Moravian Magazine, April 2019

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In this issue: Moravian Camping Ministry Remembering Brother Braima Picturing faces of God ...and more!

Give yourself a SPRING BREAK Recharge your batteries during the spring months while we take care of your loved one.

An all-inclusive short-term stay at Moravian Hall Square with personalized attention and superior care:

Private Accommodation

3 Chef-Prepared Meals per Day

Help with Bathing, Social Events that are Dressing & Medication Fun, Entertaining and Management Engaging

Learn how you can plan a short-term stay for your loved one at Moravian Hall Square by calling 610.746.1000.

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www.MORAVIAN.com The Moravian

On the cover: Sunrise on Laurel Ridge’s Eastern Overlook. Photo by Scarlett Dowdy.

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21 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

SPECIAL FEATURE: Moravian Camping Ministries 12 Laurel Ridge camps demonstrate “the substance is Christ” 14 Think Outside: No box required at Camp Hope 17 Camping opportunities abound for Mid-states Moravians 19 Western District Camps get neighborly 20 Van-Es Camp offers spiritual growth and fund for Canadian Moravians 21 Moravian Camping: a foundation for church leadership

In Our Congregations 5

Dover First project illustrates many faces of God.

Moravians in Mission 7 “God is Good. All the time.” Remembering Mohamed Braima

Moravian Writings 27 Lenten thoughts from decades past Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org.

Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp. org.

April 2019

Moravian Music 30 Moravian anthems...for my choir???

And More 4

Ponderings: Music for Passion Week

32 Official Provincial Elders’ News 33 Obituaries 3

PONDERINGS

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) April 2019, Vol. 50, No. 2 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com

Music for Passion Week For the past several months, I’ve experienced the Moravian Church’s Readings for Holy Week more than a dozen times. Why? Because I’ve been working to finalize an audio version of these traditional Moravian Passion Week services.

Jill Bruckart, our customer service assistant here at the IBOC, is also a seasoned musician. She’s an accomplished organist, has written a number of hymns and anthems, and, in 2006, put together a team at the Lititz Moravian Congregation in Pennsylvania to perform and record the entire 170+ page Readings for Holy Week manual. High quality recordings were made, but unfortunately, the project was never completed.

Then in 2017, Jill brought this treasure to my attention. We worked together to edit the recordings, record new ones for pieces that needed replacement, and then mastered a five-CD audio edition that is now available from the IBOC. While I’ve read through Readings for Holy Week several times and attended some Holy Week services, I’d never experienced the whole thing all the way through. These multiple listenings to the story of Jesus’ last days, his betrayal, trial, crucifixion and resurrection, as told through the words of the Gospels and some of our church’s favorite hymns, proved to be a very moving experience.

But this isn’t the only musical experience of Holy Week that I’ve listened to many, many times. I was raised with a copy of Jesus Christ Superstar in the house (it was one of the few of my parent’s records that I actually wanted to listen to). I know that some consider this 50-year-old rock opera to be somewhat controversial in its portrayal of the story; to me, it is one of my favorite pieces of music and one that kept me connected with the story of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, even while I was away from church life.

Along with services at church, both of these very different audio journeys will be a part of how I observe Holy Week. My trusty LP of Superstar will once again hit the turntable, while my CD player will be bringing our new audio version of our Readings for Holy Week book to life. No matter which I’m listening to, I know I’ll continue to be moved by the story of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and resurrection through music.

If you’re interested in the Readings for Holy Week Audio Edition, visit www.moravian.org for more information.

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Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published eight times per year: Jan/ Feb, April, May, June/July, August, Sept./ Oct., November and December, 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: 16,000 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 Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Valerie Bean Wagner.

Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2019, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

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Dover First project illustrates many faces of God

hat If…, a delightful children’s book written by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Mike Curato, caught my eye recently in a local book store. I sat down on a little chair and read the 2018 book and became enthralled by the plot and purpose. This book inspired me–and the Spirit inspired me–to consider a “what if” approach to the year.

You see, I serve a wonderful Midwest, midsized, middle-class Moravian church with a true heart for mission and a friendly disposition. Over the past ten years, I have been able to gently introduce and lead the boards and congregation to consider new and innovative ways to worship the Lord. On a personal note, the fine arts have always been a source of inspiration. Finding ways to combine art and worship has been a gleeful challenge.

For a Midwest congregation, this paradigm shift has not always been easy to accomplish, but it has been April 2019

worth the effort—even with the occasional headaches that ensued.

So let me tell you a story of what happened on my way to the Epiphany colosseum of worship this year (a small smile – literary joke).

What if…we invited people in our church family to use their artistic gifts and talents to transform our lobby wall space into a wall of portraits?

The Holy Spirit rocked the adolescent good Count Zinzendorf emotionally and spiritually when seeing the painting of Ecce Homo (Behold the Man) by Domenico Feti with the amazing inscription on the bottom that said: “This have I suffered for you; now what will you do for me.” That might just happen again for us.

What if…we used the theme “Witnessing: The Many Faces of God” as our fulcrum point to swing this whole idea? (Note: I based this idea off a book

(Continued on next page) 5

Portraits

(Continued from previous page)

by Beth Booram, Picturing the Face of Jesus; Encountering Christ through Art). I knew that the Moravian portrait painter John Valentine Haidt had painted a series of faith-based Biblical stories, histories and portraits for Count Zinzendorf’s home in the refurbished Lindsey House of London in 1750.

We could do the same with our church’s lobby and add our own contemporary twist.

What if…I linked up with 21 artists—20 from our congregation and one “ringer,” a former member of the congregation—and asked them to paint a portrait for the congregation’s lobby. The illustrators could use any style desired…cubism, impressionism, cartoon classics, realism, abstract or folk art. I gave each artist a choice of two emotional expressions to choose from; they picked the one that

by Sarah Kosmala

moved their spirit, grabbed their brushes and hit the canvas.

Seventeen out of the 21 artists in our church family rose to the occasion and created some beautiful, meaningful and personal faces of God. These talented artists ranged in ages from eight to 80. As you can see, we transformed the lobby wall into a showcase of color, emotion, expression, spirit and praise for our living Lord for whom we are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) What if…during worship we highlighted oneword themes depicted on the lobby wall and incorporated them into the whole worship experience?

It worked. We designed each Epiphany worship service to combine the arts, the music, the assigned 6

by Lauren Yoder

texts and the word themes to enhance the worship experience. Some moments soared, and others sputtered, but none crashed and burned; I call that achievement. Hey, I live in Ohio, look how many years and tries it took for the Wright Brothers to get something off the ground? So don’t be afraid to fail while trying.

What if…as a church, as a people of faith, we went ahead and prayerfully approached the Lord, seeking new ways to highlight and experience God’s grace to others? As church members throughout both provinces, now is the time to take a risk. Break away from the normal, predictable, traditional ways and enhance God’s grace in the experimental, outof-the-ordinary opportunities. The way we used to do church back in the 1950’s, like Elvis, has long since left the building. If we do not recognize this truth and turn this body of believers in a new direction, Moravians in North America could just become some interesting historical footnote in the American historical Christian experience.

Finally, what if…you personally would step out of your comfort zone, your little faith cubicle of life by attempting something new for the Lord as an individual? Lead your board or church task force on a new adventure of possibility? Reach out to a broken friend in love and helped forge a new road for his/ her journey of faith?

I have never regretted living with a “what if” leadership style. Join other Christians who seek to share the saving love of Jesus with their neighbors both near and far. What if … n The Rev. John B. Wallace is pastor of First Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio. Thanks to Courtney Wallace for the photos.

The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION In November, the Moravian Church lost a dedicated servant and friend, the Rev. Mohamed Braima. Mohamed and his wife, Safie, who had been living in Charlotte, N.C., for nearly 30 years, returned to their native Sierra Leone in 2007 to beging serving the community of Ngiehun.

The Braima’s ministry in Sierra Leone involved church planting, the establishment of a secondary school, library and mission house, and service to surrounding communities. Last fall, Mohamed became sick, was transported to North Carolina for treament and died after a brief illness.

