Lent At Pine Street
by Rev. Heather Sigler
The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. It is a period of 40 days — like the flood of Genesis, Moses’ sojourn at Mount Sinai, Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb, Jonah’s call to Ninevah to repent, and Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. (The Sundays in Lent are not counted in this reckoning of the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter, as every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.)
receive our confirmation class and honor them with a reception following 11:00am worship.
Pine Street’s observance of Lent also includes a small group Bible study of William Willimon’s book Thank God It’s Friday. This is a study of the seven last words Jesus spoke from the cross. Dr. Sullivan will be preaching a sermon series on the same themes throughout the Lenten season.
In the early church, Lent was a time of preparation for the celebration of baptism at the Easter Vigil. In many communities of faith it remains a time to equip and nurture candidates for baptism and confirmation and to reflect deeply on the theme of baptismal discipleship.
In keeping with this tradition, on Palm Sunday, March 29, we will
The sermon series began on Ash Wednesday with Dr. Sullivan’s sermon The First Word: “Father, Forgive” based on Luke 23:32-38, followed by The Second Word: “Today, You Will be with Me in Paradise” on February 22, the first Sunday in Lent, based on Luke 23:39-43.
Continuing in March, sermon topics will be:
Stephen Ministry Sunday
by Rev. Heather Sigler
Sunday March 22 is Stephen Ministry Day at Pine Street. Stephen Ministry leaders and caregivers will participate in worship and be available following worship to provide information during fellowship time in the Gathering Place.
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the “After People.”
Second Sunday in Lent
March 1
The Third Word:
“Woman: Behold Your Son”
John 19: 26-27
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Third Sunday in Lent
March 8
The Fourth Word: “My God My God”
Matthew 27: 45-49
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 15
The Fifth Word: “It Is Finished”
John 19:30
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 22
Stephen Ministry Sunday
The Sixth Word: “I Thirst’”
John 19:28-29
Rev. Sigler preaching
Palm Sunday
March 29
“Humility”
Philippians 2: 5-11
Baptism & Confirmation
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Good Friday
April 3, 7:30pm
The Seventh Word: “Father, Into They Hands”
Luke 23: 46-49
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Easter
April 5
The Final Word: “Fear Not!”
Mark 16: 1-8
Dr. Sullivan preaching
Stephen Ministers are there:
. . . after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
. . . after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.
. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
. . . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”
. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
. . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty.
. . . after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
. . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
(from the Stephen Ministries website www. stephenministries.org)
Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you — or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives — and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. Please speak to a Stephen Minister, Rev. Sullivan or Rev. Sigler if you or someone you care about may be in need of a Stephen Minister.
Session Notes
The February meeting of Session was the annual Joint Board meeting and all the Deacons and Trustees were invited to attend. The boards heard an annual report from Judy Himes, Moderator of the Board of Deacons; Frank Meehan, President of the Board of Trustees; Chantel Atnip, Co-Chair of the Music Search Committee; Russel Sullivan, Pastor; and Anne Guenin, Church Administrator.
Ms. Himes reported that the Deacons have been involved in a variety of activities during 2014, a list too long to enumerate here.
Mr. Meehan reported that Pine Street’s investments are doing well, that the building is fully insured and that repairs to our facilities have been and are being made. Two larger upcoming projects are to address cooling in the Boyd Building and to make repairs to the heating system in the basement of the Education Wing.
Ms. Atnip reported that the Music Search Committee has narrowed the candidate pool to five. All five have been scheduled for a two-day round of interviews and auditions at Pine Street in February and early March.
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Downtown Daily Bread needs your ongoing support throughout the year. Serving more than 100 hungry individuals every day is an ambitious task. You can help by donating: beef, pork, ham; #10 cans of fruits and vegetables; #10 cans of tomato sauce and cream soups.
Other needed items include: styrofoam bowls and cups; plastic forks and spoons; coffee, sugar, and drink mixes.
The Lunch Plus program is greatly in need of personal hygiene items, laundry detergent and bleach; new underwear for men and women; and new or used socks. Clean and gently used winter clothing for men and wormen are in great demand this time of year.
Thank for for helping DDB with your generous donations. A tax recept is available for all contributions. If you have questions, please call Chris or Cynthia at 2384717, ext. 128 or 129.
GLEE FOR DDB
The Men’s Glee Club from the University of Pennsylvaia will be performing a benefit concert for DDB in the sanctuary on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30pm. This is a joint effort between Downtown Daily Bread and Music At Pine Street.
