PSL deadline
• Articles for the June issue of Pine Street Life are due by May 15. They can be emailed to:
sstallsmith@pinestreet.org
• MAPS: Closing concert (works of Bob Chilcotte), June 4
• Men’s breakfast, Kitchen Maintenance cleaning, Shawl Ministry, June 12
• Trustees meeting, Deacons meeting, June 15
• Presbytery meeting (Great Conewago Church), June 22
• Youth leave on mission trip to Chicago, June 27
• New members picnic, June 27
May 1, 2010
By Russell Sullivan
Summer adult forums always promise growth and insight for those who attend. An interesting line-up of teachers and diverse subjects awaits us this summer. All classes are in the Fellowship Hall at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Make note of these offerings:
On June 6 and 13 Dr. David True, the Associate Professor of Religion at Wilson College, will be our teacher. Dr. True hails from Kentucky and holds a Ph.D. in theology and ethics from Union-PSCE in Richmond, Va. His subject will be “Faith and Politics.” On June 6 he will focus on “The Problem with Politics” and will use the life and work of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr to explore the limits and possibilities of politics for the Christian. He continues on June 13 by examining Niebuhr and will look at ways people of faith can appropriate his legacy to address the challenges our politics faces.
On June 20 and 27 we are joined by our missionaries to Lithuania, Eric and Becky Hinderliter. They will explore how the church can be both faithful and effective in its practices. The way we engage in mission in the 21st century is very different from the past. Mission today is decentralized and emphasizes partnerships and the idea of “global discipleship.”
On July 4 and 11, I will teach on
“Christianity and the Religions” and raise some important topics we face daily: How do we affirm the uniqueness of Christ within a religiously diverse world? Is there only one way to God? How will God deal with followers of other faiths? And why is interfaith dialogue so important?
On July 18 our youth will tell us (Continued on page 3)
On March 21, I debuted my cassock for the first time in worship. During that service I gave an explanation as to why I was wearing the cassock and its significance to my walk as a Christian. I wore the cassock again when I preached on Good Friday where I found myself having to explain to many people who were absent March 21 why I was wearing the cassock.
significance of the cassock in a PSL article and, upon reflection, I decided to follow her advice.
• Central Pa. Forum for Religion and Science, June 28 Rev. Alex Lang
A parishioner then suggested I take some time to explain the meaning and
When I was growing up, I attended a Presbyterian church in my hometown of Fredericksburg, Va. I was extremely involved in the life of the church until I was confirmed as a member in seventh grade. I knew almost nothing about Christianity at the time, but what (Continued on page 2)
for Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June14-18 at Faith United Church of Christ in New Cumberland. Our theme is “God’s Big Back Yard” and we will be learning about service. There is no cost, but volunteers are welcome! You may sign up in the gathering place at the Welcome Center or contact Cheryl Goode at cgoode@pinestreet.org. Directions to the church will be available at the Welcome Center.
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was made very clear to me was that, upon being confirmed, I would be able to make a choice concerning my involvement in the church. Like many of my peers, I abandoned church for the rest of my high school years. When I arrived at Rice University, I checked on my housing form that I did not wish to live with anyone who drank alcohol. Unfortunately, I did not realize that this meant I would be grouped together with the fundamentalist Christians on campus, the only other people who did not drink alcohol.
Being that I enjoyed religious discussions, I found myself immediately debating my roommates about the validity of the Christian faith. At the time, my religious understanding of the world revolved around pluralism (which is a fancy way of saying I felt all religions were equally valid, all providing important truths about life). The problem was I had no way of proving this point of view because I knew virtually nothing about any of the world religions, especially Christianity.
Nonetheless, I felt I was right and if they would just see things my way then everything would be so much better. Therefore, I resolved that I would dedicate my life to proving this point. I changed my major from computer engineering to religious studies and began my journey to disprove the perception that Christianity had a monopoly on absolute truth.
Then the problems began.
I started studying all of these various religions and I found that my presupposition concerning the universality of all religions was undeniably false. All religions were not equally valid. Once you
began delving into the belief structures and theological systems of the various world religions, one finds very quickly that there is not the cohesion so many people assume is present. Thus, I was forced to reverse my stance and promote an agnostic view of religion. I essentially held that religion could never fully represent God and, thus, all religions were simply man-made inventions used to understand God.
