Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. I Corinthians 12:12-18
This past Sunday Rev. Beth Rogers, pastor of Hummelstown UCC, asked me to lead worship and preach a sermon that celebrates their commitment to radical welcome in word and in deed; of embracing diversity “no matter what”, that they see as so essential for unity in the body of Christ. For those who do not know Hummelstown UCC, they are a progressive church that acknowledges and celebrates through their inclusion of “faith journey, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, age, relationship status, physical or mental ability, and political affiliation.”
Paul’s words fit well with any body of Christ—from progressive to conservative, and everywhere in between—as we all seek to be the body of Christ in our world. Unity in Christ is born of honoring our diversity; all the members that make up that unity.
The Apostle Paul writes in other epistles about unity and diversity in Christ, making no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave or free. This is a reversal of fortune that also speaks of no hierarchy in the body of Christ. Those who see themselves as better than others are knocked off their pedestals; those who see themselves as less than others are elevated and honored. All are cherished and cared for, deeply and fully.
This reversal of fortune was first introduced in the Gospel of Luke, with Mary’s Magnificat:
“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”
These words are a tribute to what God has already done; they are a prophesy of what God is about to do through Jesus. They speak, as Paul’s words to the Corinthians speak, to a goal of heaven for those in Christ:
Unity in Christ, baptized together with diverse members that are equally honored, cherished, and welcomed. Those that are considered by the culture as lowly must be elevated and those at the top must step down so that there is a level playing field. When all are equally revered and celebrated, only then can the body function fully and well. Only then can this goal of heaven be on earth.
To put Paul’s words in context, many folks in Corinth were known to be arrogant and self-centered, with a culture of hierarchy and exclusion. He writes to this fledgling church to teach and to remind of God’s reversal of fortune. In the Corinthian church some members had assumed that their place was lower than others; others had assumed that their place was higher than others. They did not consider that God levels the playing field.
Hierarchy: who’s better, who’s less. Unfortunately, we 21st century Christians can relate in our society and in our world, can’t we? Not only do those in power want to be best, but they will do anything to maintain that power over no matter what, even to the point of relegating some to irrelevant status; even to the point of excluding those who are different.
And the words of Mary reverberate in our ears: a goal of heaven that levels the playing field. And the words of Paul echo in our hearts: all are included, celebrated for our diversity and cherished and given places of honor in the unity of the body of Christ. And the life and teaching of Jesus resound in our spirits: Jesus who practiced and preached radical inclusiveness, embraced the lost and those society declared least, encouraged the powerful to care for all and to honor all.
One of Jesus’ last prayers was “may they be one.” Members and friends of our churches of Penn Central Conference, indeed may we be one, as Jesus prayed. Yes, may we embrace Mary’s reversal of fortune that honors Jesus’ life and teaching that welcomed the outcast and the oppressed. Yes may we join with Paul in celebrating eyes and ears, hands and feet; proclaiming that honoring, including, welcoming, caring for, each and every one of us in all of our diversity is needed to be the body of Christ.
Deep blessing to each one and all,
Marisa
The Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Associate Conference Minister
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Scheduling notes:
July 1 - October 1 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust on sabbatical
July 17 - Solomon's UCC, Chambersburg - 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...
First Reformed UCC, Sunbury
Peace UCC, Denver
Paradise UCC, Milton
Trinity UCC, Turbotville
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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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The Lutheran Camping Corporation's 2021 annual report is now available here.
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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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"Bivocational clergy are increasingly common in Lancaster County and beyond" by ELIZABETH EVANS | For LNP and LancasterOnline
Increasingly, in Lancaster County and elsewhere, so-called bivocational (or multivocational) pastors look less like the future of the church, and more like its present
PCC's own Amelia Price is among the clergy featured in this article, which you can read in full here.
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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.
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
NEW REGISTRATION OPTION: The conference planners are working diligently to create hybrid option for attendees. If you would like to attend on-line, register for the "commuter rate." Please be aware that only the primary sessions (plenaries) would be available to view. See full schedule here.
