Welcome to First Moravian Church!

Moravians are the oldest continuously practicing Protestant denomination in the world today.  We welcome all to join us as we worship our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ.  Each Sunday,  we gather at 10:00am for Sunday School and 11:00 am for Worship.  Please come join us... You'll be glad you did!

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

CHRISTMAS EVE LOVEFEASTS

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Worship with us this Christmas Eve at one of our three Candlelight Lovefeast services (3:00pm, 5:30pm and 8:00pm). Our 3:00pm service is especially appropriate for children and families. Nursery care for children 3 and under will be offered at 5:30pm and 8:00pm. A band prelude will precede both the 5:30pm and 8:00pm services. Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking.

What is a Lovefeast? The first Lovefeast in North Carolina was held on the evening of the arrival of the Moravians at Bethabara in 1753. The tradition continues at First Moravian on Christmas Eve. Warm mugs of sweetened coffee––prepared in the Moravian tradition––and authentic Moravian buns are served to the congregation. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the “feast.” The candle portion of the service began as a Moravian children’s service. Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. The beeswax candles have been variously described as symbolizing the purity of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ as the light of the world. The candles are lit while the worship space is darkened, except for a large, illuminated Moravian Advent Star. Led by a child, worshipers sing the antiphonal hymn, "Morning Star, O Cheering Sight," before carrying the light of Christ in their hearts out into the world.