During my sophomore year , I made a decision that I needed a change. I applied to Oxford University in England to study abroad for a year. The great thing about Oxford is you can study virtually whatever your heart desires and you will have some of the best scholars in the world to guide you in your quest for knowledge. I wrote down that I wanted to study theology, so my counselor sent me to the people in Oxford who knew the most about theology — monks. There was one monk in particular who was very influential in transforming my faith: Henry Wansbrough, a Benedictine monk and translator of the “New Jerusalem Bible.”
Father Wansbrough brought the scriptures to life for me in a way that no one ever had before. He helped me to understand the Christian faith is not simply an intellectual pursuit you either believe or don’t believe, but something that transforms your entire person. One is not made Christian so much by the dogma
and doctrine to which one subscribes, but by the lived experience of being Christian and assuming the identity of Jesus in every aspect of one’s life. Father Wansbrough, through his very life, showed me that the core of Christianity is the transformation of people through God’s Spirit. Apart from this transformation, Christianity becomes nothing more than a series of intellectual talking points about God.
Eventually, I let down my guard enough to experience this transformation for myself and came to believe in Father Wansbrough’s teachings. I found God working through my life, slowly helping me to become more like Jesus. God changed me in ways I never thought possible and I soon realized I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others experience this same transformation. Therefore, I changed my career path for the final time and decided to set my sights on attending seminary to become a pastor. Almost nine years later I have achieved that goal and am serving God’s people as the associate pastor of Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
The cassock I wear is designed in the style of the cassock worn by Father Wansbrough. Although I have stripped the cassock of Catholic symbolism, it is my way of paying homage to the man who is responsible for bringing me to the Christian faith. For me, the cassock is a visible reminder of where I was and how far I have come in my own faith journey. However, you will not see me wearing the cassock every Sunday, but rather, only on the Sundays when I preach. The reason for this is that Father Wansbrough transformed my life through his teachings. In the same way, my hope and my prayer each time I have the privilege to proclaim God’s Word to you in the pulpit is that you will be moved to experience the transformation of Christ in your own lives.
PINE STREET LIFE (USPS 574-510) is published monthly by Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
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By Thomas Clark-Jones
Ten singers from the choir are preparing a wonderful service of Choral Evensong for the Feast of the Ascension. We will observe this important festival of the church year a day late … at 7:30 p.m. on May 14.
This beautiful service dates back to earliest Christianity and includes some of the most beautiful prayers ever written. In addition, it allows for a wonderful variety of music to adorn the liturgy for the particular day of the year.
In this service we will sing the Canticles of Herbert Murrill, the Psalms will be sung in Anglican Chant and the Preces and Responses are by Thomas ClarkJones. The group will also present Gerald Finzi’s thrilling anthem, “God Is Gone Up.”
The service will be followed by the performance of the “Ascension Suite” by the 20th Century French composer, Olivier Messaien. The magnificent musical language of Messaien suspends time and takes one into a mystical world of sound
(Continued from page 1)
all about their mission trip to Chicago. Come out and hear about their experiences in the inner city, their work with the homeless and underprivileged children, and the literacy project that will bring great benefits to the children they will serve.
And then on July 25, all-time favorite, Lee Barrett, professor of Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary, will examine with us the popular novel “The Shack.” If you haven’t read it yet, get a copy. “The Shack” is about a man who has suffered a tragic and cruel loss and his
where emotion and Christian fervor intertwine to frame some of the most sublime musical utterances of the century.
Dr. Shirley King, organist at Dickinson College in Carlisle will be the recitalist. She has specialized in this music for many years and plays with distinction and authority. Receiving her degrees from the University of Kansas, she taught in several Midwestern institutions before coming East to work at Dickinson. Beyond her duties at the College, she is organist of First
encounter with God. You’ll come away with questions about the Trinity and suffering that Lee will try to answer. Don’t miss this interesting class!
