FOURTH SUNDAY OF

DECEMBER 20, 2020

600 Holly Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27101-2716 Witnessing to the love of God in the heart of Winston-Salem since 1893.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 20, 2020 11:00 a.m.

Watchword for the Week – The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:49

(Selections in today’s service are taken from the blue Moravian Book of Worship.)

The beautiful season of Advent calls us to personal preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Our banners and all the appropriate appointments in our sanctuary should serve as silent reminders of the significance of this season. As the people of old were called to prepare the way for God’s Promised One, we are called to share the good news.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

BAND PRELUDE Calvary Band Trio, Brian Lott, Director

TRINITY CHIME

GREETINGS AND NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION The Right Reverend Lane A. Sapp

2 PRELUDE – Once He Came in Blessing Rebecca Kleintop Lepore (2014)

Mary Louise Kapp Peeples, organ

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Brian Lott

THE PRAISE OF GOD

HYMN OF PRAISE 260 – Rejoice, Rejoice, the Kingdom Comes T. KINGSFOLD

(The hymn music and text are shown on page 4.)

MOMENTS WITH THE CHILDREN Mrs. Amanda Schumpert

T. HAGEN (310 B) [Hymn 281] Text: Johann Scheffler (1657). Tr. Bennet Harvey, Jr. (1885) Tune: Francis Florentine Hagen (1836) [Moravian composer]

Morning Star, my soul’s true light, tarry not, dispel my night. Morning Star, my soul’s true light, tarry not, dispel my night. mine, in me shine; in me shine, Jesus mine; fill my heart with light divine.

(The service ode continues on page 5.)

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4 THE WORSHIP OF GOD WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY – All Silent Was the Night Theodor I. Clemens (1858-1933) Ed., Nola Reed Knouse (2021)

Choral Ensemble

DOXOLOGY AND OFFERTORY PRAYER The Reverend Chaz Snider

T. OLD HUNDREDTH (22 E)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

(The service ode continues on page 6.)

5 ‘Tis the Season The Story through Scripture, Hymns, and Candles

Pastors Lane and Chaz

The Prophecy of the Messiah Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (RSV)

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined….For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

HYMN – O Come, O Come, Immanuel T. VENI EMMANUEL [HYMN 274]

O come, O come, Immanuel, and random captive Israel, that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel!

O come, O bright and morning star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night, and turn our darkness into light. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel!

(The hymn continues on the next page.)

6 O come, Desire of Nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel!

The Impending Birth of Jesus is Announced to Mary and Joseph Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25 (RSV)

(Candles are lighted for , Mary, Joseph)

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ And Mary said to the angel, ‘How shall this be, since I have no husband?’ And the angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:26-38 [RSV])

7 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel’ (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:18-25 [RSV])

HYMN – Come, O Long-Expected Jesus T. CASSEL (167A) [HYMN 262]

Come, O long-expected Jesus, born to set your people free; from our fears and sins release us; O, in you our rest shall be. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope to all the earth impart, dear desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart.

Born your people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now your gracious kingdom bring. By your own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by your all sufficient merit raise us to your glorious throne.

8 The Preparations for the Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-5 (RSV)

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called , because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

HYMN – O Little Town of Bethlehem T. ST. LOUIS [HYMN 282]

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Jesus is Born Luke 2:6-7 (RSV)

(Candle is lighted for the infant Jesus.)

“And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

HYMN – Once in Royal David’s City T. IRBY (89 D) [HYMN 292]

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

(The hymn continues on the next page.) 9 He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the poor and meek and lowly lived on earth our Savior holy.

The Angels Announce Christ’s Birth Luke 2:9-14 (RSV)

(Candles are lighted for the angels.)

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!’”

HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High T. GLORIA [HYMN 288]

Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night, and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn king. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

10 The Shepherds Respond Luke 2:13-20 (RSV)

(Candles are lighted for the shepherds.)

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

HYMN – The First Noel T. THE FIRST NOEL [HYMN 290]

The first Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in field where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the king of Israel.

They look-ed up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the king of Israel.

11 The Magi Follow the Star to Jesus Matthew 2:1-11 (RSV)

(Candles are lighted for the Magi.)

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet:

And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him. When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

12 HYMN – What Child Is This T. GREENSLEEVES [HYMN 305]

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of Kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

The Word Became Flesh John 1:1-5 (RSV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

HYMN – , the Lord Is Come T. ANTIOCH [HYMN 294]

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev’ry heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

BENEDICTION Pastor Lane

13 POSTLUDE – All My Heart This Night Rejoices Margaret Vardell Sandresky (b. 1921)

Mrs. Peeples

TRINITY CHIME

PRAYER OF MEDITATION 

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Ever faithful God, through prophets and angels, you promised to raise up a holy child who would establish a household of peace and justice. Open our hearts to receive your Son, that we may open our doors to welcome all people as sisters and brothers, and establish your household in our time. Amen.

