New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk I have launched a new series entitled, “The Hard Texts of Scripture.” My purpose is to establish the Moravian method of interpreting the scripture in the light of Jesus Christ. It may help for you to know my personal confession regarding Scripture which I believe to be the Divinely Inspired record of God’s revelation of Himself on the plane of human history, a revelation which hits its apex in Jesus Christ. First, I believe that the Bible is infallible, in the sense that it will accomplish all that God purposes for it to do. In Isaiah 55:10-11 we read: 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it Second, I believe that the Bible that we have is the Bible that God intends us to have. As we read in 1st Timothy 3:16-17: 16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… Though the apostle wrote primarily about our Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible in Greek Translation) which was the scripture of the Church in the time when the New Testament was still being written, I happily apply this text to the New Testament, too. I say that, “the Bible we have is the Bible that God intends us to have,” knowing that we possess thousands of manuscripts of the New Testament books alone; and that there are more variations in the manuscripts than there are words in the whole New Testament! Not one of those variations affects the Orthodox faith as we know it; but the plethora of extra manuscripts and words has something to teach us: Inspiration is more vital than verbal. It is the ideas behind the words that count, much more than the words themselves. Because of that, it is perfectly okay to translate the scriptures from one language into another.
In the first few weeks of the series we have discovered that some texts of Scripture are both pre-Christ and sub-Christ, that is, some texts don’t measure up to the Word of God that was made flesh in Jesus Christ. We cannot imagine Jesus barring people with disabilities from service in the Christian ministry, as Moses once barred them from service at the altar. Likewise in Deuteronomy 23:22 Moses commands: No bastard shall enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 23:2 RSV) Yet we cannot imagine Jesus rejecting a person for the circumstances of his or her birth. Nor can we imagine Jesus stoning someone taken in adultery as Moses clearly commanded. Thus we conclude: There are some texts of scripture that are pre-Christ, and some that are sub-Christ. Let me give a few more examples. In Acts 10, we learn that the dietary laws of the Old Testament no longer apply to us. In Ephesians 2 we learn that we are no longer bound by the laws of commandments and ordinances that Moses used to make Israel not just “odd,” but an “oddly powerful witness for God.” The cross makes us odd in a different way. As St. Paul says in 1st Corinthians 1:2224: 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Well then, does this mean that the Old Testament no longer has meaning for us as Christians? Absolutely not! The Hebrew Bible was the only Bible that the New Testament Church had. It simply means that, as Paul tells us in 2nd Corinthians 3, we must read our Old Testament with “unveiled face.” As he says, we are concerned not with the letter of it, but with the Spirit of it, because “the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” I have much more to say about how the hard texts of Scripture are measured against Jesus Christ. Come out and hear it! Pastor Green
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
Lamb Tales July 22, 2015 To the Lamb Ministry: I want to express my sincere thanks for the gift of a little white lamb who arrived at my home recently through your Lamb Ministry and my friends and neighbors. It was very rewarding to know of the prayers of those at New Philadelphia Moravian Church. This little white lamb is a blessing each morning as I eat breakfast and she is lying on top of my breadbox reminding me that you are supporting me in prayer and how blessed I am. I talked to my neighbors and told them I would like to share my lamb with my twin sister, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer’s and is in an assisted living home in Thomasville, N.C. To my surprise, last Sunday I found a package at my front door with another lamb in it. I will take it to my sister soon and explain where it came from. She will be so blessed as I am by your Lamb Ministry and your care and prayers for others. My thanks to this wonderful project. In Christian Love, Pauline Coleman Pegram Mrs. Pegram will be 94 years old this Christmas Eve. She and her sister were known in their youth as “The Coleman Twins.”
