The Congregational Care ministry is committed to the purpose of helping the Schoeneck congregation, in a truly Christian sense, watch over and nurture one another. Congregational Care encompasses several ministries, with the purpose of caring for and sharing God’s love with our Schoeneck church family.
Through hands–on acts of compassion, comfort, and love these ministries provide support to members during times of joy, sorrow, illness, or other significant life events while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
This may involve visitation, prayer, sending cards, providing meals, or simply offering a listening ear. Essentially, they act as a support system for the congregation, ensuring everyone feels loved and connected.
Do not hesitate to let us know if you or someone you know has a need with which we might help by calling the Church Office at 610-759-0376. Privacy and confidentiality will be respected and carefully maintained when desired by those seeking care and support.
Casserole of Care
Members — Carolyn Hertzog, Sally Huber, Delores Klipple (Coordinator), Cookie Knauss, Lorena Roberts, Miriam Stoudt
If someone requires short–term meal assistance during a recovery from illness, injury, or surgery, or if there is a new baby in the home, a team of wonderful cooks is at the ready to provide fresh, home–cooked meals. The group is activated when a need is identified. If you know someone who needs meals or if you would like to prepare meals, please contact Delores Klipple through the Church Office.
Grief Ministry
Members — Laura Cook, Debbie Getz, Loraine Rice, Mim Stoudt, Ann–Louise Taylor (Coordinator)
Members and friends of Schoeneck aren’t alone when experiencing loss. The Grief Ministry reaches out to members who have suffered deaths and other losses, such as divorce, unemployment, and significant traumas. We also provide support for those who are caregivers to older or chronically ill relatives. With compassion and caring We support individuals and families through periods of loss, assuring them that their church family is present with them through these difficult times.
Grief has no barriers or timelines, and not all grief looks the same. The Grief Ministry provides a variety of resources: books, pamphlets, comforting scripture passages, and keeps in touch with church members throughout their first year of a loss.
If you are struggling with grief or the isolation that it can bring, please join our Grief Support Group. It is a safe environment where you can tell your story and express feelings freely, knowing that others will be understanding, non-judgmental, and supportive. Our Grief Support Group meets via Zoom on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Please contact any member of the Grief Ministry to be added to the Zoom link or for more information.
Health & Wellness Ministry
Members — Sally Huber, Cookie Knauss (Coordinator), Mike Rampulla, Lorena Roberts, and Joanne Smith
Our Health & Wellness Ministry program focuses on promoting the physical, emotional, and spiritual well–being of Schoeneck’s members and the wider community. Our program goes beyond traditional medical care, emphasizing holistic health and wellness through education, support, and advocacy.
We can provide information and resources on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and health management. We have many Care Notes booklets and other materials on a variety of topics available for adults, teens, and children. A Health & Wellness article is submitted each month for publication in the church newsletter addressing topical or seasonal concerns. We also have a list of agencies that can be called when you or a family member needs assistance or help at home.
We have an AED (automated external defibrillator) located at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the sanctuary, just off the main first floor hallway. There are three First Aid Kits — one in the main first floor hallway by the Health Ministry room, one in the Church Kitchen, and one on the second level in the hallway behind the sanctuary. We also have wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and a shower seat available for those in need. This equipment may be borrowed and used by congregation members and their families, friends, or neighbors, etc. for as long as needed.
Blood Pressure Screenings are offered after the worship services on the third Sunday of each month in the Health Ministry Room. Schoeneck’s Health Ministry provides this free service to any member of the congregation who is interested. We do encourage members to continue taking their blood pressure when possible or to monitor at home in addition to regular check–ups with their physician. If a member has a special need, they may have their blood pressure checked at any time by any of the members. We are always able and willing to help!
Pastoral Care
Sudden illness, death, or personal crisis can be a stressful event in your life or the life of someone you love. Unfortunately, they do not always happen during regular business hours. Pastor Ian is always available to provide counsel and guidance in emergencies and in other circumstances. He is happy to meet you in the Church Office, your home, hospital bedside, or anywhere you may find yourself in need. Pastor Ian regularly visits our homebound members and offers them the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Pastor Ian can be reached by email at [email protected] or through the Church Office at 610-759-0376.
Prayer Chain
Coordinator — Elaine Bittner
As a community of faith, we share our joys and concerns with one another. Schoeneck Moravian Church maintains an active Prayer Chain where members and friends of the congregation can request prayer for particular people or situations, and know that the many members of the church are praying for that need.
You may use the Prayer Request card in the pew, leave a comment on the weekly Facebook Prayer Request post, use the form found at the bottom of this page, or call or email a prayer request to the Church Office. Your prayer will be forwarded to Pastor Ian for inclusion in the intercessory prayers offered during our worship services.
The Prayer Chain is activated upon request. In turn, each prayer chain member will pass on the concern to the next link in the chain. New links in the chain are ALWAYS welcome! Please contact Elaine Bittner through the Church Office to be added to this vital ministry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Members — Deb Dishong, Donna Francisco, & Laurie Woolley
The Prayer Shawl Ministry provides knitted or crocheted shawls for those in need of comfort during times of illness or special challenges. Special prayers are said by those who make the shawls for each recipient. We share prayer shawls with those who are ill, hospitalized, homebound, and in Moravian Hall Square and Gracedale. A new addition is hand–crafted baby blankets, which are given to all babies who are baptized at Schoeneck.
Since the beginning of our prayer shawl ministry in 2005, we have given over 340 prayer shawls to our homebound members and some other folks in need. As Schoeneckian Lou Dishong puts it, “The prayer shawl is like a hug from our entire Schoeneck congregation.”
Members of this ministry make prayer shawls and blankets at home on their own time and deliver them to the church as needed. If you enjoy crocheting or knitting, feel free to make some prayer shawls and blankets!
Visitation Ministry
Members — John Beitel, Deb Getz, Melissa Gillette, Dennis Guldner, Sally Huber, Cookie Knauss (Chair), Loraine Rice, and Ann–Louise Taylor
Our Visitation Ministry volunteers visit, call, or otherwise contact a member who is listed as sick or homebound in our newsletter and bulletins. We provide friendship, encouragement, and prayer during our monthly visits. Any member can notify the church of someone who may need this ministry. It can be on a short–term basis or for whatever time is deemed necessary. We always contact the person prior to visits being made. You are welcome to join our visits to our homebound members — just call the Church Office and schedule a time with a Visitation Member.
Ministry members also communicate with our homebound members by phone, cards, or short social visits when possible. The church bulletin and Home Touch are mailed to our homebound members on a weekly basis. Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in Room 6.
We are always looking for new members to join us! We have purchased handbooks, Called To Care, with step–by–step guidance in visiting with ill and homebound members that are available to anyone considering this ministry. Please contact Pastor Ian or the Church Office if you are interested in joining this ministry.
Prayer Request Form
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
This form will send a confidential email to the Church Office for Pastor Ian and for distribution to our Prayer Chain members if requested. Although the fields in the forms may appear to be small, they can actually hold quite a lot of text! Please be sure to secure permission from an individual before sharing their concern publicly in worship or on the prayer list.