Calvary Moravian Church Church Office: 336.722.3703 E-mail address: [email protected] Website: www.calvarymoravian.org

The Rt. Rev. Lane A. Sapp ([email protected]) Pastor The Rev. Chaz Snider ([email protected]) Associate Pastor Mrs. Amanda M. Schumpert ([email protected]) Director of Music and Congregational Ministries Mrs. Mary Louise Kapp Peeples Organist Mr. Paul F. Knouse, Jr. ([email protected]) Administrative Assistant Ms. Sabrina Maksi ([email protected]) Financial Secretary Mr. Brian C. Lott ([email protected]) Band Director Mr. Gordon D. Cranfill, Jr. ([email protected]) Facilities Manager

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Calvary Moravian Church Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020

We welcome all members and guests to the live stream

broadcast of our service today on this Fourth Sunday of

Advent. We are glad that you have joined our live stream

congregation for worship this morning at Calvary!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The in the sanctuary are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Fordham, Sr., Mr. N. D. Fordham, Jr., and Mrs. Beth Fordham Golden by the family.

We thank the Calvary members, including the Calvary Band Trio, with Brian Lott, Director, Carl McKnight, and Seth McKnight; the Choral Ensemble from our choir; our organist, Mary Louise Kapp Peeples; and the staff, who are leading worship this morning via the live stream broadcast.

Appreciation is expressed to Brian Lott for participating in the lighting of the Advent candle during worship today.

This afternoon at 2:00 p.m. via live stream we will have the final event of our “Advent Afternoons” of music. We hope you will tune in for “A Moravian Christmas.” Calvary Moravian joins the Moravian Music Foundation for a brass, organ, and ensemble performance of some of our Moravian Christmas favorites. To view the program: Go to: www.calvarymoravian.org Scroll down to “Advent and Schedule” Click on: “A Moravian Christmas” 15  Christmas Eve Lovefeast  and Candle Service—2020  We all know that Christmas Eve this year will be different due to the pandemic. However, we will still be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! This Thursday, December 24, Calvary’s Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candle Service will be available for viewing beginning at 10:30 a.m. and lasting all day. To watch: Go to: www.calvarymoravian.org Scroll down to “Advent and Christmas Eve Schedule” Click on: “Calvary Moravian Christmas Eve”

Additionally and prior to Christmas Eve, each Calvary member will be able to pick up “lovefeast bags” which can be enjoyed when watching the pre-recorded service. Each lovefeast bag will contain a dressed candle, an individually wrapped Lovefeast bun, a recipe card for a cup of Moravian coffee, a copy of the printed 2020 lovefeast ode, and a watchword for 2021.

Dates and times for drive-by pick up are December 22, 2:00- 4:00 p.m. and December 23, 4:00-6:00 p.m. No need to reserve bags nor any charge! Please drive into Calvary’s rear lot via Poplar Street and exit on to Holly Avenue. The Calvary Band will play during the pick up times.

You are also invited to participate in Calvary’s Christmas Benevolent Offering. The majority of contributions received for this offering will benefit the following community causes: Sunnyside Ministry, City with Dwellings, and Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry

Please send checks to Calvary Moravian Church, 600 Holly Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC marked for "Christmas Offering" or go the following site to donate online: https://calvarymoravian.org/giving/ Your gifts are greatly appreciated by these community agencies that depend upon our support.

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ADVENT AFTERNOONS: “A MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS”

DECEMBER 20, 2020 2:00 P.M.

TO VIEW THE PROGRAM, GO TO: WWW.CALVARYMORAVIAN.ORG SCROLL DOWN TO “ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE.” CLICK ON: “A MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS”

Mary Louise Kapp Peeples, organ Choral Quintet: Amanda Schumpert, Grace Manning, Justin Stultz, Bob Snyder, Matthew Nance Brass Quintet: Anita Cirba and Ken Wilmot, trumpets Tim Papenbrock, French horn Brian French and Erik Salzwedel, trombones

PROGRAM

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL Mary Louise Kapp Peeples Choral Quintet

ADVENT CHORAL CYCLE Brass Quintet THE SNOW LAY ON THE GROUND arr., Erik Salzwedel (Moravian composer)

