1 psl january 2017 our new worship schedule vol 37 issue 1 final
PINE STREET LIFE
Our New Sunday Schedule
Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Experience at Pine Street
Among the many things Pine Street does well are Sunday worship and education. Traditional with Word and Sacrament at the center, our Service for the Lord’s Day is warm, friendly, and inviting. Our music is diverse in style and genre in order to touch the varied spiritual lives of people. Prayers, music, and sermon integrate the scripture lessons of the day. People tell me all the time how nourished they feel because our worship.
Our church school is for all ages. All of our children feel the love of Christ through their teachers. Led by nurturing and committed advisors, our youth gather every Sunday. Our adults have three wonderful classes to choose from each week. Worship and education – together they grow and build disciples. Linking that to a warm and inviting fellowship gives us a formula for growth and vitality for our congre-
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January 16 Offices Closed January 17 Trustees Session
January 21 New Members Class January 29 Simonton Celebration
gation. Firmly committed to these three values, your Session has made two decisions that affect our Sunday morning experience. First, Session decided to consolidate our two worship services into one 10:00 a.m. service beginning Sunday, January 8. In this new format, the Education Hour will begin at 8:45 a.m. Coffee and light pastries will be available before classes. Second, in addition to our adult classes, we are scheduling an adult forum in the Fellowship Hall. (See article in this issue.) Continued on Next Page.
The rationale for this change is twofold. First, Session believes that one service with more people in attendance will build a stronger sense of communion and fellowship. And second, having more people present in a worship service creates a positive image for attracting visitors and growing the church. We know this has created some discomfort for some of our people. Setting the time at 10:00 a.m., however, is a good median point for worship. It’s not too late, nor is it too early. We will also integrate some of the elements of the 8:30 worship into the new 10:00 one, and we will be cognizant of time. It’s a new thing, and sometimes it’s difficult to get used to something new. Risking new things is one way we discern God’s will. Jesus himself said that we can’t put new wine into old wineskins. Sometimes to put the new life of the kingdom into our lives, we have to make some new wineskins to hold this good stuff. I hope our new schedule will be just that – a wineskin holding the effervescent and stimulating life of God’s kingdom taking shape at Pine Street. Of course, we will be constantly evaluating, but we never know anything for certain until we move forward into newness. Let’s give it a good try and live into the new thing that God desires for us.
by The Rev. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr., Pastor
The choir sings ‘The Many Moods of Christmas’
Adult Forums
A New Addition to the Sunday Morning Experience
On January 8, we begin a new Sunday morning schedule. Fellowship and education will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the Service for the Lord’s Day will begin at 10:00 a.m. In addition to choosing from three outstanding adult classes, there will be an adult forum each week in the Fellowship Hall. If you are not currently in a class, plan to attend the forum. Prayer, community and world issues, mission, and Bible study are among the many topics planned.
Coming up during Epiphany (Sundays, January 8 through February 26), our forums will focus on the church’s outreach to the world. The Season of Epiphany is ideally suited for this emphasis. In the church year it is the season in which we remember the story of the journey of the magi to visit the Christ Child. Coming from a nation outside the covenant people, the Magi represent the coming of the world to Christ. Epiphany is the celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation to the world, and that loudly proclaims mission and outreach to others! Here are the topics from January 8 through February 5:
▪ January 8 – Bagels and Belief – I will lead the forum on a new model for mission called Prophetic Dialogue. We’ll examine church history and how different models of mission arose to deal with specific contexts. What’s appropriate for our context? Enjoy good bagels, and come away with some new thoughts about mission.
▪ January 15 – “Another Perspective on Mission: The Quakers” – We’ll have a local member of the Society of Friends share the Quaker perspective, especially on mission.
▪ January 22 – Presbyterian Mission – Dr. Mark Englund-Krieger, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Carlisle, has a big heart for mission and how churches can be involved. He will be sharing with you what is happening with mission in our denomination.
▪ January 29 – There is no forum this morning, but the emphasis of the day is the church in the world. After worship, we have a lunch and presentation about the legacy of Ashbel Green Simonton, a missionary from Pine Street in the 19th century who founded the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. After lunch, stay for a great concert by students from Brazil under the direction of Dr. Shelly MoormanStahlman of Lebanon Valley College. See the full article in this issue of Pine Street Life.
▪ February 5 – Bagels and Belief: Christianity and Foreign Policy – What is a Christian perspective on foreign policy? How can Christians influence our nation’s foreign policy? Join Dr. Dean Curry, Professor of Politics at Messiah College, as he shares with us thoughts on this important subject. If you aren’t in a class and are seeking a fresh beginning in your growth as a disciple of Christ, try out the adult forums. We never stop learning and growing! by Dr. Sullivan
Session Highlights
From the December meeting
Session had a very busy December! Here are some of the highlights:
Review of Membership Rolls – In an effort to accurately reflect our actual membership, Session occasionally reviews the rolls and reaches out to those who have not been active for an extended period of time. A letter will be sent to some of our members inviting them to re-connect with our church and asking them if they wish to remain on the rolls.
