March 2015
Lenten Dinner and Programs 2015:
“Is the Faith Journey Relevant on Today’s
College Campuses: Conversations with
College Chaplains?”
Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25
5:30 p.m. Lenten Prayer Group (see page 2),
6 p.m. Dinner, 7 p.m. Program
Children’s Program and childcare for younger
children provided at 7 p.m. also!
Christian Education building, lower level
Our Lenten series features delicious dinners from
our church’s groups, inspiring conversations about
the new generation of spiritual journeys in our local
colleges, and an exciting children’s program
(as well as childcare attendants provided for
children under 5). Perhaps parents or grandparents
with children in college or soon to be going off
to college might find this conversation especially
interesting! Join us as we grow together this Lenten
season and enjoy the warm fellowship with your
church family.
February 25: Dr. Allen Richardson, professor of
religious studies and chaplain, Cedar Crest College
(Dinner - Children and Youth Groups)
March 4: The Rev. Charles Rice, associate
professor of philosophy and religious studies,
chaplain, Ursinus College (Dinner - Busy Workers)
March 11: The Rev. Jennika Borger, chaplain,
Moravian College (Dinner - Choir)
March 18: The Rev. Alexandra Hendrickson,
chaplain, Lafayette College (Dinner - Men’s Bible
Study)
March 25: The Rev. Dr. Lloyd Steffen, chaplain
and Professor of Religious Studies, Lehigh
University (Dinner - Joint Board )
9 a.m. in the Old Chapel
11 a.m. in the Sanctuary (Nursery Available)
March 1 - Second Sunday of Lent
Sermon: Bishop Hopeton Clennon
March 8 - Third Sunday of Lent
Sermon: The Rev. Janel Rice
March 15 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sermon: Garritt Fleming
March 22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sermon: Bishop Hopeton Clennon
March 29 - Palm Sunday
Confirmation Sunday
Sermon: The Rev. Janel Rice
Spiritual Growth
According to scientists, to be alive is to grow and develop.
According to the Apostle Paul writing to “all God’s beloved in
Rome” you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive
to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:11) According to Irenaeus
of Lyons (125-202 AD). “The glory of God is the human being
fully alive.” During this Season of Lent, I challenge us to
consider the call to new life as a call to spiritual growth. To
be alive in Christ is to grow.
What are the things we need to do in order that we may be
alive in Christ Jesus? What are the customs and practices that
may best facilitate spiritual growth?
I have heard responses focusing on prayer, reading the Scriptures, singing hymns of faith, attending worship services, graciously sharing our financial resources with the poor, generously
supporting the church’s involvement in ministry and mission, and
so on. All of these have great value. But maybe there is more.
Maybe you and I experience spiritual growth simply by making
the commitment to love God more and love people more, and then
following through on that commitment. I believe the examples
listed in the previous paragraph are the result of spiritual growth,
not the cause. Therefore, it is my sincere prayer for you this
Lenten Season that you may practice loving God more and loving
people more. All the other things will follow as we grow naturally.
– Pastor Hopeton
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Lent, Holy Week and Easter Worship Opportunities at Central
A Lenten Prayer Opportunity:
Moravian Daily Text Group Moravians during the 1700s set apart time each morning
and evening as a community to hear God’s Word presented
in the form of watchwords, what later became the Daily
Texts. The people also took the watchwords to the larger
community and had conversations about them with their
neighbors. Through this intentional time set aside to sit
with God’s Word and their neighbors, the early Moravians
found their faith strengthened and their bonds with each
other more powerful.
We aren’t living in the 1700s anymore in a small
community where people can walk to each others’ homes,
but what might happen to our community if we took just
one more day to be with each other and with God?
Let’s give it a shot. During the Lent season, experience
the power of community by coming to an informal Bible
study and prayer group every Wednesday night at
5:30 p.m. beginning February 25 in the CE building,
lower level. We will use the Moravian Daily Texts as the
basis for conversation about scripture and our daily lives.
Think of it as a time to regroup after a hectic day. We will
conclude in time for dinner and the Lenten program.
