us cookies, goldfish crackers and gift cards to buy milk, juice and ice cream. You sent office, craft and sports supplies through our online wish list. You supported campers from your churches and from the community through gifts to the scholarship fund. You gifted us with the talents of your pastors who served as directors and chaplains. Thank You!
           
I think about the final story of our summer curriculum: Luke 10: 1-9 where Jesus sends out seventy disciples to tell about the Kingdom of God. Before leaving camp on Saturday morning, we encouraged campers to take what they learned and experienced and share it. We also reminded them that they were not alone: even if the friends they made were not geographically close, they were close in spirit. Finally we reminded them that God's amazing love was with them always.  
 
There is still one opportunity to come to camp this summer. Check out our Labor Day Intergenerational Camp. There are also great opportunities to come to Hartman Center in the Fall. Hope to see you at camp!
 
Peace and Blessings
Pastor Patty
          
 
Labor Day Intergenerational Camp - NEW
Superhero Training Camp
Beyond Belief: The Universe of God
Intergenerational Camp: Labor Day Week End 2018
August 31-September 3 (arriving any time after 2 pm Friday and returning home after breakfast Monday)
Come and Embrace Your Inner Superhero that calls you to go "Beyond Belief" with God! 
 
 
Over Labor Day Week end, Hartman Center will be filled with superheroes (whether they recognize it or not). Join with people from all walks of life, all ages, abilities and stages in faith to explore the vast Universe of God in new and amazing ways as we discover and celebrate each of our "Superhero" gifts that can make a difference in all the places we go.
More Information :
Pastor Libby Nocheck and husband Lee Nocheck are leading the intergenerational camp at Hartman Center over Labor Day Week end. Take advantage of this opportunity to get away, relax and re-create with God's help before the busy fall begins. Over the week end, we will be discovering and celebrating our Superhero Powers (the gifts God has given each of us) in order for the Universe of God to go further into the places we go. The week end plans include opportunities to fish, tie dye, pray, read Scriptures, swim, worship in the outdoors, relax, sit around the fire, sing, make ice cream, play games, and so much more.

All meals are provided. Housing will be in the fully accessible Michaux Lodge.
 
Register online at:  Adults: $230, children 6-11 $115, children 5 and under are free
   
More Upcoming Events - NEW
Upcoming events:
Elementary Retreat (grades 3-6) - September 21 - 23
Women's Retreat - November 16-18 
Middle and High School Retreat (grades 7-12) - November 16 - 18

If you're attending a retreat:

  1. Registration Form and Permission Slip This is the form you send to us one week prior to your participation in a retreat.
Medical Form This is the form you send to us one week prior to your participation in a retreat. We must have this form for all participants.

Hartman Center Fall Fest - October 13 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
And in 2019...
Spring Confirmation Retreat - dates TBD.  Please contact Patty if your church is interested in participating.
 
May 7-9, 2019 Hartman Center Work Weekend!
---Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018
More details on the  Hartman Center Web site!
  
 
Thank you for your continued support!
 
ResourcesResource Links
 
CalendarofEventsCalendar of Events
 
        
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
 
Widening the Welcome (Disability Ministries) - November 1-3, 2018, Niagara Falls, NY

Mid-Winter Clergy Sabbath (formerly Clergy Convocation) - January 22 - 24, 2019

Annual Meeting - June 7-8, 2019, Susquehanna University

General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
EventsandTrainingEvents and Training
PCC Communities of Practice
 
Communities of Practice Groups  Sign up for a place where the focus is ministry and shared knowledge is practice and experience based.  These communities covenant to offer care, support and accountability while they nurture practices of spiritual discipline.

 
Bobby Jo Valentine Concerts - NEW
Two opportunities to see Bobby Jo Valentine in concert. A winner of the West Coast Songwriter's Association "Songwriter of the Year" award, his style is best described as "coffee house meets Jesus" - laid back, but meaningful and with heart.

August 25 at 7:00 PM at Colonial Park UCC

September is Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month, when the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank joins others across America to take action in fighting hunger across our communities. 

Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Americans than ever before. Whether it's by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or volunteering, individuals can find the way that's right for them to make a difference during Hunger Action Month.