Concert-only tickets are $25. Tickets for the concert and a champagne reception to follow are $50. All checks should be made payable to Downtown Daily Bread Tickets are available at the Welcome Center, or checks may be mailed to the church and tickets will be held for you to pick up on the night of the concert. Please call the church office at 238-9304 with any questions.
Sponsorships are also available. Please contact Elaine Strokoff at 238-4717 if you are interested in supporting Downtown Daily Bread and this fundraiser concert.
Glee for DDB Sponsorship Form
Name(s) __________________________________
Business __________________________________
Address __________________________________
City _________________ State ____ Zip _______
Phone ____________________________________
Email ____________________________________
Name as you wish it to appear in the program
Sponsorship Levels: __Leading Note ($10,000) __ Soprano ($5000) __Alto ($2500) __ Tenor ($1000) __ Baritone ($500) __Bass ($250) __ Sharp/Flat Note Friend ($100)
Check enclosed $ ________
Please mail completed form and check payable to Downtown Daily Bread to:
Downtown Daily Bread 310 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Downtown Daily Bread is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Ms. Guenin reported that Pine Street ended 2014 with a deficit of just under $5,000, slightly better than the budgeted deficit of around $6,200. Steam heat and general maintenance were the most challenging items. Pledges for 2015 are approximately $10,000 under the budgeted amount.
Dr. Sullivan reported on his busy schedule. His upcoming events will be the subject of future PSL articles.
The Session meeting that followed dealt with routine matters and scheduled a called meeting of Session on February 17 to discuss proposed amendments to the Book of Order.
From A Remote Pew
by
Although we no longer live in the Harrisburg area, Pine Street is never far from either my or my family's thoughts. Seventeen years of worship and active participation in the life of a faith community represents many memories; all of them cherished.
These are as far-reaching as never looking at a poinsettia or lily without it triggering the vision of the sanctuary at Christmas or Easter, or hearing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and not wishing to be transported back to the pews by being mesmerized by the sheer beauty and power of the organ. Weekly communion became such a part of worship for all of us that if it's not served, worship just doesn't feel complete. These are, of course, only a small slice of myriad ways that Pine Street has touched me, Bob, Meagan & Erin.
Pine Street was instrumental in my decision to go to seminary. Its deep commitment to truly meaningful worship, Christian education that both instructs as well as challenges, as well as the incredible faith and hospitality of the church family itself has served my ministry since seminary in countless ways. I will be forever grateful for this indelible mark and continuing inspiration.
I recently preached a sermon on Nathaniel and Christ's words of "Come and See" in the context of evangelism, of invitation. I recalled this exact same invitation from Chantal Atnip, noting it was her simple, yet heartfelt words that encouraged us to walk through the doors of Pine Street so many years ago. We were inordinately blessed by those words and they continue to resonate.
Even though we now worship from another "remote pew," Pine Street's reach continues to bless us still. It is my hope you also invite others to experience Pine Street's rich and lasting blessings by uttering the simple words of "come and see."
Deacons by
Rev. Heather Sigler
“The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.”
PC(U.S.A.) Book of Order G-2.0201
Each Sunday you see Deacons at work during morning worship. They usher, serve communion, greet guests and distribute loaves of fresh baked bread. They collect attendance sheets and prayer cards. Every worship service runs smoothly because of the dedication and commitment of the seventeen members who currently serve of the Board of Deacons.
What you don’t see and may not know are all the other things Deacons do to care for the members of our congregation. Several years ago the deacons began a VIP (Very Important Presbyterians) Program to identify and respond to the needs of those who are no longer able to attend worship on a routine basis. The goal of the Deacons is to keep these members related to the congregation by visiting them and most recently sharing home communion with them. The Deacons provide the cakes for members’ 90th Birthday Celebrations.
The Deacons’ caring ministry extends to our college students who receive care packages before Christmas and a delicious holiday breakfast at the church. They deliver prayer shawls and coverlets for newborn infants.
The Deacons are also organized to respond to short term needs as they arise. Meals can be prepared and delivered for those returning from hospital stays. Rides to and from the church can be arranged. If you need one of these services please contact the appropriate coordinator:
Bonnie Dixon – meals
Jennifer Gardner – transportation
Judy Himes, Moderator – general concerns
Deacons continue to allocate grants from the Cremonisi Fund which is available to aid local mission activities that serve the less fortunate of our city.
