The Advance

West Side Moravian Church of Bethlehem, PA

Our Mission: “We are disciples who nurture each other,

pray with love and share the joy of Christ.”

Published Monthly November 2011 Volume XXI Issue No 10

In Leviticus God asks Moses to tell the people, “You shall be holy because I the Lord your God am holy.”

Holy is as holy does is translated from Forest Gump who, when asked if he was stupid or something said, “Stupid is as stupid does.” Thus implying the stupidity was an action not a state of being. I am suggesting that is true for holiness as well.

God says, “You shall be holy because I am holy” and then gives what is called the holiness code or ways to be holy. It includes honor your parents, remember the Sabbath, put away your idols, treat others with justice, don’t talk about others (you can read them all in the book of Leviticus. I am reading from chapter 19).

Holiness is not beyond us, it is within us. Holiness is rolling up our shirtsleeves and helping others, not in supernatural or stupendous ways, but with the ordinary thing of life, like listening to a friend who is lonely, visiting someone who is ill, taking the neighbor to the grocery store, helping out at the food bank, donating food, etc. Holiness is taking God’s love and putting it into action.

As part of my seminary training I spent a summer ministering in a Christian mental health facility. We had had a particularly bad day and as our team of caregivers was reviewing the day our team psychiatrist said, “It’s true that some of these problems were caused by chemical imbalance or physical ailments, but at least 50% of those who are mentally ill could be spared their illness by simple acts of kindness and love. If humanity would learn to love God and love others,” he said, “I could be out of a job!”

God said, “Be holy for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

- Pastor Marge

Operation Christmas Child

Christmas is coming – it’s time to fill your shoeboxes again! The Christian Education Committee is sponsoring Operation Christmas Child. The brochures are in the back of the sanctuary. We have supplied some empty boxes, and some are already wrapped. All the empty boxes can be found on the stage along with some extra items you can put into your shoebox. Please help yourself. Filled shoeboxes are due on Sunday, November 13. Last year we filled 51; let’s fill more this year. Thank you for your support!

Senior Friends

Senior Friends will be held Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The program will be “Pig Tales,” Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Baseball Team. Speaker to be announced. Please bring a bagged lunch and a friend. Call the church office at 610-865-0256 if you need a ride or can provide transportation.

Thank You!

Thank you to all who helped with our recent fundraisers! Our Neighborhood Yard Sale on October 8 raised $586.17, which was used toward payment of current bills. The Chili Tasting event on October 16 raised $186.00, which we donated to the West Side Food Bank. We also donated a carton of food to the food bank as well. We couldn’t have these successful (and fun!) events without everyone’s help!

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Those Who Are Serving

Sunday	Flowers Given by	Counters	Sacristans	Liturgist	Greeters	Fellowship
11-06-11	Robin Dague	Shirley Leh Phil Pinkerton	Don DeWalt Doug Yochum Sam Velez	Ann Pinkerton	May & Ed Glagola	Fellowship Committee
11-13-11	Mr. & Mrs. Jim Kleintop	Phil Pinkerton Bill Hassler	Ralph Wanamaker, Jr. Don Richards Curly Wiles	Pastor	Sandy Kuder Alice Speck	Tina Murphy
11-20-11	Marge Hassler	Shirley Leh Mary Holland	Greg Clugston Mike Palmer Fred Kline	Ralph Wanamaker, Jr.	Carol Willett Curly Wiles	Barb Schwab
11-27-11	Mrs. Edward Glagola	Phil Pinkerton Terry & Jim Kleintop	Don DeWalt Doug Yochum Sam Velez	Jen Holland	Lucille Brensinger Barbara Richards	The Pinkertons

October 2010

10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

60 61 71 57 57

October 2011

10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23

68 42 61 68

Food Bank Sunday – Nov. 27

Donations of non-perishable foods and cash are always appreciated. The food bank also accepts infant items, such as diapers and wipes, hygiene items, and household items, such as toilet paper and paper towels. Those who use the food bank also need these items. The West Bethlehem Area Food Bank does not use cash donations to purchase these items. Please remember to bring a donation with you to church.

Called Home to the Lord

Ginnie Rohn moved to the more immediate presence of her Savior on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Ginnie was a daughter of the Rev. Dennis G. Rohn and the late Rev. Kay C. (Miller) Rohn. She was also a sister of Karen A. Krauss; the Rev. Beth Rohn-Habhegger; and Susan J. Testa. Please hold the Rohn family in your prayers during this difficult time.

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MORAVIAN

WOMEN

Meeting Schedule for November:

Moravian Women’s Executive Board – Monday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.

King’s Daughters “Be Ye Kind Circle” – Tuesday, November 8 at 1:30 p.m.

Kathy Gramley Circle – Tues., Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Election Day Outreach – Nov. 8

West Side will be providing coffee and sugar cake to voters. Moravian Women are also having a bake sale on Election Day. We need people to greet voters and people to provide baked goods for the sale. If you can help, please sign the sheet at church, or can contact Judy Young.

Provincial Women’s Board

West Side’s assessment to the Provincial Women’s Board is based on the number of communicant members age 18 and over, both men and women. The enclosed envelope is made available for your contribution. We appreciate your help in meeting this budget item. You can place envelopes in the offering plate, or give them to Mary Holland.

Annual Cookie Sale

Moravian Women’s Annual Cookie Sale will be held on November 13, 20 & 27. The sale will take place in the church foyer and in Fellowship Hall following worship. Cookies are only $1.00/bag. On December 4, we will sell cookies, candy and crafts after church in Fellowship Hall.

Holiday Craft Show

Palmer Moravian Church will hold a Holiday Craft Show and Bazaar on Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. It will feature many local crafters and vendors. New this year is a treasure hunt – be sure to fill your ticket slip out upon arrival at the door. Lunch is available; take-out only dinner is available (chicken pot pie). Please order in advance through the church office (610-253-2510).

Free Concert

On Sunday, November 6 at 4 p.m., the Central Moravian Church Choir will present The German Requiem by Johannes Brahms.  Donald Spieth will conduct a 32-piece orchestra and full choir with Becky Owens, organist, Cathy Spallitta, soprano soloist, and Jeremy Gaylon, bass soloist.  No tickets are necessary.  Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.  Please call Central Moravian Church 610-866-5661 ext. 206 for additional information.