Articles for the next issue of Pine Street Life are due by Sept. 15 for the October issue. They can be e-mailed to Shekeja@ptd.net or sstallsmith@pinestreet.org
Adults Have Pick Of Study Options
Adult church school classes provide wonderful opportunities for fellowship and growing in knowledge and faith. Here’s the fall lineup of our classes.
Ekklesia (Bob Kerr, Class Leader, Room 107)
This discussion-oriented group will study William Stacy Johnson’s “A Time to Embrace: Same Gender Relationships in Religion, Law, and Politics.” Here is a timely engagement with an important issue. One reviewer says that this book “challenges lesbians and gays to draw lessons about the value of committed God-founded
relationships and challenges fundamentalist Christians to reconsider their Bible-based opposition to same-sex marriage.”
Koinonia (Ron Poorman and Steve Hartmann, Class Leaders, Room 308)
This group engages in discussions about theology and the faith. In the past, study has centered around books such as C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity," a novel by Norman Mailer, "The Gospel According to the Son," the locally well known book about the Nickel Mines shootings, "Amish Grace," and others. Last year the group engaged in a year-long study of faith and art. The group is varied in age and is comprised of singles and
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Stephen Leaders Ready To Serve Pine Street
By Robert Daub
On Aug. 8, the Rev. Russell Sullivan and four Pine Street Church members returned from a week-long training program in Pittsburgh. Next month, Jane Edgar Freet, Judy Hall, Carol Mader and I will be commis-
sioned as our church’s first team of Stephen Leaders. Now is an excellent time to introduce you to this new and exciting ministry at Pine Street Presbyterian Church.
Stephen Ministry is a ministry
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Andy Cook tells a story that comes out of the days of the Communist Soviet Union.
A Soviet soldier was wounded in battle and ordered to the nearest army hospital. At the entrance he saw two doors: one marked “For Minor Wounds,” and the other “For Serious Wounds.” He entered the first door, walked down the hallway, and saw another set of doors. One read “For Officers,” the other “For Enlisted Men.” He went through the second door, and then saw two more doors. One read “For Party Members,” and the other “For Non-Party Members.” The wounded soldier took the second door and found himself on the street.
When he got back to his unit, one of his buddies asked, “How did your trip to the hospital go?”
“Well, the people didn’t really help me,” he said, “but, man, are they organized!!”
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Points of Financial Interest
August was wet outside, but pretty dry in the financial office. Our pledges are behind by $20,000 and our deficit for the year is more than triple that! Statements will be appearing in your mailboxes soon. Please review them carefully and bring them up to date if necessary Peace to all, Diana Robertson
PARSON
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Here’s a warning for the church in all times and places. The church may be wellorganized and structured beautifully. But we miss the point if we think structure and organization are the points.
The point is not institutional; it is missional!!
Are we building disciples, serving the poor, sharing the love of God, offering the heal-
MINISTRY
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for our congregation and community in which trained and supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, will provide one-toone Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties.
You may ask, “Why the name Stephen?” The name comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by Christ’s apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need as recorded in Acts, Chapter 6.
Our Stephen Leaders are those who, along with Pastor Sullivan, will oversee and direct our program. They will recruit, select, train, organize and supervise our Stephen Ministers, identify people in need of care, and match them with a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers, on the other hand, are the caregivers. They will have engaged in 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving, including general topics such as listening, feelings, boundaries, assertiveness and using Christian resources in caregivng. In addition, their training will include specialized topics such as ministering to the divorced, hospitalized, bereaved and aging.
ing of the Gospel to the broken and oppressed? Do we witness to a God who yearns for peace and justice in our communities? Surely structure and management move our mission forward, but they are only the means, never the end.
When someone comes into contact with our church, I hope it’s never said, “Man, are they organized!” Wouldn’t it better to hear, “Wow! They really know how to love, serve, worship, equip people for ministry, and fellowship!”
Calling all Pine Street Singers
Chancel Choir begins rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. We are seeking new singers to keep our tradition of great choral music in worship alive and well here in the 21st century.
