Pine Street Life
A L enten Journey with DAviD, King of isrAeL
Mar 11-13 Women’s Retreat (p.6)
Mar 12
. . . Men’s Breakfast (website)
Mar 13 Lenten Breakfast (p.6)
Mar 13 . . Pine StreetWalkers (webste)
Wednesdays Noonhour Recitals (p. 2)
Mar 25 Organ Recital Tom Clark-Jones (p.6)
PSL deadline
The story of Israel’s most significant king, David, occupies a wide swath of scripture. The stories are among my favorite. They are earthy and depict a man who struggles with himself and often fails in his call to be “a man after God’s own heart.” I can’t think of a better body of stories to guide us in our Lenten journey this year. The season of Lent is for us the season to remember our own vulnerable and frail humanity, our sinfulness and need for forgiveness. Lent calls us back to God and back to the spiritual realities of life. Lent invites us to die to sin and to be born into a new life. Each of the stories on which I have chosen to preach during Lent reflects this basic struggle to be what God wants us to be. Mind you, the David stories are not for the faint of heart; they reveal a real world of betrayal, violence, and the dodges and evasions of sin. But it is this world — and it is our world too — in which God plants his Cross.
Ash Wednesday March 9, 2011
Services at 12:10 & 7:30 p.m.
And it is significant that it is stories that will occupy our focus in worship. As Eugene Peterson has said, the biblical way is not so much to present us with a moral code that tells us “Live up to this.” Nor is the Bible a system of doctrine that says, “Think this and you’ll live well.” Rather the biblical way is to tell a story and invite us: “Live into this — this is what it looks like to be human in this God-made and Godruled world; this is what is involved in becoming and maturing as a human being.” We distort the Bible when we use it to get what we want out of it. The stories instead call us to submit our lives to what we read and to see our stories as part of God’s story.
So listen deeply to the stories of David, a fellow human, with gifts and yet flawed. Listen deeply in the Lenten journey to yourself and your life story, and be open to the new thing to which God is calling you. x
Let’s Show Them The Door
by Rev. Alex Lang
On February 20th, I preached a sermon concerning a new initiative being undertaken by our congregation to revitalize the membership of our church. I challenged the people in the pews to actively reach out to their friends and neighbors who do not have a church home and attempt to shepherd them to Pine Street. To be more specific, I asked that every person in our congregation sign a covenant that states their intent over the next year to shepherd one person into considering membership at Pine Street. My hope is that, if we all focus on just one person each, we can see a real turnaround in the negative decline our church has been experiencing over the last several years and re-energize our congregation towards a positive future.
Articles, photos and items of interest for the April issue of Pine Street Life are due by March 15, 2011. Please e-mail to Sue Black at BL3COL@aol.com (See Door on page 4)
The Rev. Dr. Russell Sullivan, Pastor
Bagels and Belief Topics & Speakers
March 6, 2011
What we believe about God’s Ultimate Purpose
Rev. Russell Sullivan
April 3, 2011
What we believe about the Church Rev. Heather Sigler
May 2, 2011
What we believe about Evil Rev. Alex Lang
June 5, 2011
What we believe about Christianity and Other Religions
Guest Presenter
Bagels & Belief meets in Fellowship Hall at 9:40 a.m.
LENTEN NOONHOUR RECITALS
By Tom Clark-Jones
Music at Pine Street is pleased to announce the schedule of artists to appear in the Lenten Noonhour Recital Series for 2011. This series has continued for more than 25 years, sharing the great music of Lent and Easter with sojourners in the downtown area each Wednesday in Lent at 12:10 p.m. We invite you to come in and join with us as much beautiful music is presented by talented artists from the Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania area. The recitals begin at 12:10 sharp and last 25 minutes. Following each recital, a lunch of soup and bread is served in McCormick Hall at a cost of $3.00. Soup is provided by Downtown Daily Bread and the proceeds from the lunch also go to DDB. We regret that we cannot provide free parking for this series, but the relatively inexpensive parking in the garage is well worth the price to come and hear this great music!
