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Palm Lutheran Church
Palmyra
PA
17078-2302
- Evangelical Lutheran churches in Palmyra, PA
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Who we are
WELCOME TO PALM. COME FORGE THE FUTURE.
Palm is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our congregation is a part of 271 churches of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA with offices in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our first goal is to serve all who join with us in worship in a ministry of hospitality. Our welcome is open to all who seek to experience God’s presence in their lives and who find Christ as the Good Shepherd in this journey.
We welcome persons from any or no church background to worship with us and to join in all of our activities. There are several ways to join our congregation. If you are an active member of a Lutheran congregation you may transfer your membership from another congregation by contacting them and requesting a transfer. If you have a membership in another Christian denomination, you may request the same, although practices vary among denominations
as to how this request is handled.
If you have no previous church affiliation, simply contact Pastor Kate or the church office to express your interest.
VISION
Palm Lutheran Church is so deeply and confidently rooted in the Gospel of God’s grace that we are free to support and encourage all people to seek their full potential as Christians.
MISSION
Palm Lutheran Church is a community of faith living and empowered by Christ for witness and service. We recognize that we have a special responsibility to God’s world by serving, witnessing and being models of the Christian faith to others in sensitive, hospitable and exemplary ways. To this end we pledge ourselves to ask God’s guidance, strength and love. We fulfill our mission through:
Worship events that enhance, encourage and challenge our lives, focusing on our chief resource, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Opportunities for spiritual growth of people through teaching, study, support and fellowship.
Resources we make available to our community to help and serve those in need.
Providing support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lower Susquehanna Synod in order to promote global mission and witness.
VALUES
Palm Lutheran Church is part of the historic church standing in a contemporary setting as a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Under the witness of a parade of fore bearers, Palm is a confessing church which accepts the Athanasian, Nicene and Apostle’s creeds as defining our life together. In these we recognize the triune nature of God; God the Father, god the son and God the Holy Spirit. We testify to an utter reliance upon God and acknowledge the gift of faith through grace. Because of this we affirm infant baptism and believe in the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We see Luther’s catechisms as models for daily living. As a congregation representing part of the Body of Christ in this time and place in history, we test all our decisions, actions and behaviors on this heritage and the values here stated:
We value the dignity and diversity of the human spirit in the transformational power of God’s love.
We value our mission to bring God’s promise to all people.
We value the centrality of our corporate worship.
We value the integrity of our individual faith journeys.
We value the stewardship of God’s creation in all its glory and mystery.
We value the witness of our heritage, while being led by the Holy Spirit to God’s unfolding future for us.
Palm is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our congregation is a part of 271 churches of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA with offices in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our first goal is to serve all who join with us in worship in a ministry of hospitality. Our welcome is open to all who seek to experience God’s presence in their lives and who find Christ as the Good Shepherd in this journey.
We welcome persons from any or no church background to worship with us and to join in all of our activities. There are several ways to join our congregation. If you are an active member of a Lutheran congregation you may transfer your membership from another congregation by contacting them and requesting a transfer. If you have a membership in another Christian denomination, you may request the same, although practices vary among denominations
as to how this request is handled.
If you have no previous church affiliation, simply contact Pastor Kate or the church office to express your interest.
VISION
Palm Lutheran Church is so deeply and confidently rooted in the Gospel of God’s grace that we are free to support and encourage all people to seek their full potential as Christians.
MISSION
Palm Lutheran Church is a community of faith living and empowered by Christ for witness and service. We recognize that we have a special responsibility to God’s world by serving, witnessing and being models of the Christian faith to others in sensitive, hospitable and exemplary ways. To this end we pledge ourselves to ask God’s guidance, strength and love. We fulfill our mission through:
Worship events that enhance, encourage and challenge our lives, focusing on our chief resource, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Opportunities for spiritual growth of people through teaching, study, support and fellowship.
Resources we make available to our community to help and serve those in need.
Providing support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lower Susquehanna Synod in order to promote global mission and witness.
