Helping Hands Lead to Success
by Trudy Brunot
Our Adult Learning Center volunteer Learning Facilitators regularly applaud student progress in math, English, reading and social studies. Now, as the Center celebrates its one-year anniversary, the teaching staff also extends kudos to two ALC “graduates” who recently have achieved their own very significant learning goals.
After many months of looking for work, Karen Harrison has just found fulltime employment with National Recovery Agency, and Samantha Ferrelli has earned her GED and enrolled in college. Both arrived at the Center with quite different needs but left with the same memory: the ALC’s warm welcome, non-judgmental attitude, and individualized learning approach gave them both the confidence they needed to succeed.
Ms. Harrison met with learning facilitators twice a week for several months to improve her math skills and English grammar and vocabulary after suddenly and unexpectedly losing her job when her longtime employer cut staff.
“The greeting I got from the ALC Director, Kathleen, made me feel truly welcome and at ease, and I was really overwhelmed at how all the facilitators accepted me. I never felt inferior going to the Center. The facilitators never looked down on me for lacking skills. Instead, they set the right atmosphere for learning and made me feel so comfortable,” she said. Karen attributes the guidance her learning facilitators gave her with passing the battery of pre-employment tests she had to take for her new job. “I hadn’t had much algebra, but the refresher I got at the ALC boosted
Surviving the Holidays
Monday, November 9, 2015, 7:15 – 9:15pm
Pine Street will again offer “Grief Share: Surviving the Holidays”. This is a warm, encouraging, and helpful event for anyone dealing with the pain of grief and loss during the upcoming holiday season. The program will be led by Rev. Heather Sigler, with support from Stephen Ministers and Deacons.
The evening features a video presentation and group discussion. The video provides practical tips on how to survive the holidays, See Grief on page 3
Bagels & Belief
November 1, 2015
The speaker will be a member of the Hadee Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community who will talk to us about the Muslim faith and answer our questions.
Fellowship Hall @ 9:40 am
Continued from page 1
my confidence so that I was able to think through the questions instead of going for a loop.”
Karen believes regular attendance also instilled the discipline she needed. “The Center offered the kind of structure I needed rather than trying to do it on my own and being distracted, which would have taken a lot longer. Coming twice a week and having assignments to turn in kept me focused and forced me to find time to do the needed work.” Karen views her current job as a stepping stone to get back into marketing and procurement, her preferred field of work, but she is enjoying the customer service aspect of her new position.
Samantha Ferrelli had previously attended classes at Tri-County OIC, the GED preparation organization with which the Center has partnered. She was close to being ready to test for her final portion of the GED but was struggling in the classroom setting. “My math classes there had eight or more students, and the work didn’t focus on where I needed to be. The classes didn’t consider what I knew and didn’t know, and so they didn’t cover what I really needed to learn” she said.
OIC referred Ms. Ferrelli to the Pine Street ALC for extra help. “I could only come for a couple of weeks in the winter and spring,” Samantha remembered. “But, the one-on-one teaching at the Center was awesome. The people were really nice and helpful and didn’t make me feel stupid.” When asked what difference the Center made, she said, “I wouldn’t have even tried to get my GED before. They helped me realize what I can do. The way they go about doing it, that oneon-one setup, helped me to focus. I had a hard time paying attention at OIC.”
Post-GED, Samantha works at Market on Market in Strawberry Square and attends Harrisburg Area Community College as a general studies major and is proud of her C average. Her goal now is to become a nurse.
Session Notes
At its September 29 meeting, Session had two guests. Dr. Mark Englund-Krieger, Executive Presbyter of the Carlisle Presbytery, and Dr. Jack Sproat, Chair of the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry attended the meeting. There was a long, frank, and open dialog of the recent issues at Pine Street especially concerning how the issues were handled.
Both Dr. Englund-Krieger and Dr. Sproat stated that the Presbytery will always support the Session because it is the governing body of the church.
Dr. Sproat offered to have the the Committee on Ministry hold a service of prayer and healing at Pine Street at a date and time to be determined. The Session unanimously accepted this offer.
The Session also adopted 2016 budgets for Pine Street and its various mission organizations. The congregation will hear more about these budgets in the upcoming stewardship campaign.
ALC graduate Karen Harrison
Students celebrate ALC’s 1st birthday
Thank you to Mary Daub and the Century Class for their many years of service to DDB. The members of the class have done do much for DDB over the past years. On behalf of the clients they’ve served and the people whose lives they’ve touched, the entire DDB staff says “Thanks for a job well done. We will miss you!”
