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In this issue:
Board of World Mission Annual Report plus Moravian Music Festival, a rural experience, Unity Women and more!
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Larger Life
to Moravian ministries. The Larger Life Foundation is a permanent endowment fund with its income providing “larger life” to the ministries of the Moravian Church Northern Province since 1920. In the last 10 years alone, the Foundation has distributed more than $5 million to churches and ministries like church camps and retirement communities. The Foundation relies exclusively on gifts from people like you to make a difference. To learn more about giving and our loan and grant opportunities, visit largerlifefoundation.org or MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE call 610.867.7566, ext. 17.
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Granting Larger Life to Moravian Ministries
Special Events June 17
MoRAVIAn DAY 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Activities, music, & food for the entire community. On the lawn at CentRAL MoRAVIAn ChuRCh Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa
June 25
AnnIVeRSARY LoVefeASt 3:00 p.m.
Featuring music of a massed band and choir from Bethlehem Moravian entities. JohnSton hALL, MoRAVIAn CoLLege Presented by the Bethlehem Area Moravian Churches, Moravian College, Moravian Theological Seminary, and other Moravian entities.
610-866-3125 Interested in participating as a musician or singer? Contact Becky Owens at RAKLEINTOP@hotmail.com
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The Moravian
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On the cover: Pictures help tell the story of Moravian missions around the world.
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31 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith
SPECIAL FEATURE
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
Moravian Traditions
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Board of World Mission Annual Report Congregation tries new tradition with “Saturday before Easter” rounds
Unity Women’s Desk 7 Unity Women’s Desk launches Southern Province campaign
In Our Communities 9
Ohio church offers “rural immersion” mission/ service experience
Moravian Music 31
Festival to bring together many for Moravian music
...And More
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.
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Ponderings: Documenting the work of Moravians in mission
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Moravian Doctrine: Confessing Our Unity in Christ, Part 2
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Official Provincial Elders’ News
38 Obituaries
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PONDERINGS
Documenting the work of Moravians in mission
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elcome to one of my favorite issues of the year. Each spring since 2011, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of helping to produce the Board of World Mission’s Annual Report. This 20-page publication highlights the extensive work being done around the world by Moravians dedicated to our church’s centuries-old call to mission. And each year, I grow increasingly amazed at what our small church can accomplish! This year’s report, themed “We Are All One in Mission…that you may know Christ’s love!” shares stories of the impact the Board of World Mission (BWM) is making in areas around the globe. The articles provide a firsthand view of the work in far-off places like Cuba, Peru, Nepal, Tanzania, Albania, Honduras, Nicaragua and right here in the United States. Contributors include Board of World Mission staff, partners and those participating in mission efforts. My role in this project is to make minor edits and layout the articles and images provided by the BWM. And as I take on this task, I gain a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into, as the BWM vision states, “…send God’s people to bring others to know and follow Christ” and “…provide opportunities for people to be God’s instruments of grace, peace and justice in the world.” on ld Missi Board of Wor By reading through the pages of this Annual Report, I also see the results ne of the BWM’s travels. I do a fair bit of We All Are O travelling for my work with the IBOC, but nothing like what these folks do. It seems that the Rev. Judy Ganz, the BWM’s executive director who works in the same building as me, is always off to some corner of the Moravian world on mission business. I also follow the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray’s very aptly Christ's love! named Facebook page, “Where in . .that you may know the World Is Sam?” to see just where Report 2016 Annual in the world he is now (as I write this, he’s in Cuba). Other staffers
In Mission
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) April 2017, Vol. 48, 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: 17,000 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, Lance Fox, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Jill Westbrook, Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. 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 © 2017, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America. All rights reserved
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The Moravian
MORAVIAN TRADITIONS
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Congregation tries new tradition with “Saturday before Easter” rounds
teeped in tradition, we Moravians often find that if they do something twice, they just keep doing it. Sometimes we don’t even remember why it is done. Could the tradition have even become outdated? Maybe such is the case for the tradition of the Salem Congregation’s Easter Morning “rounds” in certain areas of a community. In earlier times, for the Easter Sunrise Service, knowing that the roosters (early American alarm clocks) wouldn’t crow early enough to awaken the community in time for the service, a brass band was sent out to play on street corners to call the community to worship at the Sunrise Service. Archival records don’t reveal the date that it started, but it is known that it was a tradition by 1880. B.J.Phohl wrote, in a journal entry of a childhood experience that year, of being mentored by elder bandsmen as they played their rounds. It may have begun as just a “Salem phenomenon,” but as the community expanded
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and more Moravian churches were built to serve their respective new communities, this tradition carried on with the growth. Such was the case for Fairview as it was started in the Fairview community of North Winston-Salem on Liberty Street. One of its members, Brooks Snyder (now age 92), remembers the rounds of the past well. He has played for the Easter Sunrise Service and rounds for 81 consecutive years. He recently described how the Fairview band, in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, would ride a streetcar down Liberty Street for a few blocks, get off and play at a few street corners, get back on the streetcar to ride a few more blocks, and repeat this process until they were close enough to Old Salem to walk the rest of the way. Fairview moved to a more suburban setting in 1963 and continued the tradition of early-morning rounds until four years ago. After having some discussions with the band, (Continued on next page)
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Rounds (Continued from previous page)
Robah Ogburn, the former director of the Fairview band, decided to try something new. He started the tradition for the band of playing their rounds in the afternoon of the Saturday before Easter morning. Safety concerns for the aging bandsmen getting on and off the buses in the darkness of night were cited as the main reason for changing this tradition. It had also become obvious that the transient residents of the area didn’t understand the reason for a brass band playing at 2:00am in their front lawn. It’s rumored that one group of bandsmen even had a jar of peanut butter thrown at them as a sign of disapproval. There have been many positive elements
Ponderings (Continued from page 4)
like Justin Rabbach and Jill Kolodziej seem to be constantly on the move. Travelling BWM staff are only a part of Moravians making a difference around the world. Throughout the Annual Report, you’ll read stories of Moravian Church members of all ages giving their time and talent in places both far and near. It’s the efforts of many— and the financial support of the church—that makes this work and impact possible. Most importantly, though, a read through this Annual Report provides a true sense of the affect the Moravians in mission have—helping nurture faith in Peru and Cuba, providing medical care in Honduras, educating children in Sierra Leone and Nepal, repairing homes in disaster areas, caring for orphans in Tanzania, or the myriad other efforts undertaken to make a difference in the world.
