Pine Street Life

New Officers, New Leadership

The Rev Russell C. Sullivan, Jr., Pastor

I read somewhere that the only thing in all creation that was “not good” was that man (humanity) was alone, that is, disconnected, isolated, having no one with whom to share life and work. Even the Almighty doesn’t like to work alone, for God stoops to work through people like us. Think of the parade of people in Scripture whom God called into service and ministry: Abram, Sarai, Moses, David, Peter, Mary Magdalene. Not one of them was perfect, but God chose to work with them. God still does. In fact, God empowers and equips those whom God has called.

new officers whose terms begin June 2014:

Elders: Joanne Alwine, John Goodrich, Marty Gruver, Bob Hall, Heather Kegerise

On Sunday, May 18, we ordained and installed new elders, trustees, and deacons, good folk like you, but who believed that God was at work in their lives to lead them to a new moment of service. Here are your

Trustees: Michael Brittain, George Kunkle, Jesse Weigel

Deacons: Jim Anderson, Trudy Brunot, Linda McKillop, Stephanie Sharp, Donna Staub, and John Hertzler (Kathleen McMullen and Gretchen Weaver, deacon and trustee respectively, and Emma Sharp, youth elder, still have to be elected and installed.)

Keep these new officers and our continuing officers in your prayers as they lead and serve us. I look forward to working with them in this ministry!

New DDB Initiative

by Elaine Strokoff, Executive Director, Downtown

Bread

In December 2013, DDB was presented with funds from the co-cxecutors of the estate of Jeanne M. Swope. The funds were given in memory of both Harold W. Swope and Jeanne M. Swope. The bequest provided that the full amount be used to help veterans and families of veterans in any way possible.

Mrs. Swope had a great affection for the men and women who served our country in the armed forces, especially since her husband Harold had been a

Bagels & Belief

June 1, 2014

Toward a Theology of Aging

Rev. Heather Sigler, Parish Associate

Summer Forums

June 15, 2014

Climate Change and its Ramifications in PA

Mr. Ed Perry, Outreach Coordinator National Wildlife Federation

June 22, 2014

Back to the Garden Presenter TBD

June 29, July 6 & 13

The Significance of the Death of Christ.

Dr. Lee Barrett, Professor of Theology, Lancaster Theological Seminary

July 20 & 27

Marriage and the Protestant Tradition

Dr. David True, Professor of Religious Studies, Wilson College

All forums are held at 9:40 am in Fellowship Hall

Preserving Creation

by Bonnie Peckham

There is a beauty to the unity of nature. God’s Good Creation is a gift to humankind. It is a gift to be lovingly tended and cared for, just as God cares for us, His children. We left the Garden long ago and have not done well as stewards of the earth we now inhabit. The cycles of nature allow life to thrive, and as long as they are not disrupted (volcanoes, sunspots, meteors and man), planet earth’s climate systems function true to form. We worked well with the earth, but there came a time we “improved” on nature.

Man is a curious sort; he just can’t stop tinkering. He has made great strides on planet earth, but unfortunately he doesn’t always understand when to move in the right direction. In the 1970s scientists began to see that among all the wonderful discoveries man had invented some were actually toxic to various forms of life. Many more toxic materials were developed and managed one way or another to get into us, our air, ground, water, and food.

Now we find ourselves with a really “sticky wicket:” climate change. Climate change is a tricky business. It doesn’t mean the weather just gets warmer and warmer over specific areas of the planet. No, if the warming process occurs over very long periods of time (100,000s of years), nature can make adjustments to correspond with the gradual changes — flora, fauna & microbes adapt. Humans (flora, fauna & microbes) have adjusted to four seasons in Pennsylvania where the weather patterns have been primarily stable, though recently we have been experiencing warmer winters and hotter summers.

Today in 2014, the majority of scientists agree: climate change is underway. The data support extremes of weather over the entire planet. Large areas have been subject to devastating drought, flooding, sea level rise, increasingly strong thunderstorms, and blizzards. These events have become more and more disruptive to our lives, agricultural communities, and economy. We must decide not just as a country but as a global community how we (humanity) will respond.

From the perspective of a caring community the Mission Committee will offer two summer forums on the environment in Pennsylvania.

The first will be on Sunday, June 15, 2014. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Ed Perry of the National Wildlife Federation. Ed is a retired aquatic biologist with

Session Notes

Examined and approved elders and deacons for ordination and installation

Amended the Strategic Plan from which staff will develop prioritized goals and timing for actions and return to Session for approval.

Authorized special offering to benefit Ecumenical Food Pantry.

Determined to retain retain current blue hymnals for pew use but also purchase a digital version of the new Glory to God hymnal to allow use of new materials from it in our Sunday bulletin.

