Christmas Eve Comes Early at Historic Schoenbrunn Village

Gather at Historic Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, December 6, for a traditional, Moravian-style candlelight Lovefeast. Come to the rustic church for this public event beginning at 2:00 p.m. 

With trimmed beeswax candles, Christmas carols, the Nativity Story, hot chocolate and a sweet treat, the service will be a glimpse into the way Moravian Christians have celebrated the Savior's birth since the mid-18th century.

Be sure to dress for the weather as the church building is heated only by the warmth of a wood fire. 

Confirmation class students from area Moravian Churches will serve the candle and Lovefeast. They should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. to make preparations.

A New Seasonal Devotional Guide

Have you received your copy of the new devotional booklet PEACE: People Embracing Advent, Christmas & Epiphany? Written by folks from our Ohio Moravian congregations, this brand new resource provides a sweet accompaniment to The Moravian Daily Texts from now through January 6.

This booklet is a GIFT to anyone who would like to be blessed by it. Visit any Tuscarawas County Moravian Church and request your copy.

This project is sponsored by the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission.

All-Ohio Moravian Advent Communion

The season of Advent is here. Begin your spiritual journey toward Christmas by joining with Moravians from all of our Ohio congregations for

Advent Communion Worship
Sunday, November 29
6:00 p.m.
at Sharon Moravian Church


With special musical guests The TubaFours brass ensemble, a combined vocal choir, the singing of familiar hymns, the hearing of prophetic scripture readings, and, of course, the celebration of Holy Communion, this is a meaningful, beautiful way to prepare your heart for the Savior's birth.

If you'll be using a GPS to find Sharon Moravian Church, type in 4776 Moravian Church Road SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. The church is located just outside the village of Tuscarawas.

Holiday Cheese & Trail Bologna On Sale Now

The folks at Fry's Valley Moravian Church are standing by to cheerfully fill a gift box with delicious, local treats to your specifications that will be just perfect to give as a present, or to share as a party platter, or to keep for your own snacking pleasure. 

Now in its 4th year, the annual fundraiser has been extremely popular, and customers have been very pleased with the products. "It's like a taste from home," says one Tuscarawas County native who makes her home in another state and eagerly awaits her yearly shipment.

Each gift box costs $30. Choose either 4 packages of award winning Pearl Valley Cheese OR 3 packages of cheese plus a ring of genuine Troyer's Trail Bologna. Shipping is available for an additional cost.

Orders are being accepted through Wednesday, November 11. To place your order and make payment arrangements, visit the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/515323168635928/ and message Chris Johnson there, or call her at 740-254-4720. Orders will be ready to be picked up at Fry's Valley Moravian Church beginning on Sunday, November 22 and following--just in time for Thanksgiving.

Choose from the following cheese varieties:
Mild Swiss, Baby Swiss, Lacey Swiss, Lacey-Baby Swiss, Colby, Marble, Smoked Cheddar, American, Farmers, Mozzarella, Muenster, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Jumpin' Jack, Jalepeno Pepper, Horseradish, Onion, Pepperoni and Pimento.

All proceeds support the mission and ministry of the Fry's Valley Moravian congregation. Thank you! God bless you.

Catch THE BUS to Fall Retreat

Looking for a ride from Ohio to the Midstates Moravian 
Youth Fall Retreat? 
Reserve a seat on THE BUS.

For just $30 per person, travel round trip in luxurious style (i.e., there will be a bathroom on board!). You'll want to bring extra $ for meal stops coming and going.

To order your bus ticket, contact 

Scott Minor via

Facebook, 

or email him at 

minors3@frontier.com

or call/text him at

330-432-7036.

He's waiting to hear from you.

Don't wait! Seats are filling up.

If you need further information about Fall Retreat, see the previous blog post, or go to 

http://midstatesmoraviancamps.webs.com/fallretreat.htm

Midstates Moravian Youth Fall Retreat

For young people in 6th grade through age 21, the

Midstates Moravian Youth 
Fall Retreat 
will happen
November 6-8, 2015
at Camp Lutherhaven in
Albion, Indiana.

The Rev. Andy Kilps will lead the program, "Walk the Talk." The cost is $60/person whether you're a camper or a staff person. Need a registration form? Speak with your church's pastor, or download one here: 

http://midstatesmoraviancamps.webs.com/fallretreat.htm 

Register now to assure your spot! Register now to assure roommate selection! Register now so you will not miss out on the opportunity to kiss a moose...or sing great songs...or learn stuff...or be with old and new friends...or worship God...

Wondering how you're going to get from Ohio to Indiana? Take THE BUS! Get the details in the next blog post.

Make it a Moravian Monday!

All of the things Moravians are fond of will converge in two happenings on Monday evening, October 19. Delicious food,  warm fellowship with friends from near and far, memorable music and Christ-honoring worship--you won't want to miss a moment.

First...

Annual Turkey Supper

First Moravian Church of Uhrichsville

315 N. Water Street

740-922-0886

4:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Dine In or Carry-Out

Adults - $8  Children - $4

And then...

An Evening of Praise & Worship Toward Spiritual Renewal with Chris & Tina Giesler

John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church of Gnadenhutten

133 S. Walnut Street

740-254-4374

7:00 p.m.

The Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler is a Bishop in the Moravian Unity currently serving as the pastor of the Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA where he leads the house worship band. His wife, Tina, is a professional organist and pianist as well as the Financial Controller of the Moravian Church-Northern Province. Together, they bring their special gifts to our area.

Bishop Chris says, "This service will be a Singstunde utilizing both traditional and contemporary music to fill our spirits with the love, grace, and peace of Jesus Christ. The music will be led by me (on guitar) and Tina (on the piano). We will sing songs, read scripture, and pray together seeking only to bring us closer to God and to each other."

This service is open to all!