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The Joyful Noise Newsletter

Schoeneck Moravian Church December 2019

The advent of something means that it is finally here. For instance, you might be waiting for the advent of

the flying car, though I wouldn’t hold my breath for that one. Besides, we think we are still some years

away from living like the Jetsons. While flying cars would be lovely, the noun advent is used for the

introduction of something important. And, I must confess that flying cars pale in comparison to the

importance of the Advent of Christ’s first coming and second coming.

While Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year

and we go all out in our decor and table settings and we

decorate well in advance, Advent is sacred to us. Advent

is what sets the atmosphere for what we celebrate as the

Christmas season. Think about it this way: The wisemen

didn’t find baby Jesus overnight and neither did the

shepherds. From the moment the star and angel

appeared, the wisemen and shepherds used the

scriptures, specifically the Old Testament prophesies, to

authenticate the events and the miracles that were

happening around them. Advent began— the time of the

Messiah was finally here. Days and weeks passed before

the wisemen and the shepherds were able to visit Jesus,

but they were excited and began celebrating, rejoicing

that the Messiah was finally here; the Messiah’s time had

come. Hence also the reason why the Christian year

begins anew on the first day of advent and not on

January 1.

In addition to our decor we have adopted a family

tradition, an advent calendar. We are not talking about

the advent calendar that has been commercialized with

candy in the pockets. We chose to make our own Advent calendar. In each pocket for every day in

advent, we have scriptures to read together as a family, prayer requests, and of course a little sweet

treat. It’s important to prepare for and celebrate the Time of our Messiah.

How will you prepare to celebrate what God has already done in sending the Messiah? How will you

prepare for the second advent using the first as an example that God is a God of His word?

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Highlights from the Board of Elders and Board of Trustees

November Meetings

Board of Elders

Approved Special Services 2020.

Reviewed Special Envelopes for 2020.

Pamela Stampf appointed Temporary Sunday School Coordinator.

Lanie Yaswinski will lead Junior Youth Group.

Discussed Gluten-free sensitivity.

Holiday Hope Chests 2019

Board of Trustees

No meeting in November.

PLEASE NOTE OUR SNOW POLICY

If the conditions are hazardous (ice, excessive snow, winter weather emergency conditions, etc.), please consult any of the following to find out whether worship has been cancelled, or the schedule altered:

WFMZ, Channel 69 (Check the crawl on television, but they have indicated to us that they will only post the announcement on their website, www.wfmz.com, unless there are “extreme weather conditions”).

The church voicemail message (610-759-0376)

We will make every effort to arrive at an appropriate decision prior to 7:00 AM on Sunday mornings.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS

TO THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Matthew Clewell (Army National Guard) (Lee and Dee’s son, Ellen’s grandson)

Jon Duffield (Army)

Adam Franczak (Navy) (Glenn & Carolyn Hertzog’s grandson)

Ryan Love (Navy)

Dave Hagenbuch (Air Force) (Sandy Love’s cousin)

Kevin Moyer (Marines) (Dwayne and Lisa’s son)

Parker Smith (Army) (Jim and MaryBeth West’s son)

Major Perry White (Army) (husband of Shirley Smith’s granddaughter Amy)

Addresses removed from online version for privacy.

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Worship the Lord with Us!

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because

what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you

are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their

sins.” (Ma"hew 1:20-21)

During Advent, we are reminded of the birth of Jesus into the world. A birth is the

beginning of something new, and in the church we begin our new year with the first

Sunday of Advent. For worship this Advent season, we will look at what the birthing

of the Messiah meant for the people of Jesus’ -me and what it means for us today.

1st Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 1, 8:00 and 10:30 AM

We will begin to prepare the way for the Lord into our hearts this season as we focus on the

promise of the coming King in our worship and Advent Liturgy.

Advent Candlelight Holy Communion Sunday, December 1, 4:30 PM Come to this contempla�ve service, which many find to be the one of the best ways to prepare

spiritually for the season. In addi�on to the beau�ful sounds of praise from our organ, members

of the congrega�on will offer special music to help us draw closer to the Lord. All are invited to

stay for a fellowship meal a"er the service. Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 15, 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Our 8:00 AM service will be regular worship service. At the 10:30 AM service, our Sunday School

children will perform a Christmas Program, sharing Scriptures and songs that remind of God’s

great gi" of Jesus Christ to the world.