Voted to begin the process moving toward searching for and calling an associate pastor.

the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He will talk about changes to flora, fauna, and insect populations due to climate change, what the future looks like and what we can do about it.

The second presentation will be on June 22, 2014. It will introduce you to rain gardens, their importance in the control of rain water runoff, and how to make one. After 11:00 service we will take a tour of Harrisburg’s urban gardens.

DDB is looking for volunteers to help with showers, clothing closet, and related tasks on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 12pm Volunteers may sign up for one day or several days. Interested persons may contact Chris at 2384717.

Thank you to Tom Clark-Jones for putting together the Lenten organ recitals and luncheons that benefitted DDB. Also, thanks to Sue and Bob Wilson for coordinating and serving the lunches and to Stevi Sharp for helping, too.

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major in the Marine Corps during WWII.

To date, this is what DDB has put into place with the Veteran’s Program:

• Spending of the funds will be spread over a minimum of five years.

• Funding may include food, heating bills, mortgage payments, rental payments, untility bills, medical insurance premiums, car payments, etc.

• No funds are given directly to the client. Thorough verification is made before funds are released.

• Checks and blances are in place. DDB case worker Christine Patrick first interviews the veteran, determines need, does an intake, and keeps a file. She then reviews the file with the DDB Executive Director before a request is submitted. Assistance extends to veterans (not necessarily homeless), widows of veterans, and minor children of veterans. Adult children of veterans with special needs may also be considered.

• The same family can be helped no more than two times in one calendar year. There is an annual cap of $1000 per veteran or family.

• Proper identification along with DD-214, official discharge paper from U.S. Military are required.

• Verification is made of need, personal budget, copy of income statment, Social Security determination letter or work pay stub.

Trustees approved funds to replace the broken window(s) in the tower at Third and Pine. Leakage through the windows was the source of the leak in the sanctuary two weeks ago.

Trustees voted funding to repair the electrical circuitry in the Boyd which will allow the gym to be properly heated.

The concept for the Adult Learning Center in the Boyd was approved but with concern over the long term operating costs.

The guidelines for the Veteran’s Program (funded from the estate of Jeanne Swope) were reviewed and seveal suugestions made. The reivised guidleines for the use of the funds will be presented to the Trusttees at the May meeting.

The Urban Garden Project was approved with the hope it can begin this spring.

Thank you to everyone who brought in food supplies to make our Easter weekend meals. Many thanks, as well, to those of you who continue to help with donations of meat, #10 cans, noodles, etc. We are very appreciative of your generosity. Hopefully, with donations continuing through the months of May and June, we will not have to dig too deeply into our DDB budget for food purchases. Our grant should be renewed by July 1, 2014. YAY!!!

Father’s Day: Celebrate a Different Way

Pine Street’s Mission Committee offers an opportunity to honor fathers by supporting those fathers and families who have fallen on hard times. We live in an economic climate that offers few jobs and high prices for food. As Christians we are called to help where we can.

In the past we have collected cans of food for the Ecumenical Food Pantry but have decided this year to receive monetary donations instead. It is important to know the reason for the switch. Simply put, the pantry must buy its food from the Food Bank and with monitary donations the pantry is able to buy a lot more food than it could get from donations of food.

Let’s help those in need in the most effective way. We will receive donations after services in the Gathering Space on Sunday June 15 and Sunday June 22. Please join us.

Pine Street’s Urban Garden is Coming

by Debbie Olson

One initiative of Pine Street’s Strategic Plan, created in 2007, was to explore “possibilities for softening the hard exterior of the church building with plantings on Pine Street and particularly in the alcove on Third Street.” The Building Renovation committee subsequently considered the possibility of creating a “vest pocket park” in the alcove, but it was the recent efforts of the Mission Committee and its vision for an urban garden that allowed this project to take off.

In 2013 Bonnie Peckham contacted Susan Norris, a local ecology activist who had some background with urban gardens, to draw up some initial plans and come to talk with Pine Streeters who were interested in the idea. The Mission Committee decided to accept the challenge and proceeded to get quotes for the fence, approval from the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board, the Harrisburg Zoning Board, and the Harrisburg Planning and Review Board.

The money for the fence came from the Mission Expendable Fund. Money for the rest of the supplies must be raised through grants, donations, etc.

Soon there will be sign-ups for volunteers to build the raised garden beds and some benches, and to plant veggies and edible flowers. After that, there will be a schedule when the garden will be open for volunteers from Pine Street, DDB, Presbyterian Apartments, and local residents/workers to keep the garden growing. Produce will be shared with DDB and volunteers.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting outreach to the community!

Births May 13, 2014

Joshua Andrew son of John and Jane Van Allen

Ready To Read?

Once again, it’s time for Mission Committee’s Summer “Reading Rocks” program at Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center. Pine Street members can volunteer to read to a small group of 3- to 4-year-olds on a Tuesday between 9:30am and 10:30am during Hansel and Gretel’s Summer Camp, which runs from the end of June to August.

