Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I want you to know that it is a joy to be your pastor and friend and to lead Pine Street in ministry and mission. While the last year has had several challenges, I have found in the midst of it all great blessing in serving a great congregation. Let me share with you now some of the journey of the last year and my hopes for our future.
The Past Year
Over the last year Pine Street dealt with a significant conflict that has resulted in the loss of several members. As reported to you previously, Session offered listening sessions and conflict meditation in the hope that reconciliation could be
In the Life of the Church
Bagels & Belief, Jan. 3
Men’s Breakfast, Jan. 9
Memorial Service for Margaret Dunlap, Jan. 9
Congregational Meeting, Jan. 10
Teams Night, Jan. 12
Offices Closed, Jan. 18
Trustees, Jan. 19
Session, Jan. 26 Visit www.pinestreet.org/calendar for the complete church schedule
achieved. While Session has officially concluded its work in this matter, elders and I remain committed to conversations with anyone who seeks healing and peace. The Presbytery of Carlisle was gracious enough to offer a Service of Prayers for Healing on Sunday, November 8. It was well attended, and the sense of the Spirit’s presence was palpable. The experience of the last year was painful, but the pain has not lessened my resolve or the Session’s to lead your congregation into the future that God has planned for us. You have committed and good elders, deacons, and trustees, a dedicated staff, and involved members who care for the mission and ministry of Pine Street; and each Sunday God leads to our church people who need our mission and ministry. In every congregation, challenges arise from time to time, but challenges are an occasion for insight and growth.
In This Issue
The State of the Church
Session Highlights
Thanks to Sue Black
2015 Peacemaking Offering
Lenten Breakfast
From the Minister of Music & Worship
From the Church Administrator
Congregational Care
100th Anniversary of the Boyd
‘Save the Date’ for MAPS
Daily Lectionary
The Newsletter of Pine Street Presbyterian Church | Harrisburg, PA
Session Highlights
At its December meeting, Session received a progress report from Kathleen White, Director of the Adult Learning Center. Dr. White reported that activities are going pretty well, but the number of attending students is down from a year ago. This drop in students reflects the trend throughout the state and is a result of several factors, including an improving economy and changes to the GED test making it more difficult.
State of Pine Street, continued
Paul the Apostle’s words to the Philippians are so appropriate to us: “ … the one (God) who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) The Holy One has done good things among and within us, and in the midst of challenge, we can trust that God will bring blessing to our church and also to Harrisburg.
Our Staff – You are served by an outstanding collegial and collaborative staff team. One of the ways we function well is that we welcome insights of all staff members to the particular area to which we are assigned. For example, I may have responsibility for preaching and worship, but I care what all of our staff members have to say about the worship life of the church, even if they do not liaise that work. We are all free to share and discuss and learn from each other. Each and every one of your staff members cares deeply for you and the work they do on your behalf. One of the primary functions of our staff is to empower you in the discovery of your gifts for ministry and to enable you to fulfill those gifts in the service of Christ and the church. Their work has been supported immensely by the Personnel Committee, and we are grateful for that support. All of our full-time staff receives benefits from the Board of Pensions (PCUSA) which provides health and dental care and pension credits.
The Cohesiveness of Session – As the governing body of Pine Street, the Session has responsibility for the governance of the church, making policies, strategic planning, spiritual leadership, and ensuring that the administration of the church’s programs is carried out. There are now 12 elders (we currently have one vacancy). Meetings are more intimate, and there is listening to one another. Committed to Pine Street’s vitality and well-being, Session has become a very cohesive and united body.
Team Ministry – We have had a great start with team ministry. Previously, many of our program committees were not functional, but the ministries and mission activities of the church were always taking place, albeit informally, in various teams and gatherings of people and with committed volunteers who had assumed major responsibilities. What we have done now is to take what is working and cre-
Dr. White suggested that Session consider adding English as a Second Language (ESL) program as an offering to broaden the potential student pool. Session took this recommendation under advisement and will consider it at a future meeting.
