Our Church
Our church celebrated the 200th anniversary of the construction of the sanctuary in the spring of 2006. While Central Moravian Church is Bethlehem's first congregation, and the oldest Moravian Church in North America, it is certainly not a congregation made up of life-long Moravians.
There are members of the congregation that have descended from Bethlehem's earliest settlers. These were German-speaking members who had settled in this area from Europe - and particularly, Herrnhut, Germany, the tiny town from which Bethlehem's first congregation immigrated to bring the Gospel to American Indians and unchurched colonists.
But Central Church's congregation is much more. Its numbers represent earlier membership in many other denominations -- both Protestant and Catholic. They represent a diverse group who comes together to experience God's love in an atmosphere that is caring, respectful, inclusive. The down-to-earth atmosphere emphasizes Christian faith, hope and love.
Central Moravian Church is a National Landmark of Music. It was recently listed prominently in Ideas' Travel Guide on Historic Places of Worship in the United
States, along with such prestigious churches as Old North Church, the National
Cathedral, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. In 1998, USA Today awarded
Central Church the distinction of being one of the nation's Ten Greatest Places to
Re
flect on Christmas Eve.
If you are passing through town ... if you are curious about the belfry and church in downtown historic Bethlehem ... if you have heard about the concert-quality sacred music which our 60-voice choir renders each Sunday morning ... we encourage you to visit us on a Sunday morning and ask for a comprehensive information packets and a video or DVD, called "Welcome to Central Moravian Church."
Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to worship with us at Central Moravian Church.
Vision Statement
- To honor God in all that we do.
- To be a community of faith which affirms through education, worship, music and opportunities for service, the Christian values of hope, joy, peace, love and forgiveness in the lives of people desiring wholeness.
- To provide a welcoming, sensitive environment with facilities that allow for the spiritual growth and development of individuals.
- To develop innovative international mission projects and programs.
- To take a leadership role in providing community service programs. To demonstrate an active concern for social justice.
- To maintain the visibility of a living Moravian heritage in the community in a positive way