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to changing to this new tradition, but the most noticeable one is found in the reception of the neighborhoods in which they play. With a prearranged estimate for the time of arrival, many of the shut-ins that they are playing for have invited their neighbors and friends to come sit in their yard and share this Sunrise Service prelude. Fairview bandsmen have welcomed this new tradition, however the jury of their peers is still dealing with the idea of this. Is it blasphemous? Meanwhile, Fairview’s band will be playing their rounds on the Saturday before Easter starting in their lower parking lot…n Dick Joyce is a member of Fairview Moravian Church
Again, while my role in helping put the Annual Report together is mostly technical, for me it goes well beyond that. Because for several days, I get completely immersed in the work and world of the Board of World Mission – and come out with a sense of awe about what is being accomplished. Along with the BWM Annual Report, this issue of The Moravian Magazine highlights work of the Unity Women’s Desk, shares a story of new traditions, introduces a new rural mission opportunity, promotes the upcoming Moravian Music Festival, and more. I hope you enjoy this expanded issue and welcome your comments. And I can’t wait to work on next year’s Annual Report! Peace,
The Moravian
UNITY WOMEN
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Unity Women’s Desk launches Southern Province campaign
hen the Unity Women’s Desk began its work in January 2011, it was the realization of a dream that was born within a group of 40-plus women who had gathered in Kernersville, N.C. in 1995. When those women first met, it soon became obvious that the problems women face around the world were too complex to be addressed by a one-time event and that they needed more attention than could be given in a twoday informal format. The idea of establishing a “Women’s Desk”—a central clearinghouse where information about the needs of women could be collected and addressed in a systematic way—was born. To continue its work, The Unity Women’s Desk began its Standing With Our Sisters capital campaign in the Southern Province in March, with a goal of raising $250,000. The funds raised will be allocated with 40 percent going to scholarships, 20 percent to support more projects initiated by the women of our Provinces, 20 percent to business loans and 20 percent to leadership development. With the support of the members of the April 2017
Moravian Church Southern Province, the Moravian Women’s Unity Desk will be able to fund more scholarships, initiate projects dedicated to women’s needs, provide loans for women-owned business start-ups, hire a parttime coordinator to lead our vital work, and continue consultations with Moravian Women around the world on the issues of: Education, Violence Against Women, Overcoming Poverty and Finding Employment, Health Issues of Women, Parenting for Justice and Supporting Women in Ministry. “I firmly believe, from my life experiences doing medical mission work in various developing countries and my education as a physician and degree in Public Health, that the most important thing we can do in the 21st century as compassionate and caring human beings is to assist in the empowerment and protection of our Moravian Sisters around the world,” says Phillip McKinley, co-chair of the Southern Province’s Standing With Our Sisters campaign. “We need to stand for them, to support them in education and their health and to achieve (Continued on next page) 7
Standing/Sisters (Continued from previous page)
their equal station in life, treated with the respect that they deserve. In the past six years, the Reverend Patricia Garner has developed an amazing worldwide program to assist Moravian women around the world in achieving these goals. What she has begun will have a positive impact on our world and better women’s and family’s lives here and around the world for generations to come. I am a strong supporter of the Unity Women’s Desk and her wonderful work.”
“…I believe it is my God-given challenge, for the rest of my life, to help those women.” — Sallie Greenfield, campaign co-chair Adds Sallie Greenfield, a Unity Women’s Desk Advisory Board member representing the American Region and co-chair of the Standing With Our Sisters campaign, “If there are Moravian women anywhere in the world today (literally A to Z- Albania to Zanzibar!), who desire an education, then I believe it is my God-given challenge, for the rest of my life, to help those women.” Why is the work of the Unity Women’s Desk so important? Let’s look at some Moravian history of women in the church and also look at events happening in the world today. Although no official statistics have been compiled, a sample survey suggests that Moravian women comprise 60-75 percent of our total membership. Many have become leaders within our congregations and provincial boards, and serve as acolytes or as ordained ministers in our congregations. Since the early days of our church, Moravians have considered every human soul a potential candidate for salvation and every human being had to be educated. 8
In 1632, Bishop John Amos Comenius wrote that not the children of the rich or of the powerful only, but of all alike, boys and girls both noble and ignoble, rich or poor, in all cities, towns, villages and hamlets should be sent to school. Believing that women deserved an education comparable to that given men, which was a very radical view for the 17th and 18th centuries, schools were established to educate them. During the 18th century Moravian Church, leadership roles were developed through the Choir system. One of the primary reasons for the choir system was so that women could be guided by other women rather than by men. Women were in charge of women’s education, discipline and devotional life. Choir houses for Single Sisters and for widows provided room and board so that women were not forced into marriage by economic necessity. The choir leaders helped women deal with physical, emotional and spiritual needs as they progressed through the stages of life. Women were supported in every aspect of their physical, social and mental health by women who had leadership roles in the church. In a world dominated by social media and technology, women throughout the world are often living in conditions worse now than those of American women 250 years ago. Our Sisters have received very little attention to their specific needs over the years and the needs are greater now than ever. It is time that these needs were addressed. God has truly blessed this new ministry of the Moravian Church. n Barry Self is a member of Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem Ed. note: In last month’s UWD article, we quoted Muriel Held. The quote should have been attributed to Angelene Swart, UWD Advisiory Board Member representing Africa.
The Moravian
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
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Ohio church offers “rural immersion” mission/service experience
s your church group looking for a mission and service opportunity? The Farmhouse at Fry’s Valley is ready to provide a weeklong rural immersion experience tailored to your group’s needs. Based in the unoccupied parsonage of the Fry’s Valley Moravian Church in rural New Philadelphia, Ohio, The Farmhouse offers a retreat-style setting and an ambitious program that puts participants in the field, literally, to learn first-hand the joys, challenges, issues and importance of farming and of feeding the world. When you stay with us in our Ohio country setting you’ll be able to… • Take in the wonders of God’s creation and grow in your sense of stewardship of the Earth. • Learn where your food comes from and develop gratitude for God’s gifts.
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• Discover diversity in agriculture, from planting gardens to growing crops, keeping bees to raising livestock, tending fishponds to managing forests. • Lend a hand in the tasks that nourish the world, from bottle-feeding a calf, to riding along on a tractor, to working in a regional food pantry, to picking orchard fruits and baking pies from scratch. (Farm chores are seasonal and not necessarily predictable ahead of time. We will connect you with appropriate and interesting activities.) Additionally, you might like to… • Visit historical sites significant to the history of the Moravian mission movement (Historic Schoenbrunn Village; Gnadenhutten Historical Park; Trumpet in the Land outdoor drama, etc.). (Continued on next page)
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Farmhouse
(Continued from previous page)
• Enjoy some of Ohio’s best recreational and tourism offerings. For a per person weekly cost of $250, your group will stay in our simply outfitted retreat facility. Most meals and program costs are included in the fee. Our team will work with you to develop an itinerary that incorporates orientation to agricultural living, field trips, daily devotions and reflections, hands-on mission work and recreation. We can provide recommendations and assist with arrangements for other side-adventures you might want to try
while you’re here (at your own additional expense). We are currently taking reservations for Summer 2017. For further information and customized mission trip planning, please contact The Rev. Christine Johnson at moravianpastorchris@gmail.com or 484-894-9077. n The Rev. Christine Johnson is pastor of Fry’s Valley Moravian Church. Photos by Shana Angel, a member of Fry’s Valley and an important part of creating the Farmhouse project.
What is the Farmhouse at Fry’s Valley? The Farmhouse at Fry’s Valley is a recent recipient of an IPO Experiment Grant from the Moravian Church, Northern Province. The grants are meant to encourage fresh thinking when it comes to four particular adaptive challenges facing the Northern Province: Identity, Connectivity, Leadership and Call, and Congregations in Context. What does the Fry’s Valley congregation hope to learn through its Farmhouse experiment? We hope to find intentional ways to connect with and serve our neighbors (the farmers who will be receiving assistance from our mission trip guests), and in doing so, we hope to build stronger relationships and a more robust community.
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By tapping into the real-world expertise of our congregation’s laity we affirm their natural gifts and learned skills, and we hope this may lead to even more laity offering up their own real-world expertise in God-honoring ways. By discovering that we as a rural congregation have something important to teach and demonstrate, we become emboldened to work for Christ’s Kingdom. By offering pre-planned, wellexecuted, formative experiences in education and service, we hope to welcome many new friends into our fold and strengthen our ties.
