Friday, December 11, 2009

Moravian Field Trip and Service Project

On Dec. 4th our homeschool group went on a field trip to a local Moravian church to learn about early Moravian life and some of their traditions.

I classified this as a field trip and service project because our group was asked by another local ministry if we would write a Putz (which is short for Putzen) that would be presented at an out reach production later in the month.

First of all, I had no idea what a Putz was much less how to write one!

you can learn more about it here.

We found a local church presenting a Putz and decided we better check it out. I am so glad we did. Not only did we learn what a Putz was, but we also learned a lot about early Moravian tradition and how they lived their daily lives.

much different than our modern day lives.

First we sat in the sanctuary and heard about the history of the Moravian church. Look at that star isn't it beautiful? It has 109 Points and is made out of paper! I can't remember how tall they said it is, but trust me when I say, "It's HUGE!"



Next, we learned all about the Moravian cookies. YUM!



It is amazing how thin those cookies are. To know if you have rolled your cookies thin enough, 12 cookies stacked together should measure an inch!



After that, we learned about how they made beeswax candles. This was one of the kids many jobs. We also learned about the Tinsmith and how they made tools, candle holders, cookware and many other necessary items.



Then we moved to the star room and learned the history of the Moravian star. It originated from a math lesson! Geometry, none the less.



The stars can be made in several different sizes. Most stars are white (which represents the purity of Jesus) but some are red and white (red representing His blood)



I thought this one display was especially pretty.



Here is where we learned about the Putzen. It was presented in a small dimly lit room. While the narrator read the birth story of Jesus, she would shine a light on that specific part of the model. This is what the model looked liked...



so now I (and you) know what a Putzen is.

At the end of our tour each kid received a few cookies, lemonade and a candle.



Next we went back to our church to write a Putzen of our own. Last but not least, I'll leave you with....



...you guessed it...




...a silly picture!


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