Message to the Conference |
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Members and friends of Penn Central Conference,
“How good it is, when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 NRSV)
This past Sunday I preached at a “Church Reunion” service hosted by Salem UCC in Dover. Over 100 members of 8 area churches joined together in folding chairs under old shade trees, led in worship and praise by 8 clergy (all women!). The churches were Lutheran and UCC and testified to their past heritage as Lutheran and Reformed believers, in separate buildings and in union churches. I have never attended such a service. I have been to ecumenical services, of course, but this was something different. Here people from two different denominations had gathered for the first time to honor and celebrate their common tradition.
In 1757 when Salem Union Church formed, most of the people in the area were German. The Reformed, Lutheran, Mennonite, and Brethren community members all shared a common language and had fled religious turmoil in Germany due to the 30 years’ war. They wanted peace and they wanted to farm, work as craftsmen, and raise their families. Members of these religious traditions intermarried, and anyone born in this area will likely find mention of all these traditions when studying family genealogy. They were a community of mutual aid and support.
When I looked out over the people gathered on Sunday, I was amazed to see so many present and then, looking behind them, Salem’s graveyard that holds so many of their spiritual forebearers. The gathering gave me a sense of hope. Their ability as members of different traditions to live in peace with one another in the 18th and 19th centuries was a witness to Christian unity. Despite theological and liturgical differences, the community was united in Christ. That today’s members were willing to gather to worship despite today’s political, social, and theological differences was an echo of that unity.
In my sermon, I encouraged listeners to consider how the unity of their past might inform their ministry now. Lutheran and Evangelical & Reformed leadership spearheaded the separation of union churches in the 1950s (a decision some still lament). Yet the past still yields insights in how to approach ministry now. Not only with each other as ELCA and UCC churches, but with other Christian churches in the community. When Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another” he was speaking to his disciples. To the community of believers. And if we can work on our ability to love other Christians who are different than we are, we follow that commandment. How ironic that in today’s world it is sometimes easier for us to love people outside of the church than those within it. And how much more challenging to bring two Christan fellowships who come from different theological and social perspectives together for common ministry projects.
However, if we do believe that Jesus has called us to live in unity and love with other believers, then working to share ministry and engage in projects together demonstrates that love. I have seen this work happen when clergy or laity reach a hand across the church aisle and explore a project with a church that does not fit their own political or social self-understanding. Shared mission trips and shared worship can be transformative. There are countless ways our unity in Christ can encourage us to widen the circle beyond familiar walls, liturgies, gatherings, prayers, and people.
Enact Jesus’ commend to love others. Seek other believers. Listen to their faith stories. Could the churches of Penn Central be the witness to unity in the body of Christ to a wider world? Even small steps like church reunions can lead us further down the road of peace.
Special thanks to Rev. Eva O’Diam (Dover UCC), Julia Brown (Salem UCC), and Rev. Abbey Leese (Calvary Lutheran Church) for their initial conversation that led to such a special event (with great food!).
Peace,
Carrie
Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
Conference Minister
Penn Central Conference
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Kentucky Flood Relief
Because of your concerns and questions about the Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims and how to help them right now, we offer the following thoughts and information. Please always remember that cash $$$ donations are the most important thing that you can do to help with any disaster immediately. Please, Do Not Send Stuff, send dollars, dollars move quickly, they can be used by the boots on the ground at the disaster site to buy what is truly needed by and for the disaster victims.
Please remember that you can always make a donation(s) to UCC Disaster Ministries Always remember to designate what you donation is for (i.e. Disaster Ministries)!
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The above information was sent and shared with you by:
Bill & Ellen Matten
c/o chairs PCC's DR&R Team
Penn Central Conference's Conference Disaster Coordinators
cell phone #: 814-574-4324
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Scheduling notes:
July 1 - October 1 - Rev. Dr. Nora Foust on sabbatical
August 4 - 18 - Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola on vacation
August 7 - Peace UCC, Berrysburg/St. Peters UCC Lykens - Rev. Rick Liciotti preaching
August 7 - Wisdom's Table at St. Peter's UCC, Rev. Dr. Carrie Call preaching
August 14 - St. Paul's UCC, Sacramento - Rev. Rick Luciotti 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, York
Faith UCC, York
Hayshire UCC, York
Heidelburg UCC, York
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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 Welcome Team at St Paul’s UCC, Mechanicsburg: Refugee Resettlement Update
Our church community has been so generous with their time and money, and we have learned so much about the hospitality of Central PA, we thought it was time to share an update about the family from Guatemala.
