December 1,
A New Emphasis On World Mission
By The Rev. Russell Sullivan
PSL Deadline
Articles for the next issue of Pine Street Life are due by Dec.. 15 for the January issue. They can be e-mailed to Shekeja@ptd.net or sstallsmith@pinestreet.org
y now you are probably focused on Advent and Christmas festivities, but I want to beg your indulgence for one moment to look ahead to January, especially the season we call Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means “an appearance or a manifestation, especially of the divine.”
It is the season in the church calendar, in January and February, in which we re-
member the story of the
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Holiday Musical Happenings
By Thomas Clark-Jones
As Christmas nears, many look forward to the special musical offerings by our church’s various musical organizations. So that you can plan to be with us for as many as possible … here are the listings for the month of December .
Sunday, Dec. 6 (8:30 and 11 a.m. services)
This year’s Advent Music Sunday features the magnificent “Gloria” of Francis Poulenc (1899 -1963). This setting reflects the French enthusiasm for jazz, energetic rhythms and unusual harmonies. These various influences create a dynamic work that moves from sizzling excitement to quiet reflection. Soprano soloist, Courtney Gray is featured in a work that was ‘made for her voice’ ... the soar-
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I have not seen the movie “2012” yet, but if the commercials are true, it will probably be filled with every special effect known to frighten you.
Basically the plot revolves around a Mayan prophecy that the world will end in 2012. That’s not too far off. But I wouldn’t hold my breath. It’s interesting how popular culture portrays the end of the world as something frightening. Every Advent, the end intrudes into our world. Advent not only points us backward to the historical event at Bethlehem and to the beginning of the drama of Jesus Christ, but it also points us forward to an event that will transcend history, to what has been called the Last Day when the drama of Jesus Christ and the drama of this universe will be brought to a glorious consummation.
Now that doesn’t frighten me. If I know that the beginning of the story is Christ and his love
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Points of Financial Interest
This can be found on Page 3 in this issue.
EPIPHANY
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journey of the wise men to visit the Christ Child. Coming from a nation outside the covenant people of Israel, the wise men represent the coming of the world to Christ. Epiphany then is the celebration of the appearance of the Incarnation to the world, of the sharing of God’s light, mercy, peace, and justice with others. That loudly proclaims mission and outreach to the world.
Mission and outreach to others has always been a major purpose of the church. We do not exist for ourselves — we exist to share with others the Gospel and to work for the reconciliation of the world. Problems in the world are deep, systemic and interconnected and require sustained commitments from God’s people. This moment in time provides a great opportunity for God’s people to act.
One of the shining lights of our work as Presbyterians is our World Mission organization at General Assembly. I encourage you to browse the Web site at www.pcusa.org/ worldmission. Presbyterians throughout the world are working faithfully in mission to bring hope to God’s creation and to bear witness to Christ.
The Mission Committee and the Session want us to become an active part of our denomination’s renewed emphasis on mission to the
world. At its November meeting, Session designated the season of Epiphany this coming January to be our Mission Season.
On Jan. 24, Eric and Becky Hinderliter, our missionaries to Lithuania, will lead us in an adult forum. And on Jan. 31, the Rev. Jon Chapman, coordinator of Mission for Europe, will preach and lead an adult forum. At that service we will collect a special offering (above and beyond our budget) for the support of world mission. Also on Jan. 31, we are planning a mission fair that will showcase all of the mission organizations we support.
Our emphasis on mission that month will capture the spirit of Epiphany!
Writing on the reasons for why we need to focus on Epiphany, Robert Webber says: “We struggle with the mandate to be a witness to Christ in our everyday working lives, and many of us shun it, hiding our light under a bushel. But the mission of the church and of every member of Christ’s body is a mandate that cannot be denied. We are his body, the church. And the church is a movement sent on a mission by God – a mission that involves us all.”
Keep this world God loves in your prayers. Keep the mission of Christ foremost in your Epiphany thoughts, and plan to be in worship during this season of light to point to Christ as the Light of the World.
Think, pray, and do mission!
MUSIC
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ing, lyric quality of the solos cast a beautiful spell over the work. Written in 1959 near the end of Poulenc’s life, it established him, once and for all, as a master of religious music. The work is about 25 minutes in length and allows us to celebrate Communion as well as hearing the scriptures for the day. Come and be inspired!