In December, a group of American Moravians escorted Mohamed’s body back to the village where the Braimas had such an impact. What follows are thoughts and remembrances of Mohamed from those who shared his work and vision. These insights provide proof of what Mohamed closed every communication with: “God is good. All the time!”

WE APPROACHED THE VILLAGE at 8:30 p.m. with a caravan that included Mohamed’s hearse.

The road was full of kids singing, a band playing, and people walking beside the hearse.

Koi, Mohamed’s son, asked me to help get the casket into the church. With the benches removed the emptiness was startling. Then the doors were closed. The silence inside reminded me of the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. It was a fitting scene for a true servant of God. We estimated 3,000 people had waited for hours to receive Mohamed. Most remained to talk and weep. We heard prayers, singing and even a message. As I tried to sleep in the nearby mission house, I could hear the vigil continue well into the night.

The next day’s funeral in the church yard reflected God’s love for Mohamed, the village and all who were touched by his ministry. He had quietly served all, regardless of back(Continued on next page) April 2019

“God is good.

All the time.”

Remembering Mohamed Braima

Safie and Mohamed Braima

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Local youth play to mourn Mohamed Braima in Ngiehun, Sierra Leone.

Remembering

(Continued from previous page)

ground. As I spoke along with Bishop Tom Shelton, Koi and Festus Musa, the representative of the village, people were polite and attentive. Then Safie rose to share her heart for God, the people and her grief. She moved us all as she sang and clapped. The people responded with great joy.

The funeral continued as the helpers carried the casket on their shoulders to the grave.

The struggle to lower the casket reminded me that this was new for them because their funerals have no caskets. The tears of the family were expected and welcomed. As we walked away, there was a sense of completion.

Mohamed wanted to be buried next to the church. He was now at rest.

–Steve Wilson, retired pastor, Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, N.C. REVEREND MOHAMED BRAIMA never ceased claiming that God is good, all the time. Dreaming big to serve God was never an obstacle for Mohamed. His faith kept him headstrong as he worked, prayed and loved tirelessly to follow Jesus Christ in providing for our brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone.

His approach to ministry was unchanging: “We are not just Christians in the mouth.” He exemplified the love of Christ to everyone, and 8

what it means to be a follower of Jesus: providing places of Christian worship; mentoring pastors and baptizing individuals in the name of Jesus Christ; building wonderful structures for higher education and Christian instruction; and giving assistance in times of great need for villagers.

The first structures were erected in 2006, and Mohamed placed this stake in the ground as the beginning of his God-given dream for a ministry whose footprint would grow more than Mohamed had imagined. The spread of the Sierra Leone Mission Area parallels Jesus’ words in Acts: “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Mohamed’s dream of bringing the message of Jesus Christ to Sierra Leone continues along the path into the future that Mohamed knew God was providing. In December 2018, Mohamed’s life and accomplishments as a Christian leader and town chief were celebrated, and he was laid to rest beside the first church he established. As the thousands of people of the region came together to witness the accomplishments that Mohamed achieved for God, it was impossible for anyone to suppress joining Mohamed in his exclamation, “God is good, all the time.”

–Jeff Fulp, Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, N.C. The Moravian

AS I LOOK THROUGH MY PICTURES from visits to Sierra Leone over the last nine years, I’m reminded of the many people there that I know and love. At the top of the list are Mohamed and Safie Braima, a couple with beautifully complimenting gifts, two humble Christians completely devoted to caring for and witnessing to those around them. It is my pictures that still show Mohamed’s engaging smile, but it is my heart that continues to remind me of what a giving man he was.

Every time we visited Moravians in another village, Mohamed took something to share from the supplies that had been shipped to the Braimas for the mission. Perhaps it was some school materials or bibles for the church or children’s vitamins—always a small amount because his own resources were limited, but always something. One time we went to a nearby village to see his friend who was in a medical clinic. Mohamed took a few bottles of pain pills for the clinic. I happened to be wearing a shirt with our Moravian seal, and when one of the doctors saw that he asked, “Are you part of that church in Ngiehun that Mohamed leads?”

When I answered yes, his response was, “Mohamed has been here before. He is one of the most giving people I know.”

Mohamed promised God that he would return to his native land to share the gospel. And in the end, this giving man gave all that he had, including his life.

–Donna Hurt, Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. (Continued on next page)

Above: A large crowd of villagers turned out in Ngiehun for Mohamed’s funeral there.

Steve and Claire Wilson, Donna Hurt and Jeff Fulp join the Braimas for the dedication of the secondary school in Ngiehun.

April 2019

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The Moravian Secondary School in Ngiehun, Sierra Leone

THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY of our renewed church, there have been amazing brothers and sisters of extraordinary faith and determination leaving the comfort of home for the sake of Jesus and the soul-winning Gospel. I am awed by the courageous people who have heard the voice “from on High,” similar to St. Paul’s vision of a man in Macedonia beseeching him to “come over and help us.”

Many times, I’ve wanted to ask one of those saints, such as Leonard Dober, just how certain he was about his calling to St. Thomas.

Did he foresee the hardships ahead and the sacrifices which he would endure?

In 2011, I glimpsed that sacrificial joy when I visited two of those extraordinary saints who had left the affluence of Charlotte, N.C., for the dusty roads of their small native village in Sierra Leone. It felt as though I was in Leonard Dober’s St. Thomas when brother Mohamed and sister Safiatu Braima took me in as an honored guest.

Seven years later when I stood on the Mission House porch during Mohamed’s funeral, looking at those who had gathered to weep and celebrate his passing, I was overwhelmed to realize all that he and Safie had accomplished.

With tears in my eyes, I wondered “How did they do this,” but then I realized it was not how they did it, but for whom they did it! Mohamed never took credit for anything, but would simply proclaim “God is good, all the time!!” He has no doubt now heard the Master’s voice saying, “Well done!”

–Rt. Rev.Tom Shelton, DeLeon Springs, Fla. 10

TIME IS SACRED IN THE VILLAGE OF NGIEHUN, where one wakes with songs of praise, the piercing beat of the drum, joy reverberating like the beat of one’s heart, lifting into praise and adoration of God. After waking, one experiences an indwelling Holy Spirit in a community of Jesus’ friends whose lives give definition to selfless service and effusive hospitality. Although we grieve Mohamed’s passing, we can experience the joy that he now knows with Jesus, friend to friend.

God sent a faith-farmer to plant saplings to become grand sequoias. His name was Mohamed.

Few people could conceive a vision as grown up as this man did: a vision of future harvest…the harvest—fruit of the Spirit—being the sure sign of the original planting but, more importantly, the Giver of the seed. Only in God’s mind could a tiny seed become like the mighty sequoia.

The fertile soul-soil of Ngiehun is where I experienced the “seed” of friendship with Mohamed, who gave me a glimpse of the Jesus he knew. Sequoia seems too small to define friendship so great!

God gives grace—sufficiently abundant—for planters of seed, such as Mohamed and Safie, to tend to saplings until they grow and cast off other seeds, like those now growing in Sierra Leone.

Farming and faith can best be taught friend to friend. Sequoia-vision is best inspired friend to friend for those who are spiritually curious for visions of God-sized harvest. The Lord our God, who give us seeds, inquires of us: “Will you plant and tend My seeds?”

–Rev. Tony Hayworth, Greensboro, N.C. Many thanks to our contributors who provided remembrances and photos for this article, and to Donna Hurt for compiling this collection.

The Moravian

History of the Mission in Sierra Leone The story of the Sierra Leone Mission is a journey of faith. Just as Abraham and Sarah had taken a step of faith without knowing where they were going (Hebrews 11:8), Mohamed and Safiatu Braima stepped out in faith and returned to their homeland, without knowing where this journey might take them (and us!). Here are some steps along the way: • 1975–Mohamed Braima comes to the United States.

• 1977–Mohamed accepts Jesus as his Savior and is baptized by the Rev. Herbert Weber at Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte, NC. • 1981–Mohamed graduates from college with a degree in biology. The Board of World Mission explores the possibility of mission work in Sierra Leone, but it is not yet “God’s time.”

• 1986–Mohamed marries Safiatu and they settle in Charlotte, realizing that they share a vision for the people of their homeland.

• 1991–Ten-year war breaks out in Sierra Leone.

