Central Moravian Church is publishing a new book, "The Moravian Christmas Putz: Bethlehem Moravians Tell the Story of the Birth of Christ," this month, marking the 75 years since Bethlehem became known as Christmas City USA.

That same year, Central Moravian Church opened its doors to its Community Putz for the first time Dec. 24, 1937.

The 72-page volume, with 90 color pictures, tells the history and Moravian traditions surrounding the putz.

The book, scheduled to appear in local bookstores Nov. 23, was written by Vangie Roby Sweitzer and edited and designed by Nancy Rutman, both members of Central Moravian Church.

Sweitzer and Rutman will sign first editions 1 - 3 p.m. Nov. 23, Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem.

Sweitzer is also the author of "Christmas in Bethlehem: A Moravian Heritage," published in 2000 by Central Moravian Church.

The community putz is on display at Central Moravian Church the day after Thanksgiving for the Christian season of Advent. A putz is also displayed in many Moravian households during the season.

The Central Church putz features antique miniature figures of German origin set on a landscape of rolling hills, deserts, streams and live trees constructed by Central members who collected the natural material on "Moss-gathering Sunday" in early November in the Pocono Mountains.

Thousands from virtually every state in the U.S. and dozens of foreign countries annually view the Central Church putz.

The Central putz, from the German word putzen, meaning "to decorate," is in the Christian Education Building on the church campus, Main and West Church Streets, Bethlehem.

The Star and Candle Shoppe features holiday gifts, including Moravian stars, handmade beeswax candles, ornaments, scarves and jewelry.

The putz and the adjacent Star and Candle Shoppe is open 1 - 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 - 5 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 - Dec. 31.

The display and shop are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Information: office@centralmoravianchurch.org, 610-866-5661