Who We are

Why We Exist

We exist to help people move from where they are to where God wants them to be.

We want to be a people who care for, welcome, and support those around us in a way that can only be inspired by God. It's our hope that people who visit our church or interact with our people walk away feeling encouraged, refreshed, and drawn closer to God. We want every man, woman, and child in our community to have the chance to experience and respond to the Gospel in action through our church.

Our Mission

Our mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ, deepen faith through Scripture and prayer, and serve our community with compassion and purpose. We seek to glorify God by welcoming all people, supporting one another, and responding to the needs of our neighbors. Our goal is to “Know Christ and Make Him Known”.

Our History

St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church has a long and faithful history of Christian witness and service in the eastern Allentown community. Established by believers committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the congregation has sought, across generations, to worship God faithfully, teach the Scriptures, and serve others in Christ’s name.
Rooted in the tradition of the Evangelical Congregational Church, St. John’s has been shaped by a strong emphasis on biblical authority, personal faith, and practical Christian living. Through seasons of growth and change, the church has remained steadfast in its mission to know Christ and make Him known, responding to God’s call in each generation.
Over the years, St. John’s has served as a spiritual home for individuals and families, offering worship, fellowship, prayer, and compassionate outreach. The congregation’s life has been marked by dedication to worship, commitment to community, and a desire to share God’s love beyond the church walls.
Today, St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church continues this legacy, honoring the faith of those who came before while looking forward with hope and trust in God’s guidance. We remain committed to serving Christ, supporting one another, and being a faithful presence in the Allentown community.

A Message from the Pastor

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church. Whether you are a long time member, a returning friend, or visiting for the first time, I want you to know that you are welcome here.
At St. John’s, we seek to be a church where faith is lived out through worship, prayer, learning, and loving service. We believe God calls us to care for one another, to grow together in faith, and to share Christ’s love beyond our church walls and into our community. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, there is a place for you here.

It is my prayer that as you worship with us, study God’s Word, and share in fellowship, you will experience encouragement, hope, and a deeper relationship with Christ. We are a congregation rooted in God’s grace, striving to follow Jesus faithfully in our daily lives.

I invite you to join us for worship and to become part of the life of our church family. If you have questions, need prayer, or would like to learn more about our ministry, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to meeting you and walking together in faith.

May God bless you and keep you.

The Rev. Thaddaeus T. Hughes
Pastor, St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church

Our Values

Worship & Spiritual Growth

We gather for Christ-centered worship and biblical teaching so that we may grow in faith, deepen our relationship with God, and follow the example of Jesus in our daily lives. We believe worship shapes who we are and prepares us to serve God and others faithfully.

Evangelism & Community Engagement

We are a welcoming Christian community committed to sharing the life‑changing message of Jesus Christ. Through love, hospitality, and active service, we seek to encourage others to join us on a meaningful Christian journey and to make a positive impact in the Allentown community through both words and actions.

Discipleship, Service & Mission

We strive to live out our faith by serving others, making disciples, and extending Christ’s message of eternal hope. From our local neighborhoods to the wider world, we share God’s love by supporting ministry, caring for those in need, and faithfully living out the Gospel together.

What We Believe

This is how we view God, Jesus, the Bible, man, and many significant aspects of our faith. Firmly rooted in Scripture, our beliefs guide our decisions as a church.

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

The Trinity

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

The Father

God is great: He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, Holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good. He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.

The Son

Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we can have life.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.

Eternity

Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

Man

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

Salvation

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.

The Church

The Church is a local community of believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

What We Believe

St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church is part of the Evangelical Congregational Church (ECC). Believing the Bible to be our final authority for faith and Christian living, we affirm the following beliefs as taught in the ECC Articles of Faith.

Pastoral Leadership

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Rev. Thaddaeus T. Hughes,
Pastor

Biography

Rev. Thaddaeus T. Hughes serves as Pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Congregational Church, providing spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and prayer.

Rev. Hughes was born in Philadelphia and raised in the Boyertown, PA area. He is the grandson of the Rev. Dr. Walter R. Harrison, who was his mentor and hero. He graduated from Salem Christian School in Macungie, Pennsylvania. He completed his undergraduate studies at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. He continued his theological education, earning his master’s degree at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, and furthered his academic training by earning certification in counseling at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Pastor Thad also served as a missionary in Iceland, where he assisted in the construction of a Bible Campground, and in Serbia, where he helped protect mentally handicapped institutionalized individuals during the Balkan War. He also serves as pastor at Christ Evangelical Congregational Church in Allentown, PA.

Through his education and ministry, Rev. Hughes is committed to nurturing faith, encouraging spiritual growth, and guiding the congregation in faithful service to God and the community. His wife, Jill, is a special education teacher and serves as a worship assistant, music leader, and children’s program leader. They have one son, Nathanial.

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Jill Hughes, Director of Kid’s Church, Worship Leader

Biography

ServIce TimeS

We can't wait to meet you!

Sundays @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Zoom Bible Study Wed @ 6:30 PM

Chosen Bible Discussion Group Thurs @ 6:30 PM

Contact Information

Want to chat? Get in Touch!

revthadhughes@yahoo.com

(610) 506-2111

405 North Jerome Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109