Mark Englund-Krieger, the executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Carlisle, will join us on Aug. 1 and 8 and will present a new book he has written “The Presbyterian Pendulum: Seeing Providence in the Wild Diversity of the Church.” His book is a study of the significant social and political issues to which the church responded throughout the twentieth century. EnglundKrieger believes the Presbyterian Church “is at its best when the wild diversity of worldviews, theological perspectives and convictions are encouraged.”
Presbyterian Church, Carlisle and is the general chair of the Region III Convention of the American Guild of Organists, which will be held in Harrisburg (partly at Pine Street) during late June 2011. She has also been the national secretary of the American Guild of Organists for two terms.
Come and enjoy this superb music presented by our own choristers and Dr. King. Free parking will be available at the South Street Garage. There will be no charge for this event.
Hats off to him for writing a compelling study!
We wrap up the summer with reports on our congregation’s dedicated mission work of this year. On Aug. 15 our Eco-Team will be in the spotlight. On Aug. 22, we’ll hear from our Arizona missioners, and then on Aug. 29, join the Mission Committee as it explores a Presbytery sponsored mission trip to Latvia and Lithuania.
Sept. 5 will feature an intergenerational educational event for the whole church.
Place these dates on your calendar. It’s going to be an interesting and engaging journey into learning this summer!
Approved a motion from the Mission Committee that Pine Street participate in the Haiti Relief Recovery Reconstruction as developed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, by making hygiene kits and school kits. Members of Pine Street will be asked to bring supplies into the church. The kits will then be assembled and taken to the UMCOR site in Mechanicsburg for distribution in Haiti.
The Worship Committee will begin holding Healing Services as part of the regular worship service. Communion will be serve by intinction at both services, and elders will be available for prayers and anointing for those who desire it. This will occur six times a year.
Approved a motion to invite Messiah College’s Central Pa. Forum for Religion and Science on June 28 and July 12, 19 and 26 to present Dr. Ted Davis in a community-wide forum on “Science and the Bible.”
The Lenten Study “Angels Point the Way to Easter” was very well received with approximately 50 people attending in six groups at various locations.
The communications subcommittee of the Evangelism committee continues to work on upgrading and redesigning the church Web site.
Saturday, May 1
Exodus 40:18-38
Psalm 92
Matthew 5:38-48
Sunday, May 2
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
Sermon:TheRev.RussellSullivanpreaching
Monday, May 3
Leviticus 16:1-19
Psalm 97
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Tuesday, May 4
Leviticus 16:20-34
Psalm 98
Matthew 6:7-15
Wednesday, May 5
Leviticus 19:1-18
Psalm 99
Matthew 6:19-24
Thursday, May 6
Leviticus 19:26-37
Psalm 47
Matthew 6:25-34
Friday, May 7
Leviticus 23:1-22
Psalm 96
Matthew 7:1-12
Saturday, May 8
Leviticus 23:23-44
Psalm 92
Matthew 7:13-21
Sunday, May 9
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 21:22-22:5
John 14:23-29
Sermon:TheRev.Alexander Lang,preaching
Monday, May 10
Leviticus 25:35-55
Psalm 97
Matthew 13:1-16
Tuesday, May 11
Leviticus 26:1-20
Psalm 98
Matthew 13:18-23
Wednesday, May 12
Leviticus 26:27-42
Psalm 99
Matthew 22:41-46
Thursday, May 13
Daniel 7:9-14
Psalm 47
Matthew 28:16-20
Friday, May 14
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Psalm 96
Matthew 7:22-27
Saturday, May 15
Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29
Psalm 92
Matthew 7:28-8:4
Sunday, May 16
Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17
The crew from the Sportsman Channel, Comcast and Sportsmen Against Hunger came to Downtown Daily Bread for the Hunt.Fish.Feed.Harrisburg initiative in March. They brought elk meat, prepared chili and served it to more than 150 Downtown Daily Bread clients. The initiative is a “unique public affairs program that taps a new food source of game meat and fish donated by sportsmen to help in the fight against hunger.” The group travels to a different city each month with donated meat and the ingredients to create a dish to serve. Harrisburg is by far the smallest city on this year’s tour. The group also visited Las Vegas and St. Paul, Minn. It will travel to Houston, Chicago, Portland, Milwaukee, San Diego, Tampa and Pensacola.