VALUES
Palm Lutheran Church is part of the historic church standing in a contemporary setting as a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Under the witness of a parade of fore bearers, Palm is a confessing church which accepts the Athanasian, Nicene and Apostle’s creeds as defining our life together. In these we recognize the triune nature of God; God the Father, god the son and God the Holy Spirit. We testify to an utter reliance upon God and acknowledge the gift of faith through grace. Because of this we affirm infant baptism and believe in the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We see Luther’s catechisms as models for daily living. As a congregation representing part of the Body of Christ in this time and place in history, we test all our decisions, actions and behaviors on this heritage and the values here stated:
We value the dignity and diversity of the human spirit in the transformational power of God’s love.
We value our mission to bring God’s promise to all people.
We value the centrality of our corporate worship.
We value the integrity of our individual faith journeys.
We value the stewardship of God’s creation in all its glory and mystery.
We value the witness of our heritage, while being led by the Holy Spirit to God’s unfolding future for us.
Location of worship / Church Address
11 West Cherry Street
Palmyra,
PA
17078-2302
United States
Phone: 717.838.3311
Fax: 717.838.3526
Download Palm Lutheran Church vCard with Service Times
Church Pastor
Rev. Linda Hostetter
Interim Pastor
11 West Cherry Street
Palmyra,
PA
17078-2302
United States
Phone: 717.838.3311
Fax: 717.838.3526
Download Interim Pastor Rev. Linda Hostetter vCard
Quote of the Day
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Denomination
Evangelical Lutheran
Evangelical Lutheran churches in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, United States
Evangelical Lutheran churches in Pennsylvania, United States
Evangelical Lutheran churches in United States
All churches in Palmyra, PA
Affiliations:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Website:
Social Media
Palm Lutheran Church Palmyra on YouTube
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Linda Hostetter
Leader Position:
Interim Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
717.838.3526
Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
Other Church Leaders:
Rev. Linda Hostetter on Social Media:
Palm Lutheran Church Leadership Photos
Administration
Admin Name:
Pam Knouff
Admin Position:
Administrative Assistant
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
717.838.3526
Admin Email:
Mailing Address
11 W Cherry St
Palmyra, PA
17078-2302
Palmyra, PA
17078-2302
Driving Directions to Palm Lutheran Church
Travel/Directions Tips
Parking
Palm Lutheran Church Palmyra Service Times
Sunday Services: 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
We Celebrate the Eucharist
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
We welcome all the baptized to share in the Holy Communion we experience as we share Jesus’ Supper. An usher will invite you from your pew to proceed to the altar and will direct you to return at the proper time. You may choose to receive the wine from a common cup or an individual glass.
If you prefer an individual glass, please take one from an usher as you approach the altar. Those with dietary restrictions may receive the fullness of Christ’s presence by receiving either the bread or the wine. We rejoice that this sacrament nourishes our lives as Christ brings us forgiveness of sins, new life and salvation.
Service Times last updated on the 22nd of May, 2018
We Celebrate the Eucharist
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
We welcome all the baptized to share in the Holy Communion we experience as we share Jesus’ Supper. An usher will invite you from your pew to proceed to the altar and will direct you to return at the proper time. You may choose to receive the wine from a common cup or an individual glass.
If you prefer an individual glass, please take one from an usher as you approach the altar. Those with dietary restrictions may receive the fullness of Christ’s presence by receiving either the bread or the wine. We rejoice that this sacrament nourishes our lives as Christ brings us forgiveness of sins, new life and salvation.
Service Times last updated on the 22nd of May, 2018
Worship Languages
Dress code:
Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
A class for all ages meets at 8:30 am.
SEPTEMBER-MAY
Sunday Church School meets at 9:15 am.
Toddlers–Pre-K
The little ones are introduced to Bible stories through coloring, singing, even learning sign language (ASL) for specific words like Jesus, teach, pray, bless, welcome and others. As their fine motor skills improve, they engage in craft activities that depict scenes or characters from the Bible stories they hear. Classroom is located in the right half of the Nursery Suite in the south corridor.
Grades K —Grade 5
The Spark Lectionary curriculum ties weekly lessons and Bible stories to the Lutheran Church Lectionary. In this way, the Gospel lesson the children hear during the worship service is the same one they talked about in Sunday School. The activities, discussions and prayers are age-appropriate to each classroom.
