Message to the Conference |
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Dear Friends and Members of Penn Central Conference,
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.” John 20:21a
“If your heart is full of fear, you won't seek truth; you'll seek security. If a heart is full of love, it will have a limbering effect on the mind.” William Sloane Coffin
Fear was all around the disciples in the days following Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Fear is still common among us today as the world sees war, hunger, homelessness, illness, plain ol’ ill, and so much more running rampant in so many places. It is interesting to me how in the face of very real fear among the disciples, Jesus did not come to them in their locked room and offer safety and security, he gave peace and presence through the Holy Spirit - Peace to still their hearts and minds and invite them to think more clearly in the face of fear, a Presence to be with them always.
There is indeed plenty to be fearful of in our world today. Fear, though, is a distraction from our calling to share Christ and love one another. Fear can stun us, overwhelm us, and paralyze our actions. And just like with the fearful disciples of the first century, we scared disciples today often lock ourselves up in our sanctuaries and talk amongst ourselves about what it is that is going on in the world.
Just a few days ago our congregations gathered in gardens, parking lots, on computer screens, and in sanctuaries celebrating the empty tomb at sunrise. We heard sermons about resurrection, God’s power to bring life where there was only death, and something new for our communities today. How we doing in that bright resurrection light? Are the possibilities overwhelming? Are there simply too many options for where to get started? Has fear set in like it did for the disciples as you ponder what the resurrection might mean anew?
Friends, Christ knew this was a joyous and fear-filled calling. And still, he brought only peace and presence. Security and safety are not the promise. May Christ move among us again in this Easter Season, bringing peace and presence for the limbering of our minds, and reminding us of the call to love one another. Put love into action this Easter Season.
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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PCC Virtual Choir
Natalie Sleeth's Joy in the Morning, is a favorite anthem for the Easter Season, and can be used at any time during that season or during ordinary time. Written in 1977, the anthem's title comes from Psalm 30:5 "weeping may stay for the night but joy comes in the morning" and it provides a positive view of end times. It is a favorite piece among our virtual choir members.
While this music is being shared with permission from the publisher, Hope Publishing Co., please report it when you use it in re-streamed services if you have a OneLicense or CCLI account for streaming.
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The Virtual Choir invites you to join us for a virtual anthem for the Penn Central Conference annual meeting. We'll be singing the Podd Brothers' arrangement of More Love, Somewhere, which was actually arranged for Virtual Choir. You don't have to be a regular member of the choir to join us for this piece. If you want to sing at the annual meeting, email Julie Holm, julie@bvfof.org, or call her at (814) 349-5515. |
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Scheduling notes:
April 24 - Faith UCC, Lancaster - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
April 24 - Wisdom's Table, Lancaster - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
May 15 - Zion UCC, York - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
May 15 - Salem UCC, Dover - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
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Printable eNews are available. Pastors and secretaries, please feel free to share with your congregation members that don't get this weekly email. Download and print this PDF with the weekly message to the conference, prayers for Penn Central and brief list of events. |
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Prayers for Penn Central Conference
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
This week, we pray for each other as we continue to live into God's calling...
Trinity Reformed UCC, Mountville
Zion (Gosherts) UCC, Lebanon
Myerstown UCC, Myerstown
Emmanuel UCC, New Berlin
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The call to the Sixtieth Annual Meeting of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ will convene via Zoom
"Mission In Focus"
"See, the former things have come to pass and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them." - Isaiah 42:9
June 6 - 11, 2022
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Your Penn Central Conference Creation Justice Team is in the process of preparing a guidebook for local congregations regarding Creation Justice activities in local churches. We are seeking samples of Investment Policies that attempt to take Creation Justice issues into consideration when making investment choices.
Does your congregation have an investment policy that takes Creation Justice into consideration when making investment decisions? If yes, would your congregation be willing to share that policy with other congregations who are interested in creating similar policy for their church? If yes, a copy of your congregational investment policy can be sent as an email attachment to Bill Wealand at cwwealand@gmail.com or mailed to Rev. Bill Wealand, 250 Parkview Heights Road, Apt. 229 Ephrata, PA 17522. Thank you for your help in aiding congregations who wish to take Creation Justice into consideration when investing church funds.