Sunday, Dec. 13 (8:30 and 11 a.m. services)
ols from Robert Lehman, Herbert Howells and Peter Warlock, with additional favorites of John Rutter, Healey Willan and Elizabeth Poston. Following the Festival, a full sit-down Christmas Dinner will be served in McCormick Hall, catered by Stocks on Second, where our own Matthew Poorman is executive chef. Dinner tickets are available through Dec. 15 at the Welcome Center or the church office. Cost is $25 per person.
Thursday, Dec. 24 (6 :00 and 11 p.m.)
The Youth Handbell Choir will be presenting music of the season as part of our services. The Choir will present a setting of the Benedictus (“Blessed is he who comes”) from Randall Thompson’s “Nativity According to St. Luke” featuring Jonathan Hays, baritone and Jonathan Hudson, tenor as soloists.
Children sing and Youth ring in Christmas Day with carols and bells at the 6 p.m. family service, led by the young people of our congregation. Come and enjoy this lovely service that has become a favorite of many in the past several years.
Sunday, Dec. 20 (8:30 and 11 services)
The Children’s Choir joins us at 11 a.m. to sing their songs to the Newborn King. Also the Handbell Choir plays for both services. At 11 the Choir features the “Song of Mary” by Richard Shephard and Courtney Gray sings the words of the “Magnificat” set by Randall Thompson.
At 4 p.m., the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols takes place in the Sanctuary with singing of all the great carols of the season and anthems and carols from the choir. The Handbell Choir joins the festivities with their own special beauty.
Featured choral selections for the afternoon include new car-
The Choir sings music of Andrew Carter, John Rutter, Herbert Howells and others at the 11 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service. This is one of the great highlights of the church year at Pine Street. Don’t miss the beauty of our church in Candlelight at the Nativity of our Lord!
These are the great promises of the month of December. We look forward with joy to the greeting of the Newborn King each year.
This year, take the time to be here in your pew at Pine Street and turn your heart to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords here in the manger bed. ... Incarnate for us ... God come down to be with us.
As the wonderful verse of “O Come All ye Faithful” says ... “who would not love Him, loving us so dearly, O Come.”
Pine Street Running at 80K Deficit
By Diana Robertson
Dear Members and Friends of Pine Street,
It is with great concern that I must report to you that at the close of October, Pine Street is running a deficit of $80,655.
Your staff has been doing a great job staying within their budgetary guidelines but other factors such as heating and electric have taken their toll. Coupled with the fact that pledges are behind by $32,500, we are brought to this juncture.
It is indeed trying times that we are in and we understand the difficulties that are affecting everyone. Please, if you are able, bring your pledges up to date. If they are up to date, please pray to see if you can possibly give just a little more.
Thank you and have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
One Way To Save
Pine Street is looking for ways to trim the budget. An easy way to help is by signing up to get Pine Street Life electronically.
All it takes is a computer and e-mail address. The newsletter will be sent to your e-mail as a PDF, which can be viewed on any computer regardless of platform or operating system.
A bonus: Many of the photos and graphics used are actually in color, which can’t be seen on the paper version.
Once you get the issue, you have the choice of printing it out on your own printer, or saving the trees by reading it on the computer. Then if you see something you want to share with others, it’s as easy as forwarding the e-mail.
If you own a computer, please give this careful consideration. There is no cost involved to you, but it could save Pine Street plenty in the long run.
Not Too Late for Giving Tree
This year we want to “go over the top” with our annual Giving Tree project. Several visuals in the Gathering Place will show how close we are to specific goals. Signups began on Nov. 22 and will continue through Dec. 6.
Gifts are to be returned to the table on Dec. 6 or 13 for distribution to agencies and individuals. They should be unwrapped or placed in gift bags. Checks should be made out as directed on the posters found there and handed to a worker at the table.
Details about the organizations and individual requests are available at the Giving Tree table in the Gathering Place.