Those presenting recitals this year include:
March 16 Timothy Koch, Cantor and Organist
Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill
March 23 Gary Garletts, Organist-Choirmaster
Ardmore Presbyterian Church
March 30 Dr. Ronald Sider, Organist
Trinity Methodist Church, New Cumberland
April 6 Eric Riley, Music Director and Organist
Market Square Presbyterian Church
April 13 Arnold Sten, Organist-Choirmaster
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
An Invitation To Parents
We invite our own congregation to take advantage of this lovely series. The devotional aspect of Lent is emphasized in the programming, and it is a wonderful time to sit in the beauty of the church and contemplate the Passion Narrative. Also available at that time will be a prayer center which will be set up in the transept near the handicapped entrance. You might wish to come early and meditate, or stay after the recital to use this devotional aid. The building will remain open as long as there are those using the prayer center.
Session Notes for February
Pine Street willl once again host the Interfaith Commonwealth Service on May 2, 2011 .
Approved a request from the Kitchen Committee, to permit the Committee to hold “A Christmas Cookie Bazaar” in early December, to raise extra money specifically to supplement the needs/ upkeep of Pine Street’s kitchen
Approved a budget for 2011
Approved the recommendation of the Administration and Finance Committee, that a Task Force on Budget and Finance be appointed by the Pastor to propose solutions to the on-going problem of the congregation’s Operating Budget deficit .
Approved a new church logo for Pine Street .
So, if you are in the downtown area, drop in … if you’re not, plan to come anyway. Lent is late this year and it is likely that there will be lovely weather as we enter spring! x
A Journey Through Lent
Parents of students grades preschool through 5 are invited to join their children in Sunday school March 13 through April 24, 2011, from 9:55 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Students will take a journey through Lent and will focus on the Holy Week story. We hope that you will come and take this journey with your child. Please call Cheryl Goode at the church (238-9304) if you plan to join us.
2011 — Good News and a Bright Future
By Craig Kegerise, Chair Administration and Finance Committee
The Session of Pine Street Presbyterian Church has approved the operating budget for 2011.
The best news about this approved budget is that it is a balanced budget showing a small positive balance of $ 222.57 at the end of the year 2011.
Due to the hard work of many committees and individuals, the 2011 budgeted expenses are $ 12,696 less than the budget for 2010. The budget cuts that were made were done with prayerful consideration and have brought the expense budget in line with past actual expenses.
Adding to the challenge of decreasing the budgeted expenses is the decrease in pledged income. For 2011, the Pine Street Congregation has pledged to contribute $ 534,194. This is $32,369 less than pledged for 2010 and $ 10,009 less than actually received during 2010. It is imperative that we all meet our pledge for 2011 and if possible, increase our giving in support of the mission and programs here at Pine Street. In order that our income and expenses be balanced, the Session has approved the use of $ 117,000 of undesignated giving to support the 2011 budget. These funds have already been received as gifts to Pine Street.
The Session has also approved the formation of a Task Force, appointed by Reverend Sullivan, to investigate our present budget structure and make potential changes to assure that the budget supports the mission and programs of Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
2010 Operating Budget Good news and Bad news
2010 was an economically challenging year for most organizations and people. Pine Street was no exception, but we do have many areas that we should be thankful to God for our blessings and the gifts He has given us.
We finished the 2010 fiscal year with an operating deficit of $ 38,801.64. Although this may alarm some, according to national survey information, those churches that have operated within -10% of their budget are among the best. For Pine Street, this figure represents a -4.4% miss of the budget which would place us among the best of the best. Recall, the 2010 budget showed a budgeted deficit of $ 4,817 which places us within -3.8% of our budget. This is an admirable accomplishment.
Also on the bright side, thanks to the diligence of our staff and committees, expenses for 2010 were $ 6,010.31 below our 2010 budget. We owe them all a big thank you.
The major contributor in missing the 2010 budget was missing income. Our total income fell approximately $ 40,000 short of budget. Of that $40,000, missed pledges accounted for $ 22,360.09. Other areas where the expected income fell short were the facilities use income and investment income.
Thanks to all who contributed to the financial success of Pine Street Presbyterian Church, its mission and its programs. Thanks to all our members and the grace of God, we are an alive and vibrant beacon in the community.
from Page 1
The first question that you might be thinking is, “Why? Why do we need to do this and why should I sign this covenant?” If you have been in church for last couple of years, you know that we have been running major deficits in our budgets. The three most important factors that have contributed to these deficits have been 1) a bad economy 2) the capital campaign coinciding with the bad economy 3) a decline in membership. Even though we have kept program expenses to a minimum, the fixed cost of paying for personnel and building expenses is where the bulk of the budget resides.
