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On the cover: Blossoming trees herald the promise and wonder of Spring. Phto by Mike Riess
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Moravians in Minnesota Leaders in Alaska Unity Committee on Theology
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SPECIAL FEATURE: Board of World Mission Annual Report
Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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Moravian Unity 5 Unity Committee on Theology meets to study church and doctrine Moravians in Mission 7 Addressing the need for trained leaders in Alaska 11 SPECIAL FEATURE: 2014 Board of World Mission Annual Report Moravian Women 9 Excitement builds for June’s International Moravian Women’s Conference
Member, Associated Church Press
In Our Congrgations 31 Minnesota Moravians making a difference in the Twin Cities Studying Moravian Doctrine 34 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, Part III
Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.
April 2015
In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: A front-row seat to Moravians in Mission 37 Official Provincial Elders’ News 38 Turning Back Pages: April 1990 3
PONDERINGS
A front-row seat to Moravians in Mission Given our heritage (and current emphasis) on being a missional
church, it is rare that an issue of The Moravian Magazine doesn’t contain an article about Moravians in mission. But for the past several years, the April issue of the Moravian Magazine has offered an even more concentrated and in-depth look at the work Moravians are doing around the globe. Since 2012, a special section of the April issue of The Moravian has been dedicated to the Board of World Mission Annual Report. This yearly collaboration with BWM provides an opportunity to highlight their activities around the world to every Moravian household in the Northern and Southern Provinces. The Board of World Mission Annual Report gives me a front-row seat on the work the North American church is doing in many different countries. As I edit copy, design pages and review photos, I learn so much about what’s happening with our mission efforts. I grow more excited about what the BWM has made possible during the past year and where it’s headed in the future. I continue to be amazed by the dedication of people who give their time and talent to help those in developing countries while bringing the word of God to those who long to hear. This year’s Annual Report highlights BWM’s focus on “Journeying Together.” Readers can explore efforts in areas where Moravians have been working for many years, like Honduras, Nicaragua, Labrador and Tanzania, along with areas of exciting new expansion, like Peru and Cuba. The Report also provides information on resources to help individuals and congregations get involved in mission work, along with how the board uses funds entrusted to them. But the April issue isn’t only the Annual Report. This month, we also share stories of new beginnings in Alaska, Moravians in Minnesota helping to make the Twin Cities region a better place, the work of the Unity Committee on Theology and more! I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian Magazine. As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and insights on what we share in these pages.
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(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) April Vol. 46, No. 3 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Ginny Tobiassen Peggy Carter Jane Weber Gary Kniskern Jill Westbrook Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
MORAVIAN UNITY
Unity Committee on Theology meets to study church and doctrine In February, a team of Moravians from around the world gathered in Florida to address the role of the worldwide Unitas Fratrum. Established by the 2009 Unity Synod in London, The Unity Committee on Theology (UCOT) serves the Unity Board in the years between synods. The Committee includes two members from each of the four regions of the worldwide Moravian Church (Caribbean/ Latin America; Africa; Europe and America). The Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman, pastor of Waconia Moravian Church in Minnesota, and the Rev. John D. Rights, pastor of Konnoak Hills Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., represent the two North American provinces with the UCOT. Members are approved by the Unity Executive Board to serve sevenyear terms for up to two consecutive terms. The UCOT meets two or three times in the intersynodal period to discuss matters of ecclesiology and doctrine as the Unity Board directs. In this most recent intersynodal period UCOT has met in Herrnhut, Germany and Capetown, South Africa. The Committee,
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along with Unity Board Administrator Jørgen Bøytler, held its most recent four-day meeting at Prince of Peace Moravian Church in Miami this February. During its most recent meetings, the UCOT has been discussing the Role of the Unity worldwide. What is it theologically and ecclesiologically that holds our independent provinces in Unity? How is our Unity a biblical model for the earthly Church? The work of UCOT—minutes, statements, reports and papers—are submitted to the Unity Board, which consists of one member of the Provincial board of each of the 20-plus provinces governed by synod. Any actions based on (continued on next page) The Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman, Chair of UCOT, is pastor of Waconia Moravian Church, Waconia, Minnesota. Photo below: UCOT members were hosted by Prince of Peace Moravian Church in Miami.
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During this year’s UCOT meeting, members had an opportunity to take in some scenery, including this blue heron.
(continued from previous page) the UCOT’s work are taken at the board- or synod-level. The Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum (COUF) states, “The Unitas Fratrum cherishes its unity as a valuable treasure entrusted to it by the Lord.” It is this valuable treasure that UCOT is serving, while acknowledging that we are a Unity made up of legally independent provinces that vary in language, culture and biblical interpretation. Having a committee dedicated to theological discussion across these cultural differences helps our church to tend and nurture the complex Unity we share. Our Unity Synod will meet in 2016 in Jamaica and following that meeting some of the faces around the UCOT table may change; the commitment to the Unity will not. Miami hospitality Pastor Joe Nicholas and the church leaders of Prince of Peace Moravian Church in Miami organized all aspects of the committee’s lodging, meals, transportation and sight-seeing. The hospitality we were shown was phenomenal. The food was tasty and abundant; the fellowship was warm and inviting. 6
Our meeting days were followed by days visiting Moravian Churches and Fellowships in and around Miami, including New Hope, Margate, King of Kings and the Suriname Fellowship. On Sunday evening, the area Moravians gathered at Prince of Peace for a service of worship and sharing of talent, complete with choirs, dancing, poetry readings and a steel drum band. The churches in Southern Florida, many of whom were established following the war in Nicaragua in the 1980s, share a membership of people from all of the various islands, Suriname, as well as many Nicaraguans. All call Miami, “their home away from home.”
It is this valuable treasure that UCOT is serving, while acknowledging that we are a Unity made up of legally independent provinces that vary in language, culture and biblical interpretation. On the day before we left, Rev. Ted Wilde and Margaret, his wife, took us to the Everglades for a stroll among the crocodiles and blue herons, followed by a meal at a locally-owned Nicaraguan Restaurant called: La Hormiga De Oro (The Golden Ant). I recommend it! UCOT is grateful to the Unity Board and the Moravian Foundation for its commitment to promoting and encouraging ongoing theological conversation in service to the Unity. It is a privilege to the greater Moravian Church to meet many Moravian sisters and brothers from around the globe! ■ The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Addressing the need for trained leaders in Alaska For years, provincial leaders in Alaska strug-
gled with a lack of trained congregational leadership and dreamed about a multi-purpose building that would address the many needs of the Alaska Province. In January, that dream came closer to reality when the Province dedicated and blessed the land for the new Provincial building project. As wind chills approached 20 degrees below zero, Rev. Isaac Amik led some 60 delegates from the 2015 Alaska Province Synod to the building site for a short ceremony. Bro. Tim Samson led the service and Bro. Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries of Samaritan’s Purse, closed with a prayer that focused on Jesus’ words from Matthew 19:26; “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This expansion opportunity, along with the graduation service held during synod, collectively began to address the provincial need for trained leaders. Synod delegates celebrated with our newest graduates as the Alaskan sem-
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inary recognized two students who completed their base studies. These two will prayerfully be joined at the end of the current semester by two more graduating students and together they will enter the Pastoral Program. It has been some time since the seminary presented the province with trained candidates for pastoral service. These two events are answered prayer and a sign of great things to come! Currently, villages have limited leadership and resources equipped to deal with issues of addiction, physical and sexual abuse, depression and suicide; especially from God’s perspective. The seminary trains local people to serve locally, preparing students for lead(continued on next page)
Ed Dehnert is dean of the Alaska Bible Seminary in Bethel. Photos by Judy Ganz and Greg Aloralria. 7
Alaska Moravians sing during Synod worship service.
