The Star A Newsletter of the East Hills Moravian Church Pastor’s Prospective

ON GRATITUDE AND BLESSINGS “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ Sunday Morning that would suffice.” Meister Eckhart, 14th Century German theo- Worship Highlights logian, philosopher and mystic 8:30a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving seems to get lost in the marketing world’s rush from Halloween to . If the commercial world takes note of While people of all ages are Thanksgiving at all, it is as the start of the “ Season.” welcomed and included in all As I write pumpkins, bats, and witches at my local drug store of our worship services, 1-3. are already on sale. They are priced to sell to make way for Nursery care is also provided ornaments, tree-lights, and the inescapable Christmas muzak I as a choice every Sunday at 11:00AM for infants through so loathe. kindergartners. Why would retailers skip over a perfectly good holiday? I sup- November 7 pose it’s because when it comes to Thanksgiving there’s noth- The Promise of Resurrection in ing much to sell other than food. While secular observance of Old Testament and New “then Halloween and Christmas have become celebrations of mass in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job consumption, there’s little financial incentive to market a holi- 19: 26) For persons of Christian day centered on gratitude and togetherness. The whole point faith death is a time of transi- of Thanksgiving is not about what we want, but rather about tion, rather than an ending. what we already have. November 14 Peace in the Midst of Chaos. There is a lot for which to give thanks. We are alive. God offers This week we will look at how us eternal life and forgiveness for our sins through faith in faithful persons face the end of Christ. We are part of a congregation which celebrates our vic- the world. We will consider both tories and consoles our griefs. We live in a nation where we are predictions and how to respond free to gather for fellowship and worship. We live in communi- when everything around us is ties served by running water and reliable electricity. We are actually falling apart and clothed and fed. While we don’t have all we desire, most of us breaking down. have what we need. And so, as families and as the church, we November 21 gather to lift our songs of gratitude. Service of Thanksgiving and Recommitment. Bring your On that first Thanksgiving pilgrims and native Americans each pledge card to worship with you brought something to provide for the common celebration and and recommit yourself to God feast. It may have been beans, corn, a fish, a pumpkin, a turkey as we sing songs of thanksgiving or a goose – whatever they had to contribute. In the same spirit, for all God’s blessings. we ask that you come to worship on Sunday, November 21 November 28 ready to contribute something to the effort of the congrega- First Sunday of . A new tion as a whole. Bring your pledge card with you. There will be begins with this an opportunity during worship to pass it in and so express your morning’s worship. Come gratitude for what God has done, and will do in your life. There celebrate with us as we share in will also be a time to consecrate to God the gift of our time and our traditional Moravian talents. Lovefeast. November 2010 EHMC Happenings PUTZ CONSTRUCTION Moravian Women’s Sunday Sunday, November 7 has been set aside as Moravian Women’s Sun- Sunday November 14th, 2:30pm- day. Join us as the women of our church present the worship service THE FUN BEGINS at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services that day. This is a day for the whole family. Help is needed to bring some Adult Sunday School Short Course boxes down from the attic, unwrap The Adult Sunday School will be offering a special short course on the figures, checking the wiring domestic poverty on November 7 & 14. We will be watching the movie, and lighting, balling up the newspa- Pursuit of Happyness and will be hosting The Rev. Liz Miller of Trinity per, laying out the moss and then Episcopal to discuss what Trinity has learned regarding homelessness wetting the newspaper and build- ing the base of the putz and in through their work with their Soup Kitchen. Handouts on placing the moss. Wear clothes the issue will be given on November 7 & 14. Come join us. you can get dirty and wet, gloves will be provided. A great dinner Why Knots Ministry Continues will be served. The Why Knots continue to meet on the third Wednesday evening (Nov. The more friends that work 17) at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. Come join us, whether you are a sea- together, the more fun we all have soned knitter or just learning to knit. All are welcome. We will be giving and the faster the work gets instructions on how to knit prayer shawls and other smaller projects, done. and delivering the prayer shawls to folks in need of them. Monday, November 15th 6pm- dinner and then the final placing Coffee Hour CONNECTORS Needed of figures and lighting. Coffee hour sponsors are needed. So it’s just a cup of coffee, maybe Tuesday, November, 16th, 6pm- a donut hole and conversation. It’s an opportunity within our church dinner and final placing of figures community for Christian connection. Can you volunteer to serve? and lighting. Coffee and juice are provided. You make the coffee (directions are Any questions please contact Ken available) and if you are able, provide additional simple refreshments. or Char Stauffer, or Lucy or Please sign up on the schedule clipboard or see Lucy Thompson or Steve Thompson Rita Girou. THANK YOU FOR SERVING! Hanging of the Greens As we begin to think about preparing our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child, we also prepare our church for the beginning of the Advent Season by gathering together on Sunday, November 21 for the annual Hanging of the Greens.

