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Weekly Update - February 21, 2018
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

A Message from Our Conference Minister and President 

Annual Meeting - NEW!
 Yearbook Information - NEW!

Church News

Generosity - NEW!

Clergy News - NEW!
Hartman Center - NEW!
Devotions  - NEW!

  PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR YEARBOOK UPDATE
NoraA Message from Our Conference Minister and President
EpiphanyDeny Yourself ... and Follow Jesus! (Mark 8:31-38)

   
February 14, 2018, Ash Wednesday (and Valentine's Day), brought much pain to our nation. A school shooting in Parkland Florida claimed the lives of 14 students and 3 teachers. This was the 18th school shooting tragedy in 2018. Teenage survivors of the school shooting have sprung into action by organizing and speaking out to create change. They have not allowed the grief and trauma to consume or immobilize them. To quote former President Richard Nixon, I admire "the moral courage and high idealism" of these high school students.

The tragedy in Parkland Florida was a heartbreaking way to begin this solemn time of Lent and I can only imagine the intense pain and suffering of the families in that community. Over the next few days we will travel with Jesus on a road paved with suffering and uncertainty on the way to the cross.

Suffering is an unpopular topic for many reasons. Jesus tried to explain his anticipated suffering and rejection by religious leaders to Peter but, in response, Peter took Jesus aside and scolded him. Peter believed through a great military struggle, not suffering, the Messiah would overthrow the Romans and save the Jewish people. However, the suffering and humble Messiah that Jesus was prepared to be was not what Peter or the crowd were expecting; it was contrary to their beliefs.  

Jesus was intent on teaching and demonstrating the unusual and paradoxical ways of God. He rebuked Peter saying, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things" (v.33). In other words, "Peter you are missing what God is at work doing because you are stuck thinking like everybody else, believing only in what you can see now, not realizing that God is at work beyond what you can see."

Jesus laid it out as plainly as he could: " If any want to become my follower, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me" (v.34). Self-denial is not easy. We all have things we want. We all have goals, but Jesus is clear that when we choose to follow him, we must first deny ourselves. That means removing ourselves from the center of our concern and giving up comfort and privilege in favor of service to others. In so doing, we might face tough life-changing decisions that need to be made in the shadow of the cross, instead of the desires of our heart.

One of the paradoxes of our faith is that in giving of ourselves to others we get great fulfillment out of life. Jesus reminds us, " ...those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it" (v. 35) Denial of self is placing ourselves in God's hands and trusting where God leads us.

As we continue to journey together through Lent, may we deny ourselves and follow Jesus: by giving up our lives to acts of love, compassion, justice and peace. Amen.

Lenten Blessings,
Monica
Rev. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith
Conference Minister and President

p.s. If you're looking for a small group study topic, here is a Can We Talk About Guns: Conversation Guide (Christian Century).
NoraYearbook
YearbookIt's Yearbook Time! - NEW

Every year, the UCC asks for updated data from all their churches and makes it available in the  UCC Yearbook & Directory , Access UCC, and Find A Church on ucc.org.  
 
Reporting your data is now easier and less time-consuming! You can enter the  information directly into the UCC database via the "DataHub" (see instructions below).
 
However, filling out the paper forms (attached below) is still an option if you're not comfortable using the DataHub. Please send completed forms to the Conference office by the deadline: March 7, 2018.   We will happily take it from there!
 
DATAHUB OPTION
 
PAPER FORMS OPTIO N

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Stephanie, Wendy, or Janice at the Conference office.
 
As a Special Thank You to those that submitted their Yearbook and OCWM information by February 14.  Our random drawing winners are:
  

Winter Prize Pack:
Emmanuel Hanover
Trinity Mercersburg
Saint Peter's (Lischeys), Spring Grove
Sunbury First Reformed
Shiloh York
 
Summer Reading Prize Pack:
Saint Paul's Lemasters
Trinity, Gettysburg
St. Paul's, Mechanicsburg
Mt. Bethel Mill Hall
Dallastown St John's
 
Pastor Annual Meeting Registration
Trinity Hanover

 
 
ChurchNewsAnnual Meeting
Mark Your Calendars!