Ms. Guenin reported on the financial situation of the church. Although revenue is down, expenses are also below estimates leaving a very small deficit as of the date of the meeting. Total pledged revenue for 2016 is below last year’s pledged amount but there are additional giving units that still need to pledge.
Third & Pine
Christmas Tea following ‘A Treasury of Carols’
Women of Pine Streetmark your calendars now! The 2016 Women's Retreat at Camp Hebron in Halifax is scheduled for March 11 - 13, 2016 and it is three days not to be missed. Our retreat leader, Nancy Reinert, a well-known and much-loved former Pine Street DCE, will be our leader. The Book of Esther, with all its mystery, intrigue, and lessons for our lives today, will be our theme. Add to that opportunities to weave, dance, sing, hike, provide a blanket for a needy child, or relax with a massage, and the possibilities for a fulfilling weekend with family and friends go on and on. Registration forms and a signup sheet are at the Welcome Center.
If Pine Streeters who cannot attend would like to have a part in this escape weekend, you can do so in several ways: 1) Provide scholarship money for a woman who might not otherwise be able to attend, or 2) Make a $20.00 donation (or purchase the fleece) to make a child's blanket (see information and a sample blanket at the Welcome Center). The deadline for registering is January 15 but don't delay! Be the first in your pew to sign up for the 2016 Women's Retreat.
To enhance this study I developed two opportunities for adults: in the spring of this year we were privileged to have archaeologist, Dr. Thomas Davis, give the historical and archaeological background to the Bible, and in the summer of 2015 I taught a 6-week course on the formation of the canon of scripture.
Session has committed the church to find a full-time Christian educator who will oversee the entire educational and spiritual formation program of the church. We attempted to hire an interim person for this position, but that search proved unsuccessful. The Personnel Committee, along with the Pastor, has been given latitude by Session in the development of a job description for this position.
Downtown Daily Bread (DDB) – Under the leadership of Elaine Strokoff, Executive Director, DDB continues its superb outreach to the poor and homeless of Harrisburg. At the suggestion of community leaders, Downtown Daily Bread, has added to its ministry a Drop-in Center – from 1:00 to 4:00 pm each day the homeless are given a warm place to relax and be safe, in the area of the Boyd Building’s gymnasium. Session has decided to enhance the administration of DDB through the management gifts of Anne Guenin, Church Administrator. Anne has specific responsibilities for the management of the kitchen and its cooks, facility maintenance, and other operational matters. This gives Elaine Strokoff the time to focus primarily on fundraising, community relations, supervision of counselors, public advocacy for the poor, and volunteer development.
Pine Street’s Ministry to the Hungry and Homeless of Harrisburg
The Adult Learning Center (ALC) – The ALC – a pre-GED tutoring center - has now been open one year. In partnership with Tri-County OIC, our adult learning center serves a diverse population and averages 3-6 students, two nights per week. It is served by dedicated volunteers, under the direction of Kathleen White. At the present Session is evaluating the future of this mission with possible expansion of its mission to include other adult educational programs.
Turning to the Future
And now let me turn to the future. The question of “why?” is vital. What is our purpose? Why does Harrisburg need us? Do we offer a unique vision and mission for our community? In a sea of churches and differing forms of spirituality, what do we have to offer the world? How can we be a healthy congregation?
Two proposals that I will make to the Session in the near future that I think will bring clarity and insight:
1. The hiring of a facilitator/teacher who will help us reflect on our purpose, mission, and organization – I told you all recently in a sermon that only a wet baby likes change! But change is a reality in our world, and a changing world requires a flexible and resilient church that can make purposeful adaptations to new situations. Our membership has declined in numbers and aged. We have specific challenges as a downtown congregation in a community that has many issues. Our financial giving is not what it was 5 years ago, but the desire to achieve excellence in ministry and mission is still there. Now is the time, I believe, to consider seriously the wisdom and the insights of those who have grown successful congregations and dealt with significant challenges in them.
