“Imagine,” a voice seems to say, rustling through the leaves of the wooded grounds here at Cheltenham Presbyterian Church. It suggests a sanctuary where faith intertwines with community. Cheltenham Presbyterian Church is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant hub for first-generation immigrants seeking solace and connection.
Many members of Cheltenham Presbyterian Church are owners of Korean restaurants, dry-cleaning shops and grocery stores. They dedicate themselves to long hours six days a week. On the seventh day they find rest and community within these walls. Here they strengthen their bonds in faith.
Cheltenham Presbyterian Church offers three Sunday services in Korean. These services include English subtitles displayed on a screen. Following these, there is one service in English accompanied by a rock band. The church is alive with activity. Sunday school, Bible study, children’s services, youth orchestra rehearsals and preschool classes fill the space. It is bustling from early morning until late afternoon.
A highlight of the week at Cheltenham Presbyterian Church is the lavish potluck. It features restaurant-quality Korean food. Talented members contribute dishes to the spread. Among them are the chef-owner of Seo Ra Bol and the owner of Umai.
Senior pastor Jung Kwon Choi explains that worship is central to the congregation’s life. He says that Sunday is also a vital opportunity for friends to gather and connect. This is particularly important for those with demanding weekday schedules. Doctors, dentists, teachers and business owners are all represented within Cheltenham Presbyterian Church.
Cheltenham Presbyterian Church is a large Korean Presbyterian church in the Delaware Valley. It has about 500 members. The English services cater to younger members. These are the second-generation and 1.5-generation Korean-Americans. The 1.5 generation refers to those who immigrated as children. In addition to Sunday services, there is also a Wednesday service.
The core beliefs of Cheltenham Presbyterian Church are rooted in conservative Presbyterian values. These beliefs include the Holy Trinity, the Bible as the infallible word of God and salvation through God alone. They also believe in heaven and hell. This conservative approach resonates with many Koreans. Presbyterianism has deep historical ties to Korea, dating back to the mid-1880s.
Cheltenham Presbyterian Church extends its reach far beyond its local community. It supports ministries in Turkey, Uganda, Argentina and North Philadelphia. Teens and young adults volunteer at summer programs. They work alongside other Korean Presbyterian churches.
Each year, Cheltenham Presbyterian Church welcomes school-age Korean orphans for a month. They take them on trips to Washington D.C. and to Ivy League universities. The goal is to broaden their horizons. While none have yet attended these universities, most go on to college in Korea.
One of the striking features inside Cheltenham Presbyterian Church is the use of large, flat-screen displays. During Korean services, these screens project English subtitles. They also display congregational announcements and hymns. The background visuals of blue skies and clouds create a peaceful atmosphere.
Pastor Choi encapsulates the essence of their faith. “God is love,” he says. “God gave his own son for us.” Cheltenham Presbyterian Church continues to be a beacon of faith. It is a place of community and service for its members. It welcomes all. Cheltenham Presbyterian Church embraces its role. It enriches the lives of those it touches.