Weekly Update - July 10, 2019
This communication is paid for by Our Church's Wider Mission
In This Issue...

General Synod - NEW!

Community and Justice Issues  - NEW!
 Resources / Calendar
Clergy News - NEW!
Generosity - NEW!
Community and Justice Issues - NEW! 

Prayers - NEW!

Hartman Center - NEW!
Open Positions
Morsels of Excellence Archive - NEW!

A Message from Rev. Ann Graves, Acting Conference Minister - NEW
Matthew 5:16 
"In the same way let your light shine before others . . ."  
 

It was a privilege for me to lead the Conference delegation at General Synod in Milwaukee. It had been many years since I last attended Synod so I was reminded again of the great energy and excitement, as well as the hard work that comes with this bi-annual gathering of the UCC. The worship and exceptional music are always inspiring and motivating. The "family gatherings" are warm and it's always great to see friends or make new friends from around this great body of faith in its many expressions all over the country. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate who we are in all our diversity and differences, something we don't always appreciate from our experiences here in Central Pennsylvania.
 
This year there were two major business focuses for the Synod - the election of our chief national officers - the General Minister and President, The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer for a second term and for Associate General Minister Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson. Both gave presentations before the election, and each was elected to serve as the leaders for the United Church of Christ for the next 6 years. The second major business of Synod is to consider the various resolutions that affect the life of the church. Some affect the work and considerations for the national church entities and some are resolutions of witness that recommend to all the churches various stances or concerns of social justice or other areas of ministry to be considered in local churches.
 
Most of the resolutions were not very controversial this year and you may find them in the eNews below. The one that was approved and submitted by Penn Central Conference on discontinuing use of Styrofoam materials by churches and individuals was easily approved by Synod delegates. We also approved a resolution that supports the Green New Deal legislation before Congress now, as was endorsed at our own Annual Meeting in June. 

The only resolution with a fair amount of controversy concerned what groups may offer a display in the convention exhibit hall. This was primarily prompted by those who felt discriminated against by the presence of an exhibit by Faithful and Welcoming, a recognized group of the UCC that includes many churches who have taken a more conservative approach to the Open and Affirming stance of many other churches. After heated discussion about this resolution, it was ultimately tabled and referred to the Board of Directors of the UCC for their consideration. I felt this was a fair decision because in aiming for the diversity and respect for all that we claim to lift up in the UCC, it is important for us to honor differences of thought and practices of biblical interpretations, as well as our diversity of culture, social and variety of gifts given to us by God. In reality of practice, this sometimes becomes a challenge if we draw hard lines and see the "other" as less than a full child of God. In a generally diverse church like the UCC, we must continue to work at including all of God's children at the table, even those who may disagree with our particular points of view. In the state our nation finds itself in just now, we see only too well where hard lines and unwillingness to work together for a common goal has divided and torn us apart. God works in many ways and one of the joys of General Synod for me is always to see just how many different ways that includes!
 
Typical of UCC concerns for social justice, it was proposed that the afternoon plenary session be delayed for an hour and a half one afternoon so that those who wished could walk to the local ICE office to protest the way immigrant children are being held at the border crossings. Many folks chose to be part of this action.
 
A real highlight for me was being able to attend the Saturday evening event at which the gospel choir of Trinity UCC in Chicago sang for us. I have heard them in past years and knew what a fine group they are. They did not disappoint with their singing at Synod. I can still hear their voices resounding in my ears.
 
It was also great to see some old friends, most notably the Rev. Marja Coons-Torn and her husband Jim. Many of us remember her ministry with us as our former Conference Minister. I can report they are both doing well and "working" at retirement. Another joy was connecting with Rev. Rachel Hackenberg who is a native of Central PA and has just taken on the position of Managing Editor of Pilgrim Press - our publishing arm of the UCC. There are exciting new plans and resources available for churches there.
 
General Synod gatherings are a great reminder of the many ways we are in covenant together as a church. There are so many different expressions of the church and of the support we receive from one another in this body of the UCC. We all need each other and we all need to support one another, not only in spirit and body, but in our financial resources as well. As the times continue to change, we all need to be as creative as possible to keep our covenant commitments with one another, so that we may truly Be the Church, as our slogan urges.
 
Synod's theme this year was SHINE, and it did! Now we are all called to let our lights shine wherever we go. May your light of Christ shine through your lives as we live out our faith being the hands and feet in action and Christ's presence in our world.
           
Blessings to everyone.
Ann
Rev. Ann Graves
Acting Conference Minister
Thank You! - NEW
Thank you to our delegates who attended General Synod. 
 
Terry Black
Andrew Boyer
Jack Davenport
Ed Dickel
Tony Fields
Cindy Garis
Carolyn Herman
Tom Hocking
Julie Holm
Shirley Keith-Knox
JoAnn Kreeger
Phil Landers
Terry McGarry
Jason Minnich
Jean Pierce
John Pierce
Charlotte Pinette
Chris Schwab
Ruthann Seibert
Karen Umberger
Ashley Weaber
Pamela Wells

We greatly appreciate your time, work and enthusiasm.  

