~November, 2017~ Our mission is to: Grow in Faith, Live in Love, Share the Hope, as we Journey with Jesus.

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1 ~November, 2017~ Palmyra Moravian Church Sunday School 10:00AM Worship 10:00 AM 1921 Cinnaminson Avenue, Cinnaminson, NJ (856) ~ palmyramoravian@gmail Our mission is to: Grow in Faith, Live in Love, Share the Hope, as we Journey with Jesus.

2 From the Pastor: With every month that goes by, it becomes clearer that the administration of our current President may go down as the most divisive in our history. I certainly can t remember a time when we citizens were as polarized. So I found myself thinking, this week, about another president who served during troubled times: Abraham Lincoln. Our 16 th President was a consummate orator. Along with Patrick Henry s Give me liberty or give me death, JFK s Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country," and Ronald Reagan s Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall, Lincoln s Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and often quoted public statements of all time. Perhaps Lincoln s greatest strength as an orator, though, was his ability to put huge, important thoughts into speeches of a few words. His most famous the Gettysburg Address, from which I quoted above was not actually written on the back of an envelope, as some legends suggest; but it could almost fit on one. But that is not the most important quality that sets Lincoln apart as an example to be emulated. His willingness to listen to the opinions of others who disagreed with him, made famous in Doris Kearns Goodwin s bestselling book Team of Rivals, and his steadfast commitment to doing what was right, not necessarily what was most popular, makes Lincoln a wonderful role model for any president. That he was able to hold fast to his principles and accomplish what he did in a time when the country was literally torn apart makes him a wonderful role model for anyone. Lincoln s Second Inaugural Address is my favorite of his speeches. It is arguably his most spiritual. And it also is a perfect example of his willingness to treat those who opposed him with respect. With malice toward none; with charity for all, he said to the gathered thousands. With firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations. Whether you believe that the election of the 45 th president of the United States marked the beginning of a new era in American politics, positive or negative, or if you are someone who feels that it is just another of the many swings in the pendulum that can be observed over the history of our country, please join me, as we gather with family in whatever traditional way we celebrate Thanksgiving, in prayer that those wonderful words of Lincoln will define the way our nation is governed in the years ahead and that peace, among ourselves and with all nations, will come to fruition. And join me, as well, in a commitment to do everything within our power to work to make that ideal a reality. Blessings to you all. Jeff Van Orden

3 Congregation Watchword for 2017 Jesus said, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35) Our Mission Statement Grow in Faith, Live in Love, Share the Hope, as we Journey with Jesus Our Core Values Christ Centered - We value experiencing the Good News of God found in Jesus. Meaningful Worship - We value meaningful worship that resonates with love and joy. Christian Education - We value Christian education for people of all ages. Youth - We value nurturing our youth through engaging, meaningful & fun activities. Fellowship - We value being together through the warmth of fellowship. Tangible Outreach - We value reaching out with the love of God and the Good News of Jesus in tangible ways. In Our Prayers All working toward healing: All working toward healing: Arthur Winner, family of Madison Sturgis and friend Melana, Maggie Thompson, Robert Donovan, Susan Wilson, Libbie Horner, Sandy Burger, Erich Veitenheimer and Helen Williams, For all troops and those from our congregation: Madison Sturgis, Matt Ormsby & John Christ. The international children we sponsor: Rosemary Rana (India) and Aurare Providence Umuhoza (Rwanda) **If you would like to add someone to our prayer list, please write the persons name and pertinent information (with their consent) on one of the comment cards in the pews and place it in the offering plate.* * Sunday, November 12, 10:00 AM: Dates to remember Thursday, November 23, 9:00 AM: Thanksgiving Worship Holy Communion in celebration of our annual Festival of Christ the Chief Elder (See article). Sunday, December 3, 10:00 AM: Sunday, December 10, 10:00 AM: Lovefeast in celebration of the first Sunday in Advent Advent Holy Communion

