I was looking for something else on-line and came across Redemption Lutheran Church, my growing-up…read moreyears parish. We lived on Ripley and Large Streets, one long block away from the church, and which was the center of our lives back then. My parents (Ruth & Bill Merz) started attending in 1941 (in the annex before the current sanctuary was built in 1951), and I (Ruth D. Merz) started attending in 1945. From Sunday School classes in 1947 to leaving for a Lutheran college (Wittenberg University) in 1963, the foundation of our faith and religious lives were taught and secured by the Pastor (The Rev. Albert Shumaker), our parents and family, and all the elders and members of the Parish. My two younger sisters Barbara (in PA) and Linda (in AL) were also influenced the same way I was. Our lives outside of school (Rhawnhurst/Wilson/N.E.) revolved primarily around the church and we were there for weekly Sunday services (sitting in "our" pew of course), weekly Sunday School, two full years of Confirmation Class, Girl Scouts (Troop 330), Jr. Choir, Luther League, Nursery helper, sports teams, special events and trips, parish dinners, etc. Our Moms served on the Altar Guild and our Dads on the Church Council and both were heavily involved over the years. I remember walking in the silent snow to Christmas eve services in the dark and always getting a new Easter outfit each year, even if we had to wear a coat over it to keep warm. The only negative was that back in those days, girls were not allowed to serve as Acolytes, a coveted position we would die for, and which only the boys were allowed to do. Looking at the photos today of the buildings on-line showed the still same absolutely beautiful and simple sanctuary where many were baptized, confirmed, married, and brought to the Lord, and so little has changed at all. While I am now 77 years old and have lived in Hawaii for the past 43 years, Redemption will always hold a special spot in my heart. Carrying on with those early teachings, I have attend St. Peter's Episcopal Church here in Honolulu since 1980 immersing myself in all the activities of that church. But now, I also get to wonder what happened to all those folks we grew up with and loved so long ago. Thanks be to God for His many blessings. Me ke aloha pumehana, Ruth D. Merz, Honolulu, Hawaii

Friendly, loving members. Individual healing prayers…read moreoffered on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Special music on the first Sunday of the month. Fellowship with snacks provided after service.

I joined the church shortly after moving to Philadelphia. Prior to coming to Trinity, I had taken a…read morelong break from the church and wasn't necessarily looking to get involved. A friend of mine invited me to a service and I agreed to attend. Everyone went out of their way to make sure I felt welcome and at home. The congregation is what won me over was and I have made strong friendships ever since. If you are looking for a place to worship, look no further than Trinity Church Oxford. This church has a deep history going back over 300 years. As a history buff, I cannot believe this gem is in my backyard! Come for the history, stay for the welcoming parishioners and yummy coffee hour! I also gave an extra star since this church is a short ride away from Center City on the Fox Chase Septa regional rail line

Am giving this a 4 star rating - for some reason the website isn't working. It's a fairly well…read morekept church established in 1698 - so it actually predates the United States of America. I took my Pomeranian there last Sunday for the annual animal blessing they do in honor of St. Francis of Assisi Day - this year it was on the actual feast day. Last year I took her to the 8AM service - this year we went to the 10AM service, which is somewhat longer since it features the (very good) choir and congregational singing. Please note this is not my regular place of worship. Last year we were the only ones there but the rector Father Robyn still accomodated us and blessed her along with the picture of my Chi mix (they bless pictures if the animal doesn't travel well. This year there were 3 other dogs there and the blessing was done in the graveyard. I found that the clergy & congregation were very welcoming. It's an easy location to get to: just 1 block from the bus stop for routes 24 & 18 and ample parking on Longshore Ave. I like the fact that they printed in their bulletin the texts of she Scriptural lessons read along with the Psalms read that day so you can follow along and refer to them in the future even if you don't have access to a Bible. Also that they pointed out which book is which in the pews (hymnal & Book of Common Prayer), where to find the restrooms and their policy on Communion. The building where they held the coffee social afterwards was named for a past rector who happened to be the brother of the only President hailing from PA (James Buchanan, also the only President to date who was a lifelong bachelor).