Pine Street Life

P INE S TREET L IFE The Newsletter of Pine Street Presbyterian Church | Harrisburg, PA

Volume 36 | Issue 6 | June 2016

Summer Schedule We Worship and Grow Together Summer is a national sabbatical in many ways with differing routines and opportunities for travel and refreshment. Wanting Sunday mornings in the summer to be a time of renewal and building fellowship and community, Session has decided to have a different education and worship schedule, beginning on Sunday, June 5, and

continuing through Labor Day Sunday, September 4. Here’s how it will work: 9:00 a.m.

Adult Forum in the Fellowship Hall

10:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary (only one worship service)

In the Life of the Church June 9

Staff Planning Retreat, office closed June 11 Men’s Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.

Kitchen Maintenance, 9:30 a.m.

Shawl Ministry, 10:00 a.m.

June 12 Ant-Free Picnic, following worship June 14 Team Night, 7:15 p.m.

June 21 Trustees, 12:00 p.m.

Session, 7:15 p.m.

In one worship service on Sundays in the summer, we will bring together our 8:30 and 11:00 worshippers and experience worship as

Visit www.pinestreet.org/calendar for the complete church schedule.

one body and one community.

Continued on next page.

In This Issue ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Pine Street Presbyterian Church is located in the heart of Downtown Harrisburg

Summer Schedule White Gift Offering Picnic Deacons’ Update ALC/OIC Volunteer Recognition Strategic Planning Process Sunday with the Rabbi Art in the Gathering Space Howard Ambe Goes to General Assembly Daily Lectionary

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White Gift Offering Don’t forget to contribute to the White Gift Offering.

Here at Pine Street, this offering supports the work of the Deacons in administering to those in need in our congregation.

You will find a white envelope for this offering in your box of envelopes, or you may simply notate on your check the White Gift Offering. Thanks in advance for helping our Deacons do their good work among us.

The Choir Prepares to lead our Community Hymn Festival with Dr. John Ferguson

Summer Schedule, continued Childcare (infants through kindergarten) will be provided from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each Sunday, and the children’s Wonder of Worship program will continue through Sunday, June 26. From July 10 through September 4, children will sit with parents in worship or may go to the nursery. (There will be no childcare on July 3.)

We return to our 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship schedule on Sunday, September 11.

Adult education continues through the summer with some interesting guest teachers. On June 5, 12, and 26, our guest teacher will be Dr. Lee Barrett of Lancaster Theological Seminary. Dr. Barrett is the Mary B. and Henry P. Stager Chair in Theology, and Professor of Systematic Theology. He holds all of his degrees from Yale University. His teaching in our forums will focus on “Religion and Presidential Politics.” On June 19, our speaker will be Rabbi Eric Cytryn. Rabbi Cytryn is the spiritual leader of Beth El Temple Synagogue in Harrisburg. A graduate of the Joint Program of the Jewish Theological and Columbia University, Rabbi Cytryn holds bachelor degrees in Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and a Master’s degree in Judaica. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1981, and in 2007 received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary.

Adult forums begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 5, run through the summer months, and conclude on Sunday, September 4.

Have a blessed and renewing summer! Remember that worship is God’s great way to renew and revive our spirits as the people of God. See you in church!

by The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr.

Let’s Have a Picnic!

Picnic season is here! Join your Pine Street Family for an all-church picnic in the McCormick Picnic Area (otherwise known as McCormick Hall) on June 12 right after the 10:00 worship service. You'll have good food and fellowship and a fine send-off for the rest of your Sunday afternoon plans. Sign up at the Welcome Center so that we get an accurate count for food. This invitation comes with a "No Ants" guarantee!

