May 3, 2026
Resources and Materials for Worship Leaders.
The Psalm of Joy and the Celebration of Peace
Recognizing that music is a means of proclaiming the Gospel, we celebrate Moravian music on the fifth Sunday of Easter. At a time when our own world seems to be rapidly changing, we can find some comfort in listening to the sounds of earlier Moravians who also recognized that through it all, God’s love remains eternal.
Moravian Music Sunday 2026
Theme: Peace
This year in the United States we are marking the Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through all the ups and downs that this country has faced, the Moravians have been there. Back in 1783, with the Revolutionary War finally coming to an end, the Moravians in North Carolina received a letter from Governor Alexander Martin (ca. 1739–1807) proclaiming July 4th a day of celebration and thanksgiving. Unsurprisingly, the response by the Moravians was to turn to music. Out of this came a remarkable Lovefeast Ode by Johann Friedrich Peter (1746–1813) named the Psalm of Joy. Written to celebrate the end of the conflict, the Moravians, notably, did not revel in victory, but rather sought unity in the promise of peace. In this year of celebration, turmoil, joy, and anxiety, we choose to honor that legacy by searching for peace in whatever form it can be found. As Moravians have done for centuries, we choose to turn to God and our music. As we celebrate this music, let us remember that the sounds that fill our churches today are a reminder of those that have come before us, but also a reflection of who we are today.
The Psalm of Joy is a historic musical ode composed by Johann Friedrich Peter in 1783 for the Moravian community in Salem, NC, celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War. It is recognized as the earliest known organized Independence Day celebration in the United States. The work, often performed by the Moramus Chorale in Old Salem, features heartfelt songs of thanks, hymns, and, historically, the Tannenberg organ.
The resources, below, from MMF, provide most of what you need for your service, Singstunde, or other celebration. All are optional and may be revised for your needs.
An argument has been made that perhaps every Sunday is Moravian Music Sunday and, on a certain level, that is true. Imagine a service without a liturgy, without hymns, anthems, or a benediction. The message of the service might remain, but all the color would be gone. All of the qualities that make us who we are would disappear. From the earliest years of the church, music has been used by the Moravians to spread God’s message, to build community, and to praise the beauty and glory of God.
It is perfectly acceptable to select an alternate Sunday to celebrate Moravian music.
Please share your plans with us, either before or after!
Resources & Materials Available:
Liturgy, Order of Service, Bulletin Insert/Flyer, Statement to Read, Music Suggestions, and Letter to Pastors and Worship Leaders
For WORD documents, please email us at erik@moravianmusic.org
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