since last year, we have been blessed to have as our Interim organist and Choir Director, Ellen Hunt Ellen’s last Sunday with us is May 31. Depending on when you receive this newsletter, I hope you will attend her farewell reception after worship on may 31.
ellen has been an outstanding addition to our ministry at Pine street. she has played the organ superbly and sensitively and kept the choir well-tuned and performing to its great standard of excellence. she was also an endearing presence with our children. With a gentle hand and a kind spirit — and a delicious sense of humor — she exceeded all of our expectations in the interim
capacity in which she served. I especially loved her postludes and her orchestration of hymns and the thoughts she brought to worship planning. A reassuring presence to all of us, she dealt with all the complexities of Pine street’s Christmas eve and easter with a spirit of calm and ease.
We are all attached to ellen, but we wish her the best. Brett Terry, our new Minister of Music and Worship, takes over on June 7
With grace and a lot of love, ellen has prepared the way for him. ellen promises to stay in touch with us all, as we will with her. God bless you, ellen, with new ventures that await you!
Who Wrote the Bible: the Origin and Purpose of the Good Book
Dr. Russell C. sullivan, jr.
many people feel intimidated by the Bible. First, it’s so large that it’s printed on thin paper just to get it into one book! It uses language that’s hardly modern. In addition, people argue about it so much that you wonder if it can play any role in our life. But we believe it does. We call it scripture, the Word of God, the Good Book, but giving the Bible exalted names hardly makes it accessible or understandable. sometimes reverence for something we love leads us to distance ourselves from that which we love.
But the Bible — and God’s spirit too — wants us to engage it. I believe that spiritual transformation and the formation of our faith result from deliberate study of the Bible. But where do we begin? In the spring, Dr. Thomas Davis, an
June 14
Thank God for a Heretic: How a Humongous Controversy Birthed our Bible!
June 21
Part I: The Two Part Bible and a Three-Act Drama of Hope!
June 28
Part II: The Two Part Bible and a Three-Act Drama of Hope!
July 5
How Does the Bible Have Authority?
July 12 some Challenging Passages: God’s Violence in the Bible
July 19 some Challenging Passages: Christianity and judaism
archaeologist, placed the Bible in the context of a time, place, and a land. I want us now to continue the journey that we began by looking at the Bible as a whole. This summer I will kick off the summer Adult Forums with a six-part study on the origin and purpose of the Bible. You need no biblical background to participate – just a willing heart and mind to begin the journey. Here’s the schedule:
june 14: Thank God for a Heretic: How a Humongous Controversy Birthed our Bible!
june 21: Part I: The Two Part Bible and a ThreeAct Drama of Hope!
june 28: Part II: The Two Part Bible and a ThreeAct Drama of Hope!
july 5: How Does the Bible Have Authority?
july 12: some Challenging Passages: God’s Violence in the Bible
july 19: some Challenging Passages: Christianity and judaism
This study will be a springboard into a planned comprehensive study of the Bible that will begin in the fall, Kerygma: The Bible in Depth. let this summer be a time of recreation, but truly in the sense of re-creation, i.e, re-creating a renewed relationship with the central book of our faith, the Bible! see ya in class!
Lord,
I pray for those in ministry today, chosen men and women with a special call to do the work of Your kingdom. Put your protection on each one. Be their shield from the onslaught of the evil one. Protect their hearts. Defend their morality. Keep them pure and make their hearts tender toward you.
Give them wisdom today as they face the varied needs of those they serve. Fortify them to do what You say is right in an increasingly hostile world. May the Gospel of grace sound forth mightily from their lips and their lives. Amd may they see the fruits of their ministry in lives changed for Your kingdom forever.
Silence the needless criticisms. Bring harmony and peace to their work. Grant that they do their labor with great joy. Let them labor in a strength from above, in the mighty power of Your Spirit.
Do a special work in their families, Lord. May their spouses feel part of their work, and love You with a great love. May their children never resent You for calling their parents into kingdom work. Provide Sabbath rest for them. Provide financial assistance to them. Provide an extra dose of integrity and character to them. And let the people see Jesus in their ministries and their lives, and bless them for it.
