Keystone Conference UCC

Revs. Julie Holm and Jes Kast were in Germany this past week representing Keystone at an international symposium held at the Berlin Mission. The Berlin Mission celebrated 200 yrs of global ministry a few years ago and great connections were made. Following sessions in which Jes and Julie presented and led discussions on Faith and Politics in the US they joined a whole raft of protestant clergy from around Germany for some R&R. Keystone is eager to keep our various partnerships in Germany alive and well since we all have so much to learn from one another!

The Keystone Conference Generosity Team has three educational webinars planned in the coming months, including one next week. Register now!

https://conta.cc/4gtHBcK

Learn Online with the Generosity Ministry Team Email from Keystone Conference UCC First webinar on June 24! Email look funny? Click here to view as webpage. Learn Online with the Generosity Ministry Team! Webinar series for clergy and lay leaders

Thanks to all our Annual Meeting attendees we were able to donate 420 pounds of rice and beans to the Lancaster Food Hub! Thank you to Glenn and Lisa Young for delivering it to the Hub on behalf of the conference.

Coordinator for Leadership Development Dwight Hein shares a reflection, plus news, events and more in this week's Keystone Connection

"Peace" - The Keystone Connection, June 16, 2026 Email from Keystone Conference UCC News, events and inspiration - all inside! Paid for by your OCWM Contributions | June 16, 2026 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Email look funny? C

As our new conference comes together, we take a moment each week to pray for 10 of our churches. We lift up the work they do in their communities, and we rejoice in our connection with each other.

Salt & Light, Philadelphia
Trinity UCC, York
St. Mark's Pond Hill UCC, Wapwallopen
St. Paul's Verdilla UCC, Selinsgrove
Zion's United Church of Christ Pottstown PA
St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Ottsville
Salem United Church of Christ Coal Township
Emanuel UCC, Philadelphia
Trinity United Church of Christ / State Line, PA
Friedens United Church of Christ, Slatington

The Central Association gathered with St. Paul's at the Farm in Lewisburg for the Ecclesiastical Council of Pastor Tim Hogan where he was approved for ordination. With this affirmation, the ordination is scheduled for August 30th. Congratulations Tim!

The Lebanon Association granted privilege of call (transfer of his ordained ministerial standing into the UCC) to the Rev. Justin Musombi this afternoon. A good day! Congratulations to Pastor Justin and the people of Trinity in Palymra, where he currently serves.

Transitional Exec Conf Minister Carrie Call joined Trinity Church in Mercersburg for worship and conversation today. Pastor Jim Hughes shared an excellent sermon! This church has remarkable history related to the Mercersburg Theological movement. Located in front of the church is the grave of Rev. Henry Harbaugh, German Reformed pastor (d. 1867) who served churches in Lewisburg, Lancaster, and Lebanon, PA before being appointed by his Synod to a post as Professor of Theology at Mercersburg Seminary (later to become Lancaster Theological Seminary). He was deeply involved in the Mercersburg Theological Movement. The church also still has its original organ!

Faith UCC in Hazelton welcomed TRCM Nora for worship and a message moving from our shared Joy at the Table to working as harvesters in the fields. A fellowship hall picnic was shared, too.

TRCM Kevin McLemore led worship for Christ Delong and St Peter's Topton during a service at the Tractor Festival in Delong. Amidst the train s passing by and the sounds of tractors, a sermon was delivered on the Parable of the Sower and the reckleness of God's love and grace.