Penn Central Conference Weekly eNews

This camp song has long been a favorite for me, as much for the invocation of Jesus' words from Matthew 7 as for its musicality. ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. In my work as Designated Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Discernment, Jesus' invitation to an open heart of prayerful anticipation is invaluable.

Congregation leaders have been embracing the new Local Church Profile as they travel through the search and call process. The format is an invitation to creatively share the story of the congregation and its mission, issuing an invitation to knock to ministers seeking a call. The digital nature of the Profile is an opportunity to see this portrait of the congregation as ministerial candidates will see it.

For congregations large and small, the process can be energizing and fun. From the raw data of the Word profile, editing the flow of text and sharpening the presentation of photos allows profile creators to begin to imagine the final document. When the final polished pdf is ready for distribution, there is great rejoicing. As one Profile Committee member put it, working through the profile process "made me fall in love with my church all over again."

Videos are accompanying the profiles as well. The process of creating the video can often stir the excitement of congregation members about their ministry and remind them of the many ways they make a difference in their community. Another Profile Committee used fictional characters to help describe aspects of their congregation, inviting ministerial candidates to help them continue to write their story. Wow! Going forward, I can envision some of our congregations making use of the Three Great Loves initiative to share their story as well.

Green is in, and a wonderful way to care for the Earth! I am thrilled to share that we have substantially reduced our use of paper throughout the Search process as well. Since the advent of the new Local Church profile, the Search and Call manual (the big green binder of the past) was rendered outdated. It was decided that we would make use of digital resources as often as possible. At initial meetings with congregations beginning a transition, leaders are given a flash drive with many of the needed resources for their process going forward. Many of these resources are also available on the UCC website for download. Those that are specific to Penn Central Conference are available upon request via email.

You can clearly see how congregations in transition in the Penn Central Conference are letting their creativity flow as they follow the Spirit's leadings throughout the search process. Wait! There's more! The Local Church Profile can be used as a tool for future planning and imagining together, through engaging the Discovery Document. The Discovery Document are the three sections of the profile that ask WHO ARE WE NOW, WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR, and WHO IS GOD CALLING US TO BE. I am certainly available to meet with leadership at your church to share the value of asking these questions every few years!

Blessings, dear friends in Christ, as you ask, seek and knock in the energy of the Holy Spirit. May you celebrate Christ's love as it tumbles down to us and through us!

Betsy

Bulletin Insert (available now in Word format)

Read Betsy's Bio Here

Friend of Penn Central Conference Campaign

Donate - Volunteer - Serve

Thank you for your gifts to our Friends of Penn Central Conference campaign! Two weeks in and we are at $1550 and about 15% of our goal. (Campaign ends November 28.)

Help us spread the news of this campaign with your friends and congregation by using this flyer.

If you haven't already given, here are suggestions of how YOU can give:

1. Follow this link to our donation page to make a one-time or monthly recurring gift. You may also send your donation by check to the Conference Office. (Please make check payable to Penn Central Conference, noted as OCWM/Friends of Penn Central Conference in the memo line.)

2. Volunteer your time serving in Association/Penn Central Conference ministries. Sign up here.

3. Secure a matching gift from your company. You can search this database to see if your company matches - http://www.ucc.org/matching-gifts. What an easy way to double your gift!

Thank you for ALL you do for Penn Central Conference!

PCC and Local Churches Connect through Our Mission - NEW

Celebrating our ministry together through stories about local churches living into our mission.

Penn Central Conference mission:

where congregations passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ.

"St. John's United Church of Christ in Boalsburg demonstrates the courageous love of Christ in many ways." Rev. Dr. Monica Ouelette (Northern Association) shares how St. John's connects to their community. Read their story.

If you have a story to share, please reach out to Stephanie at srader-titzel@pccucc.org.

Generosity

OCWM Support - NEW

Thank you for your generosity! Your compassionate response to hurricane relief efforts resulted in record giving to OGHS in the month of September.