After the war, there was a need for healing and ministering to people, but many missions and ministries had left the country seeking refuge elsewhere.

So God called Mohamed and Safie to go...and they went. They were heartbroken by what they saw. But God gave them a vision of what could be, and they journeyed on toward that vision, step by step:

• 2012–Mohamed Braima is ordained as a Deacon in the Moravian Church.

Over the next six years, before Mohamed’s death in November 2018, the Braimas worked hard to nurture and develop the Secondary School, outreach efforts with three additional Moravian congregations in neighboring villages, a school lunch program, relationship-building in their community and other ministries.

Looking Ahead Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “the one who began the good work…will be faithful to bring it to completion.” So the journey continues. Sister Safie, Little Church on the Lane, the Board of World Mission, the Southern Province, and many Moravian congregations and individuals are committed to journeying onward in Sierra Leone, not knowing exactly where God will lead us, not knowing what the future holds, but knowing that the One who holds the future will go with us on the journey.

The Rt. Rev. Sam Gray is director of mission outreach for the Board of World Mission.

• 2006–Mohamed and Safie are commissioned as missionaries to Sierra Leone.

• 2007–Church and mission house construction is begun.

• 2008–Luawa Yiehun Community Moravian Church is dedicated.

• 2009–Building of Moravian Secondary School begins.

• 2010–Sierra Leone is designated as a Mission Area in the Worldwide Unity.

April 2019

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MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

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Laurel Ridge camps demonstrate “the substance is Christ”

aurel Ridge Camp Conference, and Retreat Center is excited about the 2019 camps and retreats!

The overall camp theme verse for 2019 is Colossians 2:16-17: “So don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.”

Weekend camps for those who have completed first or second grade include Pre Junior 1, June 14-16, with deans Margaret Norris (DCE at Home Moravian) and Jami Vandock (DCE at Raleigh Moravian). The theme for this camp is “The Good Shepherd.” Pre Junior 2, July 26-28, with deans the Rev Chris Thore (pastor at Clemmons Moravian) Gail Theard (Grace Moravian), features the theme “Peace Labs.”

Junior camps are for those who have completed third, fourth or fifth grade. Junior 1 is June 23-29, with deans the Rev John D Rights (pastor at Konnoak Hills Moravian) and Mary

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Rights. The theme is “Planting Seeds, Taking Root.” Junior 2 is August 4-10, with deans Heidi Everhart (director of Children’s ministry at Friedberg Moravian) and Daniel Everhart. The theme is “Back to the Future.”

Creative Arts Camp is housed in Higgins Lodge June 30-July 6, with deans Joyce Vance (DCE Peace Moravian) and Bishop Carol Foltz (pastor of Moravia Moravian). This Camp includes everything Moravian, with visual arts, star making, hand building pottery, handbells, Putz building and bible study.

Middle High camp is for those who have completed sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Middle High camp is July 28-August 3, with deans the Rev. Jeff Jones (pastor at Bethabara Moravian) and Cat Long (Bethabara Moravian), with the theme “You Are Now,” taking a look at teens in the Bible.

Senior High Camp is for those who have completed grades 9 through 12. Senior High The Moravian

Camp is July 7-13 with deans the Rev. Zach Dease (pastor at Macedonia Moravian) and Rev. Victoria Lasley (pastor at Fairview Moravian). The theme is “How do we wear it? Faith, Hope and Love in the 21st Century.” This camp includes a dance with the theme of “Memes/vines”; dress up like your favorite one!

Another opportunity for Middle and Senior High campers is Nature Camp, June 23-29, with deans the Rev. Lisa Mullen (serving Sunny Seeds Garden Estamos Unidos) and Greg Keener (Come and Worship). This camp, housed at Higgins Lodge, explores the great outdoors in hopes that the campers will fall in love with nature. It will include hikes, a campout at the New River, bird tagging and bible study.

Mission Camp at Laurel Ridge is for Middle High and Senior High youth groups, with four opportunities to participate: MC 1, June 16-22,with dean Bishop Chris Geisler (BWM); MC2, June 2329, with dean Sacha Lambert (BWM); MC 3, July 14-20, with dean Zach Routh(Raleigh Moravian) and MC 4, July 21-27, with dean Bishop Sam Gray (BWM). Along with going into the community to do work and help others, the bible study theme is “Living Water He’ll Supply.”

Outside the scope of our summer camp season, we have plenty of opportunities for camps and retreats. We currently have two opportunities for families to come to family camp. Spring Family camp is May 3-5 and Fall Family camp is September 20-22. These camps are designed to give the whole family and children of all ages a taste of what summer camps are like. They include program with worship time, lakefront, archery, nature hike, low ropes and, of course, campfires.

Another opportunity for Middle and Senior high age campers is Youth Eco Mission Weekend May 10-12. This is a weekend that is designed for youth groups to help with and learn about environmental stewardship of the mountain.

After summer camp is over, Middle High and Senior Highs that long to be back at camp can come to our Winter camp happening DecemApril 2019

ber 26-30. This camp is housed in Higgins Lodge with plenty of program and worship, community building and a trip to Hawks Nest to go Zip lining.

Weekend camps are $250 and weeklong camps are $475 per camper. Most Moravian churches pay some of the camp fee. Check with your church for the code to take advantage of that discount. Another way to save is if your camper attends more than one camp they can receive a $50 discount on any camp except Mission Camp, although it counts as the second camp.

There is also a camp scholarship available in addition to church sponsorships and discounts; a form in the registration process is available to apply for those scholarships. Contact Scarlett Dowdy the program manager at scarlett@laurelridge.org, to receive a double camp discount or to ask questions about camp scholarships.

Hope to see YOU on the mountain soon! n Scarlett Dowdy is program manager at Laurel Ridge. Photos courtesy of Laurel Ridge.

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MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

Think Outside: no box required at Camp Hope

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ope Conference & Renewal Center, the outdoor ministry of the Eastern District, is preparing for a summer season in which campers can appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, nature and spending time outdoors. Participants in all camps will be encouraged to “think outside,” even without a box.

Located just outside of Hope, New Jersey, Hope Conference Center offers a special time for campers who have just completed grade 1 through age 21. All camps include time to explore a program theme; free time for swimming, boating, recreation, crafts or nature activities; evening vespers and campfires; singing; making new friends and much more.

This year, Pre-Primary and Middler Conferences will be sharing a week at camp, and the two camps will be cooperating to look for “Superheroes in the Bible.” The theme of Senior High Conference is “Get Connected,” connecting with ourselves, others around us, God and the larger Moravian world.

Special interest camps There are camps for special interests as well.

Boys and girls in grades 6 through 10 who want to learn to fish, or to improve their skills,

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can attend Fishing Camp, where they will learn about equipment, bait and lures, and spend a lot of time on the lake or shore. Campers who have completed grades 3 through 6 can come to Swimming Camp, where they learn new skills and strokes, taught by the Hope Center Aquatics Team. During program time this year they will hear about a different Christian athlete every day. Times of bible study and worship are included in all of the special interest camps.

The specialty camp for performers, Musical Theater Camp, gives campers in grades 5-9 a taste of all aspects of live performance, from singing and choreography to backstage crew. The week will culminate in two live performances of Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., a version of the Broadway play created especially for younger performers. The performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, are open to the public. Tickets will be available before each performance.

What’s new?

A new and improved sand volleyball court awaits the campers, as well as refurbished basketball hoops and new basketball equipment for smaller campers. The Couch Memorial The Moravian

Pool will be ready, as well as the canoes and the lakefront of Little Silver Lake. Thanks to the generosity of Emmaus Moravian Church, there are new life vests for boating activities. The outdoor vesper site overlooking the lake and one looking at the camp woods are being prepared and wood is stacked for the coming campfires.

The Environmental Education Center is planning some new activities and themes during camp programs or free time.

A new chef and sous chef in the camp kitchen will be serving the great food that campers look forward to in the dining hall.

They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten- or lactose-intolerant diets and other special dietary needs, as long as the camp is informed in advance.

April 2019

Other camp opportunities Even if you are no longer in school, or not even Moravian, Hope Center has a place for you.

