1. shopping
2. gifts

DECEMBER 2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE 1
What Is It All About?
I have been reading interviews and watching videos that ask the question, "What is
Christmas all about?" Often this question is posed to someone on the street or walking through a
shopping mall. The interviewee is caught off guard and forced to answer quickly, off the top of
his or her head. The answers I've seen most often are things like giving gifts, decorating, sharing
meals together, opening presents, baking cookies, vacation, and spending time with friends and family.
Most of us would agree that these are wonderful parts of our Christmas celebrations.
.
)
-',
These very things-the activities and traditions surrounding Christmas-are
also the
things that require so much of our time, energy, and money. It is easy to get caught up in
the whirlwind ofthe next several weeks. I fmd myself wondering why some of the activities bring me joy, and others just seem to cause stress. I have come to believe that almost all
seasonal activities are fun, but they are only meaningful and life-giving if they deepen our
focus on the coming of Christ.
.....
~
, .
f"'.;
/
I am reminded of another time when someone asked the question, "Isn't there anyone who knows
/"""" what Christmas is all about?" And Linus answers Charlie Brown with the most stirring answer
of all, as he recites from the Gospel of Luke, retelling the story of Jesus' birth. It is the story of
::)(, "CJ~\, the greatest gift ever given-s-one that would change the world forever.
"r'Sf~j"I".-';'"
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Imagine that you might encounter an interviewer today, asking you, "What is Christmas all
about?" How would you respond? What impression would you make? Would it be mostly about
the joy of baking cookies and buying presents? Or would that person walk away, having heard a
message of hope for the whole world?
Most of us won't have the pressure of an on-thespot interview like this. Instead, we have an entire season to
answer this question with our lives. This Advent, may our
words and our actions, the use of our time and money, and our attitudes answer the question, "What is
Christmas all about?" May our whole lives be an answer that glorifies God, keeps our priorities in order,
and shows the love of Jesus to everyone around us.
With Advent blessings and joy,
Pastor Missy
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE
Christmas Greetings From Your Pastors!
A.
•
As another calendar year draws to a close, it gives us an opportunity to reflect
on the blessings of2011. Among the most special blessings in our lives is the
partnership in ministry that we have with the members of Palmer Moravian.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, support, and encouragement. These
things are a source of strength and joy for our family. We look forward to the
coming year and the work and fellowship we will have together. As we celebrate the Light of the World, may we continue to work together to share
Christ s light in our community and beyond.
A.
•
A.
•
A.
•
A.
•
Blessings,
Missy, Frank, Morgen, and Quincy
A.
•
~
•
~
•
A.
•
.&.
•
••
Advent and Christmas remind us of God s gift of Jesus, Immanuel, the
incarnation of God s promise to always be with us. That constant presence of
God provides each of us with daily strength, comfort, and peace.
Our Palmer Moravian Church is a caring community of people, supporting one another and reflecting God s loving presence. We thank you for
your love and prayers, which also have encouraged and supported us.
We wish you an advent season and Christmas filled with hope, joy, and
love. Wepray God will bless you and yours with good health and happiness in
2012, and pray it will be a year filled with God s peace for all.
In Christ s Love,
Doug and Rosemary
••
A.
•
A.
•
.&.
•
.&.
•
A.
•
••
2
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
OUR DECEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4: THE SECOND IN ADVENT & HOLY COMMUNION
8:00 a.m. Early Worship Service with the lighting of the 2nd Advent Candle, the
sacrament of Holy Communion
9: 15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
9:30 a.m. New Horizon Worship with Holy Communion in Fellowship Hall with
Caelib Troxell lighting the 2nd Advent Candle.
