Bergstrasse Lutheran Church launches seniors gathering, community clothing closet

Bergstrasse Lutheran Church, a church with history dating back to 1752, has an expansive view over the valley below.

There are meadows and farm fields and orchards. Buggies pass by on Route 322. Perched on the hilltop, an angel statue watches over the cemetery that surrounds the historic brick church.

When Bergstrasse Lutheran Church was first established, those who worshiped there were Pennsylvania German farm families. It was a rural church in the farmlands east of Ephrata.

That’s quite a different scene from its environment today, situated near the bustling intersection where Route 322 meets Route 222. Walmart is just yards away.

“No, they would not have imagined what it would be like someday,” says the Rev. Jim Goodyear, the church’s pastor. “And yet, it is still very much the same, as a small church that serves its community and welcomes everyone.”

The small congregation— with just 85 members— has launched several outreach projects to connect with those in the community who may not always feel included. That includes LGBTQ+ people, single parents with young children, teens who are struggling to find their place in the world, families with low incomes or older adults who are lonely. Goodyear says individuals don’t have to be members to find community in the church.

“Whoever you are, wherever you are in your life journey, regardless of your past, you are welcome here,” Goodyear says. “We are a community that embraces the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, who is our model for living. Our mission is to serve our neighbor.”

Goodyear knows the meaning of being accepted. The openly gay pastor, who grew up in York County, has been a minister since 2011 and spent many years in the Philadelphia area because he thought that was the only place where he could be himself. When he had the opportunity to become the pastor at Bergstrasse Church, he wasn’t quite sure if the congregation would accept him.

“I have passed by this church many times driving on the turnpike,” Goodyear says. “I had no idea that this would be the place where I would feel truly welcomed as pastor.”

New outreach projects

In early March, the church began new outreach programs designed to help the community.

Coordinating their efforts with Ephrata Area Social Services, Bergstrasse Lutheran Church is starting Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet, for people needing clothes, especially children. The clothing closet is accepting gently used clothing in any size for men, women, teens and children. They are also collecting accessories such as belts, hats, scarves and shoes, as well as children’s toys, household goods and more.

During the first community closet event in March, the closet was able to assist 14 area families in need of clothing. The closet is stocked with items, and donations are being accepted from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays. The closet is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturday of every month and every Sunday.

Becky Martin and her wife, Pattie Martin, are coordinating the Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet, filling it with shoes, clothing for all ages, coats, and much more. They started the process of collecting items in January.

“Ephrata has a lot of problems with homelessness and low-income situations, and we wanted to do our part to help,” Becky Martin says. “We are accepting donations from the community.”

As Pattie Martin adds, working with Ephrata Area Social Services, the Clothing Closet can help to get clothing and other items based on needs, such as clothing for a child of a certain age.

After moving from Coatesville to Ephrata, the couple was seeking a welcoming church. They found that when they met Goodyear and the rest of the congregation.

“We feel like we are at home. We have been welcomed with open arms,” Becky Martin says. “And now, we want to give back to our community.”

Gather on the Hill

To connect with its senior neighbors, Bergstrasse Church has started Gather on the Hill, a program for seniors looking for a place to socialize and meet new people.

The first Gather on the Hill in March drew 35 older adults, and the second in April had 45. The next installment is planned for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7 at the church at 9 Hahnstown Road in Ephrata. The church provides lunch and fun activities like bingo, where older adults can win prizes. The program is being coordinated with Ephrata Area Social Services, and arrangements can be made for transportation by calling Ephrata Area Social Services at 717-733-0345. RSVP is required by the Friday before each event.

For Christobelle Holdsworth, a newer member of Bergstrasse Church, the program is a wonderful way to reach out to older adults in the community. She is serving on the committee to help plan the older adult programs, with plans to include exercise, crafts, games and more.

“I think that many seniors might feel lonely, and this is a wonderful way to help with that loneliness,” Holdsworth says. “And you don’t have to be a member of the church. Everyone is invited.”

Dave Wilhelm has been a member of Bergstrasse Church for more than 40 years and now serves as president of the church council. He feels strongly that the church needs to reach out and welcome everyone.

“It’s part of following Jesus’s teachings,” Wilhelm says. “Jesus reached out to everyone.”

The church’s plans to serve its community extend beyond the clothing closet and older adult program efforts, too. Bergstrasse Church also plans to begin a community garden, where people can grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables and share them with others.