The call to the
 Fifty-Sixth Annual Meeting
 of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ

ALIVE IN CHRIST
Re-visioning Key Vital Signs
 
 June 8 and 9, 2018
Susquehanna University - Selinsgrove, PA


This year we will focus on equipping local churches with practical tools and resources to thrive.

 Registration begins in April.
 
Youth, Ages 13 - 18 - NEW
S ome youth may want to be part of the Youth Service Team. This is a group of youth from our Penn Central Conference churches who help make our Annual Meeting run smoothly. They serve as ushers, monitor the microphones at business sessions, assist persons at check-in and carry out a variety of other duties. The team is asked to arrive by 10:00 AM, Friday, June 8 th and is finished at the end of annual meeting, Saturday evening, June 9 th .

Youth entering grade 8 next fall through graduating seniors are eligible to apply. Approximately 15 applicants are chosen. If they are chosen to serve on the team, there is no cost for them to attend annual meeting. Youth need to be nominated to serve on the Youth Service Team. Use the Youth Service Team form to nominate youth from your congregation.

If other youth are planning to attend as a Youth Delegate or Visitor, they pay the same fees as adults. They stay in West Hall, a residence hall designated for youth. Adult chaperones stay in West Hall. Register each youth separately online.

ChurchNewsChurch News
Events, Training and More...
STEM Scholarships
Trinity College Preparatory Academy: Jacob DeHoff Learning Center, a program designed to assist youth in their quest for higher education, is pleased to announce the full funding of twelve (12) student scholarships for its July 2018 STEM Program.

Jazz for the Journey

Jazz: A Language of Faith and Model for Ministry, A " Life at Eden" Program, March 2-3, 2018, For Details


Northern Cluster of Churches Lenten Concert and Potluck - March 11
Gender Revolution (Movie and Pizza) - April 15
GenerosityGenerosity
Generosity Resources - NEW
During the month of February, we will explore Planned Giving
 
 
Why Should Planned Giving Be a Priority?
  • Planned giving offers the greatest opportunity for individuals to make their largest gift to an organization... in a way that is meaningful to the church and the giver.
  • It can help givers accomplish more through their giving than they may have imagined was possible.
  • When you focus on generosity and stewardship, planned giving conversations should be a natural progression in building the relationship.
  • Legacy gifts are among the most cost-effective gifts which can be raised.
 
 
ClergyNewsClergy News
Forums for Ministerial Excellence - 
NEW
Mark Your Calendars! 
March 21 - April 18 - May 16, 1: 00 PM - 4:00 PM in Harrisburg
 
Forums for Ministerial Excellence is a series of workshops designed to impact your ministry in the moment! Attendance at all three (March, April & May) afternoon sessions will earn 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) in Healthy Ministry in the 21 st  Century. 

Participants will enjoy a brief opening session with a member of the PCC Architects of Excellence Team and then have 3-40 minute workshops. There will be a scheduled time for intentional fellowship with colleagues.
 
Topics to Include: Conflict Resolution, Counseling in the Parish Setting, Cultural Competencies, Theological Education, Church Websites, Threshold Churches, and MORE!!


Penn Northeast and Southeast Conference Clergy Convocation - NEW

Penn Northeast and Southeast's 24th Annual Clergy Convocation is May 1-3, 2018.

 

For details.


 
Hellos and Goodbyes 
  • Hello: Rev. Guy Johnson will begin February 27th as Interim Minister at Hummelstown UCC.
  • Goodbye: Rev. Mike Cromer's last Sunday at Apostles UCC in Waynesboro is February 25th.
         
UCC Planning and Evaluation Survey
UCC Planning and Evaluation Survey
The UCC's Center for Analytics, Research and Data  (CARD) is conducting a survey to identify potential needs around planning and evaluation within all settings of the United Church of Christ. The goal is to compile the responses and create the most helpful resources for effective planning and evaluation, with special attention to resources for local churches.
 