10:45 a.m. Worship Service with Callie Connelly lighting the 2nd Advent Candle, the
sacrament of Holy Communion, special music by the Chancel Choir, a
Children's Chat, and a message Pastor Doug
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11:
ADVENT
THE TIllRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00 a.m. Early Worship Service with the lighting of the 3rd Advent Candle,
and a sermon by Pastor Missy
9: 15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
9:30 a.m. New Horizon Worship in Fellowship Hall with McKenzie Murray
lighting the 3rd Advent Candle.
10:45 a.m. Worship Service with Joe Lipari lighting the 3rd Advent Candle, special
music by the Chancel Choir, and our Sunday School presenting it's
Christmas Pageant and Program:
"HOW THE GROUCH FOUND CHRISTMAS!"
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18:
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00 a.m. Early Worship Service with the lighting of the 4thAdvent Candle, and
a sermon by Pastor Missy
9: 15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.
9:30 a.m. New Horizon Worship with Jonathon Smith lighting the 4thAdvent
Candle and the Candle Nativity in Fellowship Hall
10:45 a.m. Worship Service with the lighting of the 4th Advent Candle, special
music by the Chancel Choir, a Children's Chat and sermon by Pastor Missy
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25:
CHRISTMAS DAY
PLEASE NOTE WE WILL ONLY HA VE ONE SERVICE ON
CHRISTMAS DAY, AND THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY SCHOOL!
9:00 a.m. Refreshments in the Gathering Area before worship.
9:30 a.m. Christmas Day worship in the Sanctuary with the praying of the
Christmas Liturgy and a message by Pastor Doug. Bring a Christmas
Gift you received to show the congregation and tell of its significance.
PAGE
3
DECEMBER
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
2011
~
!CHRISTMA~: \
i
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES!
One of our most beautiful Moravian Worship Services celebrates the birth of Jesus on
Christmas Eve. Each of our services will include the singing of familiar carols, the antiphonal
singing of "Morning Star", and each participant receiving a lighted beeswax candle symbolic of
Christ as the Light of the World. Invite your friends to come with you to these meaningful
celebrations of our Saviors' birth.
4:00 P.M. CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEAST AND CANDLELIGHT
SERVICE will include special music by our Children's Choir, a Moravian lovefeast,
and the traditional singing of "Morning Star".
Brass Ensemble will be playing in the Gathering Area between services.
6:00 P.M. CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will include special music by a Brass Ensemble and
the Hilltop Ringers, and the traditional singing of "Morning Star".
Brass Ensemble will be playing in the Gathering Area between services.
8:00 P.M. CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will feature special music by our Chancel Choir and
a Brass Ensemble, and the traditional singing of ''Morning Star".
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1,2012:
NEW YEAR'S DAY!
PLEASE NOTE WE WILL ONLY HA VE ONE SERVICE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, AND
THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY SCHOOL!
10:45 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary with the praying of the New Year Liturgy, a
Children's Chat, the selection of Watchwords for 2012, and a sermon by Pastor
Doug
PAGE
4
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
YCHURCH
CDUNOL
ANNUAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012
On SUNDAY, JANUARY 29th we will have our Annual Church Council Meeting. A
"soup and salad" luncheon will be served at 11:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall following our 10:45 a.m.
worship service.
At 12:30 p.m. our Church Council will convene and we will receive reports, elect new
members to the boards of Elders and Trustees, and adopt a Budget for 2012.
Copies of the written Annual Report of our Palmer Moravian Church will be available for
you to pick-up on Sunday, January 22nd.
All Communicant Members are eligible and encouraged to participate in our Church
Council Meeting. Child care will be provided during the meeting.
NOTE: In case the meeting is postponed because of inclement weather, the Church
Council Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 5th• If inclement weather causes further
postponement, the meeting will be held on the first Sunday possible. (This schedule serves as
announcement ofthe meeting as required by our By-Laws.)
WORSIDP SERVICE OR
MEETING CANCELLATIONS!
Winter weather and poor driving conditions may result in the cancellation of scheduled
meetings or worship services. Please check the Church Website, www.palmermoravian.org or call
the Church Office, 610-253-2510 to inquire. A taped message will be on the Answering Machine.
