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Pastor’s Letter
Did you see The Odyssey? I admit, I’m a sucker for a summer blockbuster.
After watching it more than a few times, I jumped down a rabbit hole, consulting various translations and commentaries, and reading critiques of Nolan’s interpretation. I’m not sure why it stuck with me so much. But I also have to admit there’s something compelling, almost primally so, about the story of a person fighting to get home.
In the aftermath of traumatic violence and war, Odysseus longs to return to a place that represents life before. Only, when he gets there, he finds that home is more complicated a thing than he realized, and, ultimately, there’s no going back to the way things are before.
And in Homer’s world, surrounded by large palaces of the previous Myceneans that dwarfed anything the early Greeks could construct, the story was re-told about a past civilization that already came and went–a distant remembered home to which they could never return.
In the world of the Odyssey, not too far removed from the biblical world, hospitality (between elite men) was paramount. But, as Odysseus finds, it’s also a more complicated thing than the positive associations we have with the word “hospitality” today–something easily taken advantage of or manipulated.
The Bible is clear on the importance of hospitality, despite all of its complications, but “home” is a bit more fraught a question.
The house of God is a spiritual reality different from our own earthly pilgrimage, “for in this tent we groan, longing to be further clothed with our heavenly dwelling” (2 Corinthians 5:2).
Repeatedly, Christ calls his disciples away from the comfort of their own homes, even telling them to “hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself…” (Luke 14:26). Yeesh.
So why the name “Welcome Home Sunday” to kick off a new program year?
On the corner of Third and Pine, we find ourselves surrounded by a magnificent building once fuller than it is today. We know well the amount of work it takes to build a home and the challenges that come with fighting to maintain it in the face of world’s scarcity. In our ministry with Downtown Daily Bread right over on South Street, more and more of our neighbors fight a complicated relationships with home, and one that is bleakly simple.
But precisely because home is a spiritual reality, we can find it anywhere. And precisely because it takes work–more work than one person can bear–we find it especially at the place we gather together, where the saints who went before us started a work which goes on still today.
As Jesus says, “in my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…And you know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:2-4).
We know the way-no cyclops, sea monster, or contending suitors required. This October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the major building project that led to our sanctuary in its current form, when our predecessors literally “raised the roof.” There’s no going back to those days, but what is ahead is much more than we can even expect.
The way forward for us is not upward-it’s outward. Because of the faithfulness of our saints, the work in front of us is not about building spaces, but building relationships-the work that makes a house, or a church, a home.
Hospitality can be a fraught thing-sometimes it’s easier to dive down the rabbit hole of housework than to simply being at home. What we do together takes work, but it’s really all about the work that God is already doing.
So, this church year, I invite you into the work of homemaking, for yourself and for others. In this edition of Pine Street Life, there are highlights of incredible ministry we’ve accomplished over the past few months and yet more opportunities to dive in. As we welcome ourselves into a deeper reality of home, may you find at Pine Street respite from the world’s stress, restlessness to face the world’s great need, and encouragement that God dwells around us and within us, always.
Yours in Christ,
Stuart Seelman
Pastor
The Service for the Lord’s Day –
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M.
Join us for worship on Sunday for:
The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
“Left to Our Own Devices”
with The Rev. Stuart Seelman
Scripture Readings
Exodus 12:1-14
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
Live streaming is available on our Facebook page or the Pine Street website.
Worship Service: Recorded and Posted on:
Website, YouTube, and Facebook
The worship service is also recorded. If you are unable to watch it live at 10:00 a.m., please go to our website by clicking on the Sunday Worship Page link above and view the latest service in the top view box, and older services in the Worship Services ARCHIVE section. You can also view services on YouTube or Facebook. Current Sunday morning recordings of the service can be accessed after the live-streamed service is over.
Parking and Accessibility
On Sundays, street parking next to the church is available.
Congregants may also park in the South Street Garage. On Sunday mornings, simply enter the garage and park. When exiting the church, scan a QR code posted at the Welcome Desk and the narthex at the back of the Sanctuary and enter your license plate number. The exit gate will raise automatically.
Ushers will be on hand to assist you, even if you don’t have a smartphone.
Those with mobility limitations may enter through the accessible entrance ramp on Third Street. Several handicap spots are designated with signs on the street next to the church. Large print bulletins are available at all church entrances.
Keeping Track, Staying Connected:
A New Way to Care for our Pine Street Family
Constance Todd
More Than a Headcount
For nearly 170 years, Pine Street Presbyterian Church has been a place where people gather-not simply to worship, but to belong. From the 42 members who formed our congregation in 1858 to the generations who have worshiped in our sanctuary, Pine Street has been shaped by people who show up for one another.
