Message to the Conference
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September 2, 2020
Members and friends of Penn Central Conference-
Last Saturday we held our first virtual Annual Meeting. Despite a few technological glitches it was a success. I was honored to be elected as your Conference Minister and am excited about the work ahead. I received a request to share the imagery I used in my sermon regarding my view of the Conference as a fleet of boats, and so I offer it here – with a few edits - for your reflection.
It used to be that the church was seen as a ship. A big ship. This was a metaphor in some vogue years ago. You are brought onboard as an infant and you stay for your lifetime. Some abandon ship to their own detriment (according to those on the ship) and some are thrown off. The ship remains unchanged, steady, and invulnerable.
However, that ship is gone for us. As a metaphor is may work in part for the Roman Catholic Church – but not for us. And I do not believe this is how we ever should have envisioned our church.
Instead, our churches comprise a fleet of boats. We are a fleet headed by one admiral (Jesus), but with captains at the helms of the boats working with essential crews. In our boats now – in these waters - the captain cannot care for, navigate, steer and run the boat alone. All crew members are responsible for the life of that crew – that community. All have been empowered by God to do so. There cannot be any more free riders (especially free riders who complain). We are all essential now.
Some of these boats are yachts. Well-appointed, maintenance-free, with lots of deck chairs. Others are former yachts with few on board and the engines are straining. Still others are bass boats, rusty and aged – yet beloved and repainted every year. Ski boats, run-abouts, party boats, and maybe even one that still uses oars (and has no indoor plumbing). The variety, style, history, appearance, condition, and leadership are different – yet we remain one fleet.
In fact we look more like the boats at Dunkirk in WWII than those in the pacific theater of the war. Still, we are a fleet that navigates tough waters together. When one fails, other boats come to its aid. When a boat is without a captain, others help to find one – even from among the crew. And when a boat needs to be left behind, their crew is taken on. Like those boats at Dunkirk, our role is to give aid to those who need it most.
What I hope for in the years to come is not rebuilding a fleet from 1970 or even 1990.
What I hope for is a fleet that follows the leadership of Christ to go where we are needed for the purposes of rendering aid: feeding, healing, and empowering. A fleet in which all captains and crews work together to care for and maintain the boat and crew. And I hope that each boat will be tough, vital, and seaworthy.
No human community is perfect. No crew, captain or boat is perfect. All of scripture reminds us of that. But as called and forgiven, we are meant to show and model a different life as disciples. One needed now more than ever. May God’s grace enable us to be such a community and such a fleet.
Peace,
Rev. Carrie Call, PhD
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Celebrating Hartman Center
Check out a Hartman Center themed Worship Service that can be used for your church service or a personal time of worship. More info here.
Hartman Center Celebration Day: We will join together for the Celebration of the Ministry of the Hartman Center on Saturday, September 12, beginning at 10:00 AM with a hike up The Knob. The day will include lunch, a special worship service, and an opportunity to visit various sites with campfires. All official ceremonial events will happen outside. Individuals and small groups will be able to visit inside certain buildings. All participants must wear a mask to the event and maintain social distancing practices. [The rain date is Saturday September 19th. The decision about a rain delay will be made by noon on Friday September 11th and will be shared via social media and email.]
Keep an eye out for announcements from your churches and the Hartman Center Facebook page for other events including a one-day Women’s retreat in November and bonfire gatherings for youth in the fall.
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Scheduling Notes:
After Labor Day your PCC staff will be working in the office various days each week. The rest of the time we will continue to work remotely. The office will remain closed to walk-in visitors. You may come to the office by appointment and will be required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. The United Church Center building is technically open. If you are part of a PCC group that wishes to hold a meeting at the Center, you may set it up through Paul. However, you must agree to abide by the Church Center’s protocols (use of hand sanitizer upon entry, wearing masks in all public areas, social distancing, and wiping down all services when meeting is complete).
September 13: St. John's Blymire UCC, Dallastown at 9:00 AM - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call Preaching
September 13: Mt. Zion UCC, York - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola in attendance
September 16 (Wednesday): Lancaster Theological Seminary chapel at 11:00 AM (via Zoom) - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call Preaching
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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...
Grace Evangelical & Reformed UCC, Richland
Tulpehocken UCC, Richland
Saint Paul UCC, Sacremento
Salem Walmers UCC, Indiantown Gap
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From Pennsylvania Council of Churches:
It appears that a large number of Pennsylvanians who are eligible for the $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus payment have not received it. I thought that you might like to share this flyer with your congregations, as I would imagine that there are still many eligible people who could be reached this way.
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Servant Keeper Discount!
Servant Keeper is offering Penn Central Conference's churches a 25% discount. Use this special link to reach out to Jon Haley, Director of Denominational Partnerships, today to get started with this special discount of 25% off an initial site license of Servant Keeper.
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Insurance Board: Tell Us How Your Ministry Is An Everyday Superhero!
Entries Due By: September 15th
denominations! The first 35 entries win a $35 gift card for their organization, and a
chance for your story to be featured in our fall/winter issue of The Steward.
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COVID-19 Resources
Penn Central Conference has added a special section on our website for COVID-19 resources, including the times and links for Zoom meetings. Keep checking https://pccucc.org/covid-19-resources/ regularly for updates.