The agencies this year are:
Delta Community: assists homeless parents
YWCA: actively serves as an advocate and provides resources for women and children in our area
Heifer International: this year we will try to buy a “Knitting Basket,” we need a total of $500 to
HELP Ministries: provides emergency services such as shelter, rent assistance, and heating fuel
Promise Place: a living facility for women just out of prison who are trying to turn their lives around
Community Check-up : provides compassionate and caring medical services
Downtown Daily : feeds more than 100 people daily
This project, sponsored by the Mission Committee, gives opportunities to help others in many ways. You may give gifts to an individual or agency, give money to purchase necessities, buy gift cards, donate children’s books, provide personal care items, or give gloves or scarves to keep someone warm.
Choose today the ways in which you want to help. You will be very glad you did!!
Session Approves Fund Allocation
Received an update from the Building Renovations Committee:
Approved a motion that $124,000 be reallocated from the program monies to the Building Renovation Project Funds of the Capital Campaign for a contract to replace and paint all existing windows in the Christian Education Building. The amount is not to exceed $124,000. The City of Harrisburg Architectural Review Board requires that the windows be replaced with wooden windows similar in style and construction as the existing windows.
Approved a motion from the Evangelism Committee to support the initiation of a “catechesis model” new member class format. It may include biweekly classes and biweekly small group Bible study and prayer meetings, gathering up to 17 weeks, which will include full participation by Pine Street shepherds with the candidates, and which may include several mission projects in the curriculum.
Approved a proposed operating budget for 2010 of $903,874.00 with a deficit of $31,025.
POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM – 2009
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 offering plate along with your check made payable to Pine Street Presbyterian Church (please specify in the memo that this is for poinsettias). The cost of the poinsettias are $8 each. Deadline for orders is Dec. 13, 2009.
Wording of Dedication:
Pine Street Offers
Youareencouragedtotakeyourplantfollowing the11a.m.worshipserviceonDec.27.
*Payment is due when order form is submitted.
Mailing address is: PineStreetPresbyterian Church,310N.3rdStreet,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 in the past. Please be sure to complete the form by the date stated above.
Pine Street's award-winning cookbook, “Recipes & Remembrances,” will be available for purchase Sunday mornings in December. They make great Christmas gifts! Cost is $15.
Advent Activities
By Cheryl Goode
Advent is the beginning of our Church year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday closest to Nov. 30. It ends Christmas Eve.
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and the focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Christ. As we anticipate the birth of our Lord, let’s be prepared to step away from our daily tasks and join in some of the events planned here at Pine Street:
Hanging of the Greens
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 2
Sundays at Five will gather in Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6.
The Choir will present a musical sermon: Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” on Dec. 6, the second Sunday of Advent. It will be presented at both morning services.
The Senior high youth group Christmas party will be Dec. 13. The Middle school fellowship party will be on Dec. 16. Both will be at their regular meeting times.
Christmas Eve Services:
Lessons and Carols will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Dec. 20, followed by a dinner in Fellowship Hall (sign up at the Welcome Center).
Downtown Daily
By Elaine Strokoff
Just when I thought I had heard and seen everything, I was faced with a surprise.
When I came out of my office for lunch, I saw and heard an amazing thing.
Our No. 1 sad, homeless lady was playing the piano! And, it
‘It’s
sounded good!
This is a woman who will not speak, or does so incoherently. She talks to herself and pushes her possessions in a cart. She sleeps in doorways and makes a little hut around her with her possessions.
She can be seen in Pine Street’s doorway during the day, lying flat in her red coat with blankets piled on top of her. She wants nothing to do with a social
worker; will not see a case worker, and will not even talk to Brenda (everyone talks to Brenda!)
Perhaps she’s still angry with us because we asked her to move her self-made hut from our ladies room. But, this woman knows how to play the piano… who would have thought??
Did she live in a home where she was given piano lesions? What was she in her former life? Did
Winter items, including:
Hats, gloves, coats;
Old sleeping bags or bed rolls;
Men’s underwear, socks and clothing;
Toiletries, including toothpaste and deodorant.
And don’t forget, Entertainment Books are available for $30 from the church and DDB offices. They make great gifts!
you see the movie, “The Soloist?”
Who knows??
Our Responsibility to Help Others in Need’
By Jeanne L. Troy Stewardship Committee Member
My husband, Bob, and I joined Pine Street Presbyterian Church in October 2008. We did not make the decision lightly. We researched other churches, went to their services, and talked to the Rev. Russell Sullivan as he lives up the street from us.
His enthusiasm for the congregation, the mission, and the church as a whole convinced us to visit and check the church out. We are so glad that we did and became members.
