Christmas Gifts
For Downtown Daily Bread
As part of the Christmas Giving Tree program, many of you contributed items to DDB, bringing in T-shirts, washcloths, socks, personal care items, and gloves. While some of these donations were saved to be handed out by counselors, the majority were given out to DDB clients after church on December 20. You might be interested to catch a glimpse of the details for that Sunday's event.
First, the large number of gifts were transferred from the church to the Boyd Center. Custodian Matthew MacAuley literally sprinted back and forth to help bring bags and boxes of items that had been carefully organized and labeled by Janet Quaid the preceding week. Matthew also set up a table at the back entrance to DDB, where clients enter for lunch. After a quick clean-up, the table was decorated and items arranged with clothing (shirts, socks, gloves...) on one side of the table and personal care items on the other.
Susan Stecher and I were ready with plastic bags and extra items behind the table. At 12:30, the kitchen opened and those seeking a meal streamed in the building. Many looked at the assorted goods and had their eye on certain items.
"I need a pair of gloves."
"After you eat," Susan and I replied. Before long, the gifts were under scrutiny. Because of the generosity of donors, each person could choose two different clothing and personal care items. For a time, the area was quite lively, replete with comments:
"Yeah, I want a Miss Kitty toothbrush."
"Secret is the best deodorant."
"Wow! Versace (lotion)."
"Any more extra-large t-shirts?"
Matthew was kind enough to check on our needs and as the hour and a half ended, he moved the remaining items to a locked office. The time went by quickly, bringing a touch of good karma and Christmas blessing to many.
A Smorgasbord of Prayer
Saturday, February 27
Lent is a season in the church year when God calls us to notice our spiritual lives. It’s a time of introspection and an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. The Adult Faith Formation Team is offering a day long retreat on Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Through lecture, reflection, silence, and interaction, we will explore and experience various types of prayer, including Centering Prayer and the Prayer of Examen.
Our presenter, the Rev. Lois Nell Richwine, is a minister in the Presbytery of Carlisle, where she serves as spiritual director to individuals of various denominations. Lois’s background is teaching music in the public school and in church. In 1987. her interest in the spiritual journey led her to Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation (Washington, D.C.), where she was certified as a spiritual director. In 1993, she graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary and was ordained later that year in the Presbyterian Church (USA). A native of Pennsylvania, she and her husband, Jim, live in rural Dillsburg, where they enjoy entertaining family and friends. They have two grown sons and six beloved grandchildren.
You may sign-up at the Welcome Center beginning Sunday, February 7, or e-mail Pastor Sullivan at rsullivan@pinestreet.org. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and donations will be accepted.
By Laura Messner
The Sanctuary at Night
Condolences
We express our sympathy to the family and friends of Margaret Jane Dunlap, born January 6, 1925 and died December 14, 2015. A memorial service was held at Pine Street on Saturday, January 9.
Speakers included The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr., Pastor of Pine Street Church The Rev. Anne Myers, al Co-ordinator of Homeland Hospice, and several members of the family. A reception was held following the service. Thanks to those who lovingly prepared it.
Sympathy is also expressed to the family and friends of Joanne Alwine, born May 14, 1931 and died January 15, 2016, and George Hall, born February 19, 1941 and died January 7, 2016.
The Chancel Choir singing “A Treasury of Carols”
The Focus of Lent: Spiritual Renewal
Many Christians live as if the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ never happened or that the things of God are only something for very religious people. That way of living and thinking is a trap for all of us. We become self-absorbed in the everydayness of our lives: the size of our houses, the amount of money in our wallets, our busy careers, and the challenges of our relationships. Or we fall victim to thinking that prayer and spirituality are only for an elite in the life of faith. In all of these matters we end up forgetting who our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is. Hence, the beauty of the church calendar - Lent is that space carved out in time when we can remember the spiritual basics and draw near to God. The purpose of Lent is to deepen our religious life, to purify our hearts, and to unite us more closely to Christ. We all need that kind of time.
Your staff and teams in the church are preparing for you a Lenten feast of spiritual renewal. First, Lent begins with worship on Ash Wednesday, February 17. You may choose to attend worship in the sanctuary at either 12:10 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. that day. Both services will provide Holy Communion and the imposition of the ashes, a reminder of our mortality and our sorrow over our sinfulness.
