Pine Street Life - August 2010

Volume 30, Issue 8

Check us out on the web at www.pinestreet.org

Pine Street Life

August 1, 2010

219th General Assembly (2010) Inside This Issue Financial Update. . . . . 3 Church Family. . . . . . . 7 DDB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mark Your Calendar. 11 August Scripture . . . . 11 August Calendar. . . . 12

PSL deadline

Articles and items of interest for the September issue of Pine Street Life are due by August 15, 2010. Please e-mail to Sue Black at BL3COL@aol.com

An Observers Report

by Chantal Atnip

On Friday, July 2nd, Robert and I boarded a plane for Minneapolis, MN, to participate and observe the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s biennial national meeting. For me, it confirmed that I am proud to be Presbyterian and a part of this denomination. Let me explain.

My perspective may be different than many of you. I was confirmed in the Presbyterian Church at age 12 in Vero Beach, Florida. To this day, I remember being impressed that the United States government was patterned after the Presbyterian representative form of government. After that, for various reasons (mainly moving due to education and vocations), I participated in a United Church of Christ (UCC) youth group, Methodist Campus Ministry, a Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL, a nondenominational and Congregational Church in Boston and,

finally, Pine Street Presbyterian Church.

Each time, I became involved in the life of the congregation through music, teaching, participating in classes, worship, and (of course as your treasurer I can’t forget this) financial support. However it wasn’t until about five years ago that I became involved with the church at a “higher” level. At that time I became the Treasurer of the Synod of the Trinity, the Synod to which Pine Street belongs. I quickly realized that there is much beyond the congregational level that the Presbyterian Church (USA) does in ministry and mission. I’ve learned a new church language and realized I had truly become Presbyterian when I was referring to the Book of Order, the book which contains our governance.

(See GA on page 4)

Rally Day at Pine Street “2010”

By Cheryl A. Goode

As I write this article the rain is falling and the lightning illumines the sky. What am I hoping? Mostly I hope the lights don’t go off ! But what I need to remember is that changes in the weather and the foliage signal the beginning of a new season. This is God’s way of taking care of the earth and transitioning us into the seasons as in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” So we begin our new season here at Pine Street.

We think about growing programs for the new church year, and come together as a faith community, on Rally Day, to share what our goals will be. As we do this it brings a renewed sense of forward movement in our learning, sharing and worship. (See Rally Day on page 2)

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 2

Music Opportunities For Fall

By Tom Clark-Jones

As we enjoy the summer Sundays with organ and soloists leading the musical portion of the service, we are reminded that our full choir takes a vacation in the summer.

It’s not really that we are lazy, but in spite of the wonderful air conditioning that those on the main level of the Sanctuary enjoy, it doesn’t quite get that cool where we sit! The heat from below moves up and makes the choir loft quite uncomfortable during the warmer times of the year. As we reach the end of May, you can see a lot of fans come out up above! But, in fact, it’s also a refreshing time for all of us to not have to be in the loft each and every Sunday to lead. It’s a sort of ‘sabbath’ for the musical leadership to refresh and have time to become excited about the coming year.

As the time to reconnect comes, it’s also time to make an invitation to all who would seek to praise God through music to consider choir membership for the coming season. This is not an easy job. But it is a rewarding, and often fun task. The commitment is more than is usually asked by groups in the church. We rehearse for an hour and forty-five minutes each and every week, beginning on September 2 this year. We take short breaks at New Years and post-Easter, but it is a big commitment. Yet in return, one gets to sing beautiful music for that time every Thursday evening, and also share its beauty with the congregation every Sunday at eleven. It is a joy that those who make the commitment find it great enough to keep making the rehearsals! We have some folk who occasionally drag into rehearsal, having had a bad day at work and announcing they will leave after Sunday’s music is rehearsed. Very often that person is still with us when we dismiss and energized and transformed by the experience.

Although this sounds a bit severe, perhaps, I also need to tell you that there is wonderful camaraderie. No evening goes by without the tenors breaking up about something the altos did, and the ‘back row babes’ (as they call themselves) don’t find something to give us all a chuckle!

The truth is, we enjoy a relationship that puts every talent to use and we work together as a community to make all this beauty happen and enjoy it at the same time! As the choirmaster, it is the highlight of my week! The joy that one experiences as a part of this group is extraordinary!

There is also generous ‘shore leave’ involved. Obviously every member can’t be at every rehearsal or every Sunday service. This is understood and each member simply covenants to be with us as often as it is possible. We do work well ahead, so that if a rehearsal is missed, it doesn’t mean you haven’t learned the music for this coming Sunday.