This generosity overflowed into OCWM! We ended September 2017 YTD at 81% of budgeted goal and with a slight increase over September 2016 YTD.

Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity!

Church Leadership Resources

Leadership Resources - NEW

2018 UCC Medical and Dental Rates

Ministers Financial Vitality - deadline extended - NEW

Faith vs. Fear: A Faith Response to Gun Violence (A Bible Study Series) - NEW

Traditioned Innovation (Faith and Leadership article about church growth and vitality) - NEW

Church of England Resurects Tradition to Attract Millenials (Church Leaders Article) - NEW

Tolerating Bad Behavior in Church (Congregational Consulting Group article about dealing with conflict in your church) - NEW

5 Ways Tracking Church Attendance Messes With Your Soul (Carey Nieuwhof) - NEW

WORKSHOP

Big Gifts, Small Packages: Church Vitality in Small Churches is a workshop about healthy churches.

Date: October 28, 2017

Time: 9:30 (registration), 10:00 - 3:00 presentation with lunch

Cost: $15 per person, $12 per person for groups of 3 or more, includes lunch

500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Reformation Resources - NEW

The PCC-UEK Partnership Team, which supports our Conference partnerships with our German partners in the Rhineland and in the Berlin area, would like to offer some respources for worship materials that you might wish to use in your observance of this year's 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.

Please use them responsibly and observe any copyright restrictions. And in any case, please acknowledge the sources of any materials you may use.

We hope that you will find blessing in observing this major event in the church's history!

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From Conflict to Communion

Impact of the Reformation

Lutheran World Federation Liturgy for Reformation 2017

Our Reformation Roots - UCC

Other Resources:

"Sola Gratia" - Hymn written at Craigville Colloquy

Spirit on Tap - October 31 at 7:00 with Dr. Jane Ellingwood - The Reformation at 500 and Beyond

Community Needs and Justice Issues

Pastoral Letter - NEW

Thank you for working to meet the needs from the most recent tragedies. Read more in Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith's pastoral letter.

Disaster Ministries - NEW

Bucket Drop Off Sites

St. John's UCC in Boalsburg will be a local drop-off point for clean up buckets. Please call the church office at 814.466.7162 before coming. The collection will continue until October 31.

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UCC Disaster Recovery

UCC Response to Puerto Rico

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Preparing for Disaster: A Guide or UCC Families and Friends

An Introduction to Disaster Preparedness

Boundary/Leadership Training

Training for Our Whole Lives

Training for Our Whole Lives, a series of sexuality education programs developed jointly by the UCC and UUA, will come to the Lancaster Association on October 27-29, 2017.

Retired Boundary Training

2 sessions of "Healthy Practices in the Third-Third: Boundary Awareness in Retirement" will be held this Fall.

October 18 at Christ, Elizabethtown

November 16 at St. John's in Lewisburg

9:30 - 12:00

This training will count toward your association's Boundary Training requirement.

Come explore topics around vocation and identity as well as look at some of the logistics of leaving well and in some cases becoming a member instead of the pastor. With much of the expertise already in the room, we anticipate lively discussion of life in real-world retirement and how we navigate the blessings and challenges of this time in our lives.

Search and Call

Search and Call News

Sabbatical Planning? Pastor preparing for sabbatical?

We have resources for you. Please c ontact Betsy for additional details.

Search and Call Event

Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2-5PM St. Thomas UCC, 6490 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg

For leaders in PCC congregations, this is an opportunity to explore current versions of both the Minister's Profile and the Local Church Profile.

Hear from a panel of leaders who have recently worked on a Local Church Profile and completed a Search Process.
Learn from ministers who have recently been in the Search process about what they experienced.
Engage with one another in conversations about Search and Call.

Please register for this event with Janice Mountain at jmountain@pccucc.org by November 1^st.

Church Vitality

Would You Like a Mystery Visitor to Come to Your Church?

The conference has trained 12 Mystery Visitors who are willing to visit your church on Sunday morning and give you a detailed report. Pastors can request a visitor (and they are the only ones allowed to do so) and they will receive the report to do with it as they see fit.