(continued from previous page) ership positions in their churches and communities. Graduates will become tribal and church leaders using God’s teaching and Christian morals to facilitate planning and decision-making processes that impact all aspects of the village. Samaritan’s Purse recognized the value of this training and has chosen to partner with the Moravian Church to help address these needs. Samaritan’s Purse heard about the work of the seminary and felt strongly that it is a ministry in Alaska that they still want to partner with and help to grow. In previous projects with the Moravian Church, Samaritan’s Purse was impressed with all aspects of their part-
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nership with the church. These experiences helped Samaritan’s Purse commit to a project of this size and scope. The project consists of building a new women’s and couples’ dorm and a multi-purpose building that will house three seminary classrooms, a library, two conference rooms, a kitchen and four offices, while converting our current facility into a men’s dorm. This increases our housing and classroom capacity three-fold and our library five-fold. Housing expansion provides greater opportunities for female and married students while the multipurpose building supports growth and offers technological advancements to our library and classrooms, providing greater educational opportunities for all students. The total budget for this project is $3.5 million, with construction costs of approximately $3 million funded by Samaritan’s Purse. The remaining balance will be used for building furnishings and will be raised under the responsibility of the Alaska Moravian Church and Alaska Bible Seminary through fund raising efforts. God has blessed us greatly; the glory and praise belong to him. Please keep the work of the Moravian Church in Alaska in your prayers as we continue to discern God’s will as we move forward doing his work! Quyana Cakneq (Thank you very much). ■ The Moravian
MORAVIAN WOMEN
Excitement builds for June’s International Moravian Women’s Conference Just
as the popular song states, “Lord, the light of your love is shining/ in the midst of the darkness, shining,/ Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us…” Jesus, the true Light, has been shining and leading the preparations of the 2015 International Moravian Women’s Conference every step of the way. The conference will begin in less than three months, and the past four years of preparation have sped by! The 12th Moravian Women’s Conference will be held June 25–28, 2015 at Sandy Cove
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Conference Center in North East, Md. Once the sleeping rooms at Sandy Cove are full, later registrants will be offered an off-site hotel location approximately five miles from the conference site. (continued on next page) Nancy Chandler is a member of Hope Moravian Church, Ind., and is chair of the 2015 Moravian Women’s Conference. Photos from 2011 Women’s Conference by Myra Jones.
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(continued from previous page) The conference committee is thrilled that 300 women from several different countries took advantage of the “early-bird” discount. Not only will there be attendees from around the world, but also workshops and worship services will be led by global Moravian women. Keynote speaker Jennifer Sands will share her testimony of coming to salvation through Christ after her husband was killed in the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11. The Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood will guide the conference attendees to view Moravian Church pioneer women and the importance of their roles in the ministry of the denomination. And the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Miller will lead the communion and candlelight Saturday evening services. Among the many fascinating workshops offered are ones with an international mission focus: Tania Sanchez Fonseca from Cuba will share “God’s Light with the Women in Cuba;” Yjollca Mazi will tell us about women in exciting Albanian Moravian experiences; Marion Perrin will lead a workshop, “Helping the Women of Tanzania Help Themselves,” while the Rev. Mary Kategile from Tanzania will
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be leading the Thursday evening Lovefeast service; The Rev. Patricia Garner will speak about the global Unity Women’s Desk; and Judy Ganz, executive director, Board of World Mission, will share “Bringing God’s Light in Promoting Sustainable Mission.” Daily morning worship leaders from different countries will start each day by guiding us as we Walk into the Light, following our Lord. Although the early-bird registration discount has expired and some of the workshops are full to capacity, there is still time to register. The best way to do so is on the conference webpage (www.moravianwomensconference .org). And, be sure to follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MoravianWC. One of the things that make international women’s conferences so special is the variety of things offered for sale by congregations and Moravian businesses. A vendor registration form is now available on the conference webpage for congregations and businesses interested in selling items at the conference. Please plan to join us in this exciting international worship event. There is nothing quite like singing, worshiping, sharing Lovefeast and communion with Moravian sisters from around the world. ■
The Moravian
Inquire Journeying Together...
Inform ...to go out and make disciples!
Invite
Invest 2014 Annual Report
BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America
Mission work is a journey. It is with great joy that we share the work of the Board of World Mission in this Annual Report. Mission work is a Journey and this year’s report presents mileposts along that Journey: • The Journey with the new work areas is to develop the structure, organization and plan for growth for them to eventually become a
Moravian Province of the Unity. •
The Journey with our more established Partner Provinces is to work toward sustainability and develop Mission outreach of their own.
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The Journey for all the Moravians we represent is to develop a greater appreciation for and involvement in the work of sharing the gospel through Mission work.
We present mileposts along those journeys in the following pages. This year has been exciting. We saw progress in each of the Journeys mentioned above. We saw the retirement of Jack Geis, Rev. Joe Moore and Rt. Rev. Peter Green who completed their terms of service on the Board, while Shirley Louis resigned for personal reasons. We will miss
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BWM logo seal with words in circle type reversed.
their wisdom, experience and passion for mission. We look forward to working with the new board members and realizing the new life, energy and enthusiasm each brings to the Board. We also added new staff and welcomed the Unity of the Brethren in Texas back to the Board. Even though the Journey is exciting and we might think we are in control, we need to remember that it is God’s journey and we are here to fulfill God’s will. As the Israelites journeyed through the desert they were led by God.They moved when God indicated they should go and they stayed when God indicated they should stay. I pray that we may seek and follow God’s plan in all the Mission opportunities that are laid before us. Loren Jendro BWM Board Chair
Board of World Mission 2014 Board of Directors Loren Jendro, Chair* Western District
David Geyer, Secretary* Eastern District
Marion Perrin, Vice Chair* Canadian District
Isaac Amik Alaska Province Thomas Baucom* Board-Appointee
*member of Executive Committee
Journeying together to make disciples. Growing out of a pastor’s survey and board retreat in 2013, our staff began to set an intentional direction to reconnect with our congregations as crucial partners in all that we do in mission. We named this new initiative Journeying Together and realized that as we looked inward to Inquire, Inform, Invite, and Invest—not only with our congregations but also with our global partners—we would be better able to go out and make disciples to share the gospel of Christ wherever we might be. The first step is Inquire. The BWM works with individuals, congregations and partner provinces to discern passions and gifts and to identify local and global calls to mission involvement. We are taking more time to listen to congregations and individuals. What are their
passions and gifts? What are the needs around them and globally that inspire them to reach out? Where does God seem to be calling this particular set of people to share Christ’s love? How might the BWM bring its gifts and resources alongside our congregations as we seek God’s ongoing call on our church today? We welcome your discernment in this process. Feel free to contact members of our board and staff for further discussion. It will also be important for all aspects of our church— congregations, agencies, even our global and ecumenical partners—to Journey Together to better address the significant challenges before us today. As we look at issues of polity, of structure, of financial constraints, and of health in our congregations, let us share
Roman Brady Board Appointee/Youth Representative
Kent Laza Unity of Brethren
Lisa Pampe Western District
Shirley Louis Western District
Errol Connor EWI Province/Advisory Member
Becky Frey Eastern District David Guthrie* PEC President/Southern Province Donna Hurt Southern Province
Betsy Miller* PEC President/Northern Province Dan Nelson Southern Province
our resources and skills and especially our sense of where God might be leading us today. The Rev. Judy Ganz Executive Director “…keep on seeking, and you will find.” Matthew. 7:7b
Joe Jarvis Southern Province Mission Society Joel Landreth, Treasurer Advisory Member
Inform
The BWM informs and educates individuals and congregations on the present and historical context of Moravian Missions. Journeying Together in Tanzania Adopt-a-Village, a program centered in Sikonge as a joint venture between the Northern and Southern Provinces in support of the orphans in the Western Province of Tanzania, is now in its ninth year.Three thousand children have been living at par with their peers and have access to higher education due to this partnership. Three new Moravian churches have been built in the villages surrounding Sikonge in the last two years, bringing the total number finished since 2002 to ten. Fourteen wells have been constructed. Numerous schoolrooms have been built and supplied with more than 300 desks, tables and chairs,
beds, books and bookcases; three schools have been electrified and added to the electric grid. Multiple Sukuma villages surrounding Sikonge are now hearing stories about a man
named Jesus, a name most had never heard before. It’s been an exciting time to be a Moravian in Sikonge! Bill and Peg Hoffman Central Moravian Church Dedicating the new church in Nkeki,Tanzania
Ray of Hope 2014 Ray of Hope orphanage in Kenya welcomed a good rainy season last year, which meant full water tanks and abundant corn and fruit crops. We also have two cows that are doing well. The children are grateful for the opportunity to attend school.Three have finished high school and are deciding what their next step will be. There are five students in high school and nine in primary school. The preschool averages 40 to 50 children daily. They sent 25 students to primary school last year.
