EMMAUS MORAVIAN CHURCH
146 Main Street, Emmaus, Pa. 18049 Phone 610-965-6067; Fax 610-966-5420 www.emmausmoravian.org Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am-3pm
Rev. Brian Dixon ~ Pastor ~ pastor@emmausmoravian.org
Charlie McDonald ~ Student Pastor ~ studentpastor@emmausmoravian.org Melissa Heckman ~ Secretary ~ secretary@emmausmoravian.org Martha Cox Popichak ~ Director of Music ~ popicox@rcn.com Christopher Klump ~ Director of Brass Choir
Al Kneller ~ Sexton
August Special Envelope
Board of World Mission ~ The BWM serves the greater Moravian Church. Their ministries reach all around the world to enrich, empower and create relationships with Moravians and communities.
2020 Watchword
Emmaus Moravian Church’s Mission Statement:
Living in Fellowship, Growing in Christ!
Our church doors have been closed since March 12th, 2020. In our lifetimes, this closure has been the longest Emmaus Moravian Church has endured. Our building has been closed, but the “church” has been as active as ever with daily zoom prayer time, zoom coffee hour, spe- cial zoom worship services, weekly Facebook posts and personal calls to members. After 23 weeks void of in person worship, our hiatus will end! Please note there is only 1 in person worship event planned at this time, with the boards reevaluating afterwards.
In person worship will take place on Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 at 9:30 am in the pavilion. If there is inclement weather, the service will be postponed until August 30th. Please check website and facebook for cancellation notices.
We will follow these guidelines for everyone’s safety:
Masks will be required.
The Sacristans will help seat attendees.
Benches will be placed to allow for social distancing.
Lawn Chairs are recommended to help social distancing.
Hand outs such as bulletins will not be used.
Offering baskets will be placed in the rear of the pavilion.
The nursery will not be open at this time.
Beverages will not be provided. You may bring your own beverage in an enclosed cup. Social distancing is to be practiced on church property, including the parking lot.
Sunday, August 2nd ~ 9:30-10:00 Coffee time; 10:00 live worship service via zoom Sunday, August 9th ~ 9:30-10:00 Coffee time; 10:00 live worship service via zoom Sunday, August 16th ~ 9:30-10:00 Coffee time; 10:00 live worship service via zoom Sunday, August 23rd ~ In person worship 9:30 am; worship also available via zoom; Celebration for Miss Bev Godusky’s retirement
Sunday, August 30th ~ 9:30-10:00 Coffee time; 10:00 live worship service via zoom; or raindate for in person worship
The link to all of the zoom meetings and worship services is: https://zoom.us/j/4429489211
Go to www.zoom.us, go to “join a meeting” and enter code 4429489211
If you don’t feel comfortable joining by internet, and would prefer to listen in by phone, simply call this number: 1- 646 -876- 9923, and enter meeting ID: 4429489211, followed by the # key twice. Morning Prayer; Mon – Fri at 8:15 a.m. (same log in info as above)
Change is difficult. Over the past several months, we have all experienced a lot of change. Eventually we will be able to worship without restrictions. We will be grateful when that time is here. Until then, our goal is to provide a meaningful worship service while keeping everyone safe. Praising God can be done in many differ- ent ways. If attending an in person worship service does not feel safe to you at this time, please know that we understand. Our service will be available on line. The children’s song reminds us that, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together.” We are the church together even if that means we aren’t face to face. Thank you for allowing Emmaus Moravian Church to be your church!
Rev. Brian Dixon and the Joint Board of the Emmaus Moravian Church
Please remember those in need of our prayers: Martha Cox-Popichak, Linda Haberstumpf, Sandy Weida, Linda Rohrbach, Nancy Repp,
Judy Rau, Ron Hertzog, Rev. Diane Joseph, Karl Lutz, Ruth Grohol, Donna & Jim Leffler (daughter & son in law of Ron & Bette Hertzog) Amy & Kevin Kelly (daughter & son in law of Ken & Karen Flexer), and our homebound members, nursing home and assisted living facility residents, all essential workers on the front lines of this pandemic and those personally affected by the COVID-19 virus.
Please uphold these church members and friends in your prayers.
Contact the office whenever a visit is needed or to inform us of any situation, or a family member is hospitalized.