– Garritt Fleming, Pastoral Intern
Holy Week and Easter Worship
A time to worship with Scriptures, hymns and prayers:
March 29, 30, 31, and April 1 - Readings for Holy
Week 7 p.m., Sanctuary
April 2 - Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. - Holy Communion,
Sanctuary
April 3 - Good Friday 10 a.m. - Holy Communion,
Old Chapel
- 2:15 p.m. Crucifixion Service, Sanctuary
- 7 p.m. Seven Last Words, Old Chapel
April 4 - Great Sabbath 3 p.m. Lovefeast, Sanctuary
April 5 - Easter Sunday
6:15 a.m. Sunrise Service, Sanctuary
9 a.m. - Old Chapel Worship Sermon
10 a.m. Scripture Egg Hunt, Church Green
(Refreshments in the Christian Ed building)
11 a.m. Triumph Service, Sanctuary Sermon
“The Seven Last Words of Christ” The evening of Good Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m., is a
time for quiet contemplation, prayer, and meditation as
this service focuses us on the last words of Jesus. Based
on the reading “Poem After The Seven Last Words” by
Mark Strand, our worship will be filled with a time of
silence, musical meditations and hymns in the beauty of
the Old Chapel. The poem was originally commissioned
by the Brentano String Quartet for reading during their
performance of Haydn’s masterpiece, The Seven Last
Words of Christ. Join us in the Old Chapel.
Invite a Friend to Great Sabbath Lovefeast
Share this wonderful worship experience at Central with
friends and neighbors by inviting them to join us for the
Great Sabbath Lovefeast at 3 p.m. on April 4.
Held on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter
Sunday in remembrance of Jesus’ day of rest in the tomb
and the hope of His resurrection, Central’s Great Sabbath
Lovefeast shows Christ’s joy through music and a lovefeast
meal.
Visitors will be invited to take home a free gift and
receive information or take a tour of Central. Special
invitations will be available in our bulletins.
How Can You Support Central? Are you familiar with the four funds our Board identified
as areas of need to be supported by planned gifts, such as
bequests, trusts, and the like? They are the Music Fund,
the Education Fund, the Preservation Fund, and the General Permanent Fund. If you would like to learn more about
any or all of the ministries supported by these vital funds,
we have a brochure available, which was mailed to every
household in 2013. Please contact a pastor for details.
Help Needed with CD Recording Ministry
The CD Recording Committee records the 11 a.m.
(10 a.m. in the summer) service each week, as well as
other special services and events throughout the year.
Approximately a dozen copies are mailed each week to
members who are out of town or cannot otherwise attend
Sunday services. The committee is looking for volunteers to assist in this important ministry. No experience
necessary and training provided. If you are interested in
helping with this ministry, please call Terry Worrich @
610-865-6934 or the church office.
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3
Coming Soon
Central Field Trip Explores
Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Social Action Committee invites you to join us for
a ‘field trip’ to the Reading Public Museum (in Reading,
PA) on Sunday, March 22, 12:30 - 8 p.m. Our bus will
leave after the 11 a.m. service to see a new special exhibit:
Spirits of the Passage: Story of the Transatlantic Slave
Trade. Focusing on the English merchant-slaver ship,
the Henrietta Marie, which wrecked off the coast of Key
West, FL in 1700, this interactive display explores the
history of the slave trade. Created in celebration of
the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation
Proclamation,the exhibit invites us into two centuries of
the slave trade through nearly 150 ship artifacts and
displays that will move and inform visitors of all ages.
Also included: great exhibits for kids (Planetarium visit
and Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog.) Seating
is limited and reservations with payment required
by March 8. Cost: $40 per person; $34 for seniors and
students (ages 3 and up). Cost includes box lunch for the
bus, museum admission (including Planetarium show),
and Transbridge bus. Does not include costs for dinner
(on the way home). Contact the church office to sign up
at 610-866-5661 or [email protected].
Benefit Organ Recital
Richard Frey, brother of Central member Louisa Frey,
will be presenting a benefit organ recital for TEACH
Rwanda on March 8 at 3 p.m. at Wesley United
Methodist Church on Center Street in Bethlehem. The
program will include Bach, jazz arrangements and a
work by an African composer.