We held 10 Bible camps that brought many children to Jesus. Last spring a 14-year-old mom came to Ray of Hope with her one-year-old son Simon. They have become part of this community and the mom is now in primary school. The Tesh family is doing well. Ceci is in her last year of high school. Blessing is in grade one. After a bout with malaria I am healthy again and taking my vitamins to stay healthy. Michael Tesh, Missionary in Kenya
Above: The Tesh family. At left: Children at the Ray of Hope school.
Policies That Empower Our Mission Our Board celebrated this past October as we implemented a policy for sending funds to Cuba and made our first wire transfer through our Canadian District to provide funds for the Cuban Moravian Church to purchase a headquarters building. After much work with a lawyer who specializes in the U.S./Cuba Sanctions, we were able to put together the proper procedures and documentation that allowed us to send funds for religious activities under a general license. Of course, now we celebrate that in the future such stringent policies may no longer be needed! We will continue to work with our lawyer to ensure that members of the North American Moravian Church, particularly in the US, will have no barriers
to the mission work that they wish to do in collaboration with the Moravians in Cuba. One of the issues that we need to deal with in our new mission areas of Peru, Cuba and Sierra Leone is determining a process for accepting candidates for ordination that meets with general Unity standards, yet is flexible to fit within the cultural context of the involved church. Sam Gray has been instrumental in helping us to develop an ordination policy for our mission areas. We are looking at the opportunity this year to make decisions about receiving Peruvian pastors into the Moravian Church there and this policy will guide us and the Peru Mission Area in those decisions.
Partners in Mission Other faithful partners in mission:
Inform
Pastoral blessing in Guantanamo, Cuba
Alas de Socorro Ministry in Ahuas, Honduras – George Goff Annie B Mission – support of a speech therapist at Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Palestine Bible Institute in Honduras – Andrew and Amy Fields with the Reformed Church in America Ladakh, India Bible translation ministry Medical Mission to the Mixe in Mexico – Phil and Eunice Raiford Mission Aviation Fellowship – Steve and Ann Marx
Monthly Mission Ministries – youth in the Southern Province who do a variety of mission projects
Nepal Moravian Outreach – Revs. Shanti and Vani Pradhan Sierra Leone Mission – Mohamed and Safie Braima, Little Church on the Lane
Judy Ganz performs baptisms with pastors in Tanzania
Invite
The BWM invites individuals and congregations to journey in mission together, equipping them to take part in a wide range of opportunities. Working in partnership with Antioch
Antioch has experienced growth in many ways in 2014. In addition to the ongoing partnerships in the Americas, Africa, Nepal, Jamaica and Cuba, we have received invitations for new partnerships from Common Ground coffee shop in Canada, Nova Paka Moravian Church in the Czech Republic and Castleton Hill Moravian Church on Staten Island, N.Y. There are also more teams seeking support through short-term team grants. Nine teams served in 2014. It is exciting to witness people venturing out to serve God in so many ways. Following are reflections from individuals who work in Below: Jenna Nodine and partnership with Antioch: Andrew Craver Reverend Richard Lwali with students at serves the Moravian Church Lusangi Morain Western Tanzania as Genvian Seminary. eral Secretary of the province Above: Touring and manager of the three the new dorm at Bishop Kisanji Moravian schools in the reGirls’ School. gion. In July of 2012 the first young adult served at Bishop Kisanji Girl’s School.