Come out and be a part of the crew that transforms the church into a delightful welcoming scene with candles in the windows, trees sparkling with tiny white lights and the Advent Star glowing softly in the sanctuary signaling the Christmas Season. This is a wonderful tra- dition for families to share together.

Besides decorating God’s house in preparation for Advent, there are also 1,000 or so beeswax candles to be trimmed for . When the work is all done, we will share a potluck meal to- gether followed by the 2010 premier showing of the Christmas Putz. Church Council The Church Council to present a preliminary budget for the 2011 church year will be held immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service on 2 Sunday, December 5, 2010. This is an important meeting as we begin to determine how we will allocate financial resources for ministry in the upcoming year. Being the Missional Church

HELP WANTED

Many part-time positions are currently available. Flexible hours. No special skills required, just a desire to share with those in your community who are not as fortunate. Can you drive? Cook? Shop? visit with folks? Do you like to smile and share God’s love with others? For great personal rewards and the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others, please consider the following opportunities to serve:

SHARECARE VOLUNTEER - Drivers are needed to take people to medical and other appointments. Other needs include help with NE Moravian Disaster Response light household chores and yard work, grocery shopping, doing mis- Presents: cellaneous errands, and visitation – simple, everyday tasks that we all take for granted. To help those who are currently having difficul- MISSISSIPPI MISSION TRIP 2011 ties, contact Sue Hahn. Spiritual Direction in Action FLOWER VISITOR - Take our beautiful sanctuary flowers to shut-in members of our church family. A new schedule for 2011 will January 7-16, 2011 Ocean Springs, Mississippi be made up soon, with each volunteer serving about 4 times a year. To help Brothers and Sisters still Get your name on the list now by contacting Susan Kriebs. in need after Hurrican Katrina!

HOMELESS SHELTER VOLUNTEER - Those who like to cook are Cost $200/person includes needed to prepare and serve Saturday evening meals during the travel by van, room and board. cold winter months at the women’s shelter at College Hill Moravian (Money will be needed to cover cost of food during travel or if Church. Other hosting and transportation positions are also avail- decide to eat out on the town) able. This is a great opportunity to show loving concern for those Get away from the cold and be who are much less fortunate. Contact Lisa Mixon. the person God knows you to be! VICTORY HOUSE - Several jobs are required to prepare and If interested or have questions serve a monthly dinner for shelter residents: shopper, dessert maker, please contact: food preparer, and shelter cook/server. Although all positions are John Egerton at 610-217-0514 essential, many of our current crew feel that shelter duty is the most Mike Rampulla 610-462-7401 rewarding, offering the opportunity to eat and chat with the resi- No Experience Necessary!!! dents – good food and great fellowship. Act soon to be included in the 2011 schedule by contacting Rich Kriebs.

