Message to the Conference |
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Dear Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water. (Proverbs 11:25)
Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
I love these two passages from Proverbs because they tie generosity directly to material goods. The gifts of water and bread are reflective of gifts that sustain life. If you have ever given water or bread to someone in need, you know how true this is. These days my thoughts about generosity are focused on what we give to others that is not money-related. I discussed this with Lancaster clergy this week and I was moved by the list of ways God had been generous and the ways we have been generous with one another that have noting to do with money.
Participants talked about how individuals are generous with time, attention, forgiveness, presence, patience, prayer, encouragement and praise. We also recognized how individuals can be generous with harmful things – generous with criticism, or condemnation, in contrast to being generous with grace. When asked about God’s generosity they listed mercy, patience, the indwelling with humanity though Jesus, the marvels of creation, and the remarkable gift of our own bodies and our ability to continue functioning in the world. God’s generosity and our individual generosity are complex, multifaced and numerous. By and large we experience generosity as positive and grace-filled, something reflecting abundance, liberality and the capacity to be magnanimous. (Such a great word!)
When it came time to discuss how churches or congregations can be generous, or what might lead someone to remark, “Oh they are a generous church!” the examples were immediately about money. I confess, I had to laugh. Yes, churches can be generous in terms of funds – for OCWM, missions, special offerings and the like. Yet it was obvious that when we discuss generosity in church, it’s almost always about money. When pushed to go deeper we heard of generosity of acceptance, generosity of food, and generosity of welcome (especially for youth and children). The focus on generosity as connected to money is – ironically - one of the reasons we struggle with how to talk about money in church.
A culture of generosity is a different orientation. Instead of stewardship season every fall, a congregation begins with the spiritual orientation of each of the members’ hearts. Gratitude is the root of generosity. Facilitating gratitude is the first step in encouraging a culture of generosity. And this culture is not to encourage more financial giving – although that may be an eventual result. Instead, the culture of generosity is what’s created when a community focuses first on what it has already received from God, and then gives back out of that gratitude. The emphasis is on ways the congregation will give to others, not what it will get from them. This is easier said then done and requires a cultivation of gratitude all year so that it arises organically from within the congregation, rooted in gratitude for God’s gifts.
There are many ways to begin this movement toward a culture of generosity. It begins in each of our hearts. And it flourishes when we let go of what (and how) we can get money from others and instead focus on how much we can give to the world.
Ask yourself in these harvest days, in what ways am I generous? Am I generous in my own home and relationships with attention? Time? Patience? How do I manifest my gratitude for all God has done for me? Take your answers to church and start sharing. God and the world await our generous hearts.
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference
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Scheduling notes:
October 17 - Shiloh UCC, York - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
October 17 - Peace UCC, Denver - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
October 18-20 - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call out of office
October 24 - Faith UCC, State College - Rev. Nora Foust
October 24 - St. Peter's (Lischey's) UCC, Spring Grove - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
October 24 - St John's UCC, Jonestown - 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...
Emmanuel UCC, Abbottstown
Christ UCC, Annville
Zion UCC, Arendtsville
St. John's UCC, Bellefonte
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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. Find them here: https://pccucc.org/covid-19-resources/
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Penn Central Conference is once again accepting applications for the PCC Innovation Grants which is for PCC churches who are looking for funding for a bold & innovative approach to ministry. Application can be found here, please email completed forms to Paul.
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Church World Services Bucket Project
Grace UCC, Lebanon has begun to collect the items to fill CWS buckets for those affected by disasters like Hurricane Ida. They will be collecting through the end of October. If you church would like to contribute, learn more here.
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Outdoor Ministries Fall Events
FALL FOLIAGE DAYS
Come to camp for the afternoon to enjoy fall activities, worship, and a picnic supper. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends or introduce new folks to camp. An evening meal is included.
November 7 @ Nawakwa
This fun-filled day of bidding raises money for the Lutheran Camping Corporation’s Endowment Fund, which helps to financially sustain LCC’s outdoor ministry activities and programs.
More events can be found here!
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Rethinking Advent Preaching
October 20, 6:30 – 8:00 PM via ZOOM
with Dr. Julia O’Brien from Lancaster Theological Seminary
The Old Testament readings for Advent come from the Hebrew prophets and are familiar to most of us. Our traditions and our hymns encourage us to treat these texts as predicting the coming of Jesus as Messiah. And yet, there are significant historical as well as ethical problems raised by a predictive reading of the prophets.
In this session, Dr. Julia O’Brien from Lancaster Seminary will talk about these problems and explore other ways of understanding and proclaiming the “good news” of the prophetic books for the church.
Registration is limited to clergy in the Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Penn Southeast Conferences. Continuing Education credits are available.
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Boundary Training – All Zooms unless otherwise noted, 2 credit hours
(read full descriptions here.)
