VOLUME 32 | ISSUE 11 Pine Street Presbyterian Church NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Pine Street

PSL Deadline Articles, photos and items of interest for the December issue of Pine Street Life are due by November 15, 2012. Please e-mail to Sue Black at

BL3COL@aol.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUESession Notes . . . . . . . . . . 2

Trustee Notes . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DDB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

November Calendar . . . . . . 7

November Scripture . . . . . 8

November At A Glance

MAPS Evensong . . . . . . Nov 2

Stewardship Breakfast . Nov 4

Family Retreat . . . . . . . . Nov 9

Veterans Breakfast . . . . Nov 10

Pine StreetWalkers . . . . Nov 11

Consecration Sunday . . Nov 18

Giving Tree Begins . . . . Nov 25

Hanging of the Greens . Nov 28

Happy New Year!Dr. Russell Sullivan, Pastor

See THANKSGIVING on page 3

See ADVENT on page 4

When we think of Thanksgiving we typically think of a day to get together with loved ones, eat turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and ridiculously large amounts of food. We watch football, and last but not least give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. We also think of the feast the pilgrims had with the Wampanoag Indians as being the first Thanksgiving. But was it in fact the first Thanksgiving?

Happy New Year! That should be the greeting on the First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2012, because it is indeed the beginning of a new year, not a calendar year, but a liturgical year. But what is this season of Advent all about? Because the term itself means “coming” or “arrival,” and because it precedes Christmas, many have misunderstood Advent to be exclusively a time to prepare for the coming celebration of the child at Bethlehem. In fact, our culture – increasingly pagan and secular – does not recognize the nature of Advent and instead wants a full blown celebration of Christmas – and commercialism – during this time.

But Advent is first of all not about the infant Jesus who was God incarnate, but about the end of time. It concerns the future of the Risen Christ. As Christ came once in humility at Bethlehem, so Christ, the one who has conquered death, will come again in power and glory to bring about

his New Creation. Advent is the celebration of the promise that Christ will bring an end to all that is opposed to the ways of God; the resurrection of Jesus is the first sign that a new day is on the way.

And so it’s kind of strange. The beginning of a new liturgical year draws our thinking to the very end of all things. History and creation are headed somewhere, and this time of year with its emphasis on waiting and penitence forces us to think: “Where are we on that journey to the end? On whose side are we?” The texts of the season resound with the promise that the Reign

of God is coming and that we must prepare.

I know that may sound a little too cosmic when you’re wrapping presents and fussing about tinsel and mistletoe and looking forward to reunions with friends and families. But the end is always there. It is a

THANKSGIVING by Cheryl A. Goode

Page 2 www.pinestreet.org

Session Notesfor October

Heard plans for Family Retreat and Cookie Bazaar. Also, that this year’s KOALA program is going well. Adult education program was also reviewed.

Approved a Youth Mission trip (and two fundraising efforts) to Haiti on June 22 – 29, 2013.

Heard plans for two information meetings on the new mission direction for Pine Street on October 15th at 7:00pm and October 28th at 12:15pm.

Reviewed plans for this year’s financial campaign. A breakfast presentation is scheduled for November 4 at 9:40am. This will be a presentation of the budget and what it will allow Pine Street to do in worship, ministry, and mission in 2013.

Called a meeting of the Congregation for January 13, 2013 to consider terms of call for pastors and revised by-laws required by recent changes to the Book of Order.

Bagels & Belief

January 6 The Pornography

Effect: How Pornography is Changing Our

Understanding of Sexuality

Pastor Lang

February 3 Human Trafficking: The Modern Slave

Trade Pastor Lang

March 3Why Evolution Won’t Go Away

Dr. Ted Davis

April 7The Culture of

DisbeliefDr. Ted Davis

May 5It’s the Economy (again), Stupid!

Pastor Sullivan

June 2Is it the End of Marriage as We

Know It?Pastor Sullivan

All forums are held at 9:40 a.m.

in Fellowship Hall

“One heart and soul” – This phrase in Acts 4:32 describes the unity of the early church as all of its members shared their resources to care for one another and to support the vital mission to which God had called the church.

In the fall we give special attention to discerning what God is calling each of us to give financially to the ministry and mission of the church for the new year. Your Session and program committees have spent time and prayer in considering new directions and costs for our mission in 2013. This is a great opportunity for us to be of “one heart and soul.”

