Moravian Magazine, April/May 2016

A P R I L / M A Y

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SPECIAL FEATURE: Board of World Mission 2015 Annual Report #Moravianservies Unity Women’s Consultation And more!

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The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning!

The 2016 edition of The Daily Texts continues a 286-year-long Moravian tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day.

Each entry in this beloved daily devotional includes “watchwords”—Old and New Testament verses to accompany readers throughout the day—combined with beautiful hymn texts and heartfelt prayers selected and written by Moravians across North America.

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The Moravian

On the cover: Springtime sun warms the Moravian Seal on the Church Center in Bethlehem, Pa. Photo

by Mike Riess

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

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Board of World Mission Annual Report

Moravians in Mission 5

#Moravianservies: Sharing the many faces of Moravian service

Unity Women’s Desk 8

I am my sister’s keeper: a report from the Fourth Unity Women’s Consultations

A Moravian Education 31

Food, friends and fellowship mark Moravian Theological Seminary’s Annual Alumni Luncheon

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Grant makes Moravian College more affordable for church membersStory Department 7

Studying Moravian Doctrine 34

Ground of the Unity, Part II

...And More 4

Ponderings: Catching up on The Moravian

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Official Provincial Elders’ News

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/May 2016

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PONDERINGS (ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) March, Vol. 47, No. 3

Catching up on The Moravian

T

en times a year for the past six years, I’ve okayed the printing of more than 17,000 copies of The Moravian magazine. The magazine represents one of the most visible example of the work that the Interprovincial Board of Communication does, and it’s a part of my job that I like (and lose sleep over) a great deal.

But at the beginning of this year, I admit I got into a bit of a slump.

Other editors I know have hit similar slumps in their tenures; I was hoping it wouldn’t happen to me. The magazine wasn’t coming together as smoothly as it had been. Each edition was more of a struggle to get finished. And while I’m proud of the issues we produced, they were mailing toward the end of their publication date month instead of the beginning. I wasn’t happy with the way things were working, and apologize for the delays.

The good news, however, is I believe the slump is over. As this issue finally came together, I began to feel more optimistic about my ability to regularly produce this journal of the Moravian Church in America. We have a very busy year coming up, with lots of great things happening in our church.

Critical to making The Moravian work are the writers and photographers who share their stories. I ask that you keep those stories coming; only with your voices can we continue to illustrate the spirit, life, faith and happenings of our church. Consider sharing what’s going on in congregations, in missions, in our church agencies and in our denomination as a whole.

Thanks to all of those who have written for us over the years.

I’m also excited to have taken on the design and layout for the magazine.

We had worked with a terrific designer named Sandy Fay for more than 15 years; however, the IBOC directors and I decided this was the year to hand the design reins over to me. It’s a creative part of the job that I’ve been looking forward to doing for quite some time. You may notice that this is the “April/May” issue of the magazine. We produce 10 issues each year; after this issue, we will be monthly for the remainder of 2016.

And this is a favorite issue of the year for me, because it includes the Board of World Mission’s Annual Report for 2015. Each year since 2012, the IBOC has designed this section of the magazine; this year, I got to design the magazine part that goes around it, too. With this month’s issue, I hope you also enjoy the stories of new ways of communicating, of Moravian educational institutions and the women of the Unity coming together.

Peace, 4

Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries.

Individual copies available for $3.00 each.

The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.

Michael Riess, Editor Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, Gary Kniskern Interim Chair Paul Peucker Terri Bischoff Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Design by Mike 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 © 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

#MoravianServies:

Sharing the many faces of Moravian service

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n March 1 of this year, a new kind of personal photo began appearing on social media channels like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. While these new types of photos won’t replace the “selfie” any time soon, they do show a very positive face of the Moravian Church around the world.

These new photos, called “Moravian Servies,” sprang from the minds who created Moravian Church Without Walls (MCWW). In one day, hundreds of these images appeared, each with the hashtag #moravianservies, to share the good work of our church.

Stewards of technology resources “In general, Moravian Church Without Walls is an attempt to be a steward of the technology resources at our fingertips to point people to Jesus in the same way the Moravian Church has been doing this with other resources in past centuries,” says Dan Miller, a soon-to-be-graduating student of Moravian Theological Seminary. “MCWW came to be through a series of experiments; this event, #MoravianServies Day 2016, was one of these experiments.”