3 Celebrations 1 Betty Heft 20 Kim Donatelli 3 Barbara Shimer 20 Brian Yost 4 Kyle Peters 20 Macy Yost 5 Cory Kohn-Lesko 20 Michael Goyanes 6 Olivia Kuhns 21 Rosemary Morgan 7 Amanda Gbur 23 Elmer Brogdon 7 Mikela Ortwein 23 Edna Marshall 7 Elizabeth Reynolds 23 Lois Meixell 8 Mary Ellen Rudolph 23 Mark Trapp 9 David Bieber 24 Madalyn Smith 11 Linda Adams 24 Emily Turton 11 Victoria Creamer 25 Megan Latham 12 Clayton Olmstead 25 Sandra Gribbin 13 Andrew Emmons 27 Robert Hauck 13 Rachel Reynolds 27 Kelly Sardine 13 Caden Creamer 27 Stephanie Demko 15 Lucy Thompson 27 Eric Pinter 15 Don Zeitner 29 Mark Gibson 16 Jean Bennett 29 Anna Koehler 17 Katie Pinter 29 Caroline Radchuk 18 Phillip Gruver 30 Thomas Walz 18 James Epler 30 Katrina Lehman

Looking Back Three Cheers for the Holiday Craft Faire From the spicy aroma of scented candles in the front of the building to the enticing smells of home cooked food in the back of the build- ing, from the rainbow of barrettes and necklaces and scarves, to the hand painted ornaments, from the helpful volunteers to the smil- ing shoppers - the 2010 Holiday Craft Faire ended on a gloriously successful note.

Counting donations at the door, food sales and fees paid by the 70 crafters from a 5-state area to rent their spaces, the Holiday Craft Faire income amounted to approximately $5,000! Louise reports that she already has registration fees from new crafters for next year’s Craft Faire.

Many, many, many thanks go to Louise Snyder for conceiving of and carrying out this monumental effort, and to Harry Snyder who willingly goes along for the ride year after year. Louise views the Holiday Craft Faire not only as a fund raiser for EHMC, but also as an evangelism tool as we open our doors each year to over 1,000 visi- tors who attend. This year the Evangelism Committee gave away 14 Bibles to people who had a use for them. We often receive prayer requests from the crafters throughout the year.

In turn, Louise thanks everyone who worked lengthy shifts, hauled heavy tables, staffed tables or took up any one of the many tasks 4 necessary to make things run smoothly. Special acknowledgements go to the kitchen crew, and to Jean Skillman and the women who ran the Delectable Desserts table beautifully. Fellowship Moravian Women News by Janet Droney On Monday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. the evening Circle will meet at the home of Janet Droney. The morning Circle will meet at the church on Wednesday, November 3 at 9:30 a.m. Moravian Travelers Three of our women attended the Regional Moravian Women’s Rally Due to cancellations, there are held at Egg Harbor Moravian Church. There were 103 women par- still seats available on the trips ticipating in the workshops on Mission, Health and Wellness and Faith listed below. Contact Stan Development, and the president’s workshop. We looked forward to Maculesky (610-866-1352). how we could better serve our churches and grow and reach out into the communities in which we live and work. November 13 - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre - Church Thank you to all the women of our church who helped at the Octo- Basement Ladies. $75. ber 2 Holiday Craft Faire, and also to those ladies who served lunch to the Board of World Mission on October 15 when they met here at December 14 - American EHMC. The board was very appreciative of the wonderful meal Music Theatre - Christmas and your willingness to provide hospitality to them. Show. $75.

Saturday, October 23 was the annual Yard Sale here at EHMC and December 16 - Dutch Apple the ladies held a bake sale. Proceeds from the bake sale went to- Dinner Theatre - White Christ- wards the three floor tiles Women’s Fellowship purchased. mas. $70.

Looking ahead to December - December 7, 2010 will be a covered Limited seats. Sign up now! dish combined Women’s Felllowship meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a covered dish to share (you may want to bring the recipe) for an evening of fellowship and fun. We will also have a gift exchange ($5-$10 price range) - don’t forget gift cards make lovely gifts and ease up on the shopping if your time is limited. The evening will begin at 6:30 with your hostesses being Debbie Gruver, Chere King and Nancy Costa. If you need a ride, please give Nancy Costa a call (610-868-7042) so we can arrange transportation. See you for a night of fellowship and fun.

5 Looking Ahead Coming Soon . . .December! . . . .and with it several Christ-honoring events that you will want to make a part of your holiday plans.