On the first Sunday in Lent, February 14, plan to attend the Lenten Breakfast at 9:40 a.m. in the fellowship hall. A Pine Street tradition, the Lenten Breakfast will feature a delicious meal prepared by Suzanne and Mike Hogarth, legendary cooks around Pine Street! I will teach that morning on the subject, “The Spirituality of Lent.” Following the actual breakfast the children will go to their classes.
On Tuesdays in Lent, beginning on February 16 at 12:15 p.m., you will be treated to a series of musical recitals in the Sanctuary. Plan to enjoy these musical offerings and a simple lunch that will follow.
New this Lent will be a retreat on Saturday, February 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Pine Street. Led by the Rev. Lois Richwine, a noted spiritual director in our area, the retreat will focus on the theme of “A Smorgasbord of Prayer.” (See separate article.)
And of course, each worship service on the Sundays in Lent and the services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be crafted around the theme of God’s renewal of our lives and world.
Take advantage of this gracious time in the church calendar that calls us back to the basics and to remember the gift of our salvation and the depth of God’s love for us. Lent is for all of us, God’s gentle reminder that no matter how distracted we have been or how inattentive we are to spiritual practices, we can always come home to rest in God’s love, presence, and renewal.
By The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr., Pastor
Stewardship 2016
The numbers are in! Pine Street’s stewardship campaign to fund our 2016 operating budget has officially come to an end. To date, Estimates of Giving total $438,376, which is about 90% of the budgeted pledged contributions of $485,000.
We thank all of our dedicated and generous members for making financial commitments to Pine Street in 2016. Your contributions make possible our glorious Sunday morning worship; adult and children’s ministries; the upkeep of our old, but beautiful, church structure; salaries and benefits for staff; and all of those other operations and services that Pine Street provides.
Finally, even though the stewardship campaign has officially come to an end, please know that it is never too late to make or change an Estimate of Giving. If you have any questions concerning your contributions, please contact Anne Guenin at the church.
Winter at DDB
Winter has come to central Pennsylvania. The Farm Show opened, so snow was due to arrive, and it did. With daytime temperatures in the low thirties and high twenties, Downtown Daily Bread opened its doors early in the morning for the Lunch Plus program, welcoming shivering clients. Coats, gloves, and hats were available for those needing warm outerwear. Quilts and blankets were given to individuals who opted to stay outside. Hot showers and an extra layer of clothes were in demand. Cups of hot coffee were offered upon request.
At noon, the DDB dining room opened early, allowing folks to get warm before having lunches comprised of hot casseroles, stews, soups, dessert, and of course, hot coffee.
The DDB Drop-In Center served as a warm haven for 15-18 fifteen men and women each day, opening its doors early as well. The folks who “dropped in” either spoke with a counselor, charged their phones, read, used the computer, or rested on cots. Here, as well, cups of hot coffee were consumed.
During the first real, consistently cold week in January, DDB served over 608 meals and DDB counselors met with over 75 men and women. During this period, vouchers were given for food, bus passes were available for transportation, referrals were given for shelter, and immediate problem solving was provided. Approximately 55 men and women received mental health counseling and referrals in this one week period.
DDB began 2016 with outstretched arms, administering to the needs of those who entered its doors. Downtown Daily Bread provided a warm, welcoming respite from the cold, harsh winter winds…along with lots and lots of hot coffee!
-Elaine Strokoff
The Handbell Ensemble
The Christmas Giving Tree
Touched by Kindness
This Christmas season, Pine Street members showed an effusion of kindness toward those less fortunate. By donating time, money, and gifts, many at Pine Street brought moments of cheer and practical resources to others in our local community. Appreciation goes to all those who helped with sign-ups, gift collection and table set-up. This includes a thanks to Sidney Brittain and Kyle Curtis for their Minute for Mission. The success of this program was due to the team efforts and generosity of Pine Street members.
Donated this year:
▪ Gifts for sixteen children in the Delta community, an agency that provides housing and services for single-parent families trying to break the cycle of poverty. Thanks to Marty Gruver for delivering these.
