In 1753, a small group of German immigrant families from the Palatine and Rhine provinces gathered on the corner of what is now Butler Pike and Susquehanna Road in Upper Dublin Township. They had come to a new country seeking land and a place to worship freely, and they built a log cabin that doubled as a school and meeting house. There was no roof on the building yet when Henry Muhlenberg, the patriarch of American Lutheranism, visited in July 1754, preached a sermon, and baptized several children in the presence of a large gathering of German and English neighbors. From that modest beginning grew Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, today a thriving congregation of more than nine generations of members on the same stretch of road.
The original log cabin reportedly served as a camp hospital for Revolutionary War troops from Virginia and Massachusetts stationed nearby, and about ten of those soldiers are buried in the old churchyard across the street. Between 1810 and 1852, regular ministry ceased, the log structure decayed, and the congregation lay dormant for more than four decades. In 1858, a stone church was built a few years before the Civil War at a cost of $4,000. That stone building served the congregation until the present building was constructed in 1973. The first pastor dedicated solely to Upper Dublin, rather than shared with another parish, began his ministry in 1898 at an annual salary of $600. Electricity came in 1918. The congregation purchased Liberty Bonds during World War I and sent relief to Europe and China; during World War II, choir rehearsal dropped to every other week because of the gasoline shortage, and windows were blacked out for air raid drills.
UDLC is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a member congregation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) church that publicly welcomes and affirms people across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, relationship status, age, immigration status, nationality, neurodiversity, ability, language, economic circumstance, and family configuration. The church's open welcome, posted on its front page, reads in part: "We acknowledge, respect, and open our hearts to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community."
Two Sunday Services, Two Styles of Worship
Sunday morning at UDLC centers on two worship services that run side by side in the same sanctuary.
The 8:30 a.m. Contemporary service is a relaxed, one-hour gathering led by the church's house band, For the Spirit (Christy Evans, Doug Evans, Gary Sprague, and Perry Wolfe), who play a blend of contemporary Christian songs and original music alongside scripture readings, prayers, and Communion. From May through September, weather permitting, this service moves outside into the outdoor chapel known as Roland's Glen, a grove of trees behind the main building. The congregation's motto is simple: "God loves you and so do we."
The 10:30 a.m. Traditional service follows the historic Lutheran liturgy and features hymns accompanied by organ and piano along with music from the Chancel Choir. Like the earlier service, it includes scripture readings, prayers, and Holy Communion each week.
Both services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel and archived there for later viewing. Communion is offered every Sunday at both services, and all are welcome at God's table regardless of denominational background. There is no dress code; casual clothing is the norm.
What to Expect on Sunday Morning
Pulling into the campus at 411 Susquehanna Road is easy. UDLC sits in Upper Dublin Township near Route 309, and members regularly drive in from a dozen or more surrounding communities. Two parking lots serve the church: the East Parking Lot, to the left of the building, is closer to the sanctuary entrance and is generally the easiest to use. Both lots have handicapped parking spaces near the entrances.
The sanctuary, lobby, and nearby restrooms are fully accessible. There is a hearing assist system in the sanctuary, and iPads loaded with worship materials are available for those who prefer a digital bulletin. As worshipers enter through the main doors into the lobby, they are greeted by ushers with a printed bulletin and a visitor welcome card with QR codes linking to information about the church. Most of the service content also appears on screens at the front of the sanctuary, and guests are free to sit wherever they like.
Between services at 9:30 a.m., the Son Room coffee bar offers coffee, tea, juice, and light snacks all morning. It is also the meeting place for adult education and small groups during that hour. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade may sign in at a table in the lobby to go to Children's Church, which uses the Godly Play curriculum to engage children's spirituality through storytelling, wonder, and creative response. Children are always welcome in worship, and many help lead the service as ushers, lectors, communion assistants, and acolytes. During the Children's Message in the first part of each service, kids are invited up to the altar to interact with the preacher about that day's lesson.
The Sunday nursery, staffed by two paid caregivers, is available from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m. for infants through preschoolers.
Outdoor Worship in Roland's Glen
Every summer, the 8:30 a.m. service migrates outside into Roland's Glen, the outdoor chapel tucked into a grove of trees behind the church. Worshipers gather under the open sky surrounded by the rest of creation while the band leads them in song. The setting inspired a memorable summer baptism for a young adult scientist, whose font reflected the colors of a rainbow on the day she was welcomed into the body of Christ.