The Moravian
Board of World Mission
We All Are One
In Mission
. .that you may know Christ's love! 2016 Annual Report 1
From our chair...
B O A R D
O F
WORLD MISSION Annual Report Table of Contents 2 Chair’s Message 3 Executive Director’s Message 4 Global Partners 5 Ahuas: Unified in Medical Mission 8 Adopt a Village, Tanzania 9 One in Mission with... 10 A Global Church 11 Mission Trip Opportunities 12 Antioch Short-term Missions 14 Engaging Youth in Mission 15 Mission Activity 16 Gifts of Change 18 Treasurer's Report Many thanks to all those whose photographs appear in this report. Due to space constraints, we are unable to list you all. Your 2 contributions are appreciated!
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f you dropped by my house on any given Saturday morning, you would likely encounter the Baucom family collectively making pancakes. The kids practice their fine motor skills by measuring and stirring the exact amounts needed based on the recipe my wife keeps in her head. I hastily make cups of coffee to help my mind come up with creative answers to my daughter’s inevitable questions about life and cooking. After our signature additions of cinnamon and vanilla, my wife begins to pour the batter into the shape of Mickey Mouse while I fill everyone’s glasses with orange juice. The process often results in flour all over the counter and a few Mickey Mouse pancakes with interesting proportions but in the end, we are all eating pancakes as a family. I view my family’s ritual every Saturday as such a wonderful visualization of missions. We are all united in our mission to create a meal together and each one of us plays a vital role in the process. Whether we possess the tangible skills needed for pancake cookery or just an
infectious enthusiasm for the creation of something delicious, we are all valued members of the team. We may not always agree on some of the flavorings or shapes. The person best equipped for stirring and measuring may actually delegate the task out so that others can learn the skill. In the end, my family journeys together towards a meal and all are welcome at the table. In the same manner, the Board of World Mission seeks to provide opportunities for all to serve and respond to the call God has for their life. The Board of World Mission is excited to share with you the amazing work God is doing in the world. We are all called to the mission field together by the Great Commission and have been given unique gifts to use in mission. We all are one in mission united by one call. I would invite you to discern how you are being called into mission and partner with the Board of World Mission to get started. I look forward to our continued partnership! Thomas Baucom
...and our executive director B O A R D
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WORLD MISSION 2016 Board of Directors Thomas Baucom, Chair* Board-Appointed David Geyer, Vice-Chair* Eastern District, Northern Province Becky Turnbull, Secretary* Eastern District, Northern Province
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e All are One in Mission…that you may know Christ’s love! I had the privilege of attending the Unity Synod in August 2016, meeting many of our partners and getting to know many others across the worldwide Unity. Most of the Synod ran smoothly, but there were clearly areas of deep disagreement. Varying opinions were readily shared on the floor of Synod. It is Christ and his love for us that holds us together in our great diversity and helps us to listen to and care for those who disagree with us. We read in John 17 that Jesus prays to the Father for our unity – “that they may be one as we are one…so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Walking together in the midst of our diversity demonstrates God’s love among us. Being one in mission allows
Dan Nelson Southern Province God to touch others through us. I attended a World Conference of Churches mission conference many years ago in Greece. A wide variety of Christian denominations was present. On the last day we tried to formulate a summary statement and just couldn’t do it. There were too many differing perspectives. But in my committee on HIV and AIDS, in which many from these same denominations participated, we joined together as one to find ways to combat this destructive disease. God continues to need us to work together to share God’s love and message to those around us. I hope that this annual report celebrates this witness through the BWM. We all are one in mission! The Rev. Judy Ganz Executive Director
Isaac Amik Alaska Province David Guthrie * PEC President / Southern Province Donna Hurt Southern Province David Miller Unity of Brethren Lisa Pampe Western District, Northern Province Taylor Wickert Western District, Northern Province Donna Gordon Canadian District, Northern Province Betsy Miller * PEC President, Northern Province Tommy Cole Board-Appointed Joe Jarvis* Southern Province Mission Society Errol Connor EWI Province / Advisory Member Jermaine Gibson Jamaica / Advisory Member Rex Knowlton Treasurer / Advisory Member * member of Executive Committee 3
Global Partners
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he BWM is grateful that we can walk in unity alongside many global partners to help further their ministries. We provide funding through our subsidies, mission grants and additional donations; teams and individuals to serve in mission; and ongoing prayer support. In 2016 we helped the outreach to the Sukuma peoples of the Western Tanzania Province, as well as their successful stewardship workshop for youth (pictured below). We helped send Rev. Trina Holmberg to Labrador for six weeks to learn about the congregations and assist with pastoral care, and continue to explore ways to further theological education for pastors in Labrador.
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We helped the Honduras Province with further developing its fish market project, with outreach in Belize, and with repairs to their radio transmitter. They hope to send three persons for further theological training in order to provide teachers for their Bible Institute. We also helped the Honduras Mission Province toward getting computers for its Bible Institute. They are developing several areas of new work within Honduras. The Nicaragua Province has a group that is updating a hymnal for the Mayangna people (at left). We provided some support for this, as well as for a microscope for the pastor’s clinic and help with the Clean Water Project. We passed on resources from a fund designated for the Moravian High School in Bluefields. The province celebrates its broad ethnic diversity, even as this presents many challenges to the church. Costa Rica is close to completing its multi-use building and some additional funds were sent to help with putting in wiring and completing the first floor. They continue to work toward reconciliation and unity with the Pavas congregation. In 2017 we hope to help lead a music workshop in Guyana, which became a full Unity Province at the 2016 Unity Synod.