Tuesday, December 24

Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Services 4:00, 6:30, and 8:30 PM We celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ on this holy night. The 4:00 pm service will be a

special offering of praise to our Lord by our children, with par�cipa�on from our Cherub, Junior,

and Junior Handbell Choirs. The 6:30 and 8:30 services will be an exalta�on of Christ through the

music of our Senior and Brass Choirs. The Senior Handbell Choir will make their musical offering

at 8:30. All worship services will include special Christmas music, the singing of the ’Morning Star’

solo, and a candlelight service. All Praise to Jesus Christ our King of kings and Lord of lords. First Sunday a9er Christmas December 29, 10:30 AM On this Sunday, we will worship together for one service at 10:30 A.M. New Year’s Eve Lovefeast December 31, 7:00 PM This �me of worship offers us an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges and blessings of the

year past, and to pray for God’s guidance throughout the year ahead.

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Thank you for the generous contribution of $110 to Moravian Open Door. This gift, along with others, enables MOD to continue its service to older homeless individuals by providing transitional housing, breakfast and nutrition education, counseling, and other direct services to restore dignity and rebuild lives. Your generosity keeps the mission and vision of MOD alive.

Frank Johnson Moravian Open Door, President, Board of Directors

Sing Hallelujah! The Choirs of Schoeneck Moravian Church

Listen and worship with all of the best

Moravian music everyday!

All proceeds will benefit the music program of

Schoeneck Moravian Church

$15.00

The family of Barbara Dotter wishes to express our sincere thank you to family, friends, Pastors Garritt & Sanette, the luncheon committee at the church who did a wonderful job, and also the Reichel Funeral Home of Northampton, Kevin & his staff. Also who sent prayers, cards, donations, food and flowers during the recent passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Sincerely, Children: Donald & Lisa, Kay & Tom, Robin & Brian, Daniel & Families

We would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the prayers, cards, kindness and support upon the passing of mother, wife and grandmother, Cecile Tucker. She will be greatly missed.

Special blessings to Pastors Garritt and Sanette for officiating at the service. You made a difficult time very peaceful and special.

We are truly grateful to be a part of the Schoeneck family.

In God’s Love, Tammy, Ed, Braden & Rylan Mehlig and Family

The Winter Coat Give-away in conjunction with the Nazareth Area Churches and the Nazareth Area Food Bank was very successful this year. Once again the coat give-away was held at the Nazareth Moravian Church, Center Square. We have a great response from the area churches and people in our community who dropped off winter coats, hand knitted hats and other winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, hoodies, winter boots, etc. for the give-away. Thank you, thank you for all your donations.

We were able to distribute 152 winter coats to children, women and men. Many smiling faces left the church during the give-away on Tuesday November 12th. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful community, a community that is willing to give of themselves. God bless you all. Pastor Jeff Gehris

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OCTOBER MONTHLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2019

OCTOBER ACTIVITY

OCT TOTAL REVENUE $45,067

OCT TOTAL EXPENSES -$41,798

OCT NET REVENUE $3,269 *

YEAR TO DATE ACTIVITY

YTD TOTAL REVENUE $289,860

YTD TOTAL EXPENSES -$286,991

YTD NET REVENUE $2,869 *

*Reflects an Anonymous Dona-on of $11,000.

Unpaid Provincial Obliga-ons through

October 31, 2019 are $21,300

SCHOENECK’S MONTHLY OBLIGATION TO THE

PROVINCE & DISTRICT IS $7,237.

* Reflects an Anonymous Dona-on of $10,000

Time, Talent and Treasure

OCTOBER

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Moravian Open Door $110

Provincial Administration $1,810

Cemetery Perpetual Care $1,000

Anonymous Gift $10,000

Special Project - Safe Harbor $35

Special Project - Esperanza $45

Choir CD Sales $725

Anniversary Offering $342

TOTAL $22,987

Special Project - Nazareth Food

Bank

$10

Special Project - Hurricane Relief $1,588

Communion/Lovefeast $477

Community Dinners $325

Rummage Sale $6,520

Sunday Average ~ 130

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

8:00

AM

10:30

AM TOTAL

Sunday

School

Sunday, Oct 6 49 70 119 51

Sunday, Oct 13 58 84 142 50

Sunday, Oct 20 36 78 114 58

Sunday, Oct 27 n/a 144 144 55

All offerings must be received

by December 31 to be credited

to your 2019 giving.

Please do not pay for any

2020 sponsorships such as

bulletin, flower, lovefeast, etc.

in 2019. Please wait to pay

in 2020. Thank you!