The glen is named for Roland Hare, a longtime property superintendent at UDLC who was born in a house at the corner of Butler and Susquehanna that no longer stands and who is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery near his childhood backyard. Roland and his wife Ruth were Sunday School superintendents famous for their potluck cooking, and Roland personally cleared and cultivated the grove to make outdoor worship possible. His living legacy continues to bless the congregation every summer.
The Sacraments at UDLC
UDLC practices the two sacraments Lutherans have historically recognized: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptisms take place during one of the Sunday services so that the congregation can promise to support and pray for the baptized. The baptismal rite uses water, light, and oil, and includes the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," followed by anointing with oil, the mark of the cross, and the lighting of a baptismal candle. Lutherans believe baptism is a gift of God's grace that joins the baptized to Christ and to the body of Christ. Because baptism rests on God's promises rather than on human understanding, one baptism is recognized as sufficient; if a person has already been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that baptism is honored and not repeated.
First Communion classes for children are offered during Lent, though children are welcome to receive Communion at any age. Communion is celebrated every Sunday at both services, and all are invited to the table. Pastor Keith Anderson oversees both baptism and wedding preparation.
Children's Ministry: From Cradle Roll Through Fifth Grade
UDLC's children's ministry, led by Faith Formation Director Deborah Jodrey and Children's Church Coordinator Caitlynne Fox, walks with families from a child's earliest days through the elementary years.
Cradle Roll supports families with children from birth through age 3 with materials on child development, age-appropriate activities, and tips for creating a God-centered home.
The Sunday nursery is staffed by two paid caregivers and is open every Sunday morning from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m. for children from birth through preschool. Children are always welcome to stay in worship with their families.
Children's Church, held during both the 8:30 and 10:30 services from September through May, welcomes children from Pre-K through 5th grade. After a joint start in the sanctuary, children are led to the Godly Play classroom where they experience a Montessori-inspired curriculum that centers children's spirituality through story, wonder, and creative response. The Godly Play curriculum adapts to many learning styles and is used throughout the year. On holidays and special music Sundays, Children's Church takes a break so that families can worship together.
Families with neurodiverse children, children with disabilities, or those needing learning support are encouraged to reach out to the Faith Formation Director so the congregation can work together to create a safe, loving, and inclusive environment tailored to the child's needs.
Children's Musical Ensembles rehearse on Tuesday evenings under the direction of Music Director Carol Evans. Grace Notes is for ages 3 through kindergarten (6:00 to 6:30 p.m.); Voices of Praise is the choral group for grades 1 through 7 (6:30 to 7:00 p.m.); and Joyful Chimers is an advanced handchime choir for ages 7 through 12 (7:00 to 7:30 p.m.).
Youth Ministry: Sixth Grade Through Senior Year
UDLC's youth ministry serves grades 6 through 12 and is built around three rhythms: regular gatherings, leadership development, and Confirmation.
On the first Sunday of each month, youth meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the youth room for an hour of conversation about the Bible, life, and faith, with donuts always provided.
Throughout the school year, monthly youth gatherings bring middle and high schoolers together for fellowship and service, including bowling, mini golf, game nights, movie nights at the church, the annual youth retreat at Bear Creek Lutheran Camp in the Poconos, and the annual Christmas Party. Service projects are woven into the year, including stuffing Easter eggs for the church's annual Easter Egg Hunt and tending the UDLC community garden.
The UDLC Youth Leadership Team, made up of students in grades 7 through 12, supports the Director of Faith Formation in shaping the vision, direction, and planning of youth events and activities throughout the year. The team meets monthly and commits to the academic year.
Confirmation is a two-year journey for 7th and 8th graders that engages core Christian beliefs and contemporary faith questions through lessons, discussions, a fall kick-off orientation, a retreat, and the chance to affirm baptismal promises on Confirmation Sunday in the spring.
Older youth are invited into worship leadership roles, serving as assisting ministers, lectors, ushers, communion assistants, and Children's Church volunteers. Many high schoolers find themselves doing the unglamorous but essential work of running the slides, mics, and livestream camera during the 10:30 service, work that, as one graduating senior put it, makes a worship service possible without anyone in the pews noticing the effort.
Music Across Generations
Music is woven into every Sunday at UDLC. The Chancel Choir, directed by Music Director Carol Evans, sings each Sunday at the 10:30 service as well as on Christmas Eve and during Holy Week, with rehearsals on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and occasionally after the late service. The For the Spirit band leads worship at the 8:30 contemporary service. The Adult Handbell Choir, under Director Joyce Rosenquist, rings periodically at Sunday services from September through May and rehearses Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Music extends to children as well: Grace Notes, Voices of Praise, and Joyful Chimers all rehearse on Tuesday evenings, and special ensembles play and sing throughout the year. Carol Evans brings decades of experience as a musician, educator, and choral director to the program, including performances with composer John Rutter at Carnegie Hall and national anthem appearances for Philadelphia's major sports teams through her work as Choral Director of the Voices of Gwynedd at Gwynedd Mercy University.