Session notes
After hearing the report of the Personnel Committee on their meetings with various individuals in the church, Session approved exploring engaging an outside group to assist in counseling services and conflict resolution at Pine Street.
Committed to the concept of using the Boyd building gym space as a drop-in center for the homeless that will be an additional service of Downtown Daily Bread. This kind of facility is needed, and elaine Strokoff, Executive Director of Downtown Daily Bread, is working with a consortium of organizations that support the proposal including the Bethesda Mission, the United Way of the Capitol Region, and Harristown Development Corporation. All costs will be reimbursed through grants and donations that are already or are expected to be committed.
Approved engaging dr. Kathleen White as Director of the Adult Learning Center and approved the Mission and Vision Statements for the ALC.
Brad Wise, Facilities Manager, was granted a 6 to 8 week medical leave of absence starting May 15.
All forums are held at 9:40am in Fellowship Hall
In Christ’s grace, amen.
-- submitted by Arietta Falk from “Filled With Joy: A Daily Guideposts Prayer Companion“ by Bill Giovannetti
Reading Rocks
Again
by laura messner
Hansel and Gretel early learning Center, located on Walnut street, serves as a daycare center for a diverse group of families in the Harrisburg area. For several years, mission Committee has supported a reading program during their summer camp, which runs from mid-june through August.
To participate, Pine street members can volunteer to read one or two books to a small group of 3 to 4 year olds on Thursday mornings anytime between 9:3010:30. You can read, talk to the children, and listen to the delightful comments that come from this age group. You can spend twenty minutes, or take a longer time if you wish.
Children’s books are available in the Gathering Place, or you may bring your own. sign up at
Elaine, DDB, and the Buddhist community
by elaine strokoff, executive Director, DDB
on saturday, may 2, I was a guest at the Temple of The Blue mountain lotus society on linglestown Road, Harrisburg. I had been invited to receive the Blue mountain lotus society 2015 Compassion in Action Award. The award is based on the Bodhisattva ideal for “selfless giving to one’s community with great wisdom and compassion.” I felt most honored.
The service took place under a lovely, flowing white canopy beside a flowering cherry tree. The altar held flowers, a candle, smooth beautiful stones, and aromatic, sweet, burnt incense. Calm and melodic music played in the background. I could not help but feel serene. my muscles began to relax, my breathing slowed, my eyes closed. I was in the moment.
After an introduction and explanation of the service, I was asked to step forward to accept my award and to share the DDB story along with my personal narrative. I began by telling the story of Pine street Presbyterian Church 32 years ago and its call to feed the hungry in the city. I explained the evolution of DDB over these many years and described the impact of lunch Plus. I spoke of families struggling with hunger, people living in poverty, individuals struggling with addiction, people suffering from mental and physical illnesses, and the plight of the homeless. I encouraged the Buddhist community to join other faith communities and the community at large to support DDB.
Then, I began speaking from the heart. I spoke of my belief in justice, charity, peace, equality, and community. I spoke about the teachings of judaism, which I learned from my parents and teachers. I shared my personal vision of making the world a better place for all. The more I spoke, the more I realized that my values and actions had been shaped by my religion. I spoke of judaism teaching me to ACT when injustice strikes and when there is suffering in the world. I told of judaism teaching me to value all human beings and to recognize the power and strength of community. judaism, I realized, makes it imperative to “feed the
hungry, to help the poor, to clothe the naked, and to house the homeless.” my religion taught me to want to work for justice (“justice, justice, shall you shall thou pursue”). Finally, judaism taught me that “to save one person is to save the world.” I found it interesting that speaking about a Presbyterian Church mission project to a community of Buddhists, made me realize that my beliefs have been shaped by my religion and my religion has shaped my personal and professional world.
I concluded my speech with hope that people of All faiths could work together to care for the needy and to put common values into actions. As I left my Buddhist friends, I felt calm and peaceful while clutching my “Compassion in Action Award.” It was a fine and fitting way to mark what will become my 20th year at Downtown Daily Bread and Pine street Presbyterian Church.
the Welcome Center where you can find more information. Try to find time to bring the joy of reading to young minds.
