Another season of Music at Pine Street begins in October! At this time you should have in your hands the brochure prepared by the Music at Pine Street Committee outlining the musical offerings of the season ahead.
It’s always a joy to present this series ... and this season is no exception. We have the opportunity to hear, right here in our own church, some of the greatest music of all time, performed by superb musicians who take time to prepare it in a way that reflects their own personal artistry
and brings out the beauty of each composer’s creation.
And thanks to generous patrons of the series, the cost of each of the concerts is always most reasonable! So we invite you to sit back and enjoy this new season with us.
Bring your friends who enjoy great music, and they will come back again and again.
The performers for the opening concert of Music at Pine Street are the Eaken Trio. Once again this season, they begin their repertoire season here at Pine Street
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PSL Going High-Tech
Everyone is trying to find ways to save money. Pine Street is no different. Thanks to the hard work of office manager Michelle Kennedy, Pine Street Life will be available through e-mail to those who wish to receive it this way.
By send PSL through cyberspace, Pine Street will be able to save on printing costs and postage. Plus, readers will be able to see many of the graphics and photos in color.
We will start this endeavor with the January issue. If you would like to receive PSL through e-mail instead of snail mail, please send your name and preferred e-mail address to sstallsmith@pinestreet.org by Dec. 1.
I had the most relaxing vacation ever. It was a refreshing month of reading, traveling, and trying some new recipes. But in between this good stuff I was intrigued about the national conversation — or should I say the national shout fest?! — around the subject of health care reform.
I think there is no doubt the nation needs to address how we deliver affordable quality health care to our people. We’re failing on that score. But there’s something else at which we’re failing: civility and respect for difference.
Here are some principles I think should guide the restoration of manners and civility. First, it’s great to have an opinion about an issue. The practice of tolerance does not mean we should suppress our opinions. Political debate about issues is, in fact, required for the functioning of democracy, but no ideology can claim to have a hold on ultimate truth.
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PARSON
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We all, says Paul, “see through a glass darkly.” Remember that in this diverse world you will always encounter contrarians and people who don’t think like you. And that calls to mind this principle: people deserve to be respected, not because they have earned it, not because they are kind, and not because you agree
with them, but because they partake of something larger than themselves. They share humanity.
And guess who else shares humanity? God in Christ. God so valued the human condition that God became one with us, one with our humanity. And our humanity has great significance. We are beloved of God and called by God to be grateful to him and to love one another.
And remember, if God practiced
MAPS
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with new music they will be performing across the country and around the world. This chamber group is one of the world’s finest performing piano trios, and they are our neighbors right here in central Pennsylvania. Their tours have taken them to Europe and Asia as well as across North and South America.
They perform regularly on National Public Radio, and their “Home for the Holidays” concerts have become a staple of the Christmas season for regular listeners to our National radio service.
Violinist John Eaken is well known to Pine Street not only as a member of the Trio, but as the concertmaster of our orchestral ensembles from time to time. He is joined by colleagues Gloria Whitney on the piano and Andrew Rammon on ‘Cello.
This year their major work is Felix Mendelssohn’s “Trio in C minor, Opus 66.” This work is especially attractive as its main theme is the tune, “Old Hundredth” to which we sing the “Doxology.” Mendelssohn’s intensive study of the works of J.S. Bach convinced him that basing his music on hymn tunes
such humility and “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness,” can we not be humble about what we think we know and understand? Out of such humility might be born a renewed sense of civility and respect for our fellow pilgrims on this journey called life.
Did you know that the word “courteous” comes from the word “court?” Courteous means “having the manners that befit
the court of a prince ... graciously polite and respectful of the position and feelings of others, kind and complaisant in conduct to others.” (Oxford English Dictionary) To practice courtesy means to treat people like royalty.
So, my royal brothers and sisters in Christ, blessings on you as leaven the dough of our great national conversations with civility and courtesy.
could prove most fruitful, and this is a clear example he was correct.
Also in the program is one of Haydn’s wonderful trios and then a sampling of lighter favorites of the Trio ... music they have arranged for this medium that is unusual and delightful.
They can play Gershwin with the best of them, and many other
popular composers as well. So, we invite you to help us send off the 2009-10 season with a large, appreciative audience at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Sanctuary.
We suggest a donation of $10 for this concert at the door. It is a suggestion, and no one will be turned away who wishes to enjoy this fine concert.
Also, parking will be available in
the South Street Garage from 7 p.m. on. Exchange your parking garage ticket for our “free parking” ticket by seeing June Ferguson in the Gathering Place.
We look forward to seeing a large and enthusiastic crowd at our first concert of the season, and all those that follow.
Come!
