Our Story

Jesus was the best storyteller and teacher that ever walked the face of the earth.  Through the use of parables He was able to communicate the Gospel message and relate to a diverse group of people.  He used every opportunity, and every life situation, to change hearts, mold lives, and deliver the message of salvation.

At Glad Tidings Assembly of God our services are designed to be powerful and inspiring.  We incorporate video, drama, multimedia, and a blend of contemporary music with heartfelt worship to complement the Biblical message of the day.  We talk about the issues you face every day and connect God's wisdom and Word to your life.  Our prayer is that our services challenge and touch you as you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Cottage Prayer meetings were held in homes.  In November 1925, Pastor Edwin Sikes was called to serve.  At a regular business meeting of the church body held July 19, 1927, plans were discussed regarding building of a new church.  Under the direction of Brother Sikes, plans were put into action to purchase the land at 330 West Windsor Street in the City of Reading Pennsylvania.  The purchase price of the plot, 54 feet by 110 feet, was $ 5,130.  The church was erected at a cost of $28,000.

On March 5, 1925, the first roll call was recorded, showing forty-two persons in attendance.  The task and financial burden laid on this small group of faithful believers was astounding.

The church continued to grow and the basement Sunday School rooms soon became over-crowded.  The Board, sensing the necessity of larger quarters, made plans in 1951 for expansion in the building program.  Many men toiled and labored until the addition was complete.

The church flourished and in June 1974 a new location was dedicated at 555 Warwick Drive Wyomissing Pennsylvania.  In 1976, Pastor Emeritus James and his wife Lorraine came on board as the new pastoral leaders for Glad Tidings.  They brought with them tremendous love for worshipping the Lord and they contributed immensely to the heritage of the church.  The members of the church, under Pastor Swank's leadership, remained steadfast in their labor for the Lord, and God continued to bestow His blessing upon Glad Tidings.
 

The year was 1997 - Princess Diana was laid to rest, the Florida Marlins won the World Series and Phase I (Building for the Harvest) of the current church facility was erected under the pastoral leadership of Bryan Koch.  A vision was cast for the future and the church experienced a tremendous surge of growth.  One year after relocation, overcrowding became evident in the Christian Education and Youth departments.  In 1999, the congregation approved two additional lots for future building and parking expansion.  By year 2000, the Phase II (Building for Tomorrow's Leaders) master plan was finalized and approved.  The construction of additional adminstrative offices and the expansion of the Christian Education wing (E-Center) were underway.  2002 was a great year of celebration!  Phase II of the building was complete, the church celebrated it's 75^th Anniversary (75 Years to the Glory of God), and Pastor Bryan and Lynn Koch were recognized for ten years of leadershi  of the church.

The Lord continues to be faithful as we follow His direction in fulfilling The Great Commission.  The attendance remains steady and preliminary plans have created Phase III of the master plan.  The next phase of building will include a new sanctuary to accomodate 1500 people in theater style seating, additional classrooms, a large Narthex area, a book store, additional administrative areas, and most importantly the ability to minister and disciple thousands of people in Berks County and the surrounding areas.