Message to the Conference |
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Dear Members and Friends of Penn Central Conference,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
When I was a child, I attended a small UCC church in Elon College, NC. I was present in Sunday School about every Sunday as my father was the Sunday School Superintendent and the High School Class teacher. Every year as I prepare for All Saints’ Sundays two things come to mind – well several things come to mind but two that I will share in this space: Hebrews 11-12:2 and Sandy.
I am moved every time I read Hebrews 11 and the list of faithful examples in keeping and teaching and acting on their faith in God. I just love the mental images that cross my mind as I remember these stories. “It’s like the Holy Ghost running through”* me when I read that list of names: Cain, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Rahab…”and what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon and Barak and…” (11:32)
A challenge this week as you think about the cloud of witnesses who taught you faith in Jesus: read Hebrews 11:1-12:2. “Maybe even email me and tell me about your Holy Ghost experience!”
I turn to this reading each fall as the Church approaches All Saints’ Day because it stands as a reminder to me not only of the Biblical witnesses that form and inform my faith but also the witness of the great cloud of so many that have influenced my life with their earthly examples.
One person in the great cloud for me is Sandy. She was my Sunday School teacher for a lot of years. And she loved Jesus. She taught Jesus’ love and example. Then she did the most remarkable thing, she lived it. When I offered remembrances at her funeral several years ago, I noted that I had little knowledge of Catholic saints, but if they were anything like Sandy, their lives did indeed deserve veneration by the masses. She lived a life that was a living example of how we might bring the kingdom of God nearer.
The list of saints in my life grows and the cloud is remembered with great love. I wonder what souls you remember this year, or every year on All Saints’ Day. How do you celebrate their witness and legacy? How did they help you look toward Jesus?
Shalom,
Nora
Rev. Nora Foust
Associate Conference Minister
*Lyrics from "My Church" - songwriters: Maren Morris, busbee
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Address Change!
As you may have been hearing, the PCC offices will be moving in the month of November. Please begin mailing any correspondence to our new PO Box:
Penn Central Conference
PO Box 6625
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Our physical address starting the week of November 15 (Do not mail letters to this address!)
St. Thomas UCC
6490 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
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Scheduling notes:
October 31 - Solomon's UCC, Chambersburg - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
October 31 - St. John's UCC, Boalsburg - Rev. Nora Foust preaching
October 31 - Trinity UCC, Glen Rock - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 7 - Starview UCC, Mt. Wolf - Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
November 7 - St. John's UCC, Jonestown - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola preaching
November 7 - Hill UCC, Lebanon - Rev. Nora Foust 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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Email Spoofing
Just a reminder to keep an eye out for emails from the PCC staff, board members and clergy that do not feel right. Email spoofing has become more common recently. This involves creating an email address that looks like it belongs to someone you know, but if you click on the address or name you will see it won't match the email address in your address book. The emails often ask for "help" in the form of gift cards.
If an email seems suspicious, try contacting the person via alternate method, like phone call, text or starting a new email using the email in your address book.
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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...
Peace UCC, Berrysburg
Zion UCC, Blain
St. John's UCC, Boalsburg
St. Paul's UCC, Bowmansville
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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. DEADLINE: October 31, 2021 |
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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
ANTICIPATING WINTER: A SILENT RETREAT
Saturday, November 6 @ The Wittel Farm
This silent retreat is an invitation to take a long pause amidst the harvested, fallow fields of The Wittel Farm as we turn our focus inward to prepare ourselves for winter once again. The day and space will allow you a quiet and peaceful setting for rest and contemplation. There will be guided reflections, walking in the outdoor labyrinth, a campfire, a simple meal, and cultivation of your own contemplative practices. Reflection and Gathering the Graces will break the group silence. This event is sponsored by the Parish Resource Center.
For more information and to register, to go:
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.
November 12-14 @ Nawakwa [$155/person]
Try new techniques, share your latest creations, work on whatever you've been trying to finish, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of camp in the fall. Worship led by Rev. Cindy Brommer. All meals provided. Please register by November 1.
Stay over an additional night (Thursday): $30
More events can be found here!
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Q&A and Panel Discussion
Our General Minister and President Rev. John Dorhauer will be in town and has asked to meet with clergy from Penn Central and our two adjoining Conferences. The event will happen at Lancaster Seminary and includes a catered lunch by Pepper Theo (yum!).
John wishes to hear how clergy have been adapting to the past 18 months and what the issues/challenges/joys have been. There will be a panel of 3 clergy – one from each Conference - and John will facilitate a discussion. This will also allow for substantial Q&A with clergy who attend.
Our numbers will be limited, so please register soon. The cost is $15 each and you can pay at the time of registration below.
Date: Monday November 22nd
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Gathering
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:00 Panel and Discussion
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Boundary Training – All Zooms unless otherwise noted, 2 credit hours
(read full descriptions here.)
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
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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Advent Prayer Group
Pastors are you weary? Is the yoke of pastoring in this extended season of COVID heavy? Share your burdens and joys as we pray together on Thursdays at Noon during the season of Advent! A brief period of facilitated check-in will be followed by curated poems, prayers, and silence. Light a candle and feed your spirit this Advent by gathering in prayer with colleagues from Penn Central, Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and prepare for the inbreaking of Emmanuel once again!
Zoom #882 9955 4125, passcode Pray
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Mercersburg Association Meeting - October 31, 3:00PM
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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Summaries of General Synod Resolutions, by our PCC delegates.
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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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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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From Our Partners and Friends |
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Insurance Board webcast, Abuse Prevention: Back to Basics
October 29th at 2 pm EST.
This webcast offers essential considerations and best practices from the nation’s leading expert in abuse prevention through Insurance Board’s partnership with Praesidium.
As ministries return to fully on-site programming, reevaluating safety considerations are critical. Insurance Board expert facilitator, Ross Mitchell, JD., will discuss the need to review child abuse prevention policies for necessary updates, considerations for electronic communications, and appropriate guidelines for staff and volunteers. Register here. And check out previous webinars 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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