Singers in all parts are welcome. It helps to have some musical experience and ability to read music … but it’s not necessary. We can find a place for you where you can serve and enjoy the fellowship of the choir and get the best seat in the house as a bonus!
Call Tom Clark-Jones at 2389304, ext 107 if you have any questions. We park in the South Street Garage. After the first rehearsal, new members will be issued cards good for Thursday evening rehearsals!
If you decide to come to the first rehearsal, come to the door at the corner of Third and South and ring the bell. We will buzz you in. Just pull the door when you hear the release of the lock.
Come … sing … enjoy.
Stephen Ministers are people you can trust. Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry, and whatever a care receiver tells his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence.
Pine Street’s pastors will always be the primary caregivers to our members, but there is no way pastors can meet all the needs for care. God has called all of us, not just pastors, to minister to one another. Stephen Ministry multiplies ministry by turning pastors into equippers so they can enable lay people to provide caring ministry as well.
from left, Robert Daub, Carol Mader, Jane Edgar Freet, Judy Hall and the Rev. Russell Sullivan Jr. bring 50 hours of intensive training to their new post at Pine Street.
Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who listen, understand, accept and pray for and with care receivers who are working through a crisis or a tough time in their lives.
It is important to recognize these things about Stephen Ministers:
They are not counselors; they are trained lay caregivers. Their role is to listen
and care — not to give advice or counsel.
They are, however, also trained to recognize when a care receiver’s need exceeds what they can provide. When that happens they work with care receivers to help them to receive the level of care they really need.
At this point you may ask “Where did it all start?” Stephen Ministry has been around since 1975. Pine Street is one of more than 10,000 congregations from more than 150 denominations participating in the program. It is an international ministry, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.
Stephen Ministry is a caregiving ministry that will be available to our members and community free of charge. This exciting new ministry at Pine Street helps to fulfill the goals and aspirations of our congregation as expressed in our strategic plan. Be sure to ask any questions you may have to Pastor Sullivan, myself, or any of your Stephen Leaders.
Stephen Leaders,
God Closed Doors so Pine Street’s Could Open
By The Rev. Alexander Lang
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)
You may remember after my candidate sermon at Pine Street, I had the opportunity to explain that for the past year I had been slowly descending into a valley. That valley was my increasing uncertainty concerning God’s role in the Presbyterian call process. I felt as though I was on my own to find a church.
I made my way through the interview process with several potential churches, but each fell through for one reason or another. I began to question whether or not I had wasted the last eight years of my life studying for the ministry. I believed ministry to be part of my DNA, but none of the churches I pursued seemed to be the right fit.
Then, Pine Street came knocking. For the first time since I began looking for a call, I felt God’s guiding hand upon me and was reminded that God was not going to abandon me.
I understood that God had closed those other doors for a reason: I was supposed to be in Harris-
burg, serving the people of Pine Street Presbyterian Church. For all my efforts to find a church that complemented my particular talents, I could never have ascertained how ideal the associate pastor position at Pine Street would be for Courtney and me. I do not use the word “ideal” lightly. I have been amazed again and again by the people of Pine Street. From the youth to the adults, every person I have encountered has treated my wife and me with the utmost respect. As a pastor who is young and beginning his first call, I could ask for nothing more.
Now, three months later, I have the opportunity to reflect on Pine Street and what I have seen as I have become more integrated into the community. What is most striking to me is how responsive people have been to the challenges facing this congregation. I do not need to tell you that the next few years are crucial for Pine Street.
We are working together to reverse a declining trend that has been affecting Presbyterian churches nation wide. You all truly believe in the legacy of Pine Street and you believe we offer the Harrisburg community something that can be found nowhere else.
Furthermore, you understand that the youth and young adults of our church are the key to maintaining longevity. Often youth and young adults are ignored or given second-rate programs without the resources to properly care for their needs. Pine Street is making a true investment in the youth of this church and, over the next several years, you will see this investment begin to pay major dividends.