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Christian Education… for all ages

Wow!! Wasn’t it just summer? And…... didn’t we just have Rally Day? Soon we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior! This year has really gone by fast, but let me tell you what the Christian Ed Ministry still has in store for you at Schoeneck until the end of the year. SUNDAY SCHOOL

December 15th- 10:30am service, Sunday School children will hold their Christmas Pageant, compiled by Sarah Hriniak. Rehearsals will be held during the end of our Sunday School hour. Dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 14th at 10:00am, please bring your child so we have full participation.

If you LOVE Christmas you will want to attend “REMEMBER WHEN….”, December 29th during Sunday

School hour-9:15 to 10:15. Everyone is invited (not just for Sunday School participants). Our Sunday School children have been busy thinking up questions to ask the adults what it was like at church during Christmas season when they were a child. Any left over Christmas cookies or breakfast snacks will be gratefully accepted for our refreshments.

JR. YOUTH Lanie Yaswinski has been appointed as temporary Jr.Youth leader while MaryBeth West continues with her leave of absence.

December 15th they will go Christmas Caroling at Walden III in Wind Gap. Plan to bring your lunch and immediately after church we will meet in the kitchen and quickly make some Christmas cookies to share with the residents. Around 1:30 we will leave for Walden III. Everyone is invited to join us, the more voices the merrier.

SR. YOUTH

December 8th the Sr. Youth will be making their annual trip to MOD in NY. They are still collecting NEW sheets, blankets, pillows and 9 volt batteries for the smoke detectors.

Sr. Youth will be dieners at the December 31st New Years Eve service followed by the annual sleepover.

All the above events welcome new participants. Please come join your church family and spread God’s love and joy! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and pray that you enjoy time spent with your family! ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ Pam Stampf Acting Sunday School Coordinator

Tuesday, December 31 to Wednesday, January 1

Jr. Youth Group Caroling Sunday, December 15

After 10:30 AM service

Meet after church for

lunch and cookie baking. Then Christmas Caroling

at Walden III

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What’s Happening… This year we will be participating again in Holiday Hope Chests, a shoebox project sponsored by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. The shoeboxes will be distributed to underprivileged children throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our goal is to collect 70 shoeboxes to give these children a brighter holiday.

Boxes are due on Sunday, December 1

Gift tags and more information can be found on the cart across from the church office. Contact Elaine Bittner at 610-867-2336 for more information.

Don’t forget to bring in your extra shoe boxes to share!

UNITY PRAYER WATCH

Wednesday, December 18

Schoeneck congregation is asked to pray

for the ministry of our Moravian Church. In doing so,

we uphold a vital custom of our denomination, sharing

together with Moravian brothers and sisters across

many provinces and continents, maintain a 24-hour a

day, 365 days a year prayer chain. A sign-up sheet will

be passed around in worship and then posted on the

bulletin board with various time slots for prayer. A

sheet of prayer guidelines will also be made available.

DECORATING THE SANCTUARY FOR CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 5 5:00 - 6:00 PM

All are invited to help!

Last Chance for Pasties! An order form is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. All orders are due December 1 with pick-up on December 8 in the Fellowship Hall. Pasties are only $6.50 each for

beef/potato/onion or no onion, broccoli/cheese/potato/onion or no onion.

Pasties will no longer be available starting in 2020.

Sr. Youth Group is collecting donations for

Moravian Open Door

Due December

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The Hospitality Ministry would like to invite you, your family and friends to a special Advent Dinner following the 4:30 PM service on Sunday, December 1.

Sign-up on the bulletin board outside the church office.

Flower and Bulletin Sponsorships

are now available for 2020. Please check the bulletin board

or contact the church office for availability.

Sr. High—Post High Winter Retreat January 10-12, 2020

Hope Conference & Renewal Center Winter Retreat 2020 begins at 7PM on Friday

and concludes by noon on Sunday.

Sponsored by: Eastern District - Moravian Church, Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Register today online at https://camphope.org/youth-camps-retreats For more information or scholarship availability contact:

Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer cynthia@mcnp.org or 484-554-0102

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Greetings!

We hope that everyone had a Blessed Thanksgiving holiday with family & loved ones. I always feel that we

rush into the Christmas season missing some of the beauty of Thanksgiving. A time to be thankful for all that

we have been given.

Alas! We are in the holiday season. As usual, it has come upon us too quickly.

Slow down, take a deep breath and remember the real reason for the season.

Some practical reminders for the holiday season:

Most colds and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. The best protection against colds and flu, etc.

is good hand washing techniques. When unable to wash your hands, try to utilize hand sanitizers.

Get adequate fluids and nutrition and 8 hours of sleep to prevent illnesses and stress.