(continued on the reverse side) SELECTIONS FROM SIX CAROLS FOR CHOIR Choral Quintet Theodor I. Clemens (1858-1933) Ed., Nola Reed Knouse (2021) (Moravian composers)

All Silent Was the Night Angels from the Realms of Glory What Good News the Angels Bring Shepherds, Poor and Lonely

MORNING STAR, IN DARKEST NIGHT (“MORGENSTERN, AUF FINSTRE NACHT”) Grace Manning, soprano Mr. Salzwedel Mrs. Peeples

VARIATIONS ON “MORNING STAR” Mrs. Peeples Wade Peeples (Moravian composer)

COME ALL YE SHEPHERDS Brass Quintet THE POLISH CAROL HAIL, INFANT NEWBORN David Moritz Michael (1751-1827) (Moravian composer) Arranged for Brass by Erik Salzwedel

CHRIST THE LORD, THE LORD MOST GLORIOUS Ensemble T. CHRIST THE LORD

Calvary Moravian Church Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020 REMEMBER CALVARY MEMBERS IN PRAYER 

Eddie Johnson; Judy Middleton; Berletta Walker; Jane Sofley; Margaret Higgins; Bill and Mary Hampton; Ina Magi; Ursula Pierce; Ramona Burke; Amy Combs; Michael Goforth; Dodie McGarty; Camilla Williams; the Reverend David R. Burkette; Richard Swing; Ron Griggs; Greg Conrad; Betsy Oerter; Annette Sipe; Bernard Williams; Carole Fearrington; Jan Trivette;

Larry Linville; Tres Fordham; Odell and Emily Cheek;

Charlie Miller; Joel C. Lineback; and Donna Nixon.

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

2021 Watchwords will be included in each member’s Christmas “lovefeast bags” that will be available for pick-up at the church on December 22 and 23. Each bag will contain a randomly selected watchword, selected from our 2021 Daily Texts. Pastor Lane will select Calvary’s 2021 congregational watchword and announce it on December 27. This distribution of watchwords, normally done on the last Sunday of the year, is being done to get these watchwords out to as many members as possible, given pandemic restrictions and limited in-person worship. Watchwords may also be picked up at the church on Wednesday and Thursday mornings after Dec. 15.

Limited in-person worship is being held today and will be available again next Sunday, December 27. There will be no in-person worship on Christmas Eve. Please see the enclosed insert for Procedures for Attending In-Person worship, as developed by the COVID-19 Task Force and approved by the Joint Board of Calvary.

The Church Office will be closed this Thursday and Friday, December 24-25, and Monday, December 28, for the Christmas holidays.

The Watch Night Service of Salem Congregation will be live- streamed on Thursday, December 31, at 11:30 p.m. from St. Philips Moravian Church. The broadcast will be a service of scripture and music, including a message by the Reverend Virginia Tobiassen, pastor of Home Church. You may watch this service live on New Year’s Eve by going to Home Church’s website at 11:30 p.m.: www.homemoravian.org (then follow directions on the site)

CHURCH CALENDAR: DECEMBER 20-27, 2020

TODAY (December 20) Fourth Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. Worship (via live stream) 2:00 p.m. “Advent Afternoons” Concert (via live stream): “A Moravian Christmas” Go to: www.calvarymoravian.org Scroll down to “Advent and Christmas Eve Schedule” Click on: “A Moravian Christmas”

THURSDAY (Dec. 24) Christmas Eve All Day Church Office Closed Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and lasting all day Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candle Service To watch: Go to: www.calvarymoravian.org Scroll down to “Advent and Christmas Eve Schedule” Click on: “Calvary Moravian Christmas Eve”

FRIDAY (December 25) Christmas Day All Day Church Office Closed

NEXT SUNDAY (Dec. 27) First Sunday after Christmas 11:00 a.m. Worship (via live stream)

