•
of Pine Street Life are due by June 15. They can be emailed to:
psl@pinestreet.org
• Independence Day (Church and Boyd Offices closed), July 5
• Stephen Ministry Supervision, July 11, 26
• Junior High retreat, July 1214
• Central Pa. Forum for Religion and Science, July 12, 19, 26
• Vacation Bible School (Faith United Church of Christ in New Cumberland), July 2630
By William Bauer
The Rev. Rimas Mikalauskas, General Superintendent (Moderator) of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Lithuania, and his wife, Renata, will visit Pine Street in June. The Rev. Mickalauskas will present the Focus on Mission at both services on June 13. There will be a reception for the couple after the 11 a.m. service.
The Rev. Mikalauskas is traveling to Grand Rapids, Mich., to represent his denomination at the World Communion of Reformed Churches. He will also present a major paper on the unification of all reformed traditions in Europe into a single organization. He helped develop this paper at a meeting that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this year.
He and his wife will then travel
In June 2011, the Presbytery will again sponsor a mission team to
Lithuania and Latvia. Pine Streeters are invited to sign up for this trip. A return visit to Birzai, the headquarters of the ERCL will be part of the trip.
On May 2 we held our annual Kirkin of the Tartan during the 11 a.m. service. I had the privilege of debuting my kilt for you all during that service. I had many people approach me after the service and say, “I never knew you were Scottish.” This placed me in an awkward position because I’m not Scottish. Much like the cassock, there is a story behind why I wear the kilt and its impor-
tance to my history with Christianity.
I am primarily of Hungarian descent. Hungarian Jew to be exact. My great great grandfather’s last name was Lefkowitz. He fled from Hungary to escape religious persecution in the early 1900s. His family immigrated to Scotland and his son, my great grandfather, served in the Scottish regiment of the British army during (Continued on page 2)
By Thomas Clark-Jones
The final concert of the Music at Pine Street series this year is an historic occasion … the reunion of the choirs of Market Square Church and Pine Street.
Jim Brown, pastor of Market Square dropped in on a rehearsal a few weeks ago and claimed that it is possible these two groups have not sung together since 1862! We’re not sure about that, but it is a joy for the choirs of center city Harrisburg’s two great Presbyterian congregations to work together.
This concert has been many years in the making. Some six years ago, Pierce Getz, then choirmaster at Market Square, suggested such an endeavor. We tried to find something that interested both of us, and something always came up to make the venture not possible. As Eric Riley, Pierce’s successor, and I have become working colleagues over the past few years, we decided it was time to make Pierce’s dream a reality. So we have engaged Bob Chilcott, the distinguished British composer, to come and conduct us in some of his works.
During the past season, the Pine Street Choir sang two of Mr. Chilcott’s works during the Lenten season, and enjoyed them very much. This joint concert gives us a chance to sing some of the larger, more complex works of the composer. We began working together in the Market Square choir room in mid-April so we would become a real ensemble. This is quickly happening, and the results are quite remarkable. A superb 60-voice choir results from this union, and it is sure to be an event remembered for many years.
Singing for a composer has its challenges! He knows if it’s right
or wrong, and our musicianship and tenacity in learning the more difficult passages will be rewarded (we hope) with a “well done” from the man himself! Included in the concert are two major Chilcott works — “Jubilate” (a superb setting of this great morning canticle) and “Canticles of Light,” which sets three obscure, but beautiful texts from the various canonic hours in a challenging and dramatic work.
You are cordially invited to come and bring your friends! This will all come to pass at 8 p.m. on June 5 in the Market Square sanctuary.
(Continued from page 1)
World War I. Before he left for the war, a picture of him was taken in his full military uniform, which, for the Scottish regiment, included a kilt (see photo, right).
My father showed me this picture a month before I left for college. I thought my father was playing a trick on me and had taken my face and superimposed it onto an old photo. My father said, “Nope, that’s your great grandfather.” He and I looked strikingly alike. My uncle, upon seeing the photo, said to me, “Isn’t it amazing how features from so long ago can become dominate in later generations.”