“From my own perspective I can say that the work done by these volunteers in our schools is very profitable to our young stars studying in the schools,” says Richard. “The ministry of the volunteers awakens the minds of the students, especially in terms of academics. The volunteers’ work motivates students to study hard for a good performance. The local community also likes to receive them and sees them as good friends. The coming of volunteers to our schools is
God blessing this program.” Entering into a new culture and community offers an opportunity for a broad spectrum of learning. Antioch cross cultural volunteers Jenna Nodine and Andrew Craver served in 2014 at Lusangi Moravian Seminary in Tanzania and shared this reflection following their experience: “We did not believe in divine providence before visiting Tanzania. However, when what we had planned and [continued on next page]
Invite
Moravian worship service in Nepal
Invited to Serve in Nepal It’s always hard to find a beginning that leads to where one is today. I do not know where it began but I believe God used people and circumstances to invite us to serve in mission in Nepal, beginning October 2014. Our original plan was to help our friends, Revs Shanti and Vani Pradhan, begin a grade school but—“welcome to Nepal” (our common slogan)—things don’t always go as planned. We have come alongside them, journeying together, helping with administration and daily operation of the kindergarten that they have begun. We helped find a new house for the school, although
not quite big enough to add a grade one class. With increasing enrollment (already 65 for the current year) the hope is that by next year the school can expand. We have enjoyed being in the church. We have been invited to share our gifts—I am teaching English at both the church and the school. Ken has had fun doing some maintenance and is looking forward (sort of) to Nepali language classes. Ken and I are waiting on God for how long we will be here. But we are grateful for the gift God has given us in inviting us to Nepal. It’s never easy moving away from what is comfortable and known. But now we see the world
Antioch
[continued] what actually occurred differed, we began to recognize God’s ‘big picture’ of the circumstances. We were given snapshots of what we needed to know for the moment.” If you have an interest in living out your relationship with God while serving alongside Moravians from a variety
of locations, we invite you to visit www.moravianmission.org/ get-involved-2/. Provide us with your contact information and I will contact you about available opportunities. In faith, love, hope, Jill Kolodziej Director of Antioch
differently. We understand people more and hope that helping with the school is building up Christ’s church here on earth. It has been frustrating and wonderful being here. I weep sometimes because there is so much to do and I fear there are not enough Christians and humanitarians in Nepal to make much of a dent in the needs (physical, spiritual and emotional) of the people and so I pray that God continues to keep us connected so that between us all, we can share the good news to all people that there is a God who loves them and wants to be in relationship with them. When something brings you to tears, discover where God might be inviting you to find a way to help. And then do it! God will provide! We are a small denomination with a big heart. Let’s Journey Together and show that Jesus’ love is for the entire world. We can make a difference! Trina Holmberg Antioch servant in Nepal
Invite
Responding to the Invitation to Serve on a Team The BWM has a standing invitation for any and all to contact us to help discern a call to mission. We also are available and excited to receive an invitation to lead
a pre-trip training before you head out in mission. We offer these trainings as a way to help guide your mission experience, making sure you are prepared and open to God’s
Alex Ford in Peru
“Experiencing such a different culture on our trip to Nicaragua has made us stop and reevaluate ourselves.The hospitality and community we experienced was more than we ever could have expected.They all care so deeply for each other that they seem to be one large family instead of individuals. Their connections to God are stronger than anything we have seen, and we have challenged ourselves to strive for that kind of relationship.” Taylor Vanderbloemen & Jared Gothard, Christian Faith Moravian Church Ally Dickson, Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church
presence in this work. Check out some of the reflections from a few individuals who traveled in 2014 as a part of teams that were either organized or trained by the BWM:
“I cannot underscore enough how warm and loving our reception in Peru was. At every gathering, each person would greet every other person in the room with a snug embrace (and a kiss on the cheek for the women). This created a loving atmosphere right from the get go! With open hearts, they live out “in all things love,” and that was evident from the moment they met us at the airport with big smiles on their faces. Peru showed me another dimension of God, which gave a new depth to my faith. Te amo, Perú! Gracias!” Alex Ford, Kernersville Moravian Church
Western District Youth in Nicaragua
Serving on urban mission in Chicago
“I learned that if I am invited to do something that I’ve never done before but will help to make a positive impact, I should do it.The place I went to (Chicago) and the people I met were incredibly amazing.” Alexis McCarn, Christ Moravian Church (Winston-Salem)
Here are just of some of the places where the Board of World Mission provided trainings, as well as locations we helped send individuals and teams to engage in mission in the last year: • Bethel, Alaska
“I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica. Meeting and getting to know the people there was my favorite part. One day we paved tile all day long and then that night we came back to the church for a night service and saw all the kids playing, sliding and dancing on the new tile. It just filled my heart with joy and made all the hard work worth it.” Jessie Stangret Waconia Moravian Church
• Bethlehem, Pennsylvania • Chicago, Illinois • Mt. Morris Camp, Wisconsin • Ocean Springs, Mississippi • Staten Island, New York • Tuscawaras County, Ohio • Waconia, Minnesota • Winston-Salem, North Carolina • Alberta, Canada • Havana and Matanzas, Cuba • Ahuas, Honduras • Puerto Cabezas and Sisin, Nicaragua • Chiclayo and Lima, Peru These and other sites are being considered for teams to serve in 2015. We already have teams set up for Jamaica and Nepal. Please contact Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement at justin@moravianmission.org to learn about more possibilities!
“Trainings by the BWM guided our devotions and allowed us to frame our experience and bring it back to the congregation in a meaningful way.The Service Learning model and tools directed every one of our planning meetings as well as our nightly devotions and our returning worship. I believe that training should be mandatory for all our groups that engage in missions. I find the BWM to be a vital resource to our congregational ministries!” Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes Luhman, Waconia Moravian Church “Thank you for coming in and talking to our group about mission work and doing the team training. I think it really helped to prepare us for our trip to Costa Rica.” Holland Griffin, Waconia Moravian Church
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Oh, the places we will go!
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Inquire Congregational Discernment Documents
A first step guide and resource for congregations or groups that wish to discern their call to and involvement in God’s mission in the world.
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BWM logo seal with words in circle type reversed.
Service Learning Outcomes
A listing of six outcomes from mission for individuals and groups to consider as possible goals to help guide their mission experience.
Listening Campaign Moravian Worldwide Process for Congregations Unity Map
A process for identifying people’s interests, developing leadership capacity and realizing congregational potential through expanding relationships.
A map of the Moravian Worldwide Unity (as of Fall 2014), including lists of the parts of the Moravian world based on their stage of development.
The SHEETS Sheet
Moravian Mottos
A questionnaire for individual reflection on one’s Spiritual formation, Home experience, Exposure to other cultures, Education, Training and Service. Antioch Application and Get Connected Online Forms
Go to moravianmission.org to find forms to submit your information to volunteer, or sign up for information about our ongoing work.
The Moravian Motto “Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let Us Follow Him!” listed in more than a dozen languages from around the Moravian world! BWM Summary Handout
A picture and word summary of the work of the BWM, based on our core themes: Inquire, Inform, Invite and Invest.
In 2014 the B to evaluate t individuals an that we have We cur as Bible stud worldwide U plenty more On thes that we have about. Please and we are h in your conte
Mission Resources In 2014 the Board of World Mission made an intentional effort to evaluate the resources that it has available to help engage individuals and congregations in mission.This process showed that we have a whole lot to offer! We currently have nearly 100 individual resources such as Bible studies, information on our global partners and the worldwide Unity, bulletin inserts and video interviews. Plus, plenty more are planned for development soon! On these pages we highlight just some of the resources that we have available with a brief description of what they are about. Please contact the BWM with any resource questions, and we are happy to make available whatever might be helpful in your context!
Invite Journeying Together Bible Study
A four session group bible study focused on the themes of Inquire, Inform, Invite, Invest, designed to help participants think about their call to mission and how they can invite others into service as well.
Invest Mission Team Prayer Partner Sign-up Sheet
When sending a mission team, congregation members sign up for time slots to pray for the team.Teams carry the sheet to know who is praying for them at a given time. Asset Mapping
A one session bible study based on Matthew 10 exploring what Jesus did to prepare his disciples to be sent out in mission.
Simplified and more in-depth versions of the asset mapping process are available to assist in recognizing gifts and resources present for mission and ministry.
SERVE. PRAY. GIVE.
BWM Favored Practices
Called in to be Sent Out
A monthly email resource highlighting specific opportunities to engage in mission as you are able to serve, pray or give. BWM Monthly Newsletter
An electronic newsletter that shares stories of ongoing mission and invites people to get involved.
A description of the BWM favored practices of being centered on Christ, encouraging mutuality, providing for effective accountability and promoting self-reliance. The 7 Ts Checklist for Mission Team Training
Seven “Ts” to help a mission leader cover the steps needed to prepare for a mission experience.
Moravian Disaster Response The BWM continues to seek and receive donations to be able to respond to disasters and calls for help in a timely manner. While giving at the time of a crisis is certainly important, the BWM encourages you to give a donation to “undesignated disaster response” to help build a reserve that can be sent at a moment’s notice. In this way, we are able to get assistance much quicker to a situation that is gravely in need of funds for things such as medical supplies, shelter or food and water. Additionally an inventory was made in 2014 of the MDR tools and equipment so we would know what tools are available to us to use in a volunteer response—and what more might be needed. We are also hoping to “re-tool” to get our truck, trailers and tools consolidated so that Moravian teams can have the equipment necessary for responding to local disasters. Let us know if you might need to use this equipment!
