He’s like Saint Nicholas, coming when no one is around and doing good deeds. Like a snowy morning in January when I’ve just spent 45 minutes digging out my car and driveway so I can come into work. Lo and behold the parking lot at Pine Street is plowed and the sidewalks are clear with remnants of calcium lying about. Or the time when my battery-driven power source starts beeping and won’t stop until the battery is replaced. The next morning it’s back in its regular spot making sure my systems are running smoothly. There was the time when Alex asked to have lights installed in his office and never even realized they were up until I walked in and flipped a switch. And then there was the time when a client was pushed into the glass door at the Boyd. There was new glass in the door before I left
to go home that evening. How about the time when the steam pipe burst? I wasn’t first on the scene but he was. When Sunday services began the next day you would never have believed it was the same place as the night before. Now, did I mention that all these things and more occurred just this year?
In July of 1991, twenty years ago, Dr. Fred Anderson hired Peter Hollander to be our building supervisor. This year marks two events in Peter’s life, one is that he has reached his twentieth year of service at Pine Street, and secondly his retirement on July 22nd. Peter has had a varied career path. He was raised on a farm in New York, after which he enlisted and was a cook in the United States Army. He was transferred to
Israel Pilgrimage Study Tour 2012
By Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr.
I want to invite all of you to consider taking a pilgrimage with me to Israel. I have wanted to do this for a long time, and I especially think it’s important for me to take a tour with members of my congregation. In the last several years I have developed a warm and special friendship with the Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Harter, a retired pastor in our presbytery. Bill is a veteran of over 35 trips to Israel and knows the country and the people inside out. When he asked me
Adult Forums This Month
July 3
Stories Told in Stained Glass Windows, part II
Kenneth C. Hays
July 10, 17, 24
Where Does Peace Begin? The Christian-Muslim Perspective
Dr. Larry Conrad
July 31
Youth Mission Trip
To West Virginia Rev. Lang & Youth
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Pennsylvania with his job at Tractor Supply Company. Then he worked for several years as a maintenance technician at his church, Bible Baptist, and then at Alpha Racquetball doing the same. During those same years he also drove a school bus!
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to co-host this tour with him, I knew that it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Join Us!
A reception for Peter Hollander will be held on Sunday, July 10th in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Please join us as we honor Peter for his 20 years of service to Pine Street.
Peter is very active in his own church, Bible Baptist. This should come as no surprise to Pine Streeters as he has taken several mission trips to Togo, South Africa during his tenure here. He loves his family, his kids, but especially his grandkids. All the children that come into Pine Street have played with Peter Hollander. My own son was a recipient of a sofa turned fort in the Boyd classroom one time. For years now Peter has taught the Awana program to kindergarteners at Bible Baptist, spreading the word to the little children. He may appear gruff but don’t let that fool you, Peter can be a real softie!
Peter is not only a valued and valuable employee he is also a good friend, and he will be greatly missed. Knowing Peter as we do, you can be sure that he will remain active and engaged at his church, in his mission work, and with his family. May God bless him in his retirement.
The trip runs from February 25 to March 9, 2012 (There is also a post-tour extension to Petra and Eliat from March 9 to 14.) The airline, El Al, and the hotels in which we will stay, offer comfortable travel and superb hospitality. The places we visit will resonate with everything you’ve learned and studied in the Bible. We’ll visit Herod’s great city of Caesarea and Mt. Carmel, the location of the Elijah story. Highlights of the tour include Galilee, Capernaum, Bethsaida, the Mount of Olives, and Jerusalem. I can’t wait to see the old City of David, visit the museum that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, stand at Masada, and tour a kibbutz. It will be packed with exciting moments that will make your future study of the Bible and faith deeply meaningful. You can also extend your tour by traveling to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan and Eilat, the most northern point on the Red Sea.
You can pick up at the Welcome Center a brochure that includes all the information you need, including a registration form. Complete this early, and get your deposit in soon. On Sunday, July 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bill Harter and I will make a presentation about the trip. Plan to attend to hear first hand from Bill about all the places we are planning to see. You can also call me (church: 238-9304; home: 732-6316) if you have any questions.
I hope you can travel with me. It would be a delight to share this spiritual moment together.
A view of Jerusalem's old city at dawn from the Mount of Olives photo courtesy of freeisraelphotos.com
“Thank you!”
The Stewardship Committee hopes you will hear that simple phrase more often in the coming months. Giving thanks frequently and appropriately affords Christians an avenue to expand their spirituality. Look at all we have to be thankful for at Pine Street — meaningful worship, great music and far-reaching mission projects.
Take a closer look, and you will see the many dedicated church members who make these events worthwhile. They truly practice the broader levels of stewardship — giving not only their treasure, but also their time and talents that make Pine Street Presbyterian Church a vital place of spiritual life.
