Emmaus Moravian Church
146 Main Street, Emmaus, Pa. 18049
Phone 610-965-6067
Local Mission ~ May’s special envelope is designated for local mission and will support our response to people in need here in the Lehigh Valley. Local missions include East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Back to School Shopping event and other local needs as they arise.
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
Living in Fellowship, Growing in Christ!
In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; and in all things love!
Still Practicing Resurrection
We are soon more than 3 weeks this side of Easter. The memory of crocus and daffodils has grown dim and the finches gone gold. Palm Sunday’s “Hosanna” and Easter morning brass still ring in our hearts, but we know that summer storms and Pentecost (that fiery downpour of the Spirit of God) are fast approaching. And still, I think about resurrection a little bit all the time.
Moravians may be said to be Easter people. It is something of a preoccupation of ours and a focal point for all Christians. We profess to follow God’s Lamb, who gave himself for the sins and sake of the world, who is worthy to receive honor and glory and blessing (Rev 5:12), who has over- come… well, everything.
The world (John 16:33). Sin and death (1 Cor 15:56,57). The gates of hell (Matt 16:18). Fear and ha- tred. Ignorance and illusion. “Our Lamb has conquered.”
I believe Jesus did this not only as he suffered and died; but also when he came back (from the dead) and as he raises us to new life each day.
We are over 2,000 years this side of Easter. Which is only just 20 centuries. Or (depending how you calculate) 50 generations. The Guinness Record for most generations alive in a single family is seven, recorded in 1989 by a family with members ranging from 109 years-old to newborn!
Fun Fact: There are bristlecone pines somewhere in the White Mountains of California that are over 4,000 years old.
Oddly, what I find myself thinking is that Easter was not all that long ago. And, that Christ’s Res- urrection calls us to build and to grow things that we may not get to see. Once more, from Wen- dell Berry’s “practice resurrection” poem:
Invest in the millennium. / Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant, that you will not live to harvest.
My friends, if there are trees that were 2,000 years old when Jesus entered Jerusalem; if there is pottery that was 10,000 years old when Jesus washed the Disciples’ feet; then, can we resist the tyranny of the instant or the expedient? And sometimes maybe even just the timely order to in- vest more of ourselves more fully in the slow work of God’s Kingdom? Which rests, like a seed, hidden and hopeful. Which flourishes, like friendship, over time and travels together. Which awaits and welcomes our every step home.
In Christ’s Abiding Love, Pastor Brian
Notes from the Student Pastor: Goodbye
Written in mid April…
My siblings in Christ, where do I even begin to write something like this? I would be ashamed if I didn’t start out this last newsletter piece by saying: Thank you! Thank you for your unwavering sup- port of Rebecca and I over the last couple of years. It has been more than a pleasure and more than a blessing to be a part of the Emmaus Moravian Church family. In the time we have spent together, I have learned to be a better preacher, teacher, spiritual caregiver, and disciple of Christ. And that is all in no small part thanks to all of you.
As I sit here writing this, I look at my last month here at Seminary, and my last month working alongside you. But even though my chosen title might lead you astray, this is not goodbye. This is at the very least, see you later. As we have said over and over again since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, even though we are physically distanced, our hearts are forever connected by the love of our Savior. So even when we look back on this strange time in the future as a weird dream, that will still be true. The love Rebecca and I have in our hearts for you all will never fade, so again, thank you.
Additionally, my family, I have to admit to you, this is one of the most exciting and terrifying times in my life. By the end of this year, I may very well be a church’s Pastor. If not for the grace of our Lord, I would not be here today, standing at the precipice of ordained ministry. And though this is a tall order, the call of God is not something to be taken lightly. I can tell you with all the confidence I can possibly muster, that I am exactly where I should be, walking the path that Christ needs me on, and words cannot describe the joy this brings me. The other side of that joy, as I stated above, is fear. I think if I weren’t a little nervous about this though, something would be wrong!
Acknowledging both sides of this coin: joy and fear, I offer up one last thought in parting. What has been getting me through writing these papers, preparing for exams, developing projects and wor- ship, working at the hospital, and working towards ordination, is one verse that came to mind driving down Route 22 last month: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). In God’s intimate knowledge of us and strengths and weaknesses, our Savior helps guide us through all forms of struggle. We serve a God who is always with us, and will not let us stumble. And even if we do stumble, His loving hand will be there to pull us to our feet again.
May the Lord bless and keep you all, thank you for everything, and thanks be to God!
