EXEGESIS REPORT
Date: May 2016
Location Community and/or Neighborhood:
Laureldale, Pa - Reading
Zip Code: 19605
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
History and Background of Community/Neighborhood:
It was Clayton N. Fidler who suggested that the name "Laurel" be taken from Laurel Hill and be combined with the "dale" in Rosedale to form the favored name of Laureldale. It was this name that was then employed when steps were taken to incorporate the community. On April 8, 1930, President Judge Paul N. Schaeffer signed a decree making Laureldale the 29th borough in Berks County.
OBSERVATIONS:
Social Climate Observations:
Middle class to lower middle class suburb which is across the train tracks from Muhlenberg, but has a small town feel to it. They have more mom and pop stores and even a small downtown area. They are like a small town in the middle of suburban Reading. There is a sense of community and town pride. This can be seen by the many parks, ball fields, and community events advertised throughout the area.
It is diverse with anglos being the majority, but the latinos and African Americans steadly growing. Latinos especially are moving into the town at the fastest rate.
Most people have little college education, and tend to work primarily in the factories across the railroad tracts on the east side of town. One of the biggest companies is the Exide (car batteries).
They go to school in Muhlenberg school district which is located on the edge between both towns. This might provide some oportunity for cross over.
Physical Climate Observations:
Rt. 222 / Rt. 61 especially the train tracks / Rt. 12 / woods on the east side
Economic Climate Observations:
High School educated factory workers who work in the local factories around town. They are like a lot of blue collar town with a variety of parks and ballfields. The other source of jobs is the local mom and pop stores all throughout the town. You don't see any franchises or big box stores in the city. There is a Walmart at the north edge of town surrounded by a few fast food places. Since most don't commute into the city for work, they have time to enjoy Laureldale.
Spiritual Climate Observations:
There are a couple of churches in the town. There is a large Catholic church / school called Holy Guardians Angel Church. Today's Church (todayschurch.net) is the newest one meeting in a store front off of Kutztown Road. They have a day care and appear to be made up of mainly young families. With the increase of hispanic families moving into the area, the need for a english speaking congregations with a spanish culture might fit this area very well. The Catholic church will play a big influence in this area because of the hispanic catholic tradition.
IDENTIFIED NEEDS:
Potential Needs Identified:
Divorce Care
Backyard Bible Clubs - many parks
Sport Camps - especially baseball and soccer
Family encouragement and support
Financial management as people stretch what they make to provide a good life for themselves
Getting involved in the local school and community
CONNECTIONS:
Connections Made During Exegesis:
Cliff J. knows this area very well.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommendation Summary:
Blue collar english speaking church who reaches out to families and the community. Need to give back to the community and show them that they care for them and are one of them. They would probably primarily attract anglos and second /third hispanics. However, if they strive to look like the community there will be ethinic diversity in the congregation. Bible studies and missional groups will probably work, but I think a church building might be an issue with this community. They may need to look for one in order to be considered a "church" in the communities eyes. Good posibility to create a stable, healthy church.