The survey will take between 15-20 minutes to complete . Responses are anonymous, although we do ask for the name of your setting to reduce overlap in response. The results of the survey will be shared with various stakeholders across the United Church of Christ.
 
Please complete the survey by Friday, March 16. Thank you for taking the time to provide your valued feedback!
 

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
A Workshop Offered by Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ for the clergy of our conference.
  
We know that being a church leader can be difficult. The expectations of your calling and your profession can sometimes create stress in relationships. No matter how "well" a relationship is, it is important to take time to learn ways to enhance it.

To support you in your life beyond ministry, you are invited to spend a day learning new principles to enhance your relationship.
 

Lenten Clergy Breakfast and Worship

March 22, 2018
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

9:30 - Gathering for Coffee
10:00 - Complimentary Breakfast
10:45 - Worship

Zion UCC - Arendtsville - 3 Gettysburg Street, Arendtsville, PA 17303

Please register online  - RSVP by March 13
Lenten Resources
Lenten Book Studies: Writing to God
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Eastern Region Youth Event
 
The planing committee for the Eastern Regional Youth Event (July 19-22, 2018) is looking for congregations that have youth groups.  Please email Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette if you have a youth group.

ERYE2018, Eastern Regional Youth Event
at California University in PENNSYLVANIA
July 19-22, 2018

Contemporary live music, worship, youth workshops, service project, keynote speakers, special gifts, market place, YOUTH from FROM MARYLAND TO MAINE!
  
For more info or to register for the event, visit eryeucc.org
Church Educators Workshop
Mid-Atlantic Association of United Church Educators announces their 2018 workshop, 'Cutting Edge Faith Foundation, 2018" from April 9 - 11.  For details and agenda 
 Communities of Practice Groups - NEW
 
Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. -Etienne Wenger
 
Clergy Communities of Practice are a place where the focus is ministry and shared knowledge is practice and experience based. These communities covenant to offer care, support and accountability to one another as they nurture practices of spiritual discipline and continually develop their craft of ministry while strengthening practices of pastoral leadership and engage in theological reflection. I have been a part of a community of practice since 2012 and absolutely cannot imagine ministry without this group of people, the covenant we share and our time together each month. It is both life-giving and ministry-sustaining time.
 
Your Penn Central Staff is committed to bringing these types of clergy communities to life among us. I am training a group of facilitators and will begin forming both affinity groups and geographic groups during February with a goal of meetings beginning in March. Some of you may already be part of a covenant group and that is wonderful! Please continue to connect with those clergy colleagues regularly. 
 

Affinity Groups:
  • Bi-Vocational & Part-Time Pastors
  • Licensed Pastors
  • Faithful and Welcoming Pastors
  • 20/30 Pastors
  • Retired Pastors
  • Would prefer geographical group
 Clergy/Clergy Family Care Program Highlights
 
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Any clergy interested in serving as an Association Chaplain should contact Rev. Rick Luciotti, program facilitator at 717-679-0001 for more information.
 
Sabbatical Planning
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Sabbatical Planning?   Pastor preparing for sabbatical?  We have resources for you.  Please c ontact Rev. Betsy Bruaw for  additional details. 
LeadershipChurch Leadership Resources
Leadership Resources - NEW
JusticeCommunity Needs and Justice Issues
Creation Justice - NEW
 
Heating and Cooling of St. Paul's UCC, Stoverstown - Changing Our Carbon Footprint
(Part Two)
It was in late winter of 2009 when the heat pump for our Sunday School wing decided to quit after about 25 years of trouble free service. In the year or so preceding its demise two of the three air conditioning compressors for the Sanctuary went on the fritz. Add to that a cracked manifold on one of the oil-fired furnaces and we were facing a perfect storm of no heat, and not enough air conditioning. It was decided to look into repairs or replacement of the existing equipment and to seek out replacing everything with a geothermal system.  Find out what St. Paul's UCC, Stoverstown did...

DR&R - NEW

 
PA VOAD (PA Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) ( https://pavoad.communityos.org/cms/about  ) is requesting our/your interest and "Willingness to House Evacuees from Maria to Pennsylvania:" and then to complete the survey found in the Google Form below titled: "Interest Survey from PA VOAD".
 
