Church guide

About

The following information is available for Advent Moravian Church:

Advent Moravian Church is a Christian community in the Moravian tradition, emphasizing Christian faith, hope, and love.

Advent Moravian Church has a long history that can be traced back to 1859. As people moved into the growing area of Bethlehem, south of the Lehigh River, parents became concerned about the spiritual life of their children. They asked Miss Amanda Jones, a member of the Moravian Congregation of Bethlehem, to conduct religious instruction on the South Side of Bethlehem. The first Sunday School service was held in a public schoolhouse on May 1, 1859, with 11 pupils. Before long, they had 279 pupils, three male and ten female teachers, and had to move to the grain house of A. Wolle and Company. A beautiful legend describes Amanda as being rowed across the Lehigh to attend to her duties as superintendent of the school by the son of parents who were inspired by her vision. Children were taught the knowledge of Christ without sectarian bias. Amanda was assisted by students from Moravian College in the fall of 1859. On July 3, 1860, about 60 people met in the grain house with Rev. Francis Hagen, President of Moravian College and composer of "Morning Star." They signed a memorial requesting the Bethlehem Home Mission Society to help erect a church building south of the Lehigh. The German-speaking congregation was formally organized on December 25, 1863 with the reception of 20 Brethren and Sisters. The cornerstone for the first church was laid in November 22, 1863, and the building consecrated a year later. In April, 1866, Rev. Henry Van Vleck became the first pastor. Enrollment in the Sunday School under Amanda's leadership was 478. At about the same time, Lehigh University was established and bought the first church, renaming it "Christmas Hall." A new building was erected at Packer Avenue and Webster Street. The congregation shared its church with an English Moravian Mission from the spring of 1868 until it was discontinued in 1869. Shortly thereafter, English and German services were conducted alternately. Advent became a self-sustaining congregation in 1908. In 1911, the third church building was erected at that site. The builder, Robert E. Pfeifle, a member of the congregation, was a civic-minded citizen, who later became mayor of Bethlehem. It was Mayor Pfeifle who publicized the city as "the Christmas City" and planned extensive lighting displays and the star atop South Mountain. Part of the congregation's ministry was a Christmas Putz of artistry and beauty. Thousands of tourists viewed the Putz each year. Sandwiched between the vast Bethlehem Steel Company and the expanding Lehigh University, church members began to migrate from South Bethlehem. Finally, after prayerful consideration, the congregation acceded to a request of Lehigh University to purchase their land for further expansion. After worshiping in Borhek Chapel at Moravian College, we became Advent Moravian Church in December 1964. The Church in its present location, Hanover Township, is in a growing area of Northampton County. We are surrounded by industrial parks that spark the new economy of the Lehigh Valley. New residents are finding a vital church home as members of our congregation.

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News

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28/04/2019

Delivered our Church World Service hygiene kits yesterday. Thanks to the good folks of Hamilton Square Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ for serving as a year-round depot for this important ministry!

26/04/2019

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20/04/2019

Our confirmation class had an amazing time helping at the Central Moravian Church Food Pantry this morning. I’m proud of our kids for the hospitality they showed. And I’m so grateful for the gracious welcome we received from wonderful volunteers and clients. Thanks to the folks at Central for this powerful ministry they offer.

06/04/2019

Open Mic Night right now! Come join us...

03/04/2019

Come out for our Open Mic Night! Saturday, April 6th at 7:00pm. Share some talent and be part of the friendliest audience you'll ever find!

03/04/2019

Wednesday Bible Study...you don’t want to miss this! 10am each week. Come and join us!

03/03/2019

Sunday School Pre-Lent fun this morning!!

20/02/2019

Handbell and choir rehearsals are cancelled for Wednesday evening, Feb. 20.

12/02/2019

Join us for Open Mic Night this Saturday, Feb. 16th at 7pm. We promise refreshments, good company, and a kind audience! Come share a song, a joke, a reading, or some other talent you have!

28/01/2019

Join us for our Super Bowl Spaghetti Supper! Saturday, February 2nd from 5-7pm. Tickets are $9 at the door.

27/01/2019

Church Council tomorrow! No Sunday School at the usual time but fun activities for kids from 11-1 during the meeting! Worship at 10:15, followed by our meeting and lunch.

20/01/2019

Our parking lot is clear, and we’re ready for Sunday School (9:00) and worship (10:15). Hope to see you then! Drive carefully.

29/11/2018

Listen to our handbell choir at Hanover Township's tree lighting event on Friday, Nov. 30. We'll be playing Christmas favorites from 7-8 pm.

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