Around the Church for March 9, 2022

PC(USA) Response to the Ukraine Disaster

“We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and calls from congregations and individuals asking how they can help. As the violence continues, the number of people being displaced internally and fleeing to neighboring countries increases by the day. And in the midst of the chaos, there are sibling churches and ecumenical partners who are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. Our first priority as PDA is to provide funding to these partners on the ground. While the scale of this crisis is new, receiving refugees from Ukraine and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe is not which means we have trusted, established partners with the knowledge and expertise to carry out this important work.

We are hearing that the reformed churches in Ukraine and the region are also feeling called to join in the humanitarian response. PDA, therefore, anticipates that our response will include both financial and technical assistance as the network of faith communities providing humanitarian assistance grows in the months ahead.

As we pray for an end to this violence, we ask the U.S. Government and our European allies to make a commitment to the Ukrainian people for a peaceful solution. We don’t know how long it will take, but we know that they will need help with the rebuilding of their country so that those who are fleeing now may one day return home safely.

Funds are being used for emergency humanitarian aid such as food items, shelter, medicines, diapers, hygiene items, etc.”

Please use the link below to donate online through the Presbyterian Mission Agency. You can also drop a check in the offering plate made out to Presbyterian Church (USA) with DR000156 in the subject line, and we will get it to its destination. If you wish to call the mission agency directly, their number is 800-872-3283.

Presbyterian Mission Agency | Donate Now (pcusa.org)

Adult Forum Tonight at 7 pm via Zoom
Join Matt Drumheller for a look at Grace and Gratitude. “These two words have important history within our tradition; and they live on in vigorous ways today,” according to author and theologian Charles Wiley. Come explore the rich meanings of “Grace and Gratitude” as the story of your Christian life in the church. Let the depth and power of this image shape your identity as a Presbyterian Christian and provide the heartbeat of your faith every day!

Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87307514626?pwd=eTJURWtaYzdCb3BnSEV2Rm1MdTRJdz09

Meeting ID: 873 0751 4626
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OVERDUE Welcome for Matt –
THIS SUNDAY After Worship
With the lifting of the COVID restrictions that kept us from enjoying coffee and snacks together after worship, we have decided it is time to slice up the cakes that were meant for Matt’s welcome reception! Please join us this Sunday in the gathering place directly following the worship service to enjoy cake, coffee, and fellowship.

Community Mission Opportunity –
Summer Food Project
At its meeting Monday evening, Session heard from the Engaging Our Neighbors and Extending God’s Love teams which are jointly working on a “food security” project. This project would entail Pine Street serving as a food distribution site for K-12 school children during the summer recess. This effort would partner with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, who would prepare the lunches and deliver them to our location. Session authorized the groups to continue to explore and work out necessary details and logistics. Proceeding with this project will require volunteers from partnering organizations to work alongside Pine Streeters to help hand out bagged lunches at Pine Street on designated days over the summer, so please consider volunteering for a few hours this summer!

Pine Street Goes Wild!
Art in the Wild Gatherers:
Thank you all for the donations. We have received plenty of items and no more are needed.

Plan to join us on Opening Day, Sunday, April 3, from 1pm to 3pm at our site along the Towpath. It will be a time for visitors to meet the ‘artists”…. That’s US!

If you have questions, contact Elder Beth Alwine by phone at (717) 877-9904
Or email Beth at [email protected]

Save the Date!
Beginning March 20 and running through March 27, the transition team will provide three opportunities for members to participate in a discussion focused on the search for our next called pastor. Please plan to attend one or all three. March 20 and 27 roundtable discussions will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following service. The discussion on Wednesday, March 23, will be held at 7 pm via Zoom. Look for more information in future Around the Church Newsletters.

Special Lecture at the Orr Forum
March 24 – 10:30am
After a two-year, pandemic-induced postponement, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is coming to Wilson College! See details below, invite a friend, and plan to attend.

The lecture will focus on how Jesus told parables to fellow Jews: recovering that original setting corrects their frequent anti-Jewish interpretations, provides a grounding for better Jewish-Christian relations, and offers new insight into both ancient and present-day ethics. An afternoon workshop designed for Clergy, Religious Educators, and interested persons will detail the popular misconceptions about Jesus’ Jewish context found in sermons and church-based educational curricula, explain their origins, and offer new and helpful ways to read the New Testament.

Reservations are not required but plans to attend are appreciated:
[email protected].

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
Wednesday, March 9 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – Grace and Gratitude hosted by Matt Drumheller
Saturday, March 12 – 2 pm Mansfield/Mangieri Wedding
Sunday, March 13 – 8:45 am Sunday School | 10:00 am Worship – Matt Drumheller Preaching – Wonder of Worship children’s church available for children 3rd grade and below, Jennifer Garman leading
Wednesday, March 16 -7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – Grace and Gratitude hosted by Matt Drumheller
Sunday, March 20 – 8:45 am Sunday School | 10:00 am Worship – Heather Sigler Preaching – Wonder of Worship children’s church available for children ages 3rd grade and below, Lisa Milletics leading | 11:45 am First of Three “Roundtable Discussions” by Transition Team
Wednesday, March 23 -7:00 pm Second of Three “Roundtable Discussions” by Transition Team. Online Only
Saturday, March 26 – 7:00 pm Pianist Amy Yang
Sunday, March 27 – 8:45 am Sunday School | 10:00 am Worship – Matt Drumheller Preaching – Wonder of Worship children’s church available for children ages 3rd grade and below, Marna Holt leading | 11:45 am Last of Three “Roundtable Discussions” by Transition Team
Wednesday, March 30 -7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – Grace and Gratitude hosted by Matt Drumheller

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