This is a work in progress. Eventually the entire history of St. Paul's Lutheran Church will be available here, on-line, with a search feature for researchers and interested historians, amateur and otherwise.

1984 - 2005

The 1980's

The Rev. Rodney S. Kopp was called to St. Paul's in 1984 and together, Pastors Burkat and Kopp shared in a team ministry for twelve years that continued St. Paul's commitment to serving God, congregation and community. These years witnessed marked growth in adult education with the beginning of the Sunday Morning Alternative class in 1984 and the midweek Bible study group called Brown Baggers in 1987...In association with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging St. Paul's embarked on a city/church partnership for senior adults which continues to the present day...In the twenty years since St. Paul's first entered the "partnership" arena, many other shared programs and joint ventures, particularly with Lutheran Children and Family Service, have been realized.

The 1990's

The Team ministry of Pastors Burkat and Kopp, successfully built on the complementary styles and gifts of each Pastor with the congregation, flourished for twelve years. In August, 1996, that Team was to be no more. The resignation of Pastor Burkat, after twenty one years of strong service to St. Paul's church, was dutifully received. In October of that year the congregation hosted a poignant afternoon celebration in his honor, expressing sincere thanks for a ministry of distinction...

Times were changing and so was the composition of the congregation. As Pastor Kopp assumed the role of "solo" Pastor, the demographics of Philadelphia reflected a dramatic blending of peoples from every place in the world...At the same time, the congregational membership had been retiring into the suburbs, driving in to Olney to worship and manage the activities of parish life...In the midst of a potential 'disconnect' between church and community, the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit made use of St. Paul's resiliencey once again. A new day in the life of St. Paul's Church was dawning.

2000 - 2005

Capitalizing on the rich heritage of four and five generation families, St. Paul's Heritage Society, established in 2003, recognizes member families who have chosen to include St. Paul's financially in their final plans. With a slogan of 'Serving the Lord Since 1870,' the Heritage Society has received $283,000 to date, for the mission a;nd ministry of the congregation...Occurring during the same time has been a renewed emphasis upon Bible study. St. Paul's Brown Baggers, first begun in 1987, continues to thrive with a growing membership...In 2003, the Midweek Bible Fellowship was conceived, a Wednesday night fellowship of Prayer, Bible stud and food for adults in the neighborhood...In November 2005, St. Paul's will celebrate 135 years of ministry and mission! Over that span of time, much has changed - much has not. The congregation is presently reaping the benefits of a wireless computer network...the 5th Street Coffee House and church web site...St. Paul's Church has been at its best when it has relied on the wisdom and power of God to lead. To faithfully follow where God does lead, makes for a confident rhythm to life, a cadence to discipleship for eyars to come.

 Sunday Services:
Members, guests and visitors, all are welcome!

Rev. Rodney S. Kopp, Pastor
Wayne Lutz, Church Administrator
Karl Schneider, Shut-InMinistry
Sheila D. Booker, Director of Music
Rebecca Ehrlich, Parish Associate

©2004-05 St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
5900 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA. 19120
Phone: 215-424-4800 | Fax:215-424-4805
E-mail: admin@StPaulsLutheranChurchOnLine.Org

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