"7.A Task Group of PA VOAD members met to look at ideas to create a short-term solution to the housing issues that evacuees are facing.  One solution is to recruit hosts.  The group developed a short survey in which families, organizations, and/or houses of worship can express interest in being a part of the solution by being hosts to a family.  Click here to access the Google Form. 
 
 
The year of 2018 will find the PCC DR&R Team & UCC Disaster Ministries confronted with another very busy schedule.  Here are the current UCC Disaster Ministries work sites that are open and accepting volunteers.
 
 
ONA - NEW

ONA Winter Gathering
 
March 24, 2018 from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM at Penbrook UCC - Harrisburg
  • Keynote Speaker: Megan Yost
  • For details
  • For more information about the ONA Ministry Team, contact: Committee Lead:  Shirley Keith Knox, [email protected]  

    • Events1Events, Training and Resources Available
    Lay Boundary Training - NEW
     
    Boundary Training for Leadership Teams
    (and the Pastors that Work with them)
     
    March 3, 2018
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
     
    Trinity UCC, East Petersburg
     
    Please register by Friday, February 23. Due to low registration, this training is in jeopardy of being cancelled.
    Pathways
     
    Register now for:
    UCC History and Polity
    Theology in the Public Square
    Insurance Board Webinars
     
     
    The following webinars are scheduled for 2018. These webinars are free and open to all. All webinars are scheduled to begin at 2 PM EST. To register for one of these webinars click on this link, and click on "Insurance Board Webinars":
    Wednesday, March 14: Driver Management for Owned and Non-owned Vehicles (The Hartford)
    Wednesday, April 11: Risk Management for Camps (The Insurance Board)
    Wednesday, May 9: Ladder Safety (The Hartford)
    Additional webinars and recorded webinars available under the Online Learning section.
     
    Lancaster Theological Seminary

    NOW HIRING!
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    Lancaster Theological Seminary is accepting applications for:
     
     
    Open Music Positions
    UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS
    Communications Commission - February 22, PCC - East, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
     
    Lay Boundary Awareness Training - March 3, Trinity East Petersburg, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
     
    Nominations Commission - March 7, PCC CC - East, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
     
    Yearbook Forms Final Due Date - March 8

    Creation Justice - March 13, 6:00 PM via ZOOM
     
    Confirmation Retreat - March 16 - March 18, Hartman Center, 6:00 PM - Noon
     
    Advanced Boundary Training - March 20, Faith UCC, York, 9:30 AM - Noon
     
    Lenten Pastor's Breakfast and Worship - March 22, Zion UCC, Arendtsville, 9:30 AM

    ONA Winter Gathering - March 24
     
    Good Friday - PCC Office Closed, March 30
     
    UEK Partnership - April 3, CC - East, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
      
    Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 7, Saint Paul's, Selinsgrove 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Board of Directors Meeting - April 7, UCC Homes, Camp Hill - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
     
    Creation Justice - April 10, CC - East, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
     
    CPONA Meeting - April 11, CC - East, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
     
    Camp Directors Training - April 14, TBD, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
     
    Board of Directors, Hartman Center Committee - April 16, CC - East, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
     
    York Association Celebration Banquet - April 22, Wyndham Garden York - 12:00 Noon
     
    Committee on Ministry Consultation - April 23 and 24, LTS, Lancaster
     
    Retired Boundary Training - April 24, Trinity UCC, Palmyra, 9:30 AM - Noon
     
    Hartman Center Advisory Council - April 28, CC - East, 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
     
    Clergy Spouse Workshop - April 28, 1st Carlisle, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
     
    Camp Directors Training - April 29, Faith UCC, York, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
     
    Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, Hartman Center
     
    Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting - May 6, TBD, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
     
    Creation Justice - May 8, 6:00 PM via ZOOM
     
    Clergy Spouse Workshop - May 12, Hayshire, York,  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
     
    Hartman Center Golf Outing - May 12, Fairview Golf Course, Quentin - 1:30 PM
     
    Basic Boundary Training - May 19, Hummelstown UCC, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Memorial Day - May 28, PCC Offices Closed

    Click to see our Web site for more details.
    2018 - SAVE THE DATE!
     
