New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk
We will convene a Congregational Council at precisely 10:15 a.m. on Sunday May 5. The council will have but one order of business: The election of delegates for the Quadrennial Synod of 2014 of the Southern Province of the Moravian Church in America. The 11:10 Service will begin immediately after the adjournment of the council. Those who wish to guarantee themselves the full worship experience, should make plans to attend the 9:00 a.m. service on that day, but we anticipate (and hope and pray) that the 11:10 service will take place as scheduled. The 2014 Synod will be held in at the YMCA’s Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina from April 3 to April 6, 2014. There will be several pre-synod meetings, beginning in late summer of 2013, and the frequency and length of the meetings individual delegates attend will be determined by the Committee to which they are assigned. A synod delegate is free to vote his or her own convictions and conscience, as opposed to a “representative,” who is bound by the obligation he or she has to the people that elect them. Moravian Synods are comprised of delegates, not representatives. Synod is a wonderful opportunity, and we would like for as many people as possible to experience attending at least one synod during their tenure as a Moravian. New Philadlephia will elect 9 delegates. Pastors under call and full time certified DCE’s will automatically attend Synod, and do not count toward this number. It is important that we have delegates that will represent all the adults present here at New Philadelphia, from those just starting out in life, to those who are already in retirement. We realize that some delegates will be forced to take vacation time to attend, but the experience may be worth it to YOU. I say this to you because if you would like to be considered as a delegate, I would like to hear from you by the 15th of April. You may email me at pastor@newphilly.org. Delegates must be at least 18 years of age, and a member in good standing of New Philadelphia Moravian Church. At least two of our delegates must be elected members of our Elders or Trustees. If you would like to know more about the responsibilities of a delegate, please contact me. I ask that everyone pray for the integrity and efficiency of this process. May God bless you richly The Pastor
Pastor John Writes:
Many thanks to our youth and families who helped with our pork shoulder butt sale during February and March! It was an incredible fundraiser for our summer youth mission trips, and we’re grateful for the great food and such tremendous support. Our youth also served the Lenten meal on March 10, which was a fun event for everyone involved. This summer, we’re returning to Laurel Ridge for Eco Mission Camp during the week of July 28-August 2. This week is open to any Middle High or Senior High youth, and it will be our eleventh year as a part of Mission Camp. As always, we’ll be serving our neighbors in the Alleghany and Ashe County areas, but this session is the first Eco Mission Camp for Laurel Ridge, and our projects will focus on helping the environment. Our Senior High youth will be serving on Staten Island, New York, from July 6-13, in an effort to help families affected by Hurricane Sandy several months ago. We have many activities coming up in April, including a hiking trip for Middle & Senior Highs at Stone Mountain on April 7. There is a Moravian Youth Rally at Friedland Moravian on April 21, and Youth Sunday will be April 28. We’re looking forward to this meaningful time of worship for our congregation, with our church’s youth leading all parts of the service. In between worship services, we’ll have a reception for youth and families. Congratulations to the Rev. Zach Dease on his ordination as a deacon of the Moravian Church on March 17! Zach was an active part of our youth program before graduating from high school, and he served as an intern with our congregation during the spring of 2009. We’re excited as he begins his ministry as the pastor of Mayodan Moravian Church. I look forward to seeing you in April! In Christ, The Rev. John G. Rights NOTE: The Elizabeth Windsor Memorial Scholarship application is available in the church office, and also online on the church web-site (www.newphilly.org/ ElizabethWindsorScholarship). This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and students completing their first year of college. More information is included on the application form. Completed applications must be received by the church office no later than Friday, April 26.