New Life Bible Fellowship Church is an evangelical congregation located at 2960 W Philadelphia Avenue in Oley, Pennsylvania, in eastern Berks County. The church holds regular Sunday worship services and maintains a schedule of weekday ministries that includes programs for children, students, adults, and seniors. It serves the Oley Valley and the surrounding communities of Berks County, drawing attendees from nearby towns such as Boyertown, Fleetwood, Birdsboro, Douglassville, and the greater Reading area.
The congregation can be reached by phone at +1 610-987-3192, and current service times, ministry schedules, sermon recordings, and event announcements are posted on the church website at newlifebfc.org. Because seasonal programming, holiday services, and special events can change the weekly rhythm, visitors planning a first trip are generally best served by checking the website or calling the church office ahead of time.
Denominational Background
As its name indicates, New Life is affiliated with the Bible Fellowship Church, a small evangelical denomination with deep roots in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Bible Fellowship Church traces its history to nineteenth century revival movements among Pennsylvania German Christians and later took its present name in the mid twentieth century. Congregations in the denomination are known for a conservative, confessional theology, an emphasis on the authority of Scripture, and expository preaching that works through biblical texts rather than topical presentations alone. Churches within the denomination operate with a fair amount of local independence while sharing a common doctrinal statement and cooperating in missions, church planting, and ministry training.
That background helps explain the character of the ministry at New Life. The teaching approach centers on explaining biblical passages in their context and then connecting them to everyday questions of work, family, relationships, and personal faith. Preaching duties are carried out by the pastoral staff, with Pastor Scott among the voices regularly in the pulpit.
Sunday Worship
Sunday morning is the main gathering point of the week. Services combine congregational singing led by a worship team of vocalists and instrumentalists with Scripture reading, prayer, and a sermon. The musical style blends contemporary worship songs with hymns, and the music ministry draws on volunteers from within the congregation who rehearse regularly.
Dress at New Life is informal. Attendees arrive in everything from business casual to jeans, and first time guests are not asked to identify themselves publicly or to contribute financially. Greeters are typically stationed at the entrances to help visitors find the sanctuary, restrooms, and children's classrooms. Coffee and fellowship time before or after the service gives newcomers an easy opportunity to meet members without a formal introduction process.
Ministries for Children and Families
New Life devotes significant volunteer energy to ministry for children. Nursery care is available during the worship service for infants and toddlers, staffed by screened volunteers, which allows parents of young children to participate in the service without interruption. Older children take part in Sunday School classes and age graded children's programming that uses curriculum built around Bible stories, memory verses, music, and hands on activities.
The church's Vacation Bible School is one of its larger annual undertakings. Held during the summer, VBS runs across several days and combines themed decorations, group games, crafts, snacks, music, and Bible lessons appropriate to each age group. The program is organized well in advance and depends on a substantial team of volunteers who handle registration, teaching, safety, and setup. VBS is open to children from the wider community, not only to families who attend the church on Sundays, and it frequently serves as the first point of contact between local families and the congregation.
Beyond Sunday mornings and summer programming, the church typically offers ministry opportunities for older children and teenagers, along with family oriented events scheduled through the year.
Adult and Senior Ministries
Adults at New Life have access to Sunday School classes and small group Bible studies that meet at various times during the week. These smaller settings allow for discussion, questions, and prayer in a format different from the Sunday sermon, and they function as the primary place where members build relationships and offer practical support to one another during illness, bereavement, job loss, or other difficulties.
The church also runs a dedicated ministry for older adults known as Forever Young, which combines a service with a shared meal. Gatherings of this kind provide fellowship for retirees and seniors in the Oley Valley, including those who may live alone or have limited opportunities for regular social contact. Programs may include music, a devotional message, and guest speakers alongside the lunch.
Community Outreach
New Life maintains an outward facing posture toward the Oley community and the wider region. One of the more visible examples is the free breakfast the church hosts in connection with the Reading Motorcycle Club anniversary event, a long running gathering that brings large numbers of riders through the Oley area. Church volunteers prepare and serve a home cooked meal at no charge, an effort that has become an expected part of the weekend for many returning visitors.
Other outreach takes the form of seasonal events, service projects, support for missionaries at home and abroad, and hospitality events designed to introduce neighbors to the congregation in a low pressure setting. The church also opens its facility for gatherings tied to its ministries and community partnerships.
Facilities and Accessibility
The church building sits along West Philadelphia Avenue with on site parking. Accessibility features include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and accessible parking spaces, so attendees using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids can navigate the property and attend services. Restrooms are available on site for visitors and event attendees.
Visiting for the First Time
Guests who are new to New Life may find the following practical notes useful:
- Service times and any schedule changes are listed on the church website and can be confirmed by phone.
- Parking is available on site, including accessible spaces near the entrance.
- Children's programming and nursery care run during the Sunday morning service; arriving a few minutes early allows time for check in.
- There is no dress code, and visitors are not expected to give financially.
- Sermon audio and information about small groups, ministry teams, and upcoming events are posted online for those who want to learn more before attending.
- The church office can answer questions about baptism, membership, pastoral care, weddings, funerals, and facility use.
For residents of Oley and the surrounding Berks County communities who are looking for a congregation with expository preaching, congregational singing, established children's ministry, and an active schedule of community events, New Life Bible Fellowship Church is a long standing presence in the area.