At 3461 South Cedar Crest Boulevard on Emmaus's east side, The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit occupies a small rise above Cedar Crest Boulevard near the Emmaus High School stadium. The congregation serves the greater Allentown community and is known for three distinct Sunday morning worship gatherings, faith formation from infancy through adulthood, and ministries that join music, accessibility, care and service. A monthly Rejoicing Spirits gathering makes worship built for participation one of Holy Spirit's defining commitments.
Three Sunday Gatherings, One Welcoming Congregation
Holy Spirit's Sunday rhythm gives worshipers distinct ways to join the congregation's musical, sacramental and community life. The morning services generally last about 50 minutes, are accompanied by music and include Holy Communion.
8:30 a.m. Worship and Praise
The first gathering is a lively, upbeat and spirit-filled service celebrating God's message. Choral and instrumental groups provide music for the service, which is held in person and streamed live on Zoom.
9:45 a.m. Family Worship
Family Worship is a children-focused service of about 25 minutes. It includes a children's message, Word, Holy Communion, songs and prayer, with child-friendly music that helps young worshipers participate. Children are most comfortable at this service, but they are welcomed and celebrated at every morning gathering.
10:45 a.m. Tradition Renewed: A Spirit Alive
The later service blends traditional Lutheran worship with current music. Hymns, musical liturgy, choirs and organ accompany the Word and meal in a welcoming expression of the congregation's Lutheran identity. It is also streamed live on Zoom.
Holy Spirit's communion table is open to anyone who is baptized and believes that in the bread and wine they receive Christ. Grape juice is used so all may receive freely. Young children who have not yet received First Communion are blessed by the communion assistant when brought to the altar rail.
Services are available through the YouTube live channel, and a collection of recorded worship services allows people to return to sermons and music from earlier services.
2:30 p.m. Rejoicing Spirits
On the second Sunday of each month, Rejoicing Spirits provides an inclusive, joyful service for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers. The Rejoicing Spirits Ringers and Rejoicers take visible roles as worship leaders, and everyone is encouraged to participate. A fellowship gathering follows in the Fellowship Center of the Kuntzleman Wing.
Finding Holy Spirit on Cedar Crest Boulevard
Holy Spirit stands on the east side of Cedar Crest Boulevard, approximately 0.4 miles north of South Cedar Crest and Chestnut Street and just north of the Emmaus High School stadium. The easiest approach is to turn onto Pine Street from Cedar Crest Boulevard, continue onto Holy Spirit Drive and follow the right fork to the main level. The Worship Center is on the south side of the building and is the first part of the church visitors encounter.
Three parking lots are available on the property. Two are behind the main building and one is on the south side. Drivers approaching from Pine Street will reach the two rear lots first.
The main level, including the sanctuary, Fellowship Center and most meeting rooms, is at walk-in ground level. A lift provides access to the lower level, designated accessible parking is near the worship entrance, and the main entrance offers a convenient drop-off point for people who need assistance. The congregation's accessibility also extends beyond physical access through its active Rejoicing Spirits ministry and its welcome to people with special needs.
There is no formal dress requirement. Worshipers are encouraged to wear whatever allows them to concentrate comfortably, ranging from jeans and T-shirts to more formal Sunday clothing. A greeter meets people in the lobby, and ushers are available to answer questions. Refreshments and conversation are part of the fellowship times between services.
The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It can be reached at 610-967-2220 or Info@holyspirit-emmaus.org. Office and nursery-school closures follow East Penn School District decisions, while weekend worship closing announcements are carried by WFMZ Channel 69 and Holy Spirit's Facebook and online channels.
A Congregation Rooted in Grace Since 1961
The church's history begins on May 14, 1961, when members signed its charter. Rooted in the Lehigh Valley and the borough of Emmaus, the growing congregation built around worship, formation and service and continued to extend its invitation to new neighbors and partners. Holy Spirit defines its mission this way: Gathered by God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we invite and welcome all people to join our journey to become more faithful ministers of Jesus Christ in our homes, our communities and the world.
The church's core values give that mission practical shape:
- Engaging in meaningful worship that celebrates grace and spiritual renewal
- Respecting all individuals and meeting people where they are
- Growing together in faith throughout all life stages
- Recognizing and responding to needs through giving and service
- Cultivating a generous and caring community
Since 2007, Holy Spirit has been a Reconciling in Christ congregation. It welcomes people of every age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic heritage, special need and diversity of experience into worship, service and congregational life. Its worship joins liturgy and music with the confession of failure and despair and the hearing of God's forgiving voice through Word and sacraments. The church describes its Reconciling in Christ identity as an affirmation that all people are welcome to encounter God's love as they worship, serve and grow together.
Holy Spirit is a congregation of the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It also names full communion partnerships with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, The Moravian Church and United Methodist Church, while continuing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.
Pastor Shari Duminy serves as senior pastor, and Pastor Tami Reichley serves as associate pastor with responsibilities in pastoral and member care, Stephen Ministry, outreach and other mission teams. Deacon Reylene Starego directs music, Deacon Melanie Werley directs liturgy, Karin Kahler leads children's formation and the nursery school, Amber O’Brien leads formation for youth and adults, and Carol Campbell serves as Faith Community Nurse and Health Educator.