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Pine Street’s Leadership Retreat with The Rev. Dr. Jim Wimberly

Deacons’ Update The Board of Deacons recently held their annual spring retreat and welcomed Betty Rader as their new moderator. Linda McKillop will serve as vice moderator, Gayle Geopfert as secretary, and Nathan Garman as treasurer. The ministry of the Board of Deacons is one of compassion and service. In addition to its responsibilities in every worship service, the Board of Deacons maintains caring relationships with thirty-two Very Important Presbyterians through the VIP Program. Deacons serve in many additional ways you may not think about until you need their care. Deacons can assist you in arranging transportation to the church for Sunday worship, they may help you find or ride with another church member, or provide taxi fare if no member lives near you. The Deacons will also provide meals when you return home from a hospital stay or are otherwise incapacitated for a period of time.

Please remember no Deacon is clairvoyant. Deacons can only help if they know your need. Please note these names and contact information for future reference, and do not hesitate to make a request.

Contact Transportation Team Leader: Isaiah Shu (H 717- 441-4373, C 717-480-0374), or Meals Coordinator: Jennifer Gardner (H 717-566-6588, C 717-439-8012) if you have these needs.

by The Rev. Heather M. Sigler 3

Worship Co-Leader Training

The ALC and OIC Volunteer Recognition Celebrating our Learning Facilitators Since it opened in October 2014, the Adult Learning Center has been staffed by a team of incredibly dedicated volunteers who have served as “Learning Facilitators” to the ALC’s adult learners. This team began to prepare for their responsibilities months before the first night of classes, with directed reading, independent research, and group discussions on the challenges of providing quality basic education to adults. And from the very beginning, a record has been kept on both student hours and volunteer attendance for the nights that the ALC has been open. Over the 19+ months of its operation, 29 volunteers have contributed a massive 2455 unpaid hours of one-on-one or small group instruction to the ALC – or an average of 125 hours of converting fractions to decimals and reviewing verb tenses and personal pronouns per month!

On Monday, May 16th our partner, Tri-County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the contributions of volunteers, both at the ALC and at their other educational sites. Annette Reiff, OIC Tutor Coordinator, and Kathleen White, ALC Site Supervisor, presented certificates and tokens of appreciation at a luncheon to Pine Streeters Becky Cotich, Christine Filipovich, and Joann Smith. Other Pine Streeters also honored were Michael Brittain, Trudy Brunot, Dillon Epler, Robert Kerr, George Kunkle, Bob Wilson, and Sue Wilson.

Anyone interested in sharing the joy of working with adult learners studying basic subjects like math, science, social studies, and/or reading, or with newcomers to our community who are learning English as a Second Language, should contact Dr. Kathleen E. White at (717) 963-7444 or kwhite@tricountyoic.org to discuss joining the team for the 2016-2017 academic year. Formal teaching experience is not required. An orientation to the principles of adult education, program goals and expectations, and initial training on methods of facilitating learning will be provided.

by Kathleen White 4

Strategic Planning Process An Update & Invitation A huge “thank you” to the Pine Street members and staff who, on Saturday, April 30th, provided valuable input at our Strategic Planning Leadership retreat! The retreat offered insight into our beloved church from the vantage point of a non-church member, Church Consultant, The Rev. Dr. John Wimberly, and from our participating members who discussed how Pine Street can most successfully minister to our congregation and community.

The retreat began with Dr. Wimberly sharing his perception of Pine Street (gained from thoroughly reviewing our website and discussions with staff), statistics reflecting current norms specific to mainline churches, and membership growth and engagement opportunities, with an emphasis on targeted communication to different generations (baby boomers through “Gen Z”). Dr. Wimberly reaffirmed that Pine Street is beginning its strategic planning process in a “very good place as our worship attendance has been stable for the past five years, we have solid financials, and a strong staff, vibrant programs (worship, education, mission, music, care for the community, etc.), and good facilities and location.” Dr. Wimberly also provided valuable factors needed for healthy churches to thrive, including seizing opportunities, teamwork, clear and open communication, alignment of purpose and development, and implementation of measurable goals. The majority of the retreat engaged Pine Street participants in small and large group discussion of the following questions: “Why do we love Pine Street?” ”What is our purpose?” and “What impediments exist to our success in implementing a new strategic plan?”