The Uniqueness of Rural Ministry
The Uniqueness of Rural Ministry

Saturday, September 6, 1:00-4:00pm

At Orchard Hill, Millerstown
  
$35     .5 CEU's  

Search and Call Conversations 
September 8, 2018
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Hafer Center
(floor above library)
555 W. James Street
Lancaster, PA
 

MEF Fall 2018 
Please save the date for the Fall MEF:

September 19 - Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the United Church of Christ, Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting (for Clergy ONLY)
 
October 17 - Scott Watts, Facilitator of Care to Clergy and Clergy Families, Self- Differentiation in your Ministry (for Clergy ONLY)
 
November 14 - X. Peter Wernett , Sr. Vice President, MissionInsite (for Lay and Clergy)
 
All forums will be held at
St. Thomas UCC - 6490 Linglestown Road - Harrisburg, PA
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 
Light refreshments will be served.
 

Financial Training
This training is open to treasurers, finance committees, deacons, stewardship committees and anyone that is interested in money in their church.

MONEY MATTERS:
Managing God's Money


Widening the Welcome 
 November 1-3, 2018
Niagara Falls Convention Center & Sheraton at the Falls Niagara Falls, NY

Invited speakers include: Exec. Minister for Justice and Local Church Ministries- Rev. Traci Blackmon, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health JusticeRev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Still Speaking Devotional Writer- Rev. Jennifer Brownell, and keynote speaker, UCC General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer.

Mid-Winter Clergy Sabbath
Save the Date!

January 22 - 24, 2019

Building Sacred Relationships in A Time of Conflict and Fear

Sheraton Hotel
4650 Lindle Road - Harrisburg, PA
717.564.5511

Registration to follow...
ClergyWebsiteClergy News
 August - September - October - NEW
  • August 26 - Rev. Nora Foust Installation at Christ UCC, Elizabethtown - 3:00 PM
  • September 9 -  Pastor Ron Heagy Installation at St. Stephen's UCC, York - 3:00 PM
  • September 9 - Rev. Caroline Saxton Installation at St. John's UCC, Chambersburg - 3:00 PM
  • September 16 - Ecclesiastical Council Panel for Laura Ramsey & Nilda Roman at Christ UCC, Elizabethtown - 3:00 PM
  • October 21 - Rev. Dr. Fred Young Installation at Trinity, Gettysburg - 3:00 PM
ChurchNewsWebsiteChurch News
Welcome #19! - NEW
Celebrate with the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ as we welcome our newest Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation: St. John's United Church of Christ; Lewisburg, PA. 
Generosity1WebsiteGenerosity
Q&A: Innovation in Church Stewardship
UCC's Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Information and Communications (OPTIC) is presenting a free online discussion featuring pastors Rev. Heilman and Rev. Whittaker who share how they are leading their churches toward meeting financial and membership goals.

Registration is free. Please click on and submit the registration form below as capacity is limited. You will then be provided with a dial-in number.

August 28, 2018 at 7pm - 8pm
JusticeGenerosityCommunity and Justice Issues
CWS Kits
With the current disastrous flooding that is taking place in North Central Pennsylvania, large numbers of Clean-Up Buckets are being delivered and distributed to those in need! 

$250 Matching Grants Are Still Available!
 Information You Can Use
Prayers1Prayers for Our Churches
 
 
Prayers for Penn Central Conference Churches

"Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you."  (2 Thess. 3:1)
 
Beginning in 2018, we have created a prayer list to invite you to pray with us as we pray for all of our congregations. Each week we will list names of various churches in Penn Central Conference hoping you will add them to your prayer list, and hold them in prayer throughout the week.
  • Jacob's (Reed's Station) UCC, Paxinos
  • Saint Peter's UCC, Paxinos
  • Penns Creek UCC, Emmanuel
  • Salem-Zion Church of Pillow
Archive3 Great Loves
Christ UCC, Elizabethtown Love of Neighbor
Community Place on Washington - NEW
 
When faced with the challenge of "Where are the services in the area?", Christ UCC Elizabethtown joined other local churches in an amazing ecumenical partnership.  The vision is enormous as they are seeking a collaborative effort among United Churches Elizabethtown Area and community members, organizations businesses and social service providers to establish a centralized location for community services.
 
As they move toward their vision, two buildings (1 house and 1 school) need to be remodeled into the central hub for services provided for needy, hungry, and homeless of E-town area.  The house will eventually be our winter shelter for homeless.  The school will become offices for United Elizabethtown Area Churches, ECHOES, and other service organizations.  The new building to be built in 3-4 years will be the main offices and a recreational gymnasium.    
 
 
 
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Contact information:      Stephanie Rader-Titzel
email: srader-titzel@pccucc.org   phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
web: http://www.pccucc.org