Student Pastor Charlie
You are invited to celebrate the Ordination of Charlie McDonald
Saturday, May 15th, 2021
1:00 pm in the Emmaus Moravian Church Pavilion
This service will be held in person outside in the pavilion. The service will also be streamed via zoom (use church link)
If you plan on attending in person, please email Charlie by noon on May 10th at studentpastor@emmausmoravian.org
Please follow these guidelines if attending in person:
do not attend if you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms; wear facemasks at all times; adhere to social distancing guidelines
In the event of inclement weather, a smaller service will be held inside EMC. Attendance will be limited to clergy, family members and those participating in the service. Please check www.emmausmoravian.org for up to date changes.
Honoring Charlie
Charlie’s ordination will be a celebration for the greater Moravian Church to officially give Charlie the title of “Reverend.” May 2nd will be Charlie’s last Sunday with EMC. This service allows his EMC family to give Charlie a well deserved send off. We will be honoring Charlie during the 10:00 outdoor worship service. Light refreshments will be served between 11 and 12. Cards will be accepted on May 2nd and May 15th. Cards addressed to Charlie can also be dropped off or sent to the office. Charlie expressed needs for dress clothes and a new laptop. If you wish to contribute, please write checks directly to Charlie. This is an exciting time as Charlie has accepted a call to Chaska Moravian Church in Minnesota!
Any gifts you give will help Charlie and his wife Rebecca on their journey!
May Worship Schedule
All Sunday services will be held in person in the pavilion; weather permitting. Please check the website or Facebook for the most up to date information concerning cancellations. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs to help with social distancing.
Sunday, May 2nd ~ 10:00 outdoor in person worship ~ Student Pastor Charlie McDonald’s last Sunday
Sunday, May 9th ~ Mother’s Day ~ 10:00 outdoor in person worship ~ Lovefeast buns will be served. Please bring your own beverage.
Saturday, May 15th ~ Charlie McDonald’s ordination service at 1:00 Sunday, May 16th ~ 10:00 outdoor in person worship
Sunday, May 23rd ~ Day of Pentecost ~ 10:00 worship service ~ Confirmation Sunday for 2020 confirmands and Holy Communion~ please bring your own juice and bread
Sunday, May 30th ~ Memorial Weekend ~ 10:00 outdoor in person worship ~ The Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler leading worship
All services will be available via zoom and available for viewing on Facebook later in the day.
Go to www.zoom.us, Click on “Join a meeting”
Enter meeting ID: 442 948 9211
You will join a “waiting room” and then will be let into the service.
This link will get you access to all worship services and most meetings for the church.
If you don’t feel comfortable joining by internet, and would prefer to listen in by phone, simplycall 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) A Friendly Reminder
Spring is here. Warmer weather is on the way! And, while we are grateful for the outdoor space and pavilion to hold outdoor services, it remains our hope to resume gatherings for worship in the sanctuary. It also remains the position of the Joint Boards to wait until the range of community transmission for Lehigh County (updated weekly by the PA Dept. of Health) is lowered from Sub- stantial to Moderate and remain Moderate for 3 consecutive weeks.
Moderate is defined as:
an Incidence per 100,000 Residents of 10 – <100 AND/OR a Percent Positivity rate of 5% – <10%
Again, we appreciate the patience and precautions as well as we understand the eagerness and frustration. The COVID Pandemic is as far-ranging and disruptive an event as many of us have ever had to face. Through it all, we remain confident and convinced that our mission: to Live in Fellowship and Grow in Christ has been and endures as the focus of our best efforts, deepest commitment, and greatest joy.
Ron Worman, Kathy Rinker, Jerry Knauss, Nancy Thomas, Ron Hertzog, Bill Leibensperger, Gary Oplinger (Meda Henry’s brother in law), Nancy Repp, Martha Cox-Popichak, Kathleen Reiser, Rev. Diane Joseph, Karl Lutz, Amy & Kevin Kelly (daughter & son in law of Ken & 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.
Dear EMC,
Please accept my sincere thanks for the beautiful flowers and all of your prayers, cards, and phone calls. Again, may thanks for your concern. You have been most kind.
Ronald Worman
To my Church family,
I want to thank you all for the cards, phone calls, flowers and prayers from everyone including Pastor Brian’s calls during my recent hospital stay. Thank you especially to Olivia for cheerfully delivering flowers and keeping in touch with me.
In Christian Love, Kathy Rinker
May 2nd ~ In loving memory of Helen Rinker by Kathy and Barb and In loving memory of Ora Stephen by Deb and Doug Kuntz
May 9th ~ In loving memory of daughter, Leigh A. Fritz by Diann Hammel and In honor of our mothers by the Christian Education Committee
May 16th ~ In loving memory of Frank & Mary Lee Price by daughter and son in law Janet & Ken Feldman
May 23rd ~ In loving memory of Warren Vogel, Jr., Donald Wood and Frank & Dorothy Flamisch by the family and
In honor of the 2020 confirmation class
No flowers were sponsored for May 30th
The Moravian Way of Evangelism
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20
After Jesus said this to the disciples at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, believers began refer- ring to this as “The Great Commission.” In a nutshell, Jesus clearly commanded His followers to carry on His legacy.