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New Book Club Beginning This Fall This is the main thing that has not changed about the South, in my opinion--that will never change. We Southerners love a story, and will tell you anything. Narrative is as necessary to us as air. We use the story to transmit information as well as to while away the time. In periods of stress and change, the story becomes even more important. In the telling of it we discover or affirm who we are, why we exist, what we should do. The story brings order and delight. Its form is inherently pleasing, and deeply satisfying to us. Because it has a beginning, middle, and end, it gives a recognizable shape to the muddle and chaos of our lives. ~ Contemporary Southern author, Lee Smith If these comments intrigue you or make you smile in agreement, please consider becoming part of a new book club devoted solely to Southern literature. Led by Kay Windsor, the group will read works by well-known 20th century and contemporary writers including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Fred Chappell. The authors selected reflect the world in which we live through their stories. The group will typically meet on the third Thursday of each month beginning in September and ending next June. There will be no meeting in December. The first book is Saving Grace by Lee Smith. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Clyde Manning.
OPEN DOOR LUNCH! August 5 at 11:30AM
Enjoy our summer lunch menu: Summer Salad topped with Grilled Chicken, beverage, and dessert. Music provided by Brad Bennett. Bring a friend and join us for lunch!
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - June 2015
Christy’s PFRRKWJ Corner On August 9, the entire congregation is invited to head to Laurel Ridge for our annual time of worship, food and fellowship on the mountain. Come at 10am and enjoy the day! For those staying in Winston-Salem, worship will take place at 10am with Sunday School optional for Adult Class groupings.
Laurel Ridge Congregational Worship & Potluck Sunday, August 9, 2015 10:00am – until you need to leave Activities: 10:00am – 11:00am – Fellowship & Walk to Overlook 11:00am - Worship 12:00pm – Potluck Lunch 1:00pm – Hiking, Fellowship, and unstructured activities What To Bring: One or two potluck dishes (meat, vegetable or dessert) Chair(s) for Worship Service at the Overlook Tea, lemonade, and water will be provided If you would like to ride on the church bus, please meet at the church parking lot by 8:20am for an 8:30am departure.
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We’re looking for folks who might be interested in joining one of our Children or Youth teaching teams this Fall, or who might be willing to serve as a substitute teacher.If exploring the Bible with our children and youth classes might interest you, even occasionally, please contact Pastor Christy today! Finally, the whole family can enjoy a weekend session of camp at Laurel Ridge together during Family Camp September 18-20. Adults are $40 each, children under 12 are $30, there is a cap of $150 per family. You can register in the same way as the Summer Camp sessions through the Laurel Ridge website, www.laurelridge. org.
Communion Preparation Class Early Communion Education Classes are scheduled for August 23 and 30 from 10:05 - 11am in the Godly Play Chapel on the 1st floor. If you would like to join this Fall’s class, please let Pastor Christy know that you’re interested. We have a group of about 12 children currently planning to participate!
Moravian Children’s Festival
Moravian Children’s Festival at Bethania Moravian Church Sunday, August 16 - 2-5pm Join in for fun & games, crafts, hayrides, storytelling and more at this Province-wide Children’s Festival! Pastor Christy will Directions: be one of the storytellers! Lovefeast to be held at 4pm Take Hwy 421 N. from Winston-Salem. in the church! This event celebrates the excitement and Follow 421 N to Hwy 18 N & turn right on to Hwy renewal experienced even by the children during the 18. Laurel Ridge is located in Blue Ridge Mountains, August 13th, 1727 renewal of the Moravian Church. 2 miles off Hwy 18 between N. Wilkesboro & Sparta. The children of Turn left on Darnell Woodie Rd. (State Road 1620), Herrnhut had travel 1 mile & look for signs to Laurel Ridge their own special Facilities. www.laurelridge.org service of worship on August 16, 1727; join us as we remember this moment and all It’s time to starting thinking about Fall Sunday School! the children of the worldwide Unity. Fall Sunday School Kick-off and Presentation of Bibles to 1st Graders - Sunday, September 13
Fall Sunday School Kick-off
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
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Hometown Nazareth - VBS 2015 After a full and successful week of VBS,
THANK YOU!