THE EAKEN TRIO
S
RENOVATION
PROJECTS NEAR COMPLETION
By Kenneth C. Hays
We have had a very busy spring and summer at Pine Street Church as the various contractors and builders worked on the projects slated for the church building and the Boyd Memorial Center. Many of the projects have been completed. As with any project of this size, there are finishing details that seem to never end. Occasional delays occurred because of parts and supplies not arriving on schedule. However, as of this writing, I am pleased to report that 98 percent of the total project has been completed.
The first meeting of the Building Renovation Committee took place on April 23, 2007. The BRC has been planning and guiding the project for two years and five months to date and I think I speak for all members of the committee when I say that we are ready for the conclusion. My thanks to the committee members for their many hours of commitment.
My thanks also to architects Doug Hoffman and David Thal, construction manager Tony Grace and on-site coordinator Mike Greene. It has been a pleasure to work with these very competent people. And, I thank the church staff members for their patience. Many times these individuals had their schedules interrupted and, in some cases, had to be physically relocated for a period of time.
I hope all church members are coming to worship and are seeing the progress that has been made. I am proud of the accomplishments of the committee and I am glad to have served as the chairman. It has been challenging and rewarding.
Consecration Sunday: A Time to Honor God’s Greater Glory
By John Goodrich
On Nov. 1, Pine Street’s congregation will celebrate an important occasion in our church life — Consecration Sunday. That’s the day we dedicate our personal treasure to the greater glory that is God’s.
Consecration Sunday will include a formal dedication of our pledges at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services, followed by a Celebration Brunch in McCormick Fellowship Hall immediately after the second service.
There is no individual charge for this brunch, but you do have to make reservations, so that the Stewardship Committee can give the caterer an accurate head count. Reservation cards will be distributed during the previous Sunday services on Oct. 18 and 25.
On Consecration Sunday — Nov. 1 — the deacons will distribute giving cards to the congregation at the two services. The pledge cards will be tallied and the amount will be announced at the Celebration Brunch.
We want to encourage as many members as possible to attend worship on Nov. 1 for the reason that this is truly a way to express our gratitude to God.
That’s also why we call the brunch that follows a “celebration” — it’s to celebrate our personal convictions about faith and giving. It’s also a thank you — to all who have helped further the mission of Pine Street Presbyterian.
Unlike some past stewardship campaigns, there will be no home visitation to ask people to complete pledge cards. During morning worship on Nov. 1, our guest speaker, the Rev. Dick Houtz from Derry Presbyterian, will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We want to encourage a strong turnout for Sunday Consecration events, thus truly ensuring that Pine Street will grow in spiritual understanding of serving God, church and community. Our financial support is much more than helping to pay the church’s bills; it reaffirms a relationship with God by supporting Pine Street’s mission and ministry with a percentage of our incomes.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Pine Street’s Consecration Sunday events.
Downtown Daily
By Elaine Strokoff
The following was written by Dave An, DDB’s caseworker.
During my time at work I receive a lot of calls regarding clients who pass through Downtown Daily Bread.
Many times I know the clients by name and can respond with confidence. Sometimes, however, I do not know the client because he or she does not receive consistent services, or received them before I arrived at DDB.
For instance, a
client’s father called in order to make some contact with his son, who used our address so he could receive support from his family. The one letter I gave to him was the extent of my contact with the son.
During our conversation, the father explained that his son was trying to establish himself despite a heroin addiction. He had been living in an apartment and working at a fast food restaurant to support himself. Unfortunately, after a conflict with a coworker, the son lost his job, then his apartment.
His father was hoping to reach his son and find services that he would be able to utilize. My second contact with the son was to have him call his
Elaine, Diane, Brenda and David, You have no idea how much your place has saved my life, or what being able to lock myself in alone (in his own place) means to my stability. Again, thank you so very much, Matt
father. The pair played phone tag without ever talking to each other. There is
Winter items, including:
Hats, gloves, coats;
Old sleeping bags or bed rolls;
Men’s underwear, socks and clothing;
Toiletries, including toothpaste and deodorant.
little I can do in these situations other than pass messages and refer services from other agencies. This example is unusual, but not all that uncommon.
Another type of call I receive frequently is from Healthcare Receivable Specialists, Inc. This agency assists uninsured people, making sure they receive services such as Medicaid. In order for them to assist the homeless, they need verification of homeless status. I provide this information through the mailing address letters I complete for anyone inter-
ested in receiving his or her mail at DDB. I usually fax these letters to the appropriate office in order for clients to receive services available to them.
I also receive calls from people who are trying to find assistance with electric bills, gas bills, rent, etc. I usually refer these calls to the help office of Christian Churches United. Of course, its funds are limited and specific requirements have to be met. It is the only agency in the city that provides financial assistance.