“The idea began with MCWW’s mission of being ‘a creative, collaborative community forming connections that let us be bold in faith, be strong together and serve the world as we feel called,’” says Justin Rabbach, a founder of MCWW and currently director of mission engagement with the Board of World Mission. “In brainstorming ideas, we thought about how a (Continued on next page)

April/May 2016

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#MoravianServies

(Continued from previous page) ‘selfie’ is really about as self-centered as you can get. So, what would be the opposite of selfie? How about selfless? Service? This led us to the idea: what if we flipped the script by recording ‘servies’ instead of ‘selfies?’”

“With our experience on social media, we recognized how certain hashtags connect people together as they talked about a certain topic,” says Dan. “As we began speaking about the idea of hashtags, it jogged our memories of the many times we’ve heard Moravians that we know yearn to feel more connected to other Moravians.

“The physical distance between us can enhance that yearning,” continues Dan. “We heard Moravians in Wisconsin want to know what Moravians in Pennsylvania are doing and Moravians in North Dakota want to know what Moravians in North Carolina are doing. We felt that collecting pictures, stories, and videos through “#moravianservies” would allow many different people to catch glimpses of what the Moravian Church is up to all over the world.”

A good day to start The MCWW team chose March 1 – the anniversary of the start of the Unitas Fratrum – as the day to focus on #moravianservies.

“Being relatively well connected in the Moravian world, we see service pictures come across our Facebook feeds every once 6

in a while,” says Justin. “Dan’s idea of focusing on a specific day, with a specific hashtag, was a great way to tie those images and stories together—to recognize that others have had similar life changing and faith shaping experiences and to share the great variety of ways you can find opportunities to engage in service.”

The team shared details of the day through Facebook and other channels about a week before the event. “Our goal on March 1 was to see 559 pictures, videos, and stories tagged as ‘#moravianservies’ for the 559th anniversary of the Unitas Fratrum,” says Dan. “We thought this was a lofty, but achievable goal for us.”

“A strong one day push really filled newsfeeds, and throughout the day I couldn’t believe the variety of service we saw displayed from more than a dozen countries and five continents!” says Justin. “We saw and heard Moravian music, Vacation Bible Schools, construction efforts, mission trips, camps, retreats, congregational activities, games and sermons. I am glad we didn’t try to put any hard boundaries on the definition of service. I think everyone was enriched by the wide variety of service displayed.”

“We saw that people jumped at the chance to share their stories,” adds Dan. “Through these pictures, we saw glimpses of some of the most memorable and influential moments in the spiritual lives of many.

“We also saw that there are Moravians out there just waiting to

The Moravian

explore what being “Moravian” looks like in the 21st century. From the responses we got online, this was an effort that brought energy to translating and applying our rich history from one century to this one.”

Forming Connections “The real dream of this effort was to help form connections to ‘be bold in faith and serve the world’ as people feel called,” says Justin.

“When asked what makes the Moravian church unique, I often hear ‘our history of missions.’

MCWW’s strongest desire is that our future not be just about our past! All of the photos, videos and stories show that ‘our history of mission’ is not a blip in the past, but a continual, ongoing and ever unfolding story. If even one person’s response to this effort was to consider deeply how God may be calling them to action, we would call it a success.

“I hope that #MoravianServies continues to be used, and is seen as a statement by individuals that they want their service to be a part of the shared history of the Moravian Community. You never know how a ‘bright idea’ will go. Some from MCWW have been flops, this one was fun, and inspires me to try and find other ways to claim our older traditions in new ways!” n Want to share your service? Use hashtag #Moravianservies when posting photos of your church activities on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And to see some of the many images from around the world, search “#Moravianservies” on your favorite social media site. For more on Moravian Church Without Walls, visit their Facebook Page or mcwithoutwalls.org.

April/May 2016

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UNITY WOMEN’S DESK

I am my sister’s keeper: a report from the Fourth Unity Women’s Consultation

W

hen I first arrived home from the Fourth Unity Women’s Consultation in February, my mind and heart were so full of memories and experiences that I had trouble sorting them out. Now I can see clearly how much we accomplished in just one short week.