To be sure, every fall the Stewardship Committee plans for our annual General Fund drive. We ask the congregation at that time to give a portion of their treasure so that the greater goals of serving God can be met. Financial giving sustains our ministry at Pine Street. It’s a necessary part of church life. But there’s more to serving Christ and church than simply putting a check or cash into the collection plate on Sundays, vital though that may be. Pine Street would be a hollow place if our focus were only on financial needs. Just a brief glimpse at the Mission Committee’s minutes for May makes you appreciate how many Pine Streeters are involved in serving the church:
• Ella Poland delivered supplies for the Ecumenical Food Pantry drive.
• Ted Dolbin and Roger Olson led teams to repair two homes occupied by disabled persons.
• Carol Putt and Stevie Sharp are continuing Pine Street’s mission relationship with Jewell Ridge Presbyterian Church in Appalachian Virginia.
• Pam Bauer did a Focus Talk on the five-year-old Shawl Ministry.
• Pine Street members participated in mission trips to Arizona and the Baltics.
This represents some of the work of just one committee of our church. We thank them, and we’re grateful as well to those who serve in other, less publicized areas such as the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees and other Session committees.
As you can see, being part of an active church requires that we give of our treasure, our time and our talents. Saying “thank you” frequently to one another is the least we can do.
John Goodrich, for the Stewardship Committee
Session Notes for June
Approved a request from Thomas Clark-Jones to circulate a letter to fundraise for the 201112 MAPS season.
Approved a Children's Sabbath to be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the 11:00 worship service, and that Cheryl Goode will be the preacher at both services for the Lord's Day on October 16, 2011.
Communion will be by intinction on Sundays July 3, August 7 and September 4, 2011.
Coming soon . . . new outdoor banners!
Pine Street's Online Membership Directory was updated June 13, 2011. It will continue to be updated quarterly.
You can access it via the Members Area of the web site at http:// www.pinestreet.org/ members-area/
August Is Mission Month
During the Sunday school hour we will share information about mission projects PSPC has been involved with in the last year and a new one starting. Please plan to join us in Fellowship Hall at 9:40 a.m. each Sunday.
August 7
Evangelism efforts in our presbytery
August 14
2011 mission trips to Arizona, Jewell Ridge, Lithuania/Latvia
August 21
Local mission fair
August 28
Earth Care Congregation
Weaving a Rainbow
By Elyse Rogers
Late in the winter, women of Pine Street have the opportunity to spend a weekend together in fellowship, worship and learning. Time together is unified by a theme. In 2010, that theme was God's Promises . . . and the visual symbol of that theme was the rainbow.
Saturday afternoon of the retreat is set aside as free time. Activities, indoor and outdoor, are available. Many women participate in one or more craft activities. As a long-time weaver, I wondered what opportunity I might offer during that time. In 2010, I acquired a loom that could be transported easily. Perfect! It came with us on retreat. Many women wove “mug rugs.”
The weft (what holds the fabric together by being interlaced with the warp) was offered in the various colors of the rainbow, and the results were beautiful.
In 2011, Joanne Alwine suggested that we could weave a runner for the Gathering Place, using the colors of the rainbow. Looking at my stash (every fiber person has a stash . . . accumulations of yarn, thread, fabric and other materials) it was clear that the colors we used in 2010 could be used as the warp to celebrate the rainbow. The result is the runner that graces the sideboard in the Gathering Place. Virtually every woman who came on retreat in March helped by weaving a few “picks.” It is a visual symbol of that most wonderful truth: God's promise of grace and renewal.
In weaving, the separate threads of the warp and of the weft are interlaced. The possible combinations are endless. What could be a jumbled tangle becomes a unified, useful and hopefully beautiful whole. Let it be so with us, the members of Pine Street Church, as we seek to do God's will here in Harrisburg.
Arietta Falk
Elizabeth Kury
Stephanie Sharp
Elyse Rogers instructs Arlene Hurtzel . . . Susan Stecher . . . and Katherine Summers
Joanne Alwine
2nd Annual Junior Youth Fellowship
Mental Health First Aid
By Christine Patrick, Client Counselor
In the past two weeks Elaine and I went to 12-hour training for Mental Health First Aid. This training was geared toward first responders, mostly case workers who encounter the homeless with mental health issues. The training was made possible by the Dauphin County Mental Health /ID Program and was offered free of charge. The training gave us tools to use when we encounter our clients who have MH (mental health) issues and may be in crisis. We were given an action plan to follow with five steps and in using this plan it is real clear what to do when a client is in need. The plan is called ALGEE:
A= assess for risk of suicide or harm
L= listen nonjudgmental
G= give reassurance and information
E= encourage appropriate professional help
E= encourage self-help and other support strategies
I now feel more equipped to deal with these clients who come to us in crisis and need mental health first aid. I was one of two people out of 28 who did the homework assigned at the training, and received kudos from the group! Unfortunately, I had to go in front of the class and share my work. Elaine and I were active participants in a problematic mental health scenario which gave us more insight into what goes through the mind of a schizophrenic. We had a first hand experience of what must be a maddening feeling associated with hearing multiple voices.
