St. Paul's Lutheran Church sits on North Easton Road in Glenside, Pennsylvania, where a sanctuary, classrooms, and a nursery school have welcomed generations of neighbors from eastern Montgomery County. An ELCA congregation with deep German musical roots, a long-running preschool, and a parish Oktoberfest that fills the parking lot each fall, St. Paul's blends traditional Lutheran worship with hands-on ministry to the surrounding community.
Sundays at 8 and 10:30
Two Sunday morning services anchor the week. At 8:00 a.m., the congregation gathers for an early, quieter liturgy. Sunday School begins at 9:15 a.m. for children age three through sixth grade, and at 10:30 a larger service begins, often with the chancel choir filling the nave with anthems. Both services follow traditional ELCA liturgy using the 2006 edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, with congregational hymns, liturgical readings, a sermon, and Holy Communion. Services are livestreamed at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. on YouTube and Facebook for those worshipping from home or away.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the schedule shifts to a single 9:30 a.m. service with the Eucharist. Summer Choir rehearsal begins at 8:30 in the sanctuary, and anyone interested in singing that Sunday can simply come to that rehearsal; no long-term commitment is involved. Adult education meets at 11:00 a.m. in room 200 during the summer months.
St. Paul's also holds a Polka Mass Worship Service, a beloved offering in which the words of the liturgy are sung to traditional Polka music. The congregation traces this practice back to Martin Luther himself, who was known to recommend bringing the music of the tavern into the sacred space.
Throughout the year, members and visitors follow along with worship at home using the digital bulletin. A short weekly newsletter called The Tidings lists those serving in worship, upcoming events, and prayer needs.
A Lutheran Home in Glenside
St. Paul's is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, one of nearly 10,500 ELCA congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world, with a strong belief in God as made known through Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, members practice their faith, grow their relationship with God, and experience God's grace in their lives.
The parish places its faith into action in practical, realistic ways. Worship at St. Paul's emphasizes the centrality of Word and Sacrament, with regular celebration of Holy Communion, prayer, and Scripture-centered preaching. The congregation extends an open welcome to anyone exploring Christianity, new to faith, or seeking a Lutheran community to call home.
Friendly greeters meet visitors at the door. The worship itself pairs traditional liturgy with uplifting music and engaging messages meant to be relevant to everyday life. A dedicated team is available to answer questions and help newcomers feel comfortable.
Church office hours run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The church stands at 120 North Easton Road, Glenside, Pennsylvania 19038. The nursery school has a separate line at 215-884-8995, while the church office can be reached at 215-884-3005.
Music Across the Generations
Music is woven into nearly every part of life at St. Paul's. Rae Ann Anderson, CAGO (Certified American Guild of Organists), directs the music program and serves as organist, choir director, and worship planner. An Ohio native, she holds a Bachelor of Music from Wittenberg University and a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, with additional study at the Berliner Kirchenmusikschule in Berlin. She also serves as Director of Children's Choirs at Settlement Music School of Philadelphia, the largest community school of the arts in America. Anderson has held positions with churches in Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and has served as Dean of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. All adults and mature teenagers are welcome, regardless of musical experience. The choir sings regularly for Sunday morning worship, and recent seasons have included special presentations of Vivaldi's Gloria offered as a sermon in song at both the 8:00 and 10:30 services.
The Ringers of St. Paul's, a multigenerational handbell ensemble, meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Children's music begins early. The Cherub Choir, for first graders and younger, rehearses on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. The Children's Choir, for second through sixth graders, rehearses from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. The Youth Singers, for grades seven through twelve, practice on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Cherub and Children's Choirs sing at the 10:30 service on the first Sunday of each month.
A major renovation project, the Chancel Reimagined Project, is restoring the church's organ at A. R. Schopp's Sons organ builders in Alliance, Ohio. Wind chests, regulators, and most of the flue and reed pipes have been restored, the wooden mahogany front Pedal Principal pipes are being produced, and the Walker Technical Company digital components are being integrated. New choir chairs have been reupholstered in grey fabric, and new choir platforms with non-slip coating have been installed.
