EMMAUS MORAVIAN CHURCH
146 Main Street, Emmaus, Pa. 18049
Phone 610-965-6067; Fax 610-966-5420 www.emmausmoravian.org
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am-3pm; Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-5:00
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
Special Envelope for March
EMC Camp Hope Scholarship Fund – This fund is designed to help offset the cost of camp at our Eastern District Moravian Church Camp. Camp Hope is located in Hope, NJ and has existed since 1946. Even though camp in its traditional sense isn’t happening again this summer, we hope to offer scholarships to families that will attend various Family Camps that will be offered throughout the summer this year. This will help families defray costs and give Camp Hope income needed to meet financial needs. Fund raisers including Moravian Sugar Cake sales help raise money for this cause as well. Because of your support over the years, many youth have strengthened their faith through the camp experience!
2021 Watchword
Yet I planted you as a choice vine, from the purest stock. How then did you turn degenerate and become a wild vine? Jeremiah 2:21
Emmaus Moravian Church’s Mission Statement:
Living in Fellowship, Growing in Christ!
The Moravian Motto:
In essentials unity; in non essentials liberty; and in all things love!
A Message from Pastor Brian
Kiss Me, I’m Irish
In our Book of Worship, following songs of Zechariah, Mary, and angels, you find St. Patrick’s Hymn. It excerpts a prayer-song attributed to the 5th Century English missionary whose Roman name was Patricius (Patrick). At the age of sixteen Patrick was kidnapped, taken to Ireland, and enslaved for six years. Patrick had been raised in the Church and later spoke of how faith sustained him through his ordeal, “rising every day be- fore dawn to go out and pray in whatever weather—hail or rain or snow.” As tradition has it, Patrick was one day prompted by an angel to walk free, making way (unchallenged) over 200 miles to a port where he made good his escape and return to Britain. Patrick’s homecoming was brief. He felt a burden on his heart for Ire- land where he hoped to turn the hearts of the people to put their faith and hope in Jesus. Patrick completed for- mal studies, was ordained, consecrated, and returned to Ireland in 432 C.E.
“I bind this day to me forever by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; his baptism in Jordan river; his death on cross for my salvation; his bursting from the spiced tomb; his riding up the heavenly way; his coming at the day of doom; I bind unto myself this day.”
These words echo the exhortation of Ephesians 6:11 to “put on God’s armor.” Also, Christ’s insistence that we abide (John 15:4) in him. Patrick’s vision of Ireland’s cry for help reads like Peter’s dream of the man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9). More than once – twelve times reportedly – Patrick’s work among the Irish placed him in mortal peril. He was violently opposed by Celtic religious leaders, and it is suggested that St. Patrick’s Hymn is written as a Christian prayer in the style of a Celtic incantation for protection.
“Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
I recently preached from the early verses of Ephesians and have found that the frequent expression there, “in Christ” keeps popping up. I tried to explain and explore the astounding grammar and guarantee of these beau- tiful words. What does it mean to be more than “Christ adjacent,” to not just know about Jesus, but be drawn nearer than near? As much as anything I have ever heard, St. Patrick’s hymn shows me. In Christ, we are to- gether. We are not alone. Through whatever struggles we face, in Christ we have help and the loving assur- ance that our sorrows are shared. More than that, even, we are inspired and empowered to share the blessings we have in Christ.
“I bind unto myself this day the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need, the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard.”
At a St. Patrick’s Day parade in St. Paul once, my daughter said, “I didn’t know there were this many Irish people in Minnesota.” I told her, on St. Patrick’s Day, “We’re all Irish.”
Thanks and glory be to God! ~Pastor Brian
March Worship Schedule
All services are via Zoom;
There will be no in person worship until further notice.
Sunday, March 7th ~ 9:30 Coffee Time, 10:00 Worship
Sunday, March 14th ~ Daylight Savings Time ~ 9:30 Coffee Time, 10:00 Worship Sunday, March 21st ~ 9:30 Coffee Time, 10:00 Worship
Sunday, March 28th ~ Palm Sunday ~ 9:30 Coffee Time, 10:00 Worship
Holy Week and Easter services will be announced soon. Please visit the website www.emmausmoravian.org for up to date information, or reach out to the church office.
If you need help accessing zoom, please reach out to the office. If you have internet, but no way to access zoom, we have a few tablets available to borrow. 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. You are also invited to join Morning Prayer; Mon – Fri at 8:15 a.m. (same log in info as above)
Eventually we will be able to worship in person and without restrictions. We will be grateful when that time is here. Until then, our goal is to provide a meaningful worship experience while keeping everyone safe. All of our services will be available on line live through zoom or afterwards via facebook. If you are in need of prayer or desire a conversation with Pastor Brian, please call the office. Thank you for allowing Emmaus Moravian Church to be your church!
