Pine Street Life

Pine Street VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 12

Pine Street Presbyterian Church

A Treasury of Carols & Christmas Tea Sunday, December 20 at 11:00am

by Brett Terry

Our worship service on Sunday, Bambino, Ding Dong! Merrily on High!

December 20 will be A Treasury of and As with Gladness, Men of Old Carols. We will tell the Christmas story Following the service of worship, through a series of carols, prayer, we will join in a celebratory Christmas scripture readings, Tea hosted by Betty and poetry, followed Rader and the by communion.

Congregational Life Christmas At In addition to the team. The cost is favorite carols Pine Street $10 for those 12 we will sing as a years and older. congregation, the A sign-up sheet 6:00 pm - Family Service choir will sing some is available at the 5:30pm – music by wonderful new carol Welcome Center. all-church orchestra arrangements by I look forward composers Joseph to seeing you there Martin, Mark Hayes, as we celebrate and Pepper Choplin 11:00pm -Traditional together the published just last Candlelight wonderful Christmas year. They include: Service Season and remind Joy to the World, ourselves of our Let All Mortal Flesh wonderful Treasury Keep Silence, Bring of Carols. a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, Gesu

Longest Night Worship Service Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:30pm Pine Street Presbyterian Church Chapel

by Rev. Heather Sigler

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had.

The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity See Night on page 3

DECEMBER 1, 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DDB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 December Calendar. . . . . . . 7 December Scripture . . . . . . 8

December At A Glance Hanging of the Greens. . . . .1 Presbyterian Apartments. . 11 MAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Longest Night . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Carols & Tea. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Christmas Eve services . . . 24 College student breakfast. . 27 One service at 11:00am . . . . 27

PSL Deadline Articles, photos and items of interest for the January 2016 issue of Pine Street Life are due by December 15, 2015.

Please e-mail to Sue Black at

BL3COL@aol.com

Giving Tree 2015 Touch Someone in Need

Session Notes At its meetings on October 27 and November 6, the Session took the following actions: Approved a grant request policy for the church and all its organizations.

Approved a youth retreat on November 6–7 at Camp Hebron.

As Christmas draws closer, remember to touch someone in need by participating in Pine Street’s Giving Tree. You can sign up at a table in the Gathering Place where details about agencies and gifts are displayed. Sign-ups began on November 22 and November 29, and will continue on December 6.

Gifts should be returned to the table on December 6 and 13. Individual presents for Delta Community participants can be put in gift bags or wrapped. All other items should be unwrapped.

All monetary contributions should be made out to individual agencies.

If you are unable to bring your gift in on time or if you need help with shopping, please contact Laura Messner at 364-5808.

This year’s agencies:

Adult Learning Center is a gift opportunity to help Pine Street’s ALC students. Request: binder notebooks with assorted items to enhance the learning experience Delta Community strengthens families with children by providing life skill services and transitional housing. Request: individual gifts

Approved the covenant agreement with Rev. Heather Sigler for the next year. Because of the nature of Heather’s arrangement with Pine Street, we enter into what is essentially an annual contract with her for her services.

Asked that an overture from the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, titled On the Importance of Universal Human Rights Principles in Resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict be presented to the Carlisle Presbytery for its concurrence. This overture requires a much more detailed explanation than can be provided here, but it essentially asks that any resolution of the Middle East issues be based upon the two state solution and that it is based upon the principle of universal human rights for both sides.

Approved one service for the Lord’s Day be held at 11:00am on December 27, 2015 and January 3, 2016.

Appointed Ken Hays as Pine Street Historian.

Called for a Congregational Meeting to be held on January 10, 2016. While more information will be provided prior to the meeting, two amendments to the by-laws pertaining to the timing of congregational meetings will be presented for approval, and the congregation will be asked to approve Dr. Sullivan’s terms of call for 2016.

Called a meeting of the Congregation for April 10, 2016.

Session’s next stated meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8.

HELP Ministries provides emergency services such as shelter, rent assistance, and heating fuel.

Request: monetary donations for heating vouchers Community Check-Up Center provides compassionate and caring medical services.

Request: new or gently-used children’s books Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center provides childcare services for a diverse population.

Request: underwear, pants, socks for young children, and toddler pull-ups Downtown Daily Bread Request: socks, warm gloves, t-shirts, washcloths, travel size shampoo and toothpaste, and chapstick.

Page 2

www.pinestreet.org

A Community Mission

by Elaine Strokoff, Executive Director, DDB

DDB Holiday Wish List: • hams, • beef, • coffee, • paper goods, • #10 cans of soups, vegetables, and fruit.

After many years at Downtown Daily Bread, I still believe that hungry people have a right to food and that poor, homeless people should be helped. I see men and women who wait in line every morning to collect their mail, take a shower, or check their lockers. I see individuals line up each day for their daily lunch. I know that everyone who comes to Downtown Daily Bread will be treated with respect and kindness. I also know that there are always more ways to help those living in poverty and always more challenges to be met. Our latest accomplishment was opening the Drop-In Center for the Homeless in Harrisburg.