Throughout our history, Pine Street has opened its doors to neighbors, supported those in need, and built a tradition of worship, service, and community. Today, that tradition continues through ministries such as Downtown Daily Bread, the Homeland Center, refugee resettlement efforts, support of Camp Curtin Academy, and many other ministries of care, compassion, music, and fellowship. At the heart of all we do is something wonderfully simple: people matter.
Christian community extends beyond Sunday mornings, and many important members of our community are not able to be present every Sunday. Beginning this fall, Pine Street will use ChurchTrac to help keep track of participation in worship, classes, Bible studies, small groups, and other gatherings.
While attendance may sound like simply counting numbers, for us it is about staying connected. This information will help us better care for our members, plan events and ministries, coordinate volunteers, and thoughtfully steward our space and resources.
A New Tool for an Old Tradition
Beginning on Welcome Home Sunday, September 13, our worship Deacons will greet members and guests at the sanctuary entrances with iPads. They will quickly record attendance and assist with updating contact information. Visitors and guests may also provide their information to receive Around the Church and learn more about becoming involved in the life of Pine Street. Deacon greeters can also assist with validating parking.
Members and guests are asked to enter through one of four entrances: the Third Street Ramp Door, the corner door at Third and Pine Streets, the Gathering Place Sanctuary entrance, or the Memorial Hallway entrance. Please see the diagram below.
Thank you to our ministry leaders and volunteers who are helping make this new process possible. And thank you, members and friends of Pine Street, for embracing this new tool as we continue the long-standing tradition of gathering, caring, and being there for one another.
A New Way To Enter
Starting September 13, 2026
Cafe Conversations
Sunday Mornings 9:00 am in room 103
Cafe Conversations is kicking off a new study and you’re welcome to join!
We will be reading and discussing “Everywhere Is Jerusalem: Experiencing the Holy Then and Now” by James C. Howell.
From the book cover: “James Howell takes you to significant places in the ongoing story of the Christian faith…Along the way, you’ll discover the profound connections between biblical stories and the places they happened.”
If you would like our prayer team to pray for you, have a specific request, or would like the Pastor to contact you please click the button below.
September Giving Barrel:
Canned Food Drive for Downtown Daily Bread
This September, Pine Street’s Giving Barrel will collect consumer-sized canned food items to support the non-perishable food pantry at Downtown Daily Bread in Harrisburg.
As food insecurity continues to affect many individuals and families in our community, these donations will help stock pantry shelves and provide much-needed nourishment to those facing difficult circumstances.
Requested items include:
Canned vegetables
Canned fruits
Soups and stews
Tuna, chicken, and other canned proteins
Beans and legumes
Pasta sauces
Canned pasta and meals
Other consumer-sized non-perishable canned goods
Please note that bulk-size or institutional-size items cannot be accepted. Individual and family-sized canned goods are most helpful for pantry distribution.
Whether you donate one item or fill a bag, every contribution makes a difference. Thank you for supporting Pine Street’s Giving Barrel ministry and helping our neighbors in need. Your generosity reflects Christ’s love in action throughout our Harrisburg community.
For questions about September’s Giving Barrel collection, please contact the church office.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
GIVING BARREL UPDATE
Back-to-School Supplies for Camp Curtin Students
For our July and August Giving Barrel which has been dedicated to Camp Curtin Academy, the barrel has been emptied once and filling up again. If you remember, we are collecting personal- sized hygiene items, school supplies and backpacks for these 5th, 6th and 7th graders.
Some dates to note:
9/13. Backpacks will be blessed during our church service.
9/14. Backpacks will be delivered to Camp Curtin Academy.
Thank you to everyone for your generosity in helping Harrisburg school children have a good start to the new school year. If any questions, feel free to contact Alicelyn Sleber.
Thank you kindly for your continued generosity and support!
Krislund Golf Tournament
Pine Street has a long history with Christian camping for young people, not only during summer camp, but throughout the year with retreats. In the 50’s and 60’s, Pine Street youth attended Camp Michaux near Carlisle. In the late 60’s, Carlise Presbytery and two other presbyteries acquired Krislund Camp near State College. Pine Street has been supporting Krislund with youth and adult camping as well as supporting the camp and programs ever since. We also support them financially, and with sweat and labor during work weeks or weekends. Pine Streeters were responsible for building the Roberta Adams Amphitheater to honor Roberta, spouse of Dick Adams, a former pastor here.
One of the fund-raising events Krislund offers is a golf tournament in the fall. Pine Street has a history with the tournament as well. Pine Streeters won the tournament in 2014. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 11, at the Nittany Country Club. There is still time to register for the tournament. You can also support the tournament with donations, sponsorships, or volunteering to help the day of the tournament. Information is available at the Welcome Center. Enter as a foursome representing Pine Street and bring the Trophy back to Pine Street!