Giving Tree 2015
Touch Someone in Need
by Laura Messner
Remembrances of family gatherings and twinkling tree lights touch our hearts, as another Christmas season begins. Holiday times may bring anticipation of festive joy or poignant reminders of Christmas past. As we begin to prepare for the blessing of Jesus’s birth, let us remember “the reason for the season.” Just as Jesus touched those in need of healing and hope, so we strive to emulate His compassion.
Pine Street’s Giving Tree program provides an opportunity to help those in need. For several years, the Giving Tree has focused on agencies that care for local concerns. This year, local emphasis continues. There are several programs needing your support. Choose one or more!
DELTA: If you enjoy shopping for a special gift for an individual, then the Delta Community is your choice. This agency provides transitional housing for single parent families who are trying to break the cycle of poverty. Many of these adults work and also further their education while trying to raise children. Your brightly wrapped gifts present a chance to bring Christmas joy to these families, especially the youngsters. Last year many recipients wrote notes expressing their appreciation for our generosity.
COMMUNITY CHECK-UP CENTER: Some of you have already saved up gentlyused children’s books to donate to this health facility located in Hall Manor. After a doctor’s visit, a child may choose a book to take home. So bring in your no-longerused children’s books or pick up some at a thrift store to donate to this cause.
HANSEL AND GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER: This facility provides childcare for a diverse Harrisburg population. Do you remember when a 2-3 year-old was mostly potty-trained but still had an accident? Oops! Hansel and Gretel would appreciate gently-used pants as well as new underwear and socks for 2-5 year-olds.
ADULT LEARNING CENTER: Pine Street’s ALC provides educational mentoring to prepare students for GED testing. The ALC is asking for donations of 3-ring binders supplied with various items such as paper, pencils, pens, and dividers. A list of supplies and sample notebook can be found in the Gathering Place. These notebooks will give new students a chance to get organized as they begin their learning program. The ALC also welcomes any monetary donations to defray costs.
DOWNTOWN DAILY BREAD: Each year, Pine Street volunteers set up a table at DDB to distribute a gift giveaway to DDB clients for Christmas. Your gift of warm gloves, socks, T-shirts, and washcloths are appreciated by the homeless. Furthermore, razors and extra leftover items are handed out through the rest of the year by DDB staff.
HELP MINISTRIES: This program of Christian Churches United provides a onetime assistance to those needing fuel oil. The money goes directly to the heating vendor. To assist this worthy cause, monetary donations may be made to the agency. Checks should be made out to HELP.
To participate, sign up in the Gathering Place on November 22, November 29, and December 6, at the special table set up for that purpose. Return gifts on December 6 and December 13 so they can be delivered in time for Christmas.
Baltic Mission Trip
by Norreine Koozer
Depart Thurs, June 9, 2016
Return Tues, June 28, 2016.
Week 1: Latvia
The Zvannieki Home
Week 2: Luthuania
The Children's Home
At this time, the projects identified include laying laminate flooring, scraping and painting (interior and exterior), and construction of a building to house a bathroom and a bath house.
We will also help refurbish a small country church that had been abandoned during the Russian occupation and has not been painted for almost seventy years.
There will also be a group of individuals sharing time with the children doing crafts and playing games. The children in both locations are special needs and always look forward to our time with them!
Cost of the trip for the flight, airport transportation, rooms and most meals is estimated at $2,500.
Informational meetings will be held in December, April and May. If you are interested in joining our team or have questions, please contact Norriene Koozer at norkay13@yahoo. com.
The
Urban Garden by Jennifer Gardner
Wow, did you see all those huge broccoli and cabbage plants and flowers outside our church? Oh what fun it is to put plants and seeds in soil, add water from our terrific rain barrel and see everything grow! I’m talking about our fabulous Urban Garden! In the summer of 2014, Deb Olson guided volunteers, like me, through the process of maintaining the garden. I have planted vegetables and flowers in my own yard over the years and I offered suggestions as we worked. In the spring of this year Deb asked me to take over the functioning of the Urban Garden, organize volunteers to work in the garden and deliver organically grown vegetables to soup kitchens in our area. It is such a thrill to be involved with the Garden. And yes, my married last name is Gardner. Maybe the Lord had a plan for me when I took on that last name! It’s ironic, I’d say!
I appreciate all the time and effort of our volunteers. We planted more types of vegetables in the limited sunlit areas. Please continue to visit and enjoy the peacefulness and colors of God’s work!
POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM – 2015
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia that will be used for decorating the sanctuary for Christmas, please complete the form below. There will no longer be automatic renewals for ordering poinsettias.
The form can be either mailed or put in the box in the Gathering Place along with your check made payable to Pine Street Presbyterian Church (please specify in the memo that this is for poinsettias). The costs of the poinsettias are $8.00 each. Deadline for orders is December 13, 2015.
