Moravian Church in North America

BETHLEHEM, PA, February 21, 2025: Today, Moravian University announced that it has named Christian Rice its new Vice President and Dean of the School of Theology. Rice brings more than two decades of experience in higher education and theological education to this role. Prior to joining Moravian University, Rice worked at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. Rice […]

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Blessings and Woes Today’s lesson comes from the Sermon on the Plain—similar to, yet different from, the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5–7. In Luke’s version there are those who are Blessed and those who are faced with Woe. The Blessings and Woes show an understanding of circumstances […]

(The attached artwork depicts Christian David felling the first tree for the construction of the village of Herrnhut 300 years ago.  He and his fellow Czech refugees trusted in God’s guidance as they began this new chapter in our Moravian history. Courtesy of the Herrnhut Moravian Congregation) The watchword for the week: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 How wonderful it […]

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany The Call to Catch People In Luke 5, we find the starting point for the incredible ministry of Simon Peter. What a great story! Jesus got into Peter’s boat and told him to put the boat out into the water so he could teach the crowd. After teaching, Jesus told […]

The watchword for the week: The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.  Psalm 138:8 During this busy day, we pause to place God at the center of our lives. We lay aside the menial tasks and the important decisions for a moment as we focus on God’s grace. […]

Since its launch in 2021, the annual Moravian Day of Giving has become a cherished tradition of faith, hope, and generosity, uniting Moravians across North America to support the ministries and missions close to our hearts. On March 4, 2025, we will celebrate the 5th Moravian Day of Giving, commemorating five years of inspired giving […]

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Good News for More Than Me  A good sermon encourages, challenges, and maybe even aggravates the gathered community. Jesus shares a good sermon in Luke’s Gospel, bringing words of hopeful change for the poor, liberation from oppression, and recovery for those blinded by injustice (Luke 4:18–19). Jesus’ words surely resonate […]

(Bishops of the Moravian Church in North America gathered in retreat for worship, fellowship, and prayer at Laurel Ridge, NC) The Watchword for the Week: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, The earth is full of […]

Watchword for the Week Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Gracious God, from the busyness of our lives, we pause to remember that we are yours. You give us our breath, and you deserve our praise […]

Third Sunday after the Epiphany Christ, the Fulfillment of the Good News  The lectionary is quite intentional in beginning today’s passage with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and ending this section before the conflict ahead. One must contemplate the intentionality of Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’ identity and his purpose before escalating to the implications […]

Second Sunday after the Epiphany Invited  This story is one to which I often refer when giving the prayer at a wedding reception. I like to remind us that Jesus was present with those who gathered to celebrate a wedding banquet. His presence allowed for an unexpected blessing to occur: the first miracle of Jesus’ […]

(Portions of this prayer are adapted from the Moravian Book of Worship, Liturgy for Christian Unity, pages 122-126, Used by permission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication) The Watchword for the Week: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 Loving […]

The Board of World Mission continues to coordinate emergency funding and mission teams seeking to assist residents impacted by severe flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. The BWM is cooperating with Laurel Ridge, the Moravian Camp and Conference Center located in Western North Carolina, to house and feed those interested in assisting with […]

The Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces, became a joint member of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), in 2006 through resolutions passed at both Provincial Synods that year—the 125th Anniversary of Moravian ministry and mission work in Palestine and its ongoing operation of the Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Ramallah (in the […]

First Sunday after the Epiphany Our True Home What a beautiful day to worship the Savior with the fellowship of believers! What a beautiful picture the baptism of Jesus paints for us of the relationship for which our hearts were made and for which they yearn. The Father, Son, and Spirit are present for one […]

The Watchword for the Week: God says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 Gracious God, from the busyness of our lives, we pause to remember that we are yours. We seek to make you a part of our every moment. Magnificent are […]

NORTHERN PROVINCE Mountainview Moravian Church Due to declining membership and in accordance with Paragraph 1019 of The Book of Order, Mountainview Moravian Church, Hellertown, PA had its final service of worship and thanksgiving on November 24, 2024. Pastoral Changes Rev. Greg Behrend, pastor and administrative director at You Belong in Green Bay, Wis., has accepted a 12-month […]

Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins. As we prepare to enter a new year, we share insights written for Epiphany Sunday and the second Sunday after Christmas. Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions, and to the Rev. Hermann Weinlick for […]