Welcome New Members and Confirmands
We look forward to welcoming our new members on
Sunday, March 15 and our young people as adult
members on Palm Sunday, March 29 with special
receptions following in the sanctuary. More information
about them will be published in an upcoming Belfry.
The Psychology of Illness & Art of Healing
The Littner Memorial Lecture Series for Bereavement
and St. Luke’s Health Network present a community event;
Dr. Bernie Siegel, author and speaker whose book “Love,
Medicine and Miracles” changed mainstream thinking
around the role the mind can play in fighting illness. We
are proud to host this event in Central’s sanctuary on
Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Siegel’s philosophy
continues to break new ground in the field of healing and
living the message of kindness and love. Central members
and friends are invited to receive a limited supply of free
tickets to attend by coming to the church office or calling
to reserve yours today.
Moravian Historical Society Gala
The Moravian Historical Society will hold its 9th annual
Share the Heritage Dinner and Auction on Friday, April
10 at 6 p.m. to celebrate Moravian history in the United
Kingdom. Held at Hotel Bethlehem, this event supports
the society’s mission to preserve and educate the public
about Moravian history and culture throughout the world.
The Moravian Historical Society will present the Rev. Dr.
Davis Schattschneider with the “Heritage Award”. David
has been a longtime volunteer for the Society serving in
many capacities including the President. Pre-paid reservations are required as seating is limited.
For reservations and more information, visit
www.moravianhistoricalsociety.com or contact them at
610-759-5070.
Save the Date: Busy Workers’ Plant &
Attic Treasures Sale - Saturday, May 9
Keep this date in mind as you do your spring cleaning
& gardening. If you have items in your closets, attic,
basement, etc. that are still in good shape, but you no longer
need or want, please consider donating those items to the
Busy Workers for our sale. Also, if you have perennials,
bulbs, iris, hosta, etc. that need division in your garden,
we would be happy to accept those donations, as well.
Collection dates for donations will be posted in upcoming
editions of the Belfry, and in the Sunday Times. ( Items we
cannot take: clothing (please consider Cynthia’s Boutique),
stuffed animals, electronics, or very large furniture items.
If you have a question about whether an item is
suitable for donation, please contact Jacqueline Adams
at 610-867-7463)
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Moravian Missions . . .
Can you Help Tutor?
Esperanza for Bethlehem Moravian Church is looking
for more tutors to help with their outreach to local
children of all ages with homework and mentoring. Join
the other Central volunteers who already help with this
valuable ministry! Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
afternoons are needed. Talk with Pastor Janel for details.
Unity Offering
Each year, as our worldwide Moravian Church (Unitas
Fratrum) celebrates its founding on March 1st, we collect a
special offering to benefit one mission area in the unity. This
year’s Unity Offering will go to our friends in South Africa
to help with the youth and Sunday School programs there.
Look for a special offering envelope for this mission cause.
Update from our Partners in Sikonge,
Tanzania: The “Mama” Scholarship Fund
The Adopt a Village program, centered in Sikonge, is
run by twenty-seven Moravian ladies under the leadership
of Mama Kimwaga. They have been providing support,
both material and emotional, to 2700 orphans, 200 of
whom are also receiving scholarships to pursue higher
education. Most of these women are not able to afford
schooling beyond the free primary level for their own
families. At their request, a “Mama” scholarship fund,
administered totally by these Tanzanians, was begun in
2014. Its sole purpose is to permit these caregivers to
assist their families with educational opportunities similar
to those of the orphans for whom they care. Since their
children are not orphans, this support must be funded with
donations distinct from Adopt a Village. Last year it was
able to provide each woman $60.
If these women are to continue to receive the help they
so truly deserve, the fund needs to be maintained. Any
assistance, sent to the church office, payable to Central
Moravian Church, and designated for the “Mama”
Scholarship Fund, would be gratefully received by these
“mamas” and their families.
– Bill & Peg Hoffman
The 27 ladies (Mamas)
in the Sikonge orphan
program meet yearly
to share a meal and
discuss the program.