These visitors will assess the website, curb appeal and hospitality (as well as the coffee!). They will not be evaluating the pastor or the service itself. While most of the mystery visitors are churched, we also have a few seekers. To request a mystery visitor, contact Laurene Bowers LBowers@pccucc.org

Events, Training and Resources Available

UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

Hartman Center Fall Festival - October 7, 10-3

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Board of Directors Retreat - October 14, St. Thomas Episcopal Center, Lancaster, 10 AM

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New Beginnings, Parlor at Colonial Park - October 17

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Retired Clergy Boundary Training - October 18, Christ UCC, Elizabethtown, 9:30 - Noon

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Lebanon Association Meeting - Grace, Richland, October 22 - 3:00

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Authorizing Ministry in the 21st Century - October 23 and 24, Clarion Hotel, Essington (event at capacity, no longer receiving registrations)

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Clergy Leadership - October 25, Colonial Park UCC, 1-4

Bi g Gifts in Small Packages, Church Vitality in Small Churches Workshop - October 28 with Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi

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Clergy Leadership (Saturday Session) - November 4, Colonial Park UCC, 9-12

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Central Association Town Hall - November 5, St. John's Lewisburg, 2:30

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DR&R Mission Central Meeting - November 10, Mission Central, Mechanicsburg, 10 AM

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Advancing Healthy Ministry, Boundary Bites - November 11, 9:30 - 12

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Search and Call Event - November 12, St. Thomas, Harrisburg, 2-5

Mercersburg Association Meeting - November 12, Apostles, Waynesboro - 3:00

York Association Meeting - November 12, Salem Dover, 2:00

Green Justice Team - November 14, Penn Central Conference Center, 10-12

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Transitional Ministry Gathering - November 15, Penn Central Conference Center, 10-12

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Retired Clergy Boundary Training - November 16, St. John's Lewisburg, 9:30 - 12

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Women's Retreat - November 17-19, Hartman Center

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Youth Retreat - November 17-19, Hartman Center

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Commission on Ministry - November 20, Penn Central Conference Center, 9:30-11:30

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Hartman Center Committee of the Board of Directors - November 20, Penn Central Conference Center, 6-8

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Penn Central Conference Office Closed - November 23 and 24

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Clergy Leadership - November 29, Colonial Park UCC, 1-4

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Pastor's Breakfast and Worship - November 30, Shiloh UCC, Danville, 9:30 - 11:30

Click to see our Web site for more details.

Events, Workshops and Webinars - NEW

Woo Your Church Ministry Volunteers

Mindful Listening and Civility

Opioids in Lancaster County

Faith Development Goals for your Children's Ministry

Godly Play Core Training

Reading the Qur'an as a Non-Muslim

and more

2017 Loss Control Webinars

The Insurance Board is pleased to present the following upcoming Loss Control webinars, available to all participants and members.

How to Avoid Background Screening Litigation

Wednesday, October 11th, 2pm Eastern (Praesidium)

Active Shooter Response Training

Saturday, November 11, 1-4, Live Webinar at Shiloh, Danville UCC

Here's a link to their Web site to register:

https://www.insuranceboard.org/online-learning

Association Links

STAY CONNECTED TO PCC ASSOCIATIONS:

Central Association Facebook

Gettysburg Association Facebook

Harrisburg Association Facebook

Harrisburg Association Web Page

Lancaster Association Facebook

Lebanon Association Web Site

Mercersburg Association Web Page

York Association Facebook

York Association Web Page

2018 - SAVE THE DATE!

Clergy Convocation - January 30 - February 1, 2018

Doubletree by Hilton - Willow Valley, Lancaster PA

2018 Penn Central Annual Meeting - June 8 and 9, 2018

Susquehanna University

National ONA Gathering - June 27-29, 2018

Dallas, TX

Partners in Peace - July 5, 2018

Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Event - July 19-22, 2018

California University of Pennsylvania

General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Please check out the SAVE THE DATE Section Under Hartman Center too!

