Saint Luke Lutheran Church

Small, but mighty

By SANDY LONG

GREELEY, PA — Big things come in small packages, and St. Luke Lutheran Church in Greeley, and its Good Cheer Food Pantry are proof.

Despite its diminutive size, the beautiful stone church punctuated with glowing stained glass windows is a lively community gem. Members work together for the greater good, providing support through the 27-year food pantry that opens its doors to those in need every month. And they love music.

“We’re a singing church,” said Anne Schmalzle, former church secretary and current grants coordinator for the food pantry. “If you come to the Christmas Eve service, be prepared to sing. We enjoy all the old carols.”

Schmalzle’s family has been involved in the church since its inception, and is still integral to the church and its food pantry today. Ground was broken for the church in August 1916 and a cornerstone laid in 1917. While the upstairs was being finished, members met in the basement, now a community gathering room.

Just inside the heavy wooden doors at the church entrance, two ropes dangle. One rings a bell signaling the weekly Sunday worship service. The other hangs from a funeral bell. According to Schmalzle, there is a distinct difference between the tones delivered by each.

The property on which the church was built was donated by Anna Marie Bopp and her family. The church owns the adjoining buildings housing the Lackawaxen Branch of the Pike County Public Library and the St. Luke Pre-School.

Food pantry volunteers work miracles in the small space available to them in the St. Luke Pre-School, where they store supplies and package boxes for the monthly openings every first Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Others manage to feed the masses from a diminutive kitchen at the annual lasagna dinner, where they sell 140 dinners to raise funds for the church. The congregation of approximately 60 families keeps busy with various other community events, including its Kaffee Klatch and flea market.

The pantry enjoys tremendous support from the surrounding community, including St. Mark and St. Jacobi churches. Just up the road, the Greeley Shur-Way is a longtime friend. The Wallenpaupack Area Second Grade students and Delaware Valley High School students, as well as the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Pike County United Way have all found ways to help or to provide funds or food donations.

Many other community businesses and donors have stepped up, and a special “angel family” brings a truckload of food valued at several thousand dollars every year. “The mother remembers a time growing up when her family didn’t have enough food. They’re in a position to help others now,” said Schmalzle.

Donations of food or financial assistance are always needed at the pantry. Please do not donate outdated food which can not be given out, and must be disposed of. To donate or to volunteer, contact Donna Schmalzle at 570/226-3019. Millie Diefenbach, church secretary, can be reached at milliedief@verizon.net or 570/226-4007. Those in need of help are asked to register in advance. Contact Schmalzle for more information. All are welcome at church services.

St. Luke Lutheran Church Worship Service Schedule

Route 590, Greeley, PA

570/685-4221

Sunday Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Worship Service with Communion

9:30 a.m. Sunday School every second and fourth Sunday

Christmas Eve worship Service

4:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship Service