The time seemed to fly by once the women arrived, but that time was filled with Bible studies, presentations on our six Focus Areas, and small group discussions from 9 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. each day, with very few breaks. Even with this long schedule, the women worked diligently with very little complaining.

It took a few days to get everyone to Paramaribo in Suriname. Cancelled flights, Schengen visas and lost luggage all added to the challenge to getting more than 100 women from 25 countries and from 20 Provinces and 10 Mission Provinces and Mission Areas. The women brought their expertise and their love for the Lord and the women of their Provinces with them to tackle the question of our theme, “Am I My Sisters’ Keeper?”

Each day (Friday, Saturday, and Monday), we addressed two of the Focus Areas of the 8

Unity Women’s Desk (UWD) with Bible studies, presentations, and small group discussions among women who had expertise and/or experience working in the Focus Areas.

On Friday, we worked on Education and Parenting for Justice. On Saturday, we tackled Violence against Women and Overcoming Poverty and Unemployment. After taking Sunday to attend local churches and see a little bit of Paramaribo, we were back to our routine on Monday with Health Issues of Women and Children and Women in Ministry.

Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with small group discussions with delegates and observers making plans for how to achieve our goals in these six Focus Areas and writing resolutions for Unity Synod.

Each evening brought something differ-

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At the moment I am... reliving every moment of the Consultation and all that we have accomplished. Thank you for being a sister’s keeper.

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The Moravian

At left: The sign over the church entrance in Paramaribo, Suriname, says “God is Love.” Below, Rev. Erdmute Frank addresses gathered women.

ent, too, including an evening of sharing from each Province, Mission Province, and Mission Area in attendance; an evening of Surinamese entertainment; a Singstunde of local youth during an “Hour of Power” and a lecture by the Reverend Dr. Craig Atwood on “Five Hundred Years of Women’s Involvement in the Moravian Church.”

In addition, the women celebrated a Lovefeast, Holy Communion, and a Cup of Covenant Service in which they prayed for one another and shared the covenants each group made of what they plan to do on their return home.

Only on the final day did we have some rest as we retreated to Bergendaal in the interior of Suriname for a river tour, kayaking and massage therapy for those so inclined.

“

I pray that the Lord will give us the strength and that the Holy Spirit will fill us with wisdom to continue the path we have chosen.

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name,” says Rebecca Weituschat from Germany, who came to the consultation as a part of a college project. “I came as an observer but with a mission to get information for my final thesis so I took part in almost every part of the program.

“Each day, we worked on issues almost all women in the world have to deal with,” continued Rebecca. “In the beginning of every day we sang songs and one of the women introduced the theme of the first session via Bible study. After the sessions we met in small groups and talked about the theme and our thoughts.

(Continued on next page)

“A wonderful week” “It was a wonderful week of laughter, learning, discussion and understanding,” says Adriana Craver, assistant secretary of the Unity Women’s Desk. “Each woman brought something of herself and left something of herself with every other woman present at the Consultation. We heard stories that were heartbreaking and inspiring, stories that were challenging and lifechanging, and we heard stories that shaped the lives of the women telling them. We brought back stories from the Consultation to each of our families, churches and provinces, and we brought back an air of accomplishment and determination that will continue to encourage us to change the things we see around us.

“I was blessed to have been a part of the Consultation,” continued Adriana, “and each and every woman who blessed me with her presence in Suriname holds a special place in my heart.”

“My aunt Erdmute Frank pulled me out of a deep dark hole of my studies when she asked me to join the Fourth UWD Consultation in SuriApril/May 2016

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Consultation

(Continued from previous page) Our task was to find ways to work practically on the specific topic when we get back to our countries, our congregations. Thank you for the amazing, thoughtful and impressive time in Paramaribo/Suriname.”

“I thank God for having had the privilege to represent our Moravian Church in Cuba at this conference in Suriname,” wrote Alay Gonzalez Rosado from Cuba. “Knowing our Moravian church, its work on different continents and the development of our church in the world through our work was wonderful.

Thank you very much to God for this time lived in a very wonderful way for my life. I have been sharing my experiences of the weekend in our 10

churches and have started working to support what we want to develop this year.”

An intensive consultation This was the most intensive Consultation we have had so far. We assessed what has been done by the Unity Women’s Desk in the last five years, and we laid the foundation of the work that we need to do in the future. We are very blessed to have such intelligent, passionate, and committed women who truly want to bring about “global change for Moravian women” in our world.