October 13 6pm ( Register) – A Boundary Refresher for All Stages of Ministry with Rev. Nora Foust
October 25 10am ( Register) – A Boundary Refresher for All Stages of Ministry with Rev. Nora Foust
October 28 10am-1pm LIVE St. John’s in Lewisburg Retired and Supply Boundaries and Departures (with LUNCH) $10 ( register and pay)
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Fall 2021 Education Forums
Third Tuesdays at 10am LIVE ONLY at St. Thomas, Linglestown and 6pm ZOOM ONLY
October 19 with Rev. India Garnett – Rev. India has been doing webinars with Healing From Racism Programs out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will bring her expertise and life experience to share with Penn Central clergy. We each come to these sessions with our own stories which are part of the whole of humanity. We are called to love each other as Jesus loves us. In so doing — in following His imperative, there is no room for guilt and shame. Guilt and shame serve no useful purposes and are diametrically opposed to Universal Love — Agape. So, let us gather in the heart attitude of learning more about each other and our perspectives. In Psalm 139:1-18 (NRSV), we are assured that we “are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Let us, therefore, embark upon this journey with God, learning of the awe and wonder of each other… (2 hours Anti-Racism Credit)
More Education Forums: (read full descriptions here.)
November 16 with Rev. Nora Foust – Challenges of Living in Covenant
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Penn Central Conference Lectionary Discussion Group - This group is open to all clergy, meets weekly on Tuesdays at 1:00PM to discuss upcoming lectionary passages. Us this Zoom link here.
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Installation of Rev. Susan Schmidt - October 17, 3:00PM - Salem UCC, Harrisburg
Harrisburg Association Meeting - October 24, 2:00PM - Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg, with ecclesiastical council for Rev. Judy Strayer
York Association Annual Meeting - November 14, 1:00PM - Shiloh UCC, York
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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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If your local congregation wants to send contributions to the national offices, the best way to do so is via the conference. However, if you are sending any directly, please send to the updated address:
United Church of Christ
PO BOX 71957
Cleveland, Ohio 44194
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PCC Board Member Rayna Cooper has put together a sheet of Afghan Resettlement Info and Training for Churches with links from the UCC and Church World Services. Click here for that list. |
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Global H.O.P.E. Kit Matching Grant Application (20-22)
Requirements
- Grant Application will be awarded to churches that have submitted a completed Global H.O.P.E. Kit Matching Grant Application.
- Grant Applications for 2021 will be received through January 28, 2022.
- Congregations that raise $250 or more (monetary or in-kind supplies) for Church World Service Kits are eligible to apply for a $250 matching grant from UCC Global H.O.P.E.
- 100% of Matching Grant funds must be used for purchasing supplies for the assembly of the CWS Kits or for processing costs ($3/Clean Up Bucket, $2/School or Hygiene Kit).
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Summaries of General Synod Resolutions, by our PCC delegates.
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Money and Ministry: A Theology for Congregational Leaders, Thursday, October 14, 7–8:30pm and Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm, Oct 19–Nov 16, 2021, via Zoom. Instructor: Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Register by October 5.
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From Our Partners and Friends |
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Pennsylvania Council of Churches:
Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 16, 10 am-2:00 pm
United Church Center, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg 17109
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Clergy Spouses Connect Across Denominations
Groups are limited to eight participants to safeguard confidentiality and create a sacred space for healthy discussion. Each group initially runs for only six sessions, with an option for the group to decide to continue longer. Participants register for two “try it before you buy it” free sessions, before committing to four paid sessions at $20* per facilitated hour-long session. This fall, two different groups will meet:
- Monthly - First Saturday mornings from November through April
- Semi-monthly - First and third Tuesday evenings from November through January
Contact Julie to learn more or to register for either group by Friday, Oct 22, 2021.
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The Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Symposium
White Supremacy, Racism, & the Christian Church:
The Call to a Discipleship of Liberation and Justice
Saturday, October 23rd & 24th
Weekend and daily registration options are available. For group rates see registration. Register by clicking here and full flyer here.
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Zion UCC, Arendtsville job openings
The Choir Director directs a 15-member choir to prepare music for regular Sunday morning services. The choir director also works with the minister and the organist to plan special services. Duties include preparing music, scheduling choir practices, identifying soloists, and developing special music presentations. Salary compensation is negotiable.
The organist/pianist accompanies a 15-member choir at regularly scheduled Sunday morning services. Applicants must have the ability to play both the piano and the organ, and be prepared for weekly choir rehearsals. Duties include following the direction of the choir director and minister in planning musical services. This includes Sunday worship and special services. He/she must attend regularly scheduled and special choir rehearsals. Salary compensation negotiable.
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Position available: Church Musician
This 9 to 12 month position includes playing for weekly adult choir rehearsals, a scheduled single Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship service and occasional evening/special services. Proficiency with piano is required. We have two Yamaha studio upright pianos that are well maintained via regular tuning/maintenance. We also have the historic 1868 Durner tracker pipe organ that was restored in 1998 and is well maintained via regular tuning/servicing. Candidates will work with church/choir leaders in regearsing and planning musical material appropriate to the liturgical calendar. Candidates should send a litter of introduction and resume to joyousucc@comcast.net or mail to St. John's UCC, PO Box 88, Boalsburg, PA 16827
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Directory
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call, Ph.D.
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. Rick Luciotti
Coordinator of Care to Clergy & Clergy Families
Anne Rankin
Outdoor Ministries Liaison
phone: 717-945-4585
C. Paul Keller
Office Manager
Phone: 717-652-1560 ex. 14
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