Downtown Daily Bread is a “hub.” It is a place where people can connect and reach family and friends.
Calling All Volunteers
John Jewett has taken over the task of securing volunteer workers for Downtown Daily Bread. If you or your family, Sunday School class or outside organization is interesting in serving, please contact John at jewett@paonline.com or 671-8835.
Latest Happenings from the Clerk of Session
Session performed the following actions at its September meeting:
Accepted protocol that has been proposed by the Health Task Force for implementation in response to H1N1 influenza.
Granted the Mission Committee the ability to fund raise through volunteer service at Hersheypark with funds being used for Mission Committee projects.
Directed that the 2010 Undesignated Funds be used as
follows: $10,000 for Pine Street Youth Ministry and
balance moved to the 2010 general budget.
Approved the request of the Health Task Force to apply to the Creative Ministry Fund of Carlisle Presbytery for a grant to purchase hand cleansing units as part of the
initiative to prevent/reduce the spread of influenza among the congregation.
Personnel Committee recommended that due to the current economic conditions, and a looming Pine Street budget deficit, there be no salary/benefits increases for pastoral staff for the coming year.
Following the Taize service on Sept. 20 there will be a meeting to evaluate the future of these services.
Pine Street Continues its Recycling Efforts
Pine Street will continue its produce sharing through October and will also add a basket with contents to brighten your garden’s flower bulbs.
As you dig extra flower bulbs from your gardens do the following:
Put bulbs in a brown paper bags.
Label them as to type of bulb.
Label them as to color and size of plant. Place the bagged bulbs in the appropriately labeled basket for sharing. The bulb basket is located at the same table in the Gathering Space as the produce basket.
GLEANING
Gleaning is a yearly project of the Mission Committee, which takes place in October at Strite’s Orchard. At the end of harvest each year
there are leftover crops in the fields. Rather than letting them go to waste volunteers from Pine Street gather to pick the crops from the ground, box them and have them delivered to the Central Pa. Food Bank. This is an intergenerational event. Volunteers sign-up at the CHAMPS Table in the Gathering Space. Watch for the notices for sign-up.
E-CYCLING INFORMATION
Dauphin County no longer holds special electronic recycling days at the HACC campus as they have done in the past. Instead e-cycling can be done anytime at the recycling center at 1620 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg. This service is free to residents of Dauphin County and available for a small fee to residents of other counties. Please use Cameron Street entrance only!
Scripture Readings for October
Thursday, Oct. 1
2 Kings 18: 28-37
Psalm 116:1-19
Matthew 7:22-29
Friday, Oct. 2
2 Kings 19:1-20
Psalm 84:1-12
Matthew 8:1-17
Saturday, Oct. 3
2 Kings 19:21-36
Psalm 63:1-11
Matthew 8:18-27
Sunday, Oct. 4
2 Kings 20:1-21
Psalm 103:1-22
Acts 12:1-17
Luke 7:11-17
Sermon: The Rev. Russell Sullivan,preaching
Monday, Oct. 5
2 Kings 21:1-18
Psalm 5:1-12
Matthew 8:28-34
Tuesday, Oct. 6
2 Kings 22:1-13
Psalm 42:1-11
Matthew 9:1-8
Wednesday, Oct. 7
2 Kings 22:14-23:3
Psalm 89:1-18
Matthew 9:9-17
Thursday, Oct. 8
2 Kings 23:4-25
Psalm 97:1-12
Matthew 9:18-26
Friday, Oct. 9
2 Kings 23:36-24:17
Psalm 51:1-12
Matthew 9:27-34
Saturday, Oct. 10
Jeremiah 35:1-19
Psalm 104:1-35
Matthew 9:35-10:4
Sunday, Oct. 11
Jeremiah 36:1-10
Psalm 19:1-14
Acts 14:8-18
Luke 7:36-50
Sermon: The Rev. Russell Sullivan,preaching
Monday, Oct. 12
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Jeremiah 36:11-26
Psalm 135:1-21
Matthew 10:5-15
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Jeremiah 36:27-37:2
Psalm 123:1-4
Matthew 10:16-23
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Jeremiah 37:3-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Matthew 10:24-33
Thursday, Oct. 15
Jeremiah 38:1-13
Psalm 36:1-12
Matthew 10:34-42
Friday, Oct. 16
Jeremiah 38:14-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 11:1-6
Saturday, Oct. 17
Jeremiah 52:1-34
56:1-13
Matthew 11:7-15
Sunday, Oct. 18
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14
Psalm 67:1-7
Acts 16:6-15
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Sermon: The Rev. AlexanderLang,preaching
Monday, Oct. 19
Jeremiah 44: 1-14
Psalm 57:1-11
Matthew 11:16-24
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Lamentations 1:1-5, (6-9) 10-12
Psalm 54:1-7
Matthew 11:25-30
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Lamentations 2:8-15
Psalm 65:1-13
Matthew 12:1-14
Thursday, Oct. 22
Ezra 1:1-11
Psalm 143:1-12
Matthew 12:15-21
Friday, Oct. 23
