pine street life - september 2010
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Pine Street LifeVolume 30, Issue 9
September 1, 2010
Inside This Issue
Financial Update . . . . .3Church Family . . . . . . .5DDB . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Mark Your Calendar . .7September Scripture . . .8September Calendar . . .8
Dates to Remember
9/11 Men’s Breakfast
9/12 Rally Day
9/12 Bible Study signups begin
9/12 Gallery Walk
9/26 Church Picnic
PSL deadlineArticles, photos and items of interest for the October issue of Pine Street Life are due by September 15, 2010. Please e-mail to Sue Black at
This past year during Lent we began a series of small group Bible studies which met in members’ homes. It was very successful and enjoyed by all. Small groups provide wonderful opportunities not only to learn together, but also to develop deeper friendships and support. In small groups we study, pray, and have fellowship. We are going to continue this small group experience this fall with a remarkable study, Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today.
The Book of Revelation is one of the most amazing books of scripture. Because of the way it is often interpreted, however, it gets bad press! In truth it is a book of great hope and one of my favorite books in the Bible precisely because it was written to give strength and meaning to Christians who were facing tough times. In Journeys Through Revelation, author Barbara Rossing “leads us to a renewed creation in which God comes to live with us on earth. This hope-filled vision speaks to us in the midst of the urgent
crises of our day. In a time when all creation stands at a turning, Revelation can help guide the choices we make as we seek to live into the renewal God promises for our world.”
Our small groups will meet 5 times in the fall (during the four weeks of October and the first week in November) and 4 times in the spring (during the last week of January and the first 3 weeks in February). Block out these weeks
on your calendar. Sign-ups will begin on Sunday, September 12, in the Gathering Place. There will be a variety of locations and dates from which you can choose. The cost of the book is $8.00. You pay for your book when you register.
Small groups are a basic principle of vital ministry. They provide a caring fellowship and an opportunity to grow in knowledge of Christ and his word. Join a group this fall and become a stronger disciple of Christ. x
Home BiBle StudieSBegin AgAin tHiS FAll
by Rev. Russell Sullivan
Pine Street Needs Your NominationsBy Michael Buffington
Ministers of Pine Street! The time has again come for the Congregational Nominating Committee to begin its work on establishing candidates for the Deacon, Trustee and Elder classes of 2014. We, the CNC, heavily rely on your input as the congregation we and all officers serve. You will find a “Recommendation for Church Office” form in
See CNC page 2
Volume 30, Issue 9Page 2
Bagels and BeliefNew Program Starts in October
By Steve McMullen
There are big changes planned for adult Christian education at Pine Street. By adding to the very successful adult education now underway each and every Sunday, the
new programs are designed to give opportunities for learning to everyone interested in adult Christian education, including those who are not involved with a particular weekly class but who want to know more about the Christian faith and its traditions. After much planning, one of those changes is a new monthly offering that is slated to begin in October.
Bagels and Belief is a new series set for the first Sunday of each month during the Sunday School year. Meeting in Fellowship Hall, this monthly forum will be taught by the team of pastors with lessons based upon the book A Faith of Your Own, Naming What You Really Believe by Ronald Allen. Each month a new topic will be explored, including God, the Trinity, the Resurrection, and other foundations of our faith.
Bagels and Belief is not only to offer a quality time for fellowship and learning, it is also to give a new Christian education opportunity for interested members, friends, and visitors. This insightful monthly gathering is one of the new initiatives from the Christian Nurture and Education Committee aimed at expanding opportunities for adult learning. Look for information soon on other activities, such as a new in-home Bible study starting this fall and timely and prominent listings of Sunday School weekly topics and class locations.
Matthew 11:29 records Jesus telling his followers to “…learn of me;”
Presbyterians, and especially we here at Pine Street, have always taken that commandment to heart. Bagels and Belief is another opportunity open for all of us to enrich our faith through Christian education. x
Bagels and Belief Topics & SpeakersOctober 3, 2010 Rev. Russell Sullivan What we believe about God
November 7, 2010 Rev. Alex Lang What we believe about Jesus Christ
January 2, 2011 Rev. Heather Sigler What we believe about the Holy Spirit
February 6, 2011 Guest Presenter What we believe about the Trinity
March 6 , 2011 Rev. Russell Sullivan What we believe about God’s Ultimate Purpose
April 3, 2011 Rev. Heather Sigler What we believe about the Church
May 2, 2011 Rev. Alex Lang What we believe about Evil
June 5, 2011 Guest Presenter What we believe about Christianity and Other Religions
CNCCont’d from page 1
your worship bulletin on all four Sundays in September.