Most members are very faithful, but this is not a ‘sentence’ … it’s a service … and a joyful one at that … and we invite you to bring your talent and join our party!

Further details are always available by calling Tom Clark-Jones at 238-9304, ext. 107. We would be happy to answer questions or make arrangements to set music aside for you for the coming year! Please consider this invitation seriously. If you have a talent, Scripture encourages you not to hide it under a basket! Come and sing! x Rally Day cont’d from page 1

Adults Pine Street offers six adult classes, Ekklesia, Peg-A-Way, Koinonia, 101, Discovery, and Century. The Peg-A-Way class studies from The Present Word curriculum which offers insight into both Old and New Testament. Other adult classes choose topical studies throughout the year.

Children We offer a nursery for infants through threeyear-olds, and classes from preschool through twelfth grade. Our elementary and middle school students are learning from Faith Alive’s Walk With Me curriculum.

The elementary students are learning from a two year cycle of sequential Bible stories, which include both Old and New Testament.

The Middle School will be focusing on Christian living,

reformed doctrine and the church and God’s kingdom.

Join Us This year we are offering a Rally Day program in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 9:40 – 10:40 a.m. We will come together for a complimentary continental breakfast, to be served at tables. We will hear from various members of the church about “What Sunday School has meant to me” and enjoy music from “The Spirit Singers.” This group includes Ron Poorman, Louise Poorman, Stephanie Poorman, Ellie Winters, Jonathan Hudson, Joan Hays, Kenneth Hays and Bob Kerr. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the music, food, and fellowship that we encounter by being in community with each other. Let’s come together on Sunday, September 12th to be inspired and revitalized in our Christian faith. x

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Pine Street Life

Experiencing the Wonder of Worship (WOW!)

By Cheryl A. Goode

wine poured, and to hear Have you ever wondered what happens when the children leave the sanctuary after the children’s sermon? the words of institution,

Session Notes The session does not meet during the months of July and August.

Financial Picture for August

At the close of June we are drowning in red ink. Our deficit has reached $25,209; the majority in the area of member giving. Please take a moment from your busy summer to dash off a check to support your church.

Thank you and God bless.

Diana Robertson

W

onder of Worship has been a part of Pine Street for as long as I can remember, at least twenty five years, probably more! In the earlier years it was known as Story Hour, but about ten years ago it was renamed Wonder of Worship, or WOW, and has evolved into a true extension of worship.

When the children are finished listening to the Children’s Sermon at the eleven o’clock service, we travel upstairs to the library where our worship center is set up. We have a circle of chairs and a table that is typically set with the liturgical colors. Praying hands adorn the table, and a puzzle that denotes the church year and colors. As soon as we come together the children are greeted and the salutation given. The children then take turns calling us to worship using musical instruments.

We then move on to the lesson of the day, which many times is interactive.

Each year we begin by learning about stewardship, then Advent/Christmas.

We learn New Testament, parables, and then move to Lent. We usually learn about the Old Testament during the summer months.

When the lesson is finished, if time permits, we will sing together. Sometimes

we learn hymns from the hymnal, but often return to the familiar “Jesus Loves Me” or “I’ve Got Peace Like a River.” This past year we have been working on learning the Doxology.

Next in our order of Worship is the passing of the peace and prayer. The children have learned the Lord’s Prayer by saying it each Sunday in Wonder of Worship, and then saying it or hearing it again when we return to the sanctuary.

This year we have started learning the Apostles Creed. When our prayer has concluded we take time to stretch. We typically go to the large table in the library and color a picture relating to the topic of our lesson of the day.

When we return to worship the children are seated in the very first pews.

This was done to give them the best view possible of the communion table. We, the Presbyterian Church (USA), state that children who are baptized and being instructed in the Word of God are welcome to participate in the sacrament of communion. Each year in Wonder of Worship we learn about the order of Worship and spend time learning about the sacrament of communion.

Being able to see when the bread is broken and the

gives the children firsthand knowledge and learning opportunities. Being in the front pew gives us many teachable moments.

Wonder of Worship is an extension of the Worship taking place in the Sanctuary, but is a more relaxed atmosphere for the youngest members of the church to learn.

We also encourage the children to open their hymn books and follow along for the final hymn. When you see us pointing to the sign board and flipping through the hymn books you will know we are on a quest to find the last hymn!

