Youth Mission
by Rev. Alexander Lang
On June 22, 2013 eleven youth from Pine Street Presbyterian Church will be participating in a mission trip to Haiti. For the past three summers Pine Street’s youth mission trips have provided opportunities for youth to serve people facing different sorts of poverty. The first year our youth learned about urban poverty as they ministered to children and the homeless in Chicago. The second year they learned about rural poverty, building two ramps for a man with multiple sclerosis who lives in the mountains of West Virginia. This past June they learned about poverty of the mind as they served the mentally handicapped at the Duvall Home in Florida.
children in orphanages; spending time with the elderly in their homes; and helping the Haitians with building projects in their community. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere and, since the earthquake in 2010, has spiraled even further into poverty. We will be working through an organization called Praying Pelican Missions that has developed important mission ties with churches in Haiti.
This year our trip to Haiti will represent the final type of mission trip in our cycle of missions: international mission work. Our youth will serve the adults and children of Haiti by providing Bible school activities for
In 2005, I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti and experience the country and its people. The church I worked for in California had a relationship with a church in the province of Jaridun. I think it is an understatement to say that trip changed my perspective on the world. I had never seen or experienced poverty on that large a scale. However, in spite of their plight, they are a wonderful people who have such an amazing outlook on life and faith. It has been my desire
Love Songs for Valentines to Benefit DDB
by Tom Clark-Jones
There is an old saying among church professionals that one best be really sold on any program that is introduced into your ministry because it well might become a tradition. I’m not sure the Music at Pine Street committee thought the Broadway revue through that clearly when we first put this program on the agenda, but it has become a Pine Street tradition, and one that everyone seems to enjoy.
Bagels & Belief
January 6
The Pornography Effect: How Pornography is Changing Our Understanding of Sexuality
Pastor Lang
February 3
Human Trafficking: The Modern Slave Trade
Pastor Lang
March 3 Why Evolution Won’t Go Away
Dr. Ted Davis
April 7
The Culture of Disbelief
Dr. Ted Davis
May 5
It’s the Economy (again), Stupid!
Pastor Sullivan
June 2
Is it the End of Marriage as We Know It?
Pastor Sullivan
All forums are held at 9:40 am in Fellowship Hall
The Congregational Lfe Committee is hosting a potluck luncheon on Sunday, January 13 in Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 worship service. They will provide a main dish and those attending are asked to bring a salad or dessert, enough to feed ten people. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Youth
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to expose the youth of the church to the Haitian culture and country and now we need your help to make it happen.
The trip to Haiti is expensive. It will cost around $1300 per person. To help offset the costs of this exciting opportunity, the youth will be holding a “Picka-Prize” auction at the church for four consecutive Sundays starting on March 17, 2013. Unlike a silent auction where you bid on an item and the highest bid wins, the “Pick-a-Prize” auction functions like a raffle drawing. If there is an item that you like, then you purchase tickets and place them in the container next to the item. Tickets will be available for $1, or 12/$10 and 30/$20. The more tickets you put into the container, the higher your chances of winning. The final drawing and luncheon will be on April 7, 2013
At this juncture, we require items for the auction. On Sunday, January 27th, I will be doing a mission focus for the “Pick-a-Prize” auction where we will begin soliciting donations. Your generous, tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated. Every item you donate and every dollar you give will help provide a life changing experience for our youth.
If you are able, please be in church that day, not only to hear my message, but to support our youth during their annual Youth Sunday. Our goal is to begin collecting items for the auction and have a large variety that will attract a great deal of interest so that we can hit our fundraising goal of $6000. Thank you for supporting our youth and I look forward to seeing you all on Youth Sunday.
Session Notes for December
Made changes to the membership roll as proposed by Evangelism Committee as a result of the annual review of the roll.
Approved a 2013 Budget: Income $758,884 Expenses $784,840 Excess Inc/Exp -$26,405
Details of Stewardship Campaign results and other Budget issues are to be reported in the weekly Bulletin and/or Pine Street Life and at the January Congregational meeting.
