OTF welcomes new members
A Step Above by Susan is an event planning business located in the Hamburg area that prides itself in exceptional service to our clients.
We offer Day of Coordinator services so that you can relax and just enjoy your special event or function. You do not want to look back and realize that you spent more time managing the day than enjoying it.
Our services include Weddings, Corporate events & functions, fundraising events, birthday celebrations and so much more.
Our Day of Coordinator services are second to none. We allow the bride and the families to genuinely enjoy and savor their special day! No need to worry about the details or any glitches throughout the day – that is all in the exceptional service that we provide as your Day of Coordinator. If you need help pulling your event together, we provide services to help you every step of the way. I take great pride in tailoring packages to meet your individual needs.
A Step Above by Susan will provide the same attention to detail for any event or celebration you may have. I have earned a positive reputation because I go out of my way to provide truly exceptional service to each of my clients. I understand that things can change last minute, and I am ready to adapt my services to ensure that your event is a success.
It is all in the details and I would be honored to help you make your special day or event effortless!
Let’s schedule a free consultation today! Visit us at www.astepabovebysusan.com, Contact us via email at astepabovebysusan@gmail.com or by calling 610-914-0884.
Salem (Belleman’s)
Church, located 4 miles west of Mohrsville in Centre Township, is a church rich in history and in service to the community. Formerly a Union church, we are a shared ministry with both UCC and Lutheran congregants worshiping together.
Our focus on outreach over the years has led us to serve many local organizations, while also expanding our reach further into the world. Our Mission Trip teams have traveled throughout the US to provide disaster aid and relief to distressed communities, and our congregation has funded homes for those in need in Haiti.
Our History
In the early 1700’s, immigrants from Germany settled in the area and soon established a place where Lutheran and Reformed Christians could freely worship. That place was a small log church built in 1746. There is a story that Native Americans tried to burn down the log church, but without success. By the early 1800’s, the congregation was outgrowing the log building. This growth resulted in construction of the “Old Church,” a brick building which was completed in May of 1815. The beautiful sanctuary, with its unique wine glass pulpit, still reflects the original grandeur of our forefather’s German origins, and we hold several church services in this historic building throughout the year. George Belleman donated the land for this church, and was most likely one of the builders as well, hence our name of “Belleman’s Church.” As a new century dawned, a new vision of a modern church with electric, heat and running water took shape, and in 1924, the “New Church” was dedicated and is still being used today. In 1975, a large Fellowship Hall with a stage and commercial kitchen was built near the “Old Church” in the grove area. This building provides room to hold several hundred people for dinners, meetings, fundraisers, and many other events. Since 2000, the Lutheran and United Church of Christ congregations joined together and created a strong and vibrant shared ministry.
Our Present
COVID-19 has affected many aspects of Belleman’s Church just like it has for countless other businesses, churches and individuals. Springtime saw us grow into using technology to bring worship to our members via Facebook and YouTube. We also provide transcripts of the worship services to our shut-in members and those without internet. This past summer, we were able to utilize our beautiful grove area at the “Old Church” to worship outdoors weekly and even hold Vacation Bible School. While we had to cancel our always well-attended annual Memorial Day picnic and Oyster Supper, we did transform our September annual Turkey and Waffle Supper into a drive-though event and served over 600 meals. We are hoping for an equally successful annual Church Bazaar, limited to food take-out, in early November. We also sponsor a very active
Cub and Boy Scout Troop, #154, and they have been meeting weekly with safety precautions in place. Our youth group, “Lift,” has been meeting when possible, and while our adult group, “JOY” has not met for several months, they will be back and running when able to meet again.
As of October 2020, we were able to move back inside our sanctuary for worship, with COVID restrictions in place. We still provide online worship through Facebook/YouTube, as well as being able to listen to the service on FM radio 87.9 within the safety of your vehicle in our parking lot on Sunday mornings. While the year 2020 has been a trying year of constantly planning and replanning, we have taken the opportunity to expand our reach and work toward a positive goal of sharing God’s word for these extraordinary times.
Our Future
Now, almost 275 years later from that very first little log building, we still hold a vision of what this church can become, not only in terms of brick and mortar, but in the proclamation of God’s word of love through Jesus Christ! “All things are possible through Christ”
For more information about the Salem Belleman’s Church, contact Pastor David Blitch or the Church Administrator James Fitterling at 610-926-0461. You can also visit their website at www.bellmanschurch.org.