Re-Design of Website – Session authorized entering into a contract with Griflan Design to re-design the website of both the church and Downtown Daily Bread. It is hoped that this will serve current members and attract new ones. The websites will be better able to be viewed on mobile devices, and will allow for electronic fundraising.
One Service on the Lord’s Day – Beginning January 8, there will be one service of worship at 10:00 a.m. The Education Hour will begin at 8:45 a.m. with coffee and refreshments. An adult forum will be added to the Education Hour during the September through May program. Coffee and fellowship will follow the worship service.
Downtown Daily Bread Reorganization – Session has decided to reorganize the operations of Downtown Daily Bread. This has resulted in the elimination of the position of Executive Director. We have said farewell to Elaine Strokoff, a strong advocate for the poor and hungry in Harrisburg for over 20 years. Elaine had a passion for her work at Downtown Daily Bread, and she represented Pine Street and the homeless well in our community. Downtown Daily Bread serves lunch to its clients every day. But it does much more than that! There are showers, mailboxes, clothing, haircuts, lockers, lawyers, nurses, counselors, and a drop-in-center. Plans are underway to expand services and hours, as well as hire a Director of Development. We are also exploring ways to expand our volunteer base. You will be hearing more about all of these plans in the coming months.
Grateful Giving New Year’s Resolutions
Initial Offering 2017
As we begin a new year, I am challenging us all to make some New Year’s Resolutions. “Stewardship” is NOT just our annual pledge we make each fall - it is a spiritual discipline, a time for us to acknowledge regularly that all we have is a gift from God. Let me suggest two resolutions to begin 2017:
Each time we give a financial gift to Pine Street, whether at church or as we note our E-Tithe in our checkbook, offer a prayer to God, giving thanks for the abundant gifts we have been given. Begin the year with an EXTRA gift of at least $30.00. Use your Initial Offering Envelope from home –or a pew envelope and specify the gift is your INITIAL OFFERING. Give thanks for the wonderful Advent and Christmas season we have enjoyed. Give thanks for the greater church that does amazing things in our region and throughout the world. Each year, every congregation in the Presbyterian Church USA is asked to support our church beyond our walls. For Pine Street, we are asked to contribute $25.58 per member (our 2017 per capita).
Please give generously! by Chantal Atnip
Christmas Giving Tree 2016
An Abundant Harvest
An outpouring of gifts for this year’s Giving Tree reflects the generosity and thoughtfulness of Pine Street members. Many people contributed their time for various tasks: decorating the table in the Gathering Place, compiling descriptions and lists for gift requests, helping with sign-ups, and delivering gifts. The results? A brighter Christmas for many in our local area. Here are some details:
Delta Community, located on North Second Street, is a program that offers housing and support for single-parent families trying to become independent. This year, requests for 20 children at first seemed rather daunting. These requests included several mattresses and sheets, as well as clothing and toys. Would we be able to buy those mattresses as well as over 50 gifts? I spoke to Delta’s director, telling her “we will try.” But with Pine Street, no problem. Right after Marty Gruver’s heartfelt Minute for Mission at the 8:30 service on November 20th, all 4 mattress requests were immediately filled! During the next 3 weeks, Pine Streeters diligently searched for gifts from Ninja Turtles to Frozen, from diapers to coats. After the December 11th service, Bill Mader and Becky Cotich loaded a van to the brim with presents, delivering them early the next day.
HELP is a program of Christian Churches United. It provides direct assistance for heating relief. Thanks to some very generous Pine Street members, over $900 was donated to this cause.
Community Check-Up Center, located in Hall Manor, provides children’s books for young patients after a doctor’s visit. 13 Pine Street members donated over 200 books, which were kindly delivered by Joann Smith.
Downtown Daily Bread clients received dozens of T-shirts, socks, washcloths, and gloves on December 18th. Other gifts of monetary donations, laundry pods, razors, and briefs will help meet the daily needs of DDB clients. This year, 8 Pine Street members signed up to be DDB “angels”. These members will be contacted as needs arise during the year. Thanks to those who supported this new program.
A Family in Need was another new outreach this year. A mother (Monicka), twin 9-year old boys, and a 10-year old girl were referred by the Harrisburg Center for Peace and Justice. Facing many challenges, this family is grateful for Pine Street help. What a blessing that a Pine Street member donated a new microwave. A few days later, Monicka called, saying that her “sparking” microwave had finally completely died. I was able to deliver this early Christmas present. The talented Anna Hall sewed a handmade coverlet for the young girl, with her name placed on it. Several other presents will add Christmas joy. The needs of this family will continue to be supported thanks to generous Pine Street contributions.
