by Theresa Dardanell
Graceham Moravian Church
The very popular “Served With Grace” monthly community meal is what most people know about Graceham Moravian Church, but it is only part of their very extensive ministry. Held on the first Monday of every month, this free dinner is a social event that brings the community together, while providing a nourishing meal. What you might not know is that some of the food that is served during the dinner is grown in the garden that is located on church property. Members of the Garden Ministry grow potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and other vegetables. Surplus vegetables are donated to the local food bank.
“Served With Grace” is only one of the many local community outreach programs. They participate in the Thurmont Ministerium’s summer lunch program for children and Christmas Gift Program; organize and host the annual school supply drive for students in the Catoctin feeder district; and support the Thurmont Food Bank, Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, Seton Center, Safe and Sane, Hospice, and Catoctin Community Medical Fund.
“Angie’s On The Bend” is a housing ministry for women who have experienced homelessness or who are in need of safe, affordable housing. The Women’s Fellowship Group at Graceham Moravian Church makes Valentines to send to shut-ins and the elderly, creates ornaments at Christmas for nursing home residents, and visits St. Catherine’s nursing home to lead games and social activities. The Garden Ministry also grows sunflowers, zinnias, and perennials, which are then given to members and friends who are confined to their homes. Youth members also visit and deliver flowers to nursing home residents.
Prayer, of course, is an important ministry. An Opioid Prayer Group meets on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. to pray for those struggling with addiction, as well as their families and those providing services, and they pray for a solution to end the crisis. There is a Prayer Shawl Ministry and a Prayer Chain Ministry. Worship leadership at St. Catherine’s is provided several times a year.
Community outreach is not limited to local organizations. The congregation supports the Sowers’ Family Mission work in Honduras; their work includes feeding centers for children, training for pastors, and building hospitals. Shoe boxes and backpacks full of essential items donated by church members are assembled by the Christian Education Committee and sent to children in Honduras. The annual youth mission trip is an opportunity for the young members of the congregation to travel to other areas of the country and provide services, including exterior painting, building new porches and wheelchair ramps, and roofing. The church also supports the work of the Moravian Church’s Interprovincial Board of World Mission through monetary and in-kind gifts, as well as participation in mission trips.
Fundraising helps to support all of the many outreach programs. The popular Turkey and Oyster dinners are held every March and October. Over two days, between 750 and 1,300 family-style meals are served. Some of the dinners are prepared for home delivery by the Caring Team Ministry. Along with the turkey and fried oysters, diners enjoy stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans sauerkraut, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, rolls, cake, and beverages. Peanut butter balls made by the Women’s Fellowship Group, as well as crafts and baked goods, are available for sale. Other fundraisers include a Valentine’s dinner in February, cake auction in August, yard sale at the church during Colorfest, and the senior citizen’s Christmas dinner in December.
Christian education takes place throughout the year. Classes for adults and children are provided by a dedicated staff of teachers and assistants at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays, from September through May. In June, July, and August, children attend Summerfest during the 9:15 a.m. worship service. Children who are members of the congregation have the opportunity to attend retreats and camps at the Hope Conference and Renewal Center in Hope, New Jersey. An annual silent auction provides half of the registration cost for each child. Children in the community are invited to participate in vacation Bible school, where they rotate through stations and enjoy games, crafts, music, stories, and snacks.
The Music Ministry is very busy. The different groups alternate to provide joyful music during the services. There is a Children’s Choir, a Hosanna Choir, and a Praise Team. The “Bells of Grace” handbell choir, which is open to children and adults, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. In addition to performances at Graceham Moravian and other churches, they have performed at St. Catherine’s and in various states over the years.
Graceham Moravian was founded in 1758. The original wood building was replaced in 1791, and the new sanctuary was added in 1822. Additional wings were built over the years, with the latest addition in 1989. There are currently about 250 members who are part of the worldwide Moravian church. Their mottos are “Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let Us Follow Him” and “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-essentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.”
Everyone is invited to join the Sunday worship services, which are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., September through May. There is a 9:15 a.m. service in June, July, and August. The church is located at 8231A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont.
Visit www.gracehammoravian.org or call 301-271-2379 for more information.
Pastor Sue Koenig (second from right) is shown with members of the Graceham Moravian Church.