Yet, the goal over the next few years is more than simply growing our youth and young adult programs. We are here to grow disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the whole Harrisburg community. This is where I see the greatest need and one of the key challenges for our congregation.
Our primary mission field is not some poverty stricken country far from here. Our primary mission field is the Harrisburg community. What if we were to consider every person we encounter in Harrisburg as a potential disciple of Jesus Christ? What if we were willing to extend ourselves just a little bit and invite people, even total strangers, to Pine Street?
This is something I have been doing for the past three months here in Harrisburg and people have been responding. They are willing to give Pine Street a try.
Some stay, others leave, but if we never ask, we never know if that person could be a new member of our community.
I began with the quote from Proverbs, not just because it defines the core of my struggle for the last year, but also because we too often trust our own insight rather than relying on God. By trying to forge my own path and determine what church was right for me, I inadvertently led myself into a valley.
Had I simply trusted God to lead me in the right direction I would have known those other opportunities were not right for me. In the same manner, if we always assume we know what is best for the church, then, chances are, we will lead ourselves into a valley. My hope and prayer for this congregation is that we will look to God to lead us beyond our own insights. Allow God to push you outside of your comfort zone and be open to the possibility that God could use you to transform the church in ways you never dreamed possible.
For if we look to God and acknowledge that trusting in the Lord is better than trusting our own judgment, then God will make clear the path we should follow.
Changes to Our Two Worship Services are in the Works
The following is an excerpt of Ron Poorman’s Minute on Mission:
Worship has a unique place in the life of a congregation for a variety of reasons. The worship hour is the one time when we come together as a community and focus on the Grace and the Glory of God. It is the public expression of our faith. Worship is the time when we set aside our differences
and come together as the Body of Christ. In this sacred space, we are not men, women, teachers, salespeople, lawyers, physicians, executives, delivery persons, carpenters, old, young, pastors and laity.
You may have noticed the announcement in the service leaflet that beginning Sept. 13, we are closing the rear half of the sanctuary during the 8:30 am
Worship service. With an average attendance of 80 people, our beautiful sanctuary is much too large. It is our hope that we will feel more involved in worship and connected to each other by sitting in the front half of the sanctuary, beginning at the handicapped seating area, and moving forward.
Another change is coming. Also beginning in September, we will be
adding the Doxology to the 11 a.m. service. This was added to the early service last year and a number of people have expressed the feeling that they would like to have it added to the later service.
Other initiatives the worship committee is pursuing are improving the healing services, continuing to explore alternative worship services, planning to make new liturgical
banners, working on youth worship services; and expanding the planned use of art in worship and around Pine Street.
The worship committee welcomes all suggestions. For those who attend the 8:30 service, we are particularly interested in how you feel about the service since we have had a chance to live with it for some time.
Group Examining At Adult Education
By Bob Kerr
The Presbyterian Church, since John Knox, has strongly emphasized continuing education of its members as a core principle of the church. Certainly the Sunday morning sermon is one of the main opportunities for this education, but there are so many topics and so many other opportunities and times that this learning can occur.
The Christian nurture and education committee invites all adults who are interested in future adult education offerings and plans to attend a brain storming session on Sept. 20 during the Sunday School hour (9:40-10:40 a.m.) in McCormack Fellowship Hall.
The committee is formulating plans for the next several years and is very, very interested in hearing from all of our members on your needs and desires in or-
der to schedule and offer those topics that interest members.
These offerings could be at the church during the Sunday School hour, but could also be offered in a small group setting in locations that are convenient to those who want to participate. We especially want to hear from the existing adult Sunday School classes on how we can better assist you.
The topics could range from Bible study, to spirituality forums, to Sabbath keeping, to church history and any other topic that appeal to members. If there is sufficient interest, an additional adult Sunday School class could be started.
The committee is eager for your suggestions and ideas, so we encourage you to plan to come and let us know what you think on Sept. 20!