Invest
The BWM invests in people locally and globally to engage in mission, develop leaders and grow relationships to build capacity to share the Gospel Message. Investing in Vital Health Care Fifteen month old Danelcy came to the Clínica Evangélica Morava in Ahuas, Honduras in early January with her mother. She presented with the classic symptoms of Kwashiorkor (severe protein deficient malnutrition): vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, fever and a distended belly. Dr. Ovelio ordered medications to attack accompanying pneumonia/fever along with dietary supplements to improve nutrition while education was provided to the parents. North American Moravians have been journeying together with Honduran Miskitus for more than 68 years so that patients like Danelcy can be cured. Contributing prayer, training, financial and material support, they have helped to make the Clínica Evangélica Morava the most capable medical facility in one
Above: Dr. Kenneth Serapio prepares for surgery at the Ahuas Clinic. Below: The Ahuas administrative staff.
of the most underserved and isolated regions of Latin America’s third poorest country. When Cleave Fischel and the Sam Marx family were called in the 1940s and 1950s, they committed themselves and the Moravian Church to a ministry that has grown to the point that in the first eleven months of 2014 it saw 4,212 patients, performed 248 surgeries, admitted 1,028 people and attended to 246 births. The example of early Moravian missionaries is today reflected in people like Benno and Teresa Marx who completed another term of service in 2014; in Ovelio Lopez, Kenneth Serapio and Melissa Saty, all children of the Moravian Church and now physicians currently serving in
Ahuas; and, in an administrative staff which, since early 2015, is receiving financial management classes. In keeping with the Biblical injunction to “equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church” (Ephesians 4:12) the Board of World Mission continues to invest in the ministry of the clinic in Ahuas by sending an annual subsidy of over $141,000, recruiting work crews, promoting giving for special projects and underwriting the work of an administrative consultant missionary. In doing so, it enables staff to treat patients like Danelcy as we journey together in ministry. Rick Nelson Missionary in Ahuas
Invest
Likewise Ministries Through our Likewise Ministries, the BWM invests in people. In Honduras we provide support for persons with HIV and AIDS to travel from Ahuas to Puerto Lempira to monitor their medications.
arm of ADSIM. In Guyana we have been pursuing ways to assist with preventative education for HIV and AIDS, as well as to address issues of domestic violence. In Western Tanzania Likewise Ministries continues to support the HUKWAFA program in two villages in the Lake Victoria District. In Gininiga, crop production continues and some are now Above: Cleaning rice in Magu. replacing thatch roofs with tin. In Magu, developing a Invests in People rice-cleaning business and In Nicaragua we provida preschool are their major ed funds for the Vidas Futuras focus. We are grateful for the group of persons with HIV to ongoing support by our conprovide good nutrition so that gregations for these important they can remain healthy and ministries. pursue work. This is a proMarion Perrin, Likewise Chair gram under the Social Action
Gifts of Change Consider supporting projects beyond common ministry funding with a Gift of Change. Below are a few of the projects supported through the Gifts of Change program. Others are listed on our website. Donations received in excess of the amount needed for specific projects will be applied to another project. Interested in providing a Gift of Change? Use the form at the back of this report or visit our website to donate online.
Economic/Community Leadership Strengthening Development
Mission Outreach
HondurasÂ: $50 to help de-
month’s worship space rent
velop the Fish Market Project (total $5,000) Western Tanzania: $1,000
Honduras Mission Province: $50 toward tech
equipment for the Bible Institute in Ahuas
annually, with a 3-year commitment, to Adopt-a-Village in support of orphans in Africa, many of whom have been orphaned by AIDS.
Ray of Hope, Kenya:
HUKWAFA: $40 to purchase
ing the new Seminary and Administrative building
maize or rice
$50 toward scholarships for orphans to attend high school ($5,675 needed) Alaska: $50 toward furnish-
Peru: $200 to sponsor one Western Tanzania: $100
toward solar systems to provide electricity for pastors in remote areas ($1,310 needed for each)
Guyana: $50 toward Radio
Outreach Ministry that shares the gospel and brings people to the church (total cost $300 per month)
Above: Food preparation in Honduras
Invest
Investing in our Mission Areas
Peru Above right: Sam Gray and Judy Ganz baptize in Peru. Below, Peruvian pastors worship in song.
The Moravian Church in Peru has four growing congregations and two cell groups all in the cities of Lima and Chiclayo. In 2014, 16 new members were baptized. Peruvian Moravian pastors and leaders met with BWM representatives to move forward in organizing themselves as a Mission Area of the Worldwide Moravian Unity. Moravians in Peru say this about what it means to be part of the Moravian Church: Young adult in Lima: “As the Moravian Church in Peru
we have the task of proclaiming the Gospel with our lives and also with words.” Pastor in Lima: “Our church is not a building or a structure but rather a means for bringing the word of God to the world that needs to know the love of God.” Worship leader in Chiclayo: “To be part of the Moravian church in Peru is to live like in the days of Jesus
Sierra Leone
where his love was always known to all with whom he walked.” Seminary student and pastoral candidate: “Words cannot express what I feel when I realize that God’s purposes for me are being fulfilled through the Moravian Church. I give thanks to God with all my heart!” Newly baptized woman: “God is great and merciful and in the Moravian Church we always remain in prayer for each other.” Young adult church musician: “Being a Moravian means being part of a revolution of worshipers who lift others with the power that has raised us: the power of Christ!” Mission Area president: “Being a Moravian in Peru means watching where God is acting and joining in what God is doing!”
Brother Armando Rusindo, president of the Moravian Church in Cuba, visited congregations in Florida and North Carolina and shared some of the joys and challenges of God’s work in Cuba. BWM began a covenant partnership with the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF). Brother Joe Jarvis set up this foundation as a way of supporting the ministries of the Moravian Church in Cuba while remaining in compliance
with U.S. government policies. Projects of the Moravian Church in Cuba include sustainable farming in Camaguey, a fresh water project and a Children’s Mission in Havana. North American Moravians (Canadian District; BWM; the ARMF and many congregations and individuals) came together to help Cuban Moravians purchase a building for its National Headquarters and worship space for Havana Moravians.
It is amazing to see how God can “redeem” even the worst of situations and circumstances. In June, Moravian missionaries, Mohamed and Safie Braima, returned from Sierra Leone to the USA for what was intended to be a short visit.The Ebola virus was just beginning to spread in West Africa and the Braimas were able to raise awareness with the folks in Ngehun and surrounding villages. By the end of the summer of 2014, it became clear that the time was not right
for Mohamed and Safie to return to Sierra Leone – the situation was just too dangerous and unsure. As brother Jeff Fulp (Sierra Leone Mission Committee) explained, all schools in Sierra Leone are closed, traffic between villages is strictly controlled and efforts are being made to decrease contact with people coming to the area. Of course, the Braimas longed to be with their people – the villagers among whom they have lived and served for so long. But God
offered them the opportunity to minister to many North American Moravians (in North Carolina, Florida, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and beyond!) as they waited for the right time to return.That return has now been set for March 2015. We give thanks to God for the ministry of the Braimas in Sierra Leone as well as here in the USA! Sam Gray, Director of Intercultural Ministries & New Work
Invest
Cuba
BWM’s Director of Mission Engagement, Justin Rabbach, joined a team of 10 North Americans who took part in a Moravian Youth Camp of 57 people in Cuba last August. One of the Cuban Moravian young adult campers summarized what it means to her to be a Moravian follower of Christ: “We are here for Christ; we are united; we are one; you are never alone in the Moravian Church!”
