Around the Church for January 25, 2023

MAPS Concert THIS SUNDAY Afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
New York Polyphony

Praised for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” (NPR), New York Polyphony is one of the foremost vocal chamber ensembles active today. The four men, “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” (The New Yorker), give vibrant, modern voice to repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to cutting-edge compositions. Their dedication to innovative programming and a focus on rare and rediscovered Renaissance and medieval works have earned New York Polyphony two GRAMMY nominations and wide acclaim and helped move early music into the classical mainstream. A gala reception follows the service. Free parking is available in the South Street Garage.

Cafe Conversations Announcement
Cafe conversations and bible study will not take please this Sunday, January 29. It will resume next Sunday Morning.

NOTE: This Sunday is initial offering Sunday. Please plan to include your per-capita offering of $31 per person to your regular giving.

Update on handrails for the Chancel steps
A meeting was held with Kauffman Iron Works who brought in samples of hand railings. There were six people at the meeting representing staff, worship committee, property committee, trustees, session and choir. Mr. Kauffman presented us with various ideas for railings and the group decided unanimously on a particular style and color. We had to wait for an updated cost estimate. The cost will be $2,650.00. The railings have been ordered and we hope to have them installed in the next two months. A generous benefactor has offered to pay half of the cost of the railings because they felt the need was critical for the safe use of the sanctuary.

Women’s Retreat 2023
It is time to start getting excited about the women’s retreat! There is a signup sheet at the welcome center, and brochures are available. This year’s theme is “God, The Master Gardener.” Deposits are due by February 5.

Join us at 11:30 am on Sunday Mornings for Adult Forum throughout January and February.

January 29: Pastor Kevin Long: A Christian Response to the Climate Catastrophe (Fellowship Hall hybrid)

February 5: Dr. Mike Cosby: Parables: Luke 14: Don’t Invite your Friends to Dinner! (Fellowship Hall hybrid)

February 12: Dr. Mike Cosby: Parables: Luke 15: Turning Expectations Upside Down! (Fellowship Hall hybrid)

February 19: Rev Nancy Reinert and Debbie Hough: Presbyterian Education Board ministering in Pakistan. (Fellowship Hall hybrid).

The zoom link for all forums is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89329030010?pwd=Q2loblVkN043TWlwdnlkRDNCV0J4Zz09

Meeting ID: 893 2903 0010
Passcode: 885645
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Updates from Session
On Monday, January 23, Session held its regular monthly meeting. Here are the highlights from that meeting:

Jay Himes, President of the Downtown Daily Bread Board gave a very thorough report. Despite some challenges, the night shelter opened on schedule and is operating normally. They are working with and coordinating with the City of Harrisburg and other organizations on the city’s move to clear the people experiencing homelessness from under the Mulberry Street bridge. DDB finished the year with a very successful fundraising campaign, and they are currently interviewing for a new Director of Development. Jay thanked the members of Pine Street for stepping up over the past several months, volunteering to support and help DDB.

Our Treasurer, Joan Hays, happily reported that we ended 2022 in the black, with an approximately $15,000 balance despite some unexpected and extraordinary expenses. A new handrail for the chancel is on order and will be installed when it arrives. At the Trustees’ request, Session extended the term of Treasurer Joan Hays for another year, and Assistant Treasurer Jesse Weigel until May 31.

Clerk Bob Kerr reported that Pine Street had 224 active members at the end of 2022.

Judy Himes, Clair of the Personnel Committee and Matt Drumheller reported that a candidate has accepted the position of Property Manager and should be starting in a few weeks.

Nate Garman, Chair of the Stewardship Committee, provided some statistics on the recent stewardship campaign. As of January 20, 70 of 145 pledging units have pledged a total of $313,711 or 89.6% of our goal. 21 pledging units increased their pledge this year, and 5 pledging units who did not pledge last year pledged this year. Session thanks everyone who has pledged, asks those who have not to consider pledging (it’s not too late), and encourages everyone to financially support Pine Street in 2023.
Current COVID Procedure
Pine Street Presbyterian Church will follow CDC guidelines to ease masking requirements and allow in-person gatherings, including food. While Dauphin and Cumberland Counties are in the low or medium community levels (according to the CDC’s “COVID-19 by County” page found at:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html). Masks will be optional for all Pine Street events, including worship. Session and staff will monitor the community levels and change health and safety guidelines if the local counties are high. Worshipers are welcome to wear masks if that helps them feel comfortable in worship.

Dates for your Calendar
Sunday, January 29 — 4th Sunday after Epiphany/Initial Offering Sunday — 8:45 am Sunday School — NO Café conversations and Bible Study — 10:00 am Worship, Rev. Matt Drumheller Preaching | 11:30 am Adult Forum in person and via Zoom — Kevin Long, moderator | 4:00 pm MAPS concert, New York Polyphony
Sunday, February 5 — 5th Sunday after Epiphany — 8:45 am Sunday School — 9:00 am Café conversations and Bible Study — 10:00 am Worship, Rev. Matt Drumheller Preaching | 11:30 am Adult Forum in person and via Zoom — Dr. Michael Cosby, moderator
Sunday, February 12 — 6th Sunday after Epiphany — 8:45 am Sunday School — 9:00 am Café conversations and Bible Study — 10:00 am Worship, Rev. Matt Drumheller Preaching | 11:30 am Adult Forum in person and via Zoom — Dr. Michael Cosby, moderator