Ezra 3:1-13
Psalm 88:1-18
Matthew 12:22-32
Saturday, Oct. 24
Ezra 4:7, 11-24
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 12:33-42
Sunday, Oct. 25
Haggai 1:1-2:9
Psalm 108:1-13
Acts 18:24-19:7
Luke 10:25-37
Sermon: The Rev. Russell Sullivan,preaching
Monday, Oct. 26
Zechariah 1:7-17
Psalm 62:1-12
Matthew 12:43-50
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Ezra 5:1-17
Psalm 12:1-8
Matthew 13:1-9
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
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Ezra 6:1-22
Psalm 96:1-13
Matthew 13:10-17
Thursday, Oct. 29
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Psalm 116:1-19
Matthew 13:18-23
Friday, Oct. 30
Nehemiah 2:1-20
Psalm 84:1-12
Matthew 13:24-30
Saturday, Oct. 31
Nehemiah 4:1-23
Psalm 63:1-11
Matthew 13:31-35
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
The program will begin its second year with a Harvest Party, on Oct. 11. We begin at 5 p.m. with dinner, program from 5:35 to 6:30 p.m. and conclude with worship in the Sanctuary from 6:30 to 6:50 p.m.
This is an event for the whole church! You may sign up at the Welcome Center. The cost is $5
No Change at 8:30 a.m.
Thank you for your participating in our study of worshiping together in the front portion of the sanctuary. While we feel this change, over time, will result in a better worship experience for many people, we do not want anyone to NOT come to worship because of this change.
Therefore, if you have a particular reason that this change makes worship uncomfortable or unpleasant for you, please feel free to sit wherever you wish. Having said that, we would like to continue this "experiment" and will ask you for your feelings and opinions after a period of six to eight weeks has passed. If you are interested in serving on the Worship Committee, please
speak to Ron Poorman or one of the pastors. A committee member should have a particular interest in Worship as a mission of the church, some knowledge of liturgy and liturgical practices, creativity, and a commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of the congregation through worship.
Negotiating Corn
Join us from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 for an enjoyable evening at Paulus Orchards in Dillsburg. We will attempt to maneuver through the corn maze, roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a camp fire and take a wagon ride.
Fall is a beautiful time of year for families to experience these outdoor activities. There’s a $3 per person fee for the mini-maze and a fee for the apple/pumpkin picking. Sign up at the new Welcome Center.
Walking the Belt
The Pine Streetwalkers’ hike for Oct. 11 will be on another portion of the Capital Area Greenbelt. We will hike (walk) to the Five Senses Garden. This will be a short walk, but we can spend as much time as people want at the garden. Meet at 1 p.m. at the
THE PINE STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
310 NORTH THIRD STREET HARRISBURG, PA 17101
parking lot behind the McDonalds at 29th and Paxton streets.
Directions: heading East on Paxton Street, make a right turn at 29th Street. After your right hand turn, McDonald’s will be on your left and Turkey Hill Mini Market will be on your right. Go to the stop sign and turn left into the parking lot and go to the edge of the lot where you will see a sign for the Capital Area Green Belt. Hike day cell phone number is 580-3012.
Volunteers Needed
Adults, youth and children are needed to assist in services as Crucifer, Beadle or Presenter of Bread and Wine (at 8:30 a.m.). All are invited to do their part. We have a small, faithful core of volunteers who fill these positions each week during the program year, but we could use many, many more.
Come … your work calls! Sign up at the Welcome Center!
Fixing Arizona
The next mission trip to Sells, Arizona, will be Feb. 13 to Feb. 20, 2010. Work to be done at the Tohono O'odham reservation is
yet to be determined. Air flights will probably be more expensive as time passes. For information about the trip, contact Baiba Clemens at 652-1653, 215-5706 or baiba123@comcast.net. Signup is in the Gathering Place. Sleeping space at Sells is limited to 18 people, so sign up soon.
Not a Pretty Picture
As we go to print with this issue of Pine Street Life, I have just finalized the figures for the month of August; it’s not a pretty picture.
At month’s end, we have a deficit of $54,358.21. The deficit for the same time in 2008 was $10,075.24. While session did pass a deficit budget this year and we expect to see some negative numbers, our pledges to date are down almost $21,000.
Please, as we kick off the new program year, take a look at your contributions and see if you can bring them up to date. If you are up to date, please see if you can stretch just a bit and give a little extra.
