Many synods ago, the Eastern District Synod directed the Eastern District Executive Board (EDEB) to annually distribute Mission Grants to congregations who are seeking to launch new and innovative mission engagements. Applications are received from congregations and assessed by the EDEB on their merit and sustainability. This year’s mission grants were awarded to the following congregations:
First Moravian Church of Riverside, NJ – Loads of Love
Discovering that there were families in their community who were being forced to choose between food for their children or providing clean, laundered clothes, the congregation partnered with a local laundromat to provide an evening when individuals could bring their family’s clothes to be laundered for free and receive help from congregational members with doing the laundry. The congregation also partnered with a local grocery store who was willing to provide laundry detergent and dryer sheets. The congregation, along with this mission grant, provides the funds necessary to run the washers and dryers.
Lititz Moravian Church – Reading Moravian Center Social Worker
In past issues you would have read about the food distribution and community meals provided out of the Reading Moravian Center by members of the Lititz Moravian Church (which includes past members of the Reading Moravian Church before it’s closure). As this ministry was taken under the oversight and support of the Lititz Moravian Church, the ministry has continued to flourish and become an essential resource to the Reading community. Additionally, following hurricane Maria which ravaged Puerto Rico, there was a large influx of displaced families who were struggling to adapt in their new surroundings. The leaders of Reading Moravian Center soon realized the need for a bilingual social worker who could aid them not only in communicating with their new neighbors, but also in helping them discover other community and state resources that could aid these families in becoming resettled. The mission grant will help them in acquiring the social worker and providing office space for this new team member to work.
First Moravian Church of Uhrichsville, Ohio – Ladles of Love
Following a book study of “Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving,” the Uhrichsville congregation began discerning ways that they could enhance their service in Christ’s name. Already actively involved in meal related fundraisers, the congregation wanted to provide a hearty meal to the community that was not connected with any kind of fundraising. Ladles of love, as a twice per month community dinner, will seek to provide not only a healthy meal for those who might not otherwise receive such, but will also provide a place for fellowship and relation-building with the community. The mission grant, along with funds raised within the congregation, will help the congregation acquire the kitchen equipment necessary for this feeding ministry.
Fellowship Moravian Church – Youth Steel Band Ministry
In an effort to engage and equip their youth, the Fellowship Moravian Church applied successfully for a Youth Ministry Grant to aid them in establishing a youth steel band. The steel band will enhance worship for the congregation and offer concerts for the community enjoyment. Additionally, there are plans for “Sidewalk Expositions” in their Brooklyn neighborhood which will help raise funds for expansion of the steel pans.
Congratulations to all of the congregations awarded a 2019 Mission or Inner City Youth Grant and blessings as you serve in the name of our Chief Elder.
SUMMER BOOK CLUB
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
July 23 & August 20
Bahnson Center
Price: $10 per night or $25 for all.
Click to Learn More & Register
Summer has just started, but as life goes, that means time to start planning for the fall… and this year, that means planning for the first ever Moravian Day of Service! On September 15th, individuals and congregations will be finding unique ways to serve in their communities, and joining with folks across the U.S. and Canada, as we collectively renew our commitment to Mission with and among out neighbors!
Soon, there will be even more resources available (like worship materials which can be utilized to celebrate service), but for now you access a growing list of invitations to serve from Moravian entities across our Provinces.
To start planning and to stay up to date on the latest visit:
moravianmission.org/DayOfService
Be The Church Workshop Schedule & Sites:
Metro NYC held at John Hus on 9/14/19
Staten Island held at Castleton Hill on 10/12/19
Questions? Call or email: Marie Couts- [email protected]
Moravian Women Northern Province – Save This Date:
Saturday September 28th, 2019, 10 am
65th Thanksgiving Service, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Help Wanted
Hope Conference and Renewal Center is seeking applicants for the position of Administrative Assistant. If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to Rev. Jodie Harney at [email protected] or mail it to:
Rev. Jodie Harney, Mountainview Moravian Church, 331 Constitution Avenue, Hellertown, PA 18055
Hope Conference & Renewal Center Camp Dates for 2019
Pre-Primary Conference Grades 1-2:
July 7-10, Leaders: Shannon Swingle, Edgeboro Moravian & Rev. Rebecca Sisley, First Moravian Church, Riverside NJ
Middler Conference Grades 5-6:
July 7-13, Leaders: Rt. Rev. Blair Couch, Allentown, PA & Rev. Sayward Lippincott, First Moravian, York, PA
Jr. High Conference Grades 7-8:
July 21 – July 27, Leader: Rev. Jodie Harney, Mountainview Moravian, Hellertown, PA
Senior High Conference Grades 9-age 21:
July 28 – August 3, Leaders: Chelsey Mancuso, Keyport, NJ & Maddie Brader, Advent Moravian, Bethlehem, PA
Swimming Camp Grades 3-6:
July 14-20, Leader: Rev. Tammie Rinker, Trinity Moravian, Lanham, MD
Musical Theater Camp Grades 5-9:
July 14 -20, Leader: Sarah Hriniak, Schoeneck Moravian, Nazareth, PA & Rev. Otto Dreydoppel, Chaplain, Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA.
Sugar Cake Bake-Off- Part of the Camp Hope Fall Festival Saturday, October 5, 2019
For more information on camps or bake-off, see your church office or contact Hope Conference Center at 908 459-4435 or [email protected]
FROM IBOC!
It’s time to start thinking about 2020…2020 Daily Texts, that is!
We at the IBOC have been considering 2020 more and more as the summer progresses, especially the 2020 Daily Texts! Since last fall, the IBOC has worked to compile and edit the upcoming 2020 edition of this well-loved devotional.
Today, more than 280 years after its first publication, the Daily Texts continues its promise of a “daily message from God that is new every morning.” The cover image selected for 2020 features a calm, green, nature-themed image of nasturtiums.
The 2020 editions don’t begin shipping until late October/early November, but you can pre-order yours at discounted prices starting in July; online pre-ordering for the 2020 Daily Texts will begin July 3 at : https://store.moravian.org/ The general order form is being mailed to current customers; you can also download it here: https://www.moravian.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2020preordermailerforweb.pdf
Order by August 13, 2019 to receive a 10% discount on the paperback, hardcover, large print and journal editions of the North American editions and the German and Spanish-language editions we offer.
Prices for the 2020 edition:
Paperback: Reg. $10.50, preorder $9.45
Hardcover: Reg. $15.00, preorder $13.50
Large Print: Reg. $13.00, preorder $11.70
Journal: Reg. $16.00, preorder $14.40
Spanish or German, Reg. $10.50, preorder $9.45
For more information on all of our items and to learn more about the work of the IBOC, visit: https://store.moravian.org/ or call Jill at 1 (800) 732-0591, ext. 38.
From Moravian Ministries Foundation of America
Is your church or agency fully invested in the Moravian Common Fund? Many are benefiting from the power of Moravian community – with investment options that would not be available as individual investors, economies of scale that come with size, and long-term strategy. Today, you retain ownership of your assets while gaining a high-quality, low-cost investment solution that provides ongoing management and administration for your funds.
If you have not considered the Common Fund lately, you should look at the many ways it can help your organization.
https://mmfa.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MMFA_CommonFund_PREP.pdf
Moving Ministries Forward, Together
A Stewardship Conference from MMFA
October 4 & 5, 2019
East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem, PA