Pastors and adult lay persons can use their talents as counselors, nurses, program leaders and role models. Campers are encouraged to bring a friend with them to camp, regardless of their religious affiliation. For those who need it, financial aid may be available; contact your pastor or Hope Center.

And for those over 21 who miss the opportunity to attend camp, we now offer more retreats for adults. Intro to Mission with the NorthEast Moravian Disaster Response team in May will teach personal skills needed for service and mission trips. Women who love to (Continued on next page)

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Camp Hope (Continued from previous page)

Moravian Camp Dates for 2019 Hope Conference & Renewal Center

sew, whether on a quilt or on something else, are invited to attend Quilt Camp in October. If there is interest in a corresponding men’s retreat, let us know and we will work on scheduling one. There are also plans for a fall retreat focusing on not-the-usual means of prayer.

Online registration available Hope Conference Center now offers online registration for both camps and retreats, making it possible for campers and parents to register, fill out documents and pay with a credit card, all online. Go to the “youth camps” or “specialty camps and retreats” pages at www.camphope.org and click on the “Register Here” button. Volunteer staff can also apply and fill out documents on line by going to the “volunteers” page of the camp website.

Think outside (the box) this summer and come experience Camp Hope for yourself.

Registrations for camps are being accepted now, with an Early Bird Discount available for those who register by May 15. For more info or assistance with online registration, contact Hope Center at (908) 459-4435 or hopecenter@camphope.org. n Susan M. Dreydoppel is Center Director of Hope Conference & Renewal Center, the outdoor ministry of the Moravian Church, Eastern District.

She is a member of Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, PA and a lay member of the Provincial Elders Conference.

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Fishing Camp

June 18 - 22 Dean: Bob Wingrove Jack Boyd, Chaplain Primary Conference

June 30 - July 6 Dean: Kerrian Simpson Rev. Bevon White, Program Pre-Primary Conference

July 7 - 10 Dean: Shannon Swingle Rev. Rebecca Sisley, Chaplain Middler Conference

July 7 - 13 Deans: Rt. Rev. Blair Couch, Rev. Sayward Lippincott Swim Camp

July 14 - 20 Dean: Rev. Tammie Rinker Musical Theater Camp

July 14 - 20 Dean: Sarah Hriniak Rev. Otto Dreydoppel, Chaplain Jr. High Conference

July 21 - 27 Dean: Rev. Jodie Harney Senior High Conference

July 28 - August 3 Deans: Chelsey Mancuso and Maddie Brader Rev. Rebecca Sisley, Program

The Moravian

MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

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Camping opportunities abound for Mid-States Moravians

he Mid-States youth programs are unique from the Eastern District and Western District camps and programs. The Mid-States program is made up of the Moravian churches in Ohio, Indiana, Lower Michigan and Illinois; three of those states are in the Western District, and one is in the Eastern District. Stuck in the middle, distance has separated us from going to the Moravian owned camps in Wisconsin and New Jersey.

We have found facilities to rent, but it requires a lot of extra effort and manpower to haul needed equipment to make these camps happen.

In the middle of planning, packing and hauling, we may feel that it is a great burden, but we are also very blessed by our unique situation. For one, our camps are more affordable, since we provide all of our own staff and cook our own food. We also have many, many lay people who are able to work with the youth and influence the youth of our area, in ongoing relationships. While many pastors have come and gone through the Mid-States, many lay people continue to be a constant to so many youth over the years. We have no paid positions - counselors,

April 2019

directors, cooks, etc.; everyone who is not a pastor is volunteering their time.

My first experience with camp was at Tar Hollow in 1981 (see Anita’s story on page 25). Tar Hollow, which is currently for those who have completed 7th grade through age 21, is held at Tar Hollow State Park in Laurelville, Ohio. Mid-States also holds primary camps Bethany (for Michigan and Ohio campers in grades 2 - 6) and Illiana (for Indiana and Illinois campers in grades 2 - 6) (See information on page 18 for locations and schedules).

Making a difference Many of our campers are “lifers”—that is, they have gone to our camps every year for as many years as possible. One of our lifelong campers, Dannielle Fields, passed away February 13. She went through our camping program from 2nd grade through age 21, with 2018 being her last year.

At her funeral, I was reminded by her aunt, Joy Lux, of just what camp meant to Dannielle (a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound camper). At a commitment service a few years back, the campers were (Continued on next page)

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Mid-States (Continued from previous page) sitting in prayer, contemplating their relationship with and commitment to Christ. Joy looked at Dannielle who had a tear running down her cheek. She understood the love that Jesus had for her.

Another year at a commitment service by the beach at Tar Hollow, the campers were asked to throw a rock in the lake symbolizing some weight that they were carrying. Physically, Dannielle was unable to get close enough to the lake to do this.

Her moms, Amy Swinford and Nancy Beaty, were not able to carry her through the sand either. They were going to wait until everyone was done, and then try to help Dani.

Our compassionate campers realized that this task might be too difficult for Dannielle and her moms, so the campers picked up Dani’s wheelchair, and got her close enough to the lake so that she could also be involved.

The love of camp and the difference it made was also expressed to me recently by Tabitha McNeilly. “Camp Bethany was such a blessing to me!

My home life was tough as a kid. Camp Bethany allowed me to develop and build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m so proud and blessed to Anita Watkins serves as Tar Hollow registrar, Spring Rally director, RYC lay advisor and MSYMC (Mid-States Youth Ministries Committee) Western District lay member 18

be able to send my own children, who will be able to develop lifelong connections with new friends.”

More information about Mid-states camps and how to register can be found at www.midstatesmoraviancamps.webs.com. n

Mid-States Camps for 2019 Tar Hollow 2019 (for those who have completed grade 7 - age 21) July 21 - 27, 2019 Program: “Why Jesus?” by the Revs. Garrett and Sanette Fleming Director: Darryl Bell Illiana 2019 (for those who have completed 2nd - 6th grades in Indiana and Illinois) July 29 - August 2, 2019 Director: Kristine Hasewinkle Bethany 2019 (for those who have completed 2nd - 6th grades in Michigan and Ohio) August 5 - 9, 2019 Director: Scott Minor Fall Retreat 2019 (for those currently in 6th grade - age 21) November 1 - 3, 2019 Director: Dan Meikle

The Moravian

MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

Western District Camps get neighborly

F

or many young Moravians in the Western District, heading to camp for a week is an annual ritual not to be missed. And for 2019, those young Moravians will be studying what it means to be a neighbor.

We have five camps that range from children finishing grade 1 up to age 21. Four of the camps are held at Mt. Morris, Wis., with the fifth being held in Alexandria, Minn.

This year the theme for our camps is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Each camp will explore what a neighbor is and how Jesus calls us to love and serve our neighbors.

What is a neighbor? The Webster dictionary defines it “as a person living near or next door to you.” In the Old Testament neighbors were considered other Jews who were considered the chosen ones, fellow members of a specific group.

Jesus expands our concept of neighbor to include non-Jews as well. Jesus’ definition of neighbor is anyone with whom you come in contact.

There is nobody excluded from Christ’s definition.

It is not limited to people in our family, our direct neighbors, people that share the same ethnic background, go to church with us or even share a belief in God. Jesus gives each of us a lot to think about when he calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Each of the camps will build on the neighbor theme this summer, with a variety of activities and events to make for a memorable, spiritual summer. Registration information can be found at www.wdcamping.com. All are welcome; come and join us! n Kathy Liebenow of Watertown, Wis. is chair of the Camping Ministry Committee.

At Mt. Morris, Wautoma, Wis. 4M Camp (completed grades 1 and 2) August 5-7, 2019 Director: Staci Mareese-Wheeler Junior Camp (completed grades 3, 4 and 5) July 28- August 1, 2019 Director: Katie VanDerLinden Winmor (completed grades 6,7 and 8) July 21-27, 2019 Director: Beth Rohn-Habhagger Chetek (completed grade 9 - age 21) July 14-20, 2019 Directors: Jason Andersen and Amy Andersen In Alexandria, MN (for Minnesota) Camp MINDYY (completed Grades 2, 3, 4 & 5) June 16-19, 2019 Tiffani Glime April 2019

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MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

Van-Es Camp offers spiritual growth and fun for Canadian Moravians

“V

icit Agnus Noster-Eum Sequamur,” Latin for “Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let Us Follow Him,” surrounds the Moravian Seal. It also gave its initials to name Camp Van-Es, which, summer after summer, helps children explore faith in Jesus Christ in a natural setting.