Above left: Joe Jarvis visits patients at a hospital in Jaguey Grande, Cuba. Above: work with the Children’s Mission in Cuba.
Global Partners The BWM invests in its global partners in many ways. Providing an annual block grant to help support ministry needs is one way. We are continuing to decrease these grants by five or ten percent annually, while at the same time building a mission fund to support specific projects of our partners that fit with our priorities of leadership development, mission outreach and economic strengthening. Costa Rica completed their block grant with BWM in 2014. In 2015 we will support their plans for a Multiuse building that will provide for church and community events and income for the church.
Guyana is also close to going off their block grant at the end of 2015. They have applied to the Unity Board to become a full Unity Province, moving from their Mission Province status. They continue to have a significant ecumenical ministry and look to the BWM to help with leadership training, as well as health education through our Likewise program. Western Tanzania has a primary focus on evangelism, which can be seen in their outreach to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya, as well as to the Sukuma people in their own regions. They continue to encourage education through their Bishop Kisanji Girl’s School and Lusangi Bible College. Kisanji is experiencing significant water issues that we are helping to address; funding was also sent for repair of some roofs that were damaged in a storm. Along with the British Province we provided funds for motorcycles so pastors could better visit the remote congregations in their parishes. They are most grateful for this help. Nicaragua held a round table in early 2014 and has developed a strategic plan that addresses many challenges before them and involves restructuring their church into districts. The Bilwaskarma Clinic continues to thrive and provide important preventive health care in the surrounding communities. We were saddened by the loss in 2014 of Dr. Pete Haupert, who has been instrumental in developing this ministry.
The Honduras Province continues to struggle with division, although the relations between the Mission Province (traditional group) and Province (renewed group) have improved greatly and they continue to schedule events together and proceed toward full reconciliation. The Province has been working to install a radio system by which to connect better with their people and to share the gospel. They are also looking at small enterprises that can generate income for the ministry. Through the Reformed Church in America, Andrew and Amy Fields and daughter Irene finally arrived in Honduras in early 2014 to help with the Province’s Bible Institute. They also are coordinating some work with the Bible Institute of the Honduras Mission Province, which also receives support from BWM. The Medical Work at the Ahuas Clinic in Honduras continues to struggle, but some strategic efforts were planned at a round table held last June. This included the sending of Rick Nelson from BWM as an Administrative Consultant over the next two years. Rick has already been a great help in maintaining this important ministry and journeying with clinic and provincial staff to address the challenges. The Moravian Church in Newfoundland / Labrador continues with its need for pastoral leadership in all four congregations, although several lay members are
leading worship and there is increasing congregational support of the ministry as a whole. There is an on-line Bible study now available to the four congregations that was set up by Rev. Glenna Tasedan. Please continue to hold our partners in prayer.
2014 Financial Summary We at The Board of World Mission (BWM) are grateful for the continued support provided for the ministries and mission work of the North American Moravian Church. Below is a summarization of that support and its uses painted with a broad brush. Additional details can be obtained once we complete the annual audited financial statements for 2014. For additional information or a copy of the audited financial statements, please contact the Bethlehem office of the BWM.
Support and Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2014 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church
Northern and Southern and Provinces Larger Life Foundation Society for Promoting the Gospel Mission Society, Southern Province Other Provincial Support General Contributions Investment Returns Other Utilization of Restricted Gifts Total Support and Revenue
$506,453 $22,390 $198,965 $25,000 $14,318 $114,632 $48,678 $9,866 $214,904 $1,155,206
Expense Summary • Total Expenses: $1,115,081 Partner Province Support/Assistance Grants $572,848
We continued to provide quarterly stipends to our six partner provinces of Labrador, Guyana, Western Tanzania, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, while decreasing this stipend and increasing partnership in mission endeavors and projects for self-sustenance of their ministry. Our support includes the Honduras medical work and the addition of Rick Nelson who is serving in Ahuas. We are also providing base funding to our new mission areas of Peru and Cuba, pension for Rev. Braima in Sierra Leone and guidance on Book of Order development and other issues as they develop their churches.
tion about BWM efforts. We Mission Programs/ Ministry Management increased communication efforts by adding a monthly $422,842 The BWM provides funds for sending Antioch servants on short-term mission and team mission projects and for our Likewise HIV/AIDS Ministry and disaster relief. We assist Central Moravian Church’s Mission Committee in disbursing funding for Adopt-aVillage and other ecumenical partnerships. We also provide support for five cross-cultural servants: Michael and Ceci Tesh in Kenya, Steve Marx with MAF in Washington State, Phil and Eunice Raiford in Mexico, Andrew and Amy Fields in Honduras, and George Goff in Honduras. BWM staff led or helped with several camps this past year and have been in many congregations to prepare teams and provide informa-
“Serve, Pray, Give” flyer in addition to the Annual Report and monthly newsletters. Staff has been working to develop effective resources for congregations.
General Administration $230,312
This category includes efforts not directly related to specific ministries or mission efforts that are necessary to oversee all aspects of the ministries of the BWM. Costs here include items such as office operations both in the Northern and Southern Provinces, accounting fees, retired missionary pensions, meeting costs, administrative portion of staff salaries and benefits, continuing education for staff and asset depreciation.
Journeying Together
Many thanks to the contributors who provided articles, information, photographs and other material for this year’s Annual Report. Originally published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Annual Report is also available in digital format from the Board of World Mission. Design by Mike Riess, IBOC Š2015, Board of World Mission. Visit us at www.moravianmission.org.
BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America BWM staff and directors are more than happy to work with your congregation on issues of mission discernment (be that local or global), equipping teams and individuals in short-term missions, and educating about principles of sustainable mission and cross-cultural service.
Offices:
Staff:
Board of World Mission 1021 Center St. PO Box 1245 Bethlehem, PA 18016 610.868.1732
Sheila Beaman, Admin. Assistant,Winston-Salem sheila@moravianmission.org
Board of World Mission 500 South Church St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336.773.1732
Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch jill@moravianmission.org Kay Odegard, Admin. Assistant Bethlehem kay@moravianmission.org
Web:
Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement justin@moravianmission.org
www.moravianmission.org
Judy Ganz, Executive Director judy@moravianmission.org Sam Gray, Dir. of Intercultural Ministries & New Work sam@moravianmission.org
The Board of World Mission is grateful for the service of Barbara Ottervik who resigned in July as administrative assistant in its Bethlehem office. We miss her energetic presence and commitment to the mission of our church.
Yes! I wish to make a financial contribution to the work of the Board of World Mission, Moravian Church in North America. I would like to donate
to the Board of World Mission for the purposes of:
q Helping where it is needed; q Helping a specific program:
100% of your donation will go directly to mission programming. Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City/Town: __________________ State: _____ ZIP Code: _________
q I would like to be a Friend of BWM and receive your newsletter and periodic information about mission opportunities.
q The BWM may contact me by email. My email address: _____________________ Please mail your tax-deductible donation to: The Board of World Mission, 1021 Center St., PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or visit us at www.moravianmission.org.