Set April 7, 2013 as date for Congregational Annual Meeting
Project Homeless Connect
by Dr. Stephen B. Heller
Trustees Notes for November
Christmas Cookie Bazaar
The Cookie Bazaar was a success! At the time of this writing we have taken in $2000.00 dollars. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Bazaar, those who baked cookies, those who made crafts, for the nativities that were donated. Thank you to all who were there the day of the bazaar to make sure that it ran smoothly and for making sure the room was ready for the next happening that day! All in all it was a wonderful day and many hands made it happen.
Peace and Love to you all,
The Kitchen Committee
On Friday, September 28th 2012 Downtown Daily Bread joined 60 other social service providers in the Harrisburg community for Project Homeless Connect (PHC) at the Farm Show Complex. Project Homeless Connect has been operating for the past several years to provide a centralized location where individuals who are literally or imminently homeless can speak with service providers and receive a variety of services and benefits including medical, social, legal, financial, housing, food, identification cards, birth certificates and many other services and articles of need. Downtown Daily Bread employees Stephen Heller, Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Outreach Counselor, and Christine Patrick, Caseworker, were the client counselors on site. Together, 25 intakes and 30 address forms were completed, which enabled clients to get a mailing address as well as a picture-ID card and birth certificate from other PHC participants. Approximately 300 homeless or near homeless individuals came through the doors that day, receiving a multitude of services and referrals to other providers in the Harrisburg community.
Upon entering the Farm Show Complex, consumers received a hearty breakfast. Each consumer was then matched up with an “Ambassador” (HACC studentvolunteers), who spent the day with them, walking around to the various providers that consumers were in need of contacting.
Throughout the day, we met with a variety of individuals, each with a unique blend of needs. One woman was living in her van with 3 children. Based on a determination of her needs, she was escorted to Crisis Intervention, a program within Dauphin Case Management. Action was immediately taken to alleviate her situation and get her off of the streets as soon as possible. DDB was also able to provide her with a mailing address which was a big help, as it is a safe place to receive mail. Providing that contact with her also established the beginning of a relationship that can serve to provide additional services as needed in the future.
There was another young lady that came to the DDB site who had no paper work because she was fleeing a domestic violence situation. All she had with her was her baby. We were able to get her a mailing address which enables her to get identification so that
See PHC on page 4
Discussed and applauded the work done by the Property Committee to obtain recycling services from the city for the Boyd and the church buildings
Approved a motion to continue insurance coverage at 100% of value based on the June 2012 appraisal. This policy covers the building and contents of the Boyd building and the church.
Approved a motion to install vandal proof lighting at the DDB entrance.
Approved a motion to make precautionary repairs to the steam condensate line under room 101.
Discussed a concept from Rev. Lang to use a portion of the Sunday School area to conduct GED classes.
Noted a report from the Property Committee that the excess pews have been sold. Several of the larger pews have been donated to the Carson Long Academy.
Approved a motion to fund the final plastering and repainting of the area at the end of Memorial Hall.
From the Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee wishes to thank the congregation for their generosity to date for the program year 2013. As of December 14, 2012 we received 142 pledges totaling $496,948.10. Members who did not pledge as of this date are being contacted by the elders and members of the Stewardship Committee. While the amount pledged to date will not permit us to fulfill some of our visionary program endeavors, nonetheless the session will ensure that all monies received will be used to ensure the greatest benefit to our witness here at 3rd and Pine. If you have not picked up your envelopes we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. We also will appreciate your notice of the initial offering envelope which may be used to offset Pine Street’s per capita payment to the Presbytery which comes to $25.00 per member.
PHC
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Continued from page 1 she can get other needed services. Hopefully other social service providers at PHC were able to provide additional services to this consumer.
A middle-aged woman approached our area in need of a proper mailing address so she could initiate receiving services from Case Management Unit. Having this address allows the consumer to apply for Social Security benefits, food stamps and medical assistance. Receiving her mail at DDB allows her to communicate with the Case Management Unit, and also allows us to establish a relationship with her that can open other doors in the future should additional needed services be identified.
