What is a Shared Ministry Church? Union churches were created in the 18th Century mainly due to economic conditions at the time.  German immigrants to the Lehigh Valley area were predominately from Lutheran and Reformed traditions.  Lacking funds to build churches, but motivated by a common language, members of the Lutheran and Reformed traditions worked together to build Union churches: one building that would be used by both traditions. At Jerusalem Western Salisbury, the Lutheran and Reformed (now United Church of Christ) traditions have been sharing facilities and ministries for over 250 years.   In 1997, the two congregations entered into a Shared Ministry relationship in order to further our "union bond."  By equally sharing in leadership, staffing, programming, and worship areas of our ministry, we celebrate our partnership and its rich history. As we move to the future, we hope to build on this rich heritage and find ways to share our resources in a common witness of Jesus Christ.  Come join us in this journey!

 

		THE HISTORY OF JERUSALEM WESTERN SALISBURY CHURCH
1741		First log church was built, referred to as "Schmaltzgass Church," "the Little Lehigh Church," or the "Maguntsche Church," and served the Lutheran and Reformed immigrants to this area
1769		Second church built
1819		The present stone church erected
1884		Major building renovations made and the steeple was added
1899		The Tilghman Kline Memorial Chapel built at the east end of the church
1955		The annex added to the church
1991		The 250th Anniversary of the church celebrated
1997		Developed a Shared Ministry document
2004		Sanctuary was repainted, pews refurbished, new lights and new seating for annex
2010		Called our first Senior Pastor to the Shared Ministry
2011		Handicap accessible restrooms added to both main church and basement fellowship areas; dedicated Welcome Center
2011		Called our first Associate Pastor to the Shared Ministry