▪ Over $500 dollars to HELP, a program of Christian Churches United, which gives support to those needing fuel oil assistance.
▪ Money, notebooks, and educational supplies to the Adult Learning Center, which provides mentoring for local students.
▪ Over 150 books to the Community Check-Up Center, where they will be given out to youngsters after they have finished a doctor's visit. Kudos to JoAnn Smith for maneuvering her way through Hall Manor to deliver the many boxes.
▪ Clothing items of socks, pants, pull-ups and underwear to Hansel and Gretel Early Learning Center. They will be used to alleviate the need for extra clothing when young children have potty accidents. Once again, Anna Hall's homemade coverlets were especially admired and appreciated by their staff.
▪ Dozens of socks, T-shirts, gloves, razors, briefs, washcloths and personal care items for Downtown Daily Bread. Thanks to Rite Aid corporate office employees for donating over 150 personal care items and to Hornung's in Harrisburg for contributing toward gloves.
While this description shows the types and numbers of gifts, that is only part of the Giving Tree story. It was the kind and thoughtful gestures of the participating congregation that showed the heartwarming values of Christian kindness.
No names given; you know who you are......those who searched for toys and clothes that matched the specific requests of Delta community from Barbies to basketballs, from Spiderman to Frozen....those who asked at the end of the program "is there anything you still need?,” then, despite their own busy schedules, took the time to buy and wrap a few of the remaining gifts....those whose gift-wrapping skills rivaled those of Martha Stewart....those who carefully perused each agency, bringing in multiple gifts, organized, and labeled in bags, boxes or envelopes....those who gave very generously and quietly to fund HELP, ALC, and DDB, and...those who remembered to save gently-used books and clothes through the year to donate at Christmas.
The gratitude of the recipients was also heartwarming. Ask any of those who delivered items: they will attest to the happiness of the gift-receivers. From the Delta family thank-you notes:
"Thank you for making my boys' Christmas so exciting and fun."
"Thank you for Barbie toys and clothes, my daughter loved it all."
It's not too early to keep your eye open for items to help next year's Giving Tree; to continue the touch of kindness to those in need.
By Laura Messner
Welcome, Matthew!
If you are at church on Sundays, I am sure by now most of you have met our new building assistant, Matthew MacAuley. Matthew has been a dedicated volunteer at Downtown Daily Bread for many months, and his enthusiasm and hustle did not go unnoticed. When a position at the church opened up, we asked Matthew to apply, and we are glad we did! Matthew tells you about himself in his own words….
Hello! My name is Matthew J. MacAuley and I am the new building assistant here at Pine Street. I have been in the Harrisburg area since July, originally I am from Southern California. I praise and thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for being blessed to be able to be part of this wonderful family and ministry here at Pine Street. I consider it an honor to be able to work here and volunteer at Downtown Daily Bread. I know how much a hot meal and a smile can mean to someone who is broken inside. I would like to thank everybody for welcoming me and accepting me here at Pine Street. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Welcome to Pine Street, Matthew!
Custodian Matthew MacAuley
Youth Confirmation Class
Youth in grade seven and above who have not been confirmed are invited to participate in this year’s class. This six-week program will prepare young people to assume the responsibilities of Christian discipleship and church membership.
The class will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings beginning February 7 and continue until March 20. There will also be a Mini-Retreat at the church on Saturday, March 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Youth who complete the course and so desire will be confirmed at the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Palm Sunday.
If you have a young person in your family who desires to participate in this program, please notify Michelle Kennedy at the church office or the Rev. Heather Sigler, Parish Associate.
Shop for the ALC
Organ Music for Lent “Brett Plays Bach”
Many people look at the organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach and see how it inspired him to write his masterworks. I see the reverse to also be true: look at the sublime opening movement of the St. Matthew's Passion or the instrumental writing in the B-minor Mass and one can see how that inherent musical intelligence led Bach to create his greatest organ works. Our orchestrally conceived organ is a great vehicle for exploring the intersection of the two. During Lent, I’ll play some of Bach's greatest organ music and hope you’ll join me for the journey.
