Moravian Church in North America
In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.
In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.
A strong commitment to a biblical faith inherited from ancient Unitas Fratrum and a zeal for mission work that came with the eighteenth century renewal of the church remain as hallmarks of the Moravian Church today.
Education has always played a vital part in Moravian church life. Moravian schools and some colleges are found in Germany, England and America as well as in mission fields. Strong Christian educational programs are an integral part of each congregation's life. Camps, conferences and retreats are held in each area of the church for children, youth and adults.
Worship in the Moravian tradition has strong emphasis on a rich musical heritage. Chorales and hymns reflect the staunch faith of the Moravian Church and the creativity of the eighteenth century pietists. The Moravian Music Foundation has uncovered a treasury of early American Moravian music in the church archives and attics of Moravian churches. Trombone choirs or brass bands traditionally play for festivals of the church in many congregations.
“Most of our learning today comes from books or such media as television. Most of us live in crowded cities. We ride on concrete streets and highways. We even worship at a fixed time on a fixed day. Because of this we have a special need to discover anew the wonder of God’s creation. We need time for reflection, for prayer, for worship. We need to open our lives to God’s call for commitment, for service. This we find in the environment of a church camp.”
-- Bishop George G. Higgins, June 1962
Bishop Higgins’ words from 50 years ago still ring true today. The Moravian Church’s commitment to outdoor ministries offer an escape from the fast-paced world and unique opportunities for spiritual growth in both children and adults.
The Moravian Church has historically been a church dedicated to bringing people to our Lord and to sharing Christ’s love and Word throughout the world, and the call to our church today is no different, even though how we do that may be very different. Through our mission the church participates in God’s action within the world.
For the Moravians, music has always been considered as a necessity of life, not as a cultural veneer. Many Moravian clergy and lay people in the eighteenth century were trained in music by the same composers who influenced Mozart and Haydn; thus they came to the New World fully conversant with the taste and practice of European classicism.Saturday, May 18 – Psalm 66:8-15
Proverbs 12; 1 Corinthians 15:29-41
Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1
All things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
Heavenly Father, we are overwhelmed by the majesty of your creation and your care for us. At every stage of our lives you generously provide for all our needs. We praise you for your great goodness and the gift of your dear Son. Amen.
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May 2013
Zinzendorf's Pennsylvania JourneyCount Zinzendorf speaks once again in this collection of sermons preached during his sojourn in Pennsylvania in the 1740s. These sermons, translated by Craig Atwood and Julie Tomberlin Weber, will touch your heart as they did those who heard them more than 250 years ago.