Dear Colleagues in Ministry –
Happy New Year! We are excited to share some upcoming projects and programs with you. Your Conference staff has been working diligently to create opportunities for connection, study and reflection that will be meaningful. In this email you will find general information about upcoming events through May 2021. Use this email as a resource and mark your calendars. Further information on these gatherings will be included in the e-news and in reminder emails closer to the start of events. If you have an idea for an event, please let us know!
Spirituality of Generosity
Wednesday, January 20th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Join with colleagues from PNE and PSEC for this webinar event led by Andrew Warner, a Generosity Outreach Officer with the Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity, & Communication (OPTIC) at the national setting. Andrew is an excellent presenter regarding the intersection of faith and stewardship. Register now.
Ministerial Excellence Forums
All MEFs are on the third Tuesday of the month. Each MEF is available at one of two time slots on the date listed. Time slots are 10:00 AM-12:00 Noon and 6:00-8:00 PM.
January 19: Moral Development and Ministry (Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, leading)
How do we come to know what’s right and wrong? Where do moral ideas and concepts come from? How do they affect our thinking and actions as adults? This gathering will be the first entry in considering how psychological reality connects to and undergirds our work in ministry. Moral development covers how we come to make moral decisions and what affects our motivations. This will be a time for learning new concepts as well as engaging in self-reflection and discussion. The material will clarify aspects of ministry and help us to understand ourselves and each other better. (Qualifies for Boundary Training.)
February 16: Pastoring Challenging Parishioners: A Mental and Relational Health Perspective (Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, leading)
Pastors know the dear ones in our congregations who are beloved yet bristly; loveable and frustrating at the same; and sometimes just a perennial thorn in our sides. We may struggle how to be in relationship with these dear ones, while not allowing their bristle to push us or others away. This two-hour workshop will present a compassionate framing for how to understand these folks and how to relate most effectively with them in effective pastoral ways. (Qualifies for Boundary Training.)
March 16: Mission Central and Connecting to Local Mission Possibilities (Stephanie Rader-Titzel, leading)
“Mission Central is about ‘Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.’ This is accomplished by following three areas of focus…Mission Outreach, Mission Education and Disaster Response.” Mission Central – located in Harrisburg - partners with over 180 different organizations and they provide resources to groups who are doing humanitarian work locally, across the country and around the world. Stephanie will talk with us about connecting with Mission Central as well as how to tap into mission opportunities and organizations in our various counties.
April 20: Personalities and Communication (Dr. Bob Fogel, Leading)
How often have these words occurred to you after a meeting or a difficult conversation? What I could have said. . . . What I should not have said was. . . . What we say to others and how we say it is a complex process. Psychological personality type seen through the lens of Meyers-Briggs (commonly known as the MBTI©) provides a useful roadmap to engaging others with authenticity and integrity—and care. Come to learn about others and yourself! (Qualifies for Boundary Training.)
Specialty Retreats for Clergy
January 27, 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Connect and Create: Spiritual Painting with Kara Young
A time to create and connect. Learn to use a canvas as a physical space to process stress, sadness, joy, and prayers. No painting experience needed. Shopping list will be provided to you upon registration. (All items are available at Michael’s, Dollar Tree and on-line). Kara Young is a member of Penn Central, resides in Gettysburg and is a published liturgical artist. Registration here.
February 2, 10:00 – 11:15 AM: Nourishing Your Inner Sanctuary with Allie Kochert
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Sensing your burnout and weary for all that encompasses ministering to others in Covid times? Know you need spiritual self-care, but have trouble fitting it in? Join us as we center in on our spiritual self-care together. Practice mindful listening and learn ways to keep your resiliency up during these trying times. Allie Kochert, MA, LPC, CSD is a spiritual director and therapist who specializes in serving clergy, women in ministry, and helpers and healers. Learn more at www.rootgrowthrive.com. Registration here.
Wednesday March 10, 9:00-11:30 AM: Poetry as Prayer with Carrie Call
Poetry can open up a conduit to God as well as challenging and engaging our faith in unique ways. Join us to hear some excellent poetry, engage in spiritual reflection, and share ideas about how poetry can be integrated into church life. We anticipate being joined by a faith-based guest (published) poet.
UCC History and Polity
This annual 7 week course is being taught by Carrie Call and Conference staff with special guests. It meets every Friday via zoom from 2:00 – 5:00 PM for 7 weeks beginning February 12. The cost of the course is $100. Join with students from all over the UCC to learn more about who we are and where we came from as a denomination!
Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, April 22nd and 29th: White Too Long: the Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. Jones. Participants can choose a 10:00-12:00 Noon or a 6:00-8:00 PM timeslot for the dates. This is an excellent text that will generate deep and insightful reflection. Register now as space is limited. Once you have registered, order the book and start reading!
Lectionary Discussion
Every week on Tuesdays at 1:00 for one hour. Facilitated by PCC clergy. This is one of our best forums for theological reflection. All are welcome. Via zoom.