As much as people research what they buy, what they wear, and what they want to see at the movies, what they don’t research is why they should support their church and the mission of the church. Pine Street’s mission is simple — to help those who need it most. Treat others as God would treat you, and the rewards are untold.
But in today’s financially challenging times, giving more of our selves in all ways is getting harder and harder.
Bob and I look at it differently — we are among the fortunate who have jobs, a home, income and security. It’s our responsibility to help others in need and Pine Street is one of the “others” in need.
You should know this is the first time in our religious life that we have consistently supported the
church we are members of. That’s a powerful statement about the ministry of Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
We know
that our gifts and financial support will help others whom Pine Street helps, be it DDB or other mission programs. We know what we give, while small in comparison to the overall budget, allows Pine Street to continue spreading God’s word in the actions of the church; it continues to help our youth learn more about God and what He can do for them through their activities and teachings from the members and the pastors. It teaches them to give of themselves to make the
world a better place. And isn’t that what we want them to do? To learn by us, follow our examples, and become better people?
The time leading up to Consecration Sunday and the activities of that day have led to 80 percent of the budget being pledged. We are so very close to that 100 percent, but it takes your help, your commitment and your belief in what we do to achieve the rest of the budget.
The passion of the church’s mission is evident through all the programs, activities, fellowship and help to the community.
We need your help to make sure we continue to serve those who need it the most.
I hope that by sharing why we give and support Pine Street that you will consider your pledge and help us reach that 100percent goal. In doing so, you are being God’s children and helping others as He helps us.
PARSON
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for us and I know that the end is Christ and his love for his people, then both the beginning and the end I embrace with joy.
It means history and time — no matter how painful or difficult — are bracketed by the loving embrace of God. It also means history is moving somewhere and has a purpose. And it means how we live now, in between the first and second coming, matters — matters to us, matters to God, and matters to our eternal destiny.
God wants something from each one of us, and that is to grow up into the image and likeness of
Christ. Advent is the time of year when we ponder these
Scripture Readings for December
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Amos 3:1-11
Psalm 146:1-10
Matthew 21:12-22
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Amos 3:12-4:5
Psalm 147:1-11
Matthew 21:23-32
Thursday, Dec. 3
Amos 4:6-13
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 21:33-46
Friday, Dec. 4
Amos 5:1-7
Psalm 148:1-14
Matthew 22:1-14
Saturday, Dec. 5
Amos 5:18-27
Psalm 149:1-9
Matthew 22:15-22
Sunday, Dec. 6
Amos 6:1-14
Psalm 150:1-6
2 Thessalonians 1:5-12
Luke 1:57-68
Sermon: Choir
Monday, Dec. 7
Amos 7:1-9
Psalm 145:1-21
Matthew 22:23-33
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Amos 7:10-17
Psalm 146:1-21
Matthew 22:34-46
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Amos 8:1-14
Psalm 147:1-11
Matthew 23:1-12
Thursday, Dec. 10
Amos 9:1-10
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 23:13-26
Friday, Dec. 11
Haggai 1:1-15
Psalm 148:1-14
Matthew 23:27-39
Saturday, Dec. 12
Haggai 2:1-9
Psalm 149:1-9
Matthew 24:1-14
Sunday, Dec. 13
Amos 9:11-15
Psalm 150:1-6
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 13-17
John 5:30-47
Sermon: The Rev. Russell Sullivan,preaching
Monday, Dec. 14
Zechariah 1:7-17
Psalm 145:1-21
Matthew 24:15-31
great teachings and prepare to receive the life that is truly life, the life we know in Christ, a life of hope, love, joy, and peace. The movie may frighten you, but Advent will fill you with hope in the promises of the coming Christ.
Take advantage of the spiritually rich and joyful opportunities that Pine Street will give you this Advent and Christmas to encounter the promises of Christ.