A family of 7 arrived on May 24th at the Harrisburg International Airport where they were met by members of our Welcome Team. It was late at night, and they were tired, and hungry, but once they got to their temporary home, they were met with food from a local restaurant that specializes in food from Guatemala. And they were hungry. There were lots of smiles and a lot of using Google Translate as we said our hellos and provided well wishes, but we could not help but notice that they arrived with little more than their carry-on baggage. Read more here.
What could we use some help on: Ideas for free dental care for the adult women, employers who are hiring non-English speakers, continued donations for bus passes, personal care products such as “period” needs which are not covered by SNAP, help with tutoring (don’t need to know Spanish) and attending FUN events with the family so they learn what life is like in the United States and Central PA.
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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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Shaping Generations: Queer Justice and Love in the UCC
2022 National ONA Gathering
Join us Aug. 5-7 for our first National ONA Gathering since 2019! Our virtual event will celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the ONA Coalition and Bill Johnson’s ordination as the first openly gay man authorized to serve an historic Christian church as a minister of word and sacrament.
Leaders include the Rev. Rhina Ramos (worship leader), Bishop Yvette Flunder (closing address and charge), the Rev. Bill Johnson and the Rev. Anne Holmes, and the Rev. Andy Lang (State of the ONA Movement).
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Church Vitality Workshop
Sponsored by the Congregational Empowerment Team of the Penn Central Conference
The “nuts and bolts” of how to be Alive and Thrive as God’s 21st Century Church!
Saturday, September 24 - 9am to 3pm
In person Colonial Park United Church of Christ, Harrisburg or online through ZOOM
Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Workshops on church vitality this past year have focused on the what and why of becoming alive and thriving for all churches of all sizes.
This workshop will take the topic further by asking the questions:
· How do we come alive and thrive?
· How do we change our culture to be forward looking rather than wishing for the past?
· How do we reach out into our community?
· How do we welcome new folks to our family of faith?
· How do we discern if we need to come together with another church: eg share pastors, consolidate buildings?
· What is workable for our church?
· How do we plan the next steps for our church?
Have you participated in workshops with Marisa? Come and learn the “how to” steps toward vitality with a coach to guide you.
First time participating in a workshop with Marisa? Come and learn with a coach to guide you.
COST? $300 for workshop and coaching sessions.
Scholarships are available
INCLUDES: Three Coaching sessions to follow with experienced coach
For Questions and to Register no later than SEPTEMBER 2,
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Fall MEFs (10AM hybrid, 6PM Zoom) - now with registration links
September 20 - "Contemplatives in Action" with Janeen Adil
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PM Zoom only - register here
October 18 - "Humility as Spiritual Practice" with Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PM Zoom only - register here
November 15 - "Just War, Just Peace - A 21st Century Discussion" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PN Zoom only - register here
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Boundary Training - now with registration links
September 29 - "Bi-Vocational Boundaries and Ethics" with Darryl Stephens
6PM via Zoom - Register here
October - dates and topics to be announced
November 9 - "The Ministerial Code: A Way of Being" with Rev. Dr. Nora Foust
10:00AM hybrid - register here
6:00PM Zoom - register here
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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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"Making All Things New"
General Synod 2023
Making All Things New” will be the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled for June 30–July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis.
The General Synod of the United Church of Christ will get back to business a year from now. And it will do so in person.
After an all-virtual experience in 2021, the UCC’s biennial national meeting will require all voting delegates to be in Indianapolis in 2023. That’s according to the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, the associate general minister who serves as Synod administrator.
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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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Upcoming Classes:
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development, Aug 23–Sept 27, Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. Instructor Jessica Young Brown. A Ministerial Institute class. An in-depth look at ethics in ministry, including confidentiality, fiduciary duty, healthy boundaries, and self-care. 2.5 CEUs. $325.
