A Brethren Congregation on North Chestnut Street
Palmyra Church of the Brethren sits in the center of the small Lebanon County town of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, at 45 North Chestnut Street. A congregation of the Church of the Brethren for more than a century, the church gathers each Sunday morning around three rhythms: worship at 9:00 a.m., fellowship at 10:00 a.m., and study time at 10:30 a.m. Members describe themselves as "seekers learning to trust in God's love, desiring to live and serve in the way of Jesus, celebrating diversity while pursuing unity, nurturing gratitude and generosity, welcoming all."
The denomination that shapes the church was formed more than three hundred years ago in Europe as part of a movement that emphasized adult baptism, community, simplicity, non-violence, and a scripture-grounded faith that finds expression in service to others. The congregation's tagline carries that inheritance forward: "Continuing the work of Jesus. Simply. Peacefully. Together." Locally, the church belongs to the Atlantic Northeast District, where Pastor of Transformative Discipleship Stan Dueck also serves as director of Discipleship Ministries for the district.
Roots in Spring Creek, Growing for 125 Years
The Palmyra congregation was formed over 125 years ago as a mission point of the Spring Creek congregation in Hershey. A December 2017 worship service marked the 125th anniversary, placing the church's founding around 1892. In the years since, the congregation has grown into a sizeable, multi-generational body with a deep music program, an active children's wing, and a long list of community projects to its credit.
The mission statement sums up that purpose plainly: to "invite, welcome, nurture, disciple, equip, empower, and inspire all persons to live and to serve in the way of Jesus." The church describes itself as theologically curious, affirming questions and doubts as integral to faith, and committed to putting belief into action in ways that bless others. Members believe diverse perspectives enrich the life of the congregation and that each person has something of value to contribute.
Sunday Mornings at the Sanctuary
Sunday worship at 9:00 a.m. centers on scripture, prayer, music, and the sharing of joys and concerns. The service is described as a time for connection with one another and God, with thoughtful messages guided by scripture, inspiring music, and the offering of faith stories, all wrapped in prayer and gratitude. The sanctuary features projected lyrics on large screen monitors, large print hymnals, assisted listening devices, and a complement of practical features for every visitor: an elevator, modified pews for wheelchairs, children's activity bags, and nursery care for children up to age three.
Throughout the year, the regular rhythm gives way to special services for Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, Love Feast and Communion, Children, Youth, Young Adult, Graduation, and Music Appreciation Sundays, with occasional Taizé services woven into the calendar. Love Feast, a foot washing and communion service particular to the Brethren tradition, is held several times a year.
Worship is also streamed on YouTube through the Palmyra Church of the Brethren channel, and a deep archive of recorded services going back more than a decade is available online. Orders of worship for every Sunday are posted as well, making the service accessible to those at home or away.
Music That Bridges Generations
Music is one of the most distinctive features of Palmyra Church of the Brethren. The church carries an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ played by organist Eileen Smith, who also serves as Interim Director of Canticle Bells. Pianist Evelyn Werner, Interim Director of the Chancel Choir and Praise Team, accompanies congregational singing, choirs, ensembles, and the praise team from the piano. Guitarist Steve Hartman, Interim Director of the Praise Team and Children's Music, rounds out the instrumental leadership.
Several ensembles rotate through the weekly schedule. The Chancel Choir sings music by both traditional and contemporary composers, rehearsing on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from September through May and serving in worship at least twice a month from September through June, including special occasions. Canticle Bells, the church's handbell choir, performs on a five-octave set of White Chapel handbells, rehearsing Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary and playing in worship monthly from September through May, plus special occasions and handbell festivals. The Praise Team leads congregational singing each Sunday with a mix of guitar, violin, bass, keyboard, and drums, rehearsing Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. For those who cannot commit to weekly rehearsals, vocal and bell quartets offer occasional ways to participate.
Soloists and small ensembles are welcomed into the summer worship schedule as well. The breadth of the program - traditional organ, handbells, and full contemporary band - gives the worship style its blended character.
Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Children's ministry is woven into the Sunday morning worship. Children are invited to gather on the steps in front of the Sanctuary for their own age-appropriate message, and activity bags are available for those who stay in the pews. Nursery care is offered for children up to age three. After worship, age-appropriate Sunday school provides an active, nurturing environment where children build friendships and learn about Jesus.
Monthly activities extend the ministry beyond the classroom: a Christmas party, family movie nights, an Easter egg hunt, bowling, ice skating, hay rides, camp-outs, and swim parties. Little Explorers, a no-cost preschool program for the wider community, meets Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall each fall, with the current session running September 23 through November 18.
Youth in grades 6 through 12 meet for Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Room, and high school youth gather on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monthly outings include bowling, roller skating, ice skating, and swimming, alongside district and denominational retreats, conferences, and FaithX work camps. A Director of Family Ministries oversees this work with children, youth, young adults, and families.