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Church News

Happy Anniversary!

Richfield UCC celebrates their 175th anniversary on October 8

St. Paul, Shrewsbury celebrates their 195th anniversary on October 15

Salem UCC, Harrisburg celebrates their 230^th Anniversary on October 29

Trinity UCC, York celebrates their 275th anniversary on October 29

St. John's, New Columbia celebrates their 200th anniversary on October 29

*Please let us know if your church has an anniversary they are celebrating.

Now Hiring: Minister of Music

Saint Paul's UCC in West Milton seeks a part-time Director of Music. Saint Paul's is a vibrant congregation with a growing music program. Candidates should be exceptional in piano/organ accompaniment and choral conducting and a have a desire to grow a music program with great potential. Contact Pastor Timothy Hogan-Palazzo, pastortim@ptd.net

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Inspired Director of Music sought for First Reformed Church United Church of Christ in Sunbury, PA. Part-time position for person able to provide music for 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sundays (autumn through early summer) and 9:30 a.m. service(summer), with possibility of adding Saturday afternoon contemporary service. Evening services include Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Responsible for Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir. Call Diane Luberecki at 570-286-2712.

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Bethany United Church of Christ, Ephrata, Pa., is seeking an Organist and/or Director of Music. Organist is responsible for providing music for 9:00 am blended worship service using piano and new Roger's Infinity 3-manual organ. Also DoM is responsible for directing the choir and other ensembles. Our musicians should be experienced in a variety of music genres.

If interested, please contact Rev. Wm. LaSalle at 717-733-9608 or send resume and cover letter to bethany@bethanyucc.com. You may also mail resume to Bethany UCC, 140 E. Main St., Ephrata, Pa. 17522. Attention: Rev. Wm. LaSalle.

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Starview United Church of Christ in Mount Wolf is looking to hire a part time Minister of Music, responsible for weekly worship and for choirs: chancel, men's, children, and chimes. Piano and/or Organ skills required. Compensation package will be discussed during the interview. Send resume to: starviewucc@comcast.net

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Hamilton Park UCC is a warm and friendly congregation, ready for growth and vitality, which seeks to hire a part-time Director of Music that is able to provide encouraging, enthusiastic and supportive leadership for the church ministry. For details.

Advent Resource

Jesse and Natalie Turri, artists, and Rev. Dr. Christopher Rodkey, devotions and prayers

Experience the stories of the liturgical seasons in a vibrant new way this year! Coloring Advent features a new illustration and scripture reflection each day of the season to lead you deeper into the stories you've known your whole life. Make Coloring Advent part of your journey to Bethlehem!

Bulletin Inserts and Coloring Pages and To order.

Adult Education

"Who is My Neighbor?", an Adult Education Series by Church of the Apostles, UCC begins Sunday, October 8 and runs through November 12 from 10:45 am - 12:00 pm in the church Parlor For details.

Rachel Held Evans: Keeping The Bible Weird will speak on October 11 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church - 250 E College Ave, State College, Pennsylvania 16801. For details.

Association Events

CENTRAL:

The Central Association will host their Town Hall on November 5, 2017. Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan. For details.

LANCASTER:

Join Trinity, East Petersburg for Quint Essentially Brass at 4:00 on October 22. For Details.

MERCERSBURG:

The Mercersburg Association Fall Meeting is November 12 at Church of the Apostles in Waynesboro. Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan. For details.

NORTHERN:

The Northern Association will be having their Fall Meeting on October 15 in Centre Hall. Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith will review Penn Central Conference's Strategic (Missional) Plan. For details.

YORK:

Benefit Relief Concert, October 22 - 3:00 - 4:30 with Troy D. Winemiller at St. Paul UCC - 161 South Main Street, Shrewsbury

Dover United Church of Christ invites you to an evening of music with Buddy King and Diane Susek on Friday, October 27. The concert (and accompanying silent auction) benefits the upcoming partnership 2018 People-to-People Pilgrimage to Kenya. The concert begins at 7:00pm. The doors open 6 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5 for the concert. Silent auction items include pottery, jewelry and original artwork. The event will take place at Dover UCC, 45 W. Canal Street, Dover, PA 17315. Refreshments included. For details.