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Minnesota Moravians making a difference in the Twin Cities The Twin Cities Metro is Minnesota’s largest
urban area, covering St. Paul, Minneapolis and their outlying suburbs, with over 3 million people living in the seven metropolitan counties. By my rough estimate, only 0.0209 percent of these folks are members of the four Moravian congregations of the Metro Area. This represents a small handful of people at work and in witness to an increasingly diverse and complex network of distinct communities. Even in the five short years that my family and I have lived here, we have noticed significant changes related to immigration, economic recovery and development, relaxed religious affiliation, as well as shifts in generational patterns. Many of these changes are resulting in challenges with which I believe a handful of Moravians can help. Now, two tenths of one percent may not sound like much—honestly, because it isn’t. But, when have Moravians ever let that stop us before? When did we stop trusting that mustard seeds and a couple of fish and crumbs from the Master’s table were good and plenty? We haven’t. If you take a look at the Moravian congregations of the Twin Cities Metro: Chaska, Christ’s Community Church in Maple Grove, Lake Auburn in Victoria and Waconia, you
will find loving fellowships of Christian believers reaching out to get to know their neighbors and exploring creative ways to bless the communities we are called together to serve. In 2005, the Chaska congregation began providing space for youth activities to a local church plant. Within a few years, the pastor of that church started a faith-based non-profit called Launch Ministries to promote healthy, productive transitions into adulthood for people between the ages of 18 and 25. A re(continued on next page)
Many of these changes are resulting in challenges with which I believe a handful of Moravians can help.
Brian Dixon is pastor of Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Victoria, Minn. At right: Corey Magstadt, executive director of Launch Ministries, speaks at Chaska Moravian Church. April 2015
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(continued from previous page) cent statewide study by the Wilder Foundation found that homelessness in Minnesota had grown by about six percent in three years, with nearly half of homeless individuals being aged 21 or younger. “The ongoing partnership with the Chaska Congregation has been an incredible blessing to us and to the young people we work with,” said Corey Magstadt, executive director of Launch Ministries. “Never afraid to have ‘those kind of people’ around, [members of Chaska Moravian Church] make space for the ‘least of these’ in our community to discover new hope and a new future.” Lake Auburn Moravian members donate vacuums to area families in need.
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Christ’s Community Church in Maple Grove partnered with a local elementary school to purchase, pack and deliver over 300 bags of non-perishable food once a month for each child in the school through KidPack, a weekend program for children experiencing food insufficiency at home. With 77 percent of students at this school requiring some amount of lunch subsidy, all students receive a bag of food regardless of need. The people of Christ’s Community joined KidPack for the 2014–2015 school year and are committed through 2016–2017. This exciting collaboration resulted from a review of congregational core values and vision, and reaffirming a shared sense of mission. Through their bold commitment, audacious prayers and God’s abundant provision, Christ’s Community is learning “that when we listen to God and discern his will, we can act without fear. God will provide. It isn’t always easy, but it is what we are called to do: love and serve others with faith, giving God all the glory along the way.” (For more on the KidPack program, see the March 2015 edition of The Moravian.) Waconia Moravian Church began an innovative partnership in 2011 with the invitation to join Families Moving Forward, a network of churches offering hospitality to those experiencing homelessness in Scott and Carver counties. Waconia’s Joint Board carefully studied the program, talked it over and prayed about it. The number of volunteer hours needed, meals to be prepared, space required, etc. all seemed overwhelming—only as long as they tried to imagine doing it alone. The breakthrough was asking if this ministry could be taken on in partnership with another local congregation, Trinity Lutheran. Together, Trinity and Waconia now open their church The Moravian
Christ's Community Moravian Church members deliver food as part of the KidPack program
homes to four families four weeks a year, and provide meals, fellowship, compassion and encouragement. And it works. They eat together, play together, get to know one another and they got to hear from one of their guest families, “This is the nicest, warmest place we have been!” A number of Eastern Carver County churches participate in Love INC (In the Name of Christ), a community of congregations and agencies working together to coordinate outreach services. A few years ago, Elders of the Lake Auburn congregation asked Love INC what needs they saw that were going unmet. Other Love INC partners offer linens, auto repair, home furnishings and food assistance. The answer was surprising: Love INC had been receiving requests for vacuum cleaners. So, Lake Auburn used seed money from their endowment fund to purchase vacuums and started the Lake Auburn Moravian Vac Valet. Since 2011, Lake Auburn volunteers have given away 148 vacuums to area families. A highlight of many of these home deliveries is the opportunity to visit and pray with neighbors they may otherwise never have met. As April 2015
one volunteer said, “It’s not just about the vacuum cleaner. We all need to know someone cares.” These are a few examples of some of the ecumenical partnerships and collaborations that our Minneapolis-area churches are committed to. Additionally, these congregations have taken creative approaches to combine confirmation classes and team teaching. They have shared pastoral outreach and support at local assisted living facilities. They have collaborated on joint mission trips, projects and retreats involving youth and adults. And they even worship together occasionally. There is a wonderful quote attributed to the renowned anthropologist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Millennia prior, a little-known rabbi from Nazareth would teach his disciples in the way of thoughtful commitment to the life-giving, world-changing, heaven-revealing power of all the small things we can do with great love (to paraphrase Mother Teresa ). ■ 33
STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part III
In our January issue of The Moravian Magazine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month. In 2015, we are working through the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL); in 2016, we’ll cover the Ground of the Unity. This month will cover the parts of the MCCL dealing with Living By Grace, The Witness of a Living Church and Stewardship. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org. The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www.moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC. Living by Grace Paragraphs 7 and 8 of the MCCL: Living the Christian life depends not only on our own effort but upon God our Father, who in Jesus Christ accepts us as heirs of God (Galatians 4:4–7) and strengthens and sustains us (Philippians 4:13). We realize that our Christian faith must continually be nourished if it is to remain living and vital. There 34
fore, we desire to grow in our Christian lives through family devotions, personal prayer and study and the opportunities for spiritual development offered by the Church. Commentary: The Moravian Church has always understood that Christian living does not come naturally. We also know that it is not simply a matter of teaching and discipline. Christian living ultimately comes from being in relationship with the living Christ who works with us to shape our lives into images of his life. We also recognize that Christ works with people as individuals and that we are to represent Christ in different ways in the world. This means first of all that we must nourish our relationship to Christ by using all of the resources he has provided through the Church, but it also means that we will continue to grow. Ideally, according to Moravian teaching, we should be better Christians at the end of life than we were when we became Christian. In light of the fact that we are growing in our knowledge and ability to live according to Christ’s teachings, it is important that we recognize that other Christians are also “works in progress,” and we should give them the same grace that we have needed and continue to need. Questions for consideration: • Have you tried to follow the teachings of Christ on your own will and strength? • Shouldn’t people be expected to be good on their own? The Moravian