Wonder of Worship is an extension of the worship taking place in the aanctuary, but is a more relaxed atmosphere for the youngest members of the church to learn. So when we return each week to the sanctuary and you see them wiggling in the pew, know that they are multi-tasking and are continuing to learn about the church and the word of God. We invite you to visit the library anytime to see where the youngest members of our church continue to learn the traditions of our worship. x

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 4 GA

continued from page 1

This year, I was offered the opportunity to attend the General Assembly as part of the Synod staff. This role was as an observer, since all decisions made at this meeting are made by the commissioners (approximately 700 ministers and elders, representing all of our Presbyteries in the United States including Puerto Rico — and this did not include the Youth Advisory Delegates, one from each Presbytery). This was my first time at such a meeting. It turns out, I was not alone. For 75% of the commissioners, it was their first time also!

The General Assembly is a week long meeting, consisting of orientations, business meetings, and committee meetings, all in a context of worship. This was very different from my IBM meetings years ago.

Friday was spent getting some idea of the location

— several hotels and a large conference center.

After registering, we met with other Synod staff members for dinner. Oh yes, there was a lot of good food too! The first official meeting was Saturday night. The gathering began with worship and the first introduction of the week’s theme, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” ( John 7:38).

The first order of business was the election of the new moderator. This year there were six candidates, 5 ministers of word and sacrament, and 1 elder. This is more candidates than typically run for moderator.

Friday and Saturday, these candidates are available and eager to meet with commissioners to explain why they feel called to be moderator. Saturday night there are nominating speeches, speeches from each candidate, then a question and answer time.

Frankly, the woman who won was my 3rd choice at the beginning of the

evening, but her sense of humor, and ability to respond to questions in a succinct manner made me very willing to accept the choice of the commissioners. It took 4 votes to get a decision. Her name is Cynthia Bolbach, the only elder running. Her choice of vice moderator to run with her was The Rev. Landon Whitsitt. Once the election was completed, Cynthia Bolbach then accepted the symbols of the office and became the public face of our denomination for the next two years. Look for her name in the papers — and hopefully at the Synod summer conference next year in State College.

Sunday morning was the “opening” worship, a two hour service (10–12). It was a wonderful experience.

There were somewhere between 8,000 and 10,000 people worshipping together — celebrating the diversity of our denomination and God’s people. The beginning of the service recognized

the Native American roots of the area with amazing costumes, native music, liturgical dance, all contributing to a colorful procession. During the service, our diversity was again lifted up by having several parts of the liturgy repeated in English, Korean, and Spanish. And the entire service was signed for the hearing impaired.

The outgoing moderator gave the sermon which set the tone for hope and the recognition that change is part of the future. For me, the highlight of the service was a baptism. A couple from a local, nontraditional congregation, presented their child for baptism.

Imagine the stories they will tell their daughter of 8,000 people making baptismal promises, which included a large number of people from their congregation. The music was an eclectic mix of traditional, including a large choir and organ, native American music, (See observer page 9)

Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2010 On July 20–24 youth delegates Rachel Bani, Lydia Black, Chelsea Hartman, and Maddie Seefeldt represented Pine Street and the Presbytery of Carlisle at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium being held at Purdue University. Triennium is an event sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches (CPC and CPCA) for the purpose of gathering Presbyterian and Reformed young people from all over the United States and the world for worship, prayer, play and community. This year’s theme is For Times Such As These. Each day there is a sub-theme and supporting scriptures, speakers, conversations and mission opportunities. The goal is to offer an experience that provides youth with the opportunity to explore their faith and their faith practices alongside those of the past and present faith communities.

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Pine Street Life

Did Someone Say “Family Retreat?”

Y

By Carol Mader, Evangelism Committee

es, it’s true. A couple of weeks ago Stevi Sharp did a focus on our upcoming Family Retreat at Camp Hebron, November 5th and 6th, 2010. The theme for the retreat is “LOF (lots of families)— Following the Good Shepherd” and will include activities for every member of the family. There will be a campfire and s’mores following the Friday night session. Then on Saturday, after a hearty breakfast made by the Camp Hebron staff, there will be a busy session for kids and parents thinking about the Psalm 23. After lunch there will be “free time” to participate in horseback riding, hiking, recreation in the gym and crafts. The retreat concludes Saturday afternoon from 3:00 – 4:00 creating an informal interactive worship time.