You are invited to attend a breakfast on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at 9:40 am, in the Fellowship Hall and to hear a presentation of our Ministry/Mission Budget for 2013. The budget has been written as a narrative with detailed explanations of what we believe God is leading us to do in 2013. At the breakfast you will be given a pledge packet which includes a copy of the narrative budget, a pledge card (on which you indicate your financial commitment), and a return envelope. We are asking you to attend worship on Sunday, November 18, and to bring your completed pledge card to be consecrated in worship. If you can’t attend the worship on the 18th, you can, of course, mail the pledge card back to the church.

We hope you can attend to hear the presentation on November 4. So please sign up today at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Place for the breakfast, or you may register on-line at www.pinestreet.org. Let’s join together, with one heart and soul, to support our mission and ministry for 2013.

Stewardship Breakfast

Page 3Pine Street Life

Trustees Notesfor September

Approved the audit of the church and DDB done by Greenawalt and Company. There were no major issues.

Approved a policy clarifying how receipts/disbursements of small groups (10 or less) will be processed. For events with more than 10 participants the standard church accounting methods are to be used.

Decided to seek approval from Session to sell the pews made redundant by the recent resetting of the pews.

Approved a request from the Property Committee to purchase a new ice maker for the kitchen.

Approved a request from the Property Committee for $6,000 to re-point the stonework above the Third Street entrance.

Expressed appreciation for the contribution of Estelle Hartranft for the restoration of the outdoor church signs.

During the first winter after the pilgrims landed there was no harvest, and many were sick and died. But the following year the harvest was plentiful. This was due to the help of Samoset and Squanto of the Wampanoag Indians. They taught the pilgrims how to trap animals for food and clothing, and how to plant crops. Because the harvest was plentiful they decided to celebrate with a feast. Their feast included wild game, turkey, corn and pumpkin.

The first actual mention of the word Thanksgiving in colonial history was not associated with the first feast of the Pilgrims. The first time the term “Thanksgiving” was associated as a feast or celebration came in 1623. During this year there was a terrible drought. The pilgrims prayed for rain and it came, as well as additional supplies that settlers brought from the Netherlands. The Governor at that time proclaimed it a day of Thanksgiving to offer prayers and thanks to God. Unfortunately, the day of prayer and thanks was not a yearly occurrence.

Throughout the mid-1600’s the thanksgiving celebration began to take shape. In Connecticut towns there are records, although not complete, showing proclamations of Thanksgiving for the years 1639, 1644, and 1649. These years were set aside as an annual holiday. One of the first recorded celebrations commemorating the feast in Plymouth in 1621 occurred in Connecticut in 1665. Over the time span of one hundred years, each colony had different traditions and dates for celebrations.

George Washington was the first president to issue a proclamation for the celebration of Thanksgiving. Interestingly though some of the future presidents did not agree to resolutions for a national day of Thanksgiving. They felt it was not in their constitutional power. Over the years thanksgiving was celebrated in many states, on different dates, and was typically celebrated in the month of November.

See NOVEMBER on page 4

ThanksgivingContinued from page 1

Thank you Loretta Smith and friends who, despite the weather and parking issues, were able to raise $1000 for DDB through their Bears for Bread stand at Pennsboro’s Pumpkin Fest.

Bears for Bread: Marna Holt, Roger Holt, Loretta Smith

Page 4 www.pinestreet.org

The Giving Tree 2012 Reaches for the Star

The Giving Tree has long been a Christmas tradition at Pine Street. This year, the Mission Committee continues to sponsor this opportunity to give to others in remembrance of the birth of Jesus, with gratitude and love for the bounty which God has given to us. Your contributions to the Giving Tree will focus

100% on local groups that need help in these tough economic times.

The Magi were guided by the shining Christmas star, bringing gifts to the Messiah. Look for the Stars in the Gathering Place to find details and sign-ups to bring your gifts of hope to our community.

How do you participate??

Sign-up on November 25th, December 2nd or Dec. 9th in the Gathering Place at the special table set up for this purpose.

Return gifts or checks to the sign-up table on December 9th or 16th so that they can be delivered in time for Christmas.

The following agencies have been chosen this year.

