Many students struggle to find a church home during their time here at Eastern. What kinds of churches can be found within a short drive on Sunday morning? There is a diverse variety of Christian services every Sunday within a stone’s throw of campus, encompassing all kinds of denominations and expressions of worship.
Church of the Savior is a nondenominational evangelical church that offers two services: a traditional service at 9 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. This church stands out for its proximity to Eastern and its robust college student programs. The church itself is within walking distance at just a half mile away, but a shuttle is provided for Eastern student’s convenience. A college Bible study meets every week at 9 a.m. on Sunday prior to the contemporary service. Additionally, the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month feature college fellowship lunches. Church of the Savior does service in the community through giving furniture and supplies to local International students as well as holding a ministry called “Worth It” to support women coming out of sex trafficking.
Those without a Christian background who are curious about religion might appreciate something simple and clear, which Lower Providence Presbyterian Church (LPPC) provides a twenty minute car ride away from Eastern in Norristown. The service is at 9:45 a.m. and features a mix of contemporary and traditional worship styles. A representative from LPPC would like Eastern students to know that interns and volunteers are needed for youth programs, with incentives such as college credits and service hours.
For students who enjoy a high church, liturgical style of worship, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is just a ten-minute drive away. No car, no problem! Good Shepherd is on the main line, right by the Rosemont train station–just a couple of stops towards Philly from St. Davids station which lies within walking distance of campus. There is a young adult group that regularly meets, as well as education and formation classes for those new to Episcopalianism. A less liturgical Episcopal church, St. Martin’s Episcopal, is a mere mile away from campus and can be walked to. They meet at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings and highlight a breakfast on the first Sunday of each month. Representatives of the church emphasized the environment’s role in shaping their theology and boasted their beautiful property, where much time is spent.
For LGBTQ+ students on campus, finding a safe church is an important consideration. Cornerstone Church, twenty minutes away by car in West Chester, provides this environment–Eastern alumni themselves can attest to the fact. In addition to openly queer members of leadership, Cornerstone hosts “Sacred Space,” a gathering of queer Christians that meets regularly. Cornerstone is a nondenominational church with a service from 10-11:30 a.m. every Sunday. Their worship is contemporary, as well as introduces a mix of black traditional gospel and Latin forms of worship. Cornerstone is highly involved in their community, hosting a food pantry, occasional “Sunday Funday” events in West Chester, and even an event called “Barbershop Conversations.” At this semi-regular event, people of color in the community come to get their hair cut and chat with local police officers, helping to build trust. The pastor says the aim is to “…prevent another Breonna Taylor, prevent another George Floyd.” For those with busy schedules on Sunday morning, Cornerstone has a podcast called “Staying at the Table.”
Another church with a robust college student crowd is Grace Covenant Church (GCC), which also features a shuttle for its 10:30 a.m. nondenominational service. GCC holds small groups on campus, as well as hosting regular Friday Night Hangouts for college students all over the main line.
Hope Community Church is a contemporary nondenominational church just twelve minutes away by car that emphasizes its slogan, “Know. Grow. Go.” Services are at 9 and 10:45 a.m. each week, and every second Sunday following the service is “College Huddle,” a time of fellowship for college students. Nothing catch your attention? More area churches can be found on Eastern’s website (eastern.edu/student-life/faith-practice/area-churches). More information about each of the churches is featured on each respective church’s website, each of which can be found online.
Katherine Thomas 
Kylie Smith 
Waltonian