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oreign missions have united Moravians for nearly three centuries. The support provided by North American Moravians for more than seven decades has ensured the survival of a medical ministry that cures illnesses, saves lives and wins souls for the Lamb. In the first ten months of 2016, the Moravian hospital in Ahuas saw 4,890 outpatients, attended 197 births, hospitalized 735 patients and performed 249 surgeries. One family in particular recently reaped the benefits of that ongoing partnership. Melva Smith, a 42-year old mother of 14 children, gave birth to twins, Adicson and Aricson, via C-section. Two months later, after the father abandoned the family, Melva brought the twins back to the hospital where they were diagnosed with severe
malnutrition, infections and respiratory problems. Due to the lack of financial resources, Melva had been feeding the twins only rice milk. After a brief hospital stay to address the infections and respiratory issues, the children were sent home. They were also registered with the Infant Feeding Program which has been providing the twins (and about 30 other malnourished children) with a nutritious meal every day. Today, the twins are thriving. In addition to the essential health ministry, personnel changes have improved financial management, eliminated outstanding debts and solidified banking procedures. Twenty-eight students graduated in November from a four-month administration class. A new four bed concrete patient house is nearly
finished. The tractor is running, a new autoclave arrived in November and another (after undergoing repairs) will be returned in December. A new ultrasound machine is on its way. Alas de Socorro, the flight ministry which has partnered with the hospital for decades, has benefited from the election of a new board of directors and the successful registration of the organization with the Honduran Government. Repairs were made to the plane following the 2015 bird strike, but pilot Wayne Miller was ordered to stop flying for at least six months while medical issues are addressed. A search is on for other pilots. Thank you again for your ongoing support that makes these vital ministries possible. Please keep them in prayer. —Rick Nelson
5 Ahuas: Unified in Medical Mission
Adopt a Village • Tanzania
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he Board of World Mission launched Adopt a Village eleven years ago to provide care for orphans in our partner province of Western Tanzania. More than 50 churches, groups and individuals have joined the effort to supply these children with food, clothing, school materials and uniforms, health care and small personal items like bars of soap. Under the guidance of Mama Kimwaga and Kefas Kabata, 32 Moravian “mamas” look after 3209 children from 39 different villages in the Sikonge district and five parishes in the city of Tabora. The program has sponsored secondary school for 417 orphans and has given an
additional 58 scholarships for more advanced studies. Several congregations have provided their adopted village with new classrooms, desks, text books and educational materials; others have built and furnished school dormitories. Eighteen wells have been constructed. Eleven new churches have been completed; two more will be finished by June and work has begun on yet another. Congregations have been supplied with Bibles, liturgy texts, hymn books, benches and chairs. The Sikonge Special Needs School now has 11 teachers serving the blind, deaf, and intellectually challenged. Their 88 students
receive instruction tailored to their individual requirements. Nearly all of the school’s classrooms, dormitories, and dining facilities have been funded from North America. This year vocational training has been added to the curriculum. With assistance from the Society for Promoting the Gospel, evangelism of the Sukuma, the largest tribe in Tanzania, continues in the areas surrounding Sikonge. Four congregations have been formed over the past eight years; one, numbering more than 250 adults, has already built its own sanctuary. Drs. Bill & Peg Hoffman
Br. Kefas on orphan rounds in Tabora
Now in their 18th year of service to our partner province, Bill and Peg Hoffman are looking for volunteers to transition into their position. Individuals will need flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure. Working with 6 orphans in Tanzania can be both emotionally and physically challenging, but there are few endeavors that are more rewarding. Inquires can be made at the Board of World Mission.
One in Mission...
... with Cuba The year 2016 has been one of exciting partnerships with the Moravian Church in Cuba. Here are some highlights from the year: • Two professors from Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pa., conducted two weeks of Moravian history, theology and polity classes with 22 students (pastors and lay leaders). The Rev. Armando Rusindo (chair) has incorporated these courses, translated into Spanish by Angélica Regalado, into a packet for the pastors and leaders in Cuba. • Teams from Calgary ,Alberta and Longwood, Florida, visited Cuba and took part in church services and ministry activities. • The John Amos Comenius Children’s Center (above) was dedicated in Havana, with members of the Ar-
mando Rusindo Mission Sam Gray at the ordination Foundation present for the of Sisters Alay Gonzalez occasion. and Tania Sanchez as • Northern Province young Deacons in the Moravian adults and leaders again Church. took part in the Youth • The Worldwide Unity Camp. Plans are underway Synod designated the Cuba for two camps in 2017. Mission Area as a “Mission • BWM’s Judy Ganz, Sister Province,” the next step Sallie Greenfield, and Sister in the Moravian Church’s Susan Kerner joined Bishop “Stages of Development.”
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One in Mission... ...as part of the Peru Family
facilities. Now, all four congregations have rental space and two congregations have been Two years ago, the BWM able to obtain (on their own) started raising awareness additional spaces for outreach about a “growing problem” ministry! The Rhemanente facing the Moravian Church Church has started a chilin Peru: they were no longer dren’s ministry in a house able to fit in the homes they in “Ciudad de Dios” (City of used as worship spaces! Many God, a marginal area of the North American Moravians city) while the Misión Al Munresponded to this “problem” do Church has started a cell by helping to cover the cost group in a house in “Wilmer of monthly rental for church Fernandez Malca.”
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BWM is providing grants for income-generating projects that will help to support these ministries. The Rhemanente Church is taking seriously the principle of “using what we have to create what we need.” What they have is a lot of musical talent, so they have formed a Moravian Mariachi Band that provides music for special occasions (at a reasonable fee). Other projects include a “Moravian Bubbles” laundry service, a dairy products delivery service for folks in marginal areas and an English Academy. A mission team from the Western District, along with team leader Hilda Regalado from North Carolina, and team participant Jirina Cancikova from the Czech Republic, visited Peru in 2016. They built relationships with the churches and conducted activities for children and youth. BWM chair, Thomas Baucom, met with Peruvian Moravian leaders in May. “I was amazed at the sense of family present within the Moravian churches," said Thomas. "Whether it was a team of twin brothers creating worship music together or a mother and daughter making homemade chocolates to support the ministry, the church is clearly a family affair. And Sam and I were clearly welcomed into that family!”
One in Mission... ...in Sierra Leone The Rev. Mohamed Braima and Sister Safiatu Braima always begin (and end!) their ministry reports with the phrase, “God is good… all the time!” Even after suffering through the difficult times with the Ebola outbreak, the Braimas and the Moravian Church in Sierra Leone continue to celebrate and bear witness to God’s goodness. The Moravian Jr. Secondary School is functioning again, with well over 200 students. The school lunch program provides nutrition for students as needed. The “mother congregation” (Luawa Yiehun Community Church) is reaching out into neighboring villages. In 2016, Judy Ganz and Sam Gray visited the Braimas. They…
...with the Alaska Moravian Church
• baptized about 70 people in the new congregation in Mbaoma • commissioned a Provincial Acolyte, Brother James Lansana • enjoyed the benefits of the solar power system (installed by a team from Little Church on the Lane), which will help develop a needed computer lab • met with Brother Mohamed to discuss the process for identifying and training leaders in the church • heard about the newly developing ministry in Kailahun and the ongoing work of the church in Morfindor and learned of the healing God has done among the people dream for a primary school. • took part in opening exer In short, they saw that cises at the Jr. Secondary God truly is good… all the School, met with students time! and faculty and heard the
Several years ago, Samaritan’s Purse built some ministry facilities in Marshall In 2016, the Board of World —a sanctuary, activities center Mission began partnering and two parsonages—that with the Alaska Province to were used by the Covenant support its Marshall Mission Church. These buildings have Outreach. Marshall is a vilnow been turned over to the lage of about 450 people Moravian Church in Alaska. beautifully situated on the BWM is exploring ways to Yukon River. There is a public partner with the Alaska Provschool (K – 12, with about 100 ince to use these facilities for students) and a general store. outreach in the community There are two churches (Rus- and possible establishment of sian Orthodox and Roman a congregation. Catholic) currently reaching BWM is currently searchless than one quarter of the ing for pastoral support in population. Marshall. Please keep this
mission outreach in your prayers as we continue to be united in mission with our Alaskan brothers and sisters!