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Urgent! An additional host is needed to host one of our German Colleagues the weekend after the PCC-UEK Colloquy, July 29-August 1. The guest will be flying out of Philadelphia airport, so if it is possible to also provide, or provide guidance on transportation, it would be ideal. For more information email Julie Holm at julie@bvfof.org or call her at 814-349-5515. |
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THROUGH THEIR EYES: BIBLICAL MONOLOGUES FOR ADVENT & LENT
Are you looking for a fresh way to present the Advent/Christmas and Lenten/Easter stories, so that they come to life for your congregation in a new, fresh, and engaging manner? This collection of first-person sermons, where one is invited to take on the persona of a character within the biblical narrative and tell a piece of the story through their eyes, may be just what you're looking for! Present them as is ... use what I have written as a launching off point for creating your own materials ... and to my female colleagues - use what I have written as a starting point for bringing light to the many female voices from the biblical narrative that need to be heard. - Rev. Curt Miner
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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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The Space Between: The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World
September 19, 2022 – September 21, 2022
Join us to reflect on what we've moved through as church experiencing pandemic, to recognize the innovative ways we have survived and in some ways thrived: What did we learn when faced with the need to pivot quickly and still be effectively present as church? Where do we need to stretch ourselves? What and how do we need to build capacity to resource how we're evolving as church? What might we each offer to help us become? These and other questions will be contemplated as we lean in to lessons learned about adapting with agility, and unpack potential possibility. Learn more and register here.
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From our friends and partners |
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) |
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It doesn't get any better than this:
1. Nuts and bolts classes on financial basics. Two upcoming classes: Personal Finances for Ministers (begins July 12) and Church Finances (begins Oct 11).
2. Nationally recognized instructor. Dr. Lovett Weems is Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership and Founding Director/Senior Consultant of the G. Douglass Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary.
3. Reduced price. PAM applied for and was awarded a grant from the Walters/Unitarian Universalist Church Trust of Lancaster to subsidize registration costs for these classes. Cost for each class is only $125.
4. Scholarships available. A generous seminary board member has provided funds for full scholarships for two new PAM participants for each class. Interested persons should complete the PAM application and indicate that they would like to be considered for the scholarship. Awards for the first class will be determined on July 5.
WE ARE LITERALLY GIVING IT AWAY! Who could pass up a chance to study with Dr. Weems at no cost!?
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development, instructor Jessica Young Brown, Aug 23–Sept 27, 2022. A Ministerial Institute class. Confidentiality, fiduciary duty, healthy boundaries, and self-care in ministry. $325.
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Creating Safe & Affirming Spaces for Transgender Children
July 15-17, 2022
Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center; Bangor, PA
A hybrid (in person & online) community event for teachers, counselors, chaplains, faith leaders & families
This program is designed to create safe and affirming spaces for transgender or gender expansive children at home, school and faith communities. These are the 3 places children need to be affirming if they are to thrive. These are also the spaces that parents need support to become effective advocates for their transgender or gender expansive children.
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Forty Days: A Pilgrimage of Peace
July 15 - August 25
Louisa, Virginia USA
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2022 Business Continuity and Emergency Preparedness Conference
September 22, 2022
This workshop is designed to improve the knowledge in the business continuity planning areas related to an armed intruder incident. It is intended for professionals from the public and private sectors as well as faith-based organizations responsible for business continuity planning and emergency planning. This workshop is free of charge courtesy of the South Central PA Task Force, Millersville University and grants from US DHS! Seating is limited so register soon.
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Team Leader and Minister of Gender & Sexuality Justice/Executive Director, United Church of Christ HIV & AIDS Network (aka UCAN)
The Team Leader will be responsible for oversight and coordination of United Church of Christ (UCC) strategies, programs and resources related gender, gender expression, and LGBTQI+ education, equity, and advocacy. This includes serving as the Executive Director of the United Church AIDS Network (aka UCAN), and assigned liaison to The Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC, United Church of Christ Wellness Ministries, and the Unitarian Universalist Association specifically regarding agreements related to Our Whole Lives Program. Please use the link below to view the full position description and to apply. https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=4719656.
The National Ministries endeavors to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and
expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. The National Ministries is proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Shiloh UCC, York
Family and Children Ministry Coordinator
Part-time Position Summary: Nurture and develop a caring Christian community where children and youth have a meaningful and fun relationship with other youth and adults; have an opportunity to grow in God’s grace; develop the spiritual and personal resources necessary for life’s journey and develop a loving relationship with God, themselves and others. Learn more here.
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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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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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