� Delta Community — assists homeless parents• Gifts for individuals

� HELP Ministries — provides emergency services such as shelter, rent assistance, and heating fuel • Money for vouchers which are sent directly to landlords or fuel vendors

� Promise Place — a living facility for women just out of prison who are trying to turn their lives around • Gifts for individuals

� Downtown Daily Bread• T-shirts, warm gloves (especially men’s), socks, razors

� Community Check-up Center — provides compassionate and caring medical services • New or gently used books to be used at the center as well as distributed to families to encourage reading

AdventContinued from page 1

NovemberContinued from page 3

haunting fact. But the great and glad news is that God has done something for the sake our world. God has redeemed it in Christ and entered into this world – and God is coming. We have no idea when history and creation will reach its appointed end. Instead, we are to live as if the end is around the corner and to live expectantly and with hope. Prepare your hearts and minds this Advent for God’s amazing arrival!

Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer, lobbied for the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. She had written editorials in her magazine and written letters to the governors in every state and territory. She also wrote a letter to President Abraham Lincoln asking for an annual day of thanksgiving. On October 3, 1863, Lincoln proclaimed the nationwide Thanksgiving Day as the last Thursday of each November.

After 1869 the president proclaimed the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. But there was contention over the actual date. Each year individuals would try to change the date for one reason or another. Finally, although the confusion over the date continued through 1940 and 41, President Roosevelt announced that the traditional date of the last Thursday in November would be the official Thanksgiving Day. A bill was signed into effect of this on November 26, 1941 and has been followed by every state since 1956.

This year as you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal take time to reflect on the fact that we, as a nation, took a great deal of time to have an “official” day to celebrate being thankful. Reflect on the many things that God has provided us with and think of those who are not as fortunate as we are. And as you pray remember what it says in Colossians chapter 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Page 5Pine Street Life

POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM – 2012

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia that will be used for decorating the sanctuary for Christmas, please complete the form below. There will no longer be automatic renewals for ordering poinsettias.

The form can be either mailed or put in the box in the Gathering Place along with your check made payable to Pine Street Presbyterian Church (please specify in the memo that this is for poinsettias). The costs of the poinsettias are $8.00 each. Deadline for orders is December 16, 2012.

WORDING OF DEDICATION:

In Memory of

__________________________________________________________

In Honor of

__________________________________________________________

Given by

__________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed*___________________

*Payment is due when order form is submitted.

Mailing address is: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

WE MUST HAVE THE ABOVE FORM FILLED OUT AND PUT IN THE BOX IN THE GATHERING PLACE (BOX IS MARKED). IF YOU DO NOT FILL OUT THIS FORM, YOU WILL NOT HAVE YOUR MEMORIAL LISTED IN THE CHRISTMAS BULLETIN, EVEN IF YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE IT DONE AUTOMATICALLY FROM YEAR TO YEAR.

Cookie/ Craft BazaarPlease mark your

calendars for Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 10:00am – 12:30pm Bring a friend and join us for our Christmas Cookie/Craft Bazaar. We will be offering cookies and fudge for $6.00 per pound, and sweet breads to be priced separately. We will also be offering a selection of craft items that could easily provide you with a gift for that special someone this Christmas!

All proceeds from this event will benefit the upkeep of our church kitchen.

Please feel free to contact Cheryl Goode at the church, 238-9304 x105 or cgoode@pinestreet.org with any questions.

Can you give an occasional ride to a member living in the Union Deposit area who would like to attend the 11:00 service? If you can help, please contact Kris Dormuth at 938-0935 or kdormuth1@comcast.net.

Page 6 www.pinestreet.org

Pine Street Life (USPS 574-510) is published monthly by Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.Periodicals Postage paid at Harrisburg, PA 17105. Postmaster: Send address changes to Pine Street Life, Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Births

September 23, 2012

Korynn Alivia Gerstdaughter of

Cynthia and Edward Gerst

Men’s BreakfastPine Street veterans,

their families and friends are invited for breakfast on Saturday, November 10, 2012 hosted by the Pine Street Men. Veterans from all branches of service are invited. Arrive by 8:00 am for coffee and conversation. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am.

Veterans, call the church office at 238- 9304 if you need a ride tobreakfast. We will be providing rides for anyone that is in need of a way to get to Fellowship Hall that morning. Any veteran, male or female, is invited. It does not matter when you served. Those who are currently in the service are also welcome.

