In the rural landscape where Berks and Lehigh Counties meet, Longswamp United Church of Christ in Mertztown is known for family-welcoming Sunday worship, a child-centered learning ministry, and practical connections to nearby communities through scouting, food pantry support, weddings and cemetery care. The congregation exists to teach, share and act on Jesus' teachings while helping, loving and welcoming people throughout life's journey.
Sunday Worship at 10:15 AM
Sunday worship begins at 10:15 AM. Longswamp UCC gathers in person and shares the service through its Facebook livestream. A weekly worship bulletin helps worshipers follow along with online worship carried on Facebook or YouTube. Children are always welcome, and both the sanctuary and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
The church is at 200 Clay Road in Mertztown, Pennsylvania. It can be found on the road from Bear Creek Resort to Topton, and drivers passing on State Road can spot the white church on the hill. Longswamp UCC is not a far drive from Reading or Allentown. Its surrounding communities include Mertztown, Topton, Breinigsville, Trexlertown, Alburtis, Fleetwood and Macungie.
A Church for Welcome and Organic Growth
Longswamp UCC exists to teach, share and act on Jesus' teachings, with a goal of helping, loving and welcoming all kinds of people. Its welcome is explicit: “We welcome everyone - no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey.” One of its values is Organic Growth, paired with the statement “We Grow Through the Power of the Spirit.”
The church puts its finest efforts into touching the lives of members and people in need. It fosters a sense of belonging so new people can quickly feel part of its Christ-centered community, while welcoming people wherever they are on life's journey.
Rev. Kimberly Berenotto is Longswamp UCC's pastor. Her ministry background includes children and youth ministry, pastoral work in an extended care facility, faith formation and congregational life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Roanoke College and a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is ordained clergy in the United Church of Christ and is passionate about welcoming everyone into the church community.
Children Begin in Worship
The Children's Church program meets most Sundays. Children begin in worship and, after the Children's Message, go to Sunday School for games, stories, crafts and other activities. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, and Children's Church registration is available. Families can decide whether children join the program after the message or stay with them throughout worship.
Every Sunday, the PrayGround offers a quiet, child-focused area at the front left of the sanctuary where children can play, learn and engage in worship in ways that suit them. Once a month, Communion Sundays are designated Family Sundays, allowing families to spend time together in worship. The PrayGround adds special activities for those gatherings.
Children's Choir
The Children's Choir sings once a month. Songs include “We Are The Church” and “Love, Love, Love.” Children practice during the few weeks before performances.
Learning Center and Scout Connections
The Longswamp Learning Center is Longswamp UCC's primary ministry and outreach. It seeks to provide affordable, quality and developmentally appropriate child care programs where children from diverse cultural backgrounds learn together.
Girl Scout Troop 11098
Girl Scout Troop 11098 meets at Longswamp UCC in Fegely Hall and takes part in community events. The troop also completed the gardening around the church's Christian Education building.
BSA Longswamp Troop 575
BSA Longswamp Troop 575 is also based at the church. Longswamp UCC provides a forested landscape with cabins and trails for Scouts to explore and learn. The troop focuses on skills for life and youth leadership training in the local community.
Time, Talent and Treasure
Longswamp UCC presents giving as sharing time, talent and treasure. Financial gifts can be made through online giving, delivered on Sunday mornings, or dropped off or mailed to the church office. The congregation also values service offered through people's time and talents and describes ministry as extending beyond the church walls.
The church supports local missions, including the Brandywine Food Pantry. Food donations for the pantry can be left at Longswamp UCC every Tuesday from 9 AM to noon. The Bell Room door remains open during that window for deliveries. The collection connects the church's giving emphasis to practical support for a local mission.
Weddings in a Historical Sanctuary
Longswamp UCC's small historical church provides a rural setting for weddings. Pastor Kim customizes each ceremony around the couple's relationship, interests and hopes for the future. Premarital counseling, custom programs and organist or music consultation are available. Couples whose reception will be in the greater Reading or Allentown area can still hold their ceremony in the church's rural surroundings.
The sanctuary seats at least 100 people on the main floor, with additional seating in the balcony. Separate preparation areas are available for the bridal party and groomsmen. The building and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Longswamp Union Cemetery
Longswamp Union Cemetery is located at Longswamp UCC's 200 Clay Road address. The Longswamp Union Cemetery Company was incorporated on November 25, 1924. On December 27, 1964, 8.902 acres from Longswamp UCC and St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church were given to the Longswamp Cemetery Association, where the present cemetery stands. A second gift on August 18, 1977, transferred 12.152 acres of the former schoolhouse property to Longswamp Union Cemetery.
Burial and cremation are available, and a grave can accommodate either one casket burial or two cremations.
Longswamp UCC's work stretches from Sunday worship and children's spaces to Scout grounds, local missions, wedding celebrations and cemetery stewardship, all centered at 200 Clay Road in Mertztown.