The last Sunday in October is the occasion for churches in the Lutheran and Reformed traditions to remember an important date in our history. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic cleric, posted his famous 95 Theses, a note of protest, on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. His action launched a movement of reform and renewal that has had profound impact on the entire church for almost 500 years. Luther’s daring act of courage inspired many of our forebears, notably John Calvin, to lead the church in the celebration of God’s grace and the call to be open to God’s reforming and transforming spirit.
Churches will worship together on Reformation Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 11:00am, at Market Square Presbyterian Church. (There will be no worship service or church school in our sanctuary or building that morning.)
The service will feature the Reverend Dr. Mark EnglundKrieger, the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Carlisle, as the preacher. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The choirs of both congregations will lead the ministry of music of the day.
To celebrate this event, the congregations of Pine Street and Market Square Presbyterian
Free parking is available in the Market Square Garage immediately contiguous to the church building. Worshipers should please bring the parking ticket they procure at the
World Communion Sunday
by Rev. Heather Sigler
World Communion /Peacemaking Sunday will be observed on October 4 Here at Pine Street where Communion is served and the Lord’s Supper celebrated every week, it is easy to lose sight of the significance of World Communion Sunday. While we share the sacrament every Sunday other churches do not. But on this one day in October, we can be assured that we are joining at the Lord’s Table with Christians around the world.
Again this year in an effort to include as many members as possible in our World Communion celebration, the deacons will be distributing communion to our homebound members immediately following the 11:00am service. If you are
Bagels & Belief
October 4, 2015
God and Violence in the Old Testament
Dr. Eric Seibert, Professor of Old Testament, Messiah College
Fellowship Hall @ 9:40 am
RefoRmation
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1 garage entrance into the church to be exchanged for a ticket that will enable their exit from the garage. Entrance into the church from the garage is on the first level (follow the signage).
A reception hosted by Market Square’s Board of Deacons in the Fellowship Hall will complete this special morning so that worshipers from both congregations will have an opportunity to greet each other.
Pine Street plans to host this event in our church next year. It is a joyful occasion when two great and faithful congregations can join together in one act of worship and praise to celebrate the great heritage of the Protestant Reformation.
in the sanctuary on October 4, you will see a number of white bags grouped around the communion table. Each bag contains the elements that the deacons will distribute to our VIPs (Very Important Presbyterians) later in the day.
World Communion Sunday is the gift of the Presbyterians to the world. The tradition began in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh.
What was the world like, in the autumn of 1933—that first World Communion Sunday? Surprisingly, it was not much different from the world this autumn of 2015.
1933 was the darkest year of the Great Depression. The storm clouds of Nazism and Fascism hovered all over Europe and threatened the entire world. The prevailing mood was anxiety—fear about economics, fear about politics, and fear about the future.
It is fair to say that although the causes are different, the mood is much the same in 2015. International terrorism has had a demoralizing effect upon society in general and its tone can be measured in Christian congregations. New storm clouds threaten—with that old, familiar mood of anxiety.
As a faith response to the fears of three generations ago, in 1933, a group of leaders at Shadyside Presbyterian Church sought to do something both real and symbolic, to proclaim that God is God indeed, in spite of politics, economics and future shock. How, they wondered, might one church counteract the pessimism of the larger society? How might they succeed in eliminating the walls of separation between Christians?
World Communion Sunday grew out of the Division of Stewardship at Shadyside. It was their attempt to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity— in which everyone might receive both inspiration and information, and above all, know how important the Church of Jesus Christ is, and how each congregation is interconnected one with another.
The concept spread very slowly at the start. People did not give it a whole lot of thought. It was during the Second World War that the spirit caught hold, because churches were trying to hold the world together. World Wide Communion symbolized the effort to hold things together, in a spiritual sense. It emphasized that we are one in the Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Adapted from an article by The Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles that appeared in “Presbyterian Outlook” on October 7, 2002.)