Children Grow in Faith from Three to Grade Five
Holy Spirit's formation for younger children begins with the Baby Ministry for families with babies and young children. Frolic, a three-year digital newsletter, helps parents begin faith formation alongside the physical, intellectual and emotional development of their children. Families also receive a faith bag at baptism. Baptisms themselves take place within congregational worship so the family of faith can welcome the new member in Christ.
Sunday School for children age 3 through Grade 5 begins the Sunday after Labor Day with an open house in the Worship Center. Preschool and kindergarten classes meet on the lower level, while elementary classes are on the main level. Preschool and kindergarten use creative stories and art projects. First through fifth grade lessons draw on Cokesbury and Augsburg Fortress materials and cover Old and New Testament stories, Bible skills and Martin Luther's Small Catechism through a multiple-intelligence approach.
Children receive an age-appropriate Bible at the start of Sunday School, typically at age 3, again in third grade and at the beginning of catechism. Third graders receive special instruction in using their Bible, and parents may attend those lessons. All faith formation classes receive age-appropriate Holy Communion instruction on the last Sunday in January. Third graders have four weeks of First Communion preparation during February, with First Communion celebrated on the first Sunday in March and with children who began receiving Communion the previous year.
GIFT activities bring preschool and elementary families together monthly through the year. Seasonal gatherings have included Lenten and Advent activities, an Iron Pigs game, pumpkin painting, theater, book bingo, Jesus and Jammies, and movie nights. Vacation Bible School is another annual gathering for children ages 3½ through entering fifth grade. Children from the church and community rotate through art, music, storytelling, crafts, snacks and games centered on a shared theme.
Catechism, Service and Family Life for Youth
Youth formation continues through middle and high school. Faith Incubators Head2Heart confirmation materials help sixth graders explore the Living Faith, Living Scripture and Living Lutheran tradition, including Luther's Small Catechism. Each sixth grader receives The Message Remix and The Lutheran Handbook. The Rite of Affirmation of Baptism usually occurs in October of ninth grade, accompanied by Evangelical Lutheran Worship for use in daily life and faith formation. Catechism Camp combines weekend-long Bible learning, music, Scripture, games, outdoor activities and worship, and is a required part of confirmation. High School Connect addresses current issues and faith concerns while encouraging students to become mentors for younger youth.
Youth also serve in consequential roles. They sing in choirs and other music groups, perform as soloists, serve as acolytes, readers, ushers, greeters and crucifers, assist at Vacation Bible School, represent youth on Church Council and can assist at worship. Leadership opportunities include the ELCA National Youth Conference, youth activities and service with the wider church.
Through the community-based Angel Network, Holy Spirit works with school guidance personnel to support financially challenged students and families with basic assistance. The congregation collects food and laundry detergent for more than 130 families twice a year, while the Youth Group adds items through its Super Bowl of Caring drive. Young people can collect, sort and assemble baskets as part of their confirmation service.
Adults who work with children and youth must complete state and FBI background checks, and the church maintains additional policies intended to create a safe environment for minors.
Holy Spirit Nursery School
Holy Spirit Christian Nursery School provides social and academic learning within a core of Christian values. The school nurtures each child's social, emotional, academic, spiritual and physical development, recognizes every child as a unique individual and follows Pennsylvania standards for early childhood education. Weekly chapel services and daily experiences of God's caring love are central to the environment.
Classes serve children ages 3, 4 and 5:
- Pollywogs, for three-year-olds, meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m.
- Tadpoles, for three-year-olds, meet Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m.
- Panda Bears, for four-year-olds, meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m.
- Brown Bears, for four-year-olds, meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
- Polar Bears, for five-year-olds, meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m.
A certified teacher leads each class with an instructional assistant, creating a caring setting for learning, creative expression and growing confidence.
Adult Faith Formation and Small Groups
Adult Faith Formation meets Sunday mornings from September through May at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Center. Sessions are open to everyone and include lectionary-based study. Holy Spirit also participates in the ELCA's Book of Faith initiative, which seeks greater biblical literacy and fluency. People are encouraged to read along during Scripture readings and can use the congregation's curated Bible resources for additional study.
Small groups offer ways to connect, learn and serve:
- Prime Timers brings together singles and couples for fellowship, conversation and special-interest activities. Most participants are members, but friends from other churches also join this diverse and ecumenical seniors group.
- Stitch and Chat meets on the second Monday of each month to make lap-size quilts. More than 100 quilts are distributed annually to local organizations, Project Help in Maine, congregants and others in need.
- Knitting in Faith knits and crochets prayer shawls for people who are ill, preparing for surgery, grieving, homebound, facing disaster or held in prayer.
- M & M's, Too gathers women on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. for conversation, connection and prayer.
- Holy Spirit Book Group usually meets on the fourth Monday to discuss books that engage faith and life, and is open to both men and women.
- Bloomin' Faith shares small bouquets of flowers with people who are homebound, ill or grieving, brightening difficult days and reminding them that someone cares and prays.