All in all it was a good day and many people who might be otherwise underserved received a variety of benefits, as well as the personal attention that everybody desires, particularly when in need. Project Homeless Connect was an overall tremendous success, and we anticipate that next year’s event will benefit from the experience gathered this year.
The thankfulness expressed by consumers made the day well worthwhile. We were inspired to continue in our endeavor to assist individuals in need, thus assuring that needed services were available, and will be enhanced in the future.
Its original purpose was to give the choir a break from sacred music and holy texts, a chance to let their hair down and do some fun music for the sheer enjoyment of the experience. And they have done just that. We have seen, over the years, memorable performances from folks who are usually not thought of as soloists, and yet have wonderful talents that they quietly share every week in church, and that come out in spades at this show.
So, on February 8 at 7:30pm, we present our ‘traditional’ Broadway and Hollywood revue: Love Songs for Valentines. This year, the show will benefit Downtown Daily Bread. Each year Music at Pine Street dedicates one of its concerts to our homegrown mission project. Its impact in this community is tremendous, and we are proud to help support their efforts on behalf of the hungry and homeless of our city. Tickets are $15.00 each. $10.00 of that will go to DDB directly. There will also be baskets on the tables so that if you wish to go ‘above and beyond’ the donation, you can leave your check in the basket and it will get to the right place! Tickets will go on sale beginning January 13. Get yours soon as this is usually a sell out show, and seating is limited. For the price of your ticket you get a great show from the choir and some of their friends as well as memorable desserts and coffee (or tea, if you prefer) AND you support Downtown Daily Bread! The South Street Garage will be open for free parking, and, of course, we provide child care for those who need it!
All of us in the music department are looking forward to this show that lightens up the winter months with warm fellowship around the tables and beautiful music from great American theatre and movies. Come, enjoy!
It’s that time of year again. So if it’s snowing on Sunday morning or while you’re getting ready for a meeting, you can find revised schedule and cancellation info on our website, www.pinestreet. org, and on Channel 21 (WHP-TV) or Channel 27 (WHTM-TV). Remember, even if church is being held, be safe first.
Created and Called – Spiritual Gifts Workshop
by Ron Poorman
We all know the concept of a gift, both a gift given and a gift received. Ideal gifts are those that we have wanted for a long time. These gifts are likely to be hightech, sleek, and shiny; or they may glitter like gold. Sometimes these gifts are useful. More often, they are things that we have decided that we “need” to have, but once they have been received, we tend to find them not as exciting as we dreamed they would be. They may even literally begin to lose their luster after only a short time.
There is another kind of gift. This gift is either given by God or is one we have cultivated over the years
at great cost or effort. This gift is one that, instead of losing its shine, becomes more deeply polished with use. In fact, it gleams most brightly when it is given away.
There is a wonderful old short story by O. Henry called The Gift of the Magi. In this story a young couple, very much in love, struggles with how to buy gifts for each other when they have no money. Each has one prized possession. Jim has a gold pocket watch, probably passed down through his family. Della has only her long beautiful hair, which she considers to be her most striking feature. To have a proper Christmas gift for each other, they each give up the thing they prize the most. Jim sells his gold watch to buy intricate tortoise shell combs for Della’s hair. Della sells her hair to a wig-maker to buy a chain for Jim’s watch. These are truly sacrificial gifts, comparable, suggests O. Henry, to the gifts that the Magi brought to the Christ child. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh were perhaps the only costly possessions the kings had.
Many of us don’t think of ourselves as having personal gifts. But we are assured often, in scripture, that we do possess gifts, spiritual ones, gifts that are not purchased, but given. We read in Romans 12:4-6a: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different
gifts, according to the grace given us.
There are over twenty Greek words used for the gifts described in passages in the Bible. Can you name just a few of them? What are your gifts? If these questions seem hard to answer, consider coming to an event that will help you figure it out. Come to Pine Street’s workshop on Spiritual Gifts:
Created and Called: Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts
Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 8:30am to 12:30pm
McCormick Fellowship Hall Cost $15 - Includes light refreshments.