Adult Faith Formation and Small Groups
The adults of UDLC gather for study, conversation, and fellowship through a wide range of weekly and monthly offerings.
Living Faith meets Sundays from September through May between services, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Church Lounge or Steffens Room. Guest speakers and lay leaders lead conversations on faith, scripture, and the challenges and joys of life; all ages from young adults to seniors are welcome.
Morning Christian Studies gathers Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Son Room, examining Biblical topics through the lens of modern-day experience.
Bible 101 meets Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. and is designed especially for parents and grandparents whose children are rehearsing in the music ensembles at that hour. The group incorporates some of the Godly Play lessons used in Children's Church.
Women's Bible Study meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Son Room and on Zoom, with Bible study, sharing, and prayer.
Eve Circle, a women's service and fellowship group, meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. in the Son Room. Lydia Circle, open to women of all ages, meets for relaxed social gatherings on the third Sunday or third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in members' homes.
UDLC Young Adults is a newer group for people in their 20s and 30s that meets bi-monthly for a mix of social gatherings and Bible studies, always with food and drinks.
God on Tap meets monthly at KC's Alley (10 W Butler Pike, Ambler) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for conversation at the intersection of life and faith over a drink.
Monthly Lunch gathers on the second Tuesday of each month at noon at the historic Spring House Tavern for food, conversation, and connection.
Parents and Caregivers of LGBTQIA+ Youth, a support group, meets monthly during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in Pastor Keith's office for coffee, fellowship, and friendship.
Three annual weekend retreats round out the formation year. The Fall Women's Retreat and the Fall Men's Retreat are held each October at Bear Creek Lutheran Camp in Wilkes-Barre, with a relaxed focus on nature, devotions, worship, and community. A Women's Day Retreat at the church gathers all women of the congregation for a themed one-day program of full-group sessions, small-group discussions, and fellowship.
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
UDLC is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation of the ELCA, publicly committed to welcoming, acknowledging, and affirming all people across the full breadth of human identity and experience. The RIC designation was reached after a season of intentional discernment at the church, and today the RIC team supports ongoing work to widen the welcome of the congregation and to advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the wider church and community.
Advocacy is one expression of that commitment. The Advocacy Team identifies issues within the congregation and community, educates members through speakers and presentations, and activates members to write, call, or visit elected officials, attend rallies and vigils, and share information with the wider community. The team's focus areas include civil and racial justice, environmental justice and stewardship, child protection and welfare, economic justice, education, healthcare, housing, hunger, immigration, and predatory lending. In early 2024, the church hosted an Interfaith Community Forum on Preventing Gun Violence that drew statewide media attention and brought together local legislators with faith and community leaders.
Mission, Vision, and Values
The congregation's stated mission is to share the love of God by welcoming all people to its community, inviting them to know the joy of following Jesus, equipping them to grow in faith, and inspiring them to serve neighbors near and far.
Eight values shape the life of the church: Relationships, Learning, Service, Joy, Diversity and Inclusion, Excellence, Generosity, and Courage. Each value is paired with a passage of scripture that grounds it: the Great Shema from Mark 12 for relationships, Romans 12:2 for learning, Matthew 25:40 for service, John 15:11 for joy, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 for diversity, Philippians 4:8 for excellence, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 for generosity, and Joshua 1:9 for courage.
The vision identifies eight commitments the church is pursuing together: lifelong spiritual nourishment, growing diversity and inclusion, growing and engaged membership, digital engagement, a culture of generosity, innovative ministry, leadership development, and global impact.
Pastor Keith Anderson, who has led UDLC since 2012, often frames Lutheran identity in short videos called Two Minute Lutheran. He sums up Lutheran conviction this way: Lutherans are saved by grace through faith, read the Bible through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognize the theology of the cross (that God is most present in our suffering), see Christians as simultaneously sinners and saints, and treat the freedom won in Christ as freedom to serve the neighbor.
Serving Neighbors Near and Far
UDLC's commitment to service shows up in long-standing partnerships with organizations throughout the Philadelphia region. The congregation regularly volunteers alongside:
- Chosen 300, which serves thousands of meals monthly to neighbors facing hunger; UDLC serves dinner at Chosen 300's Spring Garden Street location on the second Sunday of each month.
- Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, which provides essential groceries to local families experiencing food insecurity.