By Alexander Lang
Our first school year of youth group is rapidly coming to a close and I can’t tell you how pleased I’ve been with the response of the youth to our new programs. As the summer approaches, we are shifting gears and moving into a different phase of the program. The summer provides the youth group with a number of special opportunities that are not available during the school year.
Unlike many youth groups that break for the summer, I prefer to continue my programming throughout the year. One aspect about youth group that is different during the summer is that I can hire interns to help me work with the Junior Youth Fellowship.
These interns are high school students who have an interest and desire to deepen their faith and learn about youth ministry. They will be tasked with the oversight of the JYF — writing lesson plans, running weekly youth groups, overseeing the summer retreat. Most importantly, they will become an integral part of the lives of our junior high youth, forming relationships that will lay the foundation for their faith journey.
Another aspect to the summer season is that we have a lot more time for mission. Everyone is aware that the senior high youth group will be taking a mission trip to Chicago to work with the inner city poor. However, when we return from Chicago, the senior high will be working closely with the Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center to help the inner city preschoolers of Harrisburg improve their transition to kindergarten by helping them become more
literate.
Beyond this, we will continue to have our weekly youth groups and, of course, there will be myriad fun activities — movie nights, pool parties, trips to amusement parks and the list goes on.
The summer is a special time for youth group and I encourage you to ask our youth about all our activities so you too can get a taste for the excitement.
John 17:20-26
Sermon:TheRev.Russell
Sullivanpreaching
Monday, May 17
Joshua 1:1-9
Psalm 97
Matthew 8:5-17
Tuesday, May 18
1 Samuel 16:1-13a
Psalm 98
Matthew 8:18-27
Wednesday, May 19
Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 99
Matthew 8:28-34
Thursday, May 20
Zechariah 4:1-14
Psalm 47
Matthew 9:1-8
Friday, May 21
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Psalm 96
Matthew 9:9-17
Saturday, May 22
Ezekiel 36:22-27
Psalm 92
Matthew 9:18-26
Sunday, May 23
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17
John 14:8-17
Sermon:TheRev.Russell
Sullivanpreaching
Monday, May 24
Proverbs 3:11-20
Psalm 5
Matthew 11:1-6
Tuesday, May 25
Proverbs 4:1-27
Psalm 42
Matthew 11:7-15
Wednesday, May 26
Proverbs 6:1-19
Psalm 89:1-18
Matthew 11:16-24
Thursday, May 27
Proverbs 7:1-27
Psalm 97
Matthew 11:25-30
Friday, May 28
Proverbs 8:1-21
Psalm 51
Matthew 12:1-14
Saturday, May 29
Proverbs 8:22-36
Psalm 104
Matthew 12:15-21
Sunday, May 30
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
Sermon:TheRev.Russell
Sullivanpreaching
Monday, May 31
Memorial Day
Church/Boyd Offices Closed
Ecclesiastes 2:1-15
Psalm 57
Matthew 13:44-52
By Elaine Strokoff
The Doctors Kienle chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) was initiated at Penn State College of Medicine in 2003. Each year, a select num-
ber of graduating medical students are nominated by fellow students for induction into the Society. Nominations are based on a combination of clinical skills and compassion in medicine. Each year, members of the GHHS participate in a community service project.
This year, we expressed interest in bringing a life skills session to the clients of Downtown Daily Bread. We have organized an hour-long presentation designed
to help prepare individuals for job interviews. Our emphasis is placed on basic communication skills necessary to impress employers and secure jobs. We also wish to discuss some basic aspects of job interviewing, such as the resume and what consists of appropriate attire. Our hope is to aid those in search of occupation, providing them with basic skills that will prove helpful when applying for a job.
Year to date pledges received
$110,646.97
Year to date budgeted pledges
$141.640.74 Pledges in arrears -$30,993.77
By David An DDB client counselor
Several clients were here temporarily due to the season and their line of work.
For instance, I had one guy who worked for a circus and one who worked for a fair. Obviously in the winter they do not work. They're getting ready to head back on the road to tour across the country to run those fairs and circuses. Their hours are long and the work is hard, but they get paid well and can always rely on going back to work in March.