Pine Street Walkers

Pine Street Book Club

Novermber 11Jesus, My Father, the

CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

Barb Neff, HostessReviewed by Joan Landis

January 13, 2013Red Azlea

by Anchee MinSandy Allen, Hostess

Reviewed by Cynthia Hertzler

February 10, 2013Folly Beach

by Dorothea Benton FrankPam Bauer, Hostess

Reviewed by Pam Bauer

March 10, 2013If You Ask Meby Betty White

Sondra Fertig, Hostess Reviewed by Rita Falk &

Barb Taylor

April 14, 2013Rich Boy

by Sharon PomerantzEstelle Hartranft, Hostess

Reviewed by Eileen Kunkle & Estelle Hartranft

May 19, 2013The Good Daughters

by Joyce MaynardDoris Coyne, Hostess

Reviewed by Edna Andrews

Book Club always meets at 7:00 pm. Sign-up at the

Welcome Center.

Enjoy the fall weather with the Pine Streetwalkers at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Meet at 1:00 pm at the Olewine Nature Center parking lot. This is a three mile loop hike mostly on blacktop with some gravel and wood chip trail along the canal tow path.

This is also part of the Capital Area Greenbelt. Get this section in so you can work on the remaining sections in the future. Wildwood Lake Sanctuary is located off of Wildwood Park Drive/Industrial Road which is accessible off Cameron Street (by the Farm Show) or off of Linglestown Road to the North.

For more information on Wildwood Lake Sanctuary go to: http://www.wildwoodlake.org/

What Are Your Gifts?Back in September Pine Street members were

mailed a questionnaire asking you to “consider what skills or abilities you possess that are, in reality, spiritual gifts that can be put to use in the work of the church in building the Kingdom of God, right here in Harrisburg.”

Understanding the gifts of our members is vital as we explore various opportunities for a new mission project for Pine Street. Please return your completed questionnaire as soon as possible.

November, 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday288:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary9:40 AM Church School - all ages11:00 AM Worship –Sanctuary12:15 PM New Members Class12:15 PM New Mission Presentation4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir5:00 PM SYF - Fellowship Hall & Boyd

29 308:45 AM Staff Worship9:15 AM Staff Meeting1:00 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision

316:00 PM JYF – Boyd6:00 PM Adult Study7:30 PM Adult Handbell Choir

16:30 PM Chamber Singers rehearsal7:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal

27:30 PM MAPS Event - Choral Evensong

3

48:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary9:40 AM Stewardship Breakfast - Fellowship Hall11:00 AM Worship –Sanctuary12:15 PM New Members Class4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir5:00 PM SYF - Fellowship Hall & Boyd

5 68:45 AM Staff Worship9:15 AM Staff meeting7:30 PM Session meeting

76:00 PM KOALA6:00 PM JYF – Boyd6:00 PM Adult Study7:30 PM Adult Handbell Choir

86:30 PM Chamber Singers rehearsal7:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal

96:00 PM Family Retreat - Camp Hebron

10Family Retreat8:00 AM Men’s Breakfast9:30 AM Kitchen maintenance cleaning10:00 AM Shawl Ministry

118:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary9:40 AM Church School - all ages11:00 AM Worship –Sanctuary12:15 PM New Members Class1:00 PM Pine StreetWalkers4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir5:00 PM SYF - Fellowship Hall & Boyd

12

Church & Boyd Offices Closed 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision

138:45 AM Staff Worship9:15 AM Staff Meeting7:00 PM Program Committee meetings

146:00 PM KOALA 6:00 PM JYF – Boyd6:00 PM Adult Study7:30 PM Adult Handbell Choir

156:30 PM Chamber Singers rehearsal7:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal

16 17

18Consecration Sunday8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary9:40 AM Church School - all ages11:00 AM Worship –Sanctuary12:15 PM New Members Class4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir5:00 PM Moms Group5:00 PM SYF - Fellowship Hall & Boyd

19 208:45 AM Staff Worship9:15 AM Staff Meeting12:00 PM Trustees meeting6:30 PM Deacons Admin Comm meeting7:00 PM Deacons meeting

21 22

Church & Boyd Offices Closed

23

Church & Boyd Offices Closed

24

25Christ the King Sunday8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary9:40 AM Church School - all ages11:00 AM Worship –Sanctuary12:15 PM New Members Class4:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir5:00 PM SYF - Fellowship Hall & Boyd

26 278:45 AM Staff Worship9:15 AM Staff Meeting7:00 PM Admin & Finance meeting

281:00 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision6:00 PM JYF – Boyd6:00 PM Hanging of the Greens7:00 PM Adult Ed/Spiritual Life Committee meeting