Music Camp, held the second-to-last week of August, brings children entering first through seventh grade together for a week of singing, ringing, drumming, drama, dancing, and more. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Growing in Faith from Three Through Sixth Grade
Children age three through sixth grade are welcome in Sunday School, which meets from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings during the regular schedule. The threes and fours class uses the Spark curriculum from Augsburg Fortress, engaging with Bible stories through storytelling, art, snacks, music, and game stations. Parents are welcome to stay with their children during this early learning time.
Kindergarten through sixth grade uses a rotation-based model. Children form two groups, kindergarten through second grade and third through sixth grade, and spend about four weeks on a particular Bible story, rotating through a different workshop each week. Workshops include Art, Bible Skills and Games, Computer Lab, Cooking, Creative Drama, Music, Science, and Video. The Sunday School year runs from September through May, and parents of children from kindergarten through second grade are asked to pick up their children in Fellowship Hall at the end of class.
On special days throughout the church year, all Sunday School families come together for Sunday School Family Parties to celebrate holy days and other commemorations through games, storytelling, crafts, singing, and themed snacks.
Kid's Club, a Thursday afternoon gathering for children age four through sixth grade, brings families together at 5:00 p.m. for a Simple Supper prepared by a volunteer, organized games, and craft activities. A $5 donation is suggested per meal.
A Preschool Serving Glenside Since 1965
St. Paul's Nursery School has been caring for the children of Glenside since 1965. The play-based program serves two-year-olds through pre-K, with classes, Lunch Bunch, and extended care available until 5:00 p.m. The regular school day runs from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
The school day includes daily circle time, free play, arts and crafts, gross motor activities indoors or outdoors, snacks, and age-appropriate learning experiences. Children also enjoy monthly music and gym classes, as well as chapel visits with Pastor Sonntag. Each year, special visitors add to the program; recent favorites include Briar Bush Nature Center and The Magical Bubble Guy.
Patty McFadden directs the nursery school, supported by a team of educators focused on creating a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that supports each child's development socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. The preschool is an Equal Opportunity Care Provider.
The nursery school invites its students and their families to worship with the congregation on Sunday mornings during the regular 8:00 and 10:30 services. For more information or to enroll, families can call 215-884-8995 or email nurseryschool@stpaulsglenside.org.
Five Women's Circles
Five women's circles provide meaningful opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service. Each circle meets at its own rhythm and welcomes new members.
Elizabeth Circle gathers once a month to make durable quilts for those in need, especially children. No sewing experience is necessary; newcomers are warmly welcomed.
Rachel Circle meets on the fourth Monday of the month from September through June, usually at a member's home. The circle gathers for fellowship and spiritual growth through Bible studies, book discussions, and service projects supporting various organizations.
Lois Circle meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Great Room for fellowship, Bible study, and ministry projects, including preparing favors for children and supporting the church pantry.
Lydia Circle meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Members bring knitting or crochet work and create prayer shawls and other items in a supportive environment, whether seasoned or learning.
Deborah Circle meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Room for Bible study and spiritual growth, with a focus on serving persons in poverty through service projects, in-kind gifts, and financial contributions. All women are welcome.
Prayer Ministry and Small Groups
The Prayer Ministry Team is committed to lifting up the needs of the congregation and community in prayer. Team members individually and daily pray for people in need, and the team gathers on the third Wednesday of every month to pray together. Prayer requests are kept confidential and can be submitted through the church office.
Prayerful Yoga, held every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room, combines gentle yoga with meditation and reflection, offering a way to deepen the spiritual journey through movement and mindfulness. Participants are asked to bring comfy shoes and a yoga mat. Each session is $10.