So when you see a Deacon on Sunday morning, remember their service in worship is only a small part of what they have been called and ordained to do, and then, give thanks for those engaged in this important ministry.
LILIES ORDER FORM – 2015
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 offering plate 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 is $8.00 each. Deadline for orders is March 29, 2015.
WORDING OF DEDICATION:
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 GIVEN TO THE CHURCH OFFICE. 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.
Adult Education
In addition to Bagels & Belief held in Fellowship Hall on the 1st Sunday of every month, there are a variety of offerings of adult education on Sunday mornings at 9:40am. Not part of a class? All are welcome drop by and check them out. Current classes and topics are:
Century (Rm 102) is offering a video presentation “Can We Feed a Rapidly Growing World” by 2014 Chatauqua speaker Jonathan Foley Barbara Taylor and Joanne Alwine will lead the discussion.
Discovery (Rm 103) continues a study of Handel’s Messiah
Ekklesia (Room 105) is engaged in a multiweek video study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, based on the book Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. Robert Kerr is the discussion leader.
Peg-a-Way (Room 309) is studying the Present Word: Stewardship for Life
Encounter (Boyd lounge) is reading through the books of the New Testament in the order they were written, in conjunction with Marcus Borg’s Evolution of the Word: The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written
The annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015 For many years, we have received this offering and we continue to do so. Your gift to OGHS is used in various ways. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities in the US and around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people. The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours. Please consider a generous gift this year using your offering envelope or the pew envelope on Sunday, March 29.
Winter Seminar
The Winter Seminar this year is a partmership between Pine Street and Messiah College. Our featured speaker will be Dr. Thomas W. Davis, Professor of Archaeology and Biblical Backgrounds at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His topic will be “Shifting Sands: Current Research on Archaeology and the Bible.” At Pine Street, Dr. Davis will lecture twice on Saturday March 7 beginning at 9:00am and once on Sunday, March 8 at 9:40am. His concluding lecture will be at Messiah College on Monday evening, March 9 at 7:00pm in Kline Hall Room 120. Register for the lectures at the Welcome Center and pick up a flyer that describes each lecture.
Luncheon
A pot luck luncheon will be held in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 1 following the 11:00am service. Join us for a wonderful time of fellowship and a smorgasbord of food. We ask that you bring a coivered dish of a salad, vegetable, or dessert, enough to feed 10 people. Signup at the Welcome Center.
Robert Bitting October 9, 1924 –February 14, 2015
Elizabeth “Kate” Sienerth May 18, 1924 –February 20, 2015
You are invited to join the Pine Street Men for “the best breakfast in town” on Saturday, March 14, 2015. What a great way to start the day. Breakfast at 8:00am in Fellowship Hall. Deaths
Men’s Breakfast
Volunteer at Mission Central
Pine Street is scheduled to volunteer at Mission Central in Mechanicsburg on Tuesday, March 3 from 9:00 to 12:00. No special skills are needed, just a desire to help people in distress around the world. You may sign up in the Gathering Place. For information contact Pam Bauer 697-0658
1 Second Sunday in Lent
9:40AM Confirmation Class-Room
9:40 AM Church School
9:40
8 Third Sunday in Lent
8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary
9:30AM SYF & JYF-Room 106
9:40AM Confirmation Class-Room 308
9:40 AM Church
15
8:30
22
8:30
29
8:30
March,
Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.pinestreet.org (717)238-9304
Sunday, March 8
2nd Sunday in Lent
Psalms 84; 150
Jeremiah 1:1–10
1 Corinthians 3:11–23
Mark 3:31–4:9
Monday, March 2
Psalms 119:73–80; 145
Jeremiah 1:11–19
Romans 1:1–15
John 4:27–42
Tuesday, March 3
Psalms 34; 146
Jeremiah 2:1–13, 29–32
Romans 1:16–25
John 4:43–54
Wednesday, March 4
Psalms 5; 147:1–11
Jeremiah 3:6–18
Romans 1:(26–27) 28–2:11
John 5:1–18
Thursday, March 5
Psalms 27; 147:12–20
Jeremiah 4:9–10, 19–28
Romans 2:12–24
John 5:19–29
Friday, March 6
Psalms 22; 148
Jeremiah 5:1–9
Romans 2:25–3:18
John 5:30–47
Saturday, March 7
Psalms 43; 149
Jeremiah 5:20–31
Romans 3:19–31
John 7:1–13