We have two beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight services here at Pine Street. The first is especially accommodating for families with children and is held at 6:00pm We’ve noticed decreased attendance in recent years at the later service, so Session wants to find out what time that service should be held.
Please complete a brief survey either by filling out one of the forms available at the Welcome Center, or by going to pinestreet.org/ christmasevesurvey Kindly submit your response by Sunday, October 25
The years are different, but the meaning is the same, to acknowledge our unity in Jesus Christ as we share the bread and cup with Christians around the world. See you on World Communion Sunday!
Downtown Daily Bread has opened a Drop in Center for the Homeless.The mission is to provide shelter and amenities to those living outside, in the elements, and for those who have no place to call “home.” It will be open from 1:00pm – 4:00pm weekdays and is located in the gymnasium of the Boyd Building of Pine Street Presbyterian Church. DDB clients and all homeless are welcome to join us there.
If you are able to help, we are in need of the following donations:
• Small TV with VCR player, VCR player, DVD player;
• Paper towels, napkins, disinfectant Handi Wipes.
If you have questions or concerns, please email estrokoff @pinestreet. org or call Elaine at 2384717.Thank you for your help!!
DDB Makes It Happen
by Elaine Strokoff, Executive Director, DDB
The Monday morning of August 24 was a very busy time at DDB.
While Kobie, the DDB cook, was preparing lunch for the DDB clients, there was much activity outside of the dining room. This was primarily due to collaborations DDB has in place with many different services and friends in the community.
First, monthly haircuts were being provided by twin sisters who are barbers and come to DDB from the Mechanicsburg area. The DDB-YWCA van provides transportation for them since they do not drive. The hair cuts are always a “big draw” for men and women who are poor or living on the streets and do not have the money to pay for a haircut.
Next, the Pinnacle Health nurses provided free HIV testing for men and women. Fourteen people took advantage of that service. The testing was so well received that the nurses plan to provide on-going HIV testing at DDB.
While the hair cuts and the testing were going on, a recruiter from one of the temporary employment agencies set up a table and began taking applications for temporary jobs in Carlisle and Lewisberry. This agency also provides transportation, which is so important to most DDB clients. He was very busy.
All this was taking place, in addition to showers being offered, mail distributed, food and clothing vouchers handed out, and general casework taking place with DDB counselors.
What more could have been happening?
There’s always more.
DDB is always looking for partner agencies who share the respect for collaboration and who want to help others by sharing their talents and services with those in need.
Peace! Elaine
Peacemaking Offering
by Barbara Taylor
The Peace Maker Scholarship program at Harrisburg High School has been chosen to receive the local portion of Pine Street’s annual Peacemaking Offering, which will be received Sunday, October 4
Since 1997, scholarships of $1,000 each have been awarded to two senior students (increased to three students from 2012 to the present). Criteria used for selection include (1) significant action in opposing bigotry and intolerance, and (2) promotion of conflict resolution as an alternative to confrontation and violence.
The program is sponsored by the Interreligious Forum of Greater Harrisburg and administered by the Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Harrisburg. Students are invited to apply in a written statement, and choices are made by a Selection Committee, with input from the administration and staff of the high school.
The most recent scholarships were awarded to the following, with their respective college choices: Justin Cruz (Bloomsburg University ), Ashlyn Jackson (East Stroudsburg University), and Indira Ridgeway (Delaware State University). Students’ names are also recorded on an engraved plaque in the school, and they are introduced at the Thanksgiving Service of the Interreligious Forum.
Presbyterian churches give 25% of their peacemaking offering to a local cause of their choice, while 50% goes to national peacemaking efforts, and 25% to those of Presbytery/Synod. Please give generously with prayerful attention to local and worldwide needs for justice and peace.
One More Time…the Initial Offering
by Anne E. Guenin, Church Administrator
It is an unusual time of year to be talking about the Initial Offering! Many members contribute to this offering near the beginning of the calendar year. Traditionally, the Initial Offering has been dedicated to funding Pine Street’s per capita contribution to the Presbyterian Church USA. This tradition continued this year, but we find ourselves short of our budget projections.