Dining Group a Success
If it's true that people are happiest when food is involved, then by all accounts there are many delighted Pine Streeters as the first round of the Pine Street Dining groups draws to a close. The dining groups were organized by the congregational life committee in the spring and consisted of six to eight individuals — couples as well as singles.
The groups met monthly from May through August for the purpose of fulfilling one of the church's strategic goals: "... to strengthen existing bonds of community by creating new opportunities for spiritual and recreational activities and to expand small group ministry." The reports are in — this new ministry is a rousing success!
Each group planned its own events, including dinner in a Mexican restaurant, a picnic at Pinchot Lake complete with kayaking and canoeing, an evening at Nissley Winery, and a
backyard cookout. One group named itself the “Rollers with the Punches” after a golf club dinner had to be rescheduled due to illness and a picnic by the river turned into supper at home followed by a rousing bridge game. Whatever the venue, the results were fun for all.
One of the existing groups is planning to invite new folks to its final gathering. If you don’t happen to be one of the lucky invitees, and if all this sounds like something you would enjoy, then be sure to sign up for Pine Street Dining Groups Part II at the CHAMPS table. Please note: even Part I participants will need to sign up for Part II. The groups will be redrawn from all those on the sign-up list and will meet monthly through December.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn to know some fellow Pine Streeters better while you enjoy fine food and fellowship.
Peacemaking Offering Will Help Joshua Group Help City Youth
By Barb Taylor
“Be firm and steadfast. Do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
This motto is fittingly displayed by the Joshua Group, a cluster of programs reaching out to Harrisburg city youth, which has been chosen by Pine Street’s mission committee to receive the local portion of our 2009 Peacemaking Offering.
Kirk Hallett, founder and director, started the Joshua Group in 1998 and acquired a building in 2003 in the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg. Hallett, who was trained as a
social worker and also worked in construction, felt a calling to providing hope and support to atrisk youth on a full-time basis.
The program serves about 80 low income students through inschool, after-school, and mentoring programs. Young people must seek out the Joshua Group, and once on board are offered an opportunity to get away from the street life to which they had been accustomed.
At the Joshua House Resource Center, where temporary housing is available if needed, teens get help with job search, educational planning, and other life decisions. Sally Snyder is resident counselor.
A second program, J-Crew Afterschool, provides tutoringmentoring, utilizing youth who have themselves come through the program. College counseling, some scholarship assistance, and alternative placements can be available. Deb Miller coordinates educational efforts.
The final arm of Joshua Group, Joshua Urban Farm, provides organically grown vegetables to city residents and trains youth in this process. Joshua Farm was last year’s local Peacemaking project.
While Christian in orientation, Joshua Group is funded by private contributions and grants, and is a member agency of United Way of the Capital Region. Em-
ployee salaries are extremely modest, and funds are channeled to the many needs of clients. Volunteers, kid-friendly meals, and gift cards for food stores are always welcome. Check the web site at www.joshuagroup.org
The 2009 Peacemaking Offering theme is “Justice and peace shall kiss each other,” from a prayer for the restoration of God’s favor in Psalm 85. The offering will be received Oct. 4. Funds are divided between the local project and presbytery, synod and denominational peacemaking projects.
Please give generously and pray earnestly for peace and justice throughout the world.
Downtown Daily
By Elaine Strokoff
DDB is a busy place. On any given day, one can meet a variety of human service providers. One can meet lawyers from the Dauphin County Bar Association, employment counselors from the YWCA, lady barbers cutting hair, a visiting pastor or rabbi, guests who want advice about starting their own soup kitchen, volunteers from churches or businesses, or other organizations, and representatives from foundations touring the facility.
Individual students or whole classes stop by for a lesson on poverty and to learn how they can do community service to help the needy. College professors and
ADULT
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couples. They will meet on Sept. 20 for breakfast and to discuss this year's programming. Bring your favorite book about faith and life for the class to consider.
