For more than 80 years, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Broomall has been caring for its members who are in need with prayers, love or help. They strive to be an inclusive community where people can discover a renewed sense of faith, belonging and purpose. But it’s not just through their weekly worship services that this mission is carried out.
Kayla Sadowy
Through their Wellness Center, they are working to build a community and justice-minded center whose mission is to care for the mind, body and spirit of its members and our community. From counseling services with licensed professionals, cooking and fitness classes to promote good health, to Reiki somatic therapy and craniosacral therapy that can help reduce stress and anxiety, the Wellness Center partners with organizations who align with Grace’s mission to support wellness in our community. They recently partnered with Chef Dad’s Table (a local cooking school) and built a garden in front of the church for the cooking classes to use. Other partners include Heart Light Healing and local practitioners.
of the animals
Grace Lutheran Church has a long history of supporting Broomall and its surrounding communities with its ministries. Several times a year they shop and prepare food to feed the homeless. They also support Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and since 2008 have donated numerous hours to reconstruct and build several homes. The congregation also delivers food to the food bank, collects monies for Autism and Alzheimer’s research and collects and delivers toys at Christmas to those in need. This fall, the Grace Wellness Center welcomed the community to many events including a weekly support group for grief and loss, an advent retreat and Pub Theology where groups meet at a local pub. “We encourage people to come with questions and leave with questions,” said Kayla. “We engage with curiosity and show respect for each other’s diverse views.” They also blessed animals at the Providence Animal Shelter’s Bark in The Park and on the front lawn of the church. “When we say we welcome everyone, we mean it. Even our four-legged friends can use a little grace!”
Reverend Kayla Sadowy has been the Pastor of Grace Lutheran since 2020 and is proud that through Grace’s Wellness Center, health and wellness will be available for all people with low or no barriers. “We’re always seeking to meet new people and connect them to our services,” said Pastor Kayla. “We are a faith based community, but we welcome anyone in the community regardless of anyone’s beliefs, religion, class, sexuality, race, citizenship status or any other cultural factor.”
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Kayla moved to Philadelphia to study music therapy at Temple University after completing her studies at Capital University in Columbus, OH. As a music therapist, Kayla has worked with various populations, including children, senior adults receiving memory care, cancer patients and adults with intellectual disabilities. “It was during my time in hospice and palliative care that I experienced the presence of God in a way that no longer allowed me to ignore God’s call and led me to seminary,” she explained.
a garden for Chef Dad’s Table
Before coming to Grace Lutheran, Kayla studied at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) and completed her field education with The Welcome Church, a church focused on serving people experiencing homelessness. “My work as a music therapist and minister have cultivated a passion for creating imaginative, meaningful worships and a desire to share the expansive embrace of God’s love and grace,” Kayla explained.
Kayla said Grace Lutheran and its Wellness Center are always looking to make new friends and welcome anyone to join. “We are guided by our core values of helpfulness, hospitality and community,” she said. For more information about supporting the center or becoming a partner, contact The Wellness Center at www.GraceBroomall.org or call 610-356-1824.