2. The need to train our officers and others in conflict management – our recent difficulties have revealed to me the necessity of good training in conflict management skills. These skills are not always intuitive; often they need to be taught. Every human system is fraught with conflict from time to time, and thus we need to sharpen our skills, become better listeners, and learn to be assertive and caring at the same time. When you read the New Testament, it is evident that the church, as a body, experiences significant difficulties and disagreements. Nothing has changed in 2,000 years – it is still normal in the life of a congregation, and to deny conflict can run great risks. Continuously sharpening our abilities to listen to one another, respecting how decisions are made in the church, and living with differences – these are all essential traits of a healthy congregation. As your pastor, I will invite us into a process of learning and education in these matters.
And so how would I summarize the state of our congregation as we enter into 2016? These phrases come to mind: a good and faithful congregation, with caring and committed people; a membership that yearns for guidance, healing, and new growth; a place poised for new possibilities and with a willingness to face difficulties and challenges. Thank you for this opportunity to share these thoughts with you!
- Russell C. Sullivan, Jr.
Peacemaking Offering
The 2015 Peace and Global Witness Offering (formerly called Peacemaking Offering) was collected at Pine Street on Sunday, October 4, and netted total receipts of $1,514. From this total, 25% ($380) was given to this year’s local project, the Peace Maker Scholarship of Harrisburg High School.
The InterFaith Forum of Greater Harrisburg, which sponsors the scholarship project, recognizes current recipients at its annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. To honor our donation, several Pine Street Mission representatives attended the service, which included selections about Freedom to Worship from the 13-member faith traditions, and a speech by Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Greater Harrisburg Roman Catholic Diocese. In closing, attendees were invited to publicly speak “Peace Be With You” in their different known languages, with 14 responses.
Thank you for your generosity in giving to this worthy peacemaking project.
Gov. Tom Wolf serves at DDB
From the Minister of Music & Worship
When reflecting on the State of the Church, I cannot help but find myself exceptionally blessed by the state of worship and music here at Pine Street. Blessed that worship and music are not peripheral, but priority. Blessed that music is not mandatory, but motivational for other missions and ministries of the church, because it is always our hope that worship is the source from whence these blessings flow. Blessed that communion is not compulsory, but central to who we are as Christians. Blessed by people who prepare, practice, present, and perform exquisite music for the edification of our church and the community in Harrisburg. Blessed that liturgy (that is, the "work of the people") does not labor, it lingers. And blessed that I inherited a legacy where all of these things are not only important, but enable us to engender new, exciting imaginings of how we might praise and worship Almighty God.
Lenten Breakfast
Join your fellow Pine Street Presbyterians to welcome the Lenten Season at our Annual Lenten Breakfast on Sunday, February 14 at 9:40 AM in Fellowship Hall.
The menu is featuring fluffy blueberry and plain pancakes served with savory sausage links. Sign Up for this delicious offering at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Place. Bring your extended family and non-member friends are Always Welcomed.
In my short time here, we have already lifted our voices to God in the singing of 119 different hymns, psalms, and songs from 6 different continents. I've had the privilege of playing 104 different musical offerings of great keyboard repertoire, in addition to the wonderful musicians in our church who have given their gifts. The choir has inspired us with 51 beautiful anthems sung with precision, passion, and praise. We have celebrated God's work in our lives together with 65 different services these past 31 weeks; these past 7 months. We have presented 3 concerts covering 38 creative pieces of repertoire representing about 445 years of music ranging from West Side Story, to Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, to Gabrieli and Bach, all the way back to Rutter's Gloria, and there is so much more yet to come in all these things.
Someone once asked me what the most important aspect of church music and worship is, and I answered "exultation, in all its many forms." We are blessed that we are a church where exultation is at the heart, from Daily Bread to Weekly Worship and every aspect of the church those feed.