Stinnett & DeFrain in their book Secrets of Strong Families, write that the features of strong families include commitment, appreciation, communication, fun time together, spiritual wellness and coping ability. The hope of the planning committee is that our first Family Retreat will help Pine Street families to continue to nurture these secrets. Mark your calendar now for November 5-6, 2010 and look forward to time with nature and your family following the Good Shepherd.

Homegrown Veggies

by Bonnie Peckham

Are you still tending to that garden patch at home — hoping for a bumper crop? If you’re so successful that you have too many tomatoes (onions? zucchini? peppers?), please consider donating to the Pine Street Garden Basket.

Throughout the summer gardening season the Mission Committee is hosting an area at the Missions Table in the Gathering Place for home gardeners to donate their excess produce.

Any vegetables deposited in the basket are available for anyone to take free — or for a voluntary contribution in the accompanying “piggy bank.” All monetary proceeds, and all leftover produce, will be given each Sunday to Downtown Daily Bread.

Transition in the Harrisburg Community

by Bonnie Peckham

On August 15, the Eco Team of Mission Committee will present a speaker from Transition.

Transition is a worldwide grassroots movement that seeks to relocalize economies. By pooling the talents of community members, the community can better weather the effects of economic instability and climate change. Come hear how this can be accomplished.

Susan Norris, speaker for the program, has a lifelong interest in the natural world. She has camped extensively all around the US, is an artist, avid reader and new gardener.

Please join the Eco Team of the Mission Committee on August 15 at 9:40 in Fellowship Hall to learn more about Transition in Harrisburg.

50-year members Robert McCutcheon, Joanne Alwine, and Jane McCutcheon with Rev. Heather Sigler.

50-Year Members Honored

by Heather Sigler

On June 27th Pine Street honored five new 50-year members. Framed certificates and color photos of the interior of the sanctuary were presented to Joanne Alwine, Jane and Robert McCutcheon, Carol Shaw, and Marcia Wilson during the eleven o’clock service.

Think about it! Fifty years ago JFK was seeking the presidential nomination.

NASA was created. The Civil Rights Act of 1960 made segregated lunch counters illegal. The Beatles first appeared in Hamburg, Germany and Elvis was discharged from the US Army. It was a very interesting time in our history.

Since that time, these 50-year members have been faithful disciples and leaders in this congregation. They have a wealth of knowledge and information to share.

Take time to talk to them and learn about our church’s past and their faith journeys.

Blessings from your Pine Street family!

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 6

Reflections on Chicago

By Alison Seefeldt

A few weeks ago I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Chicago with Pine Street’s youth group. Pine Street has been my church since I was about 8 years old and until only recently when I joined a church in Delaware where I now live. I have a lot of memories from conferences and camps I attended through the church when I was in high school; they were definitely influential in my life. I never got to go on a mission trip though. When I was in high school, the youth group was very, very small. It was great for me to see first-hand how the group has grown both in number and in activity.

When Alex called me in the winter and invited me to be one of the leaders for the trip, I was excited about the opportunity because it involved a number of things I care about: urban ministry, working with inner-city kids, and Pine Street.

the trip. He had clearly earned the trust of the youth on the trip, and they were comfortable sharing with him. He also offered just the right amount of assistance and guidance so that they could have a memorable experience.

I personally learned a lot on the trip. After a tough and frustrating year of teaching in an inner-city school where I often felt drained and pessimistic, it was remarkable how, in a different environment, I was able to achieve a new perspective surprisingly quickly and with little effort on my part. There were numerous times during the school year when I questioned whether I wanted, or was cut out, to stay in urban teaching. After just a few hours in Chicago when we were on a prayer tour, seeing different impoverished neighborhoods and learning about their history, I felt a strong affirmation that I wanted Each morning in Chicago to continue serving in the city. I we served at a social service also prayed a lot during the week, organization called Casa Central something I struggle to take time in the Hispanic neighborhood of for on a regular basis. I think in Humboldt Park. We assisted with spending a week being really Pine Street Youth in the Windy City the school-age program for kids intentional about serving God and Chelsea Hartman, Lydia Black, Justin Bruce, in the neighborhood ages 5-12. people, I experienced a closeness Lara Sullivan, Teddy Guenin, Paul Devey, Sean Devey, Each day we played with the kids, with God that I don’t always have.