• Why is it important to nourish your faith? Why isn’t conversion and belief in God enough? • What happens if you don’t engage in Christian practices, such as devotions, worship, prayer and study? • What resources does your congregation offer you for spiritual development? • What other resources would be helpful to you? The Witness of a Living Church Paragraph 9 of the MCCL: As members of the Moravian Church we will abide by the decisions made by the official boards of our congregations, and agree to be governed, both as individuals and as a congregation, by the enactments of the Unity Synod of the Moravian Church and of the Synods of the Province to which our congregation belongs. Commentary: This paragraph points to one of the continual sources of conflict and difficulty in the Moravian Church, particularly in the American setting where anti-authority sentiments have abounded since the 1960s. The American mystique includes the lone rebel or cowboy who makes his or her own rules. The Moravian Church has traditionally stood for a different value system. Historically we have understood that people actually develop their full personality and potential best when they are connected to other people in a living and supportive community that holds them responsible for their actions. Such communities do not exist without some type of structure and leadership. Therefore we have always organized April 2015
our church as congregations within a larger church. Congregations are led by boards, and provinces are governed by synods. Furthermore, the Moravian Church is a world-wide church that remains a single church connected through our Unity Synod. The North American provinces have a great deal of independence, but we are ultimately responsible to the other Moravian provinces. This whole organization, however, only works if the individuals within it agree to live with the decisions made by the governing bodies. Without the commitment of individual members, the clergy and church boards to the greater Moravian Church, this worldwide community of faith will collapse. Questions for consideration: • What do you think holds us together as Moravians? • Why is it important that members of the Church abide by the decisions made by the governing bodies? • What should people do if they disagree with a decision made by their local board or by their provincial synod? • What are constructive ways that the Moravian Church can deal with conflict? • Is it important to you that you are part of a province of the worldwide Moravian Unity? (continued on next page) 35
(continued from previous page) • What, if anything, makes you feel connected to the larger Moravian Church? • Could the Moravian Church improve its structure? Stewardship Paragraphs 10–12 of the MCCL: We deem it a sacred responsibility and genuine opportunity to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to us: our time, our talents and our financial resources. We view all of life as a sacred trust to be used wisely. We will support, according to our ability, the financial needs of the local congregation, the District, the Province, and the Unity. We will consider the support of the benevolent causes of the Moravian Church, both at home and abroad, as a privilege, an opportunity and a responsibility. We will also recognize the support of worthy causes outside of the Church as part of our stewardship. Commentary: Stewardship is not a popular topic in most churches, but this is one area where Christian commitment takes a very concrete and practical form. The Covenant calls us to view stewardship both as a responsibility and an opportunity to express our devotion to Christ. The theology that underlies the Moravian attitude toward stewardship is that all of life is a gift from God. It is not because of our efforts that we have most of what we have. Our bodies, our minds, our talents, and many of our opportunities were given to us. Those who have received gifts have the obligation of grat 36
itude toward the giver and the responsibility to care for the gift given. It is important to understand that every Moravian has the opportunity to contribute to the entire ministry of the Moravian Church through their congregational giving. There are many things that we cannot do alone, but we can do them together. Every active Moravian contributes to evangelism, world mission, theological education, care for the elderly, social ministries, and many other causes. Some churches teach that members should only contribute to their ministries, often in terms of a tithe of their income, but the Moravian Church encourages many forms of charitable giving consistent with its mission of serving humanity. The Covenant also emphasizes that stewardship involves much more than giving money to the Church (although it includes that); it is an attitude toward living. Even the ways we pursue our secular vocations are a form of stewardship. Questions for consideration: • Why is stewardship included in a covenant for Christian living? • Why is stewardship to the Moravian Church an important part of being a member? • What do you know about the benevolences and causes of the Moravian Church? • Why do you contribute to these efforts? • What would happen to our mutual ministry if individuals or congregations decided to violate this portion of the covenant? • What types of charities outside of the Church do you think would be the most worthy of support? • How can your congregation encourage a lifestyle of stewardship? Next month: “Love,” “Unity and Diversity” and “Settling Differences” ■ The Moravian
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Moravian Music Sunday, May 3, 2015 The fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2015, has been designated as Moravian Music Sunday. The purpose of this observance is to help all congregations become more familiar with our rich heritage of Moravian music. Music is an expression of faith, and thus continuing creativity is to be encouraged.
served the church in pastorates in Indiana (Hope) and Wisconsin (Saratoga, Glenwood, Watertown). She also served on the Western District Executive Board (1990–2000).
NORTHERN PROVINCE
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Retirement Sister Barbara A. Berg requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective July 1, 2015.
Consecration The Rev. Dr. Nola Knouse was consecrated a Presbyter on Sunday, March 1, at Home Moravian Church, with bishop Wayne Burkette officiating. Nola was ordained in 2009.
Sister Berg was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church June 6, 1982 and has
David Guthrie President, Southern Province
The church is grateful for her thirty-three years of faithful service. Elizabeth D. Miller President, Northern Province PEC
“Come...walk in the light of the Lord!”
- Isaiah 2:5
Register today for the
12th Moravian Women’s Conference June 25-28, 2015 in North East, Maryland
Presented by the Interprovincial Women’s Board, Moravian Church in North America
To register or for more information, visit www.moravianwomensconference.org or call (302)703-WALK (9255)
TIME TRAVEL
Turning Back The Pages The Moravian Magazine and its predecessors have been bringing news and commentary from around the Moravian world for more than 100 years. In its pages, you can read the story of our modern church. In this issue, we look back 25 years to the April 1990 issue of The Moravian . The Moravian magazine dedicated its April 1990 issue to “People of Color in the Northern and Southern Provinces.” Throughout the issue, writers shared stories of a diverse church from a variety of viewpoints. The cover photo by Florette McCammon shows a scene from Vacation Bible School of Fellowship Moravian Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. In describing the photo, editor Hermann Weinlick wrote “It reminds us that the Moravian Church is more and more a multiracial church and an urban church.” In his article, “The Emergence of West Indian Congregations,” Bishop Stanley F. Thomas shared a history of how ministers in New York saw a challenge and a vision for pastoring the thousands of West Indians who settled in the city in the early 20th century. Throughout the article, he highlights the growth of church in New York and the expansion of churches in Toronto and Washington D.C. “This story is not that the Northern Province intentionally established ‘Black congregations’ of West InAd Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.
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dian origin but that in the fullness of time God revealed, to those who were spiritually alert, his purpose for people of color.” Writers in this issue also shared profiles of their churches, including United Moravian Church in New York, Prince of Peace Church in Miami and First Church of Georgia. Eurilee Massiah-Haynes, a member of new Dawn Moravian Church in Toronto, shared memories of her church in Antigua. And in an article entitled “Perceptions of Racism in the Caribbean and in the United States,” Verna Richardson, a native of Anguilla and a member at United, wrote, “Racism truly prevents us from being our brother’s and sister’s keeper. It destroys mutuality and trust and really prevents us from growing as Christians in our understanding and love of God and his greatest creation, humankind. It seems to deny the fact that Jesus did come for our redemption and God’s love makes the change in the human heart. It pierces us, the Body of Christ, and we all hurt.” ■
We work together for GOD’S PURPOSES.
Our funds can do the same.
Helen Scott Sunnyside Ministry Volunteer
T
HERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. That’s as true for investments as it is for congregations. Moravian Ministries Foundation gives Moravian churches and agencies a way to invest together to leverage the power that larger investment funds enjoy. The Moravian Common Fund is managed by industry leader Kaspick & Company, a subsidiary of TIAACREF, and offers growth, balanced and income options with minimal fees. Our investors also enjoy extra benefits specifically for Moravian churches and agencies, including endowment management services, quarterly reporting and regularly scheduled cash distributions. The Moravian Common Fund combines professional investment management with a commitment to our common faith — and that’s a great way to work together.
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