westvalley
The prayed for epicenter of a kingdom earthquake (or righteousness-mercy rainstorm) for West Valley Presbyterian Church is the west suburban edge of Allentown, Pennsylvania. The west side of the Lehigh Valley is inhabited by approx. 50,000 people (Emmaus, Macungie and Lower Macungie). Lower Macungie was the fastest growing municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2005-06. As is often the case, the church usually grabs onto the tail end of demographic/cultural change, thereby never catching up to the gospel-need. The exponential West Valley growth is no exception to the trend, leaving a dismal church-to-person ratio.
What makes our target demographic unique is that the West Valley has experienced a beautiful collision of new and old. From "lifers" to NJ transplants, from the arts community in Emmaus to the bedroom community atmosphere of Lower Macungie - we long for a church plant that will bridge the divisions created by the heart of man and honor the diversity of our Creator. (painting "City Rain" by Mary Buckley, used with permission)
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. - Luke 10:2
Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven. - C. Peter Wagner
We are a church plant dependent on the provision of God through his people! If you desire to join in the West Valley kingdom investment, please email to receive our monthly email prayerletters, or mail any tax-deductible gifts to 4251 Chestnut St, Emmaus PA 18049.
demographic data:
Emmaus, Pennsylvania
#87, Money Magazine Best Places to Live, 2007
rapid gentrification and influx of young families
Population: 11,351 (2005 estimate)
Median age: 39.6
Under 18 years, 21.2%
65 years and over, 19.1%
Ethnic (2000):
96% Caucasian
2% Hispanic
(Since 1980, 280% increase in LV suburban Latino community.)
Economic:
$54,120 med. family income, ‘05
Housing:
64% owner occupied
36% renter occupied
Education:
High school graduate only, 36.5%
College/associate degree, 23.4%
Bachelor's or graduate degree, 24.6%
Churches: ~15 protestant/catholic churches
Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania
fastest growing municipality in Commonwealth, 2005-2006
Population: 26,199 (2005 estimate)
Age data: Median age 41.3
Under 18 years, 25.2%
65 years and over, 14.2%
Ethnic (2000):
94% Caucasian
4.3% Asian
90% speak English at home
Economic:
$78,695 med. family income, 2005
Housing:
88% owner occupied
12% renter occupied
Education:
High school graduate only, 26.1%
Some college/associate degree, 22.4%
Bachelor's or graduate degree, 42.7%
Churches: ~15 churches, incl. Macungie/Trexlertown