Once again, so many thoughtful gestures of giving make this year’s Giving Tree a “Garden of Gifts”. THANK YOU, Pine Street.
by Laura Messner
(See photos on page 7)
Boyd Memorial Center turns 100: 1916-2016
Part II 1949-early 1950s
On September 26, 1949, Herbert A. Rupert, Director of the Boyd Center, wrote a letter to the Session as follows:
“Around Christmas last year there was a story in the local newspapers about a group of girls the police had taken into custody for extensive shop-lifting in Harrisburg’s downtown stores. Questioning revealed that many of the girls were from families able to amply provide for them. Much of the recovered loot included items not needed at all by the girls and not used after the theft. The girls said it was a fairly common practice to just “pick -up things” in the stores.”
“It seems these girls knew not right from wrong. Or, knowing cared not.”
“The building of moral fiber; the forming of Christian character; the instilling of conviction to do the right is in the realm of the church. Can Pine Street let such a challenge go unanswered? We should bring young girls within the sphere of the church’s influence, but how?”
“The Boyd Advisory Committee proposes that a “Boyd Girls’ Club” be formed. That on Thursday evenings a program for girls ages 12 to 16 be inaugurated. This program to include: a meal (cooked by the girls), devotions, instruction in sewing, home-making, beauty, culture, crafts, games, sports, dances, and fun. All free, except a small charge for the meal, The Advisory Committee believes that in a Christian atmosphere, under Christian leadership, the girls can be inculcated with lasting Christian values, character, and conviction”
The letter put out a call to the women of Pine Street to volunteer to assist with the proposed program and give of their time on Thursday evenings. The response was amazing with 22 women coming forth to help including several members of Pine Street who served until their passing in recent years: Betty Barnes, Jeanne Rhine, Phyllis Noble Grissinger, and Eleanor Ellis.
The Girls Club became a reality and continued for a number of years.
In assembling the material for this article and in the process of writing it, I could not help but think of the great hymn, Be Thou My Vision. The Rev. Dr. Lewis Seymour Mudge, Pine Street’s Pastor at the time, along with John Yoemans Boyd, had a vision for Harrisburg with a new focus on mission, one that would improve the lives of men and boys in the City. Later, other visionary people expanded the Boyd program to include women and girls. This wonderful program, which began in 1916, continued with great success into the 1950’s. Watch for information regarding the Boyd Memorial Center in the 1950’s and 1960’s in the next issue of Pine Street Life.
by Kenneth Hays
Pine Street’s Support in Our World Mission in Lithuania
Beginning in 2006, Pine Street has had a continuing relationship with the Rev. Rimas Mickalauskas and the Evangelical Reformed Church of Lithuania. In that time, five mission groups with 20 to 24 people have visited the church in Birzai, Lithuania. We have performed work in the community, tearing down an old barn, renovating a deserted home that was converted into a youth center, laying flooring, painting rooms, repairing windows and doors, and constructing concrete walls. But most importantly, on each trip we have worked at the Vaiko Uzouveja Children’s Home, which is operated by the church.
The Russian occupation from 1945 until the collapse of the USSR in 1991 devastated this church’s denomination. Its membership had declined from over 40,000 in the early 1940’s to about 10,000 in 2006. Over 3,000 members were sent to Siberia, and fewer than 500 returned. The Russian occupiers confiscated all of the church buildings and converted them into offices, museums, or storage spaces. The congregation held itself together by meeting in barns, open fields, or homes for almost 50 years. In 1991, all church facilities were returned to the
congregation, but they had deteriorated. Restoration has been slow.
Another mission trip was scheduled in 2016, but health, family, work, and other distractions caused the trip to be cancelled. In the alternative, funds were sent, and local craftsmen did the work, including renovations to a small chapel in the village of Salamiesco. This chapel had a leaking roof and windows, rotting siding, doors with no locks, defective wiring, and walls in need of paint. The plan was to work on this during our trip.
We received a plea from the Children’s Home for financial assistance for the 27 children residing there who are all court-assigned for their own protection. The children roam the streets unsupervised and unfed, and the Children’s Home become s a safe haven for them. In 2016 funds were sent for the heating bill for the home as well as for winter clothing for the children.
Our friends in Lithuania are determined to survive and share what little they have with children in need. Can we do any less?
by Bill Bauer
Pine Street and the Presbyterian Church of Brazil
Celebrating 150+ Years of a Remarkable Relationship
Ashbel Green Simonton, a founding member of Pine Street Church, became a missionary to Brazil. He arrived in Rio de Janerio in August of 1859 and proceeded to found The Presbyterian Church of Brazil.
