ST JOHN'S & COMMUNITY

• 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.

Children's games, typical of early twentieth century church picnics, are held each day. These include bean toss, lawn bowling, and hoop races, and are free.

• 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. Dr. Harry L. Serio, June DeTurk, and Theresa Saul Grim are present each day to interpret the early church life and to lead in congregational singing accompanied by an 1850 pedal organ. Dr. Serio teaches a course on "The Spirituality and Folk Traditions of the Pennsylvania Germans."

Kutztown Pennsylvania German Worship on the Sundays over which the festival runs, St. John's holds its worship services at the Main Stage. It uses the nineteenth century adaptation of the Palatinate liturgy commonly used in Reformed churches of the period, portions of which are in German. St. John's choirs and festival musicians perform during the service.

• 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 and its pastor, Dr. Serio served on the original board of directors.

• Other Community Members
St. John's United Church of Christ is a member of the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and the Berks Arts Council.