All of the planning, fundraising and hard work were well worthwhile as we set our course for the future. We have dreams for our women and we see that God has begun a good (Continued on page 38) The Moravian

Investing

in Mission

2015 Annual Report

Board of World Mission

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From our Board Chair: Investments in mission I am excited to share with you the work of the Board of World Mission in our 2015 Annual Report.

Our theme for 2015 is

IC A

BOAR

ION SS

AM

VI RA

ER

MO

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CH

U R C H • N O RT

see new investments in areas that are just starting to bear their first fruit and to consider the possibilities for the future.

Most of all, it is a personal source of rejoicing for me that we are able to collectively bring our own time, talent, and resources to this mission.

No matter how small these gifts are when we bring them, they always seem to multiply.

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, I thank you for your commitment to the work that we do, and I invite you to explore how the investments you have made in mission are working in the world and how we can continue to journey together!

Thomas Baucom, Chair Board of World Mission

Board of World Mission 2015 Board of Directors

WORLD M I D of

AN

Investing in Mission. Whenever I think of investing, I am instantly transported back to the family beach trips of my childhood. My grandfather would come up from the beach for lunch and tune the small television set to the financial news. He would study the small ticker at the bottom of the screen and make a few scribbles in pencil on the side of a spare newspaper indicating the soundness of a particular investment.

I believe the commitment of spiritual, human and financial resources to the mission of the Moravian Church is a sound investment. It is humbling to look back to the investments made by Moravians and see how relationships forged centuries ago are still bearing fruit. It is exciting to

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BWM logo seal with words in circle type reversed.

Thomas Baucom, Chair * Boad Appointed David Geyer, Vice-Chair* Eastern District, Northern Province

Becky Turnbull, Secretary* Eastern District, Northern Province Dan Nelson* Southern Province

Illustrating how we invest in mission Last year we shared that we

ways this past year—training and supporting individuals and teams in mission; providing programs at camps and FIT First to guide our young adults in mission involvement and leadership; walking with global partners in mission outreach, leadership development, and economic strengthening; and offering our congregations ways to participate in and support the mission of the Moravian Church in North America, in partnership with the Alaska Province and the Unity of Brethren in Texas.

I hope that in this annual report you can see the many ways that your provision individuals and churches on for the common ministries all levels. We are grateful for of our provinces, as well as your partnership in mission! your individual donations, are The Rev. Judy Ganz used by the BWM to impact Executive Director

Isaac Amik Alaska Province

Lisa Pampe Western District, Northern Province

Errol Connor EWI Province / Advisory Member

Betsy Miller* PEC President, Northern Province

Jermaine Gibson Jamaica Province / Advisory Member

Tommy Cole Board Appointed

Rex Knowlton Treasurer / Advisory Member

are journeying together with our congregations and our global partners to INquire, INform, INvite, and INvest in others to go OUT and make disciples to share the gospel of Christ. In many ways these elements are best illustrated in how the Board of World Mission (BWM) INVESTS in people and churches to promote the work to which we are called.

As Paul states in Ephesians 4:11-13, the many gifts that we are given are meant for equipping “the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ” so that all might mature in faith and in the knowledge of God. BWM has been doing this in a number of

David Guthrie* PEC President / Southern Province Donna Hurt Southern Province David Miller Unity of the Brethren

Joe Jarvis Southern Province Mission Society

* member of Executive Committee

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Investing

in People

• FIT First • Intern Program

FIT First helps youth discern mission calling Labor Day weekend 2015 brought together 50 young adults and mentors for an event called “FIT.” Participants made commitments to maintaining a “Focus” with great “Intensity” over a period of “Time.” Leaders from across the Northern and Southern Provinces led conversations on Moravian essentials and history, guiding participants through a discernment process of ways God may be calling them to service and mission. As follow up, the

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BWM is working to provide leadership opportunities for these inspired young adults.

Just a few highlights of plans already in action: Caitlyn Mischnick (Freedom in Wisconsin) leading a team of peers through an urban service experience in Chicago; Hailey Geis (New Philadelphia in North Carolina) preparing to serve as an Antioch Servant in Alaska coordinating work teams in the summer of 2016; and Jamie Dease (Mayodan in North Carolina) and

Rachel Schachter (Edgeboro in Pennsylvania) planning a team to work at the Ahuas Clinic in Honduras.