Readers, you may bring your own book(s) or find one provided at the Gathering Place. Sign up at the Welcome Center, where you will find an information sheet with more details, including times and a list of themes for each week.

Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center, located on Walnut Street, serves as a day care center for a diverse group of families in the Harrisburg area. Take the step to make “reading rock” for these young minds.

Questions? Call Laura Messner at 834-9652 or e-mail: llmessner@ yahoo.com

June, 2014

www.pinestreet.org

Sunday, June 1

7th Sunday of Easter

Psalms 93; 150

Exodus 3:1–12

Hebrews 12:18–29

Luke 10:17–24

Monday, June 2

Psalms 97; 145

Joshua 1:1–9

Ephesians 3:1–13

Matthew 8:5–17

Tuesday, June 3

Psalms 98; 146

1 Samuel 16:1–13a

Ephesians 3:14–21

Matthew 8:18–27

Wednesday, June 4

Psalms 99; 147:1–11

Isaiah 4:2–6

Ephesians 4:1–16

Matthew 8:28–34

Thursday, June 5

Psalms 47; 147:12–20

Zechariah 4:1–14

Ephesians 4:17–32

Matthew 9:1–8

Friday, June 6

Psalms 96; 148

Jeremiah 31:27–34

Ephesians 5:1–32

Matthew 9:9–17

Saturday, June 7

Psalms 92; 149

Ezekiel 36:22–27

Ephesians 6:1–24

Matthew 9:18–26

Lectionary Readings for June

Sunday, June 8 Day of Pentecost

Psalms 104; 150 Deuteronomy 16:9–12

Acts 4:18–21, 23–33

John 4:19–26

Monday, June 9

Psalms 62; 145

Ecclesiastes 7:1–14

Galatians 4:12–20

Matthew 15:21–28

Tuesday, June 10

Psalms 12; 146 Ecclesiastes 8:14–9:10

Galatians 4:21–31

Matthew 15:29–39

Wednesday, June 11

Psalms 96; 147:1–11

Ecclesiastes 9:11–18

Galatians 5:1–15

Matthew 16:1–12

Thursday, June 12

Psalms 116; 147:12–20

Ecclesiastes 11:1–8

Galatians 5:16–24

Matthew 16:13–20

Friday, June 13

Psalms 84; 148

Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:14

Galatians 5:25–6:10

Matthew 16:21–28

Saturday, June 14

Psalms 63; 149

Numbers 3:1–13

Galatians 6:11–18

Matthew 17:1–13

Sunday, June 15

Trinity Sunday

Psalms 103; 150

Job 38:1–11; 42:1–5

Revelation 19:4–16

John 1:29–34

Monday, June 16

Psalms 5; 145

Numbers 9:15–23; 10:29–36

Romans 1:1–15

Matthew 17:14–21

Tuesday, June 17

Psalms 42; 146

Numbers 11:1–23

Romans 1:16–25

Matthew 17:22–27

Wednesday, June 18

Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11

Numbers 11:24–33 (34–35)

Romans 1:28–2:11

Matthew 18:1–9

Thursday, June 19

Psalms 97; 147:12–20

Numbers 12:1–16

Romans 2:12–24

Matthew 18:10–20

Friday, June 20

Psalms 51; 148

Numbers 13:1–3, 21–30

Romans 2:25–3:8

Matthew 18:21–35

Saturday, June 21

Psalms 104; 149

Numbers 13:31–14:25

Romans 3:9–20

Matthew 19:1–12

Sunday, June 22

2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Psalms 19; 150 Numbers 14:26–45

Acts 15:1–12

Luke 12:49–56

Monday, June 23

Psalms 135; 145 Numbers 16:1–19

Romans 3:21–31

Matthew 19:13–22

Tuesday, June 24

Psalms 123; 146 Numbers 16:20–35

Romans 4:1–12

Matthew 19:23–30

Wednesday, June 25

Psalms 15; 147:1–11

Numbers 16:36–50

Romans 4:13–25

Matthew 20:1–16

Thursday, June 26

Psalms 36; 147:12–20

Numbers 17:1–11

Romans 5:1–11

Matthew 20:17–28

Friday, June 27

Psalms 130; 148 Numbers 20:1–13

Romans 5:12–21

Matthew 20:29–34

Saturday, June 28

Psalms 56; 149 Numbers 20:14–29

Romans 6:1–11

Matthew 21:1–11

Sunday, June 29

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Psalms 67; 150

Numbers 21:4–9, 21–35

Acts 17:(12–21) 23–24

Luke 13:10–17

Monday, June 30

Psalms 57; 145

Numbers 22:1–21

Romans 6:12–23

Matthew 21:12–22