Discussion findings were recorded and, as a follow-up to the retreat, shared with Planning Team members (Nathan Garman, Anne Guenin, Jay Himes, Elyse Rogers, Stevi Sharp, Russell Sullivan, and Jesse Weigel) who met on Monday, May 9th, to write an initial purpose statement which reflected feedback from retreat members. The next step in this strategic process is for our Session to review the initial purpose statement so that it may then be presented to Pine Street members at focus group meetings which will be held in July. The focus groups will ideally consist of approximately 8 to 15 people who will be asked to review the initial purpose statement and share their feedback and recommendations. The number of focus groups that are held is dependent on the number of Pine Street members who agree to participate. Results of the focus groups will be reviewed by Planning Team members and presented to Session for approval. Pine Street’s new purpose statement will serve as the foundation for identifying and prioritizing measurable goals related to alignment of resources, revitalizing member participation in the life of the church, development of program strategies (Christian education, faith formation, worship experience, etc.), and congregational growth.

Pine Street’s Planning Team members ask for your participation in this process. In June, focus group signup sheets will be at the Welcome Center. Please commit to being part of this important journey of seeking God’s guidance for Pine Street’s future.

by Stevi Sharp 5

Sunday with the Rabbi June 19 “Sh'm a Yisra'eil Ad o nai Elo heinu Ad o nai echad .” That’s about all the Hebrew I know because I didn’t maintain my seminary training in that challenging biblical language! However, I did remember this most important text from Deuteronomy 6:6 which translates: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

With Judaism we Christians share this belief in the unity and the oneness of God who created and loves all people. We share other important aspects of faith too: a common testament in the Hebrew Scriptures, practices of worship and prayer that derive from the synagogue, and a belief that God wills a world of justice and peace for all people. And while we may disagree on the role of Jesus and his relationship to God, we share Jesus, who is our Lord, but who was also a son of Israel, obedient to Jewish laws and tradition. Since the end of World War II, Christians, including Presbyterians, have been re-thinking the relationship of Christianity to Judaism, and that has resulted in a major shift in theology and faith. We have repudiated the long-standing teaching of contempt for Jewish people and Judaism that permeated Christian thinking for centuries. We have also renounced the erroneous idea that God has replaced the synagogue with the church or Judaism with Christianity. Known as supersessionism, this pernicious teaching is part of the legacy of Western thinking that has been at the root of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism.

Fortunately, new thinking has led to healing and dialogue between Jews and Christians, and I have immensely enjoyed being part of that dialogue in the Harrisburg community for a number of years. One of my favorite partners in this dialogue is Rabbi Eric Cytryn of Beth El Temple Synagogue here in Harrisburg. Eric and I had the privilege of traveling together to Israel last year to study and learn together about Judaism and the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Truly, it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

That trip encouraged Eric and me to be more intentional about dialogue. Graciously, he invited me to speak at Beth El. It was wonderful to stand in the synagogue and to talk to Jewish people about my journey in this interesting world of Jewish-Christian relations and my yearning for peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

Now it’s my turn to host Eric. On Sunday, June 19, Rabbi Cytryn will be our guest teacher and preacher at Pine Street.

Plan to attend the Adult Forum at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, and remain for worship at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. To be with Rabbi Cytryn is to be in the presence of a gracious, welcoming, and caring man. You will enjoy learning from him about Judaism and the yearnings of Jews for peace and justice between Israelis and Palestinians.

Mark your calendar: “June 19: Sunday with the Rabbi!” Shalom, Pine Streeters!

by The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr.

Art in the Gathering Place Lindsay Wilson is a member of Pine Street. Her artwork has been hanging in the Gathering Place for several months.