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PCC Survey
As churches have been weighing the options around returning to in-person worship, some have reached out to see what others are doing. To get an accurate picture, we are asking pastors or lay leaders to fill out this survey here.
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We will have rescheduled the reopening zoom call for any interested clergy or lay leaders to Tuesday September 15 at 6:30 PM. You can register here. We will discuss current guidelines and what we have learned from the survey thus far about PCC practices. Our sincere apologies for the date change!
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Resources to consider before reopening:
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Love UCC History?
Are you a history buff or want to learn more about the people who have shaped the UCC? If so, you’ll love UCC Roots. This monthly message is a short piece (only 300 words!) on someone who was important in UCC History. You’ll be surprised what you learn about our ancestors in the faith. The focus for September is a German Reformed lay woman from PA! Read September’s article by Carrie Call here. To receive UCC Roots for yourself, sign up here.
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Taking Action for Anti- Racism
Christ Church in Annville will be hosting a three part workshop series on Taking Action for Anti- Racism. There will be three 90 minute workshops focusing on anti-racism, including understanding of racist attitudes, inner work to combat racism and more. The workshop will be held via Zoom on October 4, 18 & 25. Learn more here.
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Boundary Training & Ministerial Excellence Forums
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PCC Clergy Book Study: How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Completion of all four components will earn 4 hours of Antiracism Training and
2 hours of Boundary Training. You will have July and August to read the book and respond in writing to reflection questions. Discussion groups via Zoom will follow in September. Register now, space is limited. Registration links and more information here.
Upcoming Boundary Training Online
Politics and the Pulpit in an Election Year (2 hours)
Join with your colleagues on Wednesday, September 16th at 1pm or 6pm for a discussion on the church and politics. This was a popular boundary training discussion in February and Rev. Carrie Call will be offering it again. We will gather on zoom for a timely discussion on this critical issue in the church. In the two hour session, we will cover several areas: first, a review of legal issues around political speech in the church; second, how to mitigate political divisions within congregations; and finally, we will examine case studies involving preaching and politics. Your personal experiences and reflections will be welcome in the discussions. Please come and add your voice to what is sure to be a rich conversation!
Register for the 1pm-3pm Zoom session here
Register for the 6pm-8pm Zoom session here
For Retired and Supply Pastors (2 hours)
Join with your colleagues on Tuesday, October 20th at 10am or 6pm for a discussion on supply and retired clergy boundaries. Rev. Sally Dries will join Rev. Nora Foust for leadership of this session.
Register for the 10am-12pm Zoom session here
Register for the 6pm-8pm Zoom session here
Boundaries in Seasons of Crisis (2 hours)
Join with your colleagues on Tuesday, November 17th at 10am or 6pm for discussion of a variety of topics including: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Self-Care and Allyship in an Activist Age. Rev. Nora Foust will lead this discussion.
Register for the 10am-12pm Zoom session here
Register for the 6pm-9pm Zoom session here
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Gestalt Pastoral Care Online Workshop
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Kairos Spiritual Direction Training Program Enrolling Now
The Parish Resource Center is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for a new cohort of the Kairos Spiritual Direction Training program. The next cohort for this two-year certificate program begins in January. This cohort will have a new emphasis on practicing spiritual kinship with those on the margins who have not had the opportunity or means to participate in spiritual direction. This focus grew out of PRC’s work in food insecurity, immigration, and restorative practices.
The training is designed not only for spiritual directors, but for all those who offer spiritual care and companionship. Through this course, students will learn and develop skills in deep listening and noticing the presence of God as they practice spiritual companionship.
The program is based on the Ignatian tradition and emphasizes in-person instruction and training nine weekends a year. PRC will continue to reassess as the situation changes and has the ability to move the program online on an as-needed basis.
There is an early bird discount of $500 if you register before November 1, 2020. You can find more information and apply online at parishresourcecenter.org/kairos.
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Looking Ahead:
General Synod
The General Synod Program and Planning Committee met recently to discuss General Synod. We had a very energizing conversation and made a few decisions that we want to communicate.
DATES
General Synod 33 will take place Sunday July 11, 2021 – Sunday July 18, 2021. Pre-Synod events will occur on July 7-10, 2021.
THEME
Rooted in Love continues to be the theme. We will be adding SPECIAL EDITION to the theme.
We are hoping for a “leaner” General Synod in this virtual environment. We will worship, conduct business, provide educational opportunities and make space for experiencing the church gathered.
Additional information will be coming shortly. Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at LTS
Nondegree classes are ideal for:
- Lay Ministers already pastoring churches
- Pastoral Leaders in part-time or bi-vocational ministries
- Individuals in discernment
- Laity serving Christian denominations and independent churches
Register by September 25, 2020
Instructor: The Rev. Holly MillerShank
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Mercersburg, York and Gettysburg Association Churches
Rev. Richard Gordon
717-940-8345
Northern and Central Association Churches
Carolyn Herman
H: 570-538-9704
C: 570-220-8589
Harrisburg, Lancaster and Lebanon Association Churches
Rev. Richard Luciotti
717-679-0001
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Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
Transitional Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 12
Rev. Nora Driver Foust
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex.13
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Ph.D.
Associate Conference Minister
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 15
Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler
Facilitator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
phone: 717-719-1895
Zoë D'heedene
Coordinator of Camps/Retreats
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 16
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 14
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