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Outdoor Ministries
Watch for Rev. Nora Foust's emails on Thursdays for links to register for Outdoor Ministries events and a taste of the summer camp curriculum. Read last week's here or on our Facebook page. If you aren't getting these emails, contact Paul to be added to the mailing list.
Coming events:
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HC Spirit Week - What's in a Name?
"Naming and Claiming Who God Made Us to Be"
Saturday, August 6 through Friday, August 12
Camp Mt. Luther
See the full brochure here for all the details! Register online here or mail your registration form to the PCC offices. |
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Christ Church UCC, 200 S White Oak St, Annville, (on 934) is hosting an outdoor Flea Market on Saturday, June 18 from 8am - 2pm. Rain or Shine - Food for sale too! Call 717-867-1641 to reserve a spot ($10) or for more information. We look forward to having you to sell, shop & eat!
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Colonial Park UCC, 5000 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg (near the Best Buy on Rt. 22) is hosting an outdoor Flea Market on Saturday, May 7 from 8am - 1pm. Rain Date is may 14. Food for sale too! Call 545-3782 to reserve a spot or for more information. We look forward to having you to sell shop & eat! |
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April 24 - 2:00PM - Northern Association Spring Meeting
May 1 - 2:00PM - Central Association Spring Meeting
May 1 - 2:30PM - Gettysburg Association Spring Meeting
May 7 - 9:30AM - Harrisburg Association Spring Meeting - St. Paul's UCC, Sacramento
May 15 - 3:00PM - Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting
May 1 - 3:00PM - Ecclesiastical Council for Allyssa Boyer - St. Paul's UCC, Mechanicsburg with a Zoom option
May 1 - 3:00PM - Installation Service for Christina Fidenza - Redeemer UCC, Hershey
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PCC has launched a new monthly email just for clergy, with news, events and clergy transitions. If you did not get this month's email on Tuesday, please let Paul know.
We will be including some items in the eNews (see below), but please check out the full email here for more events and news! |
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Small Church Vitality Workshop
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola's next Small Church Vitality Workshops is April 30th for Lancaster and Lebanon Associations (but open to anyone.) These workshops are for any church that self-identifies as “small.” The focus of the workshops is to celebrate the small church as a sacred part of the future of God’s church, including validating lay leadership to supplement parttime pastorate and identifying the mission of each church as beacons of light to their greater community. Each church is asked to bring pastor plus at least two laity and be prepared to share joys and trials with other churches present. Contact Marisa for more information.
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Building a Just Peace in an Unjust World:
Learning with and from Our Anabaptist Colleagues
Pastoral Colloquy 2022
Sunday, 24 July, through Friday, 29 July, 2022 - Learn more and register here.
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Ministerial Excellence Forums
See the rest of the winter/spring educational opportunities here.
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UCC Webinars
These webinars are designed to help you enhance your local church ministries. Most are free to attend. Check out the calendar here.
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Ukraine Support Drive Update:
UCC appeal tops $1 million to help Ukrainians find safety, inside and away from their country
As Russia’s war on Ukraine rages on, so does the suffering of the country’s people. And they have been leaving their homes in record numbers. Donors in the United Church of Christ see them and have stepped up to send help.
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From our friends and partners |
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Cousins: Connected Through Slavery
Saturday, May 7
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
$8-$26 adults
Free for youth under 18
This extraordinary evening of storytelling will feature an African American woman, Dr. Betty Kilby Baldwin, and a European American woman, Phoebe Kilby, whose ancestors enslaved Betty’s. Their relationship began when Phoebe contacted Betty, saying she suspected they were connected through slavery. Betty responded, “Hello, Cousin.” Betty, a life-long advocate and trail-blazer, found an activist partner in Phoebe. Together they have committed to a path of honesty, reconciliation, and reparations.