The workshop will be led by Rev. David Rich, a retired PCUSA minister. David has been an educator and consultant in life and work planning with individuals and has been active in planning organizational transitions with churches. His wife, Deborah McKinley, former Associate Pastor at Pine Street, is the pastor of the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, VA.
Rev. Rich says that “God calls each of us. Each of us is the sum of many parts – our gender... talents... personality... values... passions... life and work experiences... interests... skills... and bodies. All blend together to form each of us as unique human beings. These parts are God’s gifts to us and we, in turn, are God’s gifts to the world.”
The class will focus on the process of discerning our gifts, testing them out and exploring the use of those gifts in God’s world. This class may be for you if you feel a disconnect between what you want to do with your life and what you are doing with your life. Come and share this time with us if you want to identify your life and spiritual gifts and are seeking some new ways to use your gifts. Oscar Hammerstein wrote these words in a song lyric: “A bell is no bell till you ring it; a song is no song till you sing it; and love isn’t love till you give it away.”
You may sign up for the workshop at the Welcome Center beginning on Sunday, January 6, or online at www.pinestreet.org
Come learn about your spiritual gifts. Then give them away.
Pine Street Book Club
January 13, 2013 Red Azlea by Anchee Min
Sandy Allen, hostess
Reviewed by Cynthia Hertzler
February 10, 2013 Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank
Pam Bauer, hostess
Reviewed by Pam Bauer
March 10, 2013 If You Ask Me by Betty White
Sondra Fertig, hostess
Reviewed by Rita Falk & Barb Taylor
April 14, 2013 Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz
Estelle Hartranft, hostess
Reviewed by Eileen Kunkle & Estelle Hartranft
May 19, 2013
The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard
Doris Coyne, hostess
Reviewed by Edna Andrews
Book Club always meets at 7:00 pm. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Toddlers’ Clothing Wanted
The Pine Street Mission Committee is seeking your help for young children at Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center on Walnut Street. We need donations of clothing, especially pants, socks, and underwear, for young boys and girls in sizes 2T, 3T, 4T and 5T.
Used or new clothing may be donated. Donations can be placed in a box for this purpose that will be at the Mission Committee table in the Gathering Place starting in January 2013.
These donations will be used for children at Hansel and Gretel in circumstances where their families do not always have the means to provide sufficient spare clothing for children who experience frequent spills or accidents as a part of growing up and learning to be independent. The staff at Hansel and Gretel and their young students would greatly appreciate any help you could provide.
The Hansel and Gretel on Walnut Street serves children who live in the city of Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township and Penbrook Borough. It has a diverse group of families who rely on its services.
Any help that Pine Street could provide would be tremendous.
Our “Connectional” Church
There are several idioms or phrases that, over time, prove to be too true! Presbyterians often say the they belong to a “connectional” church, a network of people of like mind and like faith. It is also said that with the global nature of society today, you can go anywhere and possibly meet someone you know.
Bill Bauer, Lend A Hand, began to seek a church to serve as a host for disaster recovery teams headed for New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy. After a few calls, he was talking with the Rev. Dr. Carlos Wilton, who just happened to have served as the director of youth education under Rev. Dr Fred Anderson at Pine Street almost 30 years ago!!
Carlos, in turn, had been in a quandary as to how to let people outside the disaster area know of the tremendous need for volunteers in his community. Bill and some other LAH leaders met with Carlos
and members of his congregation in early November and the first teams were there the first week of December. Monthly buses of volunteers are now scheduled through early Spring and will continue so long as volunteers sign on.
God certainly was in the ‘mix’ and He does work in strange and often mysterious ways!
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.