Flower Sponsorships
Below are the acknowledgements of flower sponsors. The flowers appear during the zoom worship on Sundays, and then are delivered to shut ins and people in need of cheer!
August ~
2nd ~ In loving memory of Betty Hartman by her family
9th ~ In loving memory of Dale Hartman by his family
9th ~ In loving memory of Harold E. Haberstumpf’s birthday by his family 16th ~ In loving memory of Tara Marie Stauffer’s birthday.
Her spirit reminds us “My heart will go on”
23rd ~ In loving memory of Marshall Rau by Judy Rau
23rd ~ In loving memory of Marge Gruber and Shirley Reith by the family 30th ~ In loving memory of Mae and Arthur Krauss by their children
Dear Emmaus Moravian Church, I want to thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement that was delivered to me. I appreciate all the cards, prayers, and phone calls while I am isolating my- self in preparation for my surgery. Thank you so much, Sandy Weida
Dear EMC, Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers, it is to thoughtful. Lois E. Haberstumpf
Dear Emmaus Moravian Family,
Thank you very much for your show of support and love during my husband/our father’s long illness and recent passing. Your get well cards brought a smile to Dad’s face. Your words of encouragement, caring, and shared memories have brought a smile to our faces as we adjust to life without him. We were very touched by the number of people who sent cards considering the circumstances under which we are now living and the restrictions we face. We know that many of you were unable to send cards, but are keeping us in your prayers. Emmaus Moravian is truly a family and we look forward to seeing our family again face to face. Thank you and God bless, The Lint family ~ Gerri, Kristine, Dawn, and Diane
A message from Pastor Brian
“IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER.” We have our 33rd President Harry Truman to thank for this reminder. Growing up a bit later in the 80’s, I remember Sesame St., Bookmobiles, Schoolhouse Rock, and literacy efforts of groups like Reading is Fundamental, Inc. Oddly enough, I can also re- call not being able to read. Or, more precisely, the frustration of learning to. One of my prized pos- sessions is a dog-eared college dictionary my dad gave me when I was in 2nd Grade. Every time I asked what a word meant; he would have me look it up. This memory holds charm for me – and I attribute a love of learning and language to it – but I assure you I did not appreciate it at the time. Learning is difficult. Limits (and working to overcome them) is hard. And life is one great big invita- tion after another for us to learn, to face and to reach further limits. Over and over again. World without end. Amen.
But, can you recall a time you worked to learn something and learned it? Do you remember that flush, the thrill and reward of having tried, and tried again and succeeding? Or even the excitement of unexpected dis- covery (like the Greek scholar Archimedes realizing he could measure the volume of irregular objects in the bath and shouting ‘Eureka!’ in the streets)?
The Gospels are filled with Eureka! moments: The disciples helping Jesus in the boat after walking on water with Peter, “You must be God’s Son!” The awe-struck crowds, “He does everything well! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who can’t speak.” The woman who spoke with Jesus at the well, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I’ve done!” The Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion, “It’s really true: this man was righteous.”
We underappreciate the newness and strangeness of the Gospel. Yes, Jesus was – and is – the living embodiment of God’s Word. Jesus came – then proceeded to – fulfill the Law. It’s just that he did so – and continues to – in such surprising and unexpected ways. It is also that God has a way of working where we feel there is no way. These are often our “teachable moments.” Case in point: COVID-19 and the challenge of nurturing congregational fellowship and taking responsibility for the care and flourishing of our faith.
I am not an “early-adopter” of new technology. But I am passionate about worship and the “life to- gether” that Christianity has been understood to be for the better part of 2,000 years. And I am real- izing we are in a season of learning (difficult and frustrating), and coming to terms with the limits: of time, health and safety, knowledge, and experience, etc. I believe that this is also a season of great love and loving service. The love of God that is being conveyed and shared in many ways that are unfamiliar, in ways maybe not as comfortable or convenient for some, and perhaps even in ways you might consider ineffective or less preferable. All I know, and all I can ask of us is to try. To try these new ways of being Church. To learn. To grow. To risk the failure of something new. To risk finding depth and meaning in something different.