Each Spark lesson has four components. During Gather, kids enjoy a welcoming activity and prayer. In Open the Bible, they explore a story together in their Bibles. Then, in Activate Faith, kids experience creative activities that integrate Bible learning with everyday life. Finally, a Send activity and prayer closes the lesson. Learn more about the Spark Lectionary at: http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/spark/lectionary/try/
JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
A class for all ages meets at 8:30 am.
SEPTEMBER-MAY
Sunday Church School meets at 9:15 am.
Toddlers–Pre-K
The little ones are introduced to Bible stories through coloring, singing, even learning sign language (ASL) for specific words like Jesus, teach, pray, bless, welcome and others. As their fine motor skills improve, they engage in craft activities that depict scenes or characters from the Bible stories they hear. Classroom is located in the right half of the Nursery Suite in the south corridor.
Grades K —Grade 5
The Spark Lectionary curriculum ties weekly lessons and Bible stories to the Lutheran Church Lectionary. In this way, the Gospel lesson the children hear during the worship service is the same one they talked about in Sunday School. The activities, discussions and prayers are age-appropriate to each classroom.
Each Spark lesson has four components. During Gather, kids enjoy a welcoming activity and prayer. In Open the Bible, they explore a story together in their Bibles. Then, in Activate Faith, kids experience creative activities that integrate Bible learning with everyday life. Finally, a Send activity and prayer closes the lesson. Learn more about the Spark Lectionary at: http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/spark/lectionary/try/
Under 18s:
Palm's Youth Ministry Program is part of the Family Life Ministry. Youth programs are designed for 1st through 12th graders, and are age-appropriate. During the year a wide variety of youth activities and programs are available. Take a look.
Everyone is Welcome! You can join youth group anytime!
PYG (Palm Youth Group) is for young people in 6th-12th grade. You and your friends are always welcome regardless of religious affiliation, previous youth group experience (or inexperience), church experience (or inexperience), size, shape, color, or head size! PYG meets the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday of each month. Meetings run from 6:30-8:30 pm and are always entertaining, enlightening, and just plain fun. Our get togethers include some serious craziness and some serious seriousness. Games will be played, fun will be had, friendships formed and strengthened, all while continuing to learn and grow in your faith journey! Be on the lookout for more information in your Sunday worship bulletins. Oh, and there will be pizza!
For more information about Palm's youth programs, contact Michael Williams, Youth Director, at 717-838-3311 or via e-mail at youth.director@palmlutheran.org. The door is always open and we welcome new and familiar faces. Please join us for fun-filled fellowship, faith and friendship!
Everyone is Welcome! You can join youth group anytime!
PYG (Palm Youth Group) is for young people in 6th-12th grade. You and your friends are always welcome regardless of religious affiliation, previous youth group experience (or inexperience), church experience (or inexperience), size, shape, color, or head size! PYG meets the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday of each month. Meetings run from 6:30-8:30 pm and are always entertaining, enlightening, and just plain fun. Our get togethers include some serious craziness and some serious seriousness. Games will be played, fun will be had, friendships formed and strengthened, all while continuing to learn and grow in your faith journey! Be on the lookout for more information in your Sunday worship bulletins. Oh, and there will be pizza!
For more information about Palm's youth programs, contact Michael Williams, Youth Director, at 717-838-3311 or via e-mail at youth.director@palmlutheran.org. The door is always open and we welcome new and familiar faces. Please join us for fun-filled fellowship, faith and friendship!
Local outreach & community activities:
Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility:
Prayers and hymns:
Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:
Other information:
Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:
Palm Lutheran Church Photo Gallery
Palm Lutheran Church History
Lutherans have been in Palmyra since its beginning. The town’s founder, John Palm, worshipped at Bindnagle’s Lutheran Church north of Palmyra between 1776 and 1799. However, as the area grew in population and infrastructure, Lutheran and Reformed worshippers joined to create the first “Palm” church. In 1845 Palm Evangelical Lutheran Church was constructed in the 700 block of West Main Street.
In 1890 another congregation was organized by Lutheran’s from other churches in the area. The construction of St. John’s Lutheran Church, on North College Street, was completed in 1891. Two other area congregations joined St. John’s under the charge of one pastor, and remained so until 1925. Both Palm and St. John’s congregations expanded for 3 decades. Finally, in 1911, Palm built a new church on the northwest corner of Cherry and Railroad Streets, on a portion of its current site.