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Partnering with the Unity The Board of World Mission serves on behalf of a small portion of our Moravian world. The Northern, Southern and Alaska Provinces presently make up about 5% of that (Moravian) world. We are part of a great worldwide family that includes:
24 Unity Provinces
(governed by Synods; either self-supporting or have an approved strategy for moving toward that goal; faithful to the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:17-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)) ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷
✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷
Alaska America, North America, South Great Britain & Ireland European Continental (Germany, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Albania mission) Czech Republic Costa Rica (BWM partner) Honduras (BWM partner) Democratic Republic of Congo Eastern West Indies (St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Tobago, Trinidad, Tortola mission, Grenada mission) (BWM
✷✷ Guyana (BWM partner) ✷✷ Jamaica and the Cayman Islands ✷✷ Malawi ✷✷ Nicaragua (BWM partner) ✷✷ South Africa ✷✷ Surinam ✷✷ Tanzania (Lake Tanganyika) ✷✷ Tanzania (North) ✷✷ Tanzania (West) (BWM partner)
✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷
Tanzania (East) Tanzania (Rukwa) Tanzania (Southern) Tanzania (Southwest) Zambia
partner)
5 Mission Provinces
(governed by Synods; have constitution, board and pastoral leadership; working toward self-sustainability) ✷✷ Burundi ✷✷ Cuba (accompanied by American Southern Province) 10
✷✷ Czech “Seniorat” ✷✷ Honduras “Traditional” ✷✷ Labrador (BWM partner)
15 Mission Areas
(identified as places where mission and ministry are taking place and assigned to the supervision of a Province). ✷✷ Belize ✷✷ East Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo) ✷✷ French Guiana ✷✷ Garifuna (Honduras) ✷✷ Haiti ✷✷ Iringa (Tanzania) ✷✷ Kenya ✷✷ Kiwele (Tanzania) ✷✷ Peru (supervised by American Northern Province) ✷✷ Ruvuma and Njombe (Tanzania) ✷✷ Rwanda ✷✷ Sierra Leone (supervised by American Southern Province) ✷✷ South Asia ✷✷ Uganda ✷✷ Zanzibar
2 Unity Undertakings
(ministries of the Worldwide Unity) ✷✷ Star Mountain (Ramallah, Palestine) ✷✷ Unity Archives (Herrnhut, Germany)
Mission Opportunities Upcoming Mission Trip Opportunities The BWM strongly values the relationship-building that takes place when teams from local congregations step out in mission, accept an invitation and visit our global partners! In 2017, we hope to be able to engage as many people as possible in mission opportunities, allowing for seasoned mission veterans to share their skills and for others to take their first trip, with the hope that a shortterm mission will become a life long mission! These are just some of the opportunities shaping up for 2017 and beyond! • Chicago: Form a team or join a team to learn about urban ministry needs. • North Carolina: Join a relief team rebuilding homes impacted by flooding.
• Louisiana: Help strengthen a new partnership with the Fuller Center Disaster Responders looking for volunteers to help rebuild homes flooded in Southern Mississippi and Louisiana. • Alaska: Volunteers are needed to help with projects at the seminary in Bethel and providing youth programming and VBS in surrounding villages. • Cuba: The Moravian Church in Cuba has extended an invitation for continued participation in the summer camping program. • Peru: Teams assisting with youth programing and outreach will help grow our relationship with this Mission Area. Justin Rabbach
The Board of World Mission: a resource to congregations The BWM offers many services and resources to congregations. In 2016, staff met with teams for training and preparation for travel and with congregations and mission committees to discern mission goals for the year ahead. They also brought the message to help share about the ongoing work of the BWM and worldwide Moravian Church. Contact the BWM if you would like to have a staff member work with your congregation to encourage and invest in your next step in 11 God’s mission!
Antioch Short-Term Mission served the local Whitehall community in Jamaica, while another team visited Peru to join Pastor Ana Maria in her ministry and community endeavors. Relationships continue to develop with friends in Cuba. A start-up community café in Milwaukee, called Tricklebee, is sponsored through the Northern Province and receives assistance from volunteers as they provide healthy food alternatives through a “pay-what-youcan” model. Celebrating our Diversity in Short-term Mission A cohort from Wisconsin Jamaica, Kenya, Cuba, Peru s Antioch volunteers and North Carolina traveled and Alaska. respond to God’s call to New York to volunteer The ways in which to serve others, there at a number of non-profits are common threads that are people served varied widely throughout the city, including as well. Summer Bible schools Moravian Open Door, a temwoven into the fabric of the were facilitated in Alaska. relationships that develop porary residence for people as they join in local, national Nepali children learned about 55 and older who are moving and global ministries and science from an educator from homelessness to a more from North Carolina. Groups stable life. Ray of Hope in service to communities. In 2016, Antioch volunteers of all traveled to Honduras to help Kenya receives people to supages and geographic locations with building projects at the port the work at the school Ahuas Clinic, purchasing nec- and orphanage. crossed borders to engage essary resources with donawith people from Wisconsin, These are but a few tions for the ministry. A team of the ways in which one New York, Honduras, Nepal,
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responds once God gets our attention, then guides us to share our skills, talents, and selves with others. People arrive as strangers and depart friends, transformed and enriched through those encounters and relationships. Antioch continues to offer site placements with
established ministry partners, while new opportunities are explored and offered to engage people in serving through their faith. As we step out from where we are and join others in their lives, we all grow in mutual understanding. Have you been stirred by God’s Spirit in a way that
you feel you need to acknowledge? Where might God be inviting you to join in God’s ongoing mission? What can you weave into the tapestry that continues to be created through all of us working together for the greater good? Jill Kolodziej Director of Antioch
catalogue of opportunities for service. We shared in pack-
ing food for Haiti and going out into the community to do mission. Serving and caring for others united delegates in the mission of the church. BWM is grateful for the privilege given us to walk with the Eastern District in this way, and we still see the energy and excitement bubbling over as members of the Eastern District seek ways to do mission together and to focus the efforts of their commissions for the inter-synodal period around this initiative.
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orthern Province District Synods in 2016 all captured a sense of God’s call to the church for mission, but BWM was invited by the Eastern District to help from the ground up for their synod, themed “To us, to us, this task is given!” BWM staff not only participated in planning the mission-focused event, but helped lead committees, designed and led worship and prepared a mission blast
13 A Mission-Focused Synod
Engaging Youth in Mission
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he summer of 2016 had the BWM staff continuously engaging with youth and young adults, providing programming to help frame their understanding of mission and empowering them to claim their spot in God’s mission in the world. BWM staff members, Sam Gray and Justin Rabbach, as well as board member Donna Hurt, each led a week of mission camp at Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center in North Carolina. The program was titled “Be the Example” and discussed the ways even young leaders in the church are called upon to live as examples as listed in 1 Timothy 4:12. Each day campers went out beyond the camp to help with construction and building projects—putting their faith in action—and returned to reflect and worship. This program continues each summer, and the BWM is thankful to have this opportunity to connect and share with these groups! To cap the summer, the
entire BWM staff, as well as leaders from the Board of Cooperative Ministries, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Theological Seminary, and local congregations, hosted a group of young adults from six states and three countries at the second FIT event at the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wisconsin. Participants made commitments to maintaining a “Focus” with great “Intensity” over “Time.” Through presentations and self leadership, the group discerned the way that our Moravian history can help inform and shape our future. Each participant had the opportunity to join in on discussions initiated by their peers and commit to specific actions to carry out as they returned home. Many of these young adults have already signed up for future mission and outreach efforts, both locally and globally. These young leaders truly are a great example and have much to offer the church!