Here is Lindsay’s personal journey in her own words: “My artistic journey wasn't typical. I always enjoyed drawing and painting, but I didn't become enamored with the concept of art until my junior year of high school. I found the idea of transmitting an idea, atmosphere, or emotion, without using words, ethereal and puzzling.

During my senior year of high school, I attended Capital Area School for the Arts. I then attended Lesley University in Cambridge and Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, studying a mixture of classic illustration and fine arts, and experimenting with color and texture. It brought elements out of my art that were lacking and gave me an opportunity to reject the stiffness of dry mediums, bringing chance and danger into my artistic process. I loved how messy it was, and I loved the intensity of the pigments.

Moving home after school, I was at a loss as to what to do with my skills. I decided to take a shot at tattooing, and soon realized what a challenging and unpredictable medium it truly was. Human skin isn't uniform, it moves and stretches, and everyone's is different. I also came to the realization of the personal power of tattoos. Tattoos are inherently human, they are ancient, and they are modern. Tattoos are permanent, they are a personal statement. Tattoos are moving, living art. They are the only art that I know of that bleeds. They are the only art that you have to earn, physically. Over the years, I've worked at a number of different types of tattoo shops. Working in a very competitive and predominantly male industry pushed me to quickly develop my own voice.

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Three years out of my apprenticeship, I find myself working at a small, by appointment only, tattoo boutique in Lemoyne. The people I work with are amazing and positive, and, I've never been happier doing what I do. I recently attended my first major tattoo convention in Baltimore, where my tattoo placed 3rd in my category. It's a huge personal win, considering the caliber of artist that attends these large conventions.

I'm incredibly thankful for how supportive my family has been on my journey thus far. It has been a humbling struggle, and I am eternally grateful to my friends, clients, and family.

Artistically, I'm inspired by the universe around us, and the life that dwells within it. I'm an observer. I like to think of art as being a funhouse mirror. Life is observed, digested, and projected back out into the world. The observational quality of both art and science it what draws me towards both subjects. I've recently made the decision to fulfill a childhood dream of mine to pursue scientific knowledge. I am currently working towards a degree in Advanced Physics at Shippensburg University.

I never intend to stop either pursuit, as I want to find a way to bring the very best of visual thinking to my field of science, and to bring the beauty of the mathematical descriptions of the universe to my artwork.

Art and science are ways of making sense of the universe. It's all about finding truths and trying to comprehend the comprehendible.�

Howard Ambe Goes to General Assembly The 222nd GA in Portland, Oregon When the 222nd General Assembly of the PC(U.S.A.) convenes in Portland, OR on June 18 th, Pine Street’s Howard Ambe will be in attendance. Howard was chosen to represent the Presbytery of Carlisle as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD). Each presbytery may nominate one young adult between the ages of 18 and 23 to participate as a YAAD. Howard was nominated and elected to this position in December. Each YAAD is assigned to a GA committee where he participates fully in committee work and deliberations. YAADs have voice, giving them the right to speak on the floor of all plenary sessions, and by voting before the elected commissioners, they have the ability to advise those charged with making the decisions.

Howard is a student at Duquesne University where he is majoring in psychology and business management.

His long range career plans include working in clinical psychology by either opening his own clinic or working in the field of industrial/organizational psychology. While in Pittsburgh Howard has volunteered at a senior living home and participated in the Duquesne University Pep Band. During his high school years, Howard was active in youth programing here at Pine Street and was a participant in at least one mission trip. Howard served as a youth Deacon and even preached during a Youth Sunday worship service. The presbytery selection committee was pleased to recommend Howard as its YAAD for the 222 nd General Assembly.

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by The Rev. Heather M. Sigler

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.