Additional thanks to Kathy Brown (Trinity UCC, Waynesboro) and Gail Landers (Creation Justice) for their work stewarding the PCC resolution on plastic foam.  We appreciate the work and contribution of our MIDs - Garrett Book, Tim Hogan-Palazzo and Kelsey O'Brien. And finally, thanks to Rev. Ann Graves, Rev. Nora Foust and Rev. Dr. Carrie Call for all your work at Synod.
Resolution Updates - NEW 
The following is a list of resolutions that were voted on at General Synod.  All passed except the two noted as tabled.  



 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UCC Everywhere - NEW 
A new service called  UCC Everywhere  is offering local churches free web design, funded by the offerings they already make to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) and by the denomination's Shaping Our Future Campaign. 

"After the initial development phase, UCC Everywhere sites are hosted by the national setting for a reasonable monthly cost during this pilot phase of the project," said UCC Web and Digital Strategist Chris Gabriel in announcing the service June 24 at the denomination's General Synod in Milwaukee.  Read more and see  more in this video .
EventTrainingCommunity and Justice Issues
Creation Justice: Environmental Resolutions - NEW 
All five of the environmentally-related resolutions passed General Synod. To catch up, read about the passage of resolutions on nuclear war, forced migration, the Green New Deal, plastic foam, and the carbon dividend act. 

As the author of the resolution on the carbon dividend act, Jim Martin suggests three actions that churches can now take to support it. Likewise, there is also a list of 5 things one can do to support the Green New Deal which includes preaching tips.
Green New Deal: What Can You Do? - NEW 
What can churches and their members do to support the Green New Deal and actualize their care for God's creation? Here are five actions they can take:
#1  Share the story of faith-rooted support for the Green New Deal. Find stories, videos, and graphics on the Facebook Page for the Pollinator.
#2  Join a July webinar on mobilizing faith communities for the Green New Deal. It will feature Varshini Prakash, one of the leaders of the organization that brought the Green New Deal into public conversation. Prakash is a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement and its Executive Director. Sign-up now!
#3  Write an op-ed or a letter to the editor about faith-rooted support for the Green New Deal. The world needs to know where we stand and why. For an example, see this op-ed by the Rev. Jim Antal in the Des Moines Register.
#4  Preach and teach about the Green New Deal in church. Check out what seven preachers known for their work in caring for Creation had to say in offering tips for talking about the Green New Deal from the pulpit.
#5  Host a Candidate Forum at your church that addresses the Green New Deal. For tips on hosting a forum, check out this resource from Our Faith Our Voices.
CNWebsiteGenerosity
June OCWM - NEW
June 2019 OCWM was down 37% versus June 2018 OCWM.  We are currently tracking at 89% of 2018 OCWM (to date) and 66% of our 2019 budget.

Please continue to send your OCWM gifts monthly and budget OCWM in your 2020 church budgets.  We appreciate your prayers and thoughts for the Conference.
CNWebsiteClergy News
Clergy, Please Help Us Stay in Contact with Our Treasurers! 
We are building a database of treasurer's email addresse s so that we can give the  treasurers a "heads up" as to special offerings, best ways to get their donations to us, and also give them easy access to ask US questions they may have.  Please sign up here.
 
If you do not have a treasurer's  email, we recommend that you set up an email address for your treasurer using your church's email.  (For example:  [email protected]  ) T hat way, when there is change in the treasurer position - the email still gets to the church to a treasurer's attention, and the church office can easily internally be sure that email gets forwarded to the proper/current treasurer.    
Installations, Ecclesiastical Councils and Ordinations 
July 20  - Ordination of Rev. Scott Siciliano at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - 3:00 PM  
September 22 - Installation of Rev. Tony Fields at Christ Church UCC, Annville - 3:00 PM
HCWebsiteHartman Center
Craft Building Donations - NEW
Some of us are working on a plan that would make the work on the Craft Building cost effective AND by volunteer labor. First, this story... 

In 2007, Eli Frailey, 5 year old son of Deb and Peter Frailey died as a result of an accident. That same year, Abigail Butz, 10 month old daughter of Kristine and Tim Butz died of a rare disease. Both families had been, and continue to be, outstanding leaders in summer camping programs at Hartman Center. In fact, that following year, 2008, both the Fraileys and the Butzs directed Family Camps. This summer, Kristine and Tim Butz are directing Getting Started Camp and an Intergenerational Camp. Deb Frailey is directing Arts and Crafts Camp.

The Craft Shop at Hartman Center is a place filled with memories. Over the years, every camper in our summer program has spent time there creating artistic expressions, using the most natural of items, like rocks (to paint), or recycled materials (making treasures out of trash). Today, the Craft Shop, while structurally sound, is in need of a new roof, new windows, and some inside renovation so that future campers can continue to make memories there.