Vacation Bible School Blitz– 2015 “Side by Side”
by Carol Putt
This summer we are participating in a combined Vacation Bible school Blitz with market square and Christ Presbyterian Churches. The theme is “side by side — neighbor – stranger – Friend” and it will explore the story of the Good samaritan and mary and martha from luke 10:25-42 with singing, activities, stories, and games. We will explore together the concepts of neighbor, hospitality, and love. Who is your neighbor? What does it mean to be a neighbor to someone? Be sure to set aside the dates of July 24 – 26, and plan to go to Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road in Camp Hill for a weekend of fun. Children from 3 years old through 4th grade are encouraged to participate. Young people from 5th grade through 9th grade may register to be “disciples” who assist teachers and volunteers with the younger children and learn by leading. Volunteers from 10th grade through adults are encouraged to register also to assist leaders and lead activities for the students.
The weekend will begin on Friday night at 6:00pm with a family meal and introductory activities including all family members, concluding with a group worship event. on saturday we will begin gathering at 9:00am as a large group to be welcomed before the children go to smaller groups for age-appropriate activities in separate areas. A closing worship time will bring everyone back together followed by lunch at 12:30. on sunday the VBs Blitz families will participate in the worship service at Christ Presbyterian Church with the children, disciples, and volunteers leading various parts of the service at 9:30 that morning.
We are looking forward to having as many families as possible participate in this adventure. Registration for the children, young people (Disciples), and Volunteers will be available online at http://www. christchurchcamphill.org/vbs/ or by filling out the registration forms at the Welcome Center by june 28. For more information, contact Carol Putt at carolputt25@gmail.com or at 717-545-7236 (home) or 717-571-9515 (cell). In today’s world it is more important than ever to be neighborly to everyone and realize that our neighborhood is bigger than just the place where we live! join us for a fun way to explore what God calls us to be in today’s society.
Joshua Group Receives Cremonesi Funds
by john jewett
serving the Allison Hill neighborhood in Harrisburg city, joshua Group is an at-risk youth mentoring organization. The youth served by joshua Group live in an area with the highest poverty rates, highest unemployment rates, highest violent crime rates, and highest drop-out rates in the metropolitan area of Dauphin County.
nearly 200 residents of Allison Hill come to the joshua learning Center to improve their lives by participating in of the group’s “childhood to career” educational programs. These programs include the joshua Preschool and pre-kindergarten (Headstart) program. There are up to 50 two- to five-year-old children taking part in four joshua Group sessions. This is a critical program since the Harrisburg City school District dropped it pre-kindergarten early childhood education program.
In addition, joshua Group serves 100 meals a day at a “Pre-K” morning session, at noon, and after school at 4:00pm About 40 to 50 older students participate each day in joshua Group’s after school program consistently and occasionally up to 60 students.
In 2014, 70 children participated in joshua Group’s half day summer program.
joshua Group is mentoring and supporting about 50 students in its private school program. They are planning to increase that to 60 next fall. joshua Group also runs a GeD program at its learning Center.
For its efforts, endeavors, and success at serving at-risk children and youth, the mission Committee awarded joshua Group $4,000 in late April. For more information and to see how you can help or volunteer, visit the joshua Group website at http://www. joshuagroup.org/index.html
Mission Committee member Kathleen White with Kirk Hallett, Founder and Director of Joshua Group
Ecumenical Food Pantry Receives Support
by john jewett
The ecumenical Food Pantry (eFP) provides food supplies (canned goods, boxed foods, cheese, eggs, meat, and more) to people with a voucher from one of 50 cooperating agencies and churches that verify family size and need. The eFP is operated and staffed solely by volunteers now numbering over 200. nonperishable items are pre-packed based on family size to keep waiting time for clients to a minimum. Frozen and refrigerated items are added to the orders when they are picked up. Currently, the eFP serves over 670 families which equates to over 2500 people per month. Its annual costs are over $160,000. The eFP is located in messiah lutheran Church at the corner of sixth and Forster streets in downtown Harrisburg.
