Are you looking for an authentic faith community that embraces you and the gifts you bring to the body of Christ? Wherever you are in your life and on your faith journey, you are welcome at Schoeneck Moravian Church.
Schoeneck’s young adults are an integral part of our church family. We have always been blessed with vibrant, energetic, young people — many of whom we have watched from cute little babies to kids running around the church to teens graduating High School to young people going out into the “real world.” Our Young Adult Ministry is designed to guide and support young adults through their challenges and opportunities.
If you are in the Lehigh Valley and a young adult between the ages of 18 to 30ish — whether you’re single, married, working, in college, whatever — there is a place here for you. As a community of young adults, our desire is to follow Jesus, to love and serve like him, and help others do the same.
A New Direction…
We are currently in the process of reimagining our Young Adult Ministry to better meet the needs of people between the ages of 18 to 30ish. We want and need your input! We value you as part of our church family and want to know what YOU need from US. How can we help you both as young adults and as Christians? What does your faith mean to you in today’s challenging world? Do you have questions you’re not sure you’re “allowed” to ask? How can we help your faith grow? How can we help you learn about God’s incredible love? How can we help you share His love with others?
We want to create a community that feels like family. We believe in building a supportive and welcoming environment where you can be yourself, receive prayer and encouragement, and build lasting friendships. We’ll explore scripture together, what it means to be a Christian today, and help you grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ. We’ll build connections through worshipping together, fellowship activities, and service opportunities. A community that feels like family and a place to thrive — join us at Schoeneck Young Adults and experience all that we have to offer!
Once again, we want to hear from you! We value you as part of our church family and want to know what YOU need from US. Please send us your thoughts, ideas, questions, suggestions, and comments by using the form at the bottom of this page or by sending an email to the Young Adult Ministry program.
Christian Education
Schoeneck Moravian Church is committed to the Christian education, spiritual formation, and nurture of its adult members. Classes and Bible Studies are offered which enable you to learn and grow in faith, to discern God’s will for your life, and to live in the world as Christian disciples.
Our Young Adult Christian Education might include:
- Bible Studies: These can range from current event or pop culture studies to in–depth explorations of specific books or themes.
- Teaching and Discipleship: Providing guidance to help young adults deepen their understanding of faith and apply it to their lives.
- Mentorship: Pairing young adults with older leaders for guidance and support in their faith journey and personal development.
- Training Programs: Offering opportunities to develop leadership skills and prepare them to serve in various roles within the church and community.
- Empowerment: Encouraging young adults to discover their unique gifts and talents and to use them to serve God and others.
While we develop Christian Education opportunities specifically geared to our Young Adult Ministry, you are welcome to join any of our Adult Life–Long Learning classes at any time.
Discoverer’s Class
A discussion–based Bible study class, facilitated by a weekly teacher, utilizing study guides and current Christian literature in a welcoming and engaging group setting. The Discoverer’s Class is led by Donna Francisco and meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in Room 6.
Won By One
In addition to enjoying snacks each week, this class gathers each Sunday morning for worship, fellowship, study, and discussion of God’s Word — particularly how its meaning is intertwined in our daily lives. The Won By One Class is led by Jeff Faust and meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in Room 11.
Men’s Bible Study
All men are welcome to join us for a time of faith formation and fellowship. You need not be a member of Schoeneck to participate. Using Bible studies, Christian literature, or videos, this group gathers for a presentation and discussion-oriented class. The Men’s Bible Study meets every Wednesday year-round at 7:00 pm in Room 6. Join us for spiritual growth and fellowship — there’s a seat saved just for you!
Women’s Bible Study
All women and friends are invited to join us. You need not be a member of Schoeneck to participate. We are blessed with some devoted and talented women! Guided discussions and presentations are used, which cause our joy and growth to abound. The Women’s Bible Study meets in Room 6 every Thursday September through May from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Come join us as we grow together in God’s Word!
Continuing Education
We are fortunate to enjoy close proximity to Moravian Theological Seminary. The seminary welcomes all who seek to deepen their faith through theological education. Continuing education events, the Center for Moravian Studies, a wide variety of courses in diverse disciplines, and the Compass Program are just a few of the opportunities available. For more information, visit the Seminary’s website.
Music Opportunities
Our music ministry has always been an integral part of the life of the Schoeneck congregation. Our music program offers opportunities for all ages to serve God through fellowship and spiritual expression. Please contact our Director of Music Ministry, Ryan Morrow with any questions about our Music Ministry.
Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is open to everyone from Grade 9 through adult. There is no audition; all skill levels and voice parts (SATB) are invited to participate. Our choir is full of dedicated, kind, and fun-loving people and we enjoy our fellowship together.
The Senior Choir typically prepares an anthem for most of the 10:30 am Sunday worship services. The choir also sings for special seasonal events and services such as the Christmas Eve services and Easter Sunday. Most years we offer a special cantata to the congregation.
Rehearsals for the Senior Choir are on Thursday evening (from September to May) at 7:30 pm in the Choir Room for about an hour. On Sunday mornings we gather in the Choir Room at 10:10 am to go over that day’s anthem before heading up to the balcony together for worship.
Senior Handbell Choir
The Senior Handbell Choir is open to everyone from Grade 10 through adult. We play for many services during the year but shine the brightest during Christmas and Easter. A schedule of when the Junior Handbell Choir will be playing during worship is handed out at the first rehearsal in the fall and again in January. Senior Bells rehearse on Thursday evenings (from September to May) at 6:45 pm in the Sanctuary Balcony for about 45 minutes, and are led by our Director of Music Ministries, Ryan Morrow. Come ring and have fun with us!
The Brass Choir
Our Brass Choir has the special privilege of announcing the major seasons of the church year — from the resounding peals of triumph on Easter morning to the beloved strains of Christmas chorales on Christmas Eve. All brass players, young and old, are invited to join!
The Brass Choir is open to everyone from Grade 5 through adults. Led by Bill Heiser, we play a half–hour of preludes of traditional chorales before all lovefeasts, in addition to accompanying hymns for several of the lovefeasts. Rehearsals are held as needed. The Brass Choir also plays for our Christmas Eve Lovefeasts, the Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at God’s Acre, Easter Sunday Worship, Memorial Day at God’s Acre, and for funerals when called upon.
Special Music
Special Music is often needed for the 8:00 am or 10:30 am worship services from September to June, for the 9:30 am worship services in the summer, as well as special services throughout the year such as lovefeasts and Holy Week.
Our music program is pleased to provide opportunities for vocal soloists, duets, or small groups to perform for our worship services. We also have opportunities for soloists, duets, trios, and small ensembles to play special instrumental music for our worship services. Sometimes the Senior Choir performs an anthem that needs an instrument besides the organ to accompany them.
Fellowship Opportunities
At Schoeneck Moravian Church, we are focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for members and visitors alike. Our goal is to foster a sense of community and belonging. Essentially, our aim is to make everyone feel loved and valued as part of our faith community, whether they are new to Schoeneck or have been attending for years.
We are committed to developing fellowship opportunities to meet the needs of our Young Adults. Listed below are just some of the ideas we have, but we want YOUR INPUT as well!
- Small Groups: These provide a safe space for young adults to connect with peers, share their faith journey, and build deeper relationships.
- Social Events: Gatherings like game nights, bonfires, or holiday parties offer opportunities for fun and fellowship outside of formal settings. Other examples might include Couch–To–5K, movie nights, cooking together, etc.
- Retreats and Conferences: These events allow for focused time away from daily routines to connect with God and each other, often in a more relaxed setting.
Church-Wide Fellowship Events
Schoeneck Moravian Church strives to bring together church members and friends from all age groups and with diverse interests, and enable stronger personal relationships, through a variety of church–wide events. Some of these events include the annual Birthday Social, Mother’s Day Tea, Father’s Day Breakfast, Rally Day Festivities, and an Advent Workshop hosted by the Christian Education Ministry. Other activities include church picnics, Fire Pit fellowship, game nights, movie nights, and more. We encourage you to join in as many activities and events as you can as a way to share fellowship and faith together.
Volunteering At Camp Hope
Volunteers play a vital role in Hope Center’s ministry to young people. Schoeneck’s young adults can use their talents as counselors, nurses, program leaders, and role models. Volunteering is a great way to spend more time at camp and enjoy sharing the camp experience with young campers.
Adult Counselors: (age 18 and up, and two years older than the oldest campers being supervised) are essential for making a safe and enjoyable week at camp for all age groups. Counselors stay in cabins with the campers and provide supervision throughout the day.
Nurses & EMTs: Camp is always looking for individuals to serve as health care providers during each week of summer camp. You must hold a current certification but you need not be certified in New Jersey. Private air-conditioned quarters with bathroom and shower facilities are provided. The Nurse is present for all program events to oversee safety for all participants and is available for first aid and to dispense medication for all campers and staff. Meals, prayer, and pool time are part of the package!