I was fascinated by the photo and I asked my dad to tell me more about our family history. This guy was Jewish, not Christian. How could I look so much
like this man, and yet, share nothing in common? So my dad explained to me how our family came to be divorced from our Jewish heritage. My great grandfather immigrated to America following World War I and established himself in Synecdoche, N.Y. He had a son, Harold, my grandfather, who attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for college. My grandfather was a very talented engineer and graduated at the top of his class for mechanical engineering. During his senior year, which was in the late ‘40s, Harold’s mentor sat him down and explained to him that with a name like Lefkowitz, there was no way that he could help him find a job — the anti-Semitism in the United States was too great. His men-
tor suggested he change his last name. My grandfather weighed his options and decided he would change his name and abandon his Jewish heritage in favor of finding employment. My father showed me the college yearbook with my grandfather’s photo. Next to his photo read the name ‘Harold Lefkowitz’. My grandfather had crossed out Lefkowitz and written Lang underneath. My grandfather found a job and was very successful. He married a woman who was Anglican, so they decided to raise their children Unitarian as a compromise. Thus, when my father married my mother, he had no real religious affiliation and became Presbyterian as that was important to my mother. Thus, my religious upbringing was in the Presbyterian Church — a far cry from the Hungarian Jewish roots of the man to whom I bear a resemblance.
I asked for the kilt as a present for my 20 birthday. I wear the kilt in honor of my great grandfather because Scotland took
him in and gave him the opportunity to maintain his Jewish heritage without threat of persecution. I find it sad the United States, a land founded upon religious freedom, placed our family in a position where we had to choose between our religious identity and economic prosperity. Had that not happened, I might have been Rabbi Lefkowitz as opposed to the Rev. Lang.
Regardless, as much as I have been distanced from my heritage, it is hard to escape it. The woman who I married is of Hungarian Jewish descent. I had no knowledge of that when I met her and fell in love. Her maiden name was Rubin and her father, like mine, converted to Christianity. That said, I wouldn’t trade who I am today for anything. I love being Christian and I believe strongly the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Who knows, maybe my great grandchild will look like me, convert to Judaism, become a rabbi and wear a cassock in honor of me. Stranger things have happened.
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
Two months ago, I embarked on a tour of Israel. I saw a huge part of the country, which is as big as the state of New Jersey. Surprisingly, a highlight of my trip was a visit to Carmei Ha’ir, a “restaurant” (soup kitchen) in Jerusalem. The Israelis call the soup kitchen a restaurant in an effort to preserve the selfesteem and dignity of their guests. My group of friends and I had the opportunity to help prepare a meal and serve lunch to some very grateful Israelis.
The similarities between Carmei Ha’ir and DDB are numerous. Both serve men, women, and children without any cost to the recipients. Both serve over 100 people every day of the week. Both rely upon volunteers to serve the meals but have paid staff to cook. Both rely upon the
generosity of the community for funding and donations. Both have a clothing bank and refer individuals to human services agencies. Last, both base their operation on the words, “…all who are hungry, let them come and eat.”
There are also ways in which the soup kitchens differ. First, Carmei Ha’ir is located next to a market place. Merchants from the market arrive at the restaurant in the early morning with donations of food to be cooked for that day’s meal.
Downtown Daily Bread orders food in advance that is either purchased or financed by grants. The kitchen at Carmei Ha’ir is strictly kosher; DDB is strictly “unkosher!” Carmei Ha’ir is set up like a restaurant with volunteers serving individuals using real plates, glasses and silverware. DDB uses metal trays, plastic utensils and paper cups; clients are served cafeteria style. At Carmei Ha’ir, a box sits inside the door for those who wish to drop a couple shekels on their way out. Most have no extra money and pay nothing. There is no such box at DDB.
By John Jewett
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” — Psalm 46:1-3
Even though they are no longer in the headlines of the daily news, the people of Haiti still suffer from the devastation of the earthquake that occurred in January. The situation remains dire. The need for help and assistance remains great.
At DDB, English is the spoken language except for a smattering of Spanish from time to time. At Carmei Ha’ir, one hears Hebrew, Hungarian, Polish, German, Yiddish and Arabic. Much of the clientele is made up of immigrants from Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Hungry, Poland and other eastern European countries. Some patrons are holocaust survivors.
The newer immigrants come from Ethiopia and France. In Israel, there are many people living below the poverty line, but the country takes serious care of the homeless. In an Israeli soup kitchen, it is not uncommon to see young men and women in uniform. These are soldiers on leave who are far from home. They are warmly welcomed at the kitchens. DDB and Carmei Hair both realize that “poverty is more than a lack of finances.”