Happy anniversary to us!
On July 30th, 2022, the Emmaus Moravian Congregation will be 275 years old!
If you would like to help plan events for this anniversary, please contact the office.
We will also be putting together a book with our church’s history.
If you have a special story to tell about something that occurred at the church, we want to know! Or, do you know a piece of history that you would like to share?
Please contact the office and share with us!
The countdown has begun! 17 months until the anniversary!
With Christian Hope and Sympathy
On February 13th, Ralph Frankenfield entered the more immediate presence of his Lord. Please keep Ralph’s wife, Avonne and the entire family in your prayers.
Please remember those in need of our prayers:
Ron Hertzog, Gary Oplinger (Meda Henry’s brother in law),
Bill Leibensperger, Kathleen Reiser, Kenny Flexer, Nancy Repp, Martha Cox-Popichak, Rev. Diane Joseph, Karl Lutz,
Amy & Kevin Kelly (daughter and son in law of Ken and Karen Flexer) Donna & Jim Leffler (daughter & son in law of Ron & Bette Hertzog) our homebound members, nursing home and assisted living facility residents, all essential workers on the front lines of the 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.
To my Moravian Church Family,
I want to thank you for all the prayers, cards and flowers I received. I also appreciated Pastor Brian’s phone calls during my recent recovery. It has helped me make it through the last 6 months. God bless you. In Christ’s name, Kenny Flexer
Flower Sponsorships
Below are the acknowledgements for flower sponsors:
March 7th ~ In loving memory of Margie Gruber & Shirley Reith by Franklin Reith, Sr.
March 14th ~ In loving memory of Vernon & Val Edmonds and John & Ruth Heid by John & Patricia Heid
March 28th ~ In loving memory of beloved husband “Mac” McElroy by Carolyn Carter and In loving memory of Paul Stephen by Deb and Doug Kuntz
Blessing Box
Our blessing box is located on the side porch of the church office and it is used frequently. It is filled with non perishable food, toiletries and other necessities for those in need. The box is filled weekly (at least). Additional donations are kept in the office to replenish supplies as needed.
The immediate needs of the blessing box are: ready to eat foods (anything that can be easily eaten for our homeless community), spaghettios, pasta sauce in cans (glass can freeze), canned tuna, toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant), gloves and hats. It is preferred that you drop off your donations in the office or place them near the Blessing box in a box or bag. Extra donations will be shared with local food banks. Thank you for your continued support!
Staying Open to the Spirit
Come join us for a spiritual companion class exploring a variety of spiritual practices. The previ- ous spiritual direction classes scheduled for March 8 & 22 are CANCELLED due to scheduling conflicts. These classes have been RESCHEDULED for Thursday March 11, 2021 & Thursday March 18, 2021 from 7-8:30 pm. Both classes will be held on Zoom and will use ID#935-127-3815 (no passcode). Come join us as we explore spiritual practices together, engage in open discussion, and in God’s presence try out what we have learned. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Linda Unser at 610-390-7771 or lugraphics@aol.com.
Operation Christmas
Child
EMC will once again participate in Operation Christmas Child in 2021.
The need is even greater with the pandemic.
During March, we will collect soap and wash- cloths. Knitted washcloths also accepted!
Donations of zip lock plastic bags would also be appreciated. Many items we put in the shoeboxes are stored in plastic bags to protect the items in the shoeboxes.
The EMC Book Club
Book club meets the second and fourth Mon- day of the month. First, to discuss the book of the month and second, for chatting. Everyone is welcome to join by calling Judy Williamson (610 791 1363) with your email info to be in- cluded in our meeting.
February 8th, Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Worbel
March 8th, The Color of Bee Larkham’s Murder by Sarah Harris
Thank you for your donations. Please feel free
to contact me, Diane Lint, if you have any
questions or ideas. Diane Lint lintd@ptd.net May 10th, Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick
April 12th, Paper Bracelet by Rachel English June 14th, Redfield Farm by Judy Redline Coopy
Opening for Head Teacher of the Preschool at Emmaus Moravian Church
EMC is seeking a Head Teacher for our well established preschool. This position is for 4 days a week; 6 hours a day and is perfect for a caring, trained teacher looking for an exciting, fulfilling opportunity.