Discovery (Marty Gruver, Class Leader, Boyd Center Lounge)
This diverse class will continue its study of Judson Poling’s “How Reliable is the Bible, a work that focuses on how we interpret the Bible.” This class is dealing with some of the great questions that vex Chris-
social workers come to DDB to learn how a small organization can provide multiple services through collaboration. Tours of human service providers stop by to see first hand how they can help their clients by referring them to Downtown Daily Bread.
One will also see the clients lined up for showers in the morning and for lunch at noon. Individuals wait outside the counselor’s door at all times of the day. Clients will be in the kitchen talking with Brenda, the DDB cook, or having a cup of coffee while they tell her their stories.
Every day at noon the pace at DDB picks up. Four or five volunteers from supporting churches and other agencies arrive. A hot, nutritious meal waits to be served. Before noon, people begin to arrive for the AA meeting which takes place every day on the second floor of DDB. At 12:30 clients file into the DDB dining room, most times 100, sometimes more.
Members from the community often stop by to bring in donations of fresh produce from their gardens or trays of leftovers from special events.
tian faith: How can I trust the Bible? How can an all-powerful God allow suffering?
Peg-a-Way (Donna Staub, Class Leader, Room 309)
This class of senior adults emphasizes Bible study and uses The Present Word curriculum. This fall their study will focus on God’s covenant as made manifested in communities.
The lessons consider the persons God chose to be covenant leaders, the invitations God offered to enter into community, the people’s responses to the invitations and the nature of God’s new covenant community.
“101” (Steve McMullen,
Currently needed: a nurse to do basic health checks once a week. Please spread the word and help DDB find a volunteer to help us one hour a week with this service. Interested parties can call Elaine at 2384717.
Every day is different at DDB. There is a steady flow of people in and out. The variety of clients, DDB staff, volunteers, social service providers, students, and professionals makes for an inter-
Class Leader, Room 101)
The class was named “101” because it not only meets in Room 101, but also because it is designed to delve into diverse subjects of interest, often serving as an introduction to complicated or controversial matters. Topics have included Bible studies, theology, current events, and spiritual practices. The class kicks off this fall with a video study, “Simply Christian,” by eminent theologian and writer, N.T. Wright. This study walks you through the Christian faith step by step and question by question. It will offer “explanations for even the toughest doubt-filled dilemmas” and leave you with renewed faith.
esting mix. If you want to get connected, if you want to network, or if you want to be helped or to help, come to DDB. We have it all.
Century (Joanne Alwine, Barbara Taylor, and Robert Daub, Class Leaders, Room 102)
This class begins its year with a four-week study of Henri Nouwen’s book, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” Inspired by encounter with Rembrandt’s painting of the parable of the prodigal son, Nouwen probes both the parable and the painting. This will be a great foray into art, Bible study, and biography.
Our adult Sunday morning classes offer illuminating studies and vital fellowship. We invite you to choose a class this fall.
Adult Study will Explore Joshua’s Journey of Faith
“Joshua: A Journey of Faith” is a timely nine-week Bible Study written by Mary Mikhael, president of Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon, and edited by W. Eugene March, that invites us to explore the challenging, sometimes heartrending book of Joshua. Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, the author offers a unique Middle Eastern perspective on Joshua. The course will be taught by parish associate Heather Sigler, who has lived and traveled extensively in the Holy Land.
The course addresses such themes as
leadership, the promise of land, the concept of “holy war,” outsiders becoming insiders, and God’s desire for justice, rest and peace. Please sign up at the CHAMPS table where you can buy a study guide for $6.
Adults and high school students are invited to participate in this Wednesday study that begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. (Note: This course coincides with the time middle school youth will have a program at the church, so this is an opportunity to bring your youth and stay for Bible study.)
To my Pine Street Family, I want everyone to know I appreciate everything that was done for me, food, cards, visits and prayers, during my recent hospitalization and recovery. I have more mending ahead and am hoping to be in my regular spot in the Gathering Place and Sanctuary on Sunday mornings soon.