Maddie Seefeldt, Alison Seefeldt, Rev. Alex Lang got to know them, and planned I went into the trip hoping to games and activities for them. In help the youth experience what it the evening we served at a variety of different ministries was like to do urban ministry, and I came out of it gaining around the city. I was so impressed with the students who much more than I had expected. went on the trip. They went into it not knowing much At the end of the week, I think it was with sad, but about what they’d be doing or what the city would be like. hopeful hearts, we left the children of Casa Central and Once we got there, they were willing to be flexible and the city of Chicago. I will continue to pray for the city and tackle each challenge and opportunity that was thrown for the people who live there, especially the children. I will at them. They worked so hard and were great examples of also keep praying for the youth of Pine Street, that they what it means to be a humble servant. Because they put so will grow to love God more and more and continue to be much of themselves into the trip, I think they gained a lot willing to dedicate their time and energy to serving others. from it. They learned first-hand the stories and experiences I am thankful that they have an active youth group and of people in poverty. What surprised me most on the trip Alex, a dedicated leader who cares about them. I can’t help was how much the students were willing to think about and but wonder what kind of impact going on a trip like this wrestle with their experiences serving. They faced head on might have had on me in high school, and I am happy that the issues and challenges they encountered. This is a group the youth have that opportunity now. I am grateful to the of deep thinkers! Each night as we debriefed our day as a Pine Street family for supporting this mission trip, and I group, I was impressed with their insights as they shared feel so blessed to have been a part of it. about a conversation they’d had or something they’d seen.

I think it was this willingness to really reflect upon what Alison teaches kindergarten at Urban Promise, a ministry they’d experienced instead of just accepting it and moving to children and youth living in the inner-city neighborhoods on that helped give this trip a lot of depth for everyone of Wilmington, Delaware. You can follow Alison’s blog at involved. Also, I give a lot of credit to Alex, who organized http://ofwishingwells.blogspot.com/

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Pine Street Life

News From Our Church Family

Samantha Cartwright Messiah College Grantham, PA Samantha graduated with a BS in Nursing. She is working in the Emergency room at Harrisburg hospital and is preparing to take her boards to be an RN. Sam Guenin is attending the Summer Arts Camp at the Interlochen Center for the Arts for 6 weeks this summer. Sam is a visual arts major and is taking classes in sculpture, painting, drawing, and ceramics. Interlochen Arts Camp, located in northern Michigan, attracts students from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. These 2,500 students learn from world-class instructors and produce hundreds of presentations each summer in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, creative writing, and motion picture arts.

If you have any news items to share with our church family, please forward them to Sue Black at BL3COL@aol.com

Margaret Mielke was commended recently by the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank for donating 30 gallons of blood. Just days after receiving her certificate she was back donating platelets.

Baptism

Teddy Guenin recently earned his pilot’s license (officially, his Private Pilot Certificate). He made his first solo flight on his 16th birthday and passed the Airman Knowledge Test earlier this spring. In order to get his license, he had to pass an oral examination given by an FAA representative, then demonstrate his flying skills under a variety of circumstances. Teddy flies a Cessna 172 out of Reigle Airport in Palmyra.

Alexander Gray recently spent 15 days touring France and England as a participant in People to People’s student ambassador program.

Rachel Bani & Charsley Hunter spent the first half of July touring Europe as part of American Music Abroad. They performed in Austria, Germany, Switzerland & France.

July 11, 2010 Brooke Christine Barnes, infant daughter of Chistopher Allen and Michelle Lynn Barnes

Helen MacMurray celebrated her 100th birthday on July 21. She has been a member of Pine Street for 33 years. Happy Birthday!

Harrisburg’s Living Legacies On June 19, Pine Streeters George Chaump, Donald L. Clapper, and William S. Parkin III were honored as Living Legacies at the 150th anniversary celebration of the City of Harrisburg. The Highmark Blue Shield Living Legacy Series is an oral history project that was developed to record the memories of 150 Harrisburg-area residents.

George’s interview can be viewed at http://www.idvl. org/harrisburglivinglegacy/ Bio37.html

Don’s interview can be viewed at http://www.idvl. org/harrisburglivinglegacy/ Bio52.html

Bill’s interview can be viewed at http://www.idvl. org/harrisburglivinglegacy/ Bio112.html

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 8

Meet Our New DDB Client Counselor Hi, my name is Christine Patrick and I’m the new case manager at Downtown Daily Bread. I have worked with the homeless in Harrisburg for about 15 years. Before coming to DDB, I worked with homeless women at the Brethren Housing for many years. I started at DDB on May 10th and I enjoy my work very much. I have two children, a 31 year old son and a 28 year old daughter. I also have three beautiful grandbabies.

DDB Wish List We are running very short on some items.

