welcome to liberti river wards church!

Hi there! If you’re reading this, you must have scanned our QR code for newcomers. First, let us just say… WELCOME! It’s a privilege to worship with you this morning. We hope you’ll stick around and chat with a person or two.

You might also be wondering how to get connected here at Liberti. On this page, we’ve compiled everything you need to know: our leaders, happenings, and more. Scroll on through and learn a little more about who we are. We’re thankful for you!

who we are and what we believe

Liberti River Wards seeks to live, speak, and serve as the very presence of Christ in the River Wards of Philadelphia. We are part of the Liberti Communion of churches throughout the greater Philadelphia area, and a member church in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

We believe that Jesus Christ lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserved to die. His resurrection from the dead is the central fact of both human history and personal meaning in life.

Learn more

Our Leaders and Staff

  • Stephen Wood

    Associate Pastor, Teaching Elder

  • Larry Walker

    Director of Mission and Discipleship, Ruling Elder

  • GLENN MCDOWELL

    Elder and City Pastor

  • Carol Davis

    Spiritual Director in Residence

  • Kaitlin Bradley

    Children's Ministry Coordinator

  • Dave Wenger

    Elder

  • Julian Spiegler

    Elder

  • Courtney Shenk

    Administrator

Our DEACONS & DEACONESSES

  • Michael Black

  • Peg Laramee

  • Summer Rosario

  • Gabe Li

  • Liz Spiegler

  • Alyssa Wood

  • Betsy Stoltzfus

OKAY, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS I CAN GET PLUGGED IN?

There are lots of ways to get connected here at Liberti. Here’s a quick run-through of things happening.

COFFEE HOUR

Right after our worship service on Sundays at 9am, head downstairs to the fellowship hall for some coffee, snacks, and conversation. We’d love to get to know you and hope you’ll stick around!

MEN’S MINISTRY

Our Men’s Ministry Team exists to encourage men to grow in biblical wisdom, holiness, and accountability. This team hosts several events throughout the year including the annual men’s retreat, game nights, and more. Contact Larry Walker for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Our Women’s Ministry Team exists to help women grow in their faith as they pursue a lifestyle of worship, community, and mercy. Find opportunities for teaching and learning, connecting with other women in our community, and using your gifts for service. Contact Bobbi Wenger for more information.

liberti kids

Liberti Kids is our children’s ministry for kids who are newborns to 4th grade. We seek to partner with families in helping kids understand the Gospel and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Liberti Kids provides ministry during our Sunday worship services. Contact Kaitlin Bradley to learn more.

New to liberti class

We host a New to Liberti class once per month. During this one-day class, you’ll learn about the beliefs of the Christian faith and what it means  to be a part of our church. Anyone is welcome to come and bring their questions! Contact Stephen Wood to find out when the next one is!

HOME MEETINGS

Home meetings are gatherings of 10-15 people who pray, learn, and grow together spiritually. We have a number of groups meeting throughout the week! See where and when they meet.

WAIT, WHAT ARE HOME MEETINGS?

home meetings are the primary way we live in community.

Joining a home meeting is a great way to get connected here at Liberti. Take a look at the map to see if there’s one happening near you.

Learn more

WE just BOUGHT our own BUILDING!

It’s an exciting time for Liberti River Wards. We just purchased our own building at 2531 E Lehigh Ave, the former Portside Arts Center. We’re so grateful to the Lord for our future home and are currently fundraising for its renovation. Watch the video below to learn more!

Learn even more

do you need help?

Do you or a neighbor need groceries or some other kind of help? Please contact our care team at lrwdeacons@liberti.org. The LORD himself sees you and cares about you, and so do we.

Learn more

let the peoples praise you, o god!

Liberti River Wards seeks to live, speak, and serve as the very presence of Christ in the River Wards of Philadelphia. We hope you will consider joining this community of faith. It is our joy to invite you to experience the grace of Christ with us!

Explore our website some more