We call our facility a “soup kitchen” and the Israelis can call theirs a “restaurant.” We both feed the hungry, nurture the body and the spirit, and believe in the dignity of each individual… Israeli or American, soup kitchen or restaurant, … what’s in a
Approved a motion from the Worship Committee to establish a memorial gifts list.
Approved a trip for the Middle School youth to Tuscarora for a retreat.
Approved a motion from the CNE and the Evangelism Committees jointly to make changes in the commissioning of youth at Pine Street, beginning with the academic year 2010-11.
The Deacons are making arrangements for a new congregational photo directory.
Met with, examined, and approved new officers installed May 23.
Relief, recovery and reconstruction in Haiti are ongoing .
As one part of the effort to help, the Presbytery of Carlisle and Presbyterian Church (USA) are asking churches and their congregations to assemble kits of materials needed in Haiti.
Throughout June, Pine Street will be compiling and building a “Hygiene Kit” and “School Kit.” Our goal is 50 of each kind. There are three ways to help: First, bring items for the kits’ contents (see lists below) to the collection area in the Gathering Place. One can bring materials for complete kits, or select specific items from either list and supply those items. Second, we
need people who can sew cloth bags for the school kits. The Mission Committee will provide the cloth. Third, volunteer for the kits assembly gathering in late June (the specific date, time and location to be announced) when volunteers will assemble items into individual kits. Call Mission Committee Chair Deb Olson at (717) 5334548 to volunteer to sew and/ or to assemble kits.
The need is great. Please help us help Haiti. We need volunteers!
Hygiene Kit
1 hand towel (approximately 16x 28 inches
1 washcloth 1 wide-tooth comb
1 nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
1 bar of Fels Naphtha soap
1 toothbrush (in individual and original packaging, (please no multiple toothbrush packs))
6 adhesive bandage strips
Please do not add toothpaste to the Hygiene Kit. Seal all items in a 1gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure.
School Kit
1 pair of rounded-tip metal scissors
3 70-count spiral notebooks. No loose leaf paper.
1 30-centimeter ruler (12 inch)
1 hand-held pencil sharpener
6 new pencils with erasers
1 large eraser
1 box of colored pencils (no crayons)
1 finished cotton cloth bag with handles; pattern available at www.pcusa.org/pda/help/gohschoolkitbagpattern.pdf
Youth Mission Trip begins; New members picnic
Stephen Ministry Supervision, 6:30; Central Pa. Forum for Religion and Science, 7
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Session meeting, 7:30
Choir rehearsal (Market Square Presbyterian), 7
MAPS: Works of Bob Chilcotte (held at Market Square Presbyterian), 7:30
Program Committee meetings, 7
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Trustees meeting, noon; Deacons Adm. Committee meeting, 6:30; Deacons meeting, 7
Presbytery meeting (Great Conewago Church), 6; Admin & Finance Committee meeting, 7
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.
Personnel Committee meeting, 7:30
Men’s breakfast, 8 a.m.; Kitchen maintenance cleaning, 9:30 a.m.; Shawl Ministry, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 1
Ecclesiastes 2:16-26
Psalm 54
Matthew 13:53-58
Wednesday, June 2
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Psalm 65
Matthew 14:1-12
Thursday, June 3
Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3
Psalm 143
Matthew 14:13-21
Friday, June 4
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Psalm 88
Matthew 14:22-36
Saturday, June 5
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
Psalm 122
Matthew 15:1-20
Sunday, June 6
1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
Monday, June 7
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Psalm 62
Matthew 15:21-28
Tuesday, June 8
Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:10
Psalm 12
Matthew 15:29-39
Wednesday, June 9
Ecclesiastes 9:11-18
Psalm 96
Matthew 16:1-12
Thursday, June 10
Ecclesiastes 11:1-8
Psalm 116
Matthew 16:13-20
Friday, June 11
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14
Psalm 84
Matthew 16:21-28
Saturday, June 12
Numbers 3:1-13
Psalm 63
Matthew 17:1-13
Sunday, June 13
1 Kings 21:1-10, 15-21a
Psalm 5:1-8
Galatians 2:15-21
Luke 7:36-8:3
Monday, June 14
Numbers 9:15-23, 10:29-36
Psalm 5
Matthew 17:14-21
Tuesday, June 15
Numbers 11:1-23
Psalm 42
Matthew 17:22-27
Wednesday, June 16
Numbers 11:24-33 (34-35)
Psalm 89:1-18
Matthew 18:1-9
Thursday, June 17
Numbers 12:1-16
Psalm 97
Matthew 18:10-20
By Cheryl Goode
We dedicate ourselves to many things in life, but, for parents and grandparents, being dedicated to raising our children and grandchildren is our top priority. We work hard to ensure that our little ones have as many advantages as possible in our competitive world.
