Make a Pledge
Click and view our 2016 Stewardship Letter.
Why Give?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
Giving to the church is first and foremost a way of expressing gratitude to God for the gifts we have received. It’s also a way of partnering with God by funding programs that help the needy in our community; a way of supporting the church so that others may hear the good news of God’s love; and a way of practicing discipleship by moving away from materialism and investing in the common good.
Worship
Visitors are welcome at Old Pine services and even expected! Most newcomers to Old Pine are struck by the warmth of the service and the friendliness of the people.
Music
We love music at Old Pine. Old Pine’s most famous music director was Louis Redner, who is the composer of the Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” During the summer of 1998 an historic J. W. Steere Pipe Organ was installed, a wonderful instrument heard in all of our services. We are currently blessed by the leadership of music director Tom Faracco, who leads the choir from September through May. The ensemble consists of approximately twenty gifted volunteers and professional section leaders, who sing a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from Bach Cantatas to gospel music. If you are interested in singing with the choir, or play an instrument, please see Tom at coffee hour or email him for more information.
Although our foundation is excellent choral music, we delight in diversity. Several times a year, we hold jazz services, led by member and musician Warren Cooper. We also welcome contributions from members who perform songs from virtually every genre of music.
Jazz Revival Series
In 1986, Old Pine Street Church was the first house of worship in Philadelphia to start a jazz vespers series, which lasted for more than 20 years. With the help of a grant from the Philadelphia Presbytery, we are bringing jazz worship back in a new form. Our new Jazz Revival Series is envisioned as “Jazz worship meets a TED talk.” This series is an attempt to use jazz music as a conduit for new and creative worship experiences.
Read more: Jazz Revival Series
Leadership & Staff
Adult Education Programs
A full range of programs are offered regularly. Designed with room for exploration, the Adult Education programs encourage questions and dialogue between the faith we know and the world in which we live.
See the Events Page for specific dates of these various programs.
Adult Forum
Adult Sunday School series are offered periodically from September to June. The sessions are generally held in the Duffield Room following worship and coffee hour.
Annual Adult Retreat
Jesus said to his disciples, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” — Mark 6:31
Old Pine provides for such a “coming away” annually. The hustle and bustle of life can wear you down! It’s good to get away from the everyday routine, and gather in a quiet place. This year’s retreat was held from Feb 1-3 at Pendle Hill, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. Our leader was Debra Sutton, pastor, counselor, and spiritual leader. She led us in the theme of “Holy Leisure . . . to develop a sense of balance in one’s life, an ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to pace ourselves, and an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty.” We experienced a wonderful opportunity to be away from the noise of the city and get better acquainted with Old Pine folk that we see across the aisle in worship on Sunday.
Bible Book of the Month
Each month participants read a selected book of the Bible, or portion of a book, and meet once a month on Sunday at the Old Pine Community Center for lunch and discussion following worship.
Come join us for lunch and discussion. Please read the book before the discussion and bring your questions.
Interfaith Study Group
Members of local Jewish, Muslim and Christian (Protestant and Catholic) congregations gather for sessions of interfaith Bible Study and discussion. The experience helps to bridge the gap between faith traditions.
Mid-Week Early Morning Bible Study
The early bird gets the Word! All are welcome to join us for a small, informal mid-week Bible Study.
Or perhaps, the early bird gets coffee, companionship, and Spirit-filled conversation. We typically gather on Wednesday, every other week, 7:00-8:15am, at the Food Court at the Bellevue (Broad and Walnut Streets, enter via Broad Street doors).
No preparation required; we read and discuss a chapter together. There are merchants in the Food Court where you can grab your coffee/tea and bagel.
Map to Early Morning Bible Study
Children and Youth at Old Pine
Click here to visit the Sunday School Page
Children are central to Old Pine life. They are welcomed as full participants in every aspect of our life as a community of faith. As a congregation, we take seriously the promises we make to children at their baptism and strongly support the nurture and education of the children of our church family.
Old Pine offers professionally staffed infant and nursery care during Sunday morning worship and activities. Professional child care staff attends to the needs of our youngest members so parents can worship with complete peace of mind.
Sunday School classes are open to children of all ages. Children aged 10 and younger accompany their parents to worship at 10:30 a.m. and then are dismissed after the “Lesson for Young Christians.” Classes meet in the Duffield Room and include music, bible stories, arts and crafts.
Youth in grades 5-8 gather Sunday mornings at 9am for discussion and activities. They meet at the Old Pine Community Center for about an hour and then walk the few steps through the historic cemetery to the Church sanctuary for worship at 10:30am. They have talked about homelessness and visited with a former homeless person and his brother; they have shared their favorite Bible verses and why they are important to each one; they have experienced what it feels like to make a decision that is different from what their friends may do. Co-leaders for each session help these young people find answers, ask new (and old) questions, and walk with the faith each day. Friends are always welcome to attend.
Confirmation/Commissioning Classes are held approximatley every two years. The class, designed for young people grade 9 and older, explores the fundamentals of Christian faith. The young people are matched with a “shepherd”, a member of the congregation who walks with and mentors the young person through this particular part of their journey of faith.
Sunday School at Old Pine
Thank you for being a part of Sunday School at Old Pine! Our Sunday School class is for children ages 4 thru 4th grade. This class meets during the worship service. Our P2C class (“pre-teen to Confirmation”) is for kids in 5th grade thru 8th grade. P2C meets before our worship service, from 9:15 – 10:15am. P2C classes are 3 to 4 week units, with a break between units.
The children and youth at Old Pine are a vital part of our church community. Please contact me by email with any questions or to volunteer to help in our children’s program.
Thank you!
Kristina Shaughnessy, Children’s Ministries Coordinator
Joining Old Pine’s Community of Faith
For more than 240 years, folks at Old Pine Presbyterian Church have been serious about the Christian faith and how it can be lived faithfully every day. We know that the good news of Jesus Christ transforms lives, and we’re eager to welcome fellow travelers along the journey of faith. Everyone is welcome at Old Pine. We don’t expect a certain level of faith or knowledge before newcomers are welcomed as part of our community. We know that God welcomes us where we are, but doesn’t leave us there. Instead, we journey forward in faith, learning and growing.
Visitors who come through the Old Pine doors will be greeted by a friendly, inclusive community. Once we get to know each other, the visitor may want to learn more about the Christian faith, the unique history of Third, Scots, and Mariners Church, and about membership at Old Pine. Several times each year, Pastor Jason Ferris holds a series of membership exploration classes for those interested in learning more about membership in our community. Please contact the pastor for more information: 215-925-8051 or by email.
Directions
The church is located on Pine Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Street parking is permitted on Sundays until 1pm on the south side of Pine Street. There is also a small lot on 5th Street between Lombard and Pine Streets. The exact street address is 412 Pine Street, Philadelphia PA 19106.
Listen to Sermons
Listen to Sermons
Old Pine is pleased to introduce online audio recordings of sermons from our worship services. You can listen on our site or download the files to your computer.