Remember your safety and the safety of your family should always come first.
Please check the listings on television station, WFMZ (Channel 69) to include any changes
in our Sunday worship schedule or the cancellation of church services and events. You can also
check www.wfinz.com for worship closing and schedule changes.
Organizations are asked to provide a method for communicating any changes in your
meeting schedule to your group members. Thank you for your cooperation!
PAGE
5
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE
BAPTISMS
~
MORAVIAN WOMEN
~~EMBER
CIRCLEMEETINGS
October 30 - Karin and Chris Vangeli, presented
their son Harrison Joseph Vangeli to the Lord in
infant Baptism at the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Sponsors are Joanna Williams and Sid
Garger.
SYMPATHY
The Palmer Moravian Church family extends
deepest sympathy to the family and friends of
Marybelle Sales, who passed away on October
24, 2011. A service celebrating Marybelle's life
was held at the church on Friday, October 28.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
The following gifts have been received by the
church and will be entered into the Book of Remembrance:
In Memory of Marybelle Sales:
David and Gail Fragassi, Mr. and Mrs. Richard F.
Bieber, Gloria Hutchison Doris Geiger, Wayne
Bertsch, Violet Meuser, Joe and Diane McGahan, The Rev. Helen R. Pearson Malibu Dream
Girl, tnc., Tammy Zborel, National League of
Cities, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kaduk, Andrea and
David McGahan Josephine Kocher, Shirley Hell,
Eileen and David Sales, Joy Tavalsky, Jane W.
Chaffee, Mark and Bruce Waldman, Mary
McGahan Karen Norelli & Nicholas Franco,
Martha Barnett, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Stecker,
Mr. William Stackhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Watson
Hart.
The Ruth and Rebecca Circles will meet on
Tuesday, December 13 at 12:00 noon in the
Fireside Room for their Annual Christmas Covered Dish. Please bring a casserole, salad or dessert, as well as two inexpensive gifts for the
"give and take" game. A free-will offering will be
collected.
Lydia Circle will meet on December 8th at 6:30
p.m. at Pat Wikert's home for their Christmas
dinner.
THANK YOU
PALMER MORAVIAN WOMEN!
Tha'
1~~
Thank you to all who helped out on Friday November 4th at our church for Church Women
Unite World Community Day. We had an informative Program and Great Fellowship
afterwards.
Thank you again to everyone!
Patti Miller
Dear Patti,
I would like to thank you and all the ladies of
Palmer Moravian who made our World Community Day celebration a success. We were
made to feel very comfortable. The desserts
were ample and delicious and we all enjoyed
them.
Church Women United depends on the
hospitality of it's member church to keep the
organization going.
Again, we thank Palmer Moravian Women
for being such wonderful hostesses.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Kurt
6
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE 7
DECEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
1
Scott Fleming
Tammy Post
Margaret Vargo
2
Sandra Gordon
3
Kyleigh Schoener
Marcia Eilenberger
Barry Kocher
5
Rayla Stecker
6
Alfred Walter
7
Lisa Z. Nesbitt
8
Kaylie Kast
10
Connor Bartlett
11
Eden Bender
Cailin Connelly
Kyle Nicholas
Heather Fredericks
12
William Walters
13
AJBorger
Dean Cooley
14
Trudy Slawik
Lacy Browne
Sylvia Klein
15
Donald English
T.e. Kohler
Jeffrey Zimmerman
16
Neal Wikert
Dorothy Wassum
17
AndySodl
18
Cynthia Oatis
19
Mark Cooley
20
Gail Cornish
Wendy Darrohn
21
Kelly Assise
Ryley Carroll
Tom Eilenberger
Brady Bielawski
22
Leroy Wassum
Andrew Hedrick
Reid Parkhurst
23
Austin Border
Pamela Spadoni
24
Russell Brekne
Colin Hedrick
27
Charles Adams
Susan Espenshade
Dana Bender
29
Susan Strock
30
Heather Crone
MichaelJ.George
31
Christopher David
Sharon Bisci
.,
MITTEN TREE
...:
'
~
The annual appearance of the Mitten trees in
the Narthex and outside the office door indicate
another one of our concerns and ministry to
those less fortunate in the Easton area. Any
contribution of new mittens, hats, gloves or
scarves can be placed on the tree and will be
distributed locally throughout the area. Handmade or bought, we appreciate your generosity
and thoughtfulness.