Holidays can be sad and depressing for anyone who may have lost their mates and/or loved ones.

Visit and check on friends & neighbors who may be alone during and after the holidays. Check in on

family or friends who may be ill or going through a crisis.

I was reading a prayer by Peter Marshall, Pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.

and Chaplain of the US Senate. (May 27, 1902- January 26, 1949). One of his prayers is:

“In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow

us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time

to live---time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time to know

each other. “

I so believe that he captured my feelings so many years ago.

Our Health Ministry wants to Wish All of You a most Blessed Holiday Season as

we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior.

Our next blood pressure screening will be December 15, 2019.

Love & Peace,

Health Ministry

Health Ministry

We express our sympathy with

Dave & Melissa Gillette and family on the death

of his mother Sandra Gillette on October 25, 2019.

We express our sympathy with

MaryBeth & Jim West and family on the death

of her father Rodney Markulics on

October 26, 2019.

We express our sympathy with

Lori Schaefer and family on the death of

her husband Brian on November 16, 2019.

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Worship Helpers This Month SPONSORS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

FLOWERS - $40.00 BULLETINS - $25.00

12/1 Mehlig Family 12/1 Cookie & George Knauss

12/8 John & Lanie Yaswinski 12/8 John & Lanie Yaswinski

12/15 Cookie & George Knauss 12/15 OPEN

12/22 OPEN 12/22 Melody Stocker

12/24 The Resslers 12/24 Silimperi Family

12/29 OPEN 12/29 Cookie & George Knauss

12/31 OPEN 12/31 OPEN

CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEAST 4pm

Ann Dalton

CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEAST 8:30pm

John Beitel & Fran Eckert

CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEAST 6:30pm

Dennis & Joanne Smith

NEW YEAR’S EVE LOVEFEAST

John Beitel & Fran Eckert

DECEMBER TRUSTEE Lou Dishong/ Craig Matheson

DECEMBER ELDERS 8:00 AM Melody Stocker

10:30 AM Deb Charles

DECEMBER SAFE HARBOR Jr. Youth Group

DECEMBER RECYCLING Deb & Lou Dishong

Date Time Ushers Greeters Scripture Readers Nursery

December 1

8:00 AM

Dave & Melissa Gillette

Deb Charles Deb Charles ---

10:30 AM

Doug & Deb Charles Sandy Love, Lois

Zibulnik Frank Searock Miriam Stoudt Corey & Jill Beil

4:30 PM

Lou & Deb Dishong TBA JoAnne Heckman ---

December 8

8:00 AM

Haffner Family Ann Dalton Cookie Knauss ---

10:30 AM

Gayle & Frank Searock, Dean & Cindy

McAllister Pam Stampf Ann-Louise Taylor

JoAnn Heckman, Tammy Mehlig

December 15

8:00 AM

Catherine & Robert Hahn

Chris & Gail Gagner Deb Love ---

10:30 AM

Graver Family Szulborski Family TBD Gayle Searock,

Mim Stoudt

December 22

8:00 AM

Ressler Family Catherine Hahn Patty Alercia ---

10:30 AM

Holland Family Lanie & Anna

Yaswinski Brenda Makovetz

Sue Anascavage, Sallyann McCarty

December 24 (Christmas Eve

Lovefeast)

4:00 PM

LaRue & Harrison Beil Yaswinski Family Pastors ---

6:30 PM

Bill & Katie Elliott Craig Matheson Pastors ---

8:30 PM

Tim & Barb Messinger, Len & Francine

Messinger Craig Matheson Pastors ---

December 29

No 8 AM Service

10:30 AM

Mehlig Family John Beitel Bill Orsinger Denise Morris-Ng, Allene Rampulla

December 31 (New Year’s Eve

Lovefeast)

7:00 PM

Youth Lois & Michael

Zibulnik Youth ---

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Our Church Family PRAYER CONCERNS (Our Church Family)

HOMEBOUND MEMBERS

SERVING IN THE MILITARY

4 - Tim & Barbara Messinger (43)

10 - Lanie & John Yaswinski (8) 17 - Anna & Mike Free (36) 18 - Sharon & Matt Peters -Schuler (1)

20 - Richard & Carol Ressler (17) 21 - Jason & Val Szulborski (23) 29 - Corey & Jill Beil (29)

Mark & Dianne Newman (13)