Our daily average for children’s attendance was 141. 26 Adults and Youth were Tribe Leaders each day. 60 Adults and Youth led children in activities in our Marketplace, Mary’s House, and Fun & Games. In total, over 110 volunteers helped to coordinate, decorate, donate items, prep materials, prep snacks, set-up, break-down and do our daily turnarounds. More than ½ of the children who participated are from our surrounding community; they heard about our program through word of mouth, a personal invitation, or saw our signs. Each day we heard about kids who were excited to come back, about kids who were having a wonderful time, and about parents who loved that we had so many people caring about their kids in such personal ways! Every contribution by a volunteer mattered and we couldn’t have made this happen without every single part played by everyone who participated! We reached out to invite the community in; they came and had a great time with us at VBS!
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
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Women’s Fellowship News Circle Meeting Dates & Times Circle 1............................. 4th Tuesday at 6:30PM Circle 2............................. 1st Tuesday at 9:45AM Circle 5...............................2nd Tuesday at 10AM Circle 7................................. 2nd Tuesday at 1PM Circle 8..................................3rd Monday at 7PM
Local Missions Projects July 23 - Sept. 23 Hospice: microwave snacks, canned meat (chicken, tuna, etc.), peanut butter and crackers, canned fruit/fruit cups, cereal, breakfast bars, Jell-O and pudding cups, cookies August - Sunnyside: Powered milk (individual packages, not loose)
Sew-a-Dress We will continue our Sew-a-Dress projects on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month in the Women’s Fellowship Craft Room. So mark your calendars and join us from 9AM until 12 N.
Church Family in Care Facilities Sarah Bricker (Elms @ Tanglewood) Ruby Byrd (Golden Living Retirement) Margaret Cooke (Trinity Elms) Lorene Crater (Bermuda Village) Mildred Furches (Homestead Hills) Clarence Gabard (Salemtowne-119 Phillips) Lib Greene (Homestead Hills) Betty Holcomb (Homestead Hills) Sue Hughes (Homestead Hills) Carol Hunter (Arbor Acres) Sarah Kirby (WS Nursing & Rehab Center) Ralph Johnson (WS Nursing & Rehab Center) Carolyn Robinson (Brian Center) Mary Steinkopff (Homestead Hills) June Smith (Salemtowne)
Donations of rickrack, buttons, pillowcases, etc. are always needed (collection box is in the library). Come help iron, sew and enjoy fellowship while we make dresses!
You Are Invited All interested parties are invited to join Circle 2 as they host an informative program called Navigation by Salemtown. This is a non profit program focusing on health, wellness, and maintaining independence while remaining in ones home. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 4 at 10AM and join us in the Banquet Room. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Ann Geis at 336-409-5240 or Cathy Ebert at 336-760-1913
Bereavement Committee News The Women’s Fellowship Bereavement Committee would like to invite you to volunteer to help with food for bereavement receptions or a family meal. If you would like to volunteer to be on a rotating team for this service, please email Jane Shore at jjshore79@ triad.rr.com or call 403-4407 and leave your name and phone number. You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Fellowship. Thank you.
Candle Molds Women's Fellowship is in the process of having new candle molds made for making our Lovefeast candles. We would like to extend the opportunity to the congregation to help purchase a mold in honor or memory of a family member or loved one. The names of these individuals will be engraved on the mold. If interested or if you have questions, please contact Cathy Ebert at 336-7601913.