How can't we see the journey to the cross, the Passion, and Resurrection, all displayed within the music of one of the most pastoral musicians ever recorded, without being drawn to feel the deep, sincere emotions of this dedicated Christian composer? Join us this Lenten season for the music of one of the masters at every service.
By Brett A. Terry
Worship Flower Memorials
Have you ever imagined our worship services without flowers? Thanks to many present and past members, we have one and sometimes two beautiful bouquets of flowers to enhance our worship services. The flowers are usually in memory of loved ones but can also be given to the glory of God.
I have been organizing the worship flowers for several years and I have talked to many individuals who place a memorial for family members who were very active in Pine Street. One such individual is John Slavcoff who now resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland, who is a very active participant in the Presbyterian Church there and has many fond memories of Pine Street. Both he and his sister, Louise, donate flowers in memory of their parents, Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Slavcoff, who were both very active on boards and in the Sunday School of Pine Street. By placing the flower memorial, they are remembering their parents’ ministry and participation in the life and times of our church.
Continued on next page.
The Adult Learning Center will be participating in the February BonTon Community Sales Days being held February 25-27. Coupon booklets will be available at the Welcome Center beginning on Sunday, January 31-February 21. The ALC keeps the entire $5 donation per booklet, which contains an immediate $10 off any item coupon plus many others amounting to hundreds of dollars in savings, and ALSO receives a percentage of the overall sales during that period. For more information, contact Trudy Brunot (trudybrunot@gmail.com) or Kathleen White (kwhite@pinestreet.org) to request multiple copies.
Ric Lamont at the Piano
Initial Offering 2016
Pine Street has obligated itself to pay a Per Capita Contribution to the Presbyterian Church USA for 2016. Traditionally, the Initial Offering has been dedicated to funding Pine Street’s obligation.
The 2016 per capita amount is $25.20 per member. Please consider making a contribution on your behalf as Pine Street joins nearly 11,000 congregations of the Presbyterian Church USA to benefit the work of the wider church.
Here’s some information about the per capita contribution:
▪ Per capita funding is how Presbyterians mutually share the costs of coming together to discern the Spirit’s leading for the future.
▪ It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better elders and ministers.
▪ It is how Presbyterians discern God’s call in their lives.
▪ It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the wider church by serving on GA committees and commissions.
▪ It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the Church universal as we commit ourselves to work and live in fellowship with “all persons in every nation” (Book of Order, G-4.0101).
There are several dates available for new flower memorials. If you have never done this in the past, I hope you would consider sponsoring a bouquet for worship. Following the service, volunteers take a bouquet and a worship bulletin to a member who can no longer attend worship services or to someone in the hospital.
The following dates are now available for 2016: May 22, July 31, August 2, August 28, October 23, October 30 and December 11.
If you are interested in any of the above dates and to receive more information, please contact Marilyn J. Miller at 939-8312 or by email orglvoce@comcast.net.
By Marilyn J. Miller
One More Look Back at 2015, and Thanks!
The books have been closed on 2015, and despite some challenges on the revenue side, Pine Street ended the year with a $20,000 surplus. Contributions, pledged and unpledged, were down over $50,000, but on the expense side, salaries, benefits, office supplies, computer maintenance, utilities, and general maintenance were all less than budgeted. Thanks to the trustees for their diligence in working to cut costs and save money. Thank you to Michelle, the office manager, for running a tight ship. Thanks to Brad, the facilities manager, for his skills and readiness to do so much himself. Thanks to whomever is responsible for a mild winter, that is, until the Blizzard of 2016. Thanks to Brett and Russell for their willingness to step in and do whatever is necessary to make the whole church run smoothly every day of the year. And finally, thanks to all of the members of Pine Street for all you do for your church. Onward to 2016!
By Anne Guenin
Lilies Order Form
This form can be either mailed or put in the offering plate along with your check made payable to Pine Street Presbyterian Church (please specify in the memo that this is for lilies). The cost of the lilies is $8.00 each. Deadline for orders is March 20, 2016.
