Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know if I'd like to visit Palmer Moravian Church?
There is a small parking lot outside of the church, as well as free on street parking. No steps are needed to enter the building. Bathrooms are available on the main floor, and gender neutral bathrooms are available as well. The main entrance is the door on the right in the picture below (and this is the door you'll use if you visit during the week too!).
Feel free to bring coffee from home, or grab a cup at church, you're welcome to bring it into worship with you. The space pictured below, on the right hand side, with the red carpet is our sanctuary. This is our main worship space, and where we gather on Sunday mornings.
The service begins at 9:30am and includes music and singing, prayers in the form of liturgies (call and response written prayers) and the sharing of 'joys and concerns' the prayer requests of the gathered community. You are never required to speak up or share a prayer request, but you're always invited to do so if you'd like to.
The service welcomes people of all ages, and lasts around 1 hour. Children are welcome to bring their full wonderful, wiggly selves to worship, and we offer a children's message during the service.
After the service, there will be snacks and an opportunity to chat with folks outside the sanctuary, in the same lobby you entered when you came in earlier!
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable wearing! A typical worship service will mostly involve sitting, with some standing (as you are able, or comfortable). At Palmer Moravian Church, we do not have a dress code, and encourage folks to wear clothes that allow them to fully and comfortably participate. Whether that's a hoodie and jeans or your "Sunday Best" is up to you.
What is Pastor Eileen wearing?
For the celebration of the sacraments (Communion and Baptism) as well as rites such as the Confirmation of Faith, Pastor Eileen wears a surplice. This plain white robe is a traditional garment for pastors and servants in the Moravian Church to wear. According the Moravian Church Northern Province, "when worn, [the surplice] covers those serving and thereby indicates that the pastor is serving not in his or her own personality, but in a specific sense as the representative of the Lord."
Can I receive communion at PMC?
The Moravian Church celebrates communion in the spirit of an open table. We are reminded that as we receive Holy Communion, it is our Lord's Table, and not our own. All are welcome to recieve communion at Palmer Moravian Church.
What is the Moravian Church?
The Moravian Church is a global unity of churches, also known as the Unitas Fratrum. Our church is a congregation of the Moravian Church denomination. The Moravian Church Northern Province is also in 'Full Communion' agreements with several other denominations, which reflect our shared heritage of faith and our values. These partner denominations include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Anglican Church in Canada, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). For more information about the Moravian Church, please visit our 'About' page, or Moravian.org.
I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community, am I welcome at Palmer Moravian Church?
The Moravian Church Northern Province states that, "The Northern Province of the Moravian Church in America equips people and congregations to be agents of God’s transforming love in the world. No matter who you are or how you identify, you are embraced and affirmed by God’s expansive love." At Palmer Moravian Church, we proudly affirm the image of God in each and every person and welcome all to participate fully in the life of the church.