Job Summary
The Head Teacher of Emmaus Moravian Church Preschool creates an environment of kindness and caring, appropriate with Christian values. We are looking for someone to create a curriculum for children ages 3-5 and to provide opportunities for the children to grow and learn utilizing a variety of educational, creative, and physical activities in a nurturing environment.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education Experience in a school setting is required.
All necessary clearances must be current.
Excellent communication skills with children, parents and teachers a must! Commitment to the Statement of Purpose of the Emmaus Moravian Preschool:
To provide learning experiences for children in a safe, caring, and well supervised environment.
Terms of Employment:
School year runs from September through August.
Salary, PTO and other terms of employment to be established upon job offer.
We, at Emmaus Moravian Church are anxious to meet you and welcome you to our Preschool Family. Please email an updated resume to Melissa Heckman at secretary@emmausmoravian.org or call 610- 965-6067 for further inquiries. It is helpful if resumes are received by March 26th, 2021.
Preschool openings for the 2021/2022 school year!
The programs listed are for children ages 3-5. Maximum Class Size is 15 with one head teacher and one asst. teacher for all classes.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am-2:00pm
Pre registration for the Tuesday/Thursday program is required. The days are filled with learning, crafts, large motor skills and small motor skills. We learn about the calendar, the weather, letters, numbers, shapes and various themes throughout the year. Children pack a lunch (refrigerator available). This program runs from Sept. – June. A $50.00 deposit is required for registration. Tuition is paid in 10 monthly installments of $175.00. EMC members are offered a 15% discount. A 10% discount is offered to families having 2 children enrolled.
Mondays and/or Wednesdays 9:00am-2:00pm
This is a unique program because it allows families options. Tuition spaces are available or you can also sing up on a weekly basis. Tuition children pay whether they are able to attend or not, but are guaranteed a spot. Children that sign up weekly only pay when they attend, but they are not guaranteed a spot every week. You can choose one or both days, and sign up sheets are available 4 weeks ahead of time. The program has the same educational level as the Tues/ Thurs. class. Children pack a lunch. The cost is $86.00 per month (for one day option) or 175.00 for 2 day option, or $25.00 per day. This program runs from Sept. to June.
Various classes are offered during the summer. All Summer classes are sign up only. Please contact the Melissa in the office with questions. Application forms are available on our website www.emmausmoravian.org.
Needed:
Palm Crosses, Palm Sunday and Easter Happenings
On Sunday, March 21st from 12:00-12:30, drive through the parking lot to pick up your palm fronds. These fronds are to take home and make into palm crosses. The palm crosses will then be available to the congregation. We will have a zoom gathering at 7:00 on the 21st with a refresher course on how to make the palm crosses. Please contact the office if you will be picking up palm fronds.
Palm Crosses will be available for pick up on the office porch by the Blessing Box on Saturday 3/27 after 12:00 and Sunday 3/28 (Palm Sunday).
Trunk or Hunt!
On Saturday, March 27th from 11:00-12:00, the CE committee will be hosting a Trunk or Hunt! Much like our Halloween Trunk or Treat, children will be able to go from Trunk to Trunk and collect eggs!
People willing to decorate their trunks (as little or as much as you want) and let children “hunt” for some eggs (the filled plastic eggs will be provided by the church).
Candy donations (individually wrapped) to fill the eggs. Please no nuts or peanut butter!
Kids to hunt for eggs! Tell your friends and and arrive any time between 11 and 12 to hunt for eggs! RSVP to the office is encouraged! Please bring your own basket!
Moravian Sugar Cake and Lovefeast bun Sale
Pick up Saturday, March 6th from 9:00-11:00
Sugar Cakes $5.00 each
Lovefeast buns $6.00 per dozen
Please call or email your order into the office by March 3rd. There may not be many extras! All proceeds benefit the EMC’s Camp Hope Scholarship Fund
Getting to Know the EMC family
We reached out to a few members and asked them to answer some questions about their church and their experiences at EMC. Contact the office if you would like to share your story!
This response is from Ray and Sandy Erb, long time members of EMC!
What led you to EMC?
Ray ~ According to my parents, my father wanted to join the volunteer Emmaus Fire Company. My mother stressed that as a baby I needed to be baptized. Living only a few doors west of the church, they agreed to become church members and have me baptized at EMC. Our church beliefs, practices, traditions and friendly fellow members have all reinforced my continuance as a church member.
Sandy ~ After our marriage, we moved into the area near the church. Ray was a member as were his parents. I had attended a number of services prior to becoming a member. The church and its members seemed welcoming to me. I wanted to become a part of a church family. Given Ray’s family membership, our residence in the area, and the welcome I felt, I decided to join.