 REMEMBER IN PRAYER  FAMILY AND FRIENDS DECEMBER 20, 2020

Jeanne Underwood (Wesley Davis’ sister); Blake Johnson (Vickey Pitts’ cousin); Blake and Angie Johnson (Brandi Stone’s friends); Dr. Tad Lowdermilk (Adrienne Polychron’s friend); Maegan Simms (Ursula Pierce’s granddaughter); Pam Stowers (cousin of Bob Snyder); James and Joseph Nance (grandsons of Beth Nance and the late Eldon Nance); Sandra Reich (friend of Vickey Pitts and Pam Goforth and a friend of Joel N. Lineback); Gary Pitts (Vickey Pitts’ husband); Greg (nephew of Brandi and Jordan Stone); Debbie Frye (friend of Judy Ludwick); Sherri Sheppard (sister of Donna Sharp); John Turner (father of Shannon Lineback); Austin Kahler (nephew of Stephen Baker); Kelsey Salmon (friend of Angie Seippel Jones); Louie Childress (Michael Childress’ father); Devan and Bobby Yountz (niece [and her husband] of Frances Swing); Randy Fulton; Patricia Smith (sister-in-law of Pat Scales); Ryan and Adrienne O’Connor, and their son, Keegan (relatives of Lydia Ingram); Allyson Wooten (daughter of the Reverend Dr. Craig Atwood); Jim Zarick (friend of Seth McKnight); the Reverend Jeff Coppage (Moravian pastor); Ann Everhart (friend of Rameth McKnight); Mrs. William Burrier (mother of Jan Wikel); Lewis Hill Jenkins III (nephew of Carloyn and Bennett Perry); Angie Craven (Shannon Lineback’s sister); James Thompson (brother of Pat Kight; the Smart family (daughter and granddaughter of Elaine Pace); Sterling Griggs (son of Sherry and Ron Griggs); Doug Fearrington (son of Richard and Carole Fearrington); Tommy and Angie Thompson (relatives of Jane Sofley); Garry Crist (friend of Pam Goforth); Andrew and William (friends of Seth McKnight); Drue and Sarah Garrison (friends of Beth Nance, the late Eldon Nance, and Matt and Melanie Nance); Brenda Bryant (friend of Richard and Frances Swing); Jack Easton (relative of Richard and Frances Swing); Ali Dominquez (friend of Richard and Frances Swing); Cheryl Sorensen (former Financial Secretary at Calvary); Donald Daniels (Camilla Williams’ nephew); Blake Lilyea (friend of Nathan Lineback); Judy Mock (friend of Mary Bland); Harry Bellinger (Haley Covert’s grandfather); Cecile Sasso (Aunt of Elizabeth Smith); JoAnn Cockerham (friend of Annette Sipe); Caroline (niece of Mike and Susie McCollum); Michael Kremer (friend of Frances Swing’s niece); Ollie McKnight (mother of Carl McKnight); and victims worldwide of the COVID-19 crisis.

2021 Daily Texts

The 2021 Daily Texts have arrived! You may now obtain your copy from the Church Office. The cost per edition for 2021 is as follows: Paperback - $10.50; Hardcover - $14.50; Large Print - $12. 50 (soft cover); and Journal - $15.50

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, here’s the procedure to get your Daily Text(s):

 Call the Church Office to make your request and let us know when you will be coming by the office.

 Stop by the church on any Wednesday or Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Ring the doorbell to the left of the back door (off the rear parking lot).

 After we let you in, you will find your text(s) on the table on the left with your name thereon.

 PLEASE BRING a check or exact change, and leave your payment in the payment box on the table. Checks should be made payable to Calvary Moravian Church, with “2021 Daily Texts” on the memo line.

Thank you!

Calvary Moravian Church Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020 Circle #2 Moravian Stars

Moravian Stars originated as a geometry project for boys in a Moravian boarding school in Germany

about 1850.

They’re great for: Christmas and birthday gifts;

housewarming gifts; teacher’s gifts to replace an old star; gifts for associates,

clients and friends; and wedding gifts 12” Star $18.00; 21” Star $25.00

We are taking orders now. Please contact Belinda Linville, (336) 995-8038; Betty Troutman, (336) 842-

5932; or Carol Fearrington, (803) 348-2918 to order.

Calvary Moravian Church Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020

The Moravian Church Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020

The Simeon Smile

In our faith tradition we present children to God through baptism. In Jesus’ day Jewish babies were presented in the Temple with the offering of a sacrifice. In today’s Gospel lesson, the presentation of Jesus was an ordinary occurrence, but for Simeon and Anna, this child was anything but ordinary. This child was the fulfillment of years of waiting and anticipation. In Sunday school, this story is usually accompanied by a picture of Simeon smiling at the baby—Simeon, whose smile exhibits joy, hope, and utter delight. That is also the smile we demonstrate every time a baby is presented to the congregation in the service of baptism. Whenever a pastor holds that baptized baby up for the congregation to see, even the sternest face explodes into a smile of joy and hope. In that moment, the congregation embraces the promise we just made to accept that child and share in nurturing their faith.

