Don't Miss the Worship Services, Musical Events, Shopping, "Putzing", Eating, and other attractions that Central Moravian Church and the city of Bethlehem has to offer this Advent & Christmas season, 2008!
Call the church office 610-866-5661 for more information on any events and to get your free tickets for our 1, 5:30, or 8 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil services.
Moravian Music Christmas - Church Sanctuary
A wonderful afternoon of music, an experience of colonial Bethlehem, and a view into some of the best Moravian traditions all in one performance. Join us at 2 p.m., Thurs - Saturday, for three weeks during the Christmas season. (Dec. 4,5,6, Dec. 11, 12, 13, Dec.18,19, 20, 2008) Tickets for "A Moravian Music Christmas" will be available from ArtsQuest closer to the date. Tickets will also be available (if concert is not sold out) at the ArtsQuest ticket office (in the church office, 73 W. Church St.) before the concert.
Christmas Community Putz
Central Moravian Church – Christian Education building, lower level.
Before Christmas (beginning Friday, Nov. 28) Thursday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) After Christmas: Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
Located at the Christian Education Building. Open daily, beginning Nov. 28. One of three Community Putzes, Central’s is the oldest, begun in 1937. Showings every half-hour relate to the Nativity story with narration, lights, and small figurines, many of them handed down through generations. Call 610-866-5661 for more info.
Star & Candle Shoppe
Central Moravian Church, Christian Education building, lower level
Before Christmas: (Beginning Fri., Nov 28) Thursday - Sunday: Times TBA.
73 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA
This popular source of traditional Moravian stars, candles, and hand-made gift items is conveniently located just across the hall from Central’s Community Putz.
World Import Shop
Central Moravian Church
Before Christmas: Saturdays,10 am - 4:30 pm, Located in the Church office, basement level (73 W.Church St.) this mission project of Central Church features unique, handcrafted items from 35 Third-World countries.
Busy Workers Annual Christmas Sale Central Moravian Church – Old Chapel,
Dec. 6, All day Don’t miss the Busy Workers sale of Moravian crafts, unique items, and delicious baked goods.
Advent Lovefeast at Central Moravian Church
Central Moravian Church
Nov. 30, 11:00 AM
A favorite service of the Moravians, the Lovefeast is a non-sacramental meal of coffee and sweet rolls served during a service of hymns and anthems. It draws many visitors from near and far for the opening of the Advent season. It is a great way to experience the magnificent church choir. Visitors always welcome.
Before the lovefeast, our Advent workshop (crafts for all ages) will be held 9 – 10:45 a.m. in the Christian Education building.
German and English Advent Singstunde
Central Moravian Church- Old Chapel
Dates and Time TBA
Presented by Dr. Paul Peucker of theMoravian Archives and sponsored by the Moravian Music Foundation, and Central Moravian Church. .
Service of Lessons and Carols
Central Moravian Church
Dec 21, 9 am Old Chapel and 11:00 am sanctuary,
Scripture lessons interspersed with traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation and Central's 60 member choir.
New Year’s Eve at Central Moravian Church
Central Moravian Church
Dec 31, 11:30 PM
Since 1747, the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir has upheld the unique tradition of announcing the hour of midnight by interrupting the pastor’s sermon – often in mid-sentence – with the strains of “Now Thank We All Our God.” Call 610-866-5661.
Our own Central member Vangie Sweitzer has published a beautiful keepsake book and guide to the Christmas city of Bethlehem. Filled with pictures, Christmas in Bethlehem can help you understand the Moravian heritage and appreciate Bethlehem's Christmas traditions today.
To order your own copy, please call our church office between 8:30 - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday at 610-866-5661 or email us at office@centralmoravianchurch.org.
Bethlehem is a beautiful town to visit, no matter what the season. But no time is like Christmas time, when the worship services, music, lights, attractions, shopping, and history combines for a warm and beloved season. Below are several of the websites and attractions in our city.
Please Visit our Community Partner ArtQuest website www.christmascity.org for information on many wonderful opportunities in Bethlehem during the Christmas Season!
Also, visit the Bethlehem city's website for Christmas events in the city at http://www.bethlehem.info/christmas/events/.
For Moravian history, museums, and great art collections visit Historic Bethlehem partnership at www.historicbethlehem.org.