Please indicate whether you are recommending the individual for the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Session or the 2011/2012 Congregational Nominating Committee. It is not necessary to contact this person in order to submit a recommendation. You may recommend yourself if you believe you qualify and have the desire to serve.
Please give reasons for recommending this member. You may wish to include: commitment to Christ and to the mission of Pine Street, involvement in the life of Pine Street, maturity of Christian character, leadership abilities, special talents, gifts and experience that this person may possess.
There will be a box in the Gathering Place during September in which to deposit your recommendation. Thanks in advance for your participation. x
Pine Street Life Page 3
Financial Picture
Not available this month .
Session Notes
The session does not meet during the months of July and August . MISSION CENTRAL CHOSEN AS LOCAL
RECIPIENT FOR PEACEMAKING OFFERINGBy Eileen Kunkle
A small representative group from Pine Street’s Mission Committee recently visited Mission Central in Mechanicsburg and took a private tour. Mission Central was created in 2002 by Bishop Irons of the United Methodist Church to maintain the integrity of the Central Pennsylvania Conference’s mission efforts. What was learned convinced us that Mission Central should be the recipient this year of the 25% of the Peacemaking Offering that is kept for a local project. You will be hearing about this offering during the month of September and it will be received the first Sunday in October. So here are a few of the facts that impressed the group.
First, Mission Central considers itself a distribution center rather than a warehouse. It is constantly receiving, sorting, and packaging donated materials to be sent at a moment’s notice to fulfill a need either locally, nationally, or globally. They have medical supplies, personal hygiene items, computers, clothing, bedding, gardening supplies, and many other things. These supplies are received from individuals as well as companies. Individuals are screened by a church or social service agency before they can go to the distribution center and chose whatever material goods they need to maintain their home and family.
Second, they have an efficient organization of one full-time, two part time, and numerous volunteer workers, as well as ministry partners like Bethesda Mission. Mission Central says that “God is our CEO,” who knows the needs of Mission Central as well as the world’s needs. Many miraculous stories are told about how needs and contributions have been matched. There are two main needs for monetary contributions — for shipping costs and to help pay down the mortgage on this wonderful facility. By June of this year, 3 million dollars worth of supplies have been sent out from this center.
Third, this facility is local, so the Mission Committee sees opportunities there for members to become involved in meaningful ways. It is a perfect place to donate excess or no longer needed items from your household. It is one of the few places that will take outdated computer equipment as they have people with skills to rebuild them. It also is possible for members of Pine Street as individuals or small groups to volunteer for a worthwhile, well organized work project for a one-time or ongoing commitment.
Please let this worthy cause be one more reason to make a generous contribution to the Peacemaking Offering next month. x
Volume 30, Issue 9Page 4
Staff Contact Info
Main Number 238-9304
Senior PastorRev. Dr. Russell Sullivan . [email protected]
Associate PastorRev. Alex Lang . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Parish Associate for Visitation Rev. Heather Sigler . . . . . ext. n/[email protected]
Organist/ChoirmasterTom Clark-Jones . . . . . . . [email protected]
Director of Children and Family Ministry
Cheryl Goode . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Office ManagerMichelle Kennedy . . . . . . [email protected]
Church AdministratorDiana Robertson . . . . . . . [email protected]
Buildings & Grounds ManagerPeter Hollander . . . . . . . . [email protected]
DDB DirectorElaine Strokoff . . . . . . . . [email protected]
DDB CounselorChristine Patrick . . . . . . . [email protected]
DDB KitchenBrenda Ervin . . . . . . . . . . ext.125
General Voice Mail . . . . . ext.111
Gallery Walk 2010by Ron Poorman
Pine Street Church will be participating in The Art Association of Harrisburg’s Gallery Walk this year on September 12th and the exhibit will be open at Pine Street following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Pine Street members are invited to see the exhibit and continue on the walk throughout the afternoon. Gallery Walk brochures will be available at Pine Street prior to the event. The exhibit will feature works by Philadelphia area artist, Stanley Boorse (1913-1984). Mr. Boorse was the uncle of Pine Street member, Bonnie Peckham and works for the exhibit are provided by the Klinger and Peckham families. Mr. Boorse was a graduate of West Chester University and taught English and Drama in Swarthmore, PA for 30 years. Mr. Boorse was also active in theater at the Poconos resort Buck Hill Falls. He was artist in residence at Widener University in 1975. He worked in acrylics and watercolors, honing his later skills primarily in watercolors.