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www.pinestreet.org | (717) 238-9304 Wednesday, June 1 Psalms 65; 147:1–11 Eccl. 3:1–15 Gal. 2:11–21 Matt. 14:1–12 Thursday, June 2 Psalms 143; 147:12–20 Eccl. 3:16—4:3 Gal. 3:1–14 Matt. 14:13–21

Tuesday, June 7 Psalms 12; 146 Eccl. 8:14—9:10 Gal. 4:21–31 Matt. 15:29–39

Monday, June 13 Psalms 5; 145 Num. 9:15–23; 10:29–36 Rom. 1:1–15 Matt. 17:14–21

Wednesday, June 8 Psalms 96; 147:1–11 Eccl. 9:11–18 Gal. 5:1–15 Matt. 16:1–12

Tuesday, June 14 Psalms 42; 146 Num. 11:1–23 Rom. 1:16–25 Matt. 17:22–27 Wednesday, June 15 Psalms 89:1–18; 147:1–11 Num. 11:24–33 (34–35) Rom. 1:28—2:11 Matt. 18:1–9

Friday, June 3 Psalms 88; 148 Eccl. 5:1–7 Gal. 3:15–22 Matt. 14:22–36

Thursday, June 9 Psalms 116; 147:12–20 Eccl. 11:1–8 Gal. 5:16–24 Matt. 16:13–20

Saturday, June 4 Psalms 122; 149 Eccl. 5:8–20 Gal. 3:23—4:11 Matt. 15:1–20

Friday, June 10 Psalms 84; 148 Eccl. 11:9—12:14 Gal. 5:25—6:10 Matt. 16:21–28

Thursday, June 16 Psalms 97; 147:12–20 Num. 12:1–16 Rom. 2:12–24 Matt. 18:10–20

Sunday, June 5 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Psalms 108; 150 Eccl. 6:1–12 Acts 10:9–23 Luke 12:32–40

Saturday, June 11 Psalms 63; 149 Num. 3:1–13 Gal. 6:11–18 Matt. 17:1–13

Friday, June 17 Psalms 51; 148 Num. 13:1–3, 21–30 Rom. 2:25—3:8 Matt. 18:21–35

Sunday, June 12 4th Sunday after Pentecost Psalms 103; 150 Num. 6:22–27 Acts 13:1–12 Luke 12:41–48

Saturday, June 18 Psalms 104; 149 Num. 13:31—14:25 Rom. 3:9–20 Matt. 19:1–12

Monday, June 6 Psalms 62; 145 Eccl. 7:1–14 Gal. 4:12–20 Matt. 15:21–28

Sunday, June 19 5th Sunday after Pentecost Psalms 19; 150 Num. 14:26–45 Acts 15:1–12 Luke 12:49–56

Saturday, June 25 Psalms 56; 149 Num. 20:14–29 Rom. 6:1–11 Matt. 21:1–11

Monday, June 20 Psalms 135; 145 Num. 16:1–19 Rom. 3:21–31 Matt. 19:13–22

Sunday, June 26 6th Sunday after Pentecost Psalms 67; 150 Num. 21:4–9, 21–35 Acts 17:(12–21) 23–24 Luke 13:10–17

Tuesday, June 21 Psalms 123; 146 Num. 16:20–35 Rom. 4:1–12 Matt. 19:23–30

Monday, June 27 Psalms 57; 145 Num. 22:1–21 Rom. 6:12–23 Matt. 21:12–22

Wednesday, June 22 Psalms 15; 147:1–11 Num. 16:36–50 Rom. 4:13–25 Matt. 20:1–16

Tuesday, June 28 Psalms 54; 146 Num. 22:21–38 Rom. 7:1–12 Matt. 21:23–32

Thursday, June 23 Psalms 36; 147:12–20 Num. 17:1–11 Rom. 5:1–11 Matt. 20:17–28 Friday, June 24 Psalms 130; 148 Num. 20:1–13 Rom. 5:12–21 Matt. 20:29–34

Wednesday, June 29 Psalms 65; 147:1–11 Num. 22:41—23:12 Rom. 7:13–25 Matt. 21:33–46 Thursday, June 30 Psalms 143; 147:12–20 Num. 23:11–26 Rom. 8:1–11 Matt. 22:1–14