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
Scouting News June and July have been busy months for Troop 715. We did a lot of preparing for summer camp, because this was the first week long camp for a lot of the Scouts. All the older scouts helped the new scouts so by the time we got to Camp Raven Knob, we were all prepared. One of the weeks leading to summer camp had the older scouts brought examples of good footlockers and backpacks, as well as the clothes and food in them. Proper shoes, socks, and first-aid kits were all shown. We got to camp around noon, with a lot of preparing to do. We had 4 to 6 Scouts in an Adirondack, which wasn’t crowded at all, considering there were 7 beds in each Adirondack. We noticed very quickly that it was going to be a very hot week, so everyone packed lots of water before leaving camp. We carried extra water for people who ran out of water or who had none. Our schedules were packed, having breakfast and clean-up until classes began. We had 3 hours of merit badge classes, went to lunch, and then the final 3 hours of classes. After getting to camp, we had free time until dinner, and then dinner. Then we had free time until bed. We had very busy days. Merit Badges were the main focus of camp, as they were what you spent the majority of your time doing. Some classes were more pencil and paper like Personal Management and Communications. Others were more physically challenging, such as Swimming and Wilderness Survival. The Camping and Wilderness Survival classes even slept outside in improvised shelters one night. Much work was done, and a lot was accomplished As fun as camp was, no night compared to Wednesday which was family night at Camp Raven Knob. We ate delicious food that the parents brought us. Pizza, Cookies, and all types of drinks were served in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We also had a giant campfire, where skits were performed and people got tapped out, which allowed them into the Order of the Arrow. Awards were given out as well. Our Troop earned lots of awards, but the big one was the Honor Troop Award. It is given to any troop that gets a good overall inspection rating, of which we got a perfect 100. When the parents left, we were able to keep the left
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over food, which became a favorite snack for the days to come. As camp closed, we all had at least 1 merit badge completely done, and a few with only one or two requirements left. On the last night, we retired old and worn out flags, as a sign of respect for America. Leaving was bitter-sweet as we were all excited to be back home, but we all could never forget the fun times we had. Summer Camp also ended the structured scout meetings, but we have an open door policy for Mondays, where scouts can work on ranks, badges, or just play and have fun. Regular meetings will resume when school starts up again. Open house is coming up soon, which is the time where scouts can come and join for a year of scouting. We hope to see you there!
Nathan Clark ~ Memorial Patch Set
The Boy Scouts of Troop 715 wanted to create a memorial patch set in remembrance of their friend and fellow scout. They chose a soccer ball shap that shows areas of Nathan’s life to honor. A small amount of each $60* patch set will go towards projects in Nathan’s name at Raven Knob Scout Reservation. You may respond to the following email address with your name and the number of patch sets you would like to purchase or with questions: nathanclarkpath715@gmail.com *a minimum of 50 sets have to be sold to get this price
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
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Mission and Social Concerns
in your prayers. The Committee voted to send $500 to help the church rebuild.
Isaiah 6:8 I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us:” Then I said, “Here am I! send me.”
Disbursements for the month of July are Kevin and Charity Manous $670.
Do we answer God’s call, where do we allow him to send us? We are all disciples as Christians. Our fields may be at work, next door, at the grocery, any contact with another human being can be Our Field. We are called to share the gospel in Word and Deed. Making the difference in just one person’s life can mushroom and grow into making the difference in many lives. Don’t pass up the opportunity to share God’s story of love and forgiveness wherever your Field may be! At our July Mission meeting we saw a short film on the destruction of the Moravian Church in Nepal caused by the 2014 earthquake. The congregation and school are meeting in tents and on the ground while church reconstruction is underway. Keep these people
The Moravian Church in Peru is struggling to pay their rent for the rest of the year. The Southern Province is trying to raise funds to help with this. Our Committee voted to assist with $500. They, like the church in Cuba, have to have a building to meet in to remain a legal congregation. Remember our Committee is an open committee and all are welcome. It is not only our responsibility to keep the congregation informed on local and foreign missions, but we hope to involve the congregation in missions as much as possible. We will again be holding our Mission Fair in October at the Open Door Lunch and welcome your participation in that. Thank you for all you do as a congregation at NPMC to serve the Lord.
Funtastics in August Plan now to join the Funtastics on Thursday, August 13 when we welcome our speaker, Dr. Nola Knouse, director of the Moravian Music Foundation. Coffee will be served in the Banquet Room at 10AM. Dr. Knouse’s presentation will begin at 10:30AM with lunch to follow.