I know that digital trends and media connections may not be a meaningful part of everyone’s spir- itual life and faith commitment. The Church is an embodied and sacramental reality. This is one of the great difficulties and griefs of our distancing to protect each other. Our Joint Board is reviewing best practices and guidelines monthly, to determine when and how we may again safely gather. Plans are underway for an outdoor service Sunday morning, August 23 in the Pavilion, and weekly online worship and weekday gatherings for prayer will continue on Zoom. Please know that you are missed. We hope you will consider joining us soon for any of these wonder-filled and faith-full ex- periences during which we learn (again) and remind each other (always) of Jesus and his love.
Eureka!
Pastor Brian
Notes from the Student Pastor: “Being there”
Grace to you and peace beloved, in the name of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As I sit down to write to you, my coffee has just finished brewing and the alluring aroma is sneak- ing its way across Rebecca and I’s quiet apartment, urging me ever more awake for my upcoming shift at the hospital. It is my prayer that as we come to month of August that the presence of our Lord, Immanuel, a God with us, is more and more apparent to us as we go through our daily lives. I have certainly felt such a presence roaming the halls of St. Luke’s Bethlehem as I began my CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) journey.
For the past few weeks the assigned gospel readings for our worship have come to us from the gospel of Matthew. And I think that the very last statement in Matthew from our Savior is one we ought to pay a bit of attention to during the difficulty and confusion of navigating a pandemic this summer. It reads: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). One of the bigger points I have been learning about in CPE is called: The Ministry of Pres- ence. And this is something that any person can do, it doesn’t take a chaplain or a pastor. What is so important about such a ministry is noticing just how meaningful it is to journey alongside a brother or sister who is going through a rough time.
Some of us, including myself, might feel the tendency to try to ‘fix’ or ‘heal’ others when they are feeling broken. A Ministry of Presence counters this tendency by telling us to instead sit in silence and provide a calm space for those who are hurting. And this may be difficult, but I am here to tell you, that in this silence, in this presence we must remember the promise of our Savior. We must take our faith seriously, when we say that we believe God is with us, even in the most painful, and difficult of life’s experiences. That sometimes words are not what are needed, but a hand on the shoulder, and a loving expression and gaze can work wonders as our hurting friend’s soul communes with the Spirit of God and we simply witness to such a beautiful event. Sometimes just being there is more important than anything we could say.
With these considerations, I leave you, my friends. Trusting that the Spirit of God is actively at work in our lives, and that when I am finished serving the people at the hospital my ministry can become more active once again in our community. Until then, I pray that we may go forth in love, to serve the Lord and one another, with our actions, with kind words, with prayers, and sometimes, just by being there.
Talk to you soon, Student Pastor Charlie
An Opportunity for Connection
Recently, Emmaus Moravian Church was awarded a grant from the Society for Promoting the Gospel (part of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church). The grant was awarded so our church could buy tablets to distribute to our members that do not have a way to join us online. If you are interested in obtaining a tablet so you can participate in on line worship and prayer time, please contact the office. You must have internet connection to use a tablet. Lessons on how to use the tablet will be available over the phone or in person. We are excited to see how this grant allows us to share the word of God with those that are yearning for connection!
Please join us in celebrating Miss Bev’s graduation from preschool after 25 years!
August 23rd, 2020 11:00am-2:00pm (rain date Aug. 30th)
In the Emmaus Moravian Church Pavilion
This is an open house event, please stop by when you are able.
Masks and social distancing required for everyone’s safety.
Please RSVP to Melissa Heckman by August 14th at secretary@emmausmoravian.org
If you RSVP, it helps to reach you in case of date change.
If you would like to contribute to Bev’s retirement book, please send a picture and/or a greeting to the email above. Creativity allowed!
Please submit by August 14th.