On November 12, Starview UCC in Mt. Wolf will host an opioid epidemic seminar from 12 - 2. For details.

The York Association will host Mr. Mark Lutz, the author of UnPoverty, at their Annual Meeting November 12. In preparation for his visit, Community Outreach members have prepared a study guide for you and your congregations to use as you read this book. Currently the Association has 30 copies of this book you can borrow. As you make your plans for summer and fall, please contact Rev. Cathy Sherry (CathyLHS19@comcast.net) to reserve copies for use at your church.

Clergy News

October - November

October 8: Amelia Price Ecclesiastical Council at Emmanuel UCC, Penns Creek - 3:00 PM

October 22 Jackie Lingelbach's last Sunday at Quentin

October 22: Jeff Kardisco Installation Mt. Zion, York - 3:00 PM

October 29: Elizabeth Nocheck Installation at Hamilton Park, Lancaster - 3:00 PM

November 19: Brian Percy Ecclesiastical Council at Faith, York - 3:00 PM

November 19: Melissa Burkhart Ordination at St. Paul's, Manheim - 3:00 PM

November 19: Dan Schmidt Installation at St. Thomas, Linglestown - 3:00 PM

Register Today for the Pastor's Breakfast and Worship, November 30 at Shiloh, UCC in Danville from 9:30 - 12:00. (9:30 - Coffee, 10:00 - Breakfast, 10:45 - Worship)

3 Great Loves

3 Great Loves

We have seen some great 3 Great Loves stories!

Thank you for your commitment to Love of Neighbor, Love of Children and Love of Creation.

Now Available - Download 3 Great Loves Toolkit to review and use the resources the UCC has created for your congregation. Make your community ministry - that uses love to light the way to a more just world for all - more visible and meaningful.

Please continue to share your stories with us! We love seeing Penn Central Conference congregations connected, engaged and transformed through Christ's love!

Hartman Center

Hartman Center News and Resources

Hartman Center Wish List

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Save the Date for Upcoming Hartman Center Events:

Fall Festival - October 7, 2017 - event details, silent auction and flyers to promote
Women's Retreat - November 17-19, 2017 flyer and registration
Youth Retreat - November 17-19, 2017 flyer and registration
Confirmation Retreat - March 16-18. 2018
Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018

More details on the Hartman Center Web site!

Thank you for your continued support!

Ebay, Penn Central Style

Faith UCC, New Cumberland Donations - NEW

Thank you to Faith UCC New Cumberland.

They are offering some great items to give away that other churches might be able to use.

Choir robes, communion ware, and a Faith UCC banner, altar, pulpit, lecturn, baptismal font and kneeler as well as some New Century Hymnals and some NRSV pew bibles (though not many). Paraments are not included.

Please reach out to Cindy Garis via text/voice at 717-679-1492 or email at 1woundupcontemplative@gmail.com

Adult Choir Robes (FREE)

Christ Church, Elizabethtown has 50 adult choir robes in off white/blue. They are free. If you would like them, please reach out to Nadinne Ziegler at nadinneziegler@etownucc.org or (717) 367-1208.

Plastic Candle Holders from Emmanuel, Hanover

Are you planning for Christmas?

As you gather your materials, you may find your candle holders need to be replaced.

If so, Emmanuel, Hanover can help!

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Well crafted candle holders for $1/each. Order yours today!

Faith Connection Stories

Our Faith Connection Stories!

We love to hear stories of Penn Central Conference congregations working within their communities to passionately declare and demonstrate their courageous love of Christ.

NEW - Boalsburg and Centre Hall YSOP Mission

Faith Connection Stories (collection of PCCUCC Faith Connection Stories)

Share your story today! Click here to share your own congregation's story - please send to srader-titzel@pccucc.org.