Church Finances, Oct 11–Nov 15. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. Instructor, Lovett Weems. Practical skills for creating and presenting budgets grounded in the church’s mission, expanding means of giving and sources of income, presenting accurate tracking and reporting of giving, proper financial administration of funds, and exploring new options for funding ministry. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125.
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Eden Theological Seminary
August 15th - Oct 7th – UCC History and Polity Course
Eden is offering UCC History and Polity as an asynchronous 8-week intensive course for the Fall 2022 semester. All the material from a full-semester course will be covered, and all coursework will be completed in an asynchronous online forum. This class is appropriate for Members In Discernment and those on an alternative path to authorized ministry. It is also open to those seeking Dual Standing or Privilege of Call in the UCC, if your Committee on Ministry requires you to take a full-semester course.
If you've been looking for a UCC History and Polity class to fit around your schedule, you've found it. Class meets Aug. 15 - Oct. 7, 2022. Contact the Eden Admissions Office to register: admissions@eden.edu, 314-918-2642.
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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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The communities of United Church of Christ Homes are seeking to fill several positions for Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Dining Service Assistants. If you or someone you know is looking for a new employment opportunity, please visit the UCC Homes Employment Opportunities page on our website at https://www.ucc-homes.org/employment-opportunities/ for more details. Our communities include The Lebanon Valley Home in Annville, Thornwald Home and Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home in Carlisle, Ephrata Manor in Ephrata and Kindred Place at Annville and Kindred Place at Harrisburg.
These highlighted employment opportunities are also available:
Information Technology Specialist: UCC Homes is seeking an Information Technology Specialist for a full-time position for an experienced individual to install, troubleshoot, and maintain computer software, hardware, and accessories, as well as network hardware and accessories for a multi-site healthcare organization.
Benefits include: Insurance coverage beginning the first of the month after hire! Employee Health Insurance for $40/month! $20 Doctor Office Visits with Prescription coverage; Free Dental Insurance with no deductible for preventive services! Two Vision Coverage Options to choose from! Free Life Insurance equal to your annual salary! AMAZING company-paid retirement plan! Pet insurance plan available! Other voluntary insurances available! Subject to reasonable accommodations for religious or medical reasons, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 virus is a condition of employment for this position. Please mail or email resume and letter of interest to: United Church of Christ Homes, 30 North 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; corpjobs@ucc-homes.org.
Director of Nursing: Ephrata Manor is seeking a Director of Nursing. This is an exempt full-time position for a caring individual with exceptional organization, communication, and multi-tasking skills and a focus on quality resident care. The successful candidate will be a PA Licensed RN or BSN (in good standing) with three years of management experience in senior living care. Must have a thorough knowledge of Pennsylvania State and Federal regulations, MDS 3.0, CMI, UMR, QM, Care Planning Process. Excellent wages and benefits including retirement plan. Please mail or fax resume and letter of interest to: Heather Brand, Executive Director, Ephrata Manor, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522; 717-738-7478 FAX by August 19, 2022. Subject to reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is a condition of employment for this position.
Social Worker: Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home is seeking a Social Worker for a regular full-time position. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work is required. Excellent wages and benefits including retirement plan. Subject to reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is a condition of employment for this position. Interested persons should please mail, e-mail or fax resume and letter of interest to Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, Attn: Erin Jayman, 1000 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013; ejayman@ucc-homes.org; (717) 245-9733.
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Director of Social Services: Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home is seeking a Director of Social Services for a full time-exempt position. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related human services field and one year in long-term care experience is required. Excellent wages and benefits including retirement plan. Subject to reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is a condition of employment for this position. Interested persons should please mail, fax or email resume and letter of interest to Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home, Attn: Erin Jayman, 1000 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013; (717) 245-9733 FAX; or to ejayman@ucc-homes.org. EEOE.
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UCC National Positions:
Gender & Sexuality Ministry
Close Date: July 22, 2022
Global Ministries
Close Date: August 19, 2022
CARDD
Close Date: August 29, 2022
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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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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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