Instrumental music will be provided from 1:00 – 3:00 by the Capital Piano Trio, featuring Shirley Miller, violin, and Pine Streeters Estelle Hartranft, cello, and Sue Black, piano. x
Best wishes to students and
teachers as you head back to
school
Men’s BreakfastBy Marty Gruver
Pine Street Men will meet for breakfast on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Great way to start the day, even better way to prepare for worship on Sunday. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m., conversation and fellowship will follow. End by 9 a.m. You will have the remainder of the day to work off the calories consumed at breakfast. Arrive by 7 a.m. to help with set-up, enjoy fellowship and coffee and cheer on the cooks and those brewing the coffee. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Pine Street Life Page 5
This summer friends of Sarah Pearce helped her build a labyrinth in her backyard. It was designed by Joanne Alwine and Sam Conrad, who helped Sarah and Tyler lay it out. Sarah says “I did the labyrinth because walking it is another way I have a conversation with God; I discuss problems and issues as I walk to the center, release them, and listen to His will on my walk out. It it very peaceful. I did it because I had room in my backyard , and I knew my neighbors wouldn’t mind something a bit different. They love it!”
Several years ago Estelle Hartranft painted a labyrinth in her basement. “Labyrinths have always fascinated me and I thought a painted one on my basement floor would be the easiest way to have
one. Of course, nothing is ever easy as I discovered the space available did not allow any of the traditional designs so I had to design one myself. As I remember, I tied a string to a can in the center and penciled the circles before painting with silver paint.” x
News From Our Church Family
If you have any news items or photos to share with our church family, please forward them to Sue Black at
Pine Street WelcomesElijah “Eli” Robert Lang
Born at 9:36 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010 to Rev. Alex and Courtney Lang 7 pounds 19 ounces20 3/4 inches
During her summer break from being up in the choir loft, Estelle Hartranft has spent August satisfying her wanderlust and acrophilia with a whirlwind trip through the Adirondaks, Catskills and Berkshires. Estelle’s love of the arts took her to the Glimmerglass Opera, the Degas/Picasso exhibit at the Clark Art Museum, the Berkshire Choral Festival and to Tanglewood, where Yo-Yo Ma performed for a sold out house (and then some). After a few days at home, it was off to the Green Mountain State for a week of relaxation before heading closer to sea level for a concert at Mt. Gretna.
Pine Streeters’ LabyrinthsLeft: Tyler Pearce and Dave Freet start placing stone
Below: Bill Mader, Sarah Pearce, Bill Black, Tyler Pearce, Marty Gruver, Cameron Berrier, Chuck Gerdes
Bottom: Carol Mader, Sue Black, Bonnie Peckham, Sarah Pearce, Deb Gruver
Estelle’s labyrinth
Georgetta Brickner turns 90 on September 4. Her address is 514 South K Street Lake Worth, Florida 33460.
Volume 30, Issue 9Page 6
Police Department. They showed sensitivity to the homeless and their plight. They spoke of mental illness, which they knew to be the core of many who live on the streets. They were familiar with homeless individuals and saw them as people, rather than “problems.” I was relieved to learn that these detectives regarded most of Harrisburg’s homeless as “harmless.”
Word is that Ty’s alleged attackers have been apprehended. We at Downtown Daily Bread are grateful for everyone who helped in that effort. We would especially like to thank the Harrisburg Police Department for doing commendable work in this investigation and want to thank them for keeping our community safe and for pursuing justice. x
In early August, 2010, Ty Alan Depew was attacked in downtown Harrisburg. He died shortly thereafter. Ty was homeless and ate lunch at Downtown Daily Bread. He was a soft spoken, respectful man who complimented the cook and thanked her for the meal.
We knew that Ty, like other DDB clients, had issues that were contributing to his homelessness. The demons were in control; he was not. Ty was sick and homeless but he did not deserve to die the way he did. He had a loving family and friends, hobbies, and dreams like the rest of us.
Two Harrisburg police detectives visited Downtown Daily Bread as part of their crime investigation. They had seen Ty on the streets for years and had found him to be friendly and harmless. They, too, were saddened by his death. They were also committed to finding his assailants. I was impressed with these representatives of the Harrisburg
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.
By Elaine Strokoff
Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2010
By Sue Black
Over 5000 youth from all over the U.S. and the world gathered at Purdue University from July 20 – 24 to participate in the 2010 Presbyterian Youth Triennium event. Pine Street’s delegates were Maddie Seefeldt, Rachel Bani, Lydia Black and Chelsea Hartman. Over the course of the event the youth enjoyed small group discussions, recreation, and making new friends. They were especially inspired by the final worship service, when popular evangelist Tony Campolo spoke.
