Around the Church for October 20, 2021

 

Preparing the Path to the Future – Updates from the Transition Team and Interim Search Committee
This week the Pine Street Transition Team met with Michelle Snyder, PneuMatrix consultant. We are doing two book studies with her. One book is called Transition Apparitions by J. Russell Crabtree. This book accompanies the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) results, focusing on interpreting the survey data and using it to help plan pathways for change. The second book is called Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger. This book encourages church leaders to examine the challenges that churches face in a changing world and inspires leaders to strengthen their flexibility and adaptability in planning for the future. The Transition Team has drafted an Executive Summary of the CAT results and will begin to share those results with Session next week.

The Interim Search Committee has completed a second round of Zoom interviews with several candidates. The committee found the second interviews to be extremely helpful in learning more about the candidates and their ministry. This week we are contacting references and making plans to schedule candidate visits to Pine Street. We have also been in frequent contact with the Carlisle Presbytery to inform them of our progress and to seek input into the search process.

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 dmcolestock.dc@gmail.com

Please continue to keep the Transition Team, Interim Search Committee, staff, officers, and congregation in your prayers as we continue to prepare this path to our future together.

Transition Team      Interim Search Team
Beth Alwine               David Colestock
Amy Chick                Kenneth Hays
David Colestock       Alicia McDonald
Audrey Light             Keith Perago
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3: 5-6

Adult Forum – Week 2 of 4-Week Series on Inclusivity
During the past several weeks the Follow Me curriculum has emphasized the church’s ministry of hospitality and welcome. Our new four-week series of programs will equip us to better understand and show hospitality to our LGBTQIA+ neighbors.

This evening and October 27, we will be watching the connecting the dots webinar offered by More Light Presbyterians. Our guest presenter, the Rev. Alex McNeil, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, a national organization working to assure all are welcome in the PC(USA), will Zoom in with us again on November 3 to lead our final discussion of the series and respond to your questions.
The Zoom link for all forums is:
https://zoom.us/j/94544371015
Meeting ID: 945 4437 1015
Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923

Events for Inclusion in the Online Calendar
Is your team or committee having a meeting? Does your church group have an upcoming event? Let’s let the congregation know!! Events can be added to the online calendar by emailing the information to kdrown@pinestreet.org or calling the church office. Please try to give at least a week’s notice so the item can be uploaded in a timely fashion. The more items we add to the calendar, the easier it will be for everyone to stay involved!

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS – Saturday, November 6 10:00 am – 11:30 am
This time of year, and especially this year, many of us are experiencing a sense of grief or loss as the holiday season approaches. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays this year may be particularly difficult. Surviving the Holidays is a program designed to give you comfort, coping skills, and hope for the busy weeks ahead. This clergy-led event includes a 45-minute video presentation followed by group conversation. Surviving the Holidays is sponsored by the Deacons and Stephen Ministers. It is open to the community, so please save the date and tell your neighbors and friends.

This is an “in person” event held in the church’s Fellowship Hall with masks and distancing required. A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center or call 717-238-9304.

Backpacks and School Supplies Have Been Delivered!

Nineteen backpacks and numerous loose-leaf notebooks, notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, glue sticks, folders, rulers, and hand sanitizers were either donated or purchased with the earmarked monetary contributions. These items were delivered to the Joshua Learning Center on Market Street in the Allison Hill neighborhood. The Joshua Center provides educational programs and services for over 200 low-income children and families from their neighborhood. You can learn more about them here.

Pine Street’s Extending God’s Love Team appreciates the kindness and generosity shown in providing backpacks and school supplies for needy students in Harrisburg. We cherish the fact that our church members remain interested in being involved in the city and its needs. The smile on the face of the director of the learning center said it all as he exclaimed that all of the donations were very much needed.

Pine Street Walkers
The Pine Street walkers visited Harrisburg’s City Island last Sunday for a chilly, windy walk! Refreshments were enjoyed at Dukes following the outing.

Upcoming Trip to the Susquehanna Stage Company in Marrietta!
The show, Cabaret, directed by Keifer Kemmerly, is set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. It focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with English performer Sally Bowles. Cabaret is a fierce, meaty musical that pushes the boundaries of the form and literally holds “the mirror up to society.”

When: This Sunday, October 24th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $25 plus handling. Any questions can be directed to Betty Rader.

Around the Church Email Information and Notices
Things are really starting to get “back to normal” and that means many more events and notices are being added to the Around the Church Email. In order to make sure we have plenty of time to prepare the email for Wednesday delivery, please make sure to have any notices to the office by Tuesday evening. All information or notices to be included in the Around the Church Email can be sent directly to kdrown@pinestreet.org. Thanks for your cooperation!

Remember in Prayer
• Chris Earhart
• Interim Pastor Search Committee

October Dates for your Calendar

Wednesday, October 20 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – we will view part one of the Connecting the Dots webinar.
Sunday, October 24 – 8:45 am Church School for All Ages – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Kent Carter, Preaching.
Wednesday, October 27 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – we will view part two of the Connecting the Dots webinar.
Sunday, October 31 – 8:45 am Church School for All Ages – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching.

COVID-19 – Mask Recommendation
It is recommended that all individuals, no matter their vaccination status, wear masks in church. Session asks worshipers to comply with CDC guidelines in consideration of the well-being of children, the immunocompromised, and any others who are not eligible to receive the vaccine.

 

 

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