|
• Relationship
with Kutztown
University
In 1860 the Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, pastor of St.
John's, conceived the idea of an institution for higher
learning and opened the Fairview Seminary in his home.
This eventually became Kutztown University.
St.
John's feels a special relationship to the university and
is the spiritual home of many faculty, administration and
students. It celebrates that relationship in its annual University
Appreciation Sunday and its pastor has served on several
committees for the improvement of university-town relations.
As
a denomination, the United Church of Christ is strongly committed
to education. Its forebears founded the first college in
America (Harvard, 1636), the first college for Native Americans
(Dartmouth, 1769), and the first college for women (Mt. Holyoke,
1837). Other historically related colleges include Yale,
Oberlin, Ursinus, Franklin & Marshall and Cedar Crest.
• Kutztown Strawberry Festival
As part of the Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival, St.
John's United Church of Christ operates a "Strawberry Festival"
adjacent to the Union Church. The strawberry shortcake with
ice cream is among the most popular foods served at the festival.
• Kutztown
Pennsylvania German Festival
The Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival is a celebration
of Pennsylvania Dutch history, culture, and tradition,
held each summer at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. St. John's
Union Church is a re-creation of a nineteenth century
church building that incorporates the old chancel furniture
and pews from the 1876 St. John's building. St. John's
participates in the worship held at the Pennsylvania
German Festival.
• Friend
Inc.
Friend, Inc. is a local multi-service social
agency promoting the well-being of citizens in
need by connecting clients with appropriate resources
and communicating and cooperating with service
providers and with local educational, civic, social,
and religious organizations. It was founded by
a former pastor of St. John's, the Rev. George
Shults, and initially headquartered in the church
building. Several St. John's members serve on its
board.
• Kutztown
Area Chamber of Commerce
St. John's is a charter member of the Kutztown
Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Other
Community Memberships
St. John's United Church of Christ is a member of the Reading
and Berks County Visitors Bureau and the Berks Arts Council.
It is also a member of the Kutztown Ministerial Association.
|