LILIES ORDER FORM – 2011
If you would like to purchase a lily that will be used for decorating the sanctuary for Easter, please complete the form below.
The form can be either mailed or put in the box in the Gathering Place along with your check made payable to Pine Street Presbyterian Church (please specify in the memo that this is for lilies). The cost of the lilies are $8.50 each. Deadline for orders is April 17, 2011.
WORDING OF DEDICATION:
In Memory of
In Honor of
Given by
Amount Enclosed*___________________
You are encouraged to take your plant following the 11:00 am worship service.
*Payment is due when order form is submitted.
Mailing address is: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd Street, 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 EASTER BULLETIN, EVEN IF YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE IT DONE AUTOMATICALLY FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
God is the one who moves hearts toward accepting faith in Jesus Christ. It’s our responsibility to show them the door. It’s God’s responsibility to move them through it.
This year is no different. To cover our budget and maintain status quo, we are borrowing $117,000 from undesignated funds to make up for the amount that was not pledged by members. This type of borrowing can only continue for so long before our endowment is completely depleted and the church is forced to fire critical personnel. In my opinion, the expulsion of critical personnel to cover budget deficits is the death knell for any mainline congregation. Therefore, rather than ask the congregation for more money (something I think would only cause further attrition), we are asking for more people. If each member of our congregation can bring in just one person, then budget deficits will soon become a thing of the past and we’ll be on the right trajectory for once again becoming a thriving congregation.
(See Thrive on next page)
News From Our Church Family
Christian Education for the Digital Generation
The Carlisle Presbytery Education Committee is offering a workshop on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church.
The workshop, titled Christian Education for the Digital Generation, will be presented by Rev. Dr. Donald Griggs a retired pastor and educator of the PC (USA) and author.
Come explore the characteristics of the digital learner, and several educational models, with some helpful web links and resources. Cost of the event is $10.00 per person, not to exceed $50.00 per church. Registration forms are at the Welcome Center.
Rachel Bani was selected as first chair trombone in the PMEA Lower District 7 Band Festival held on February 11–12.
Teddy Guenin recently participated in The Hague International Model United Nations conference in The Hague, Netherlands.
Veronica Bani has been cast as “Cinderella” in Lemoyne Middle School’s G2K production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella . Shows are at Lemoyne Middle School on April 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Snow Tubing at Ski Roundtop
Round up the mittens and scarves — it’s time for Pine Street’s second annual snow tubing outing! The date is Saturday, March 5. Meet the gang at Round Top Mountain Resort in Lewisberry at 10 a.m. for two hours of exhilarating fun followed by lunch at Cheryl and John Goode’s home. All this for just $25 per person. (Kids ages two to five use the Kiddie Tubing area for $8.) Sign-ups have begun at the Welcome Center.
Lenten Breakfast
Pine Street’s long-held tradition of observing the beginning of the Lenten season by gathering around the breakfast table continues on Sunday, March 13th at 9:40 a.m. This year the men of Pine Street will serve the annual breakfast. It will be followed by a devotional time to prepare us for the six weeks of prayer and reflection that follow. The cost is minimal: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages four to twelve, and children under three are free. The Congregational Life Committee cordially invites all members of the Pine Street family to attend. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Benefit Recital for MAPS
Our Organist and Choirmaster, Tom Clark-Jones, will present his annual benefit concert for the Music at Pine Street (MAPS) series on Friday evening, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. All are cordially invited to hear some of the great organ literature played on the finest pipe organ in Central Pennsylvania.
For the program this year, Tom has selected two works of J.S. Bach … the quintessential composer for the organ, in the Prelude in C minor and the Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major. A set of variations on the beloved hymn, O Sacred Head by Johann Pachelbel will round out the first half of the program. These variations show off all the magnificent tonal color possibilities of the instrument.
The second half opens with César Franck’s Piece Heroique. Among organists, Franck’s works are considered second only to those of Bach himself. This stirring composition shows off the power and glory of the Romantic French influences in the organ. Also in this portion of the program are the lovely Prelude on the tune ‘Malabar’ by Chicago composer Leo Sowerby and a charming Scherzo by Belgian composer Flor Peeters. The evening ends with the Prelude and Fugue on the hymn Christ lag in Todesbanden, one of the great German Easter Chorales, set here by Twentieth Century composer Hermann Schroeder.