Worship is a cooperative ministry. Adults can serve as assisting ministers, acolytes, crucifers, altar-care volunteers, readers, communion assistants, ushers, greeters, nursery helpers or flower-delivery volunteers. Mission teams also organize community outreach, faith formation, member care, ministry in daily life, benevolence, financial and property support, staff relations, stewardship, technology, worship, music and Rejoicing Spirits.
Stephen Ministry and the Ministry of All Believers
Stephen Ministry is Holy Spirit's trained lay caring program for one-to-one support during difficult periods such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation or major life adjustment. The caring ministry is open to people in the community as well as members, and confidentiality is central to its training and supervision.
Stephen Ministers receive in-depth training in communication and caring skills and regularly meet in peer supervision. Their work extends the pastoral care provided by pastors, offering listening, encouragement, emotional and spiritual support, and the promise of help, hope and healing. A typical caring relationship involves a weekly meeting of about an hour, with an initial two-year commitment and continuing support from Stephen Leaders Kitti Berkheimer, Mike Berkheimer and Lynn Snyder.
Rejoicing Spirits: Worship Built for Participation
Rejoicing Spirits enriches the faith lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. Its monthly service is intentionally joyful and inclusive, with the Rejoicing Spirits Ringers providing handbell music and Rejoicers participating as worship leaders and in seasonal pageants. Everyone is encouraged to attend the weekly services and join other parts of congregational life.
This commitment shapes the church more broadly. Holy Spirit welcomes people regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation or special needs, and its Reconciling in Christ identity extends that welcome to people of every race and ethnic heritage. Accessibility is expressed through ground-level access, the lower-level lift, accessible parking, a drop-off point and worship designed so that participation is possible for people with different abilities.
Music for Every Generation
Music is a defining dimension of Holy Spirit's worship. The music ministry seeks to provide meaningful and current music for people of all ages and abilities through a variety of vocal and instrumental groups.
Children in Sunday School through Grade 5 learn songs, connect their messages with biblical texts and prepare vocal arrangements, chimes and percussion for Family Worship. The Children's Chime Choir is open to children in Grades 1 through 5 and performs for special occasions such as Christmas Eve. Youth musicians with instrumental experience are also welcome to contribute to Family Worship.
Adult music groups include:
- Adult Choir, which provides choral leadership for the 10:45 service and Festival Sundays from September through June, with Thursday evening rehearsals in the Nave and no requirement for previous choral experience
- Festival Choir, a concert choir that performs two concerts each year
- Spirit Ringers, a 60-member handbell ensemble accompanying hymns, anthems, liturgy and preludes
- Rejoicing Spirits Ringers, who gather for the monthly inclusive service and fellowship gathering
- Drum Ensemble, which draws on drums of many sizes and African-inspired music for the 10:45 service at different points in the year
- Instrumentalists, including guitar, percussion, woodwind and string players who contribute to the 8:30 and 10:45 services
The variety allows each Sunday gathering to have a distinct musical identity while keeping music central to the congregation's shared worship.
Caring Near and Far
Holy Spirit's outreach seeks to recognize the spiritual and human needs of individuals and communities near and far and respond in a biblically sound, culturally relevant way that builds relationships. Its work includes support for local families, care within the congregation and long-term partnerships in Tanzania.
Locally, the Angel Network provides food and household support to students and families, while Stitch and Chat distributes handmade quilts. Knitting in Faith creates prayer shawls, and the Faith Community Nurse supports spiritual, mental and physical well-being as part of the pastoral care team. Holy Spirit also provides baptisms, weddings and Christian funeral services. Weddings are generally scheduled for congregational members, and baptisms take place within Sunday worship.
For more than three decades, Holy Spirit has supported ELCA missionaries the Reverend Dr. Mark Jacobson and Linda Jacobson in Arusha, Tanzania. The relationship has grown to include:
- Arusha Lutheran Medical Center and its many ministries
- The Plaster House, where children with treatable disabilities receive care, along with its feeding program
- MAASAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School
- The Arusha Lutheran School of Nursing
- Operation Bootstrap Africa, which funds education for students in Tanzania and beyond
Through these relationships, Holy Spirit has been able to sponsor individual students while supporting medical care, education, feeding programs and disability ministry. More information about The Plaster House is available from the congregation.
Sharing Stewardship
Holy Spirit's stewardship and giving options support worship, formation, outreach and global partnerships. Congregants and friends can give by text, through automatic bank or card deductions, with a mobile giving app or Venmo, through bank bill pay, by check or cash, and through planned gifts or endowments. Memorial gifts and designated funds also sustain ministry beyond the church budget.
The variety of Sunday services, children's classrooms, nursery school, adult groups, Stephen Ministry, Rejoicing Spirits, choirs and mission teams all reflect Holy Spirit's commitment to meaningful worship, hospitality and service. What ties them together is the congregation's conviction that God's grace calls people into worship, formation, caring and mission in Emmaus and around the world. At The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, those ministries remain one shared life, carried forward in the conviction that all people are welcome to become more faithful ministers of Jesus Christ.