Now updated for 2010
An Old Fashioned Moravian Christmas - Church Sanctuary
Central Moravian Church in conjunction with ArtsQuest presents a wonderful afternoon of music featuring our own director of music on organ, Rebeccca Kleintop Owens, as well as soloists and brass.
An experience of a colonial Bethlehem at Christmas time through first person Moravian characters of the 18th century.
A view into some of the beloved Moravian traditions, including "Morning Star," and the beeswax candle.
Come experience it all in "An Old Fashioned Moravian Christmas" at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary on the following dates: Dec. 2, 3, 4, Dec. 9, 10, 11, 2010.
Tickets for "A Moravian Music Christmas" will be available from ArtsQuest starting at the end of October (Click here to purchase). 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 Eve Vigils
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.
Christmas Community Putz
Central Moravian Church – Christian Education building, lower level.
Located at the Christian Education Building. Open daily, beginning Nov. 26. 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.
Before Christmas (beginning Friday, Nov. 26) 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. Visit the Star & Candle Shoppe at the same time!
Star & Candle Shoppe
Central Moravian Church, Christian Education building, lower level
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.
Before Christmas: (Beginning Fri., Nov 26) Thursday - Sunday: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, After Christmas: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
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.
Advent Organ Concert
November 27, 3 p.m. Church Sanctuary
Our director of music, Rebecca Kleintop Owens, plays favorite songs and Moravian hymns of the Advent and Christmas season. Free. tickets available at the church office, (free-will offering taken)
Advent Lovefeast
Central Moravian Church
Nov. 28, 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
Tues, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Paul Peucker of the Moravian Archives and sponsored by the Moravian Music Foundation, and Central Moravian Church. .
Busy Workers Annual Christmas Sale - Christian Education building, at the Star and Candle Shoppe (new location)
Dec. 4, All day Don’t miss the Busy Workers sale of Moravian crafts, unique items, and delicious baked goods.
Service of Lessons and Carols
Central Moravian Church
Dec 19, 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 Service
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.”
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.