Located just 20 minutes southeast of Edmonton on 100 acres of wooded land on the shores of South Cooking Lake, Van-Es offers a safe environment to experience God, to grow spiritually and, of course, to have fun! In 2019, Van-Es will offer four opportunities for youth in Canada to share in the Moravian camping tradition.

This year, the Rev. Steve Gohdes from Christ Moravian Church in Calgary, will lead the 1/2/3 Camp. This shorter camp—from Wednesday to Saturday—introduces our youngest to the Moravian camping ministry.

Marilyn Gurnsey and the 4/5/6 camp have been working hard to include our sisters and brothers from Labrador in our summer camping adventures. Through the Canadian Mission society, a few campers and adults came to Van-Es over the past two years, and last year, Marilyn brought a team to Labrador to lead a camp experience there. We hope to continue building a positive camping experience and relationship across Canada through their work and ministry.

The Rev. James Lavoy, pastor at Rio Terrace, has been working hard to build positive relation-

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ships with our Anglican friends in Alberta. This year we hope to build on a mid-winter retreat experience where the Anglicans and Moravians shared a Jr. and Sr. High camp, and bring that energy into Van-Es in the years to come.

And we welcome the Rev. Aaron Linville to Canada and to Van-Es, where he brings lots of experience with years of serving at Laurel Ridge. Aaron will lead the Senior High Camp this year, working in conjunction with Rev. Matt Gillard. (Matt secretly hopes to be at camp this summer, but is also excitedly waiting for their second child to be born…)

For more information about camping at VanEs, or to register, visit www.van-es.ca. n Thanks to Rev. Matt Gillard of Heimtal Moravian Church for this summary.

Van-Es Camps for 2019 1/2/3 Camp July 3 - 6 Led by Steve Gohdes 4/5/6 Camp July 7 – 13 Led by Marilyn Gurnsey Jr. High Camp July 14 – 20 Led by James Lavoy Sr. High Camp July 21 – 27 Led by Aaron Linville

The Moravian

MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

F

Moravian Camping: a foundation for church leadership

or many Moravian leaders—pastors, congregational leaders, agency heads and others— the impetus to make the Moravian Church central in their lives can be traced back to their time at a Moravian camp. Whether as a camper, a counselor, or in many cases, both, experiencing God in the woods of Wisconsin, North Carolina, New Jersey or Ohio had a tremendous impact on their future with the church.

As part of our annual issue devoted to Moravian Camping Ministries, we asked a number of today’s church leaders to share their thoughts about what “camp” means to them, and how it made a difference in their lives.What follows are just a few of the many stories Moravians tell about their camping experiences.

We invite you to share your thoughts about the impact camp had—or continues to have—on your faith journey. We will share selected comments in future issues and in conjunction with this article’s online posting. Send your Moravian camp insights to moravianmagazine@mcnp.org.

Christian community woven into God’s wonder and love This is what my experience of camping ministry has been over the years: A community of God’s children almost seamlessly woven into the natural environment that is itself a reflection of God’s wonder and love.

While I grew up experiencing this at Laurel Ridge as a camper beginning in the fourth grade, my life in the Moravian church has now enabled me to experience this miracle at Tar Hollow, Mt. Morris, Van-Es, and Hope. And while the traditions and stories are different in each place, the basic truth is the same.

Camping ministry at its best is a compliment to the Christian education and community that happens within the life of local congregations all year long. Sunday school classes, worship services, confirmation, pot luck dinners and fellowship events are at the heart what make the local church a place where God’s grace and the love of Jesus are made (Continued on next page)

Chris Giesler, center, leads a guitar circle at Camp Hope. Several others in this photo have gone on to lead camps of their own.

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Foundation (Continued from previous page) real for people of all ages. But add to that the opportunity to pull away from our normal routines for a week of intensive community building, close proximity to nature, daily extended worship and small group interaction, and a place to play and laugh together, and something magic happens. This is what camping ministry is all about.

I know that I am not alone in saying that had it not been for the camping ministry experiences of my childhood, adolescence, and young adult life, the chances of me being in the church at all, much less serving it as I do, would have been reduced significantly. Each year, camping ministry gave me a new community of peers to learn and play with, and adults to nurture me and serve as examples of Christ’s love. These adults also then taught me lessons about how wonderfully God has woven our world together, loved us enough to send us Jesus,

A part of my journey It is easy for me to say that at the foundation of my faith lies 23 years of camping ministry. I have had the heartwarming experience to attend both as camper and as a staff member, and every camp I’ve attended has now become part of my beautiful journey closer to God. I’ve often said that at the top of the list of things that we Moravians are doing ‘right’ is our camping ministry. While it may not seem like much to those from the outside looking in, for those of us who have set foot on the sacred ground of a Moravian church camp, there is an understanding that you cannot explain to others; it can only be experienced.

This time together as a very unique community of faith is truly transformational, spiritually uplifting, and educational.

If you have not taken advantage of the opportunity to attend 22

and moved profoundly in our midst by the Holy Spirit. This environment is hard to duplicate for a couple of hours on a Sunday morning. The local church needs the camping ministry.

I would challenge pastors and congregations to make camping ministry an important part of their overall ministry plan for each of the children entrusted to their care. I would challenge parents to make sure that summer plans include time to attend camp for each of their children. I would challenge all adults to seriously consider setting aside a week of their time each summer to serve as counselors or support staff for a camp as well. These weeks cannot happen without folks willing to serve.

I thank God for blessing me with so many life changing camping experiences. Still today it is where my soul is most filled with God’s wonder and love.

–The Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler, director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission

camp as a camper or staff member, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful faith forming experiences the Moravian church offers.

Thank you to the many men, women and children who have made and continue to make our camping programs wonderful year after year!

– The Rev. Greg Behrend, pastor, Our Savior’s Moravian Church, Altura, Minn.

Greg Behrend

The Moravian

Rebecca Sisley

A call to ministry When I was nine, my parents took my older sister to Hope Conference and Renewal Center for the first time. She was attending Troubadour Camp. At that age, I didn’t feel I was ready to go to camp and be away from home. I saw the joy on my sister’s face as she unloaded her bags in the cabin and made her bunk. There were kids everywhere and everyone looked so excited! That was my first experience with the place that has connected me to God and others so completely and transformed my life and faith.

Though I asked my parents to let me stay, the fact that I didn’t have any supplies was a bit of an obstacle and we headed home. I was overcome with the desire to attend Camp Hope; the next summer I attended Swim Camp and loved it! Spending hours in the pool and with friends rekindled the joy I felt the year before.

I remember camp fires with Sister Carol Dague introducing me to the song “All God’s Critters have a Place in the Choir” and leading us through studies as well as Sister Jody Lean (Harney), being the dean and counselor in our stinky cabin of 11 girls!

I continued to be a part of camping ministries until I aged out of Senior/Post High. I served as a counselor for Pre-Primary Camp as a teen and eventually became part of a dean T\team for the camp with the support of Brother Mike Rampulla and Sister Cynthia Rader-Geyer. I was an exchange camper where I traveled to Laurel Ridge and met more Moravians and had more mountaintop experiences.

I felt my call to ministry while I was on those mountains of North Carolina and Hope, New Jersey.

April 2019

It amazed me then when I went to seminary and I saw people that I had gone to camp with years before—Brother Aaron Linville and Sister Ginny Tobiassen were two. I continued my camping ministries leading Mid-Winter Retreat in seminary and now as a chaplain for Pre-Primary and the program leader for Senior High.

When they say the relationships you make at camp stay with you, they mean it. Your own Cloud of Witnesses surround you every step and you get the opportunity to step into that every time you go back to Hope.

–The Rev. Rebecca Sislely is pastor of First Moravian Church in Riverside, N.J. and will be at Camp Hope for two weeks this summer.

