Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, NRSV)
The passage above includes the first mention of the word “peace” in the gospel of John. The Greek term is eriene and is the root for the English word irenic, meaning “aiming or aimed at peace.” Irenic is a word often used to describe the Heidelberg Catechism and was part of how the German Reformed understood their reality as believers. It is also the source of the name Ireneus, an early Bishop of the church who was called to be a peacemaker between the Eastern and Western churches.
This is the first of only five instances of eriene in John. Jesus adds to it, “I do not give as the world gives” which should cause us to pause. The peace he is bestowing on the disciples is not a false promise of security or the end of conflict. He is about to be killed in Jerusalem and knows it. He already knows of the betrayals to come. He is not preparing them for a world in which they will be led by the Spirit on easy paths of glory. Instead, he begins – with this passage – to prepare them for a different world. One in which there will be persecutions and sufferings for the disciples. The Spirit will be with them and will empower them but will not provide them safety or escape from the harsh realities of the world.
Jesus’ internal peace grew from the certain knowledge of God’s presence, the commitment to following God’s will, and his embrace of his relationship with God through prayer. His union with God was the source of a peace that enabled him to face his persecutors and take on the mantle of death. For the disciples the gift of his peace would sustain them in the face of the brutality of the world. As it was for them, so will it be for us. Not protection, but presence.
I look at the world around me and I ache for peace in Ukraine. I pray for the end of horrific hate crimes. I await the end of the covid virus, and so much more. At the same time, I am strangely comforted by Jesus’ words. A disciple is to be one set in the context of tragedy and terror and still be at peace. I am not to be overwhelmed by the suffering in the world. The world was brutal in Jesus’ time, and it is brutal now. Yet our own certain knowledge of God’s presence, following God’s will, and embracing prayer will lead us toward the union with God that Jesus exemplified. That union can bring us to a place of peace in the midst of the world’s suffering. Moments of peace in which our hearts will not be afraid. Times when, without fear, we live as Jesus called us to live. Our role is to call on the Spirit to enliven Jesus’ peace within us so that we may – as he did – speak and bring words of peace to a frightened, broken, and aching world.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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English composer John Rutter is a contemporary favorite of choirs everywhere, and this anthem uses the words from the hymn by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint with a melodic and joyful tune. The text is a praise of God in thanks for all of God's gifts and is appropriate for any time of the year.
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Scheduling notes:
May 22 - Quentin UCC, Quentin - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
May 22 - Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola 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...
Quentin UCC, Quentin
St. Peters UCC, Rebersburg
Himmel's Church UCC, Dornsife
Emmanuel (Freysville) UCC, Red Lion
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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
Check out the full list of workshops on the registration page - hosted by conference staff, PCC clergy and our friend and partners on a variety of topics.
Documents have begun being uploaded to the Annual Meeting page on the PCC website - check back as more are uploaded each week. |
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On behalf of myself and the Starview United Church of Christ congregation, we want to extend an invitation to other congregations which might be hoping to join other
Churches, in person, for the 60th ANNUAL MEETING. We are asking that congregations RSVP by June 6th, so we can have adequate tables set up, along with snacks and drinks (water, coffee, tea) for everyone. The meeting will be viewed on a large screen via a projector, and communion elements will, of course, be provided. Afterwards, anyone wishing to join the delegates of Starview for lunch are invited to do so. Sandwiches, salad, and dessert will be provided. To RSVP, by MONDAY, June 6th is 717-266-4248 or email: starviewucc@comcast.net.
Blessings,
Pastor Laura Baker
Starview United Church of Christ
4832 N. Sherman St. Ext.
Mount Wolf, PA 17347
PS – the church is easily accessible:
Only 6 miles off of I-83 (Emigsville Exit)
Only 5 miles from the York Galleria Mall, York (Rt. 24)
Only 5.5 miles from intersection of Rt. 30 and George Street, York
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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. And don't forget to use code PENNCENTRAL2022 for 50% off camp at both HC Spirit Week and Lutheran Camping Corporation camps
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SUMMER CAMP programs from June-August To learn more about and to register for youth camp summer programs, visit here.
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To learn more about and to register for family camp summer programs, visit here.
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To learn more about and to register for elder camp, visit here.
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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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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 Workshop - May 21
This Saturday is the fourth and final Small Church Vitality Workshop. It will be held at Greencastle UCC and will take place from 9:45 (for light breakfast) until 1pm. Please contact the Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola if you are interested.
These workshops are for any church that self-identifies as “small.” Small refers to size and not importance or robustness!
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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.
Who? Pastors from all the church bodies listed above
What? A week of learning, discussion, and fellowship
Where? Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
When? Sunday, 24 July, through Friday, 29 July, 2022
Weekend visits before and after the colloquy are available for our German guests.
Why? “All we are saying is ‘Give peace a chance!’” ~ John Lennon, 1969
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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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From our friends and partners |
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14th Annual Commonwealth Interfaith Service
Prayers for Justice & Peace
May 23, 2022. 6:00PM
Market Square Presbyterian Church
20 S. 2nd St, Harrisburg
Register here. Parking will be free for those who attend in person in the Market Square Garage next door to the church.
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Buddhism and Christianity via St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster - May 19 - June 23
Dr. Randall Zachman (Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame) will be teaching the second round of the Mercy Seminar’s study of Buddhism. In this round, we’ll examine how Buddha discovered, and then taught, the way by which human beings could free themselves from the realm of suffering by living according to his teaching. Those who did so sought enlightenment for themselves, so that they might escape the realm of rebirth, suffering and death and attain Nibbana.
In these new sessions of the Mercy Seminar (available live on Zoom or recorded) we start again with “beginners mind” to explore the elements of the life of the Buddha and his teaching about mercy and compassion. In each of the six evening sessions we’ll study short texts from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, and we’ll also have periods of reflection and discussion to help us discern insights and gain understanding. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary to participate.
"As long as space abides and as long as the world abides, so long may I abide, destroying the sufferings of the world," says the Buddha.
Join us this spring as we study The Way of the Bodhisattva, so that we can come to a deeper understanding of the vision of wisdom and compassion in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. All are welcome!
Sessions are entirely on Zoom. Participants also have access to every Zoom session recording. Register here.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) |
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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.
50% Scholarships available for PCC clergy and MIDs - mention "PCC Scholarship" in the comment field and pay only 162.50.
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Evangelical & Reformed Heritage Sunday - June 12
As we prepare to celebrate Heritage Sunday in the coming weeks we should take a moment to reflect on our beginning, traditions, and memories as moments from the past are part of our story and that is a story that future generations will look back on and write the next chapter. The mission of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society is to preserve the past, educate future generations and continue building a renewed interest in our legacy.
We are thankful for your generosity. Prepare for your Heritage Sunday Celebration with a renewed excitement for your faith. If you would like to make a gift online click here to support the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society.
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Forty Days: A Pilgrimage of Peace
July 15 - August 25
Louisa, Virginia USA
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Songs of Desire: New Music for the Churches
Saturday July 9, 2:00Pm - Sunday July 10, 9:00PM
Suggested Donation: $50 including accommodation and meals.
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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. Dr. 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
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560
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