You are cordially invited to partake of the musical feast. Admission will be free, and a free will offering will be taken for the benefit of the series. Free parking in the South Street Garage and child care will be provided.
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.
March, 2011
S u n d a y M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y S a t u r d a y
3 6 :3 0 P M C h a m b e r Si n g e rs R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 7 :3 0 P M C h a n c e l C h o i r R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3
2 6 :0 0 P M J Y FBo y d 6 :0 0 P M KO AL A 7 :3 0 P M
Ad u l t H a n d b e l l C h o i rB e l l R o o m
1 8 :4 5 A M St a f f W o rs h i p 9 :1 5 A M St a f f M e e t i n g 6 :3 0 P M J o i n t B o a r d M e e t i n g
2 8 1 :3 0 P M S t e p h e n M i n i s t ry S u p e rv i s i o n –
R e v L a n g ’ s H o u s e
2 7 8 :3 0 A M W o rs h i pS a n c t u a ry
9 :3 0 A M C h i l d r e n s C h o i r Pr a c t i c e ( PreK -
5 G ra d e )R m 1 0 8 9 :4 0 A M Ad u l t F o ru m –M a r j o r i e T h o m p s o n –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l
9 :4 0 A M C h u rc h Sc h o o lAl l A g e s 1 1 : 0 0 A M W o rs h i p –S a n c t u a ry 4 :0 0 P M Yo u t h H a n d b e l l C h o i r Be l l R o o m
5 :0 0 P M SYF –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l & Bo y d
6 T r a n s f i g u r a t i o n S u n d a y 8 :3 0 A M W
i n i s t ry S u p e rv i s i o n –R o o m 3 0 6 1 5 8 :4 5 A M St a f f W o rs h i p 9 :1 5 A M St a f f M e e t i n g 1 6 1 2 : 1 0 PM L e n t e n N o o n h o u r R e c i t a l 1 2 : 3 5 PM S o u p & Bre a d L u n c h –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l 6 :0 0 P M J Y FBo y d 6 :0 0 P M KO AL A 7 :3 0 P M Ad u l t H a n d b e l l C h o i rB e l l R o o m 1 7 6 :3 0 P M C h a m b e r Si n g e rs R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 7 :3 0 P M C h a n c e l C h o i r R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 1 8 1 9
2 6
2 5 7 :3 0 P M M AP S Ev e n t –O r g a n R e c i t a l –T o m C l a rkJ o n e s
2 4 6 :3 0 P M C h a m b e r Si n g e rs R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 7 :3 0 P M C h a n c e l C h o i r R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 7 :3 0 P M P e rs o n n e l C o m m i t t e e M t gR m 3 0 8
2 3 1 2 : 1 0 PM L e n t e n N o o n h o u r R e c i t a l 1 2 : 3 5 PM S o u p & Bre a d L u n c h –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l 6 :0 0 P M J Y FBo y d 6 :0 0 P M KO AL A 7 :3 0 P M Ad u l t H a n d b e l l C h o i rB e l l R o o m
2 2 8 :4 5 A M St a f f W o rs h i p 9 :1 5 A M St a f f M e e t i n g 7 :0 0 P M A d m i n & F i n a n c e M t g –R o o m 3 0 8
4 6 :3 0 P M S t e p h e n
2 1
l l & Bo y
w s h i
l
2 0 S e c o n d S u n d a y I n L e n t
8 :3 0 A M W o rs h i pS a n c t u a ry
9 :3 0 A M C h i l d r e n s C h o i r Pr a c t i c e ( PreK -
5 G ra d e )R m 1 0 8
9 :4 0 A M C h u rc h Sc h o o lAl l A g e s
1 1 : 0 0 A M W o rs h i p –Sa n c t u a ry
3 1 6 :3 0 P M C h a m b e r Si n g e rs R e h e a rs a lR m 3 0 3 7 :3 0 P M C h a n c e l C h o i r R e h e a rs a lR m . 3 0 3 1 2
3 0 1 2 : 1 0 PM L e n t e n N o o n h o u r R e c i t a l 1 2 : 3 5 PM S o u p & Bre a d L u n c h –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l 6 :0 0 P M J Y FBo y d 6 :0 0 P M KO AL A 7 :3 0 P M Ad u l t H a n d b e l l C h o i rB e l l R o o m