Advent Worship Opportunities We prepare our hearts for Christmas when we worship together! Sunday, November 28 is the First Sunday of Advent, and we will cel- ebrate with a Lovefeast at the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services. Join us on December 5 for Advent Communion, then be sure to come back for the remaining 2 Advent Sundays: December 12 and December 19.

Children’s Sunday School Christmas Program On Sunday morning, December 19, the children and youth of our Watch your November Sunday School will lead the 11:00 a.m. worship service in the Family Sunday bulletins for Center. details about ordering Christmas poinsettias! Shepherd’s Journey This delightful event will spark wonder in your young children. Be sure to make it part of your family tradition. Come at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, December 19 if you have children between the ages of 3 and 3rd grade. You’ll be enchanted by this simple walk Please note: through the Christmas Story. There will be only Christmas Eve Worship one service on Sun- Come celebrate the birth of our Savior at one of our three Christ- mas Eve Lovefeasts. Our earliest service, held at 4:00 p.m. in the day, December 26 Family Center, is a child friendly, yet not childish candlelight at 11:00 a.m. Lovefeast. Two identical traditional Moravian Christmas Lovefeasts will follow. The first of these will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Family Center to accommodate the large number of persons we are ex- pecting. Our last service of the evening is at 9:30 p.m. in our sanctu- ary. If you plan to attend this service you might wish to arrive early to assure that you will have a seat. 2010 Morning Star soloists are: Marissa Epler, 4:00; Steven Ent, 7:30 and Audrey Yuhas, 9:30.

Please note the next issue of the Star will be the December/January issue. Plan accordingly and be sure to get any announcements for January in by the November 15th deadline.

Thanks!!

6 Children & Youth News Pre-School News by Mary Kay Brezinsky October quickly passes like the leaves changing on the trees. Our Four Year Olds took a trip to Unangst Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins were picked, cute pumpkin hats were worn, a fun maze was conquered and smiles were on everyone’s faces. Our Two’s and Three’s were exploring with different activities that revolve around Fall and Hal- loween. Spooky songs were heard in the hallway all month!

The hallways will soon smell good with the smells of Thanksgiving. Applesauce, cornbread and pumpkin bread are some of the many foods that will be baked at this holiday time. Our friends will be shar- ing with us their families and learning that there are all types of fami- lies. We will all be talking about how thankful we are for the many blessings we have in our lives. Every year our children make a spe- cial placemat to be used at their class Thanksgiving” celebration. The children then take their placemat home to use for years to come as a reminder of their special time at our preschool.

We will celebrate Election Day and Veterens’ Day and learn to be thankful for all the freedoms that are provided for us.

Our Preschool Staff wishes you all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiv- ing for we are thankful that you share your children with us.

Yard Sale Update Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who volunteered their help for the 2010 Yard Sale.

The BCE extends special thanks to those who generously donated items to sell, those who volunteered with the set-up process during the week, and, of course, all the folks who helped tirelessly the day of the sale and with the clean-up afterward.

Money received from this event is to be directed toward youth pro- gramming, especially for providing scholarships to Camp Hope. Please keep in mind that there is money available to assist your child(ren) in going to camp during the 2011 camping season. Any money left over will be directed toward other youth programming.

The success of the Yard Sale is dependant on all of the time and effort that went into it.

And finally, a very special thank you to Dwight Taylor as he con- cludes his time as organizer of this important event in the life of our church. His enthusiasm and passion will empower us as we con- tinue this vital ministry that funds programming for children and youth.

7 Health and Wellness Notes from the Nurse by Susan Kriebs, Parish Nurse OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. So why am I mentioning this in November? Because it is important to be aware of the need for screening every month! Ladies, if it has been over a year since your last routine gyn exam, schedule it now. And get your mammogram as prescribed! Did you know that women are at a greater risk of dying from

HEART DISEASE than breast cancer? See your primary health care provider and discuss appropriate cardiovascular screening. Improv- ing your nutrition and increasing physical activity will help reduce your risk of many health problems, including heart disease and even breast cancer!