But what does this mean for Moravians? Pastor Brian and I would like to cordially invite you to explore the meaning and scope of this “Great Commission” in 21st Century America, by taking part in an exciting journey into The Moravian Way of Evangelism—a workshop designed to increase our understanding and practice of discipleship as modern members of the Moravian faith.
Email James Joniec at jjjoniec@gmail.com if you would like to join us! “We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20
First Responders Dinner
On May 20th, we are scheduled to host the next First Responder’s Dinner in the pavilion of the church. Since Covid, we have been purchasing food from local restaurants. If you would like to help off set the cost of this dinner, please send donations to the office. If you have a Venmo ac- count, feel free to send it to Trell Miller (code 3552). Call or text Trell at 610– 610-570-3552. Thank you for your never ending support!
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!
First Friday Firepit Fellowship
The first Friday of each month beginning May 7th from 7:00pm-9:00pm All are welcome to join us for fellowship around the camp fire!
Meet at the back lawn near the pavilion.
Bring a chair, beverage and a roasting stick (optional) and we will provide fixings for smores!
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, pasta sauce, canned tuna, toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant) It is preferred that you drop off your do- nations 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!
Spiritual Direction/Spiritual Companion
Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21 NIV). Are you asking yourself what does God’s kingdom look like and how do I experience that which is within me? The questions invite us to go deeper in our understanding and probably will evolve into more questions. Spir- itual direction is about asking questions and going deeper in our relationship with God. Welcome to spiritual direction-come and explore! Please feel free to contact Linda Unser, MACC, Spiritual Director, at 610-390-7771 or lugraphics@aol.com for additional information or to arrange a spir- itual direction session. There is no fee for the confidential sessions.
Operation Christmas
Child
EMC will once again participate in Operation Christmas Child in 2021. The need is even greater with the pandemic.
Items needed are: soap and washcloths zip loc plastic bags small toys
Thank you for your donations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or ideas.
Diane Lint lintd@ptd.net
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 included in our meeting.
April 12th, Paper Bracelet by Rachel English May 10th, Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick 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 can be discussed by contacting the office.
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.
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 pro- gram 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 for 2 day option, or $25.00 per day. This program runs from Sept. to June.
Various classes are offered during the summer. Summer classes are sign up only. Contact Melissa in the office with questions. Application forms are available on our website: www.emmausmoravian.org.
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 MaryEllen Iobst:
The response by Scott Miller inspired me to reflect on my relationship with EMC. I have similar circumstances and some a little different.
My parents and I moved around a lot when I was growing up. My dad worked for a company that reward- ed advancement if you were willing to relocate. When I was age 5 we lived in Hampton Rhoads, Virginia and the public schools were attended by the black population. In 1949 it was the acceptable practice to separate and Blacks and Whites in school, so my mother chose to send me to a Private Catholic School. Therefore, although I was baptized in the UCC church in Sinking Springs at age 6, we soon moved to Norfolk, Virginia. In Norfolk we joined the Presbyterian Church. We moved back to Pennsylvania when I was 12 and we lived in Fullerton, Pennsylvania and joined the UCC church there. My point is that I was taught that as long as it was Christian, the denomination didn’t matter.
I started dating George Iobst, a member of EMC, as a teenager. I became pregnant and George and I head- ed off to the altar. However, my mother insisted tradition dictated that you always get married in the bride’s church. George told me he would get married in my church (in Fullerton) but our he wanted our children to be raised in the Moravian Church. It sounded ok to me! I had no idea how that decision would dictate my Christian direction for the next 60 years!
I absolutely agree with Scott about the greatest asset in EMC is the people! Everyone welcomed me as if I had been born into the church! We had 5 children and today, although they are geographically scattered around a bit, the Emmaus Moravian Church has always been a focal point. My oldest, Mark, is on the Board of Elders!
Sadly, George was killed in an auto accident in 1977 at age 34 I found myself a single mom with 5 chil- dren aged 4 – 14. The church was and is my pillar of strength.
In 1991, I met a wonderful man, Gene Clock. He is a preacher’s son and originally from Indiana. I have been with him for 30 years. He has embraced EMC as the church has embraced him.
Lovefeast and Christmas Eve Candlelight brings all the amazing facets of the church together! I do not believe I have missed any Christmas Eve Service in 60 Years! Just as Scott stated, my favorite hymn is also the last hymn we sing on Christmas Eve, lifting our candles to the sky and the church lights up! There is absolutely nothing like it!
