by Marjorie Geissinger
The Upper Milford Mennonite congregation dates back to 1735 and now meets in its third building on the same site. Over the years, the church has been in three counties without moving—Bucks, Northampton, and now Lehigh. Located on Kings Highway just a mile south of Routes 29 and 100 and 5 miles north of Route 663, we enjoy being a part of the greater Lehigh Valley with its proximity to New York City (90 miles) and easy access to I-78, Route 22, and Route 222.
Although Upper Milford had been a part of the Franconia Conference since 1773, the congregation chose to join the new Eastern District Conference in 1847. The Mennonite Brethren in Christ (now Bible Fellowship Church) saw its roots in this congregation after differences of opinion regarding prayer meetings and more enthusiastic worship practices in 1857.
In 1799, Upper Milford partnered with the local Lutheran and Reformed (United Church of Christ) Churches to run a community school at Dillingersville which operated until 1844 when the Pennsylvania public school system was initiated. The building was then rented to the public system. The three churches still own the school building conducting a yearly outdoor joint worship service on site at this beautiful location. The original three congregations are joined by an additional three in conducting a community Food Pantry, which services over 100 families monthly, and share responsibilities for joint Thanksgiving and Lenten services.
Although small in number, our congregation of active participants is enthusiastic in support of MCC projects such as school kits, Ten Thousand Villages in our annual Craft Festival, Ripple, Crossroads with Thanksgiving turkeys, Bibles for prisoners, and our local Food Pantry.
Our Light in the Night Safe Zone Block Party held the last Sunday in October is the highlight of community outreach for our congregation. For over five years, we have been hosting the event in the community municipal building providing activities and games for the children in the Zionsville area. Treats, food, and fellowship provide a welcoming time for neighbors to experience good-natured fun while meeting our members in a friendly non-threatening location.
Prayer Request:
- Please join us in praying for a settled pastor. We have been well served by a bridge pastor and supplied with guest speakers; however, we would welcome a settled pastor into our community.