Mission as Business
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ften we don’t put the idea of “church” and “profits” together, but, as the BWM explores ways to help our global partners create sustainable ministries, we have done exactly that. To learn from some Moravian examples, the BWM sent a team to meet with partners in the Czech
Moravian Resources Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) and Moravian Volunteer Resources (MVR)
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n 2016 the Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) program continued working to provide relief in disaster situations in the U.S. and abroad. In response to increased calls for assistance, the BWM is developing metrics to help better respond to disasters. These metrics will help us engage in efforts where we can be most effective, while allowing for partnerships in situations where we can provide greater impact in a support role through our ecumenical partners. Building on 2015 efforts to assist the church in Nepal impacted by an earthquake, the BWM assisted with team preparations for visits and partnered in the fundraising effort to purchase land for construction of a new church building. The largest response of 2016 came late in the year, following the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew and
subsequent flooding. The BWM stayed in contact with our global partners in the path of the storm, including Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. Thankfully much of Jamaica and Cuba were not severely affected; however, in the Moravian Church in Haiti, several church buildings were destroyed and fatalities were reported in some communities. The BWM quickly responded with immediate funds to provide emergency shelter, food and clean drinking water. The church in Haiti has prepared plans for rebuilding damaged homes and churches and the BWM will be further supporting this effort financially and with an in-person visit in 2017. Hurricane Matthew also led to extensive flooding across numerous communities in eastern North Carolina. Local congregations have led the charge to connect volunteers with specific needs. MDR
Moravian Province, attend a conference they hosted examining best practices of their growing enterprises, and then visit individual sites to see these projects in action. Examples included schools, cafes, language classes, a hotel, second-hand clothing shops, community youth programming, an architecture and computer design firm, even a coffee roasting business.
Keeping the focus on God’s mission, the church has found ways to reach out to their communities, while also growing financial support for other ministries. These businesses utilized the skills present in their congregations, and offered a way for members to engage in ministry and provide support beyond a traditional tithe from a salary earned outside of the church.
has provided administrative support, as well as disbursement of generous donations received to assist in these efforts. The BWM expects these efforts to continue throughout 2017 and welcomes further donations and volunteers to continue this work.
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Gifts of Change We All are One in Mission The Board of World Mission is grateful for the tremendous amount of support that people have provided to numerous projects around the globe through Gifts of Change or donations for other needs. will help fund projects and programs our global partners are offering in their districts About four years ago, Gifts of and communities. Change was introduced - Gifts HUKWAFA is benefitting from this generosity. As you beyond our com- may remember, HUKWAFA supports vulnerable children mon and families, along with infund offerings to come generating projects in two villages in the Lake Vicsupport ministries toria District of the Moravian Church Western Tanzania. The for our two villages, Magu and Gininiglobal partners. ga, have made great progress as people work together makGifts of ing sure children are in school Change invites in- and get the health care they dividuals need, and generating income and con- to support their food and nutrition needs, thus securing gregations to give small amounts of their futures. money that, when combined, In Magu, women from three community groups have Huduma kwa Watoto na Familia—Serving Children and Family (HUKWAFA)
Honduras Fish Project The Fish Project for the Honduras Unity Province is growing. The season close to Holy Week is when that type of business thrives. Hondurans typically eat dried, salted fish during that time. Income from the project will support the overall ministry of the Moravian Church. 16
combined their financial and human resources to start and manage The Traditional Hen Project. They purchased 250 broiler chicks and 30 laying chicks in June 2016. The project also requires funds for veterinary expenses, drugs to treat common infections and diseases in chickens, incubators, and separate pens for sick chicks. Their plan is to have enough resources when the broilers are sold, along with money from egg sales, to have three projects operating. We are grateful for the $200.00 received from Gifts of Change to help develop this project and suggest that future donations be for animal husbandry in general as the animals raised varies.
Gifts of Change Peru
worship space for a cell group that was started by the Misión Two of the congregations in Peru that receive North Amer- Al Mundo Church in Cruz de ican support to rent space for la Esperanza. Pastor Walter, their churches have now been his wife, Monica, and other Moravians meet with people able to acquire additional space for outreach ministries. in a poor, gang-controlled area to conduct Bible studies A house in a marginal area of Chiclayo was donated and prayer meetings. to the Rhemanente Church so It’s wonderful that “Gifts that they can provide weekly of Change” can help to facilitate positive change in comSunday School-type activimunities even beyond our ties and other ministries for children in the neighborhood. own expectations! Another family has provided
Gifts of Change, plus other donations from many of you, also helped to provide: ✷✷ A computer for the Bible Institute of the Honduras Mission Province ✷✷ School fees for some of the orphans at Ray of Hope in Kenya ✷✷ Plane repair and insurance for the Alas de Socorro aviation ministry in Honduras ✷✷ Over $6,000 for disaster relief in Fort McMurray and Alberta, and beginning support for Haiti ✷✷ Help with pastors’ pensions in Western Tanzania ✷✷ Refugee relief through our German Moravian church ✷✷ A tremendous effort of debt relief, repairs and maintenance, new construction and salary support at the Ahuas Clinic in Honduras We thank all of you for your generosity and partnership in the mission of the North American Moravian Church! 17
Treasurer's Report
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he Board of World Mission (BWM) is appreciative of the strong support of congregations and many others for our continued mission work church-wide. The attached graphic depicts where the contributions come from for this work and, as importantly, where they go to expand and enhance our collective mission efforts. Support from each of the three North American Provinces—Northern, Southern and Alaskan—is critical to our success; congregational giving is part of this support. The Society for Promoting the Gospel continues to fund us generously, accounting for 16 percent of our revenue in 2016. We are pleased to continue to gather support from the Larger Life Foundation and the Southern Province Mission Society. Support for a specific outreach for which the BWM acts as a conduit for funding is reflected as part of the Utilization of Restricted Funds, and this year represents another significant element of our mission work. Investment returns were positive this year due to the upturn in the economy. Thanks to many past contributors, we have established several restricted funds that were used to support much of our ministry this year. Eighty-three per cent of our 2016 expenditures
were applied directly to our ministry through Assistance Grants or Ministry management. This includes funds providing assistance to many of our brothers and sisters in need, as well as extensive on-site ministry provided by BWM staff or volunteer teams. The assistance takes many forms as described more fully throughout this report, including medical management, technology assistance, orphan support, training and a host of other crucial activities, mostly in distant lands. The administration part of the expenditures is run through both the Northern and Southern Province with the consistent goal to minimize this effort in order to maximize the work in the field. Our accumulated continued support over the years enabled the BWM to outspend our revenue in 2016 but as we move forward a balanced approach is envisioned. Additional details can be obtained once the annual audited financial statements for 2016 are complete. For additional information or a copy of the audited financial statements, please contact Sister Deb Swanson or myself at the Bethlehem office of the BWM. Thank you for your support of this important outreach. Rex Knowlton, Treasurer
2016 Operating Results Support and Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2016 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church Northern, Southern, Alaskan Provinces
$487,898
Larger Life Foundation
$25,028
Society for Promoting the Gospel
$194,919
Mission Society, Southern Province
$25,000
Other Provincial Support
$43,255
General Unrestricted Contributions
$63,071
Investment Returns
$55,446
Other
$10,989
Utilization of Restricted Funds Total Support and Revenue
$304,525 $1,210,131
Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2016 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church Direct Program Costs Assistance Grants
$808,917
Ministry Administration/Management
$273,571
Supplies, Materials, Occupancy
$44,954
Travel, Meetings
$42,245
Publications, Communications
$10,108
General Administration Total Expenditures
$119,679 $1,299,474
The board and staff of the Board of World Mission thank 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 Š2016, Board of World Mission. Visit us at www.moravianmission.org.