On January 29, following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, a special luncheon will take place in Fellowship Hall at which time we will celebrate the life of Ashbel Green Simonton. Brazilian natives Beatriz and Gerson Rocha will speak about the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, of how Ashbel Green Simonton is honored and revered in Brazil to this very day, and of how the Presbyterian Church of Brazil has grown and flourished over the years. Beatriz and Gerson are currently members of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City and are dear friends of Susan Steele, daughter of the late Lucille Nast and a former member of Pine Street Church.
Following the luncheon and presentation, a concert featuring several Brazilian students will take place in the sanctuary. The students are visiting the United States through arrangements by Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, former Pine Street member and Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College.
This day will truly be a special day in the life of Pine Street Church. Please plan to attend the free luncheon, presentation, and concert. I will see you there!
by Kenneth Hays
Pine Street Presbyterian Church 310 N. Third St. Harrisburg, PA 17101
Sunday, January 1
1st Sunday after Christmas Psalms 98; 150 Isa. 62:6–7, 10–12
Heb. 2:10–18
Matt. 1:18–25
Monday, January 2
Psalms 48; 145
Gen. 12:1–7
Heb. 11:1–12
John 6:35–42, 48–51
Tuesday, January 3
Psalms 111; 146
Gen. 28:10–22
Heb. 11:13–22
John 10:7–17
Wednesday, January 4
Psalms 20; 147:1–11
Exod. 3:1–5
Heb. 11:23–31
John 14:6–14
Thursday, January 5
Psalms 99; 147:12–20
Josh. 1:1–9
Heb. 11:32–12:2
John 15:1–16
Friday, January 6
Epiphany of the Lord
Psalms 72; 148
Isa. 52:7–10
Rev. 21:22–27
Matt. 12:14–21
Saturday, January 7
Psalms 46 or 97; 149
Isa. 52:3–6
Rev. 2:1–7
John 2:1–11
Sunday, January 8
Baptism of the Lord
Psalms 104; 150 Isa. 40:1–11
Heb. 1:1–12
John 1:1–7, 19–20, 29–34
Monday, January 9
Psalms 5; 145
Isa. 40:12–24
Eph. 1:1–14
Mark 1:1–13
Tuesday, January 10
Psalms 42; 146
Isa. 40:25–31
Eph. 1:15–23
Mark 1:14–28
Wednesday, January 11
Psalms 89:1–18; 47:1–11
Isa. 41:1–16
Eph. 2:1–10
Mark 1:29–45
Thursday, January 12
Psalms 97; 147:12–20
Isa. 41:17–29
Eph. 2:11–22
Mark 2:1–12
Friday, January 13
Psalms 51; 148
Isa. 42:(1–9) 10–17
Eph. 3:1–13
Mark 2:13–22
Saturday, January 14
Psalms 104; 149
Isa. (42:18–25) 43:1–13
Eph. 3:14–21
Mark 2:23–3:6
Sunday, January 15
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Psalms 19; 150
Isa. 43:14–44:5
Heb. 6:17–7:10
John 4:27–42
Monday, January 16
Psalms 135; 145
Isa. 44:6–8, 21–23
Eph. 4:1–16
Mark 3:7–19a
Tuesday, January 17
Psalms 123; 146 Isa. 44:9–20
Eph. 4:17–32
Mark 3:19b–35
Wednesday, January 18
Psalms 15; 147:1–11
Isa. 44:24–45:7
Eph. 5:1–14
Mark 4:1–20
Thursday, January 19
Psalms 36; 147:12–20
Isa. 45:5–17
Eph. 5:15–33
Mark 4:21–34
Friday, January 20
Psalms 130; 148
Isa. 45:18–25
Eph. 6:1–9
Mark 4:35–41
Saturday, January 21
Psalms 56; 149
Isa. 46:1–13
Eph. 6:10–24
Mark 5:1–20
Sunday, January 22
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Psalms 67; 150
Isa. 47:1–15
Heb. 10:19–31
John 5:2–18
Monday, January 23
Psalms 57; 145 Isa. 48:1–11
Gal. 1:1–17
Mark 5:21–43
Tuesday, January 24
Psalms 54; 146
Isa. 48:12–21 (22)
Gal. 1:18–2:10
Mark 6:1–13
Wednesday, January 25
Psalms 65; 147:1–11
Isa. 49:1–12
Gal. 2:11–21
Mark 6:13–29
Thursday, January 26
Psalms 143; 147:12–20
Isa. 49:13–23 (24–26)
Gal. 3:1–14
Mark 6:30–46
Friday, January 27
Psalms 88; 148
Isa. 50:1–11
Gal. 3:15–22
Mark 6:47–56
Saturday, January 28
Psalms 122; 149 Isa. 51:1–8
Gal. 3:23–29
Mark 7:1–23
Sunday, January 29 4th Sunday after Epiphany Psalms 108; 150 Isa. 51:9–16