Love and thanks to all,
Marge Troutman
Scripture Readings for September
Tuesday, Sept. 1
1 Kings 8:65-9:9
Psalm 12:1-8
Mark 14:66-72
Wednesday, Sept. 2
1 Kings 9:24-10:13
Psalm 96:1-13
Mark 15:1-11
Thursday, Sept. 3
1 Kings 11:1-13
Psalm 116:1-19
Mark 15:12-21
Friday, Sept. 4
1 Kings 12:1-20
Psalm 84:1-12
Mark 15:22-32
Saturday, Sept. 5
1 Kings 12:1-20
Psalm 63:1-11
Mark 15:33-39
Sunday, Sept. 6
1 Kings 12:21-33
Psalm 103:1-22
Acts 4:18-31
John 10:31-42
Sermon: The Rev. Alex Lang,preaching
Monday, Sept. 7
LaborDay
ChurchandBoydOffices Closed
1 Kings 13:1-10
Psalm 5:1-12 15:40-47
Tuesday, Sept. 8
1 Kings 16:23-34
Psalm 42:1-11
Mark 16:1-8 (9-20)
Wednesday, Sept. 9
1 Kings 17:1-24
Psalm 89:1-18
Matthew 2:1-12
Thursday, Sept. 10
1 Kings 18:1-19
Psalm 97:1-12
Matthew 2:13-23
Friday, Sept. 11
1 Kings 18:20-40
Psalm 51:1-12
Matthew 3:1-12
Saturday, Sept. 12
1 Kings 18:41-19:8
Psalm 104:1-35
Matthew 3:13-17
Sunday, Sept. 13
1 Kings 19:8-21
Psalm 19:1-14
Acts 5:34-42
John 11:45-57
Sermon: The Rev. Russell SullivanJr.,preaching
Monday, Sept. 14
1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 135:1-21
Matthew 4:1-11
Tuesday, Sept. 15
1 Kings 21:17-29
Psalm 123:1-4
Matthew 4:12-17
Wednesday, Sept. 16
1 Kings 22:1--28
Psalm 15:1-5
Matthew 4:18-25
Thursday, Sept. 17
1 Kings 22:29-45
Psalm 36:1-12
Matthew 5:1-10
Friday, Sept. 18
2 Kings 1:2-17
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:11-16
Saturday, Sept. 19
2 Kings 2:1-18
Psalm 56:1-13
Matthew 5:17-20
Sunday, Sept. 20
2 Kings 4:8-37
Psalm 67:1-7
Acts 9:10-31
Luke 3:7-18
Sermon: The Rev. Russell SullivanJr.,preaching
Monday, Sept. 21
2 Kings 5:1-19
Psalm 57:1-11
Matthew 5:21-26
Tuesday, Sept. 22
2 Kings 5:19-27
Psalm 54:1-7
Matthew 5:27-37
Wednesday, Sept. 23
2 Kings 6:1-23
Psalm 65:1-13
Matthew 5:38-48
Thursday, Sept. 24
2 Kings 9:1-16
Psalm 143:1-12
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Friday, Sept. 25
2 Kings 9:17-37
Psalm 88:1-18
Matthew 6:7-15
Saturday, Sept. 26
2 Kings 11:1-20a
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 6:19-24
Sunday, Sept. 27
2 Kings 17:1-18
Psalm 108:1-13
Acts 9:36-43
Pastor
Staff
Russell C. Sullivan Jr.