GOALPOST EXERCISE IS PERFECT FOR ALL AGES, and perfect for foot- ball season! Stand with your feet shoulder- width apart (adults can hold a light weight in each hand if desired), palms facing forward, elbows bent at 90 degrees, extended out toward each side and at shoulder height – you look like a goal post! Raise arms upward slowly (just like making the sign for a touchdown), then return to starting position. Kids, hold each position to a slow count of 20. Adults, use slow, continuous motion. Repeat 20 times. Use this exercise every time someone scores!

DO WE REALLY NEED TO TRACK OUR HEART RATE WHEN EXERCISING? The answer is generally “no.” According to Web MD writer David Freeman and Louise Chang, MD, tracking heart rate is important for folks with heart disease to avoid over-working the heart, and it can also be useful for serious athletes. But for the rest of us, we simply need to get off the couch and become more active! If our goal is weight loss, we need to burn more calories than we con- sume, and more intense exercise will burn more calories. We also need to enjoy our exercise routines, to make them fun instead of a chore!

APPLES! Fall is a great time for eating, cooking and baking with apples. Buy the big baskets of “seconds” available at local orchards and make home-made apple sauce. Wash and core the apples and cook unpeeled in a large pot with only ¼ to ½ cup of water. Strain and add a small amount of dark brown sugar and some cin- namon to taste. Or try the wonderful recipe for Apple Pie Crisp on Web MD Healthy Eating, or on our bulletin board or website. Don’t overlook the use of apples for healthy kid-friendly snacks. When my children were little, a neighborhood boy commented about the apples I provided for an afternoon snack. He never lacked junk foods, and had a big stash of cookies, candies, and chips. He told me that he loved apples – but his mother never bought them. What a wasted opportunity!

STIR FRY: For some quick and easy meals full of veggies and lots of flavor, check out the Weight Watchers’ website and search for “stir fry recipes.” 8 MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Our EHMC annual blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, February 5. We will be recruiting during the month of January. Updates

Building Usage Under Review The Joint Board of East Hills is currently reviewing policies governing the use and rental of church facilities. As required by our by-laws, Elders approve building usage and Trustees set rental fees. Ministries of East Hills and the Moravian Church have generally used our facili- ties at no charge. This practice will, of course, continue. Members of East Hills, non-profit organizations adn the public have also made extensive use of our facilities. The rental rates paid by members, non- profits and non-members are now being studied.

Members of East Hills are encouraged to rent our facilities for family events and are extended significant and generous discounts off of established rental rates. Non-profit organizations are allowed to use our facilities and are offered a discount. Our facilities can also be rented by non-members and outside groups at our established rental rates.

Bob Girou and Peter Diehl are leading the review of building usage and rental fee policies. They invite and encourage evry member to talk to them about this review. Your opinions, viewpoints and sug- gestions concerning building usage and rental rates are helpful.

From the Elders

It Happened at the October Elders Meeting The Board this month listened to an excellent presentation provided by Jim Regina, our representative to Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM) organization. Jim gave an informative overview of BAM and described all of the properties under the BAM umbrella. It is a unique organization within the Moravian community. We thought the pre- sentation was so informative that a request was made to Jim to pro- vide the same presentation to the congregation, perhaps during an upcoming Sunday school hour.

Also...

Pledge letters and pledge cards are ready to be distributed. No- vember 21 is Dedication Sunday and we look forward to having all the pledge cards back by then. Remember, this is YOUR church. Help to keep it alive and growing strong. Consider your pledge care- fully.

See you in church. 9 Elsewhere in God’s World Bethlehem Area Moravians Update: Welcome to the Moravian House Family!

Chaplain Molly Clymer shares her work at Moravian Houses in the continuation of a series of articles about the work and witness of Bethlehem Area Moravians. Moravian Houses I, II, and III are home to individuals who meet specific criteria based on need. Moravian House IV, and the soon to be opened Houses V and VI, provide housing for individuals who are recommended by Northampton County Health and Mental Retardation. Moravian Houses are un- der the umbrella of the Moravian Development Corporation.

Chaplain Clymer writes:

From all different walks of life and different religious affiliations, we are brought together to listen, care, and grow in God’s love. Whether we are dealing with a change of location, a change in health, losing friends, or just getting older we are companions on the journey of life.