Here’s some information about the per capita contribution:
• Per capita funding is how Presbyterians mutually share the costs of coming together to discern the Spirit’s leading for the future.
• It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better elders and ministers.
• It is how Presbyterians discern God’s call in their lives.
• It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the wider church by serving on GA committees and commissions.
• It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the Church universal as we commit ourselves to work and live in fellowship with “all persons in every nation” (Book of Order, G-4.0101).
The 2015 per capita amount is $25 per member. If you have not already done so, please prayerfully consider making a contribution on your own behalf as Pine Street joins nearly 11,000 congregations of the Presbyterian Church USA to benefit the work of the wider church.
New Stephen Ministers To
Be Commissioned
On Sunday October 11, two new Stephen Ministers will be commissioned during worship. Tim Doutrich and Joann Smith have recently completed a 50hour training program. They are now equipped to provide high quality, confidential, Christcentered care to people who are hurting in the congregation and wider community.
Stephen Ministers care for those dealing with grief, divorce, job loss, hospitalization, financial struggles, loneliness, convalescence, terminal illness, and many other life difficulties. Each Stephen Minister is matched with a hurting person—men are paired with men, women with women—and meets weekly with that person to listen, care, pray, and encourage.
Joann and Tim will join current Stephen Ministers Marty Gruver and Peggy Purdy, plus Stephen Leaders Robert Daub, Jane Freet, Sarah Pearce ,and Jesse Weigel who are all ready to meet new care receivers. Rev. Heather Sigler serves as staff liaison to the Stephen Ministry team. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister, please speak with the pastor.
Violence in the Old Testament
Bagels & Belief on Sunday, October 4 will feature Dr. Eric Seibert, Professor of Old Testament at Messiah College and the author of a number of books and articles. His two most recent books are Disturbing Divine Behavior: Troubling Old Testament Images of God (Fortress 2009) and The Violence of Scripture: Overcoming the Old Testament's Troubling Legacy (Fortress 2012). He is the winner of the Society of Biblical Literature Regional Scholar Award (Eastern Great Lakes, 2005) and has served as President of the Eastern Great Lakes Biblical Society (2010-2011). Dr. Seibert has also served as the Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Initiative at Messiah College. His topic will be “God and Violence in the Old Testament.” Plan to join us for delicious bagels and great teaching in Fellowship Hall at 9:40am that morning.
Adult Education Classes Announce Fall Topics
The four Adult Education Classes that meet Sunday mornings at 9:40am have announced the topics they will be studying during the fall and early winter. All classes welcome new participants. Please feel free to attend the class of your choice.
Century Class – “Come to the Waters” — This study explores the importance of water from the watery chaos in Genesis, to the River of Life in Revelation, where chaos is no more. Water plays a central role in the stories of creation, the delivery of God's people, judgment of a people weak in faith, and the adoption of the people of God through baptism. Sometimes there is too much water (think Noah) and sometimes there is too little water (think drought in the desert). Together, we will explore some of the Bible's 800 references to water.
Discovery Class – Will continue a study of the lives of Jesus’ disciples with particular attention to how their lives can inform our own.
Ecclesia Class – Has just completed a yearlong study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and invites all interested participants to come and help choose the next topic of study.
Peg-a-Way Class – Begins a new Bible study of the Book of Acts. The focus is the development of the early Christian church and the work of the Apostle Paul.
Century, Discovery, and Ecclesia classes meet on the lower level of the Education wing. Peg-a-Way class meets on the upper level at the far end of the corridor.