Feeding the Neighborhood
St. Paul's Food Pantry provides essential shelf-stable food items to individuals and families in need within the community. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., located near the patio on the right side of the building. Monetary, gift card, and food donations are welcome.
Through the Caring for Friends program, the church regularly collects meals prepared by private individuals and church functions. The meals are stored in the large white freezer in the kitchen, with packaging supplies and labels available on the welcome cart in the Great Room or underneath the center island in the downstairs kitchen. The program extends God's love through food ministry to neighbors who might otherwise go without.
Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also call St. Paul's home. The church hosts approximately six packs of troops in the building each year in a reciprocal relationship; the troops assist with special events and projects around the property. Troop/Pack 48 has had a particularly long-standing relationship with the church.
Faith-in-Action Grants
The Faith-in-Action Program encourages and sponsors projects related to sharing faith in the community. Grant awards range from $100 to $3,000, with priority given to applications from currently active members of St. Paul's. Projects fall into three categories: Outreach, which increases the impact of St. Paul's in the community through direct evangelism, partnerships with social ministries, or work with other affiliated ELCA organizations; Capital Projects, which initiate, remodel, or renovate physical space at the church; and Ministry Initiatives Within the Congregation, which enrich the lives of members.
The program runs in two cycles each year. The Spring Cycle accepts applications in April, with projects to be completed by August 31. The Autumn Cycle accepts applications in September, with projects to be completed by December 31. Recent examples have included a dinner for United Lutheran Seminary international students, savvy shopping for the Food Pantry, new chairs and shelf units for the church office, plantings for the main entrance, cushions for individuals needing physical support in the pews, and Bear Creek camperships.
Oktoberfest on Easton Road
Each fall, the congregation hosts its annual Oktoberfest, with proceeds benefiting Lutheran Disaster Response. The event runs from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and includes food, beer, a silent auction, and performances by The Happy Dutchmen, the United German Hungarian Schuhplattlers, GTV Almrausch, and Cassidy Dance Studio of Glenside. Admission is free for everyone.
Kids' activities are free of charge, with donations welcome, and include a pony ride, face painting, and an obstacle course. Combo food tickets include a beverage, a souvenir glass, and a platter of food with options like Spaetzle or Dumplings, Red Cabbage or Sauerkraut, a sausage, bread or roll, and Roast Pork or Roast Beef. Smaller portions and individual items can be purchased with blue dollar tickets.
The Staff
Pastor Henrik Sonntag has served St. Paul's since 2009. A native of Zwickau, Germany, he immigrated to the United States in 2001 and received his M.Div. from Leipzig University. He completed his internship at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Hill, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Before coming to Glenside, he served as Assistant Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jean have two children, and in his free time he enjoys biking, pickleball, and playing his clarinet.
Vicar Evan Kodudula is completing Clinical Pastoral Education and serving as a Resident Chaplain at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia. For the past three years he served as vicar at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, deepening his appreciation for Lutheran ministry. Previously he spent five years as a State Coordinator with Open Doors USA, working among Christian communities experiencing persecution. He has been involved in preaching, teaching, youth and children's ministry, pastoral care, worship, music, and community outreach.
Rae Ann Anderson, CAGO, directs the music program as organist and Director of four choirs, while also serving as Director of Children's Choirs at Settlement Music School of Philadelphia. Patty McFadden directs St. Paul's Nursery School. Christina Garcia manages the church office, coordinating bulletins, newsletters, and church events. Nancy Arena Carbine oversees the church's financial transactions, supporting the treasurer and Church Council. Bob Sutton serves as the church sexton, caring for the facility and making sure events run smoothly.
Getting Connected
Visitors and newcomers are welcomed at St. Paul's with friendly greeters, a place in worship, and invitations to small groups, choirs, women's circles, and outreach ministries. Online giving, the bulletin, the weekly Tidings newsletter, and the livestream archive make it easy to stay connected from anywhere. Forms for baptism, new membership, Sunday School registration, prayer requests, and Nursery School enrollment are all available online.