For them this agency provided them with warm meals, hot showers, clothing and other personal care items (deodorant, razors, etc.). Although they were on unemployment, it was not enough to pay for a place to stay. They utilized the shelters and other social services to get by.
I spoke to both clients personally to learn about their situation and why they were here. In general they had "business" to take care of in Harrisburg. This can involve visiting family or friends. Frequently people are bound to come back to Harrisburg to take care of legal issues, which is
“I
would like it even more if those gentlemen have a place to stay during the winter or spend their winter somewhere warm.”
sometimes described as "business."
Either way neither client had saved enough to have a place to live during the off-season. One of the clients were reassured they would be able to stay with their family only to come here and be put out on the street. We provided them with their sustenance during one of the harsher winters we've seen in years. I had greatly encouraged them to think about this past winter as they were working and traveling.
I advised them to save some money and perhaps stay somewhere warmer next year. Although they were very polite, cooperative and sometimes helpful (giving back by cleaning out the showers when everyone was finished, keeping an eye on the clothing room while it was open, or organizing the clothing room) I had to give them positive advice
in terms of their future and the next winter / off-season.
I would love to see them again and have positive attitudes around our agency, but I would like it even more if those gentlemen have a place to stay during the winter or spend their winter somewhere warm.
I guess the point is, we run into many people seeking assistance; including low income, fixed income and transients Although these men were homeless, it was a temporary situation rather than ongoing and cyclical. They were no stranger to the streets so I assume this has happened to them in the past. Hopefully I will receive some postcards soon with their reassurance of taking care of themselves this winter.
Also something interesting to note. A few of the "regulars" who have been around for years have gone to Carlisle and Lebanon to seek services due to the programs available to them. I believe they have a little more in terms of shelters, and shelter programs. Although many people have told me that guys go over there and find women that will take them in, which is also interesting. It’s just something to think about.
2
Kirkin’ of the Tartan, 11 a.m.; Teachers picnic, 1:30; Officers training, 4; SYF, 5 3
Interfaith Service for the Commonwealth, 5:30 4
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Session meeting, 7:30
5
JYF, 6; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30 6
Chamber Singers rehearsal, 6:30; Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:30 7
1
Spaghetti dinner and silent auction, 4:30
8
Men’s breakfast, 8 a.m.; Stephen Ministry training retreat, 9 a.m.; Kitchen maintenance cleaning, 9:30 a.m.; Shawl Ministry 10 a.m. 9
Children’s Choir practice, 9:30 a.m.; SYF, 5 10
Adult Education Task Force meeting, 6 11
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Program Committee meeting, 7 12
JYF, 6; Stephen Ministry training, 6:30; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30 13
Chamber Singers rehearsal, 6:30; Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:30 14
Evensong for Ascension, 7:30 15 16
Children’s Choir practice, 9:30 a.m.; SYF, 5; Taize Service, 7 17 18
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Trustees meeting, Noon 19
JYF, 6; Stephen Ministry training, 6:30; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30 20
Chamber Singers rehearsal, 6:30; Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:30 21 22
Deacons retreat, 9 a.m. 23
Children’s Choir practice, 9:30 a.m.; Every Member birthday, 12:30 SYF, 5; Recital, 7:30 24 25
30
Children’s Choir practice, 9:30 a.m. 31 Memorial Day Church and BoydOffices Closed
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Admin. & Finance committee, 7 26
JYF, 6; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30 27
Chamber Singers rehearsal, 6:30; Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:30; Personnel Committee meeting, 7:30 28 29
The Congregational Life committee is hosting the second annual “Every Member Birthday Party.”
Regardless of when your birthday is, or how young or old you are, we encourage you to attend. Each table will be for one of the 12 months of the year, and you may sit at the month of your choice. We ing lunch right after the 11 a.m. service and enjoying fellowship on this Pen-
tecost Sunday. The garage will be open until 3 p.m. to accommodate parking for the event.
The cost is $5 per adult and $3 for children 12 and under. Please make sure to sign up at the Welcome Center today!