COOKIES FOR
THE HOMEBOUND
Cookies are needed! Once again we are asking
for your donation of cookies for our homebound members at Christmas time. The cookies
must be brought in by December 11th You may
bring them in to the Church office anytime.
DECEMBER
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
2011
PAGE 8
It's here ...
The Advent season with its wonderful music is here and that means
Christmas is just around the corner. Consider celebrating the holidays this year by joining a choir. The Chancel Choir is in particular need of sopranos and basses for the Sundays of Advent and
especially Christmas Eve. Contact Jan Harke to indicate your interest in announcing Christ's coming through music.
To all music program participants and families: Thank you for all
your outstanding work and dedicated service this year. Have a
blessed holiday season. ~
December Rehearsal Schedule
Children's Choir:
Dec. 6, 13, 20
Dec. 24
Dec. 27, Jan. 3
6:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Choir Room
3:30 p.m.
Report to Choir Room
No Rehearsal
Chancel Choir:
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
Dec. 24
Dec. 29
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Choir Room
7:15 p.m.
Report to Choir Room
No Rehearsal
Hilltop Ringers:
Dec. 4, 11, 18
Dec. 24
Dec. 25, Jan. 1
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Handbell Room
5: 10 p.m.
Report to Handbell Room
No Rehearsal
Looking ahead to January ...
The choirs will all enjoy a much-deserved break from rehearsals following
Christmas. Rehearsals will resume as follows:
Children's Choir
Chancel Choir
Hilltop Ringers
Jan. 10
Jan. 5
Jan. 8
6:15 - 7:00 p.m.
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Choir Room
Choir Room
Handbell Room
DECEMBER
2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE 9
A Moravian Christmas
and LiveNativity
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Palmer Moravian Church
2901 John Street, Easton, PA 18045
610.253.2510
Live Nativity 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Traditions Tours 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Spend an hour enjoying the spirit of the Christmas season
while learning about some of the beloved Moravian customs.
Moravian sugar cake, coffee, and tea will be served.
Including demonstrations of:
Candle Making • Star Making • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
and other Moravian Holiday traditions!
Free admission.
Tours every 15 minutes.
Last tour leaves at 4:00 p.m.
Please use the Gathering Room entrance.
DECEMBER 2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE
THANK YOU
YOUNG AT HEARTS
SENIOR FELLOWSHIP!
is"
On December
we will go to the Zoellner Arts
Center at Lehigh University to see the Ballet Guild
ofthe Lehigh Valley's performance ofthe Nutcracker. The cost is $6.50 per person and we will
go to lunch in Bethlehem following the show.
Palmer Moravian's own Natalie Hedrick is playing
"Clara" in this performance. We will need to
meet at church at 8:30 for this 9:30 performance.
Sign up with Ruth soon.
Thanks to everyone who helped make our Holiday Craft Fair a success this year! Special thanks
to Rick and Nancy Humes, Ruth Gonzalez and
my wonderful family. We were able to raise
$1,081.00! Also thanks to all who helped set up
and clean up, and to all the crafters and shoppers!
Sincerely,
Cindy George
Check Us Out On the Web!
COMING:
AN INQUIRER'S CLASSIN
JANUARY, 2012
We have scheduled an Inquirer's Class in January
for those who would like to become members of our
Palmer Moravian Church. The first of two sessions will
be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
The second session will be held on Sunday, January 29,
2012 at 9:15 a.m. If you are interested in attending
please contact
the
Church Office
via email
[email protected] or by calling 610-253-2510.