Pictures
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Zechariah 2:1-13
Psalm 146:1-10
Matthew 24:32-44
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Zechariah 3:1-10
Psalm 147:1-11
Matthew 24:45-51
Thursday, Dec. 17
Zechariah 4:1-14
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 25:1-13
Friday, Dec. 18
Genesis 3:8-15
Psalm 148:1-14
John 3:16-21
Saturday, Dec. 19
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalm 149:1-9
Luke 1:1-25
Sunday, Dec. 20
1 Samuel 2:1b-10
Psalm 150:1-6
Titus 2:1-10
Luke 1:26-38
Sermon: The Rev. Russell Sullivan,preaching
Monday, Dec. 21
2 Samuel 7:1-17
Psalm 145:1-21
Luke 1:39-48a (48b-56)
Tuesday, Dec. 22
2 Samuel 7:18-29
Psalm 146:1-10
Luke 1:57-66
Wednesday, Dec. 23
Jeremiah 31:10-14
Psalm 147:1-11
Luke 1:67-80
Thursday, Dec. 24
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 147:12-20
Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 59:15b-21
Psalm 114:1-8
Philippians 2:5-11
Friday, Dec. 25
Micah 4:1-5; 5:2-4
Psalm 148:1-14
John 3:31-36
Saturday, Dec. 26
2 Chronicles 24:17-22
Psalm 149:1-9
Acts 7:59-8:8
Sunday, Dec. 27
1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28
Psalm 150:1-6
Colossians 1:9-20
Luke 2:22-40
Sermon: The Rev. AlexanderLang,preaching
Pastor
Staff
Russell C. Sullivan Jr.
Associate Pastor
Alexander Lang
Organist/Choir Master
Thomas Clark-Jones
Director of Family and Lay Ministry
Cheryl A. Goode
Parish Associate for Visitation
Heather M. Sigler
Monday, Dec. 28
Isaiah 49:13-23
Psalm 145:1-21
Matthew 18:1-14
Tuesday, Dec. 29
2 Samuel 23:13-17b
Psalm 146:1-10
John 2:1-11
Wednesday, Dec. 30
1 Kings 17:17-24
Psalm 147:1-11
John 4:46-54
Thursday, Dec. 31
1 Kings 3:5-14
Psalm 147:12-20
John 5:1-15
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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Pine Street Taking Steps to Keep Flu Out of Church
The Pine Street Health Task Force, created by Session several months ago, has been working to determine safe practices for members of the Pine Street Family as we prepare for the H1N1 flu outbreak.
Faith communities in Harrisburg, the Presbytery of Carlisle, and over the U.S. are taking similar action.
Since this virus infects a younger population, there is great emphasis on children, pregnant women, and health-care providers. Vaccination of this population is encouraged, since children are in school and activities where close contact is a part of their daily routine.
Pine Street Task Force has been focusing on areas of our common life together:
Tissues, hand sanitizer solution, posters reminding all to “Cover Your Cough” have been placed at entrance doors to the sanctuary and in classrooms.
Passing the Peace practice will encourage speaking the greeting with a smile, while avoiding handshakes and hugs.
Increased diligence is used when cleaning kitchens, restrooms and classrooms.
Children’s toys are being cleaned after each class session.
Drinking fountains are turned off and pitchers of water with cups are being placed in the Gathering Place.
A Note of Thanks
I would like to take a moment to mention how much the support I received over the last several weeks has meant to me and my family. My mother was not known by many of you in the congregation. She would have met some of you at holiday and music events at the church. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last Christmas, in this case
Hand washing or cleansing with sanitizer is encouraged after coughing or sneezing.
Food handlers (for any church function including hospitality hour and church meals) will follow enhanced precautions for safe food handling including the use of gloves.
Communion practices:
All communion team members are requested to wear gloves when preparing the elements.
Team members who are ill are urged not to work around food of any kind, but to stay home and get a substitute.
Gloves are to be used when collecting used communion cups after worship. Children will not be permitted to participate in this activity.
a terminal condition. She had several courses of chemo therapy which were ineffectual. She died in her sleep October 27th while in the Hospice of Central Pa. I apologize for not including many of you in the memorial service, which was held on the 14th. To remain
Common sense precautions will slow or prevent the spread of the flu among members:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
If you are sick, stay home and recover, and keep others from going to work or school.
Prepare your home with supplies such as tissues, medicines, juices, etc., so that you will avoid going to the store when you are sick and can infect others.
You can monitor the CDC Web site for current information: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
consistent with her wishes, the service was kept to family and friends. Again, thanks for the wonderful cards and flowers, they were very comforting to me in this difficult time.
— Bill Black
Harrisburg, PA 17105