Update from Nepali Moravian Outreach
(NMO) and our Partners in Nepal
Our purpose is to support the vision of the Nepali
Moravian Outreach to share the good news of Christ
through the ministries of the Nepali Moravian Church,
transforming lives, educating, and equipping people to
impact the community and the nation at large. The
Moravian church in the city celebrated its 17th anniversary
and Khokona church celebrated its 8th year in the village.
The Moravian church is the only church in this Newari
village. House fellowships and personal witnessing
continues to be a strong medium of sharing the Good News
to friends, families and neighbors.
The International Kindergarten has been a mission
business of the Nepali Moravian Church. Although small
in number it has been growing and taking deeper roots
in its vision to educate and impact the community. At the
end of the academic year in 2014 there were 57 children
enrolled between the ages of 21 months to six years with
a graduation of sixteen children last April. Our hope and
continued efforts this year will be to acquire a bigger
space and license to start elementary education.
With the financial help of NMO, a new shed was built
in the school play ground which serves as a multipurpose
area. This shed was used as a waiting area for children,
parents and visitors. It was transformed into a stage
for the Christmas program in December 2014. We are
grateful to all the donors and prayer partners of NMO
for their generous support towards this ministry, which
allows us to use the money for projects such as these and
much more.
In April 2014, Eslie Bhutia from the Moravian church,
joined International Kindergarten in the Play group,
making a total of four children under the Tuition Aid
program. These children and their families continue to be
blessed by this ministry as the Tuition Aid has enabled
their children to receive good education and care. In
November the NMO committee considered starting a
Higher Education fund to help with continued education
for Moravian church members.
A teacher at the school who is married to a staunch
Brahmin family accepted Christ (secretly). She is a
wonderful person with many family restrictions and
barred from reading the Bible and going to church. The
words of Zinzendorf continues to inspire us to “Be a
living daily witness of the saving power and fellowship
of the Lamb. Never lord it over those who are not
Christians. Humble yourself and earn their esteem
through the power of the Spirit.”
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Musical Notes
Rebecca Owens, Director of Music
[email protected]
Pipe Organ Crawl – On Sunday, March 8, Becky
Owens will provide a brief tour of all three pipe organs of
Central Moravian Church. Following the postlude of the
11 a.m. worship service, we will begin in the Kleiner Saal
on the historic Erben organ, travel to the Old Chapel and
look at our newest instrument, and then conclude in the
sanctuary balcony with a tour of the pipe organ chambers.
This organ tour (which will include climbing flights of
stairs) will take about one hour. All are welcome.
The Central Handbell Ensemble – If you are
interested in ringing, please call Jeanne Bednarik at
610-974-8332 or email her at [email protected].
This ensemble is open to all.
Central Moravian Brass Choir, under the direction of
Caitlin Worrich, plays the second Sunday of every month
at the 11 a.m. worship service, and will play on Sunday,
March 8. If you play a brass instrument and would like
to play with this ensemble, please contact Caitlin Worrich
at [email protected].
Chamber Music in the Old Chapel – Fri., March 27
at 7:30 p.m. The Anglo-American duo featuring virtuoso
American violinist Timothy Schwarz and British pianist
Jane Beament, specializing in repertoire from America
and Britain. There is a suggested donation of $10.
Central Moravian Church: A History of its Music:
In celebration of almost 275 years of ministry, we are
compiling a book of reflections, memoirs, and photos
of Central Moravian Church’s music ministry, and we
need your help! Do you have photographs or postcards
of musical moments or of past musicians? Do you have
a photo of when you or your parent or your child sang
“Morning Star”? Would you be willing to submit a short
paragraph that describes a musical memory: singing
“Morning Star”, felt God’s presence during a particular
hymn, wonderful experiences with former Central
organists and conductors, memories of a choir trip, etc.?
If contributing a photograph or postcard, please enclose
photos in an envelope with your name, phone number,
address, and the person(s)’ names in the photograph as
well as the year the photo was taken. Photos will be
returned. Please call Becky Owens at 610-866-5661
ext. 206 if you are willing to contribute your memories to
this exciting project!