So how are we doing at that? How are we, the “congregational parents,” nurturing the faith of those baptized babies and youth? Does our commitment include the development of a personal relationship with those children as they grow? Look around your sanctuary today. How many children can you identify by name, and how many of those know you by name? Strive diligently to keep those relationships growing, because studies have shown that when a young person has a personal relationship with at least ten adults in a congregation, they are less likely to leave church membership. Today we smile with Simeon as he sees hope fulfilled in the Christ child. Today and everyday may we also reflect the “Simeon smile” as we nurture the faith and deepen our relationships with the children and youth of our congregations.

Marie Couts, director of Christian education, Moravian Church, Eastern District PROCEDURES FOR ATTENDING IN-PERSON WORSHIP (BEGINNING NOVEMBER 29, 2020)

The information below was communicated to the Calvary congregation on November 16, 2020. Also note, NO IN- PERSON WORSHIP on December 13 or Christmas Eve, December 24.

After much prayer and discernment, the Joint Board of Calvary Moravian Church has decided to open for “in- person” worship beginning November 29, the First Sunday of Advent.

Our goal is to minister to the varied needs of our community. While many prefer to remain at home and view worship via our live stream ministry, others have expressed the need to be physically present for worship even if they have to attend with restrictions. With these varied needs in mind, we will open gradually, limiting the number of attendees to 40 persons as we begin.

We respectfully ask that persons who are ill or have been exposed to COVID to remain at home. We also believe it is wise for those who are vulnerable or have underlying health conditions to consider remaining at home as well.

We will need to exercise flexibility with this decision, recognizing that the Joint Board will suspend in-person worship at any time if it becomes necessary to protect the safety and well-being of our community of faith. It is our goal as your elected leaders to look out for the best interests of our congregation to help ensure the safety and well- being of everyone. In that spirit, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

(continued on the next page) In order for us to open safely, the following procedures will be followed:

To know before attending:

 Reservations (due by Friday each week) will be required for all attendees. To make a reservation, please send an email to [email protected] with your name and the number of attendees.  A waiver of liability must be signed in order to attend.  Anyone arriving without a reservation will be given information on how to sign up but will not be allowed to attend.  Entry for everyone attending worship will ONLY be through the front door (facing Holly Avenue between 10:40 am-11:00 a.m.  Only musicians and worship leaders will enter through the back door off Poplar Street  Masks will be required for all attendees except for those participating in live stream worship leadership.  An usher will take your temperature upon arrival. If you have a temperature greater than 99.5, or any symptoms of recent exposure to COVID-19, you will not be allowed to attend worship that day. Seating will be only with immediate family members – no extended family or close friends, etc.

To know when arriving:

 An usher will check your temperature upon arrival. Attendees with a temperature over 99.5 or COVID symptoms will not be allowed to attend that day.  An usher will escort you and your family to your seats.  Masks are required and will be provided if you forgot to bring your own. Masks are required inside, and we ask that you continue to wear a mask while on church grounds and not gather closely without them.

(continued on the next page)

 Maintaining of social distance except within family groups, including refraining from handshaking, hugging, etc.  Hand sanitizer will be available on the narthex table.  An offering plate will be available on the narthex table to receive your offering or you may give online.

To know when viewing the live stream worship service in person:

 Your seat is assigned until the pandemic subsides, and restrictions are no longer necessary.  Musicians will provide music. We will not sing together as a congregation or read aloud together during the service.  Restrooms are available downstairs adjacent to Fellowship Hall with only one person per restroom at any given time. Ushers will escort anyone who can’t manage the stairs to a restroom on the second floor.  No one except those leading live stream worship are to proceed past the safe zone (in the chancel area beyond the front pews)  Children and youth will not come forward for Godly Play.  No nursery will be provided.  Paper bulletins will be available in the narthex, but we encourage you to use the virtual bulletin on the mobile website which you can access by your smart phone.

To know after the service has concluded:

 Following the Trinity chime, ushers will dismiss each row, beginning with the back rows in order to prevent people from passing each other.  Exit will be only through the front door (facing Holly Avenue)

(continued on the next page)  Please maintain social distancing (6ft) to help others leave the sanctuary as soon as possible.  Pastors/Worship team will not be available for in person conversation after the service.  In leaving, attendees are asked not to congregate in groups on the outside sidewalks.  Any attendee will be required to inform the church office if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 after having attended a worship service at Calvary Moravian.

It is imperative that we all agree to and follow the above guidelines in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbor. If you have any questions, please contact: Bob Snyder, Vice Chair of Elders or Ron Bell, Trustee representative to the COVID-19 Task Force.

We look forward to taking this initial step together and we so appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation.

The Joint Board of Calvary Moravian Church

Calvary Moravian Church Fourth Sunday in Advent December 20, 2020