Tomorrow marks the first day in a new chapter in the life of Penn Central Conference. Rev. Dr. Carolyne (Carrie) Call will officially begin her ministry as Transitional Conference Minister on August 1
st. We welcome her presence and her leadership with us in these changing times in the life of the church.
I wish to express our appreciation for the leadership of Rev. Ann Graves for serving as our Acting Conference Minister these past months. Her knowledge of the Conference, steady spiritual presence and gracious manner has been a blessing to us in this time of transition. A member of the Board of Directors stated, "She always kept the Conference's responsibility to all in the forefront of the decisions that she made or asked the board to make. She always had her eye on what we needed now in order to be what we need to be. I love that about her." Ann will be returning to her position as Moderator when Carrie begins her term as Transitional Conference Minister.
I also add my appreciation for the work of Stephanie Rader-Titzel as our Director of Communications and Generosity these past few years. She has done a wonderful job keeping us informed, planning annual meetings and being the go-to person in the Conference Office for a variety of things. Stephanie upped our game in the social media area and kept us abreast of our OCWM trends and needs. Her commitment to her ministry with us will be missed. We wish her well as she moves on to other things.
In this time of transition I remind you that the Holy Spirit is alive and well. The Spirit has called forth the gifts of a variety of people in the past to provide leadership in Penn Central Conference. We trust the Spirit will lead us into a future showing us new ways to passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ.
Shalom,
Bill LaSalle
Acting Moderator
Hartman Center
Thank you for your generosity!! - NEW
Thank you for your continued generosity!!
We just reached $5,565 of the $7,000 needed for the Craft Shop.
That means, just a little under $1,500 left. Any funds raised in excess of the Craft Shop project will be used for renovations of Michaux Lodge.
No contribution is too small. Make checks payable to Penn Central Conference and send them to Penn Central Conference, 900 S. Arlington Ave. Rm. 227A, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
We expect renovations to made this summer and early fall with a special dedication to occur at the Hartman Center Fall Festival, October 12, 2019.
Come join us for a fun and meaningful weekend as we worship, explore our faith, relax, and enjoy nature, good food, and each other's company at our conference's beautiful camp and retreat center. More details to come.
Cost will be under $100 for adults and about $60 for youth 6-11 years old, younger ones free for two nights lodging and 4 meals. We'll need at least 12 people to keep our reservations, so if you'd like to come please sign up by Friday August 9
th. A deposit of $35 for each adult and $20 for each child will be due after you sign up. The full amount will be due by Sept 29th.
For questions or to sign up, please contact Darcy Decker
darcydecker2@gmail.com. Make checks payable to Shiloh UCC and write "retreat" on the memo line.
Lifelong Learning and Womens'/Men's Retreats - NEW
Labor Day Weekend Fishing
Friday, August 30, 2019 beginning at 7 p.m. - Monday, September 2 ending at 9 a.m. register online.
Forgiveness: A Path for Healing
Monday, September 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. - Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 3 p.m.register online.
A Marriage Enrichment Weekend - "It's a Wonderful Life"
Friday, November 8, 2019 at 7 p.m. - Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 3 p.m. register online.
COMING IN NOVEMBER:
The FALL WOMEN'S RETREAT is planned for Nov. 15-17. (Friday the 15
th at 7 p.m. to Sunday the 17
th at 11 a.m.) Leaders will be Sue D'heedene and Winnie Kowalik.
COMING IN JANUARY 2020:
The FIRST ANNUAL MEN'S RETREATJanuary 17-19 Planned by pastors and laymen of the Conference. Possible theme: Seasons of a Man's Life. Watch for details this fall.
Generosity
As you probably read, my time at Penn Central comes to a close on Friday. I wanted to extend my sincerest thanks to this Conference. I am so very grateful for the support I have received during my time here. I am particularly appreciative of the amazing staff I have been so fortunate to work with, most of whom have become dear friends. I couldn't ask for a better group of clergy, volunteers and members. I have LOVED working with our clergy and our volunteers and have learned and grown so much (spiritually and otherwise) from this experience.
Thank you for your personal support and your devotion to the United Church of Christ and Penn Central Conference. I hope you will keep in touch. -Stephanie
Many thanks to Rev. David Jones (Board member and pastor) for reaching out to a community member via Facebook to ensure a 'dying man's wish came true.'
"
So when a pastor contacted Nagel-Pete, 36, out of the blue that Sunday night asking if she wanted him to officiate a wedding at the hospital in Lebanon, she said yes. They scheduled the ceremony for 5 p.m. the next day - leaving Nagel-Pete with less than 24 hours to get everything ready." Read more...
From September 20th to the 27th, there will be a Global Climate Strike led by youth. In the United States, the 17-year-old Jamie Margolin has been at the forefront of the youth climate movement. She led the call for last year's youth climate march, and she is a co-founder of the youth organization Zero Hour.
She will be our guest presenter for this edition of Creation Justice Webinars as we prepare for ourselves for the climate strike by focusing on the moral power and perspective that youth bring to the movement.
The United Church of Christ is saying farewell to a valued member of the national staff who has done much to create relationships and programs around volunteerism, leadership and sustainable development, refugee ministry and disaster response. The Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss, team leader of UCC's Humanitarian and Development Ministries, has resigned her position to accept a new role at Eden Theological Seminary.
With 5 General Synod Resolutions at General Synod, there is no time like the present to learn more about Environmental Justice and Greening the Church! These short classes are open to lay members and clergy alike online via Pathways Theological Program in the UCC's Southeast Conference.
August 25th:Your congregation is invited to join a group of churches for the annual Northern Cluster hymn sing. Join us Sunday, August 25 (rain or shine) at St. Peter's (Hoffman's) Church on the South Crossroads. We will gather at 5:00 PM in the church pavilion. The Joyful Noise Handbell Choir from St. Paul's UCC (Sacramento) will share their music.
Homemade ice cream and other goodies will be provided, and you are welcome to bring something of your own to share as well.
Please share this information with your congregation, and we hope you can join us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! For planning purposes, please RSVP by August 20 to rayholland03@gmail.com or 570-452-0050. Thanks!
Tea with MOM
August 25th: How Shall We Approve Individuals for Ministry?
3:00-4:30 PM at Lancaster Theological Seminary Dietz Hall Refectory (Gypsy Kitchen)
Join us for a facilitated discussion about how the preparation for authorization might be changing in light of the new Manual on Ministry. We will explore the possibilities of multiple paths and how they work. We will also discuss the potential new assessment committee to be formed at the Conference setting for assessment of all Members in Discernment.
We promise great food from the Gypsy Kitchen and stimulating dialog with colleagues! Please register in advance and we look forward to hearing your reflections on this critical topic for the church.
Advent Planning for Clergy and Music Directors
Clergy and Music Directors, please join us for time with colleagues,reflection and collaborative exploration. We will be envisioning worship, dedicating time to plan for the seasons as well as spend time pooling our resources and thoughts.
And for those filling up their 2020 calendars, please save January 8 (Worship Planning at Colonial Park), February 19 (MEF at St. Thomas), March 18 (MEF at St. Thomas), April 22 (MEF at St. Thomas) and May 13 (Worship Planning at Colonial Park)
Installations, Ecclesiastical Councils and Ordinations
September 22- Installation of Rev. Tony Fields at Christ Church UCC, Annville - 3:00 PM
Tomorrow marks the first day in a new chapter in the life of Penn Central Conference. Rev. Dr. Carolyne (Carrie) Call will officially begin her ministry as Transitional Conference Minister on August 1
st
August 15, 2019 - 1:00 PM EST - 
August 25th:
August 25th:
