Welcome to Schoeneck!
Whether you’re a member of our church family or a first–time visitor, we have a place for you among our pews. You will find Schoeneck Moravian Church to be a welcoming and friendly congregation, a place where we seek to follow Christ together — bearing one another’s burdens and weaknesses, celebrating our different gifts, and rejoicing together.
Worship in the Moravian Church, like many other aspects of the Church’s life, allows a great deal of flexibility. The reading and interpretation of the Gospel is central to Moravian worship but there is much more to worship than preaching. Worship is our opportunity to praise God together in a variety of ways.
At Schoeneck, most worship services include the essential components of prayer, hymns, liturgies (responsive readings), scripture lessons, a Children’s Message, special music, and a sermon.
Moravian traditions, Holy Communion, fellowship, and celebrating God’s love for us and our love for each other are common features of worship at Schoeneck. Our worship services prepare us to share Christ’s love and mission in our communities and in the world.
The Reverend Ian Edwards
At Schoeneck Moravian Church…
We recognize the example of Christ’s life and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Living a Christian life depends not only on our own effort, but upon that of God our creator and Father, who in Jesus Christ accepts us as heirs of God, and who through the Holy Spirit strengthens and sustains us.
We are a Christ-centered church focused on vibrant meaningful worship, inquisitive life-long learning, warm friendships, and faithful service to our community. We do not stress a rigid theology but interpret Christianity as a way of life centered around Christ and his teachings.
We honor our Moravian heritage by having a down-to-earth approach to worship, faith, and life that seeks to emphasize God’s love for all people and our privilege to share that love by faithfully serving others.
We have members from a variety of backgrounds and in all stages of life – from children to elders. Some of our members are new to the church while others have been attending for nearly their entire life.
We are a warm and welcoming church family open to all who wish to join us in our community of faith. We offer each individual the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our church life and to share together the costs and joys of Christian fellowship.
We believe people matter. Wherever you are in your faith journey, love and compassion flow freely from God through us to create a kind, friendly, and encouraging atmosphere in which everyone can experience spiritual growth through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We celebrate the diversity of God’s people and seek to be a caring, respectful, and inclusive community of faith. As a Christian congregation, we affirm that all people are made in the image of God; that all people are created equal before God; that each individual is a beloved child of God; and that we love one another as Christ has loved us. We affirm the dignity and sacred worth of every person.
We will continue to challenge all forms of discrimination in our community, in our nation, and in the world. In addition, we recognize our own imperfections and are still working with the Holy Spirit to overcome barriers to inclusivity on our journey with God.
We welcome all people who seek to be faithful to the Gospel into the life and membership of Schoeneck Moravian Church, and we are grateful for the talents and gifts that they offer in the service of God’s kingdom.
We are a church which loves and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.
Governance
Schoeneck Moravian Church is a member church of the Eastern District of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church in North America. The Moravian Church in North America is a Unity Province of the world-wide Moravian Church, known as the Unitas Fratrum.
Each province of the world-wide Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) has its own Book of Order. These documents outline and codify the organization and governance of each province. While the materials in this Books of Order are in agreement with the Church Order of the Unitias Fratrum, the information applies solely to the Northern Province. If you would like to read The Northern Province Book of Order, please click here to open a PDF document.
The Moravian Monthly is the official newsletter of the Moravian Church Northern Province — Canadian, Eastern, and Western Districts. It is emailed monthly, and each edition includes a PDF version for easy printing. The newsletter includes both district-specific news and provincewide updates, including news from our Moravian agencies and ministries, birthdays, congregation and ordination anniversaries, clergy updates, prayer concerns, and more. Subscribe and find past editions of the Moravian Monthly here.
For more information on the Governance of the Moravian Church in general, please click here.
Safe Sanctuary
We believe that all children, women, and men are precious children of God and deserve to be safe in all places, especially our church. Because we hold this value, we seek to provide a safe place for all people to gather in those buildings and spaces where we serve God.
To that end, Schoeneck Moravian Church practices the Safe Sanctuary program, a policy ensuring the proper care of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our community, which balances ministry and caution.
All staff and volunteers who interact with our children and youth must obtain the proper background checks and child-abuse clearances before they begin working with our kids. Background checks and clearances are provided at no cost to the volunteer.
Reception of New Members
As you worship with us and get to know our congregation, we hope you will form meaningful relationships that call you into the deeper commitment of membership.
Schoeneck Moravian Church members commit to witness to our faith in Christ through attendance in worship; participation in Holy Communion; financial contributions to support Schoeneck Moravian Church; volunteer service, both inside and outside the congregation; and support of the work of the worldwide Moravian Church.
New members are received into the congregation and community of faith at Schoeneck Moravian Church in one of three ways:
- Through the Sacrament of Baptism if you have not yet been baptized;
- By Letterof Transfer if you are on the membership roll of another congregation (whether or not it is a Moravian church);
- By Reaffirmation of Faith, if you were once part of a church but have not been active in membership for some time.
Pastor Ian will help you determine which of these three methods of reception is right for you.
Inquirer’s Classes
Prior to membership, you will need to attend our Inquirer’s Classes. Inquirer’s Classes are a helpful way to develop a deeper understanding of the ministry and mission of Schoeneck Moravian Church, and our expectations of members. You’ll also meet others like yourself in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. We encourage you to ask questions.
Attending the classes may lead to church membership and will provide opportunities for greater involvement in worship, witness, growth, and service. After the class, you can choose to join our faith community at Schoeneck. Pastor Ian will schedule a time for you (and your children if so desired) to be formally accepted into the church during a worship service. The Board of Elders and the congregation will also welcome you at this time.
If you would like to join the next Inquirer’s Classes, please speak with Pastor Ian.
We Invite You To Get Involved…
Life-Long Learning
Christian Education is a vital ministry of our congregation. We believe that the educational process is a life-long journey that includes a Biblical foundation, fellowship, and service in a nurturing community.
Beginning with our youngest brothers and sisters and extending through adulthood, Schoeneck provides many opportunities to learn, explore, question, grow, and celebrate the Christian faith.
Please click the button below to learn more about Life-Long Learning at Schoeneck Moravian Church.
Serving & Caring
Changing the world – one person at a time! Schoeneck is a place where you can make a difference. Volunteers are crucial to the work of our church and we would love to have you join our team! By being part of one of our many ministries or through volunteering in the community, you will be able to see the difference you have made.
There are many opportunities for everyone, including our children, to be a part of something greater than ourselves.
Please click the button below to learn more about opportunities for Serving, Caring, and Fellowship at Schoeneck Moravian Church.
Our Music Ministry
The Moravian Church is known for its deep love and appreciation of music, which has been a central part of our worship and community life for centuries.
Schoeneck continues that tradition with its musical excellence in worship. The singing choirs, bell choirs, brass choir, instrumentalists and soloists provide a variety of music that enriches the worship experience. Our music program offers opportunities for all ages to serve God through fellowship and spiritual expression.
Please click the button below to learn more about our Music Ministry at Schoeneck Moravian Church.
Land Acknowledgement
The Moravian Church Northern Province acknowledges that our congregations, camps, and retirement communities are on lands that belong to God and our indigenous siblings. We honor the ancestral inhabitants of these lands and revere their historic and everlasting relationship with the land.
The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of eastern Pennsylvania, southern New York, New Jersey, and northern Delaware (collectively referred to as the Lenapehokink – “land of the Lenape”). To learn more about the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, please click here.
Sign Up for Our Email List
Do you want to stay up to date on what is happening at Schoeneck Moravian Church? When you sign up for our email list, you will receive the weekly online worship bulletins, the monthly newsletter, and special announcements. We promise to keep your information secure and we won’t overload your inbox.
By submitting your information, you’re giving us permission to email you. You may unsubscribe at any time.
2025 Congregational Watchword
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the
world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
— John 14:27