To conclude, the training was well worth our time and we were glad for the opportunity to share stories. and talk to other homeless providers. We are fortunate to be able to attend learning sessions such as these. They make us better understand the suffering of the mentally ill and help us understand how that condition can contribute to the homelessness. Thanks to Dauphin County Mental Health and to Elaine for always looking for educational opportunities!
News From Our
Church
Family
Patriot-News
journalist John Luciew received a 2011 first place Keystone award for Feature Beat Reporting. His feature articles of note include The after-party: Stars of summer, Iraq: 7 years of war, We all grieve together, Spreading the word, and Heartache in Big Valley. The Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Keystone Press Awards honor the best in Pennsylvania journalism.
Elise Rogers of Saidis, Sullivan and Rogers was recognized as the Harrisburg Area Trust and Estate Lawyer of the year for 2011 in the 17th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Mitchell Buffington won the third place bronze medal in Boy's Discus at the District III track and field competition held at Shippensburg University on May 21.
Georgetta Brickner was recently recognized as a 50-year member of Pine Street. Georgetta grew up in Colonial Park where she was a very active member of Colonial Park Reformed Church. When it was torn down and relocated to its present location she started looking for another church and decided to join Pine Street because its service was similar to that of her old church and, she says, “because I liked it.” She became a member of Miss Garner’s Sunday school class, but the necessity of having to care for ailing family members prevented her from being more involved. Georgetta remembers that while preparing to become a member at Pine Street, Rev. McKirachan encouraged the class to visit other churches — just not at the same time. She recently moved to Florida where she lives upstairs from her landlord/nephew and, as Rev. McKirachan encouraged, attends 1st Presbyterian Church of Lake Worth.
Thank You to Pine Street Counters
By Leslie Luciew
Births
June 1, 2011
Hector Alfonso Vides son of Alfonso & Megan Vides
June 20, 2011
Isaac Alan Bruce son of Justin & Lauren Bruce
Baptisms
June 26, 2011
Lucy Ryan Sastre infant daughter of Jose & Jaclyn Sastre
50-Year
Members
Georgetta Brickner
Deaths
Horace "Bud" Evans September 23, 1918 –June 3, 2011
Who can you count on?
Thankfully, Pine Street is blessed with dedicated men and women who count the offering every Sunday. They are a conscientious and dedicated group, ensuring that the tithes and offerings you place in Sunday collection plates are properly counted, recorded, credited and accounted for. Their often-unsung work contributes to the financial stability and well-being of Pine Street and we are glad we can count on them.
But there’s always more counting to be done. Pine Street is actively looking for members who would be interested in lending their services to help keep the count on future Sundays. It’s a great way to get involved and help out with one of Pine Street’s most vital functions. If you are interested in serving as a counter, please contact Leslie Luciew at 343-1835 or lsuethomas@verizon.net
So the question remains: Can we count on you?
Meanwhile, please extend you thanks to our current group of conscientious counters the next time you see them in church: Ken Hays, Carol Putt, Jane Hess, Ted Valk, Liz Valk, Sandy Allen, Bill Mader, Wayne Fertig, Sondra Fertig, Sue Wilson, Cynthia Gerst, Harold Heisey, Ardeth Heisey, Ron Lewis
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.
Youth Mission Tr ip t o WV
8:30 A M Worship - S anctuary
9:40 A M C hurc h School - All Ages
9:40 A M A dult For um – Fellowship H all
11: 00 AM Worship –Sanctuary 27
Youth Mission Tr ip t o WV
1:30 P M S tephen Ministry Supervision – R oom 306
2:30 P M A merican G uild of Organists (AGO) C onvention – Fellowship Hall & Lower Level 7:00 P M A dmin & Finance Meeting Room 308
8:30 A M Wors hip - S anctuary
9:40 A M C hurc h School - All Ages 9:40 A M A dult For um – Fellowship H all 11: 00 AM Worship –Sanctuary
July, 2011
Youth Mission Tr ip t o WV
7:30 A M C hoir War m- up
8:15 A M Or gan prelude
8:30 A M Morning prayer
2:30 P M AGO Convention –Fellows hip Hall & Low er Level
5:00 P M P resbytery Meeting – St James Pr es , Mechbg
Youth Mission Tr ip t o WV 12: 30 PM Task Force on Budgeting & Financ e
Synod O ffice 7:30 P M AGO Region III C onvention R ecital –Sanctuary/G ather ing Place – Mark Laubac h, Recitalist