The Lord's day
O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair, How welcome to the weary and the old! Day of the Lord! and truce to earthly care! Day of the Lord, as all our days should be! —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Please RSVP to the church office by Monday, August 9 so we’ll know how many meals to prepare. All are welcome. Bring a friend
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
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Financial Report & Attendance As of May 2015 Annual budget ����������������������������������������������������� $955,588 Expenses to date ������������������������������������������������� $462,409 Income to date ���������������������������������������������������� $447,198 Shortage to date ������������������������������������������������������� $15,211 Disbursed in month Pastoral Staff-Salary, Travel, Housing, Pension, Ins. ����������������������������������������������������$7,999 Staff-Salaries, Soc. Sec. Ins. ���������������������������� $25,619 Christian Education/Youth ������������������������������$5,720 Nursery ��������������������������������������������������������������$442 Library ���������������������������������������������������������������� $52 Office Expenses �����������������������������������������������$2,624 Hospitality ����������������������������������������������������������� $11 Cleaning Expenses �������������������������������������������$3,714 Grounds ����������������������������������������������������������$2,545 Building/Equipment Repairs ����������������������������$5,581 Utilities ������������������������������������������������������������$6,680 Open Door Outreach ������������������������������������ $915 credit Kitchen/Custodial Supplies ��������������������������������$492 Provincial Contributions �������������������������������� $16,999 Total for month ������������������������������������������������������ $77,563
Funds Iobst-Gray Missions Fund �����������������������������������$21,691 Benevolences ������������������������������������������������������� $4,746 Bus ��������������������������������������������������������������������� $1,845 Band.............................................. ���������������� ......$2,214 Music ������������������������������������������������������������������ $1,791 Elizabeth Windsor ��������������������������������������������� $24,132 Lewis Ministerial Student Aid Fund... ������������������ $4,955 Anne Chadwick Band Fund.......... �����������������.....$10,037 Capital Improvements................. �������������������.....$52,703 Bells of Joy ������������������������������������������������������������� $797 Laurels Cabin & Lodge ���������������������������������������� $2,103
PLEASE Remember to Lock Up after Your Event!
Sunday School
Worship 1st
2nd
July 5
182
214
120
July 12
210
217
137
July 19
190
231
163
July 26
192
200
140
Nursery 1st Service
2nd Service
Jennifer, Bette, & Deborah Children’s Church 1st Service 2nd Service Be sure to check the bulletin each week! **Greeters Aug. 2
Nancy Renn
Bruce Bradley
Aug. 9
Tim Adams
Kathy Mabe
Aug. 16 Toni Bigham
Tara Pitts
Aug. 23 Jessica Beaver
Nancy Renn
Aug. 30 John Geis III
Sarah MacReynolds
Sound Technicians 1st Service 1st Sun.
Mike Crotts
2nd Service Sam Farrar
2nd Sun. Mike Crotts
Brad Underdal
3rd Sun.
Mike Crotts
Aaron Prevette
4th Sun.
Mike Crotts
Aaron Prevette
5th Sun.
Mike Crotts
Aaron Prevette
**Elders and Trustees and Sound Technicians: If you are unable to fulfill your Greeting, Lock-up, or Sound assignment responsibility, please work together to find coverage.