They include: • disposable razors • men’s underwear • men’s socks

• travel size shampoos • large trash bags

Items may be dropped off at DDB, downstairs, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Or contact the church office at 238- 9304 to make other arrangements.

In the months I have been at Downtown Daily Bread, I have met with many clients and human service providers, as well as the great DDB volunteers. Brenda Ervin has been a wonderful resource because she has introduced me to everyone who walks into DDB. The DDB clients who I have come in contact with have been some very special people.

Most off them are very humble and thankful for our services. I have also met with some people from the “Tent City” and worked with them to plan for their future. I helped one young pregnant woman and her boyfriend find an apartment. I also worked with a young homeless man who lived in Tent City for 8 months while attending HACC. I am currently working with him to find a place to live and to help him find a college counselor and mentor.

I have learned during my short time at DDB that most of our clients just want someone to listen to them. I am happy to hear them and their stories and to earn their trust.

Downtown Daily Bread offers a vital service to them and I feel blessed to be a part of this program. I think Anne Frank summarized the way I feel about our clients when she said, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are good at heart.”

I want to thank Elaine Strokoff for offering me this opportunity to join the DDB staff and to become a part of this wonderful family at Downtown Daily Bread.

Sunday Mornings in August Fellowship Hall 9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

For the kitchen we are in need of: • one commercial coffee brewer $141

• metal trays $10.75 ea • one beverage dispenser $56.

For more information, please call Elaine or Brenda 238-4718, ext.

128.

Thank you for your generosity.

August 1 — Mark Englund-Krieger discusses his new book The Presbyterian Pendulum. For more info see box at right.

August 8 — Mark England-Krieger cont’d August 15 — Eco-Team presents speaker Susan Norris from Transition. More info on p. 5 August 22 — Arizona commissioners report August 25 — Mission Committee exploration of a Presbytery sponsored mission trip to Latvia and Lithuania.

Mark Englund-Krieger, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Carlisle, will join us to present his new book The Presbyterian Pendulum: Seeing Providence in the Wild Diversity of the Church. His book is a study of the significant social and political issues to which the church responded throughout the twentieth century. Mark believes that the Presbyterian Church “is at its best when the wild diversity of worldviews, theological perspectives, and convictions are encouraged.”

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Pine Street Life

Summer JYF Kicks Off with Yuck Olympics Chunky Yuck, Snowy Yuck, Sticky Yuck and a whole lot of plastic sheeting transformed the Boyd Gym into a slippery, oozy mess of fun as the middle schoolers kicked off their summer Junior Youth Fellowship program.

Luke Gutshall, Alexander Gray, Brennan Berrier and Theo Rusnav try fill their buckets with Yuck as Lydia Black referees.

Observer

continued from page 4

contemporary, and very familiar hymns. Somehow, it all worked.

Then the work of the General Assembly began. Sunday afternoon, and all day and evening Monday and Tuesday, many committees met to consider many overtures that had been presented over the past two years.

The commissioners were all assigned randomly to these committees. The committee at which I spent most of my time was the MGBC (Middle Governing Bodies Committee). Overtures

were reviewed, advocates spoke on behalf of their overtures, people spoke either for or against the overtures, and then the committee went to work, revising, wordsmithing, voting for or against each suggestion. I learned a lot about Roberts Rules of Order. In each committee room, there were support staff to assist with answering questions, identifying if there were financial implications and what they would be, advising if the overture as presented or revised was “constitutional.”

In addition to this support, there were people going

Yuck, feathers, and a tarp turn Emma Sharp’s friend, Abby Benton, into a “Yuck Taco.”

into committee rooms to pray for the commissioners, presenters, and the decisions. And before, during and at the end of committee sessions there was meaningful worship and music. It made a difference for me, and made me feel the Holy Spirit was working in this place — even when the decisions were not what I would have chosen.

Unfortunately, I had to return home on Wednesday, before the body as a whole took the committee reports and voted on their recommendations. I’ve been told our new moderator and vice moderator ran

the meetings with grace and humor. I am not going to cover the decisions in this article — but would recommend you check out information on the more than 300 assembly actions at http://pc-biz.org. Some summaries of the more controversial issues can be found at www.pcusa.org/ ga219.

The General Assembly went to meeting every two years beginning in 2006, so our next meeting will be in 2012, in the bounds of our own Synod, in Pittsburgh.

Consider taking a day or two and register as an observer. I’m glad I did. x

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.