2 9 8 :4 5 A M St a f f W o rs h i p 9 :1 5 A M St a f f M e e t i n g
2 8 1 :3 0 P M S t e p h e n M i n i s t ry S u p e rv i s i o n –R o o m 3 0 6
4 :0 0 P M Yo u t h H a n d b e l l C h o i r Be l l R o o m
5 :0 0 P M SYF –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l & Bo y d
2 7 T h i r d S u n d a y I n L e n t
8 :3 0 A M W o rs h i pS a n c t u a ry
9 :3 0 A M C h i l d r e n s C h o i r Pr a c t i c e ( PreK -
5 G ra d e )R m 1 0 8 9 :4 0 A M C h u rc h Sc h o o lAl l A g e s
1 1 : 0 0 A M W o rs h i p –Sa n c t u a ry
4 :0 0 P M Yo u t h H a n d b e l l C h o i r Be l l R o o m
5 :0 0 P M SYF –F e l l o w s h i p H a l l & Bo y d
Tuesday, March 1
Psalms 12, 146
Deuteronomy 4:15–24
Matthew 6:16–23
Wednesday, March 2
Psalms 96, 147:1–11
Deuteronomy 4:25–31
Matthew 6:24–34
Thursday, March 3
Psalms 116, 147:12–20
Deuteronomy 4:32–40
Matthew 7:1–12
Friday, March 4
Psalms 84, 148
Deuteronomy 5:1–22
Matthew 7:13–21
Saturday, March 5
Psalms 63, 149
Deuteronomy 5:22–33
Matthew 7:22–29
Sunday, March 6
Transfiguration of the Lord
Psalm 2
Exodus 24:12-18
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
Monday, March 7
Psalms 5, 145
Deuteronomy 6:1–15
John 1:1–18
Lectionary Readings for March
Tuesday, March 8
Psalms 42, 146
Deuteronomy 6:16–25
John 1:19–28
Wednesday, March 9
Ash Wednesday
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Jonah 3:1—4:11
Luke 18:9–14
Thursday, March 10
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Deuteronomy 7:6–11
John 1:29–34
Friday, March 11
Psalms 22, 148
Deuteronomy 7:12–16
John 1:35–42
Saturday, March 12
Psalms 43, 149
Deuteronomy 7:17–26
John 1:43–51
Sunday,March 13
1st Sunday in Lent
Psalms 32
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
Monday, March 14
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Deuteronomy 8:1–20
John 2:1–12
Tuesday, March 15
Psalms 34, 146
Deuteronomy 9:(1–3) 4–12
John 2:13–22
Wednesday, March 16
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Deuteronomy 9:13–21
John 2:23—3:15
Thursday, March 17
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Deuteronomy 9:23—10:5
John 3:16–21
Friday, March 18
Psalms 22, 148
Deuteronomy 10:12–22
John 3:22–36
Saturday, March 19
Psalms 43, 149
Deuteronomy 11:18–28
John 4:1–26
Sunday, March 20
2nd Sunday in Lent
Psalms 121
Genesis 12:1-4a
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17
Monday, March 21
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Jeremiah 1:11–19
John 4:27–42
Tuesday, March 22
Psalms 34, 146
Jeremiah 2:1–13, 29–32
John 4:43–54
Wednesday, March 23
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Jeremiah 3:6–18
John 5:1–18
Thursday, March 24
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Jeremiah 4:9–10, 19–28
John 5:19–29
Friday, March 25
Psalms 22, 148
Jeremiah 5:1–9
John 5:30–47
Saturday, March 26
Psalms 43, 149
Jeremiah 5:20–31
John 7:1–13
Sunday, March 27
3rd Sunday in Lent
Psalms 95
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Monday, March 28
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Jeremiah 7:1–15
John 7:14–36
Tuesday, March 29
Psalms 34, 146
Jeremiah 7:21–34
John 7:37–52
Wednesday, March 30
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Jeremiah 8:4–7, 18—9:6
John 8:12–20
Thursday March 31
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Jeremiah 10:11–24
John 8:21–32