Current middle schoolers can look forward to the next Presbyterian Youth Triennium, which will be held July 16 – 20, 2013. x
Volume 30, Issue 9Page 7
Lectionary Readings for September
Wednesday, Sept. 1 Psalm 96Job 12:1; 14:1-22John 8:47-59
Thursday, Sept 2 Psalm 116Job 16:16-22; 17:1, 13-16 John 9:1-17
Friday, Sept. 3 Psalm 84Job 19:1-7, 14-27 John 9:18-41
Saturday, Sept. 4 Psalm 63Job 22:1-4, 21–23:7John 10:1-18
Sunday, Sept. 5 Psalm 139:1-6,13-18Jeremiah 18:1-11Luke 14:25-33Philemon1-21
Monday, Sept. 6 Psalm 5Job 32:1-10,19–33:1, 19-28 John 10:19-30
Tuesday Sept. 7 Psalm 42Job 29:1-20John 10:31-42
Wednesday, Sept. 8 Psalm 89Job 29:1; 30:1-2,16-31 John 11:1-16
Thursday, Sept. 9 Psalm 97Job 29:1; 31:1-23 John 11:17-29
Friday, Sept. 10 Psalm 51Job 29:1; 31:24-40John 11:30-44
Saturday, Sept. 11 Psalm 104Job 38:1-17John 11:45-54
Sunday, Sept. 12 Psalm 14Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28Luke 15:1-101 Timothy 1:12-17
Monday, Sept. 13 Psalm 135Job 40:1-24John 11:55–12:8
Tuesday, Sept. 14 Psalm 123Job 40:1; 41:1-11 John 12:9-19
Wednesday, Sept. 15 Psalm 15Job 42:1-17John 12:20-26
Thursday, Sept. 16 Psalm 36Job 28:1-28John 12:27-36a
Friday, Sept. 17 Psalm 130Esther 1:1-4, 10-19John 12:36b-43
Saturday, Sept. 18 Psalm 56Esther 2:5-8, 15-23John 12:44-50
Sunday, Sept. 19 Psalm 79:1-9Jeremiah 8:18–9:1Luke 16:1-131 Timothy 2:1-7
Monday, Sept. 20 Psalm 57Esther 4:4-17Luke (1:1-4) 3:1-14
Tuesday, Sept. 21 Psalm 54Esther 5:1-14Luke 3:15-22
Wednesday, Sept. 22 Psalm 65Esther 6:1-14Luke 4:1-13
Thursday, Sept. 23 Psalm 143 Esther 7:1-10Luke 4:14-30
Friday, Sept. 24 Psalm 88Esther 8:1-8, 15-17 Luke 4:31-37
Saturday, Sept. 25 Psalm 122Esther 9:1-32Luke 4:38-44
Sunday, Sept. 26 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15Luke 16:19-311 Timothy 6:6-19
Monday, Sept. 27 Psalm 62Hosea 2:2-15Luke 5:1-11
Tuesday, Sept. 28 Psalm 12Hosea 2:16-23Luke 5:12-26
Wednesday, Sept. 29Psalm 96Hosea 3:1-5Luke 5:27-39
Thursday, Sept. 30 Psalm 116Hosea 4:1-10Luke 6:1-11
Mark your calendar for FUN!
KOALA stands for Kids On A Lifelong Adventure. Please reserve your Wednesday evenings this fall from 6–7:15 p.m. for this adventure in learning and fun at KOALA CLUB. This program includes students from 1st through 5th grades. The program will run from October through May with a suggested donation of $30.00 to help cover costs of materials needed. You may sign up at the Welcome Center.
RALLY DAY is Sunday, September 12 from 9:40-10:40 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Come and join your Pine Street friends to enjoy music, a continental breakfast, and fellowship as we kickoff the new program year. There is no cost for the breakfast, but there will be sign-ups beginning Sunday, August 1 at the Welcome Center.
ALL CHURCH PICNIC. Join us Sunday, September 26, 2010 following the 11:00 service at Lower Allen Park in Mechanicsburg. We will gather in the Lower Pavilion for food, games and fellowship. Meat and drinks, cups, plates and utensils will be provided. We ask that you bring a side dish to share, enough for eight people. There will be games for the children led by Lisa Milletics and Deb Gruver. Adults may sit and enjoy the day or play volleyball and horseshoes. Sign up at the Welcome Center and receive directions to the park.
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Pine Street Life Page 8
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