Yes, I feel very, very blessed to be here with this blessed people of God who gather at Third and Pine. May God continue to bless us in the bright future of our journey together in song, prayer, study, praise, and sincerely passionate ministry. To the Glory of God Alone: Soli Deo Gloria, - Brett A. Terry
R. Sigler
Brett A. Terry
Minister of Music & Worship
Anne Guenin | Church Administrator
Michelle Kennedy | Office Manager
Brad Wise | Facilities Manager
Downtown Daily Bread Staff
Elaine Strokoff | Executive Director
Christine Patrick | Client Counselor
Cynthia Swanson | Mental Health
Kobie White | Kitchen Supervisor
Additional Mission Staff
Eric L. and Rebecca A. Hinderliter
Missionaries to Lithuania
Dr. Kathleen E. White
Director of Adult Learning Center
Adults $5.00 and children $3.00.
Organ Console
Joint Choirs Performing at our December “Gloria” concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Church Staff
Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr. Senior Pastor Rev. Heather
100th Anniversary of the Boyd Building in 2016
The year 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Boyd Building and its service to Pine Street and its ministries. Every day of the week people are fed within its walls … their bodies are fed at Downtown Daily Bread, and their minds are fed at the Adult Learning Center.
The Boyd Building is a very busy place. If you have not had the opportunity to see it in action, you would be quite surprised at how much is being done for the homeless and poor of Harrisburg.
We at Pine Street should be proud of our efforts. In order to celebrate all of our programs and to recognize some members who have been active in the life of the Boyd Building over many, many years, a Boyd Celebration Committee will be formed in the New Year.
If you are interested in serving and planning, please contact Anne Guenin at the church or at aguenin@pinestreet.org
Save the Date! Share the Love
The Yale Whiffenpoofs perform in benefit of Downtown Daily Bread
Saturday, February 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50 and tax-deductible donations. Champagne reception to follow. Tickets will go on sale January 10.
For more information, visit: www.pinestreet.org/maps
From the Church Administrator
The business of Pine Street, not something that is readily evident on a Sunday morning when we worship, is nevertheless, important to the life of the church.
Financial Despite a significant number of people not completing their 2015 pledges, we were able to keep expenses under control and end the year in remarkably good shape. A more complete year-end financial report will appear in a future issue. All 2016 budgets have been approved by Session, though they may be reopened depending on the final results of the stewardship campaign.
Building and Property
Our beautiful sanctuary is in the good hands of our dedicated and faithful Property Committee, led by George Kunkle, and our Facilities Manager, Brad Wise. Over the course of the year, there have been a few problems with our steam heat, but those have been resolved. We continue to have some issues with water and drainage, as you can see in Memorial Hallway. We are working hard with a contractor and the city to reroute water and have it enter into the city’s pipes. Because of the maintenance schedules on all of our systems, we have been able to keep ahead of potential problems, making 2015 a year in which we stayed under budget in property and related matters.
Stewardship – The 2016 Stewardship Campaign is ongoing. If you have not returned card of estimated giving, please do so as soon as possible. We are a church of generous givers, and we can all be thankful for those who do so much to sustain Pine Street and its ministries.
I thank you all for the opportunity to worship and the privilege to work in the midst of so many wonderful people at Pine Street. I am indeed blessed! -Anne Guenin
Congregational Care
by The Rev. Heather M. Sigler, Parish Associate
“We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives because we cared for you so much.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Pine Street is indeed blessed with an outstanding structure for providing care for members of our congregation. The pastors routinely visit those who are hospitalized or experiencing specific difficulties.
The Board of Deacons is organized to provide meals and transportation on an as needed basis. The Deacons also maintain contact with our VIPs (Very Important Presbyterians). VIPs include but are not limited to our home bound members. At present the Deacons are serving thirty VIPs. This year the Deacons distributed home communion to our VIPs on Palm Sunday and World Communion Sunday. They also deliver Poinsettias and Easter Lilies, as well as maintaining contact throughout the year.
Another level of congregational care is provided through Stephen Ministry. Two new Stephen Ministers were trained and commissioned this year bringing our total number of Stephen Ministers and Leaders to eight. Stephen Ministers are available to meet as often as weekly with individuals who are hurting and walk with them in a one-toone relationship as long as the need exists.
In addition our members offer to each other companionship and concern extending congregational care in countless ways. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and thoughtful members as we allow God to work through us to transform the lives of countless members here at Pine Street.
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.