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 10

A Mystery! What Happened To Our Cornerstone?

by Kenneth C. Hays

The laying of the cornerstone for Pine Street Church took place on May 12, 1859 in a ceremony held at 2:00 p.m. It was reported that several hundred persons assembled to witness the occasion. Speakers included Reverend Robert Watts of Philadelphia and Reverend S. T. Lowry of the Presbytery of Huntington. An anthem was presented by the Harmonica Society and several hymns were sung. Reverend A. B. Mitchell of the Paxtang Church gave the benediction and Reverend George Morris of the Silver Spring Church gave the concluding prayer.

The cornerstone was filled and placed by Reverend Asbel Green Simonton, a member of the church who was ordained as a missionary to Brazil by the Presbytery of Carlisle and who was to depart shortly for that country under the auspices of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.

The cornerstone contained the following articles: a copy of the Bible, Confession of Faith, Psalm and Hymn Book, Charter of the Church, History of the Church, Names of the Officers and Members of the Church, History of the Sunday School with the Names of Officers, Teachers, and Scholars, Names of the Building Committee, Names of the Architects and Builders of the Church, Weekly and Daily Newspapers and a copy of the publication The Presbyterian.

“And now,” said Mr. Simonton, “in the name of the great Master of Assemblies we lay this cornerstone, truly and formally fitted to its place, upon it, we rear a sanctuary for the worship of the only and true God, the God of our fathers and our God. Long may it stand as a birthplace and nursery to multitudes of souls for their eternal home in Heaven.”

The information that I am reporting was gleaned from Session documents that were researched many years ago by Donald L. Clapper, our long-time Minister of Music.

The question remains: What happened to our cornerstone? It vanished!

Cornerstones are normally placed on a corner — hence the name “cornerstone.”

Most likely our cornerstone was located at the corner of Third and Pine Streets or perhaps at the southwest corner of the building on Pine Street. A strong argument can be put forth that the cornerstone was covered up when, in 1875, the entrance was moved from the great south tower to the corner of Third and Pine Streets — the entrance as we know it today. The entrance was simply built over the original stonework including the cornerstone. Another possibility is that, if the cornerstone was located at the southwest corner of the church, it was covered up by the addition of an entrance on that same corner.

To my knowledge, there is no documentation that exists stating that the cornerstone was removed, discarded or placed elsewhere. Therefore, I subscribe to the belief that the cornerstone still exists but was built over and covered up by the additions that took place in 1875. If I just had Superman’s x-ray vision eyes! Hence, the mystery continues.

One of 24 clerestory windows that were part of Phase II of the window restoration project.

Window Restoration Complete

by Kenneth C. Hays

The stained glass windows have been installed and the work of the 3-man crew from Willet Hauser has been completed. It has been a long process. Willet Hauser first arrived at the church on September 10, 2008 to begin removing the first grouping of windows. The first grouping was returned on July 20, 2009 and the second grouping was removed from the church.

The second grouping was returned on June 17, 2010 and the installation completed on June 28, 2010. Total cost: $323,590.00. We are thankful for the safe return of all our windows and for the safe removal and installation of the windows by the various crew / workers. x For more information about Pine Street’s historic stained glass windows and the restoration project go to http://pinestreet. org/windowRestoration/ windowhome.html

Volume 30, Issue 8

Page 11

Mark your calendar for FUN! KOALA stands for Kids On A Lifelong Adventure. Please reserve your Wednesday evenings this fall from 6 – 7:15 p.m. for this adventure in learning and fun at KOALA CLUB. This program includes students from 1st – 5th grades. Sign-ups will begin Sunday, August 1 at the Welcome Center.

RALLY DAY is Sunday, September 12 from 9:40–10:40 in Fellowship Hall.

Come and join your Pine Street friends to enjoy music, food, and fellowship as we kickoff the new program year. There is no cost for the breakfast, but there will be sign-ups beginning Sunday, August 1 at the Welcome Center .

ALL CHURCH PICNIC. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 26 when we will gather at Lower Allen Park for food, fun, and fellowship. More details to come. . .

SAVE THE DATE! Friday, November 5 and Saturday the 6th. Pine Street’s first FAMILIES WITH KIDS RETREAT at Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA. Come join us as we connect with God, nature and each other. More details to come. . .