Associate Pastor
Alexander Lang
Organist/Choir Master
Thomas Clark-Jones
Director of Family and Lay Ministry
Cheryl Goode
Parish Associate for Visitation
Heather M. Sigler
Luke 5:1-11
Sermon: The Rev. Russell SullivanJr.,preaching
Monday, Sept. 28
2 Kings 17:24-41
Psalm 62:1-12
Matthew 6:25-34
Tuesday, Sept. 29
2 Chronicles 29:1-3, 30:1 (2-9) 10-27
Psalm 12:1-8
Matthew 7:1-12
Wednesday, Sept. 30
2 Kings 18:9-25
Psalm 96:1-13
Matthew 7:13-21
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
Chamber Singers rehearsal, 6:30; Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:30; Personnel Committee meeting, 7:30
Junior Youth Fellowship, 6; Adult Bible Study, 6:30; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Admin. and Finance meeting, 7
Key Dates for October:
10 : Men’s breakfast, Kitchen maintenance, Shawl Ministry
: Sundays at Five
: Columbus Day Oct. 23 : MAPS Event (Eaken Trio)
Staff Worship, 8:45 a.m.; Staff meeting, 9:10 a.m.; Session meeting, 7:30 Presbytery meeting (Silver Spring), 6 30 Junior Youth Fellowship, 6; Adult Bible Study, 6:30; Adult Handbell Choir, 7:30
Youth Fellowship, 5; Taize Service 7
Youth Handbell Choir, 4; Senior Youth Fellowship, 5
Taizé at a Crossroads at Pine Street
By Joanne Alwine
Some 12 years ago, Sabbath House, an organization dedicated to the promotion of reformed spirituality and loosely connected to the Presbytery of Carlisle, began a service structured in the manner of the Taizé Eccumenical Community in France.
Originally a service done once a month on Friday evenings, it later moved to the third Sunday of the month from September
through May. Later, Sabbath House was folded into the ministry of Pine Street Church, and this service became an offering of Pine Street.
Over the years, there has been a small but faithful following for this service. In addition, our service spawned several other Taizé style services across the region, several of which are extremely successful, drawing good-sized crowds at each offering.
Today we stand at a crossroads for our own Taizé service. The same folks have been preparing and presenting it for many years, and they are looking to find extra help to keep things moving along, or thinking about retiring the service.
Before any decisions are made, we would like to invite as many of our members as are interested in this service to join us at a brief
Of Interest to Pine Street Church
Breaking the Fast
Pine Street Men will meet for breakfast, fellowship and conversation at 8 a.m. on Sept. 12. It's a great way to start the day and restart the unofficial church year. Doors open at 7 a.m. for those who want to help set the tables, brew some coffee or help flip some hotcakes.
Walkers Going Green
Walk with the Pine StreetWalkers on the one of the hidden gems of the Capital Area Greenbelt on Sept. 20. We will walk Veteran's Park Extension from Cameron Street to Veteran's Park in Susquehanna Twp. The route takes
us through the State Hospital Grounds and along Asylum Run creek. The path is macadam the entire length. There will be a nice gentle uphill clime at the beginning and at the end.
Meet at 1 p.m. at the Ag Department parking lot along Cameron Street, directly across from the Farm Show Building. Pull into the first parking area just after you go through the intersection of Cameron and McClay streets (Arsenal Boulevard). Sign up at the CHAMPS table. Hike day telephone number 580-3012.
Mark your calendars now for Oct.11, when we will walk another jewel of the Greenbelt, the
"the
Corn’s a Big Hit
Fifteen dozen ears of corn were donated by Pine Street members to share with DDB clients recently. Thanks to each person who shared the bounty of our summer gardens.
Enjoy the Bibles
As you pass through Memorial Hallway on your way to worship take a look at the Bible collection in the display case. Our family of faith continues to be inspired by this great collection, to read and be inspired by the written word.
Taizé service at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20.
This will be followed by a group discussion about the future of the service and how and when it will be offered. We encourage you to save the date on your calendar and join us.
If you have not experienced this worship style … don’t let the opportunity go by without at least giving it a try.
Flower Donors Needed
There are several Sundays in the near future for which there are no donors for the sanctuary flowers. If you would like to be a donor, call Lucille Nast at 558-0083 or send an email to lbnast@aol.com. Although most flowers are donated in memory of someone, they can be given for any occasion or to honor someone.
Time to Prevent Flu
The VNA will be in Fellowship Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 27 to offer flu shots. Sign up at CHAMPS Table in the weeks prior to the shots. Note: This is not the H1N1 vaccine
Periodicals
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Five Senses Gardens."