January, 2013
Tuesday January 1
Psalms 98; 146
Genesis 17:1–12a, 15–16
Colossians 2:6–12
John 16:23b–30
Wednesday January 2
Psalms 48; 147:1–11
Genesis 12:1–7
Hebrews 11:1–12
John 6:35–42, 48–51
Thursday January 3
Psalms 111; 147:12–20
Genesis 28:10–22
Hebrews 11:13–22
John 10:7–17
Friday January 4
Psalms 20; 148
Exodus 3:1–5
Hebrews 11:23–31
John 14:6–14
Saturday January 5
Psalms 99; 149
Joshua 1:1–9
Hebrews 11:32—12:2
John 15:1–16
Sunday January 6
Epiphany of the Lord
Psalms 72; 150
Isaiah 52:7–10
Revelation 21:22–27
Matt. 12:14–21
Monday January 7
Psalms 46 or 97; 145
Isaiah 52:3–6
Revelation 2:1–7
John 2:1–11
Lectionary Readings for January
Tuesday January 8
Psalms 46 or 47; 146
Isaiah 59:15b–21
Revelation 2:8–17
John 4:46–54
Wednesday January 9
Psalms 46 or 47;
147:1–11
Isaiah 63:1–5
Revelation 2:18–29
John 5:1–15
Thursday January 10
Psalms 46 or 47;
Ps. 147:12–20
Isaiah 65:1–9
Revelation 3:1–6
John 6:1–14
Friday January 11
Psalms 46 or 47; 148
Isaiah 65:13–16
Revelation 3:7–13
John 6:15–27
Saturday January 12
Psalms 46 or 97; 149
Isaiah 66:1–2, 22–23
Revelation 3:14–22
John 9:1–12, 35–38
Sunday January 13
Baptism of the Lord
Psalms 104; 150
Isaiah 40:1–11
Hebrews 1:1–12
John 1:1–7, 19–20, 29–34
Monday January 14
Psalms 5; 145
Isaiah 40:12–24
Ephesians 1:1–14
Mark 1:1–13
Tuesday January 15
Psalms 42; 146
Isaiah 40:25–31
Ephesians 1:15–23
Mark 1:14–28
Wednesday January 16
Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11
Isaiah 41:1–16
Ephesians 2:1–10
Mark 1:29–45
Thursday January 17
Psalms 97; 147:12–20
Isaiah 41:17–29
Ephesians 2:11–22
Mark 2:1–12
Friday January 18
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins
Psalms 51; 148
Isaiah 42:(1–9) 10–17
Ephesians 3:1–13
Mark 2:13–22
Saturday January 19
Psalms 104; 149
Isaiah (42:18–25) 43:1–13
Ephesians 3:14–21
Mark 2:23—3:6
Sunday January 20
Psalms 19; 150
Isaiah 43:14—44:5
Hebrews 6:17—7:10
John 4:27–42
Monday January 21
Psalms 135; 145
Isaiah 44:6–8, 21–23
Ephesians 4:1–16
Mark 3:7–19a
Tuesday January 22
Psalms 123; 146
Isaiah 44:9–20
Ephesians 4:17–32
Mark 3:19b–35
Wednesday January 23
Psalms 15; 147:1–11
Isaiah 44:24—45:7
Ephesians 5:1–14
Mark 4:1–20
Thursday January 24
Psalms 36; 147:12–20
Isaiah 45:5–17
Ephesians 5:15–33
Mark 4:21–34
Friday January 25
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ends
Psalms 130; 148
Isaiah 45:18–25
Ephesians 6:1–9
Mark 4:35–41
Saturday January 26
Psalms 56; 149
Isaiah 46:1–13
Ephesians 6:10–24
Mark 5:1–20
Sunday January 27
Psalms 67; 150
Isaiah 47:1–15
Hebrews 10:19–31
John 5:2–18
Monday January 28
Psalms 57; 145
Isaiah 48:1–11
Galatians 1:1–17
Mark 5:21–43
Tuesday January 29
Psalms 54; 146
Isaiah 48:12–21 (22)
Galatians 1:18—2:10
Mark 6:1–13
Wednesday January 30
Psalms 65; 147:1–11
Isaiah 49:1–12
Galatians 2:11–21
Mark 6:13–29
Thursday January 31
Psalms 143; 147:12–20
Isaiah 49:13–23 (24–26)
Galatians 3:1–14
Mark 6:30–46