Betty and Phoebe – “a two-woman racial reconciliation juggernaut” (Baltimore Sun) – have been telling their story on BBC News, at Virginia Tech, and in a Netflix documentary. Now they're bringing their powerful story of reconciliation to Lancaster.
PRC has compiled resources to help groups lead studies around Cousins, reconciliation, and reparations. Each ticket purchased includes a free book, which can be picked up early at the PRC office to facilitate your group study prior to the event. To view study resources or to register, visit https://parishresourcecenter.org/events/cousins/ or call 717-299-1113.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)
Personal and Spiritual Development, May 24–June 28, Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. This Ministerial Institute class is taught by PCC Conference Minister Carrie Call. Participants will learn about spiritual disciplines, congregational systems, and vocational discernment. Appropriate for lay leaders, clergy, and MIDs. $325. Register by May 18.
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Accompanist Position Available
We are searching for an Accompanist to bring their gifts to our church where we appreciate a blend of contemporary and traditional music.
General Responsibilities:
In support of the vision of the church, this year-round, part time, salaried position will provide music for worship and other events in a manner that enhances the spirit of worship and enriches the congregation's appreciation of music.
The current music ministry of HPUCC consists of one volunteer choir, as well as instrumental and vocal soloists.
For more information, please call the church at 717-397-9791 or email: admin@hpucc.org. If interested, please mail or email resume to: Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Attn: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603
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Audio/Visual System Operators Needed
Church of the Apostles, United Church of Christ in Wayne Heights is looking for two people to operate our Audio/Visual system during Sunday morning worship services at 10:45 am (summer worship at 10 am, beginning the first Sunday in June and ending with Labor Day weekend). Other services would include weddings, funerals, Lenten services and Christmas Eve. These are part-time, independent contractor positions; paid per service. Responsible teenagers will be considered. Training will be provided. Read the full description here.
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Position: Music Director
Effective: Immediately
As a part of the United Church of Christ denomination, we at Hamilton Park UCC seek to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and caring environment where people of all backgrounds and from all walks of life can experience the support of a community where they are valued and loved and where they can experience the love of God given by Christ.
General Responsibilities:
In support of the Pastor and the vision of Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, this year-round, part time, salaried position will coordinate the total music ministry program of HPUCC, to include playing instruments, such as piano, organ, guitar, etc. in a manner that enhances the spirit of worship and enriches the congregation's appreciation of music.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Music Director plans and oversees a diverse musical program that enhances the total worship programming of the church that includes worship services and special events.
If interested, please mail or email resume to: Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Attn: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Email: admin@hpucc.org.
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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY AT LOCUST LAKE STATE PARK Summer 2022
The Schuylkill Association of the PA Southeast Conference, UCC, has a ministry opportunity for a part-time chaplain at Locust Lake State Park near Tamaqua, PA. If you are a Christian (Clergy or lay) who can function in an unstructured situation and who has a love of God, God’s creation, and God’s people, then this might be the opportunity for you.
The chaplain represents the church as a Christian presence and quiet witness among those who camp at this beautiful state park. The responsibilities of the chaplain include:
· Conduct campsite visitation weekly.
· Provide informal, inspirational weekly worship services.
· Provide availability to park/campground staff and campers for crisis situations.
· Provide informal programs such as campfires, hymn sings, special musical events, and activities for children, as needed.
Training and ministry support and resources will be provided by the PA Council of Churches Chaplains in the Park program and the Locust Lake Committee.
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St. Matthew’s UCC (Carlisle) is seeking a part-time
church administrative assistant. Starting pay 15.00 or higher
based on experience/credentials. 10-15hrs/week. Read full description here.
If interested, please contact Pastor Tim Dugan
Preferred contact phone number: 570-428-4290.
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3196
Rev. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-2587
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Ph.D.
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-433-3564
Rev. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
Phone: 717-433-6306
Anne Rankin
Outdoor Ministries Liaison
phone: 717-945-4585
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560
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