Camp memories guiding a faith journey “I don’t know… I guess we could say we will read the Bible more.” That was the covenant, pretty much verbatim, I made with a friend at Winmor (middle school camp in the Western District) in the summer of 2001. It was the first year Winmor was held at Mt. Morris Camp & Conference Center, and as campers we were being encouraged to make a covenant with another camper to hold each other accountable to take a lesson from camp home with us.

For two eighth-grade boys, we probably spent more time right after camp thinking about the campfire skits, the messy games, and mattress surfing. (Note: Mattress surfing is a camp specific sport where you take the mattresses off the bunk beds and line them up, come running and slide across them while riding another mattress…)

Yet, when my friend and I returned to Winmor as counselors several years later, we reminisced on the impact those weeks together at camp had on us, and we decided to follow through on our commitment. More than a decade later we still annually choose a Bible reading plan that we work through together, and I know my faith has grown in a way it never would have without that intentional time spent studying the Bible; and it all goes back to camp.

When I return to camp now as a counselor, RYC advisor, or program leader, I try to never take (Continued on next page) 23

Foundation

Justin Rabbach

(Continued from previous page) for granted the way in which each and every moment at camp, in a safe and fun-filled environment for spiritual growth, can be a chance to offer encouragement and invite someone to make their own covenant to continue to grow in and live out their faith. We may not see the result immediately, but when we look at the number of people involved in Moravian ministries, it is no coincidence that many of them have fantastic camp memories which helped guide them on their faith journey.

Where else but camp can your ministry include sitting with a camper and praying about their discernment process as they seek out their vocation, and two hours later find yourself hiding for half an

Camping in the Mid-States…

My first contact with the Mid-States youth programs was in 1981 as a camper. I attended Spring Rally at a now closed church in Michigan where the Rev. Darryl Bell was the pastor, then attended Tar Hollow in July. I was hooked.

Back then, Tar Hollow was for campers in grades 7 - 12. My first experience was a great one!

I had a small group leader who made a difference in this then-shy adolescent girl. Every year through 1986, I never missed a camp or rally. I even packed weeks ahead to get ready for Tar Hollow.

Tar Hollow is a state park in Laurelville, Ohio.

It does not have the most luxurious accommodations. There is no air conditioning in the lodge or Anita Watkins, left,, with lifelong camp frends Lynn Reichman and Amy Keller.

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hour 25 feet up in a tree, wearing a moose hat, waiting for your cue to surprise everyone you were up there and lead a silly campfire song?

–Justin Rabbach is executive director of the Board of World Mission cabins. The cabins are quite a hike up a hill from the lodge, and they have many cracks and crevices through which bugs, sprickets, bats and mice find their way. And in 1981, the shower houses were down the hill by the lodge. In spite of the rustic setting, I was there to stay. Many people from that first year at camp continue to touch my life over the years and remain lifelong friends. We are still “there” for each other through life’s many challenges even though we are hundreds of miles apart.

I returned to Tar Hollow in 1990 and became a counselor. By this time, there were some changes to the camping program: the addition of a junior high camp and primary camps, and Tar Hollow was now for campers in 9th grade through age 21. I was nervous, but so excited to return to the place that meant so much to me through the development of my relationship with Christ. I wanted to share that excitement with others, spread the love of God and the love of Tar Hollow.

I continued to be counselor, only missing a few years due to marriage and having babies, until 2006 when I received a “promotion” to registrar; I’ve acted in that position ever since. I no longer have to climb the hills to sleep each night, and actually get to stay in an air-conditioned cabin. (There are still only three air-conditioned cabins, all staff occupied.) The beauty of the camp is still intact, and not The Moravian

much has changed over the years except the lake might be a little cleaner...

Through the years, campers have come and gone, and some of the staff have changed. But many, like I, continue through the years. Some of the current staff were even staff when I was a camper; others were fellow campers with me in the 1980’s. We

have seen many of our children come through as campers. And that first pastor at the first rally I attended, Darryl Bell? He is in his third year of directorship at Tar Hollow.

–Anita Watkins, MSYMC (Mid-States Youth Ministries Committee), Western District lay member and camp registrar

Butch Sawtelle and Ruth Cole Burcaw at Laurel Ridge in the 1980s...

...and Butch’s daughter, Kathleen Sawtelle and Ruth’s son, Jake Burcaw, serving at Laurel Ridge in 2018.

Camp is a common denominator

riety of ways in my local congregations. In my early 40s, I became more involved at the provincial level and was elected to the Board of Christian Education, one of the predecessor boards to the agency I currently serve as executive director–the Board of Cooperative Ministries.

Why am I a leader in the Moravian Church?

Circumstance, birth order, personality and nurture all played a role, but ultimately, I believe I am where I am today for two primary reasons: 1) my leadership capability emerged from my lived experience as a young Moravian, and 2) I had mentors who believed in me and encouraged me to use my giftedness so I might strive to become all that God created me to be.

If we desire future generations to carry on and reimagine our Moravian heritage in the coming years, we must work intentionally to develop the Moravian leaders who will emerge from our congregations and our unique programs and ministries.

– Ruth Cole Burcaw is exectuive director of the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries

Take a look around the church. Who is leading?

From where I sit within the provincial organization, nearly everyone in a significant position within an agency or institution share one common life experience… they went to camp.

For those of us in the Southern Province of the Moravian Church, that means Laurel Ridge. In fact, many of us actually worked on the M-Staff, where as summer staffers we played guitar, guarded swimmers, led activities, and cleaned lots of bathrooms.

If not M-Staff, many leaders once served as counselors or visited Laurel Ridge as a camper. Others served on the Regional Youth Council (RYC), a youth organization made up of representatives from each congregation.

I know that my own Moravian leadership journey began with my service on RYC, where I served as president while in high school. I worked on M-Staff during my college years in the summers of 1985, 1986, and 1987. And while there were several intermittent years where I focused on raising my family, I never left the church. I served in leadership in a vaApril 2019

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Foundation (Continued from previous page)

From “Art Lady” to pastor In 1996, as a freshly minted college graduate, I packed up my things and went to serve Camp Hope as the resident Art Specialist. Camp rules being a little different in those years, I brought my young son, Robert, with me. We quickly fell into the rhythm of camp life, focused around mealtimes and evening campfires. Meals and campfires were camp-wide events; everyone in camp attended. Table fellowship and evening vespers at the fire informed and shaped our service.

As the ‘Art Lady’ I had a tiny budget for supplies and a lot of campers coming. Consequently, I had to be resourceful. Glue and old magazines were in abundance, so I taught the campers to decoupage. The kids really loved it, so much so that that first year we decoupaged the rough equivalent of three city blocks.

“Gimp” (plastic string for lanyards) was also a big deal at camp. We taught the campers how to weave lanyards—box, twist, and Jacob’s ladder were the most popular methods. While the campers weaved and decoupaged they talked. They told me stories about school, siblings, family, vacations, troubles, and challenges. I understood these were important - even holy moments. It was an honor to listen and, when trust was built, to pray together.

After my first year of seminary I decided to return to serve at camp again. This time camp needed a cook. Working in restaurants had funded my

undergraduate education and I was pleased to put what I learned to even more good use serving the church.

Each week brought in a whole new weekly staff of pastoral and lay leaders. Up until that point, I only knew my own pastor. I remember it being a surprise to meet all the different clergy. It was a pleasure to experience the different styles of serving and leading that each group of weekly staff brought with them.

Those first two years I served side by side with Ostomy Matthew. He was the store clerk and office assistant. Our love of the church and friendship built on service blossomed into a relationship. In August of 1998 we decided to make our partnership permanent. We were married at my home church, Palmer Moravian, by our pastors, (then) Rev. Doug Kleintop and Bishop Stanley Thomas.

Over the years we have served pastorates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and now, Maryland. Through all of these various places of service, Camp Hope evolved into a second home base for us. All three of our children—Robert, Quinn, and Eve—attended camp as campers and later served on summer-long staff.

Together we have been blessed to serve with Christians from many and diverse backgrounds. Os and I continue to serve and support Camp Hope, our home away from home. n –The Rev. Tammie Rinker is pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in New Carollton, Md. She and Os will be the deans of Swim Camp, July 14-20.

