Around the Church for December 01, 2021

Sunday, December 5 – 4:00pm Nine Lessons and Carols
Join the Chancel Choir on a journey to Bethlehem. Scripture and song will be woven together by readers of all ages, taking us on a truly magical progression from prophecy to fulfillment, from Old Testament foretelling to a birthday celebration. Under the direction of Minister of Music and Worship Joseph Garrison, the choir will be accompanied by a brass quintet and organist Matthew McMahan. A gala reception follows the service.

Preparing the Path Toward the Future-Updates from the Transition Team
Over the past several weeks, the Transition Team has led informational meetings with Session, Staff, Trustees, and Deacons to review and discuss the Executive Summary of the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT). Our church leaders engaged in open discussion about the needs of the congregation and community according to the survey.

The Transition Team has planned several informational sessions for members of the congregation to learn more about the assessment and how to become involved in the future planning for Pine Street. Please plan to attend one of these upcoming meetings on Zoom or in person.

• Monday, December 6, at 7:00 pm on Zoom
• Tuesday, December 7, at 7:00 pm on Zoom
• Sunday, December 12, at 11:30 am In Person In Fellowship Hall

We ask that you register to attend one of these meetings by calling the church office (717-238-9304) or emailing the church office at [email protected].

If you have questions or concerns about the interim search committee or transition team, please do not hesitate to contact David Colestock at 717-645-6174 or [email protected].

4-Week Series Led by Deborah Port – “Feasting Habits for the Soul” – Begins TONIGHT, December 1, Via ZOOM
Feasting Habits for the Soul is a four-week Advent study to help us create healthy devotion habits in our lives. Each week we will look at the Advent text and theme to launch us into a deeper understanding of how to spend time in our Bibles, time with God in prayer, and do the work of discernment. This week’s focus is the habit of HOPE.

About our Facilitator:
Deborah loves life in Harrisburg with her husband of 17 years and their four children. Her lifelong learning adventure has included a BA from the University of Pennsylvania in Jewish Studies, a MDiv from Evangelical Seminary with awards in systematic theology and biblical studies, and training in 5Q (spiritual gifting, group dynamics, and organizational change). Deborah has worked over a decade in the church fostering healthy congregations with a focus on spiritual growth and learning opportunities. She is passionate about working with individuals and groups of all sizes to create learning experiences that result in life change.
The Zoom link for all forums is: https://zoom.us/j/94544371015

3rd in the Burg – Friday, December 17
Yearning for a Yuletide Carol sing-along? Or just a peaceful place to have some conversation? We have just the DIY solution! Bring some friends and join us Friday, December 17th in the Gathering Place and Sanctuary to enjoy the Advent and Christmas decorations. This is a casual drop in (not a performance). The church will be open from 6 to 9 with singing around 7-8:30 pm.

Also, please consider signing up at the Welcome Center for an upcoming 3rd in the Burg event. We would love to have more members involved in welcoming visitors to our gallery and sanctuary for these events.

Christmas Joy Offering
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to the Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. This year our offering will be collected through Sunday, December 26.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…
Poinsettia Orders may be placed any time through December 16. Look for an order form in the bulletin this Sunday. Additional forms can be picked up at the Welcome Center. The cost is $12.00 each. Deposit completed forms in the box located at the Welcome Center, or mail them to the church at 310 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. If you would like a form sent to you, contact the office at (717) 238-9304, or email [email protected].

Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Giving Tree! Information is available at the Welcome Center. You can choose from any (or all!) of the following:
• gifts for children at Bethesda Mission Women’s Shelter
• donations toward rent, clothing, food, etc. through International Service Center for our new Afghan neighbors
• donations for fuel oil assistance to those in need through Help Ministries
• baking cookies for clients at Downtown Daily Bread
Help bring joy and hope to someone else’s Christmas!

Pine Street Walkers Plans a Mural Walk December 19
On Sunday, December 19, the Pine Street Walkers welcome you to a downtown Harrisburg walk to see the city’s outdoor murals. We will walk the downtown area to view these beautiful murals and will be caroling as we stop to see each piece of art. Afterwards, we will find a spot for refreshments. Meet us at the corner of Third and Pine Streets by 1 pm to join us. Please email the church office at [email protected] if you need more information.

Christmas Eve Service to be held at 7:30 pm
At its October meeting, Session approved the Exalting God Committee’s recommendation to hold a single Christmas Eve service this year, as in the past few years. The Christmas Eve Service will take place on December 24 at 7:30 pm. Please invite your friends and family to attend this beautiful traditional service.

Reminder – Return your estimated giving cards
If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider and submit your pledge for 2022. We rely on your generosity to remain steadfast in our worship, mission, Christian care, outreach, and educational efforts. You can mail your pledge card to the church office or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday.

Support Pine Street When You Shop for Christmas
We have teamed up with AmazonSmile again this year. Amazon will donate 0.5% pf tje [rice of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to our church. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support Pine Street by starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com/. Be sure to choose Pine Street Presbyterian Church as your desired charity.

Dates for your Calendar
Sunday, December 5 – 4:00 pm A Festival of Lessons and Carols
Wednesday, December 8 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Peace with Deborah Port
Sunday, December 12 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching
Wednesday, December 15 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Joy with Deborah Port
Thursday, December 16 – 11:30 am Wreaths Across America, Dauphin County Cemetery, Gibson Blvd., Harrisburg – Last Day to Order Poinsettias
Friday, December 17 – 6:00 pm 3rd in the Burg
Sunday, December 19 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching
Tuesday, December 21 – 7:00 pm Longest Night Service – Online ONLY www.pinestreet.org
Wednesday, December 22 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Love with Deborah Port
Friday, December 24 – Church office closed – 7:30 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with The Lord’s Supper
Sunday, December 26 – NO Sunday School – 10:00 am Informal service of Worship, Carols and Stories
Monday, December 27 – Church office Closed
Friday, December 31 – Church office Closed

Updated COVID-19 Statement
We would like to thank Pine Street worshipers for their diligent compliance with guidelines that recommend masks and social distancing regardless of vaccination status in all indoor areas in communities in which there is a substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rate. Session continues to ask worshipers to comply with these guidelines in consideration of the health and safety of everyone who worships with us.

 

 

Leave a Reply