Thank you EMC for being here for some amazing memories.
With awe and deeply bowed, we praise the incarnate God,
Who took our flesh and blood; unto the Child at Bethlehem, Whose birth th’ angelic choirs proclaim, we our thank-offering bring, And gratefully sing, praise to our heavenly King!
CEMETERY SUPERINTENDENT of EMMAUS MORAVIAN CHURCH JOB DESCRIPTION
The Cemetery Superintendent of the cemeteries of the Emmaus Moravian Church is an elected position and reports to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will elect the Cemetery Superintendent annually. There are no term limits for this position. There is an Honorarium associated with this position. Duties of the position include, but, are not limited to the following:
To oversee the care and upkeep of the cemetery grounds with Board of Trustees approval to address any major concerns.
Keep the Board of Trustees advised of issues regarding the cemeteries.
Keep accurate records of cemetery and cremains garden plots/graves. This would include
deeds and interment records for all burials.
Transact sale of plots/graves according to established fee schedules.
Make bank deposits noting income from interments, cremation, foundation and sale of lots.
Provide this information to the Congregation Treasurer.
Ensure the Cremains Burial Application is properly filled out for any internment in the
Cremains Garden.
Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding cemetery personnel,
maintenance, landscaping and any repairs or renovations.
Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on financial issues, such as fees charged
for plots/graves and services.
Serve as resource in the event of cemetery concerns and the safeguarding of cemetery
records.
To serve as the main point of contact for those using the cemeteries. Good interpersonal
skills and communication are required.
To interact with families addressing questions and concerns regarding the cemeteries and/or
the Cremains Garden.
To serve as liaison for funeral directors, the Pastor, Church Secretary and families in need of
services.
Please contact the office if you are interested in serving the church in this important role!
Treasurer’s Report
Emmaus Moravian Church – 1st Quarter (January thru March 2021)
Income:
Unified Giving was $ 60,476
Common Ministries was $ 4,905.
Plate, was $357
Emmaus Moravian Preschool was $ 4,447. Other: Income was $ 4,220.
Expenses:
Salaries were $48,412. Administration was $ 3,342. Facilities were $ 16,190 EMP was $ 3,921.
Total Income/Expenses:
Income thru March was $ 84,412 vs expenses of $ 73,884. Checking Account stands at $31,286 as of the end of March
Investments: March balances reflect a Bull Market and continue to rise. Of particular note is the Cemetery Endowment which has topped the $500,000 mark. This has been a goal for the last several years. It is the minimum amount needed to reasonably have dividends to cover perpetual care costs and make the Cemetery self sufficient.
Respectfully submitted, Neill J. Dekker, Treasurer
Church Treasurer Trainee
EMC is looking to train someone to learn the primary responsibilities of the Treasurer. The volunteer would work with our current Church Treasurer (Neill Dekker).
These responsibilities include:
1) Annual Church Budget – Development and monitoring throughout the fiscal year
2) Endowments – Distribution development and monitoring endowment performance throughout the fiscal year
3) Understanding the various accounts that are used to manage church income and expenses
4) Understanding the treasurer’s roles and responsibilities that interface with the roles and responsibilities of the financial bookkeeper (currently Karen Semet)
5) Budget Reports – Understanding the budget reporting requirements (e.g. Monthly reports to the Board of Trustees and annual budget presentation to the joint board for approval, etc.)
6) Feel free to add or subtract to list…thought best to keep to just the main responsibilities.
This is a key responsibility for our church and can provide anyone with a unique, fun and mission essential way to serve our church. Additionally, mentoring in this capacity can help develop financial skills that can be of benefit in both home and professional settings. If you are interested in this position or have questions, please contact the office.
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 ex- pect 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. Please check the camp website for info.
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.
A Hopeful Marathon
Our Student Pastor, Charlie McDonald spearheaded this fundraiser for Camp Hope. By walking over 40 miles, Charlie raised over $3200.00 for Camp Hope! Charlie was joined, in part, by Camp Director, Suzanne Curtis and Pastor Brian. What a wonderful way to get some exercise, talk about scripture, raise awareness of camp and enjoy God’s beauty!
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 communi- ties 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. If you would like to donate, please mail donations directly to camp:
Camp Hope Box 165 Hope, NJ 07844
In Honor of Our Graduates
In honor of our graduates, EMC would like to prepare a special Graduation bulletin which will be distributed on June 13th. If you know someone who is graduating from high school, college, technical school or seminary, please provide us with the following information:
Full Name of Graduate: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of School or Institution Graduating from: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Degree/Major/Future plans (not necessary) ________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please drop off or email the completed form to the Church office. Deadline is June 6th, 2021