Some Frequently asked Questions
Where and When do you worship?
Currently, we are gathering at 10 AM in the parking lot of Attorneys Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP, as well as streaming live on Zoom. Typically (meaning pre-COVID), we would gather to praise God in worship every Sunday morning at 10 AM on the second floor of 227 North Queen Street. (above the bus station) Come as you are; all are welcome! Ven tal como eres, todos son bienvenidos!
What are the essentials?
One of the most beloved parts of the Moravian Church is the Moravian motto: In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things Love. One can only appreciate the richness of that statement if he/she knows the essentials. Most simply put, the essentials are broken into two parts: what we believe God does and how we respond. We believe God creates, God redeems, and God blesses. We respond to these gifts with faith, Love, and hope. The Moravian Church does not have a required belief regarding how God does these things, nor does it mandate what it looks like to respond in faith, Love and hope, simply that these are the things essential to our faith.
Who are the Moravians?
We are … a church where people matter and where Love and compassion flow freely from God through people.
We are … a warm, friendly, accepting place in which to grow in your relationships with God and people.
We are… a down-to-earth approach to faith and life that seeks to emphasize Christian faith, hope and Love and de-emphasizes doctrines and creeds.
We are… a living witness to our motto: “In essentials unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love.”
We are… a Christ-centered church with an active congregational fellowship and service.
We are… a regular Protestant denomination that has been serving Christ since 1457.
We are …a worldwide church.
What do Moravians believe?
A personal, heart-felt relationship with God through Jesus Christ is an essential part of faith.
We are to share God’s love in word and deed with people of other cultures and in all the world.
Faith in Jesus Christ is a community experience.
We find guidance for doctrine and faith through the Bible.
We have a heritage of creativity in music and worship.
We subscribe to the major creeds of the Church. (ie. Apostle’s, Nicene, etc.)
Discerning God’s will is a task to be shared among many rather than to be vested in a single person or office. We use conferential form of government to share this responsibility.
We place great value on our ties with Christians of other denominations throughout the world.
Moravians believe in one God: Creator, Son and Holy Spirit
Moravians believe that Jesus Christ is the way to God and God’s way to us.
What are some unique Moravian customs and practices?
Holy Communion - Moravians share open Communion which means all are welcome to participate regardless of church involvement.
Lovefeast – Lovefeast is a community celebration of unity and fellowship marked by food and drink within worship. Lancaster Moravian celebrates lovefeasts a few times a year on special holidays or significant dates for our denomination.
Moravian Daily Texts – The Daily Text is a small book of daily devotion printed annually since 1727. Several million Christians, including Moravians, use it to begin and/or end each day. There are two scripture verses, two hymn verses, and a short prayer for each day. Please contact the church office if you are interested in receiving a Moravian Daily Text.
Readings for Holy Week – Throughout Holy Week –(Palm Sunday to Easter)– we gather each day to walk with Jesus for the last week of his life by reading the appropriate Gospel passages for each day. These gatherings are relatively informal and usually short in duration. There is no sermon or liturgy – the scriptures and hymns alone tell the story.
Unity Prayer Watch – The people of the Moravian Church are constantly praying - literally. Moravian congregations around the world take turns carrying the assignment of having at least one member in prayer at all times. What an opportunity to be one link in an endless chain of prayer!