Were You There: Morningstar Music Publishing
Company in Missouri just published a new organ music
book this past winter. The book consists of three organ
pieces for Lent that were composed and arranged by
Becky Owens. This is the fourth publication that Becky
has in print. (Previous collections were published by
Warner Brothers, Alfred Music, and the Moravian Music
Foundation.) Morningstar Music Publishing will also be
releasing a book of Christmas organ arrangements
composed by Becky Owens later this spring.
Music Committee Meeting in the Church Office
Conference Room: Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m.
Llyena Boylan, Chair of the Music Committee
a church mouse report
hello
and greetings
and some people question why is there no cross in the
sanctuary
and the response is often we believe in plain unadorned
elegance
and the only ornamentation if you can call it that is the
open bibles
and their seasonally colored bible markers on the two
pulpits
and one marker in each set is plainly adorned with an
empty cross
and the plain truth therefore is we do have a cross in the
sanctuary
and yes every day of the year there is at least one cross in
the church
and of course for every rule there is an exception
and there is just one day of the year when there is no
cross
and that day is good friday
and the black bible markers used that one day have no
cross
and i proffer the cross that day is being used for the
crucifixion
and the plain gospel is
and god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
son
and whosoever believeth in him should not perish
and have everlasting life
and in plain talk with the cross in mind jesus loves you
and so do i
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Children and Youth
Spring Is Coming and So Is Camp
Vacation Bible School - Save the Date
Central had a great Camping year in 2014 - sending 16
children to Camp Hope! Let’s keep up the tradition this
year. Camp Hope is a wonderful way for your children
and youth to deepen their faith and create life-long
relationships in our broader community. Starting at 1st
grade, there are opportunities for all ages up to college
including speciality camps like swimming, fishing and
performing arts!
And Camp Hope is very affordable! As a member (or
friend) of a Bethlehem Area Moravian church, you will receive a $100 BAM scholarship. In addition, Central is able
to offer you a scholarship for up to $100/child. With the
discounts, the average camp only costs about $140/week!
Talk with Pastor Janel if more assistance is needed, finances
should not hold your child back from camp!
Look to www.camphope.org for more details about
each camp and the registration form. Please don’t forget to
indicate under “Other Discounts” that you are a member
of a BAM congregation as well as a Central member.
Discount applies for friends too!
All four year olds
- 6th graders are
invited for our
Vacation Bible
School program on
June 15 - 19, from
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at
East Hills Moravian
Church. We will
again be joining
together with
friends from East
Hills, Advent and College Hill to put on a fantastic week
of learning and fun! If you went last year, you’ll remember some great music, engaging lessons and crafts, and
excellent water games! Expect more of this fun as we
gather together this summer. A registration form will be
mailed out or contact Pastor Janel for more information
([email protected]). If you are interested in
volunteering for VBS, please also contact Pastor Janel.
Camp Hope 2015 Schedule:
Pre-Primary Conference (Completed Grades 1 & 2) ,
June 21 – 24, $225 ($60 deposit)
Primary Conference (Completed Grades 3 & 4),
June 28 – July 4, $340 ($90 deposit)
Middler Conference (Completed Grades 5 & 6),
July 5-11, $340 ($90 deposit)
Junior High Conference (Completed Grades 7 & 8),
July 12 – 18, $340 ($90 deposit)
Senior & Post High Conference (Completed Grade 9
through age 21), July 26 – August 1, $340 ($90 deposit)
Swimming Camp (Completed Grades 3 – 6),
July 19 – 25, $340 ($90 deposit) This camp is limited.
Fishing Camp (Completed grades 6-10),
June 21-June 27, $360 ($95 deposit) This camp is limited.
Musical Theater Camp (formerly Performing Arts
Camp) Completed grades 3 – 8 July 19 – 25, $360 ($95
deposit), This camp is limited to 30 campers.
Middle School & Senior High Youth Groups
Decorate God’s Acre for Easter: Sat., April 4, 9 a.m.
Help us place hyacinths on the graves at God’s Acre in
preparation for our Easter Dawn service. A tradition of our
youth group, we finish with breakfast together!
Friday Night Fun & Middle School Youth Group:
Friday, March 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., C.E. bldg. Our
emphasis on faith and homelessness continues as we
prepare dinner for the emergency shelter and learn more
about what is happening locally with homelessness.