Staff Contact Info
Main Number 238-9304
Senior Pastor
Rev. Russell Sullivan ext.101
rsullivan@pinestreet.org
Minister of Music & Worship
Brett Terry ext.106 bterry@pinestreet.org
Office Manager
Michelle Kennedy ext.112 mkennedy@pinestreet.org
Church Administrator
Anne Guenin ext.108 aguenin@pinestreet.org
Buildings & Grounds
Manager
Brad Wise ext.114 bwise@pinestreet.org
DDB Executive Director
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs
2:6
Elaine Strokoff ext.123 estrokoff@pinestreet.org
General voice mail ext.111
Dr. Eric Seibert
Gleaning at Strites Orchard
Pine Street members will once again return to Strites Orchard on Saturday morning, October 24 for gleaning (exact time TBA). This is an event that all ages can enjoy. Many families have participated in this wonderful opportunity to give back to the community. It is truly an intergenerational event with even the youngest of our members being able to help. Items gathered at the gleaning will go to the Central PA Food Bank. Additional information and directions are available at the Welcome Center beginning October 4.
Pine Street Outreach to College Students
by Stevi Sharp
Each November, Pine Street’s Deacons are in contact with our members who are attending college. Early in the month, the students are sent a “goody” package and greeting letting them know they are in our thoughts and prayers and that their presence is missed. In the mailing, they also receive the latest copy of Pine Street Life and an invitation to the college student/ senior high youth holiday brunch which normally is held on a Sunday during their Christmas break from school. The freshman students receive a cozy scarf (in their school colors) knitted by our Shawl Ministry!
The Deacons request your help in gathering small items to include in the care packages. We are seeking donations of pens, pencils, 3x5 note cards, pocket tissue packs, chewing gum, hard candy, cocoa, small soup packets, etc. A sign-up sheet with a list of requested items is at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Place for members willing to help with this ministry. Please place donated items in a designated box located at the Welcome Center by Sunday, October 25. Thanks to everyone who helps with this outreach to our college students!
Men’s Breakfast
You are invited to join the Pine Street Men for “the best breakfast in town” on Saturday, October 10, 2015. This will be a time of fellowship and discussion. What a great way to start the day. Breakfast at 8am in Fellowship Hall.
Lord, It’s me again. Sometimes I wonder if I wear You out when I come to You so often. I’m afraid You’ve had enough of me, but I’m battling fear again. Still, I’m going to believe Your Word. You tell me in 1John 4:18 that perfect love casts out all fear. Your love is perfect. Thank You. I’m opening my fingers right now and giving You every speck of fear.
— by Julie Garman. Submitted by Arietta Falk from “Filled With Joy: A Daily Guideposts Prayer Companion”
Pine Street Orchestra
We’ve had one rehearsal, but it’s not too late to join us and make a joyful noise!
Once again musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Pine Street Orchestra to play carols before the family service on Christmas Eve. Everyone who has ever played an instrument is welcome to participate. The focus is on fun, not virtuosity!
Rehearsals will be after church in Fellowship Hall at 12:30pm on Sunday, October 25, November 22, and December 20
This is a wonderful way for Pine Streeters of all ages to connect over a shared love of music and a great reason to invite family and friends to share in Christmas at Pine Street. Interested? Need to borrow an instrument? Questions? Contact Sue Black at BL3COL@aol. com or 975-0964.