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BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America Board of World Mission staff and directors are eager to build unity in our mission as we walk alongside our congregations around issues of mission discernment (local and/or global), equipping teams and individuals in mission, and educating about principles of self-reliance and cross-cultural service.
Offices:
Staff:
Board of World Mission 1021 Center St. PO Box 1245 Bethlehem, PA 18016 610.868.1732
Sheila Beaman, Administrative Assistant, Winston-Salem sbeaman@mcsp.org or 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
Web:
Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement justin@moravianmission.org
www.moravianmission.org
Judy Ganz, Executive Director judy@mcnp.org or judy@moravianmission.org Sam Gray, Dir. of Intercultural Ministries & New Work sam@moravianmission.org
Rex Knowlton, Accountant/Treasurer rex@moravianmission.org
Deb Swanson, Administrative Assistant, Bethlehem deb@mcnp.org or deb@moravianmission.org
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: _____________________ 20
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 to donate online.
Festival to bring together many for Moravian music
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ost church musicians in America serve one congregation, and many of those are long distances from fellow Moravians. The 25th Moravian Music Festival, to be held in Winston-Salem, July 23 – 29, is where dedicated church musicians convene and conference to reaffirm their work and ser-
“Having the opportunity to work with many musicians and teachers made the week an amazing learning experience and I feel that I grew as a musician, and as a person, during this week of music and fellowship.“ – Emma Conrad (N.C.) vice to the Lord. The Festival is the opportunity to connect to the larger Church and the Worldwide Unity. The Moravian Music Festival is about immersion! The Festival is for everyone: serving musicians of all levels, from beginner to director, as a learning opportunity for singers and instrumentalists (Moravian and non-Moravian). It is full of practical ideas, skills and techniques for the musician, the ensemble and the congregation. All will have the opportunity to work under top musicians in their fields: conductors, comApril 2017
posers, singers, and instrumentalists, highly acclaimed in their individual disciplines. Opportunities to participate Why do Moravians and non-Moravians alike participate in the Moravian Music Festival? For vocalists, it is a special thrill to sing with a full orchestra. During their week at the Festival, vocalists will sing newly edited anthems as well as newly composed works. Musicians will gain experience and practice in blending, tuning, projecting, reading, sight-reading and overall improvement of their musical gifts. Instrumentalists will enjoy a full concert band experience, tailored for all levels, learning a wide variety of music, while others will explore chamber music opportunities. Attendees and visitors will hear our finest Moravian performers and composers. (Continued on next page)
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Directors may receive guidance on conducting and on working with a large choir. One workshop addresses the needs of the smaller church choir, another explores the world of editing and publishing. Organists will enjoy the Organ Crawl and be introduced to some new music resources. There are special opportunities for handbells and trombone choir, and so much more! Of course, you may register to attend rehearsals and workshops as an “auditor” and just listen and learn!
“… during the festival I found a new love. The music we sang encouraged, uplifted and opened a new door for me. It is truly the language of the soul.” - Rev. David Wickmann (Pa.) Music for Children Children who have completed grades K-6 are warmly welcomed at the Festival and will enjoy musical experiences led by two experienced and joyful leaders! Beth Juran will lead the younger (K-2nd grade) children in music and movement; Anne Saxon will direct the older (3rd-6th grade) children in a variety of styles of music. Children’s music and activities cover the entire day, Monday through Friday, so that 32
parents are free to take advantage of all Festival activities. (Parents are not required to attend the Festival.) The children will present a musical program on Friday afternoon, July 28, at 2:00 p.m., which will be open to the public. In addition to making music, all of the children will enjoy a variety of music classes during the week, learning about different kinds of music and music-related movement. In the afternoons, they’ll also experience the richness of the Old Salem historic district and Moravian traditions and heritage, including making sugarcake, making candles, trying out different musical instruments in a special instrument “petting zoo”, learning about Home Moravian Church and its building, and even having visits from such Moravian personalities as Count Zinzendorf and others! Participation in the children’s program is limited to the first 50 who register. Thanks to generous donations, there is no tuition fee for the children’s program, and their meal costs are also partially subsidized. In the City of Arts Winston-Salem is known as the City of Arts and Innovation, and is widely revered for its quality music. The area’s excellence in music is directly linked to the earliest Moravian settlers, who sang hymns when they first arrived The Moravian
I have attended every Music Festival since 1969; I would never miss one! It was my Moravian Church that inspired my musical career! – Ed Krogstad (N.J.) (1753); were playing instruments by 1756; who imported the first organ to NC in 1762; and received a set of trombones in 1768. The Wachovia Moravians welcomed, with music, visitors such as Governor and Lady Tryon in 1767 and President George Washington and Gov. Martin in 1791, who were all pleased with the Moravian offerings. Brother J. F. Peter wrote some of the earliest American chamber music here in Salem. Many Moravians became prolific composers in the new country. Much of this early American Moravian music was the impetus for the Festival and for the formation of the Moravian Music Foundation. The community is invited to attend and enjoy the many performances of both new and historic Moravian music in venues at Home, Trinity, and Calvary Moravian churches, as well as Winston-Salem State University’s Williams Auditorium. The concerts will be free and open to the public, and we hope you will join us each evening at 7:00 p.m. for the prelude. Please visit www.moravianmusicfestival.org for the complete concert schedule.
April 2017
Register today! Advance registration is required and may be completed online at www.moravianmusicfestival.org Alternatively, please call 336-725-0651 to request a Festival registration packet or you may print forms from the website to mail in. Travel subsidies for Western District members are available. Please support the Festival by registering, sharing information, or by making a charitable donation to Moravian Music Foundation.Visit www.moravianmusic.org/support. n Erik Salzwedel has participated in eight Festivals, as both registrant and ensemble leader, and served on four planning committees.
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MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Confessing Our Unity in Christ: Studying the historical and theological background to The Ground of the Unity As part of our ongoing series to share information about key Moravian theology and doctrine, we will be excerpting the Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews’ study, Confessing Our Unity in Christ: Historical and Theological Background to The Ground of the Unity. Originally written in 2000 and updated twice, this study looks at the theological and historical underpinnings of The Ground of the Unity, one of the Moravian Church’s core doctrinal statements. Confessing Our Unity was originally published by the Southern Province Archives. We thank Rev. Crews and Richard Starbuck, Southern Province archivist, for permission to excerpt this work. In this issue, we continue the discussion of the “Old Unity.”