For more information about volunteering at Camp Hope, please click here.
Young Adult Convo
Convo is a tradition that youth and young adults in the Moravian Church have enjoyed since 1957. Held every two years, Convo traditionally rotates between a gathering here in North America for high schoolers and a gathering elsewhere in the Moravian Unity for young adults.
Recent Young Adult Convos included trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands to explore early Moravian mission work on St. John and St. Thomas in 2019; and a trip to Prague and Herrnhut to explore historical locations related to the Ancient Unity in 2023. The next Young Adult Convo with be held in 2027, location TBA.
Service Opportunities
You can share in the mission of Schoeneck Moravian Church to follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in loving and serving all. Our goal is to help everyone discover rewarding and fulfilling opportunities to grow spiritually, to serve Christ, and to serve others according to their gifts, abilities, and resources.
Lean into your gifts, interests, and passions and find your place in one or more of our ongoing ministry opportunities. If you are new to Schoeneck, getting involved will help develop your gifts and abilities, make new friends, and deepen connections you may already have developed.
A lot of Schoeneck’s ministry teams meet just once a month, and you are always able to Zoom in to a meeting. There are also plenty of one–time special events that come up during the year where extra help is needed and greatly appreciated!
The ideas listed below are just a few of the service opportunities our Young Adults have to love and serve God, Schoeneck, and their neighbors. Check out our Serving & Caring pages and our Mission & Outreach pages for the many ways you can get involved at Schoeneck and in our community.
Scripture Readers During Worship
We are always looking for people who would like to be part of Sunday morning worship by reading the day’s scripture readings. Special training is not needed — just a desire to share God’s Word with the congregation. Scripture readings will be supplied in advance.
Technology Ministry
Members of the Technology Ministry run the live–stream during our worship services. We are seeking additional people to help with the live-stream on Sunday mornings.
Join the Diener Corps!
Would you like to be a part of a time–honored tradition at Schoeneck? Join the Diener Corps! We need additional Dieners to serve our Lovefeasts. Dieners work in pairs, but if you don’t have someone to partner with, we will gladly find one for you. No experience necessary — “Dienering” is very easy to learn! Please click here for our Diener Corps FAQs.
Help Out Around the Church
Property Work Days or Church Clean–Up Days are usually scheduled once or twice a year. Needed help might include gardening (planting, mulching, weeding), painting, scrubbing or vacuuming, raking leaves, light construction, etc. Many hands make light work! What you don’t know how to do, someone will gladly teach you.
Mission & Outreach
We are also interested in creating a Young Adult Mission & Outreach Program. Our ideas include:
- Local Missions: Participating in community service projects, partnering with local organizations, or volunteering time to help those in need.
- Global Missions: Supporting mission work locally or internationally, often through fundraising or direct involvement.
- Advocacy and Justice: Engaging in social justice initiatives, promoting peace and compassion, and advocating for positive change in the community.
- Young Adult Mission Trips: We are exploring the idea of holding a U.S. based week–long Young Adult Mission Trip.
Have You Been Turned Off By Church?
It’s possible you’re tired of the folks who claim to be Christian but behave in hate–filled ways. Perhaps you’ve been wounded by the church, either through congregational conflict, condemnation, or by someone’s active misbehavior. Or maybe, like many, you see the church as simply irrelevant. Whatever the case, there’s usually a reason why people have left a particular congregation or left church altogether.
We can’t promise you that Schoeneck Moravian Church will be an instant answer to what has turned you off to church in the past. But we can promise that you’ll find something different than you have experienced before, and you’ll find a level of acceptance here that just might change your perspective.
The Moravian tradition has always been one of peaceful, faithful living that emphasizes the words and actions of Jesus Christ, rather than following strict doctrines that could lead to division. We believe in living out our faith within a community of believers, with mutual respect and support that encourages spiritual growth, so that everyone will know that the members of Schoeneck Moravian Church follow Jesus’ example to love and serve all.
Young Adult Ministry Survey
We are currently in the process of reimagining our Young Adult Ministry to better meet the needs of people between the ages of 18 to 30ish. We want and need your input! We value you as part of our church family and want to know what YOU need from US.
How can we help you both as young adults and as Christians? What does your faith mean to you in today’s challenging world? Do you have questions you’re not sure you’re “allowed” to ask? How can we help your faith grow? How can we help you learn about God’s incredible love? How can we help you share His love with others?
All personal information will be kept confidential.