2 - Peggy Dorion 4 - Owen Samsel*

6 - Corey Beil Carol Ressler Belinda Roberts

9 - Kevin Gagner (15) Jordan Gagner (15) Lorna Short*

10 - Lori Beaumont Makenna Case *

11 - Jeffrey Cook JoAnn Heckman Trevor Lenig (18)

12 - Ian Hertzog 13 - Marisa Graver

Sallyann McCarty Linda Minnich John Thorman*

15 - Judy Breidinger 16 - Leann Keschl

17 - Matthew Clewell (19) Christopher Gagner

18 - Kaitlin Giovanni Karen Kirst*

21 - Scott Warner 22 - Lawrence Voll 24 - Geraldine Morris

25 - Nolan Rampulla* 26 - Sanette Fleming Sandra Love

27 - Brandon Kline Cathy Schaefer*

Dennis Smith* 29 - Janice Coffing Amy Edelman

30 - Mary Heyer

*significant

Birthday ending in

a “5” or “0”.

*With respect for the rights each one has to privacy, please secure an individual’s permission before adding them to our prayer list, or sharing their concern during worship. Please remember to contact the church office when names should be removed from the list.

PRAYER CONCERNS * (Friends)

Collin Beil

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SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

First Sunday of Advent 1 8 AM Worship Service 9:15 Sunday School for all ages 10:30 Worship Service 4:30 Advent Candlelight Holy Communion

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6 PM Troop 81107 6:15 Tigers

3 6 PM TOPS 6:30 Wolves 7PM Elders

4 5:30 Cubs 6:30 Men’s Bible Study 6:30 Lions

5 9 AM Women’s Bible Study 6PM Sanctuary Decorating 6 PM Cubs 6 PM Wolfs 6 PM Jr. Handbell 6:15 Cherub Choir 6:45 Sr. Handbell 6:45 Jr. Choir 7:30 Sr. Choir

6 10 AM Private Event

7 11 AM Al-Anon 5 PM Troop 81107

Second Sunday of Advent 8 8 AM Worship Service 9:15 Sunday School for all ages 10:30 Worship Service 6 PM Confirmation Dinner

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5:30 Troop 81107 6 PM Troop 81043 6:15 Tigers

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6 PM TOPS 6:30 Wolves 7PM Trustees

11 12 PM Retired Public Employees 6:30 Men’s Bible Study 7 PM Joint Board 7:15 Scout Committee

12 9 AM Women’s Bible Study 6 PM Cubs 6 PM Wolfs 6 PM Jr. Handbell 6:15 Cherub Choir 6:45 Sr. Handbell 6:45 Jr. Choir 7:30 Sr. Choir

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14 11 AM Al-Anon 11 AM Troop 81107 Christmas Program Rehearsal

Third Sunday of Advent 15 8 AM Worship Service 9:15 Sunday School for all ages 10:30 Children’s Christmas Program ** Blood pressure screening after worship service. 11:30 Jr. Youth Caroling

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5:30 Troop 81107 6:15 Tigers

17 6 PM TOPS 6:30 Wolves

18 **Unity Prayer Watch** 6:30 Men’s Bible Study 7:15 Scout Committee

19 9AM Women’s Bible Study 6 PM Cubs 6 PM Wolfs 6 PM Jr. Handbell 6:15 Cherub Choir 6:45 Sr. Handbell 6:45 Jr. Choir 7:30 Sr. Choir

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21 11 AM Al-Anon 6:30 Girl Scout

Fourth Sunday of Advent 22 8 AM Worship Service 9:15 Sunday School for all ages 10:30 Worship Service

23 6:15 Tigers

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Lovefeast 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM

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26 9AM Women’s Bible Study 6 PM Cubs 6 PM Wolfs 6 PM Jr. Handbell 6:15 Cherub Choir 6:45 Sr. Handbell 6:45 Jr. Choir 7:30 Sr. Choir

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28 11 AM Al-Anon

First Sunday after Christmas 29 No 8 AM Service 9:15 Sunday School for all ages 10:30 Worship Service

30 6:15 Tigers

31 7 PM New Year’s Eve Lovefeast

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Schoeneck Moravian Church Vol. XXXVII No. 12 December 2019

Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow him. In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.

Rev. Garritt Fleming, Pastor Rev. Sanette Fleming, Pastor Ryan Morrow, Director of Music Heather Scholtes, Administrative Assistant

8:00 am Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship

Our Mission Statement “To follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love and serve all.”

Schoeneck Moravian Church 316 North Broad Street Extension Nazareth, Pennsylvania 18064-9522

schoeneck@schoeneckmoravian.org https://schoeneckmoravian.org 610-759-0376

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Joyful Noise