Ernie
Chair
The mission Committee awarded the ecumenical Food Pantry $1,750 from the Cremonesi Fund in late April. For more information or to find out how to help or volunteer at eFP, check out the website at https:// ecumenicalfoodpantry.wordpress.com/
Veronica Bani
Cedar Cliff High School
Veronica will be graduating from Cedar Cliff High school in june. Recently, Veronica was presented with the Harrisburg Area YmCA, West shore Branch, Youth Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014. on April 19, 2015, Veronica was the 2015 recipient of the Alyson Chick scholarship from the West shore YmCA swim Team.
In the fall, Veronica will be attending West Virginia university, Davis College of Agriculture, natural Resources & Design, to study “Human nutrition and Foods.”
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Allison Hartman
Susquehanna Twp High School
Allison will graduate from susquehanna Township High school. she has been the recipient of numerous academic and athletic awards including the Distinguished scholar Award, softball Booster scholarship, Beverly Ann Cole Award, outstanding Female Athlete Award, Field Hockey Defensive mVP, mid-Penn All-star 2nd team for field hockey, mid-Penn All-star 1st team for softball all 4 years, sTHs softball mVP all 4 years, and the 2014 PA High school All-state Honors AAA Honorable mention (2015 isn’t out yet) for softball. she holds sTHs strike out record, 680 Hs career total, and her stats include 12 shutouts, 2 no hitters, and 1 perfect game. on may 14 susquehanna Township gave Allison a proclamation naming may 16, 2015 Allison Hartman Day in the township.
This fall Allison will be attending morgan state university in Baltimore, mD, on a softball scholarship studying multiplatform Production.
Speck, Chair-elect of the EFP Board and volunteer; Pine Streeter Jackie Young, EFP Board member and volunteer; Barbara Nagle, EFP Board member and volunteer; and our own Marty Gruver, Mission Committee
Lydia Black
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA
lydia received a Bachelor of science in Biology from Westminster College, which she attended as a member of their Young Presbyterian scholars program. she is currently working toward her master of Physician Assistant studies Degree at Duquesne university.
Elizabeth Filipovich
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA
liz earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Westminster College. she plans to pursue a master of Public Health Degree with the goal of a professional career as a social epidemiologist.
Theodore Guenin
Chelsea Hartman cont’d a Park scholar, received the Peggy R. Williams Award for Academic and Community leadership, The most Promising Communication management and Design student (freshman year), the sophomore Communication management and Design Academic Achievement Award, the Park scholar Rising junior Award, and the senior Academic Achievement Award. she was a member of the oracle Honors society and lambda Pi eta Honors society.
Chelsea has accepted a position as a social Associate at meC Global, a media agency in new York City.
Miranda Jewett
Millersville University, Millersville, PA
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Teddy graduated with a Bachelor of science in economics from the Wharton school, and a Bachelor of science in Bio-engineering from the school of engineering and Applied science of the university of Pennsylvania. Teddy was a student in the jerome Fisher Program in management and Technology, an interdisciplinary program merging business and engineering. He plans to continue at Penn working toward his master of science in mechanical engineering Degree. Teddy won the Y-Prize, a business plan and invention competition, with his proposal G-FeT Frack Technologies, which aims to increase the safety of natural gas tracking using a custom-designed nanotech sensor. He has since filed a patent and received venture capital funding. For more information, go to http:// www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/2015-02-05/ latest-news/y-prize-winners-set-sights-frackingsafety.
one of the greatest joys of Teddy’s years at Penn was performing with the Penn Glee Club. He loved returning to Pine street with all of his friends to perform and benefit DDB!
Chelsea Hartman
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
Chelsea graduated magna cum laude from Ithaca College where she earned a Bachelor of science in Communication management and Design, with minors in emerging media, and Art History. At Ithaca she was
miranda graduated from millersville university in December, 2014, earning a Bachelor of Arts in english, with minors in Government and Political Affairs, and studio Art. she now has a full-time job as an “adoption counselor” at the Harrisburg Humane society.