Lectionary Readings for August Sunday, August 1 Hosea 11:1-11 Psalm 107:1-9, 43 Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 12:13-21

Saturday, August 7 Psalm 63 Judges 9:22-25, 50-57 John 2:13-25

Friday, August 13 Psalm 51 Judges 14:20-15:20 John 4:43-54

Monday, August 2 Psalm 62 Judges 6:25-40 John 1:1-18

Sunday, August 8 Isaiah 1:1,10-20 Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40

Saturday, August 14 Psalm 104 Judges 16:1-14 John 5:1-18

Tuesday, August 3 Psalm 12 Judges 7:1-18 John 1:19-28

Monday, August 9 Psalm 5; 145 Judges 12:1-7 John 3:1-21

Sunday, August 15 Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56

Wednesday, August 4 Tuesday, August 10 Psalm 96 Psalm 42; Judges 7:19-8:12 Judges 13:1-15 John 1:29-42 John 3:22-36

Monday, August 16 Psalm 135 Judges 17:1-13 John 5:19-29

Thursday, August 19 Wednesday, August 25 Sunday, August 29 Psalm 136 Psalm 65 Jeremiah 2:4-13 Job 1:1-22 Job 6:1; 7:1-21 Psalm 81:1, 10-16 John 6:16-27 John 7:1-13 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Friday, August 20 Thursday, August 26 Monday, August 30 Psalm 130 Psalm 143 Job 2:1-13 Job 8:1-10, 20-22 Psalm 62 John 6:27-40 John 7:14-36 Job 12:1-6, 13-25 John 8:21-32 Saturday, August 21 Friday, August 27 Tuesday, August 31 Psalm 56 Psalm 88 Job 3:1-26 Job 9:1-15, 32-35 Psalm 12 John 6:41-51 John 7:37-52 Job 12:1; 13:3-17,

21-27 Sunday, August 22 Saturday, August 28 John 8:33-47 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 122 Psalm 71:1-6 Job 9:1; 10:1-9, Hebrews 12:18-29 16-22 Luke 13:10-17 John 8:12-20

Thursday, August 5 Psalm 116 Judges 8:22-35 John 1:43-51

Wednesday, August 11 Tuesday, August 17 Psalm 89:1-18 Psalm 123 Judges 13:15-24 Judges 18:1-15 John 4:1-26 John 5:30-47

Monday, August 23 Psalm 57 Job 4:1; 5:1-11, 17-21,

26-27 John 6:52-5

Friday, August 6 Psalm 84 Judges 9:1-16, 19-21 John 2:1-12

Thursday, August 12 Wednesday, August 18 Tuesday, August 24 Psalm 97 Psalm 15 Judges 14:1-19 Judges 18:16-31 Psalm 54 John 4:27-42 John 6:1-15 Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21 John 6:60-71

Page 12

Pine Street Life

August 2010

AUGUST 2010

Sunday Sunday

Tuesday Tuesday

Wednesday Wednesday

Thursday

Thursday

2 1 8:30 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 9:40 AM Adult Forum - Fellowship Hall 9:40 AM Summer Church School - All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary

3

4 6:00 PM JYF - Boyd

5

9 8 8:30 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 9:40 AM Adult Forum - Fellowship Hall 9:40 AM Summer Church School - All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary

10 8:45 AM Staff Worship 9:10 AM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM Congregational Life Mtg. - Barb Neff's Home

11 6:00 PM JYF - Boyd

13 12 9:00 AM Bread Baking Ministry - Fellowship Hall & Kitchen

14

15 16 8:30 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 9:40 AM Adult Forum - Fellowship Hall 9:40 AM Summer Church School - All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 12:30 PM CPR Training for the Nursery Workers - Fellowship Hall

17

18 6:00 PM JYF - Boyd

19

20

21

24 8:45 AM Staff Worship 9:10 AM Staff Meeting 2:30 PM Photography Days for the Pictorial Directory 7:00 PM Admin. & Finance Mtg. - Rm. 308 7:00 PM DDB Advisory Board Mtg. - Boyd

25 2:30 PM Photography Days for the Pictorial Directory

26

27

28

31 8:45 AM Staff Worship 9:10 AM Staff Meeting

1

2

3

4

22 8:30 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 9:40 AM Adult Forum - Fellowship Hall 9:40 AM Summer Church School - All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 5:00 PM New Members Picnic at Bob & Judy Hall's House

Monday

Monday

23 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision - Resource Center

30 29 8:30 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 9:40 AM Adult Forum - Fellowship Hall 9:40 AM Summer Church School - All Ages 11:00 AM Worship - Word & Sacrament Sanctuary 12:30 PM Children & Youth Teachers Mtg. - Rm. 308

Friday 6

Friday

Saturday Saturday 7

Periodicals Postage Paid At Harrisburg, PA 17105