In 1925 the use of the small cemetery adjoining the original Palm Church on West Main Street was discontinued. Permission was given by the Palmyra Borough to reinter those bodies in the Palmyra Cemetery on West Cherry Street. It was also in 1925 that a realignment at the Lutheran Synodical level caused Palm and St. John’s to merge becoming Palm United Lutheran Church. Since the facilities of neither of the churches seemed adequate for the new congregation, additional property was purchased adjacent to Palm, and a three-story education building was erected in 1929 to serve the larger congregation.
The 1960’s brought additional changes to Palm, in physical and corporate structure. In 1962, four national Lutheran Church bodies merged to form the Lutheran Church in America, and Palm United Lutheran Church became Palm Lutheran Church. In 1963 the congregation voted to construct a new sanctuary and was on its way to realizing a forty-year dream. The expansive sanctuary was dedicated in 1967. Gerhard Dietrich was the presiding Pastor at the time, and the beautiful stained glass windows were designed with his input. Some congregants today insist that the artist included a likeness of Dietrich in one of the windows.
At this time, “Old Palm Church” still stood on the property with the education building and the new sanctuary. It was with mixed emotions that the congregation watched the removal of the old sanctuary in 1969, to be replaced with a small prayer chapel. Three cornerstones have been preserved to honor Palm’s history: the 1845 stone from Palm Evangelical Lutheran Church, the 1891 stone from St. John’s Lutheran Church, and the 1910 stone from Palm United Lutheran Church.
As four more decades passed, the congregation saw changes that needed to be made to better accommodate all those attending worship and fellowship activities. In 2013 the 1929 three-story education building and 1969 prayer chapel were leveled, and a fully handicapped accessible education building was constructed. As the town of Palmyra has grown, so has Palm Lutheran Church grown to meet the worship and fellowship needs of the surrounding community.
In 1890 another congregation was organized by Lutheran’s from other churches in the area. The construction of St. John’s Lutheran Church, on North College Street, was completed in 1891. Two other area congregations joined St. John’s under the charge of one pastor, and remained so until 1925. Both Palm and St. John’s congregations expanded for 3 decades. Finally, in 1911, Palm built a new church on the northwest corner of Cherry and Railroad Streets, on a portion of its current site.
In 1925 the use of the small cemetery adjoining the original Palm Church on West Main Street was discontinued. Permission was given by the Palmyra Borough to reinter those bodies in the Palmyra Cemetery on West Cherry Street. It was also in 1925 that a realignment at the Lutheran Synodical level caused Palm and St. John’s to merge becoming Palm United Lutheran Church. Since the facilities of neither of the churches seemed adequate for the new congregation, additional property was purchased adjacent to Palm, and a three-story education building was erected in 1929 to serve the larger congregation.
The 1960’s brought additional changes to Palm, in physical and corporate structure. In 1962, four national Lutheran Church bodies merged to form the Lutheran Church in America, and Palm United Lutheran Church became Palm Lutheran Church. In 1963 the congregation voted to construct a new sanctuary and was on its way to realizing a forty-year dream. The expansive sanctuary was dedicated in 1967. Gerhard Dietrich was the presiding Pastor at the time, and the beautiful stained glass windows were designed with his input. Some congregants today insist that the artist included a likeness of Dietrich in one of the windows.
At this time, “Old Palm Church” still stood on the property with the education building and the new sanctuary. It was with mixed emotions that the congregation watched the removal of the old sanctuary in 1969, to be replaced with a small prayer chapel. Three cornerstones have been preserved to honor Palm’s history: the 1845 stone from Palm Evangelical Lutheran Church, the 1891 stone from St. John’s Lutheran Church, and the 1910 stone from Palm United Lutheran Church.
As four more decades passed, the congregation saw changes that needed to be made to better accommodate all those attending worship and fellowship activities. In 2013 the 1929 three-story education building and 1969 prayer chapel were leveled, and a fully handicapped accessible education building was constructed. As the town of Palmyra has grown, so has Palm Lutheran Church grown to meet the worship and fellowship needs of the surrounding community.