CHRIS(MAS ~AM
"I knew someday I'd be a star!"
www.palmermoravian.org
Newsletter
Prayer Requests
Latest News
Calendar
Worship Schedule
And more!
UNITY PRAYER WATCH
December
Palmer Moravian Church will be participating in
the Unity Prayer Watch of the Moravian Church
on Tuesday, December 6h from noon to midnight. Volunteers will be asked to sign up to
spend 30 minutes in prayer and a list of suggested prayer topics will be provided for you. Sign
up sheets will be placed at the end of each pew.
Please sign your name in the time slot during
which you are able to pray. Please consider joining this important ministry of prayer. Jean Pyatt
is our coordinator again this year.
s"
10
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
DECEMBER 2011
Christmas
Poinsettia
Order Form
Wow! I Didn't Know That!
The World's Women
True or False - which of these statements
the world's women are correct:
about
The vast majority of the world's poor are women.
2/3 of the world's illiterates are female.
Of the millions of school age children not in school,
the majority are girls.
More than % of all young people living with HIVare
women.
7 out of 10 of the world's hungry are women and
girls.
More women and girls are enslaved in brothels Qg!
year in this century than the number of African
slaves that were shipped per year into slave
plantations in the is" or 19th centuries.
Each extra year of a mother's education reduces the
probability of infant mortality by 5-10%.
Education of women and girls is the most effective
means to preventing unwanted pregnancies in
underdeveloped countries.
Women are up to 20 times more likely to spend
money on the household needs than men.
As we contemplate
the upcoming Christmas holiday and the important role of the mother of Jesus,
we enter the season with renewed appreciation for
the role of women around the world. We also
come with a sense of dedication to the uplifting of
women so that they may enjoy the full measure of
life's gifts and with a desire to make their needed
talents and abilities more available to humanity.
Happy holidays and many blessings
to you this season.
Missions in ACTION Committee
P.S. All the above statements
are true.
PAGE 11
Each Christmas season our sanctuary is beautifully
decorated with red poinsettias purchased by members of our congregation. Thank you to all who participate in this wonderful tradition.
Please return this form and your check made out to
the Palmer Moravian Sacristan Corps by Monday,
December 5th.
Mail to:
Mrs. Trudi Slawik
14 White Road
Belvidere, NJ 07823-2806
•
Printing clearly, please provide the following information:
(Qty.)
Poinsettias at $8.00 each
(Cash payments should be left in the Church office)
Presented by:
(Circle one) :
In memory of
Received
In honor of
For Blessings
Please pick up your poinsettias following the 8:00
p.m. Christmas Eve Services, or make arrangements
with the Church office for pick up. Those not picked
up will be given to shut-ins. Thank you!
DECEMBER 2011
THE PALMER MORAVIAN
PAGE 12
This Christmas, celebrate Jesus'
birthday by making this keepsake
ornament.
What you need:
• Wooden clothespin with
round end
• Black permanent marker
• White cloth or felt
• Small wooden star
(available at craft stores)
• Yellow paint
• Paintbrush
• Gold glitter (optional)
• Glue gun (and an adult)
• Straw-colored raffia
• Palm-size wicker wreath
(available at craft stores)
• Ribbon
What you do:
1. On the clothespin's round
knob, draw two dots for
eyes.
2. Wrap the white cloth
around the clothespin,
like a swaddled baby.
3. Paint the star yellow;
add glitter, if desired.
4. With the glue gun and
adult supervision, glue the
raffia to the bottom inside
of the wreath. Then glue
the swaddled clothespin
atop the raffia and glue the
gold star atop the wreath.
S. Tie a ribbon around the
top, near the star.
6. Hang the ornament on
your Christmas tree or
tie it on a gift.
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