Downtown Daily Bread makes a difference in the lives of many. The folks who come to DDB are not just numbers; they are individuals with names and stories. We feel good knowing that a veteran can keep his apartment because of DDB help with his rent. We feel wonderful when an abused woman and her three children are safely housed. We feel proud when a client completes his GED and moves on to additional training.

As a team, we are thankful for the dedicated men and women who volunteer, and for all of our friends in the community who help finance DDB. We are also grateful for the human service agencies that collaborate with DDB to bring more services to our clients. DDB has been, and will continue to be, a community mission made up of people helping people.

For those who have returned their Financial Stewardship Commitment cards for 2015, thank you! If you have not done so, please do so as soon as possible!

Pope Francis on his recent visit articulated my thoughts beautifully when he prayed, “O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth…Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature…Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love, and peace.”

With the holidays approaching, I wish you all good health and happiness and I offer heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support.

Pine Street Life

Night

Continued from page 1 of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.

We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.

Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.

For these reasons the Deacons and Stephen Ministers offer a special Longest Night worship service, including the Lord’s Supper.

Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone is welcome. The service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.

Page 3

Extending God’s Love: Gleaning at Strite’s Orchard On Saturday, October 24, 2015, Pine Street members and friends gleaned 700 pounds of apples at Strite’s Orchard. Apples were delivered to DDB and area food banks.

The pickings were slim this year due to very cold weather and high winds that knocked down a lot of the potential apples the previous week, but it was a wonderful day of fellowship and exercise.

Left: Dana Deegan, Stevi Sharp, Sushima Saha, Beth Alwine, Emma Sharp, Morgan Lombard, Marty Gruver, Lauren Logan, Vikrum Mukerjee, Bill Bauer, Pam Bauer. Not pictured Rachelle Lowe, Joanne Book-Coles, Debbie Gruver.

Below: Dana Deegan, Stevi Sharp, Beth Alwine, Marty Gruver, Bill Bauer, Joanne Book-Coles.

Page 4

www.pinestreet.org

Extending God’s Love: Honoring Our Veterans On Saturday, November 14, 2015, Pine Street Men hosted a breakfast to honor our veterans.

Right: Arietta Falk and Barb Taylor with veterans Charles Falk, and Mel and Sara Songy Below: Bob Kerr with veterans Jack Taylor and John Hertzler Bottom: Veterns Mike Putt, Jim Correll and Dick Gregg. Others at the table Arletta Gregg, Carol Putt, Zach Monnier, and Mike Robinson

Pine Street Life

Page 5

Extending God’s Love: Presbyterian Apartments Pine Street’s Mission Team invites members and friends of Pine Street to extend God’s love to and with the residents of the Presbyterian Apartments on Friday, December 11, 2015, as we sing songs of the Christmas season and provide a potluck lunch. This is an annual event sponsored by the Mission Team - Extending God’s Love.

We will meet at 11:30am in the top floor penthouse of the Presbyterian Apartments at 322 N. Second Street, for a Christmas carol sing along with the residents, and then provide lunch and finish the event with a gift exchange.

Presbyterian Apartments will provide the main meat dish and drinks.

We are asking for you to bring a side dish or a dessert. Also bring a few unwrapped white elephant gifts for the residents.

This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the larger body of Christ. Sign up at the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please contact Marty Gruver at 545-1204.

Have a blessed Advent season.

Page 6

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.

www.pinestreet.org

December, 2015 Sunday

Monday

29 1st Sunday in Advent

30

6 2nd Sunday in Advent

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

23

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 3rd Sunday in Advent

14

15

16

17

18

20 4th Sunday in Advent

21

22

23

24

25

8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary 9:40 AM Advent Breakfast 11:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary

8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary 9:30 AM SYF & JYF- Room 108 9:40 AM Church School-All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary

8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary 9:30 AM SYF & JYF- Room 108 9:40 AM Church School-All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary

8:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary 9:30 AM SYF & JYF- Room 108 9:40 AM Church School-All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary 12:10 PM Celebratory Chrismas Tea 12:30 PM All-church Orchestra rehearsal

8:45 AM Staff worship 9:15 AM Staff meeting 9:30 AM Presbytery meeting1st United PrebyterianNewville 6:00 PM Hanging of the Greens

5:30 PM Adult Learning Center

5:30 PM Adult Learning Center

8:45 AM Staff worship 9:15 AM Staff meeting

8:45 AM Staff worship 9:15 AM Staff meeting 12:00 PM Trustees meeting 7:15 PM Worship planning

8:45 AM Staff worship 9:15 AM Staff meeting

5:30 PM Adult Learning Center 7:30 PM Adult handbell choir

5:30 PM Adult Learning Center 7:15 PM Session meeting 7:30 PM Adult handbell choir

5:30 PM Adult Learning Center 7:30 PM Longest Night Service

7:00 PM Choir rehearsal

7:00 PM Choir rehearsal

7:00 PM Choir rehearsal

11:30 PM Sing along at Presbyterian Apartments

6:00 PM Family service 11:00 PM Candlelight service

4:00PM Maps Event-St. Stephen’s Episcopal

19

9:00 AM Set-up poinsettias

26

!