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he Confession of 1535 deserves special mention. In a time when further persecution loomed over them, and inspired by the example of the Lutherans at Augsburg in 1530, the Unity compiled a new Confession of Faith to be presented to the king by its members, who were of the nobility. As [Czech historian Rudolf] Rican says: “The influence of the Augustana [the Augsburg Confes sion] is clear. This
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is not a verbal dependence, however, and neither in its contents do the Brethren bind themselves to the Augustana in all respects. Especially lacking here is a condemnation of other teachings.”1 The first article of the Unity’s 1535 Confession speaks of the Holy Scriptures as their guide. This was true also of their very first confession of faith in 1468,2 and it has generally been Moravian practice to begin doctri-
The Moravian
...the essentials were more the objective work of God for our salvation, and our living relationship with God and each other, than they were a list of doctrines to subscribe to.
nal statements with an avowal of Scripture as the foundation of faith. This is in distinction from the confessional practice of other com munions. For instance, the Augsburg Confession does not have an article on Scripture per se, though it cites it as authority for various articles and says at the end of the first 21 articles that all that is said in it is grounded on Scripture. Likewise, the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles have separate sections on Scripture, but not at the first of the document. In content, the Unity’s Confession of 1535 then goes on to speak of God and salvation in Christ, and it affirms the true “spiritual” presence of Christ in the Holy Communion without trying to define it further in metaphysical terms. It is in full agreement with Luther on the cardinal doctrine of salvation through faith, and characteristically, in the next article it stresses very strongly that good works are the necessary fruit of saving faith. It also maintains some older viewpoints of the Unity which might not find favor with Moravians of today, particularly the article which favors celibacy for the clergy. This Confession of 1535 did not attain its goal of winning royal approval for the Unity, but it did mark our church’s emergence from more or less seclusion to a more public posture, and it remained through the years as the Unity’s great public avowal of
April 2017
its belief. It formed the basis for their later confessions3 and was reprinted by Bishop Comenius (Komensky) in 1662 as part of his attempt to preserve the legacy of the Unity for those who would renew it in the future.4 One final aspect of the old Unity’s doctrinal stance needs to be noted before moving on to developments in the Renewed Unity. This is their concept of the essential, the ministrative and the incidental things. This was extremely important to them, and indeed is a valuable contribution to theological thought. This concept was reflected in their hymns and devotional writings. It did not, however, (Continued on next page)
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Confessing Our Unity (Continued from previous page)
receive the expression in their formal confessions which might have been expected. This is because the confessions were generally prepared for “outsiders” who were used to other modes of expression and who would not have looked upon such expressions with favor even if they understood them. In short,5 the essentials were more the objective work of God for our salvation, and our living relationship with God and each other, than they were a list of doctrines to subscribe to. On the part of God the essentials for salvation were: the gracious good will of God the Father for our salvation; the meritorious saving work of Christ; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. On the human side, the essentials were: faith, love, and hope. The ministrative things were those which “ministered” or helped one to the essentials. These included the church, the sacraments, and the Scriptures. The incidentals were such things as: the specifics of church order, particular
As such [ministerials] were crucial for the Christian life; they were by no means an end in themselves, but the means to our ultimate goal: redemption in our Lord and Savior.
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liturgical forms, or the mode of baptism and the sort of bread used at Holy Communion. The Unity was perhaps right in anticipating some misunderstanding, and a word of caution is necessary here. It should not be thought that the ministrative things were downplayed in this system or could be considered as unimportant. They were, in fact, the means appointed by God to enable mortals to come to the essentials. It might not go too far to say that the ministerials — the Scriptures, the sacraments, the church — were the indispensable means for our coming to the eternal essentials. As such they were crucial for the Christian life; they were by no means an end in themselves, but the means to our ultimate goal: redemption in our Lord and Savior. n In our next installment, we begin a discussion of Zinzendorf and Moravian Theology. (Endnotes) 1 Rican, p. 142f. 2 Schweinitz, p. 158: “The Bible is their norm of faith and rule of practice.” 3 The Unity’s final independent Confession of 1573 is basically the same as that of 1535, but was rewritten in the more refined Latin of the time. See Rican, p. 253f. 4 Rican, p. 388. 5 By far, the best and most comprehensive study of this aspect of the Unity’s theology is Amédeo Molnár’s “The Brethren’s Theology” in Rican, pp. 390420.
The Moravian
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Union, New Jersey Brother Michael Poole, Jr. has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Battle Hill Moravian Church, Union, New Jersey. Brother Poole was installed April 2, 2017. York, Pennsylvania Brother John Fritts, who has been serving under call to Specialized Ministry at Marquardt Village, Watertown, Wisconsin, has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pennsylvania. Brother Fritts was installed into his new work April 9, 2017. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE Provincial Service The Rev. Christy Clore has accepted a call to Provincial service to become the transitional (intentional interim) pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Reidsville, NC. Christy will be concluding ministry as Church Educator at New Philadelphia, and begins this new ministry on February 26. We are thankful that our covenant partnership with the PCUSA allows such an exchange of clergy, and invite your prayers for Christy, her family, and the members and leaders both at First Presbyterian and New Philadelphia during these weeks of transition and new beginnings.
April 2017
Mizpah Moravian Church The Rev. Doug Rights was installed March 26 as part-time interim pastor at Mizpah Moravian Church. He’ll be serving there through June 4. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference
Obituary: Mrs. Anne Riske
Sister Anne E. (Kobus) Riske died in Lynden, Washington, March 13, 2017 at age 99. She was born April 24, 1917 at Silbersdorf, Germany, a daughter of Frederick and Pauline (Pipke) Kobus. Sister Riske was united in marriage to Brother Clarence L. Riske on April 14, 1944 at Vancouver, British Columbia. She served alongside her husband in pastorates in Alberta (Calgary), Ohio (Uhrichsville), Illinois (West Salem), Minnesota (Bethany-Hebron), and North Dakota (Bethel-Goshen). Son, Marc, and two grandchildren survive Sister Riske. She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence, on December 1, 1997, and their son, Glenn. Memorial services were held April 30, 2017 at the United Church of Ferndale, Washington. Memorial gifts were welcomed for the United Church of Ferndale. 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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G OBITUARIES
The Rev. Jerry L. Witbro
The Rev. Robert J. Gohdes
Brother Jerry L. Witbro died in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, March 24, 2017 at age 81. Born June 23, 1935 at Green Bay, WIs., he was the son of John and Dorothy (Duquaine) Witbro. Brother Witbro graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa., in 1960, received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1964 and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1981. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry June 21, 1964 and consecrated a Presbyter September 20, 1970. He was united in marriage to Janice Kirchner October 27, 1956. Together they served pastorates in Michigan (Menominee, Grace), North Dakota (Fargo), California (Yorba Linda), Ohio (Dover First), and Pennsylvania (Edgeboro). Brother Witbro also served the church as chairman of the Pacific Southwest Moravian Board and Director of Homeland Ministries and Evangelism. He entered into retirement September 30, 1997. Brother Witbro is survived by his daughters Karen, Kristin and Lisa; son, Stephen; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Janice, January 22, 2010. A memorial service was held March 31, 2017 at Palmer Township Moravian Church, Easton, Pa., with the Rev. Melissa Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Northampton Memorial Shrine in Palmer Township. Memorials were welcomed for Palmer Township Moravian Church. n
Brother Robert J. Gohdes died in Chaska, Minnesota, February 27, 2017 at age 78. Born October 19, 1938, in Fargo, N.D., he was the son of Theobald and Elizabeth (Schulz) Gohdes. Brother Gohdes graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa., in 1960 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1963. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry August 18, 1963 and consecrated a Presbyter April 2, 1970. He was united in marriage to Cynthia Geiman August 26, 1961 at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. Together they served pastorates in Michigan (Daggett, Maplewood), Wisconsin (DeForest, Ebenezer), and Minnesota (Chaska). He entered into retirement November 1, 2002. Brother Gohdes is survived by his daughters, Karen and Amy; sons, Eric and David; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Cynthia, February 19, 2014. A memorial service was held April 1, 2017 at Ebenezer Moravian Church, Watertown, Wisconsin with the Rev. Sanette Francis and the Rev. David Sobek officiating. Burial was in the Ebenezer Moravian Church Cemetery. Memorials were welcomed for Ebenezer Moravian Church, Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center, and Western District Camping Fund. n
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April 2017
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