296:30 PM Chamber Singers rehearsal7:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal

30 19:00 AM Set up Advent Breakfast

PeriodicalsPostage Paid At

Harrisburg, PA 17105Pine Street Presbyterian Church310 North Third StreetHarrisburg, PA 17101

www.pinestreet.org

Thursday November 1all SaintS’ Day

Psalms 116, 147:12–20Nahum 1:15—2:12Revelation 12:7–17Luke 11:53—12:12

Friday November 2Psalms 84, 148Nahum 2:13—3:7Revelation 13:1–10Luke 12:13–31

Saturday November 3Psalms 63, 149Nahum 3:8–19Revelation 13:11–18Luke 12:32–48Sunday November 4twenty-thirD SunDay after pentecoSt

Psalms 103, 150Zephaniah 1:1–61 Corinthians 12:27—13:13Matthew 18:21–35

Monday November 5Psalms 5, 145Zephaniah 1:7–13Revelation 14:1–13Luke 12:49–59

Tuesday November 6Psalms 42, 146Zephaniah 1:14–18Revelation 14:14—15:8Luke 13:1–9

Wednesday November 7Psalms 89:1–18, 147:1–11Zephaniah 2:1–15Revelation 16:1–11Luke 13:10–17

Thursday November 8Psalms 97, 147:12–20Zephaniah 3:1–7Revelation 16:12–21Luke 13:18–30

Friday November 9Psalms 51, 148Zephaniah 3:8–13Revelation 17:1–18Luke 13:31–35

Saturday November 10Psalms 104, 149Zephaniah 3:14–20Revelation 18:1–14Luke 14:1–11

Sunday November 11twenty-fourth SunDayafter pentecoStPentecost

Psalms 19, 150Joel 1:1–131 Corinthians 14:1–12Matthew 20:1–16

Monday November 12Psalms 135, 145Joel 1:15—2:2Revelation 18:15–24Luke 14:12–24

Tuesday November 13Psalms 123, 146Joel 2:3–11Revelation 19:1–10Luke 14:25–35

Wednesday November 14Psalms 15, 147:1–11Joel 2:12–19Revelation 19:11–21Luke 15:1–10

Thursday November 15Psalms 36, 147:12–20Joel 2:21–27James 1:1–15Luke 15:1–2, 11–32

Friday November 16Psalms 130, 148Joel 2:28—3:8James 1:16–27Luke 16:1–9

Saturday November 17Psalms 56, 149Joel 3:9–17James 2:1–13Luke 16:10–17 (18)

Sunday November 18twenty-fifth SunDayafter pentecoStpentecoSt

Psalms 67, 150Habakkuk 1:1–4 (5–11) 12—2:1Philippians 3:13—4:1Matthew 23:13–24

Monday November 19Psalms 57, 145Habakkuk 2:1–4, 9–20James 2:14–26Luke 16:19–31

Tuesday November 20Psalms 54, 146Habakkuk 3:1–10 (11–15) 16–18James 3:1–12Luke 17:1–10

Wednesday November 21Psalms 65, 147:1–11Malachi 1:1, 6–14James 3:13—4:12Luke 17:11–19

Thursday November 22Psalms 143, 147:12–20Malachi 2:1–16James 4:13—5:6Luke 17:20–37

Friday November 23Psalms 88, 148Malachi 3:1–12James 5:7–12Luke 18:1–8

Saturday November 24Psalms 122, 149Malachi 3:13—4:6James 5:13–20Luke 18:9–14

Sunday November 25chriSt the King/reignof chriSt SunDay

Psalms 108, 150Zechariah 9:9–161 Peter 3:13–22Matthew 21:1–13

Monday November 26Psalms 62, 145Zechariah 10:1–12Galatians 6:1–10Luke 18:15–30

Tuesday November 27Psalms 12, 146Zechariah 11:4–171 Corinthians 3:10–23Luke 18:31–43

Wednesday November 28Psalms 96, 147:1–11Zechariah 12:1–10Ephesians 1:3–14Luke 19:1–10

Thursday November 29Psalms 116, 147:12–20Evening Ps. 26, 130Zechariah 13:1–9Ephesians 1:15–23Luke 19:11–27

Friday November 30Psalms 84, 148Evening Ps. 25, 40Zechariah 14:1–11Rom. 15:7–13Luke 19:28–40

Lectionary Readings for November