4 Holy Communion November 10AM Celebrating 275 years as Jesus Christ as our Chief Elder November 13th is fast approaching. Have you ever talked to your children or grandchildren about the Moravians view of Chief Elder? Do you know the story of how Jesus Christ came to be elected the church s Chief Elder? Thanks to our friend Craig Atwood, Church Historian, for providing a little background on the topic: Moravians really like the number 13. We have two festivals in the church year that fall on the thirteenth day of the month: August 13 and November 13. This is probably just a strange coincidence, but it does tell us that Moravians are not very superstitious about numbers! August 13 was the great day when the Moravian church was given a new life by the Holy Spirit. We celebrate that event with communion, but what is November 13 all about? On November 13, 1741 announcement was made in All Moravian congregations that Jesus Christ had been chosen Chief Elder of the Moravian Church. The Moravian Church has had no single human chief executive since then, and now observes this as a festival day on the Sunday closest to November 13th by celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. He is the one we should take our troubles to and he is the one who can overcome divisions and anger. He is the one who teaches us to forgive and who sends us out in the world as servants. By proclaiming that Jesus is our Chief Elder, we acknowledge that he is the true head of the church and all that we do should be pleasing to him. It is also a reminder to us that true leadership is a servant leadership like that of Jesus. Every November 13, Moravians around the world should ask themselves, What does our Chief Elder want us to do as a church? We renew our life together in Christ as our ultimate authority as we celebrate with Holy Communion. This celebration marks the 275th anniversary of the announcement made to Moravian Churches of the realization that Jesus Christ himself, not any human being, is head of the Church. We ponder our faith on this communion Sunday.

5 Sunday School is Fun! The Beginners and Middler classes are in full swing! They are growing in the faith, listening to interesting Bible stories, and enjoying snacks, of course! Sammy, Reagan, and Faith enjoy their snack time, story time, and play time each Sunday morning! The Bible stories are focusing on the Old Testament stories of Samuel and the judges and kings. Ask the children about King Saul and King David. They are learning about listening when God calls and that God sees in the heart! This might inspire you to get out your BIBLE and read 1 Samuel just to keep up with the children! If you know of any children, family or neighbors, you think might enjoy coming out to Sunday School, please pass their names on to any Teacher or Elder. We would love to have them attend! Sunday School begins in the Sanctuary at 10AM concurrent to the regular worship service! Unity Prayer Watch Worship Greeters are Needed Even Walmart has them! Please consider signing up for a Sunday to greet others as they arrive for worship with a warm Moravian handshake and hand them a bulletin! Just sign up in the wing on the tablet on the podium or let an Elder know you are willing to give it a try! It s easy but is a very meaningful way to serve our church! Since 1957 the Unity Prayer Watch has assured that prayer for the work and witness of our world-wide Moravian Church is being offered somewhere in the world 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Prayer Watch is a renewal of the hourly intercession, begun in Herrnhut in 1727 which continued uninterrupted for 100 years. The date assigned to members of our congregation is Thursday, December 21. A schedule of prayer times is available in the Sanctuary, along with a list of topics. Please sign up for a 15-minute slot or two. If you would like to receive the topics via , let the office know (palmyrasecretary@gmail.com).

6 Christmas Gift Shop Palmyra Moravian will be collecting gifts for Bread of Life Pantry children. Paper Angels will be put on a Wreath in back of the Church on November 26 th. Please pick an angel and be sure to sign sheet on clip board with tag #, gift desired and also you name. No more than $25.00, Deadline December 10 th Angel Gift Tag Taped to present. All gifts to be unwrapped. If you choose a gift tag that a Gift Card is requested please give to Delores or BJ as Gift Cards have been lost in the past. Women s Fellowship Advent Breakfast Your invited to attend our Annual Advent Breakfast served by the Moravian Men. The First Moravian Church of Riverside Bridgeboro & Washington Streets Saturday December 2, 2017 There will be entertainment Free will offering Lovefeast Anniversary First Moravian Church Riverside November 19, 2017 Dear Pastor and Congregation, We cordially invite you to attend our 152nd Anniversary on November 19, 2017 at 4:00 pm. Following the Lovefeast and service please plan to stay for dinner and a time of fellowship. Our guest speaker will be The Rev. Cynthia Geyer former pastor at First Moravian Church in Riverside. We look forward to her sharing the message with us. RSVP to Church office if you plan to stay for dinner ( )

