Camp Hill Presbyterian Church
News
PASTORAL GREETINGS
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.
For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere. . .
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness
(Psalm 84:1-4, 10)
Dear Siblings in Christ,
According to Walter Brueggemann Psalm 84 is one of several psalms known as “Zion Songs” which are intended to “celebrate the divine presence of God in Zion, the Jerusalem temple.” (The other Zion songs include Psalms 46, 48, 76, 87 and 122.)
This psalm offers a sense of deep longing for God, coupled with pure joy at being God’s presence. This dual expression captures one of the great mysteries of our life in God: that we can truly delight at being God’s presence, even as we long for a deeper union with God. Our hearts have an infinite longing for God, but in this life, perfect union with God is fleeting at best, and this leaves us always yearning for more.
And even if we are unaware of this deep yearning within, it is always there. Often, we are tempted to fill this space with other things, but whatever other longing or desire we seek, whether holy or unholy, is nothing more than a poor shadow of our need and desire for God. When we point this desire toward God, it brings us life and joy, and when we seek to satisfy this desire in other ways, we may indeed cause great harm to ourselves to others. And even the holiest movements of our heart will be incomplete and unfulfilled. As Saint Augustine writes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
The Psalmist invites us to notice the deep yearning within each of us, and to honor the sacred fire which kindles our faith and desire and burns in the deepest corners of our hearts. Together, we are invited to discover that our journey toward union with God involves every aspect of our lives. It is a journey which places us on a pilgrim’s path that is both lived externally and within our hearts until that day, when our hearts finally do rest in God, forever.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Richard E. T. Jorgensen, Jr.
IT'S HAPPENING AT CAMP HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A worship service celebrating the commissioning of Elder Beth Fine as Commissioned Pastor of Big Spring Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 3pm at Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Newville. Carlisle Presbytery's Commission on Ministry will commission Beth as a Commissioned Ruling Elder serving Big Spring on May 14. This marks the end of significant study and preparation by Beth over the last few years. Congratulations, Beth, and praise be to God for guiding Beth on her journey. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this service.
Treasurer and Financial Secretary: We are seeking volunteers to help our long-serving Treasurer and Financial Secretary, in preparation for when they decide to step down. Our intent is to have new volunteers work alongside them, learn the current processes and be comfortable stepping into the roles when appropriate. If you feel called to serve or have questions, please reach out to Elder John Zazworsky, Treasurer David Watts or Financial Secretary John Rutzler.
Liturgists Needed: If you would like to help Pastor Richard lead Sunday worship by reading a Bible passage and a prayer or two, please sign up outside the church office and review the instructions provided by the sign up form. It is a great way to participate in worship and in the life of the church. Thank you!
This month Supper Club will meet at TJ Rockwells on Saturday, May 30th at 6pm. All are invited. Please RSVP to Vonny at 717-576-7589 by Sunday, May24th.
Some members of our Chancel Choir will be participating in The American Composers combined choir concert on May 16th, at 7:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill. It will feature guest conductor Mr. Rene Clausen. For tickets and more information: https://www.theharrisburgsingers.org/americancomposers We hope to see you there!
Rev. Potter is on vacation now through May 14.
There are a number of summer weeks open for chancel flower donors starting with June 28, then most of July and a couple weeks in August. Please contact Dolores Peffley at dwpeffley@gmail.com or 717-439-5751 to reserve a week or if you have questions. Thank you!
The Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering began in 1922. This year, the PW grants will be given to a women and children’s crisis shelter in Ohio and a rural food assistance program in North Carolina. Please help us send hope to the distressed by making a donation. Birthday Offering envelopes are available in the pews. Thank you!