*Community Service credits available
Emergency Shelter dinner: Saturday, March 21,
5:30 - 7 p.m. Help us serve dinner and visit with the
homeless women that we serve in the C.E. building each
Saturday night during the winter season.
*Community Service credits available
Moravian Open Door and NYC Trip: Saturday, March
28 or April 11. Make and serve lunch at the NYC-based
Moravian transitional homeless shelter and then tour the
city afterwards.
*Community Service credits available
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The Belfry
NON–PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
March 2015
Permit No. 495
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA
Central Moravian Church
73 West Church Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Phone: 610-866-5661 Fax: 610-866-7256
Email: [email protected] Website: www.centralmoravianchurch.org
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Mon. - Fri.
Closed for Lunch 12-12:30 p.m
Pastoral Staff:
C. Hopeton Clennon
Janel R. Rice
Facilities Administrator:
Mike Wall
Music Staff:
Rebecca Kleintop Owens
Richard T. Miller
Administrative Assistant:
Cindy Gibson
Financial Secretary:
George Mowers
Sexton:
John Geier
Pastoral Intern:
Garritt Fleming
Youth Ministry:
Garritt Fleming
Emily Toyberg
Moravian Women March Meetings
The next Board Meeting will be March 23 at 1:30 p.m. - 73 W. CR.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4 & 5
Group 6
Group 7
2nd Wed., March 11
12:30 p.m. 73 W. C. R.
2nd Tues., March 10
7:00 p.m. CE Nitschmann
2nd Wed., March 11
9:30 a.m.
Judy Smith’s home
2nd Mon., March 9
10:00 a.m.
Chapel LL
3rd Thurs., March 19
12:30 p.m. 73 W. C. R.
2nd Sun., March 8
10:00 a.m. 73 W. Parlor
The Belfry Deadline
Articles for the April Belfry are due in
the church office by March 6.
March Birthdays
1 Laurence Fishler
2 Jack Griffis
2 Jeanette Long
3 Chloe Eckhart
5 Richard Theis
5 Deborah Vanhorn
5 Rebecca Sutton
6 Ursula Hoffmann
6 Jeffrey Kostenbader
7 Mary-Ellen Henkelmann
7 Althea Sell
7 Kathleen Stehly
8 Jan Edythe Christensen
8 Robert Phillips
8 Brian Naisby
9 Roberta Williamson
9 Jo Ann Haines
9 Jeffrey Griffis
9 Todd Silvius
9 Cole Frank
10 Linda McCarthy
11 Jane Tegyi
11 Howard Freed
12 Owen Jones
13 Beth Ann Boyer
13 Dale Browder
13 Terri Lee Nasatka
13 Jennifer Heil
13 Jordan Achey
14 Anna Kodama
14 William McKay
14 Sophie Rice
15 Ingeborg Mackow
15 Barbara McEvoy
15 Lydia Yeakel
16 Nancy Beitel-Vessels
16 Dawn Ketterman-Benner
16 Donald Jean
16 James Freund
17 Thomas Wiegner
17 David Williams
18 Howard Cox
18 Bruce Seidel
18 Devon Schlack
18 Spencer Schlack
19 Mark Parseghian
19 Kecia Smith
20 Paula Ballard
20 Renee Roberts
20 Michael Reifinger
20 Nathan Bissey
21 Lois Mast
22 Kathleen Frank
22 Zachary Thomas
24 William Schippang
24 June Robinson
24 Kenneth Kuhns
24 Donald Pharo
24 Liam Brolly
25 Margaret Rowland
25 Hopeton Clennon
25 Cindy Reichert
25 Clare Raneri
26 Kenneth Achey
26 Anne Zug
26 Royce Prichett
26 Losian Fontanez
27 Louis Viruet
28 Wayne Achey
29 Edna McEvoy
29 Margaret Snyder
29 Charles Shipman
30 AnneMarie Whildin
30 Rosemarie McIlwain
30 Robert Rice
30 Terry Worrich
30 Michael Krem
31 Debra Nyby
31 Brett Seruga