In Memory Of:
In Honor Of:
Given By:
Amount Enclosed: $
Payment is due when order form is submitted. If we do not receive this form, we cannot list your memorial in the Easter bulletin, even if you have arranged for the gift to automatically renew every year. You are encouraged to take your plant following the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service on Easter Sunday, March 27.
Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St. Harrisburg, PA 17101
Monday, February 1
Psalms 62, 145
Gen. 19:1–17 (18–23)
24–29
Heb. 11:1–12
John 6:27–40
Tuesday, February 2
Psalms 12, 146
Gen. 21:1–21
Heb. 11:13–22
John 6:41–51
Wednesday, February 3
Psalms 96; 147:1–11
Gen. 22:1–18
Heb. 11:23–31
John 6:52–59
Thursday, February 4
Psalms 116; 147:12–20
Gen. 23:1–20
Heb. 11:32–12:2
John 6:60–71
Friday, February 5
Psalms 84; 148
Gen. 24:1–27
Heb. 12:3–11
John 7:1–13
Saturday, February 6
Psalms 63; 149
Gen. 24:28–38, 49–51
Heb. 12:12–29
John 7:14–36
Sunday, February 7
Transfiguration of the Lord
Psalms 103, 150
Mal. 4:1–6
2 Cor. 3:7–18
Luke 9:18–27
Monday, February 8
Psalms 5, 145
Prov. 27:1–6, 10–12
Phil. 2:1–13
John 18:15–18, 25–27
Tuesday, February 9
Psalms 42, 146
Prov. 30:1–4, 24–33
Phil. 3:1–11
John 18:28–38
Wednesday, February 10
Ash Wednesday
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Amos 5:6–15
Heb. 12:1–14
Luke 18:9–14
Thursday, February 11
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Hab. 3:1–10 (11–15) 16–18
Phil. 3:12–21
John 17:1–8
Friday, February 12
Psalms 22, 148
Ezek. 18:1–4, 25–32
Phil. 4:1–9
John 17:9–19
Saturday, February 13
Psalms 43, 149
Ezek. 39:21–29
Phil. 4:10–20
John 17:20–26
Sunday, February 14
1st Sunday in Lent
Psalms 84, 150
Dan. 9:3–10
Heb. 2:10–18
John 12:44–50
Monday, February 15
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Gen. 37:1–11
1 Cor. 1:1–19
Mark 1:1–13
Tuesday, February 16
Psalms 34, 146
Gen. 37:12–24
1 Cor. 1:20–31
Mark 1:14–28
Wednesday, February 17
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Gen. 37:25–36
1 Cor. 2:1–13
Mark 1:29–45
Thursday, February 18
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Gen. 39:1–23
1 Cor. 2:14 3:15
Mark 2:1–12
Friday, February 19
Psalms 22, 148
Gen. 40:1–23
1 Cor. 3:16–23
Mark 2:13–22
Saturday, February 20
Psalms 43, 149 Gen. 41:1–13
1 Cor. 4:1–7
Mark 2:23 3:6
Sunday, February 21
2nd Sunday in Lent
Psalms 84, 150 Gen. 41:14–45
Rom. 6:3–14
John 5:19–24
Monday, February 22
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Gen. 41:46–57
1 Cor. 4:8–20 (21)
Mark 3:7–19a
Tuesday, February 23
Psalms 34, 146
Gen. 42:1–17
1 Cor. 5:1–8
Mark 3:19b–35
Wednesday, February 24
Psalms 5, 147:1–11
Gen. 42:18–28
1 Cor. 5:9 6:11
Mark 4:1–20
PA 17105
Thursday, February 25
Psalms 27, 147:12–20
Gen. 42:29–38
1 Cor. 6:12–20
Mark 4:21–34
Friday, February 26
Psalms 22, 148 Gen. 43:1–15
1 Cor. 7:1–9
Mark 4:35–41
Saturday, February 27
Psalms 43, 149 Gen. 43:16–34
1 Cor. 7:10–24
Mark 5:1–20
Sunday, February 28
3rd Sunday in Lent
Psalms 84, 150
Gen. 44:1–17
Rom. 8:1–10
John 5:25–29
Monday, February 29
Psalms 119:73–80, 145
Gen. 44:18–34
1 Cor. 7:25–31
Mark 5:21–43