This year, 2019, Eli Frailey would have been graduating from high school. Abigail Butz would be in middle school. When the families were approached with the idea of making renovations to the Craft Shop in memory of Eli and Abigail, everyone liked the idea.   What better way to raise funds and garner the support of volunteer workers to provide the labor for the work needed?

How much would be needed? We estimate $7,000 would get the job done. The thought of having a GO FUND ME appeal was considered, BUT we didn't want to have to spend money to raise money.   We believe that by using our own Hartman Center website and especially the Hartman Center Facebook page, we can raise the dollars needed. 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.



Lifelong Learning - 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.   

Women's and Men's Retreats: SAVE THE DATE - NEW
 
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 RETREAT January 17-19 (NEW DATE!) Planned by pastors and laymen of the Conference. Possible theme: Seasons of a Man's Life. Watch for details this fall.
 
EventTrainingResources and Calendar
Important Links
Calendar and Save the Dates 
      
2020 Clergy Sabbath
SAVE THE DATE - January 21-23, 2020
 
Annual Meeting 2020 
SAVE THE DATE - June 12 and 13, 2020
 
General Synod - Kansas City
SAVE THE DATE - July 16 - 20, 2021
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Prayers1Morsels of Excellence Archive
January - June Archive - NEW
Prayers1Open Positions
NOW HIRING 
Minister of Music - St. Peter's Lischey's UCC, Spring Grove, is seeking an individual to lead an inspired music ministry. The position would require an organist/choir director for our vibrant music ministry with our adult choirs, children's choir and chime choir. This individual would be responsible for rehearsing with these groups, as well as providing the music for our one-hour Sunday Worship Service. Minimal special services and events during the year would also be an expectation. Qualifications include an individual excited to share Christ's mission through uplifting music in our worship service. Interested individuals should contact the church office (717-225-3935) and complete an application by July 31, 2019.
Youth Leader to minister to the youth at Colonial Park UCC. Organize, facilitate and encourage youth activities, teach Sunday School and attend Worship. We are looking for someone to be a Christ-like example for the youth, help them explore and grow in their faith, and communicate God's message in a way that makes it relevant for them. Position is 10 hours per week for a salary of $4,800. Send resumes to [email protected] by June 17, 2019.
Church Choir Accompanist for the Colonial Park UCC Sanctuary Choir.  Candidate must demonstrate proficiency playing traditional and contemporary sacred music on both the piano and pipe organ and have experience accompanying a church choir.  Bachelor's degree in Music desired.  Responsible for all choir rehearsals, Sunday Worship and special church holidays (evenings on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday).  Position is approximately 6 hours per week for salary of $4,560 per year. Sanctuary Choir season is 9.5 months.    Send resumes to [email protected] by July 22, 2019.  
Full Time Organist/Pianist - Shiloh UCC, Danville is currently looking for a full time organist/pianist.  Applicants should send a resume to the church at: 512 Bloom Street, Danville, PA 178231.  Shiloh is an open and affirming congregation.
Penbrook United Church of Christ (PUCC) is currently seeking to fill part-time positions leading our church's music program starting immediately. The openings for a Choral Director and an Organist may be combined or filled separately.

The Choral Director is responsible for the choral music program at the PUCC, preparing and presenting a choral anthem as Special Music for each Sunday Morning worship service from the first Sunday in September through the second Sunday in June, except when the bell choir performs. The Choral Director the PUCC Chancel Choir, Men's Chorus, and the Women's Chorus. The Choral Director does not direct the bell choirs. The position is part-time, approximately 6 hours per week.
 
The Organist provides liturgically-appropriate music for all PUCC church services, including Sunday morning worship, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday), Easter, and any additional worship services held on an ad hoc basis, cooperating with the Pastor, PUCC Choral Director, PUCC Spirituality and Worship Committee and Bell Choir Director in planning worship music. Music for all such services includes Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude, as well as accompaniment to congregational hymns and choral responses. Organ accompaniment is preferred for congregational hymns and responses. Organist also plays for weddings and funeral services as needed, with compensation determined between the Organist and those who wish to secure his/her services. The Organist also serves as accompanist to the PUCC Chancel Choir, Women's Chorus, and Men's Chorus, both at rehearsals and performances. The position is part-time, approximately 14 hours per week.
 
PUCC is a small, open and affirming congregation located within the borough of Penbrook at 56 Banks Street. Send communications, including letter of interest and résumé to: [email protected].
Prayers1Prayers for Penn Central Conference
 
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT):  18 
 
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

This week, we pray for each other as we continue to live into God's calling...
 
 
  • Saint Luke's UCC, Lititz
  • Faith UCC, Littlestown
  • Redeemer's UCC, Littlestown
  • Saint Luke's UCC, Lock Haven
Prayers1Support the Conference
 Support Penn Central Conference 
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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