WORDING OF DEDICATION:
In Memory of In Honor of
Given by
Amount Enclosed*___________________
*Payment is due when order form is submitted.
Mailing address is: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
WE MUST HAVE THE ABOVE FORM FILLED OUT AND PUT IN THE BOX IN THE GATHERING PLACE (BOX IS MARKED). IF YOU DO NOT FILL OUT THIS FORM, YOU WILL NOT HAVE YOUR MEMORIAL LISTED IN THE CHRISTMAS BULLETIN, EVEN IF YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE IT DONE AUTOMATICALLY FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
Pine Street veterans, their families, and friends are invited for breakfast on Saturday, November 14, 2015 hosted by the Pine Street Men. Veterans from all branches of service are invited. Arrive by 8:00am for coffee and conversation. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am Veterans, call the church office at 238-9304 if you need a ride. We will be providing rides for anyone that is in need of a way to get to Fellowship Hall that morning. Any veteran, male or female, is invited. It does not matter when you served. Those who are currently in the service are also welcome.
Save the Date: 2016 Women’s Retreat
Where: Camp Hebron
When: March 11 - 13, 2016
Speaker: Rev. Nancy Reinert
The Women’s Retreat Committee has begun planning for the 2016 retreat. A wonderful weekend is anticipated and we hope all women of Pine Street and friends will find time in their schedules to participate. Please put this date on your calendars now!
Signups will begin December 6. There will be a flyer containing a reservation form available by the end of November at the Welcome Center. In order to sign up for the retreat, the form, along with a $100 deposit, must be submitted at the Welcome Center by January 15, 2016. The check should be made out to Pine Street Presbyterian Church with “Women’s Retreat” on the memo line. The balance of your room rate is due by February 7, 2015. There will not be a “list” for signing up this year.
Cost for the retreat this year will be:
1 in room $318
2 in room $187
3 in room $144
Commuter rate $75
This is a wonderful item to put on your Christmas list, or to give to someone else.
See "White Christmas" at the Whitaker Center by Barbara
Neff
This November, Theatre Harrisburg will present Irving Berlin's beloved "White Christmas" with Allison Graham Hays starring in the role created by Rosemary Clooney. Allison is the wife of Jonathan Hays and the daughter-in-law of Pine Streeters Joan and Kenneth Hays. For a number of years the Congregational Life Committee has made it possible for Pine Streeters to attend Theatre Harrisburg productions as a group. This year we will be attending the matinée performance on Sunday, November 22. Cost is $25 or $27, depending on how many tickets we need. Thanks to Betty Rader, lunch before the performances has become part of the package. Don't miss this wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Buy your ticket at the Welcome Center. It's sure to help make your days merry and bright!
Deaths
Richard Posey
March 9, 1920 –September 27, 2015
Lets join together to welcome in the joyous Christmas Season at our Annual Advent Breakfast on Sunday, November 29 at 9:40am in Fellowship Hall. The menu will feature a scrumptious Apple Cranberry Cinnamon French Toast Casserole accompanied by Fluffy Scrambled Eggs and Apple Cider Sausage. Please sign up for this special breakfast at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Place. Adults $5.00 and children $3.00. EVERYONE WELCOME!
November, 2015
8:30 AM Worship -
9:30 AM SYF & JYF- Room 108 9:40 AM Bagels & Belief-Fellowship Hall
9:40 AM New members classRoom 308 11:00 AM Worship -
7:00 PM Service of Prayers for Healing-Sanctuary
Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.pinestreet.org (717)238-9304
Sunday, Nov. 1
All Saints’ Day
Psalms 103; 150
Isaiah 26:1–4, 8–9, 12–13, 19–21
Revelation 21:9–11, 22–27 (22:1–5) or Hebrews 11:32–12:2
Matthew 5:1–12
Monday, Nov. 2
Psalms 5; 145
Nehemiah 6:1–19 or Ezra 3:1–13
Revelation 10:1–11
Matthew 13:36–43
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Psalms 42; 146
Nehemiah 12:27–31a, 42b–47 or Ezra 4:7, 11–24
Revelation 11:1–19
Matthew 13:44–52
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11
Nehemiah 13:4–22 or Haggai 1:1–2:9
Revelation 12:1–12
Matthew 13:53–58
Thursday, Nov. 5
Psalms 97; 147:12–20
Ezra 7:(1–10) 11–26 or Zechariah 1:7–17
Revelation 14:1–13
Matthew 14:1–12
Friday, Nov. 6
Psalms 51; 148
Ezra 7:27–28; 8:21–36 or Ezra 5:1–17
Revelation 15:1–8
Matthew 14:13–21