     
    Nat'l 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
     
    Widening the Welcome (Disability Ministries) - November 1-3, 2018, Niagara Falls, NY

    General Synod, 2019 - June 21-25, 2019, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
     
    Association Links
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    ThreeGreat3 Great Loves
     3 Great Loves
      
    A few changes have happened to the 3 Great Loves initiative at the national setting.  In addition to celebrating and sharing Love of Neighbor stories, we can also share Love of Creation and Love of Children stories now (versus waiting until end of the year or 2020.)
    Please continue to share your story with us and use #pccucc #3greatloves #loveofneighbor #loveofcreation #loveofchildren.

    (Or if you prefer, send your story to Stephanie and she can share it for you!)

    We love seeing Penn Central Conference congregations connected, engaged and transformed through Christ's love!  
     
    DevotionsPrayer List and Devotional
     
     
    Still Speaking Devotional by Kenneth L Samuel
     
    Until Tenderness is Real
    When I kept silent, my bones wasted away . . . . Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity." - Psalm 32:3-5

    Prayer
    Lord, help us to realize that even though we can live with cover-up and denial . . . we cannot live well. Amen.
     
    Read Full Devotional Here
    Sign Up to receive the Still Speaking Devotional to your inbox


     
    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.
    • Saint James UCC, Danville
    • Trinity (Strawberry Ridge), Danville
    • Saint Johns, Denver
    • Dover UCC, Dover
    HartmanCenterHartman Center
    Hartman Center News and Resources - NEW
    Hartman Center's 2018

    2018 is shaping up to be another epic summer at Hartman Center!  In addition to popular weeks like Fishing Camp, Soccer Camp and Water World, we've expanded our popular MADD Camp theme into a whole week of arts camps for all ages!  Plus, we have added a music-focused Getting Started Camp, Arts and Crafts Camp for grades 4-6 and Creative Writing Camp for grades 7-10. 
     
    As always, activities will include hiking, climbing, swimming, arts and crafts, music, theatre, campfires, games, rafting, archery, fishing and navigating the co-op trail obstacle course.  Hartman Center is a great opportunity to grow in God's love, form friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime!
     
     
     
    Hartman Center Golf Outing - May 12, 2018, beginning at 1:30 PM in Fairview Golf Course in Quentin
     
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    Confirmation Retreat

    The Confirmation Retreat is on the weekend of March 16-18 at the Hartman Center and the cost is $110.  Please check the eNews in future weeks for a registration link.
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    Elementary Retreat   - May 4-6, 2018, Save the Date!

    ----Elementary Retreat - May 4-6, 2018
    More details on the Hartman Center Web site!
     
    Thank you for your continued support!
     
    FCSFaith Connection Stories
    Passionately Declaring and Demonstrating the Courageous Love of Christ 
     
    We love to hear stories of Penn Central Conference congregations working within their communities to passionately declare and demonstrate their courageous love of Christ. 
     
     
     
     
    Testimonials
    1st UCC Carlisle (Mercersburg Association)
    St. John's Boalsburg (Northern Association)
    St. Paul's Sacramento (Harrisburg Association)
    Trinity East Pete (Lancaster Association)
    Fredericksburg UCC  (Lebanon Association)
    St. Paul's Dallastown (York Association)
    First Reformed UCC, Sunbury (Central Association)
    David's UCC - Hebe (Central Association)
     
    PICTURES!!  WE WANT PICTURES!
    We would love to use your pictures on our social media pages!  If you have pictures you are willing to share that show your church actively engaged in our mission "where congregations passionately declare and demonstrate the courageous love of Christ", please send them to Stephanie.
     
    Share your story today!  Click here to share your own congregation's story  - please send to [email protected].

     
    ArchiveArchive
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    Contact information:      Stephanie Rader-Titzel
    email: [email protected]   phone: 717-652-1560                fax: 717-652-4769
    web: http://www.pccucc.org