Offices closed

Offices closed !

27

9:40 AM Church School-All Ages 9:40 AM College student breakfast 11:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary

28

29

8:45 AM Staff worship 9:15 AM Staff meeting

30

31

1

2

Offices closed

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.

Periodicals Postage Paid At Harrisburg, PA 17105

Pine Street Presbyterian Church 310 North Third Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.pinestreet.org (717)238-9304

Lectionary Readings for December Tuesday, Dec. 1 Psalms 33; 146 Amos 3:1–11 2 Peter 1:12–21 Matthew 21:12–22

Tuesday, Dec. 8 Psalms 33; 146 Amos 7:10–17 Revelation 1:9–16 Matthew 22:34–46

Tuesday, Dec. 15 Psalms 33; 146 Zechariah 2:1–13 Revelation 3:14–22 Matthew 24:32–44

Tuesday, Dec. 22 Psalms 33; 146 2 Samuel 7:18–29 Galatians 3:1–14 Luke 1:57–66

Monday, Dec. 28 Psalms 2; 145 Isaiah 49:13–23 Isaiah 54:1–13 Matthew 18:1–14

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Psalms 50; 147:1–11 Amos 3:12–4:5 2 Peter 3:1–10 Matthew 21:23–32

Wednesday, Dec. 9 Psalms 50; 147:1–11 Amos 8:1–14 Revelation 1:17–2:7 Matthew 23:1–12

Wednesday, Dec. 16 Psalms 50; 147:1–11 Zechariah 3:1–10 Revelation 4:1–8 Matthew 24:45–51

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Psalms 96; 146 2 Samuel 23:13–17b 2 John 1–13 John 2:1–11

Thursday, Dec. 3 Psalms 18:1–20; 147:12– 20 Amos 4:6–13 2 Peter 3:11–18 Matthew 21:33–46

Thursday, Dec. 10 Psalms 18:1–20; 147:12–20 Amos 9:1–10 Revelation 2:8–17 Matthew 23:13–26

Thursday, Dec. 17 Psalms 18:1–20; 147:12–20 Zechariah 4:1–14 Revelation 4:9–5:5 Matthew 25:1–13

Wednesday, Dec. 23 Psalms 50; 147:1–11 Jer. 31:10–14 Galatians 3:15–22 Luke 1:67–80 or Matthew1:1–17

Friday, Dec. 11 Psalms 102; 148 Haggai 1:1–15 Revelation 2:18–29 Matthew 23:27–39

Friday, Dec. 18 Psalms 102; 148 Genesis 3:8–15 Revelation 12:1–10 John 3:16–21

Saturday, Dec. 12 Psalms 90; 149 Haggai 2:1–9 Revelation 3:1–6 Matthew 24:1–14

Saturday, Dec. 19 Psalms 90; 149 Zeph. 3:14–20 Titus 1:1–16 Luke 1:1–25

Sunday, Dec. 13

Sunday, Dec. 20 4th Sunday of Advent Psalms 24; 150 1 Samuel 2:1b–10 Titus 2:1–10 Luke 1:26–36

Friday, Dec. 4 Psalms 102; 148 Amos 5:1–17 Jude 1–16 Matthew 22:1–14 Saturday, Dec. 5 Psalms 90; 149 Amos 5:18–27 Jude 17–25 Matthew 22:15–22 Sunday, Dec. 6

2nd Sunday of Advent

Psalms 24; 150 Amos 6:1–14 2 Thessalonians 1:5–12 Luke 1:57–68 Monday, Dec. 7 Psalms 122; 145 Amos 7:1–9 Revelation 1:1–8 Matthew 22:23–33

3rd Sunday of Advent

Psalms 24; 150 Amos 9:11–15 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3, 13–17 John 5:30–47 Monday, Dec. 14 Psalms 122; 145 Zechariah 1:7–17 Revelation 3:7–13 Matthew 24:15–31

Monday, Dec. 21 Psalms 122; 145 2 Samuel 7:1–17 Titus 2:11–3:8a Luke 1:39–48a (48b–56)

Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

Psalms 18:1–20; 147:12–20 Isaiah 60:1–6 Galatians 3:23–4:7 Matthew 1:18–25 Friday, Dec. 25

Nativity of Jesus Christ / Christmas Day

Psalms 2; 148 Micah 4:1–5; 5:2–4 1 John 4:7–16 John 3:31–36

Saturday, Dec. 26 Psalms 116; 149 2 Chronicles 24:17–22 Acts 6:1–7 Acts 7:59–8:8 Sunday, Dec. 27

1st Sunday after Christmas

Psalms 34; 150 1 Samuel 1:1–2, 7b–28 Colossians 1:9–20 Luke 2:22–40

Wednesday, Dec. 30 Psalms 93; 147:1–11 1 Kings 17:17–24 3 John 1–15 John 4:46–54 Thursday, Dec. 31 Psalms 98; 147:12–20 1 Kings 3:5–14 James 4:13–17; 5:7–11 John 5:1–15