October,
Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.pinestreet.org (717)238-9304
Thursday, October 1
Psalms 116; 147:12–20
2 Kings 18:28–37
1 Corinthians 9:1–15
Matthew 7:22–29
Friday, October 2
Psalms 84; 148
2 Kings 19:1–20
1 Corinthians 9:16–27
Matthew 8:1–17
Saturday, October 3
Psalms 63; 149
2 Kings 19:21–36
1 Corinthians 10:1–13
Matthew 8:18–27
Sunday, October 4
19th Sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 103; 150
2 Kings 20:1–21
Acts 12:1–17
Luke 7:11–17
Monday, October 5
Psalms 5; 145
2 Kings 21:1–18
1 Corinthians 10:14–11:1
Matthew 8:28–34
Tuesday, October 6
Psalms 42; 146
2 Kings 22:1–13
1 Corinthians 11:2 (3–16) 17–22
Matthew 9:1–8
Wednesday, October 7
Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11
2 Kings 22:14–23:3
1 Corinthians 11:23–34
Matthew 9:9–17
Lectionary Readings for October
Thursday, October 8
Psalms 97; 147:12–20
2 Kings 23:4–25
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Matthew 9:18–26
Friday, October 9
Psalms 51; 148
2 Kings 23:36–24:17
1 Corinthians 12:12–26
Matthew 9:27–34
Saturday, October 10
Psalms 104; 149
Jeremiah 35:1–19
1 Corinthians 12:27–13:3
Matthew 9:35–10:4
Sunday, October 11
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 19; 150
Jeremiah 36:1–10
Acts 14:8–18
Luke 7:36–50
Monday, October 12
Psalms 135; 145
Jeremiah 36:11–26
1 Corinthians 13:(1–3) 4–13
Matthew 10:5–15
Tuesday, October 13
Psalms 123; 146
Jeremiah 36:27–37:2
1 Corinthians 14:1–12
Matthew 10:16–23
Wednesday, October 14
Psalms 15; 147:1–11
Jeremiah 37:3–21
1 Corinthians 14:13–25
Matthew 10:24–33
Thursday, October 15
Psalms 36; 147:12–20
1 Corinthians 14:26–33a (33b–36) 37–40
Matthew 10:34–42
Friday, October 16
Psalms 130; 148
Jeremiah 38:14–28
1 Corinthians 15:1–11
Matthew 11:1–6
Saturday, October 17
Psalms 56; 149
Jeremiah 52:1–34
1 Corinthians 15:12–29
Matthew 11:7–15
Sunday, October 18
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 67; 150
Jeremiah 29:1, 4–14 or Jeremiah 39:11–40:6
Acts 16:6–15
Luke 10:1–12, 17–20
Monday, October 19
Psalms 57; 145
Jeremiah 44:1–14 or Jeremiah 29:1, 4–14
1 Corinthians 15:30–41
Matthew 11:16–24
Tuesday, October 20
Psalms 54; 146 Lamentations 1:1–5 (6–9) 10–12 or Jeremiah 40:7–41:3
1 Corinthians 15:41–50
Matthew 11:25–30
Wednesday, October 21
Psalms 65; 147:1–11
Evening: Pss. 125; 91 Lamentations 2:8–15 or Jeremiah 41:4–18
1 Corinthians 15:51–58
Matthew 12:1–14
Thursday, October 22
Psalms 143; 147:12–20
Ezra 1:1–11 or Jeremiah 42:1–22
1 Corinthians 16:1–9
Matthew 12:15–21
Friday, October 23
Psalms 88; 148 Ezra 3:1–13 or Jeremiah 43:1–13
1 Corinthians 16:10–24
Matthew 12:22–32
Saturday, October 24
Psalms 122; 149 Ezra 4:7, 11–24 or Jeremiah 44:1–14
Philem. 1–25
Matthew 12:33–42
Sunday, October 25
22nd Sunday after Pentecost Psalms 108; 150 Haggai 1:1–2:9 or Jeremiah 44:15–30
Acts 18:24–19:7
Luke 10:25–37
Monday, October 26
Psalms 62; 145 Zechariah 1:7–17 or Jeremiah 45:1–5
Revelation 1:4–20
Matthew 12:43–50
Tuesday, October 27
Psalms 12; 146 Ezra 5:1–17 or Lamentations 1:1–5 (6–9) 10–12
Revelation 4:1–11
Matthew 13:1–9
Wednesday, October 28
Psalms 96; 147:1–11
Ezra 6:1–22 or Lamentations 2:8–15
Revelation 5:1–10
Matthew 13:10–17
Thursday, October 29
Psalms 116; 147:12–20
Nehemiah 1:1–11 or Lamentations 2:16–22
Revelation 5:11–6:11
Matthew 13:18–23
Friday, October 30
Psalms 84; 148 Nehemiah 2:1–20 or Lamentations 4:1–22
Revelation 6:12–7:4
Matthew 13:24–30
Saturday, October 31
Psalms 63; 149 Nehemiah 4:1–23 or Lamentations 5:1–22