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
Happy Birthday
1 Jackson Beaver 1 Jessica Beaver 1 Marilou Bradley 1 Craig LaMontagne 1 Chris Underdal 2 Evelyn Barber 2 Mearyles Barton 2 Andrew Flynt 2 Katie Flynt 2 Matt Jones 2 Beckett Koontz 2 Richard Lee 2 Eric Lundgren 2 Krystal Matlock 2 Thad Peoples 2 Marie Rodden 3 Shannon Koontz 3 Victor Pauca 3 MacKenzie Smith 4 Sherri Holloway 4 Easton Pransky 4 Kathy Shores 4 Ava Troxler 5 Kay Adams 5 Lorri Anderson 5 Frank Beck 5 Fay Weavil 6 Kenneth Hedrick, Sr. 6 Mindy Kelley 7 Betsy Beck 7 Stephen Duggins 7 Abby Langston 7 Andrea Williams 8 Susan Geis
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Happy Birthday
8 William Smith 17 Darla Bonnett 8 Ashley Stanfield 17 Bet Ellis 9 Fred Barringer, Jr. 17 Jane Fowler 9 Sue Crater 17 Charlie Mock 10 Donna Cox 18 Alexa Andrews 10 Molly Johnson 18 Robert Chamberlain 10 Aubrey Prevette 18 Molly MacReynolds 10 William Scales 18 Stan Tedder 10 Harrison Touby 19 Penelope Cole 10 Kay Windsor 20 Grover Chaney 11 Tripp Chrysson 20 Marvin Hansley 11 Wendy Dinkins 20 Bill Hayden, Jr. 11 Doug Gerringer 20 Tracy Jackson 11 Heather Mash 20 Ryan McSwain 11 Nicholas Price 20 Holden Walter 11 Andrew Underdal 21 Cynthia Adams 12 Christopher Mulholland 21 Libby Brown 12 Jerry Shiffert 22 Elaine Bauer 12 Lucas Thore 22 Chase Bodoh 13 Sonja Bell 22 Norma Nail 13 Doris Brantley 22 Charlie Rocha 13 Madelynn Carter 23 Kyle Adams 13 Alexa Panzano 23 Cinda Alexander 13 Donald Rabon 23 Ross Ketner 13 Ronald Rabon 23 Hoyle Koontz 13 Morgan Rothrock 23 Susie Tickle 14 Penny Martin 23 Brad Underdal 15 Hayden Chamberlain 23 Tom Williams 15 Becki Fulton 24 Luke Jackson 15 Donald Motsinger 24 Martha Ridings 16 Edrie Brunt 24 Carol Stigall 16 Chris Grubbs 25 Nick Chrysson 16 Ronald Tedder 26 Andrea Cox 16 Michael Walters 26 Pattie Dowell
27 Tricia Carter 27 Kevin Crooks 27 Clyde Manning 27 AC Quate 27 Zachary Runge 27 Camille Simmons 28 Larry Craver 28 Steve Foltz 28 Edward Koment, Jr. 28 Katherine Muto 28 Mary Self 28 Laura Veale 28 Walt Vogler 29 Gay Denny 29 Collin Granger 29 Chloe Krafft 29 Ed Poindexter 29 Tim Reynolds 29 Tony Walters 29 Richard Weavil 30 Bill Bigham 30 Sallie Davis 30 Lillian Hauser 30 Sue Jones 31 John Anderson 31 Will Guthrie 31 Hampton Morgan, Sr. 31 Ron Windsor
New Philadelphia Moravian Church - August 2015
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Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Simply faith, food & fellowship
OPEN DOOR LUNCH! August 5 at 11:30AM
Enjoy our summer lunch menu: Summer Fresh Salad topped with Grilled Chicken; beverage, and dessert. Bring a friend and join us for lunch!
Friday, August 7 at 7AM Guest Speaker: David Stanfield
Page 7 has ALL the info regarding our August Funtastics Event! Don’t miss it!
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The Newsletter Deadline is the 20th of each month. New Philadelphia Moravian Church 4440 Country Club Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104-3516 www.newphilly.org Office Hours: Phone: Fax:
8:30AM - 4:30PM Monday - Friday
336-765-2331 336-765-5536
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Worth Green ext 305 Senior Pastor
Rachel Weavil ext 301 Administrative Assistant
Christy Clore ext 303 Director of Christian Ed.
Jerry Bumgardner ext 313 Facility Manager
Clyde Manning ext 306 Pastoral Assistant
Nann Phillips ext 316 Direct Line 336-768-4844 Preschool Director
Donna Wright ext 302 Business Administrator