Young Adults, Adults, and Learning Together
Young adults meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The adult education program offers two ongoing classes. J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You) studies the International Lesson, while L.I.F.E. (Live In Faith Everyday) discusses a wide variety of books and topics. Special interest classes are added from time to time, all in a setting the church describes as welcoming of questions and fostering of personal growth in following Jesus' model.
For fellowship that pairs faith with recreation, the church fields a Bowling Church League, coordinated by Greyson Smith. Dementia caregivers find support at the Dementia Caregiver Support Group, which meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parlor.
Hands-On Service in Palmyra and Beyond
Putting faith into action is a recurring theme at Palmyra Church of the Brethren. The Caring Cupboard, Palmyra's community food bank, grew out of one of the church's children's Sunday school classes and remains one of the congregation's proudest partnerships. Beyond the food pantry, members volunteer for FaithX work camps and Disaster Relief trips coordinated by the Church of the Brethren.
The church has played key roles in launching and supporting other collaborative community projects, including Interfaith Manor, Londonderry Village, the PACC Counseling Center, and the Phoenix Youth Center. The church's buildings also host several outside groups: an AA meeting on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., a Women's AA meeting on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., an Al-Anon group on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., and a Boy Scout Troop.
Annual all-ages events knit the congregation and the surrounding community together. Easter Egg Flashlight Hunt, In the Lot (a neighborhood cookout), Unity in Action, Family Camp at Camp Swatara, Trunk-or-Treat, ChristmasFest, and WinterFest fill the calendar throughout the year.
Pine Woods: 68 Acres Outside Palmyra
A short drive from the church building, the Pine Woods retreat property offers 68 acres of wooded land near Annville for group gatherings. The setting, on Old Forge Road, is used for worship, study, hiking, picnics, softball and volleyball games, reunions, birthdays, graduations, anniversary parties, and weddings. Outdoor features include a pavilion with picnic tables, a fire ring, two playgrounds, a ball field, hiking trails, and accessible parking and entrance. Inside, the fellowship hall seats up to 80 around folding tables and chairs, with a wood-burning stove, a large kitchen, an electric range and oven, a microwave, a refrigerator, and an accessible restroom.
Pine Woods is available for private events only - no public events are permitted - at a rate of $225 for one day or $300 for two days. Overnight sleeping arrangements and showers are not available. Reservations are coordinated through the church office by phone or email.
Worship Space, Accessibility, and Practical Details
The historic church building at 45 North Chestnut Street has been modernized to serve its ministries. A recent capital project rewired the entire building for high-speed Wi-Fi, drilling through the structure's thick concrete walls to bring reliable internet to every classroom, office, and ministry space. Other recent improvements have included a revitalized parking lot with new structural curbing near the west entrance and the creation of a dedicated outdoor green space for fellowship, reflection, and prayer.
Accessibility is part of the design. An elevator, modified pews for wheelchairs, large print hymnals, and assisted listening devices make the sanctuary welcoming to people of all abilities. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and can be reached at 717-838-6369 or palmyracob@palmyracob.org.
Pastoral and Program Staff
Lead Pastor Dennis Lohr provides spiritual and administrative leadership through envisioning, planning, preaching, and mentoring. A Rockingham County, Virginia native, he holds a degree in Philosophy and Religion from Bridgewater College and a Master of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary. He and his wife Sally have four grown sons and a granddaughter.
Pastor of Congregational Care Mary Eller supports the congregation through caring and worship ministries, fostering a culture of caregiving. She holds a Master of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary and grew up in the ELCA Lutheran tradition in Union Deposit, Pennsylvania.
Pastor of Transformative Discipleship Stan Dueck serves as a catalytic leader to staff, ministry teams, and church leaders, helping the congregation creatively reimagine its mission in a changing world. An ordained Church of the Brethren minister who retired as Director of Formation Leadership for the denomination, he has taught at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Director of Worship Ministries Rachel Witkovsky leads the church in intergenerational, engaging worship. A graduate of Elizabethtown College with a degree in Theatre Performance and a minor in Creative Writing, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theopoetics and Writing at Bethany Theological Seminary. Communications and Administrative Assistant Sophia Myers handles the church's digital presence, publications, and staff support.
The music staff - organist Eileen Smith, pianist Evelyn Werner, and guitarist Steve Hartman - lead the church's blended musical life from the instrument side of the chancel.
Ways to Connect and Give
Three easy ways to give support the ministry. Members and friends can text any amount to 844-723-3479 to use the Text-to-Give service, give online through the church's giving platform, or mail a check to the church office. Pledge cards, distributed each fall, invite a year-long financial commitment to support the church's ministries.
The Weekly Update, emailed every Saturday, lists upcoming events and opportunities to serve. Worship services are livestreamed on YouTube, with an extensive archive of past services and orders of worship available online. Beyond the regular Sunday rhythm, the church offers fellowship events, Pine Woods retreats, mission trips, support groups, and music ensembles as entry points for newcomers looking to find their place.