At Schoeneck Moravian Church, the belief is that the call to love and serve reaches far beyond our local community. The church aims to make a tangible impact through partnerships with other critical organizations, disaster relief efforts, and mission trips. Our goal is to bring hope, healing, and the message of Jesus Christ to those in need across the United States.
By sharing God’s love and support, we shine the light of Jesus in the darkest places and offer a helping hand to those facing the greatest challenges. Together, it is possible to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Discover how you can make a tangible difference where it’s needed most.
Moravian Open Door
Moravian Open Door is a non–profit organization committed to providing transitional housing and supportive services to the those experiencing homelessness, the distressed, and the underserved population of New York City. Our ministry serves those individuals who are fifty and older with the goal of helping them regain their independence and security, and assisting them in moving to appropriate, permanent facilities. Moravian Open Door is a ministry of the Moravian Church Northern Province, Eastern District.
Schoeneck collects a Joyful Noise Offering on the first Sunday of every month to benefit Moravian Open Door. The Senior Youth sponsors a collection each year for needed supplies for the residents. Past collections have included bedding (sheets set, blankets, and pillows), 9-volt batteries, pantry supplies, snacks, toiletries, books and games. Each year our Senior Youth Group travels to New York City with a Christmas Tree for MOD and helps the residents and staff decorate it and the Day Room for the holidays.
Moravian Disaster Response
Each year, natural disasters devastate the lives of people all over the United States and around the world, some of whom are fellow Moravians. More often than not we get news about these storms on the radio, the internet or on TV and wonder what we can do to help. Moravian Disaster Response, or MDR, is an outreach of the Board of World Mission that offers assistance in areas that have experienced devastation from circumstances beyond people’s control. MDR mobilizes resources — monetary donations, needed items collections, and volunteer work teams — to bring relief to those in need due to natural disasters, war, and injustice.
Schoeneck was instrumental in creating the Northeaster Moravian Disaster Response Team (NEMDR), a disaster relief group that went on several short–term mission trips to Ocean Springs, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. They went to additional locations in New York and New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy. They also completed mission trips to Hope, Indiana; the Texas Gulf Coast; Camp Hope; and several Moravian Churches in the Eastern District (Schoeneck included). We estimate over 50 Schoeneckians have participated in these trips over the years.
Schoeneck Moravian Church is currently seeking ways to broaden our work in the U.S. with short–term mission trips. We invite your thoughts, ideas, questions, suggestions, and comments — please speak with Pastor Ian or any member of the Mission & Outreach Committee.
Additional Resources
Other national organizations working to provide hope and renewal include:
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Each day, thousands of people provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers, and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world. We roll up our sleeves and donate time, money, and blood. We learn or teach life–saving skills so our communities can be better prepared when the need arises. We do this every day because the Red Cross is needed — every day.
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, which exists for the simple, humanitarian purpose of helping people whose health and lives are threatened by poverty, endemic diseases, natural disasters, or civil conflict — without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Direct Relief works in the US and internationally to expand access to medicine and healthcare by equipping doctors and nurses with life–saving medical resources.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest social service providers in the United States. We are committed to serving our neighbors in need of assistance in every zip code throughout the nation. The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865. From our iconic annual Red Kettle Campaign to our wide variety of available programs that serve local communities, we are dedicated to serving our neighbors in need.
The United Way seeks to improve lives around the world to advance the common good. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world. United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. We help neighbors strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities, and financial security.