- Family Promise, which supports families experiencing homelessness; UDLC sponsors an apartment at Hope Gardens.
- One House at a Time (OHAAT) / Beds for Kids, which builds beds and assembles household goods for children and families.
- Feast of Justice, which provides food, essentials, and advocacy to those facing hardship.
- We Care, a community initiative offering practical support to neighbors.
- The Tigris Foundation, a small family foundation with a heart for local youth, with whom UDLC has partnered on projects including a Booksmiles book drive and the annual Community Summit.
Each year on the last Saturday in February, UDLC hosts an annual Rummage Sale that brings the wider community together to raise money for local nonprofits while giving new life to donated goods. Past recipients have included Teach for America.
The church also hosts a number of community groups in its building, including Scout Troop #3, Cub Pack #408, a Girl Scouts Daisy group, AA and Al-Anon meetings, the Ambler Symphony, the Ambler Station Singers, and Red Cross Blood Drives.
The Community Summit
Each spring, UDLC hosts a Community Summit that brings faith communities, nonprofit partners, civic leaders, and residents together for a week of service, conversation, and collaboration. The week begins with a Community Leaders Dinner that gathers faith leaders, nonprofit partners, elected officials, and community advocates, followed by a Saturday Day of Service with hands-on projects across the region, a Sunday worship with a guest preacher, and a Sunday afternoon community program of panels and conversation. The Tigris Foundation, the Wissahickon Faith Community Association, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (ELCA) co-sponsor the Summit. Past keynote speakers and guest preachers have included the ELCA's Director of Witness in Society, Rev. Amy Reumann, the President and CEO of Virtua Health, Dennis W. Pullin, and Pennsylvania State Representative Melissa Cerrato.
The Building, the Cemetery, and Accessibility
The present church building at 411 Susquehanna Road was built in 1973 and includes a sanctuary, education wing, Son Room coffee bar, library, youth room, music rehearsal spaces, and the outdoor chapel in Roland's Glen. The church's all-denominational Rose Hill Cemetery, where Revolutionary War soldiers are buried, is maintained by the church's Property Superintendent.
Weddings are officiated at UDLC and at off-site locations for both members and non-members. Baptisms are scheduled through Pastor Keith Anderson. Facility rentals can be arranged through the Business Manager.
Accessible parking, accessible doors at each entrance, and a fully accessible sanctuary area make the building welcoming to people using mobility devices. The hearing assist system and iPads in the sanctuary support people with hearing or vision needs. Families with children who have special needs are invited to coordinate with the Faith Formation Director to tailor support.
The Upper Dublin Christian Nursery School
Operated by UDLC and housed in the church building, the Upper Dublin Christian Nursery School (UDCNS) is a Christian preschool serving the broader community. The school uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) as a foundation for its program, and includes regular chapel time where children learn about Jesus through songs and age-appropriate lessons. The nursery school also serves children with a wide range of needs and abilities.
Forward in Faith: The Strategic Plan
UDLC has a multi-year strategic plan called Forward in Faith built around five areas of focus: widening the welcome for a more inclusive church, leadership development and volunteer recruitment, enriching faith formation and supporting families, exploring innovative next-generation ministries, and strengthening stewardship and a culture of generosity.
The plan is currently in the early years of a multi-year Capital Campaign called Sharing Joy Shining Bright, aimed at essential church maintenance and improvements to enhance stewardship of the building and grounds for the next generation.
Joining the Life of UDLC
For those curious to explore membership, the church offers a thoughtful Journey Groups pathway. The process begins with relaxed social gatherings such as Welcome Lunches and evening get-togethers at the parsonage. Through five gatherings during Lent, Journey Groups sit with the Sunday scriptures, reflect on how faith is taking shape in their lives, and listen for God's presence together. Those who decide to become members are welcomed into the congregation on the Sunday after Easter at a single combined service.
The church's 27 service-oriented ministry teams and five music ministries offer ongoing ways to get involved in everything from teaching Children's Church to ringing bells to staffing the advocacy team.
For visitors who simply want to come and see, the church offers an open door. As one longtime member put it: "There is a true sense of community and belonging among the congregants and a commitment to serve and practice Christ's love." A young adult who wandered in one summer added her own: "You can't imagine how nice people can be until you come here."
Upper Dublin Lutheran Church sits today on the same corner where German immigrants first gathered to pray for their children and their new country. The mission that began under an unfinished log cabin roof in 1754 continues, in air-conditioned sanctuary and outdoor chapel, at coffee hour and confirmation class, in partnership with neighbors facing hunger and homelessness, and in the steady rhythm of two Sunday services that have welcomed generation after generation of saints to share the love of God.