Around the Church for November 24, 2021

Advent Breakfast This Sunday
On the first Sunday of Advent, we will gather at 8:45 am for a delicious breakfast prepared by our favorite chefs, Suzanne and Michael Hogarth. There will be no Church School classes that morning. Children will join their families for breakfast and an Intergenerational Advent program. Email the church office at [email protected] or sign up at the Welcome Center so we can better estimate attendance. An offering will be received to cover the cost of the meal.

Hanging of the Greens, Tuesday, November 30
The entire congregation is invited to participate in The Hanging of the Greens on Tuesday, November 30, at 5:30 p.m. Pizza will be served at 5:30, and then we will decorate the sanctuary and the building for the holidays. Children can participate! It’s fun for all!

Notes From Session
At the November meeting, Session had the pleasure of meeting our Interim Pastor Matt Drumheller, and looks forward with great anticipation to his January arrival at Pine Street.

It was also discussed that through Consecration Sunday, about 50 pledges have been received to date. According to our records and number of giving units, it appears that we have only heard from about half of those who typically give regularly. 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.

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.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…
As the holidays approach, it is time to start thinking about ordering poinsettias for the sanctuary. Look for an order form in the bulletin this Sunday, November 28. Additional forms can be picked up at the Welcome Center or in the Narthex. The cost is $12.00 each, and your order should be placed no later than Thursday, December 16. 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].

It is also time 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 client at Downtown Daily Bread
Help bring joy and hope to someone else’s Christmas!

Much Needed Repairs on the Church Building
Several months ago the Property Committee and John Karl, the facilities manager, inspected the exterior of the church and found several areas that required repair. Bids were received and awarded, and the first project to be completed was the repointing of the stone work under the handicapped entrance to the church. The pictures show just how badly the mortar joints in the stone had deteriorated.

4-Week Series Led by Deborah Port – “Feasting Habits for the Soul” – Begins 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. The course moves beyond theory to identify practical ways we can engage in these “feasting habits” in our daily lives. Participants will leave the course having a personal and completely customizable growth plan.

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 Volunteers Needed
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 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.

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.

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
Wednesday, November 24 – NO Adult Forum – Go stuff your turkey!
Thursday – Friday, November 26 & 27 – Church offices closed – Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 28 – 8:45 am Advent Breakfast – NO Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching – Poinsettia ordering begins.
Tuesday, November 30 – 5:30 pm – Pizza Supper and Hanging of the Greens – All welcome
Wednesday, December 1 – 7:00 pm – Adult Forum via Zoom – Feasting Habits for the Soul – The Habit of Hope – led by Deborah Port
Sunday, December 5 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching – 4:00 pm A Festival of Lessons and Carols led by Minister of Music and Worship Joseph Garrison

Health and Safety in Worship – 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.

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