Before starting full-time at the Harrisburg Humane society in April, she worked part-time for the education Policy and law Center (ePlC) in downtown Harrisburg, where she did an internship last summer. she continues to be in touch and is on call with them for special projects.
she is also working for Pine street by supervising the nursery on sunday mornings.
Graduate School
Elizabeth Atnip
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
liz received her Doctor of medicine Degree from Pennsylvania state university College of medicine. she will be attending the Family medicine Residency of Idaho (FmRI) in Boise, ID, for the next 3 to 4 years. she chose this program because of its intensive training in full-spectrum family medicine, including obstetrics and minor procedures. she looks forward to a new adventure across the country, enjoying the beautiful outdoors, and moving on to the next step in her medical education.
8:30
June, 2015
Pine street Presbyterian Church
310 north Third street Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.pinestreet.org (717)238-9304
Monday, June 1
Psalms 57; 145
Deuteronomy 11:13–19
2 Corinthians 5:11–6:2 luke 17:1–10
Tuesday, June 2
Psalms 54; 146
Deuteronomy 12:1–12
2 Corinthians 6:3–13 (14–7:1) luke 17:11–19
Wednesday, June 3
Psalms 65; 147:1–11
Deuteronomy 13:1–11
2 Corinthians 7:2–16 luke 17:20–37
Thursday, June 4
Psalms 143; 147:12–20
Deuteronomy 16:18–20; 17:14–20
2 Corinthians 8:1–16 luke 18:1–8
Friday, June 5
Psalms 88; 148
Deuteronomy 26:1–11
2 Corinthians 8:16–24 luke 18:9–14
Saturday, June 6
Psalms 122; 149
Deuteronomy 29:2–15
2 Corinthians 9:1–15 luke 18:15–30
Sunday, June 7
2nd sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 108; 150
Deuteronomy 29:16–29
Revelation 12:1–12
matthew 15:29–39
Lectionary Readings for June
Monday, June 8
Psalms 62; 145
Deuteronomy 30:1–10
2 Corinthians 10:1–18 luke 18:31–43
Tuesday, June 9
Psalms 12; 146
Deuteronomy 30:11–20
2 Corinthians 11:1–21a luke 19:1–10
Wednesday, June 10
Psalms 96; 147:1–11
Deuteronomy 31:30–32:14
2 Corinthians 11:21b–33 luke 19:11–27
Thursday, June 11
Psalms 116; 147:12–20
song of solomon 1:1–3, 9–11, 15–16a; 2:1–3a
2 Corinthians 12:1–10 luke 19:28–40
Friday, June 12
Psalms 84; 148 song of solomon 2:8–13; 4:1–4a, 5–7, 9–11
2 Corinthians 12:11–21 luke 19:41–48
Saturday, June 13
Psalms 63; 149 song of solomon 5:10–16; 7:1–2 (3–5) 6–7a (9); 8:6–7
2 Corinthians 13:1–13 luke 20:1–8
Sunday, June 14
3rd sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 103; 150
exodus 6:2–13; 7:1–6
Revelation 15:1–8 matthew 18:1–14
Monday, June 15
Psalms 5; 145
1 samuel 1:1–20
Acts 1:1–14
luke 20:9–19
Tuesday, June 16
Psalms 42; 146 1 samuel 1:21–2:11
Acts 1:15–26
luke 20:19–26
Wednesday, June 17
Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11 1 samuel 2:12–26
Acts 2:1–21
luke 20:27–40
Thursday, June 18
Psalms 97; 147:12–20
1 samuel 2:27–36
Acts 2:22–36
luke 20:41–21:4
Friday, June 19
Psalms 51; 148 1 samuel 3:1–21
Acts 2:37–47
luke 21:5–19
Saturday, June 20
Psalms 104; 149 1 samuel 4:1b–11
Acts 4:32–5:11
luke 21:20–28
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Sunday, June 21 4th sunday after Pentecost
Psalms 19; 150 1 samuel 4:12–22 james 1:1–18 matthew 19:23–30