News to Know
Spiritual Direction/Spiritual Companion
A confidential meeting with a Spiritual Companion offers you the opportunity to create your own spiritual space and become aware of how the spirit might be moving in your life. You will journey together in the mystery of how this companionship can open up a space for you to feel the deep love of the Divine. Time with a spiritual companion generally occurs one time a month for one hour. During the pandemic restrictions these meetings are held by telephone call or face time. Cre- ating a spiritual space with a Spiritual Companion in a group setting is available as well as the indi- vidual meetings. Joining a group offers time to discern together and become aware of how the Spirit is leading each member for themselves and for each other. Group meetings occur one time a month for two hours remembering that who you see there and what you hear stays there. Confi- dentiality is key and to be honored by each member. The group sessions are held on via Zoom. Please feel free to contact Linda Unser at 610-390-7771 or email lugraphics@aol.com for further in- formation, questions or to schedule a meeting. Spiritual Compaionship is available to anyone. The fee for individual or group sliding scale starting at $20.00
The Blessing Box
Our box is located on the side porch of the church office. It is filled with non perishable food and toiletries (when available) for those in need. The box is filled on a weekly basis (at least). As you can imagine, during this time, the box is being used frequently. We keep ad- ditional donations in the office so supplies can be replenished when needed. The immediate needs of the blessing box are: pasta, pasta sauce, jelly, individual cups of fruit or ap- plesauce, spaghettios, mac and cheese, pack- ets of peanut butter or cheese crackers, cereal, canned tuna, and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant). You can place your donations directly in the box, on the porch, or contact the office to arrange a drop off time. Thank you for supporting this important community ministry.
The EMC Book Club
Keep up with your reading! The next book club meeting is August 10th at 7:00pm. Meetings are held on Zoom. We also meet every week for conversation and company. Everyone is welcome to join! Email Judy Williamson
at stellawitchey@hotmail.com for info.
Aug. 10th ~ Every Note Played by Lisa Genova Sept. 14th ~ Sold on a Monday,
by Kristina McMorris
Oct. 12th ~ A Midwife’s Song Oh, Freedom, Patricia Harmon
Nov. 9th ~ One in a Million Boy,
by Monica Wood
Back to School Shopping Event
Soon, school will be starting again (in some way, shape or form). EMC would like to continue supporting our local families as they prepare for those days with our annual Back to School Shop- ping Event scheduled for Saturday, August 15th. Please consider once again donating backpacks and school supplies for the event. We will not be distributing clothing at this time. Please place do- nations on the back porch of the church office. As always, many hands make for light work. Those willing to assist with set up in the days leading up to the event (Wed-Fri) and at the event itself should contact Caren Miller by email (mathmom@rcn.com) or text (484-894-1888). Thank you for your ongoing support of this ministry! Please inform any families you may know of the event.
Back-to-School Shopping for Free
Community Outreach
For families in the East Penn School District
Saturday, August 15th 9:30 – 11:00
Emmaus Moravian Church Pavilion 146 Main St., Emmaus
Backpacks and school supplies available for kids K-12th grade. FREE while supplies last!
For more information or to donate, email secretary@emmausmoravian.org or call the church office at 610-965-6067
2nd Quarter 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Income:
Despite COVID-19, quarantine and lack of face to face worship services Unified Giving is $107,975 thru June, only $ 750 under budget of $108,725.
Common Ministry donations are $10,465 thru June, $880 under budget of $ 11,345.
Plate and Joyful Noise donations were zero for the 2nd quarter but we are still only $357 under budget thru June. Emmaus Moravian Preschool was closed for the 2nd quarter and we are now $15,049 under budget thru June. Other income from fundraisers and building use was zero for the 2nd quarter and we are $8,783 under budget thru June. On the brighter side, we applied for and received a PPP government loan for $52,160 to help with payroll and utility costs. Guidelines continue to change, but we anticipate that the majority of this loan will be forgiven.
Expenses:
Salaries are $8,395 under budget thru June
Administration is $531 over budget thru June.
Facilities are $3,577 under budget thru June despite an unexpected $ 5,550 bill to remove a large tree from the front side of the Church.
Emmaus Moravian Pre-School is $ 5,430 under budget thru June.
Programs are $8,528 under budget thru June due to such items as no need for Sunday flowers, Synod was cancelled, and we decided not to plant garden flowers this year.
Special Projects:
The 2nd quarter saw considerable Special Project activity:
Church and Chapel Air Conditioning was installed.
A Cremains Garden in the Cemetery was constructed.
A major, exterior, window painting project was completed.
All three of the above projects were paid for with donations.
All our buildings (Church, Parsonage, Office and 3 garages) received new roof shingles due to hail damage last year. A majority of the cost was covered by insurance.
Ceiling renovation and painting in the Moravian Room and the adjacent hallway is underway.
Cost of this project is also covered by donations.
Emmaus Moravian Preschool room renovations are underway. Additional donations are welcome for this $ 25,000 project.
Investments:
Our Investments continue to gain thru June and we are now less than 3% below our January highs.
Respectfully submitted, Neill J. Dekker, Treasurer