Tammy Rinker, second from right, and the 1996 staff at Camp Hope

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The Moravian

MORAVIAN WRITINGS

Lenten thoughts from decades past

Walking through back issues of The Moravian often yields wonderful words from the past. This month, we reviewed several Lentfocused issues and found thoughts about the season from 1969 and 1976 that still ring true today. “...Lent is the clearing away of the cobwebs which our faith somehow manages to accumulate. It is a re-examination of our relationship with Jesus Christ and a renewing of our commitment to him. It is our hearts being touched again by the great love of God as he gave his Son to die for our sins. Our penitent hearts can be made strong with this love and we are then better able to do the will of God in this world.

The Christian should make this reexamination and renewal all year. From this comes compassion and love for Jesus Christ and our fellow man.

This compassion, this love, can manifest itself in concern for those around us. Then perhaps the alleviation of poverty, racism and

unrest will begin to show more rapid progress....”

–Joyce Pharo, March 1969 “...As I see it there is one thing that will give meaning to our observance of Lent in this or any year, and that one thing is prayer. Our personal life, our congregational life, and our life in the world as a Christian is poorer because we do not pray. If Lent calls us to do one thing, that one thing is to pray. Prayer may sound like too simple a solution. However, the discipline of prayer is not an easy task. If there is to be any self-examination or cross-examination during Lent [1969], let it be our own prayer life...”

–Robert Gohdes, March 1969 “...The observance of Lent in the church seems always to have been preceded with the question: “What shall I give up for Lent?” This concept has come down from antiquity and made Lent known as a forty-day fasting season.

In some churches (and the Moravian (Continued on next page)

April 2019

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(Continued from previous page)

Church may be one) the observance of this season has not been overemphasized, if indeed it was emphasized at all. Perhaps our observance of Lent was withdrawn in an effort to break away from tradition for tradition’s sake.

Now we realize that there are traditions that offer much in meaning and in the building of unity. So we look at Lent and observe it as a memorial time: a time to remember Jesus setting his face and his meditations toward Jerusalem.

We realize that this means not only the crucifixion of that Friday, but it means also the open tomb of resurrection morning. Of the victory over death. And of the grace expressed in ‘Where I am, there ye may be also.’

Lent then is not only a time of sacrifice, but a time when we observe the holiness of the resurrection. Then we will look at Lent as a season when we begin to do what we were created to do...”

–C. Albert Ulrich, March 1969 “...The true story of Easter cannot be told apart from the story of the Passion. The two events are inseparable in the life of Christ.

The best way to understand the complete Easter story is to participate in our Moravian Church mediations. Classic presentations involve weekly Lenten services, traditional Palm Sunday activities, and daily Holy Week services which are 28

centered around the Passion Week Manual. The Readings for Holy Week are from the Gospels, consist of readings interspersed with suitable hymns, perhaps a brief thought provoking message and prayers. Communion and special Easter morning sunrise services dramatize the relationship of past and present events.

All of these prepare us for thoughtful consideration of the complete Easter story. These events are a wonderful way to hear “the old, old story,” and to renew again its impact upon our lives.

Our Moravian church services indicate that the story of Easter is a momentous event.

With Christ’s death and resurrection we are assured of the fact, “by grace are you saved through faith.”

The real proof that Christ has risen is that he is alive, and he is alive whenever men love another with his love. The belief of this statement is worthy of our concentrated efforts throughout the year. The more we read this Gospel message, sing inspiring hymns, eat the bread, and drink the cup, the more readily can we understand the relationship of these events to our own lives....”

–G.W. Axmann, March 1969 “...Most of us, no doubt, have been on the receiving end of an irreverent, off-handed quip, “Hey…whatcha giving up for Lent?”

The Moravian

It is the kind of throw-away query for which no reply is expected or given, other than a possible in-kind retort.

But it does raise a question about giving up something (from a bad habit to a favorite food). And, for those who do make serious, considered sacrifices­—fine.

Yet, it seems that Lent might be more a time of taking something on—of taking a look at what we’re doing, where we’re falling short and making a determined (possibly even rash) move to get on with something worthwhile.

Lent, like spring, is a time of renewal—of new optimism and fresh starts, of throwing off the restrictive starts, of throwing off the restrictive bonds of dormant winter, to nurture a new blossoming forth, as Christ broke the tedious bonds of an old way and gave us, by purposeful sacrifice, a new way.

And this newness can come in the great cathedrals, in the downtown church or in the fledgling little congregations or fellowships that are becoming a part of the Moravian Church....”

–Ray H. Rollins, Welcome, NC, March 1976 “...The season of Lent has always meant to me that Easter is near. It is a time of renewing and strengthening my close ties with God. In thinking toward Easter, the ultimate sacrifice, that

of God’s giving of his Son for my sins, is more present in my thoughts and prayers.

The season of Lent is then a time to reexamine my relationship with my God and to try to ascertain what I can do to strengthen that relationship. When God has done and is doing so much for me constantly, I always find myself falling short on my responsibilities to him. The good that I have done in his name is always slight when I think of all I could have done. His love that I have allowed to reflect from me as only been a glimmer, when with a little more effort and love on my part it could have been radiant.

And then I rejoice. I know that God forgives me for my shortcomings and will give me strength and guidance, because I love him and want to show it in a more positive way. I think of his friendship and love as the greatest one, and I have let it slide from top priority in my life. With renewed effort, dedication and commitment in this Lenten season, I will try once again to get to know my Lord even better, so that my life will be worthy of him. Then during Holy Week, studying and reviewing the last days of Christ on earth in the form of man, I will be better ready to rededicate my life to him. n –Johnsie Long, Winston-Salem, NC, March 1976

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© 2019 MCC

Moravian Crystal Company is pleased to present a collection of elegant renderings, highly detailed and produced in 3D laser engraved imaging into optical grade crystal. These unique gifts, designed in Winston-Salem, N.C., celebrate Moravian history, heritage and traditions.

For more information or to order, visit www.moraviancrystal.com Moravian Crystal Company, Inc. • 2150 Country Club Rd, Suite 248 • Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104 (336) 306-5688

April 2019

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MORAVIAN MUSIC

Moravian Anthems...for my choir?

“Does your choir sing Moravian anthems?”

“Are you kidding? They’re too high – and too hard! We haven’t done those for years.”

“Yeah. Same here. Wish we could.”

Yes, we’ve heard that concern at the Moravian Music Foundation, and we’ve been listening. In response, we’ve launched a new sub-series in the Moravian Star Anthem Series.

In this new series (printed with green covers, in contrast with the red and blue covers), anthems from the 18th or 19th centuries are arranged to be

oravian

f the M

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A Publi

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accessible to a smaller choir. We transpose the piece down a whole step or more, recognizing that today’s standard pitch (A=440) is about a half-step (or more) higher than the pitch standard of 200 years ago, and acknowledging that the singers in Moravian settlement congregations 200 years ago received, in general, more vocal training than our church choir members do now.

Transposing the pitch down isn’t the only arranging that’s done, however. When you lower the pitch for the sopranos, you also lower it for the basses—and our basses can only go so low—so often some re-writing of the bass line is needed. And many congregations don’t have enough singers to have a four-part choir; so we have arranged these anthems for a three-part choir – soprano, alto, and baritone (in a mid-range, singable by both tenors and basses). In these anthems we print only the English translation, in slightly larger type size as well. (In the “blue series” we print both English and German texts.)

Two of these “green series” pieces are in print now: O the Blessedness Is Great was originally in F major, so that the soprano part went to the high F quite frequently, and was originally written for two soprano, alto, and bass parts. (In an early 1950s publication it was arranged for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts.) ion

oundat Music F

uit The Fr rit pi of the S Geistes) t des (Die Fruch

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choir for SAB e and t u fl with o or pian organ r n Geisle Christia Johann ) 15 (1729-18 5:22 alatians Text: G nouse Reed K

by Nola d e g an Arr 04 MMFS18

The Moravian

The new arrangement is in D major for threepart choir.

The Fruit of the Spirit was also originally for four-part choir with flute, in the key of A major, where the soprano “hovers” in the high E-F#-G# range. The new “green series” publication is in the key of F, so the soprano hovers in the C-D-E range, and again, the piece is arranged for SAB choir.