7 November 2017 Treasurer Report I ve caught up on closing the books through the mid-year point. At the half way point our revenue totals $54k on a budget of $114k which means overall, we have made 47% of our budget which is good. The primary reason is we have Gains of $5k as well as unbudgeted Income for use of our building of $3k at the mid-way mark. The Envelope Giving at the mid-way point breaks down as follows: Current: $25k this year; $29k last year; $60k budgeted Benevolence: $1210 this year; $1290 last year; $2725 budgeted Improvement: $775 this year; $925 last year; $2725 budgeted Provincial Causes: $4460 this year; $4890 last year; $10500 budgeted All things being equal we should be at the halfway mark on each of these and we haven t reached that level on any of the giving areas. We tend to get most of our funds in the last quarter of the year, so hopefully that again occurs this year. We continue to meet our obligations, but your generous and thoughtful support via envelope giving at this point in the years is needed and appreciated. Brother Rex Bread of Life Food Pantry Where: Epworth United Methodist Church (501 Morgan Ave., Palmyra) **The food pantry will be open the 3 rd Saturday of every month** 10:00a.m. 1:00p.m. We have been asked to collect these items: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Cookies, Crackers, Kool-Aid, Rice Krispies Treats, Goldfish Cheez-its, Popcorn, Pudding and Jello. All other food items are welcome as well Please place your donations in the basket inside the church vestibule. For more infoor if you would like to volunteer please contact Delores Lundy THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!

8 Office Hours If there is an emergency or an unexpected need that calls for a pastoral visit. Please call the Pastor or notify any of our Elders for assistance: Pastor Jeff VanOrden John Meller Jane Miles Terri Coles Lauren Dougherty Joann Cross Food on the First! Our church will bring food on the First Sunday of the month (November 5th). Place food items in the food basket up front in the sanctuary. All of the food will go to the Bread of Life Food Pantry (Located at Epworth United Methodist in Palmyra) and will provide for families in the Tri-Boro area. Secretary s hours are: Thursday 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. e- mail: palmyrasecretary@gmail.com Moravian Men Join us for Breakfast at Jim s Harbor Deli, 75 River Dr., Delran, ½ mi. north of Taylor Ln. November 8:30am. All are welcome! Joyful Noise Offering will be held on November 19th to benefit Tri-Boro Ministerium Emergency Fund. The December Beacon Deadline is November 17th Please keep the office updated with your current contact information. Also, if any member has any news to share in the Beacon, please let us know! Here s how! Office Telephone: Church palmyramoravian@gmail.com Church Secretary, Ginny Lyon: palmyrasecretary@gmail.com Tell Pastor Jeff or an Elder: Terri Coles, Joann Cross, Lauren Dougherty, John Meller, Jane Miles Birthdays 11/2 Kim Dougherty 11/13 Abrielle James Delores Lundy 11/14 Brandon Lingo 11/3 Cheryl Pereira 11/19 Patricia Obuchowski 11/6 Carole Stamets 11/20 Dorothea Daraio 11/10 Terri Coles 11/21 Megan Balne 11/11 Ruth Conyers 11/23 Joann Cross Lynn Boyle 11/29 Tom Boyle Anniversaries 11/2 Bill & Betty D Autrechy 11/4 Mikel & Leanne Binkley 8

9 From the Social Action Committee Social Action Collection to support our two internationally-sponsored children will be taken on Sunday November 26th. Food Basket Non-perishable food items are needed for members of our local community. Donations can be placed in the church basket in the wing. Food will go to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Palmyra. Please continue to pray for our two internationally sponsored girls, Rosemary and Aurare, and please give generously to our Social Action Collection the last Sunday of each month which directly supports them and other individuals in need. 9