How has being a member changed or affected me?
Ray ~ It has helped in shaping my moral and philosophical view of life, it has provided comfort and strength during trying times.
Sandy ~ Church members, pastors and teachings of the church showed me that Christianity is more then avoiding sin. It is about love and security and the love and guidance of God who is always with you and your family. Additionally, EMC has provided my family with a warm caring church family.
What are the biggest assests of EMC?
Sandy and Ray ~ Its welcoming environment. It provides many ways to become involved with our church family and the community, including the preschool, Sacristans, rummage sales, baking, book club, and Backpack and school supply distribution. We have taken the opportunity to become involved and have always found these experiences enjoyable and memorable. People make the difference.
What is your favorite scripture or hymn?
Sandy ~ Hallelujah chorus
Ray ~ Scriptures “many are called but few are chosen” and the meaning of love in Corinthians
Ray and Sandy have served as sacristans, on several boards and committees, and have always been willing to help where needed. Sandy often weeds the flower beds and during the pandemic both Ray and Sandy spent many hours cleaning out the church! We thank them both for their service!
Camp Hope Summer Info
The Board of Management has decided that we will not be able to have our traditional week long summer camps again this year. With Covid restrictions, the experience would not be what we all expect a week at camp to be.
We will be offering weekend cabin rentals for families again for Memorial weekend as well as the last 2 weekends of June and the month of July. Information for these rentals will be available soon.
We are planning on having a full summer long staff to lead activities, games and campfires as well as providing meals and cleaning the camp. If you are 16 or older and would love to spend a summer at camp, please contact us at hopecenter@camphope.org or 908-459-4435.
Emmaus Moravian Church will be offering scholarships to EMC families that will be attending family camps throughout the summer. Please contact the office to discuss details.
Cash Card Program Gift cards are still available for you to purchase to support the church! If you need gift cards at any of the stores or restaurants listed below, give us a try! Our inventory has over $8,000 in 50 different cards for everyday shopping or gift giving! We have access to hundreds more we can order for you and have them in a week. Contact Neill Dekker at pirsqd@verizon.net to order cards or stop by the office. Cash cards never expire.
Typically in stock: Amazon, Applebees, Arby’s, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cabelas, Carrabba’s, Cracker Barrel, CVS, Dicks Sporting Goods, Disney, Dunkin Donuts, Gap, Giant, Great Clips, Home Depot, Home Goods, Itunes, JCPen- ney, Joann Fabrics, Kohl’s, Lands End, Limited, L.L. Bean, Lowes, Macy’s, Olive Garden, Outback, Panera, Petsmart, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Ruby Tuesday, Starbucks, Staples, Subway, Taco Bell, Target, Texas Road House, Ulta, Under Armor, Walgreens, Walmart, Wawa, Weis, Wendy’s
Who and What:
A Hopeful Marathon
Raising funds for Camp Hope!
This fundraiser includes a series of walks and bible discussions with student pastor, Charlie McDonald and Pastor Brian Dixon. We will be walking around the Lehigh Valley and the walks will be recorded on Face- book Live. Each walk will increase in length and concern themes of Creation Care in both the Old and New Testaments. This fundraiser will end in a marathon walk from Camp Hope, NJ to Palmer Moravian Church in Easton, Pa.— 26.3 miles! Our hope is to raise $3000! Your donation can be mailed to the office today!
How you can help:
Tune in on EMC’s Facebook page for all 3 walks if you can, spread the word, and in the meantime, go check out EMC’s Facebook to find more info about how to pledge a dollar amount for every mile Student Pastor Charlie makes it in the marathon, with all proceeds going to Camp Hope.
When and Where:
1. Central Moravian to Nazareth Moravian Date: Saturday 3/13 @ Noon
Length: 10 miles
Text: Genesis 2:1-22
2. Central to Calvary to Emmaus
Date: Saturday 3/27 @ 10am
Length: 14 miles
Text: Exodus 23:10-13, Leviticus 18:26, 28, Numbers 35:33-34
3. Camp Hope to Palmer Moravian Date: Saturday 4/10 @ 8am Length: 26.3 miles
Text: Luke 12:1-34
Camp Hope is the year-round camp, conference and retreat center for the Eastern District of the Moravian Church. Camp Hope serves youth and adults of the Moravian Church and communities across the Northeast. Providing a space for individuals and groups to commune with God and one another since 1946, Camp has been vital to the development of so many people’s faith. Please consider pledging today!