Several other three-part “green series” pieces are in the pipeline for publication now.

Do you have old favorite Moravian anthems you wish your choir could sing? Let us know, and we’ll see if it will work!

Arranging musical compositions for smaller forces is an effective way of making the music more widely accessible. Do you remember learning and singing classical masterpieces in more accessible arrangements in high school and college, pieces we would never have been able to sing or play in their original versions?

This new “green series” has just that goal – to make this body of music, written by our forebears in the Moravian faith, written for Moravian worship, available to as many of our congregations as we can.

Moravian Star anthems already have been published with blue and red covers. Those with blue covers are editions from the old manuApril 2019

scripts in our care; most of these anthems were written in the later 18th and 19th centuries, and we’ve pulled out those manuscripts, transcribed them into modern notation, translated the German texts into English, and (where needed) created a part for piano or organ from the original string orchestration. Those with red covers were written by living Moravian composers – people like Brian Henkelmann, Jill Bruckart, Dirk French, Jonathan Sidden, and Zach Bailey. These anthems carry a fresh new sound, using today’s musical language to express and deepen our faith.

Launched by the Moravian Music Foundation in 2007, the Moravian Star Anthem Series seeks to publish Moravian sacred choral music of all eras. Over 80 anthems have been published in the series to date, about one-fourth of which are by living Moravian composers.

Most of these publications have been funded through sponsorships, with the sponsor dedicating the publication in honor or in memory of someone or of an organization or event. To inquire about sponsoring a publication, please contact the Moravian Music Foundation: info@moravianmusic.org; 336-725-0651. n The Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse is director of the Moravian Music Foundation.

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Moravian Unity Work, March 3, 2019 The first Sunday in March is designated as a day of prayer for the special causes which are supported by all provinces of our Moravian Unity. This year the offerings will provide for a church building in the Azam Province of India, in the Moravian Mission Area South Asia, which includes several areas in India and in Nepal.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Watchwords In December 2018, members of the Provincial Board of the European Continental Province met in Herrnhut, the birthplace of our renewed Moravian Church, and drew watchwords for the Unity Board, Unity Provinces, Mission Provinces, Unity Undertakings and New Mission work.

The Northern Province watchword from March 10 is: “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. Then I acknowledged my sin to you.” Psalm 32:3,4,5 Chaska, Minnesota Brother Michael Eder, who has been serving as part-time appointed pastor for Chaska Moravian Church, Chaska, Minn., concluded his work January 6, 2019.

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New York, New York Sister Desna Henry Goulbourne has accepted an appointment to serve as half-time pastor for United Moravian Church, New York, N.Y. Sister Henry Goulbourne began her work January 16, 2019.

Davenport, North Dakota Brother Martin Avery, a pastor with the United Methodist Church, has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Canaan Moravian Church, Davenport, N.D. Brother Avery began his work February 3, 2019.

Emmaus, Pennsylvania Sister Christine S. Johnson, who was serving under appointment as full-time interim pastor for Emmaus Moravian Church, concluded her work March 8, 2019.

Presbyterial Consecration Brother James Lavoy, presently serving as pastor of Rio Terrace Moravian Church, Edmonton, Alberta, will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on May 26, 2019. Bishop M. Blair Couch will officiate at the service, which will be held at the Rio Terrace Church.

Retirement Brother Richard Beck requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective August 31, 2019.

Brother Beck was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church November 29, 1986 and has served the church in pastorates in The Moravian

Obituary: The Rev. Marvin R. Henkelmann Alberta (Bruderheim, Good Shepherd), Wisconsin (West Side), and Pennsylvania (Schoeneck).

The church is grateful for his thirty-three years of faithful service.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE 2019 Watchword for the Southern Province Each year the European Continental Province makes arrangements to draw watchwords for the individual Provinces, Mission Provinces, and Mission Areas.

The texts assigned to the Southern Province are those for Sunday, October 26: You are a people holy to the Lord your God; it is you the Lord has chosen out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 14:2 God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Romans 3:30 The prayer in the U.S. edition of the Daily Texts is: God, you are one; we are so many and so different. What a miracle! Amid and despite the divisions of the world, you have called us, your people, to show all humanity that we are one family – your daughters and sons. May it be so. Amen.

David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference April 2019

Brother Marvin R. Henkelmann died January 29, 2019 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania at age 90.

Born March 5, 1928 at Strathcona, Alberta, he was the son of Theodore and Leokadia (Adam) Henkelmann. Brother Henkelmann graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1950 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1953. He was ordained a deacon in the Moravian ministry July 12, 1953 and consecrated a presbyter June 28, 1959.

He was united in marriage to Wilma Stoltz July 17, 1951 at Edmonton, Alberta.

Together they served pastorates in Pennsylvania (Central, College Hill, York First, Coopersburg, Easton First, Midway Manor, Calvary) and California (Covina). Brother Henkelmann also served as missionary in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, chairman of the Pacific Coast Moravian Board, assistant director of development for Deferred Giving at Moravian College and Director of Stewardship and Deferred Giving for the Moravian Church Northern Province. He entered into retirement July 1, 1993.

Brother Henkelmann is survived by his wife, Wilma; sons, Wayne and Brian; daughter, Linda; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, Pennsylvania on February 2, 2019 with the Rev. Janel Rice officiating. Burial was in Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Memorial gifts were welcomed for the Good Samaritan Fund of Moravian Hall Square or the American Heart Association.

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Obituary: The Rev. William L. Pfeiffer

Obituary: Mrs. Warren Kuhfahl

Brother William L. Pfeiffer died January 12, 2019 in Georgetown, Delaware at age 77.

Born April 18, 1941 in Pomona, N.J., he was the son of William and Mina (Hohneisen) Pfeiffer. Brother Pfeiffer graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1965, received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1968, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in 1986. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry June 16, 1968 and consecrated a Presbyter June 15, 1975.

He was united in marriage to Kathleen Leyh July 10, 1965 at Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Together they served pastorates in New York (Tremont Terrace, Castleton Hill), Ohio (Uhrichsville), and Pennsylvania (Coopersburg, Center Valley). Br. Pfeiffer also served as chaplain for Moravian Manors, Inc. He entered into retirement January 1, 2004.

Brother Pfeiffer is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons, William, Marc, and Christopher; and five grandchildren.

Memorial gifts were welcomed for the Pfeiffer Christian Equestrian Outreach in Frankstown, Virginia or Delaware Hospice in Milford, Delaware.

Sister Dorothy May (Cheyne) Kuhfahl died in Allentown, Pennsylvania on March 9, 2019 at age 94. She was born October 27, 1925 at Hyattsville, Maryland, a daughter of Carey and Kate (Garrett) Cheyne.

Sister Kuhfahl was united in marriage to Brother Warren C. Kuhfahl on May 19, 1951 at Moorestown, New Jersey. She served alongside her husband in pastorates in New York (Trinity, Tremont Terrace), Pennsylvania (Reading, Edgeboro), and Indiana (Hope).

Daughters, Wendy and Wanda; sons, Wayne and William; ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren survive Sister Kuhfahl. She was predeceased by her husband, Warren, on April 8, 2006 and a son, Warren (“Chuck”).

Memorial services were held March 16, 2019 at East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with the Rev. Derek French presiding. Memorials were gratefully received for the Board of World Mission.

Ad 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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The Moravian

April.indd 1

1/4/19 11:17 AM

Help us grant Larger Life to Moravian ministries.

The Larger Life Foundation has a 99-year history of helping Moravian ministries in the Northern Province through disbursements from its permanent endowment fund. Last year alone, we shared more than $500,000 with 37 causes, supporting social services, educational, church, Provincial and District programs, and other ministries reaching across the province.

Won’t you help us continue this ministry of service? Your support can make a difference in the life of the church.

For more, visit www.largerlifefoundation.org or contact Tammy Curcio, Treasurer, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, 610867-7566, Ext. 17.

Larger Life Foundation

MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE

Help for Today. Building for Tomorrow.

April 2019

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Periodicals Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245

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April 2019