We offer Bible sharing where we share the gospel and apply it our daily life, where everyone is welcome and are free to offer up our own needs in prayer; personal apartment visits, hos- pital and nursing-home visits and also offering family support and serving at funerals.

The Moravian House has much to offer. We are challenged to re- spond to each other as God responds to us. Let us have an attitude of gratitude in all we do. May God continue to bless us on this jour- ney of life!

The Rev. Molly Clymer Chaplain, Moravian Houses Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner Saturday, November 13, 2010 4-7p.m. College Hill Moravian Church, 72 W. Laurel Street, Bethlehem. Cost is $10 for adults (12 & over), $5.00 Children (4-11), children under 4 are FREE! Take out is available! Call 610-867-8291 for tickets or info. Craft Show and Holiday Bazaar Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton will be hosting a Craft Show and Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 20 from 9a.m. - 3p.m. Lunch available - BBQ, hot dogs, soup. Many local crafters - Unique gifts. Something for everyone! Bring a friend and shop. Fall Open House The Nazareth Moravian Hall Square Museum/Craft Shop will hold its 10 annual Fall and Christmas Open House on Saturday, November 13th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the 1819 President’s House, 142 W. Center Street, Nazareth, PA. Demonstrations. Refreshments will be served. Elsewhere in God’s World

11 Kid’s Page

12 Elsewhere in God’s World

November Calendar

13 November Ministries Page

14 Prayers & Thanksgivings

Dear Members of East Hills, Thank you each and every one for all your prayes and the beautiful flowers. Thank you to Jean for taking your time to deliver the flowers. Also I would like to thank Rev. Derek French for the pleasant visit a few weeks ago when I came out of the hospi- tal. Thank you all for your kindness. Gld Bless you . Love, Marion Weaver

In our ongoing prayers we hold:

FOR HEALING OR STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH ADVERSITY

Bowden Family; Levi Carolan; Dick Cressman; Ray Hippenstiel; John Petro; George and Caroline Radchuk; Anthony Seratore; Art, Ann-Louise and Mike Taylor; John Rossi (Lucia Knerr’s brother); Clara Dorozowski (friend of Marcia Mielnik); Tom (Kim Bartholomew’s cousin); Mardel Fraivillig (mother of Susan Sommers’ grandchildren, Kurt & Maxine); Virginia Knerr; Faith Newhall; Luke (Bob Hauck’s grandson); Dorothy Sandford (Sandy Gribbin’s mom); Jim & Fran Ford “““Devote yourselves to (Frieda Soska’s sister and brother-in-law); Ann Greensway prayer, keeping alert in (niece and cousin of the Matz’s) ititit with thanksgiving.” FOR PROTECTION FROM HARM Colossians 4: 2

Members of Task Force Wolverine and others serving our nation overseas

OUR MEMBERS IN NURSING HOMES OR ASSISTED LIVING

Dorothy Lester, Dorothy Reed

15 East Hills Moravian Church NON-PROFIT ORG 1830 Butztown Road U.S. POSTAGE Bethlehem, PA 18017-3210 PAID Permit No. 532 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Bethlehem, PA

Phone: 610-868-6481 FAX: 610-868-6219 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.easthillsmc.org Pastor: The Rev. Derek A. French

Our Mission: To Know Christ and to Make Him Known

Contents 1 Worship info Pastor’s Prospective 2 EHMC Happenings Moravian Women’s Sunday Adult S.S. Short Course Putz Construction Begins Hanging of the Greens 3 Being the Missional Church 4 November Birthdays Looking Back 5 Fellowship Moravian Women Moravian Travelers Harvest Buffet Dinner 6 Looking Ahead Advent Worship Opportunities 7 Children & Young Adult News Nursery School News Yard Sale Results 8 Health & Wellness 9 Updates Building Usage Under Review From the Elders 10-11 Elsewhere in God’s World 12 Kid’s Page 13 November Calendar 14 November Ministry Page 15 Prayers & Thanksgiving Insert: Cash Card Program BAM Brochure