This is never more apparent than when we talk about our children’s education. Education represents the building blocks for a brighter future. The better a child’s education, the more likely he or she is to succeed.
The same is true of the Christian faith. Without education, our children cannot be successful Christians. As parents who want to provide every advantage for your children, we at Pine Street want to make sure your children receive the best possible Christian education.
Therefore, I would like to challenge all the young families of Pine Street to dedicate your time to some new adventures for you, your children AND their friends this fall.
Alex, Courtney and I have been working diligently on an exciting new children’s program for the fall that will be a crucial building block in laying the foundation of your child’s faith. It is named KOALA Club (Kids On A Lifelong Adventure).
This program will be offered to elementary-age students, grades 1 through 5. There will be Bible memorization, games, worship and a lesson each week. In the coming months, we will be divulging more details about the pro-
gram and its importance to the growth of our children’s faith.
For now, we ask that you prayerfully consider the role of the Christian faith in your child’s life. If the faith is something that you consider central to your child’s development, then please consider making a serious commitment to Koala Club in the fall because we believe this program will be instrumental in the formation of your child’s faith for years to come.
The next adventure for the fall is a family/children’s retreat. The subcommittee of Carol Mader, Stevi Sharp, Barb Conklin and I have begun planning for this event. It will be held on Nov. 5-6 at Camp Hebron. The campgrounds are spacious and beautiful. There is a gym on site and walking trails for those who love walking and the outdoors.
This will be a weekend to spend some quality time as a family and to build friendships with other Christian families in the church. Oh, I almost forgot … you don’t have to cook! The food at Camp Hebron is prepared for you and is great!! So please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this adventure too.
Exodus 20: 9-10 tells us “Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God.” When you think about your busy schedules and feel like you can’t breath or do one more thing, think about a possible day of rest with God at the center. Join us at Camp Hebron in November.
Friday, June 18
Numbers 13:1-3, 21-30
Psalm 51
Matthew 18:21-35
Saturday, June 19
Numbers 13:31-14:25
Psalm 104
Matthew 19:1-12
Sunday, June 20
1 Kings 19:1-4, 8-15a
Psalm 42 and 43
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39
Monday, June 21
Numbers 16:1-19
Psalm 135
Matthew 19:13-22
Tuesday, June 22
Numbers 16:20-35
Psalm 123
Matthew 19:23-30
Wednesday, June 23
Numbers 16:36-50
Psalm 15
Matthew 20:1-16
Thursday, June 24
Numbers 17:1-11
Psalm 36
Matthew 20:17-28
Friday, June 25
Numbers 20:1-13
Psalm 130
Matthew 20:29-34
Saturday, June 26
Numbers 20:14-29
Psalm 56
Matthew 21:1-11
Sunday, June 27
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Monday, June 28
Numbers 22:1-21
Psalm 57
Matthew 21:12-22
Tuesday, June 29
Numbers 22:21-38
Psalm 54
Matthew 21:23-32
Wednesday, June 30
Numbers 22:41-23:12
Psalm 65
Matthew 21:33-46
bers
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Session meeting, 7:30
Choir rehearsal (Market Square Presbyterian), 7
MAPS: Works of Bob Chilcotte (held at Market Square Presbyterian), 7:30
Program Committee meetings, 7
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Trustees meeting, noon; Deacons Adm. Committee meeting, 6:30; Deacons meeting, 7
Presbytery meeting (Great Conewago Church), 6; Admin & Finance Committee meeting, 7
Commit-
Men’s breakfast, 8 a.m.; Kitchen maintenance cleaning, 9:30 a.m.; Shawl Ministry, 10 a.m.