Young adults are also realizing their potential through leadership in their congregations and among their peers at youth events.

Taylor Wickert (Watertown in Wisconsin) helped to lead the program at the Florida District Youth Retreat, inspiring peers with her mission experiences and encouraging them to take the opportunity to

join an upcoming trip to Cuba.

Johanna Dertinger (Waconia in Minnesota) has shared her faith journey and life experience as a way to inspire others as they seek to continue growing their faith.

Keep your eyes and hearts open for ways to support and engage with these young adults as they continue to live into their place in God’s mission. Also, think about young adults you would encourage to attend the FIT event being held Labor Day weekend 2016 at Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wisconsin!

Zach Routh, left, served as BWM intern in 2015.

BWM Internship opportunities Did You Know?

The BWM has many services and resources available to congregations. In 2015, our staff trained and prepared teams for travel; helped congregations and mission committees discern mission goals for the year ahead; and shared our message about the ongoing work of the BWM and the 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 God’s mission!

Beginning a summer internship program is one unique way the BWM invested in people this year.The internship was designed to help the individual grow in faith and develop skills, taking on leadership roles facilitating mission programming and resource development.

Of the more than a dozen applicants who sought an opportunity for the paid 10-12 week internship. BWM chose Zach Routh, a student at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. He did a phenomenal job, walking with the BWM as it worked to establish this first-time program. Zach’s work helped coordinate resources that are available to individuals and congregations looking to take part in mission. He also helped organize events and lead programming at the East-

ern District Conference and at Mission Camp during the months of June and July.

With the success of this program, BWM will offer this paid internship again in 2016, while considering further opportunities for expanding the role of volunteers to assist in the wide ranging work of the BWM. Angelica Regalado, a student at Wake Forest Divinity School, fulfilled several course requirements through work with the BWM. We encourage you to be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to serve with the BWM that augment our traditional service options!

Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement

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Investing

in People

• Antioch Short-term Missions

Moravians serve around the globe through Antioch In Jesus’ Spirit of personal companionship and investing in others, Antioch works with and serves individuals who seek to actively live their faith through “loving neighbor as oneself.” During 2015, 12 individuals and eight teams responded to invitations to share in the work and ministries of Moravian partners. “Antioch Alums” shared their experiences among God’s people:

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My second time serving as an English teacher at Bishop Kisanji Girl’s School in Tanzania was an eye opening experience. It was entirely different from the first time I went when the school was… struggling financially.

The headmaster informed us that the consistent presence of American volunteers has boosted the volume of students and popularity of the school. However, because of this, I witnessed many things that have changed, both positive and negative. I initially felt Last summer, I had the opas though I had made the portunity to travel to the wrong decision to return to Moravian Medical Clinic in Ahuas, Honduras with Rachel the school. However, I realized I was where God needed me Schachter. While there, we when the grades of the girls recorded the story of the clinic by taking pictures, talking in my classes on the results of their second English test had with people at the clinic, and improved greatly. I started to videotaping the interviews. notice small changes in the With the help of Mike Riess of the Interprovincial Board of girls: they showed up to class on time, stayed focused, and Communication, we created a video to bring an awareness turned in assigned homework on time. Being in Tanzania of the work of the clinic.This summer, Rachel and I will lead taught me to truly embody the fruit of the Spirit, espeanother group to Ahuas to cially on this second journey. complete different projects and continue building relation- When you follow where God ships with the people we met leads you, you won’t always get a reason immediately.That last summer.

Jamie Lynn Dease, doesn’t mean you should stop North Carolina (1) fulfilling the purpose and the signs God has set forth.

Rhyssa Beckford of Florida (2) I learned about the importance of human interaction to strengthen faith in God. The first two weeks of our time in Hopedale [Labrador], we spent getting to know the people, the culture, and the community.This was a vital part of our mission. Without human interaction, we could not have completed our service.The community took our boldness and embraced it.

Norman Ayagalria & family, Bethel, Alaska

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5 Each person I met throughout the trip was a blessing.They taught me something about life and God that I know I will carry with me on my future adventures.

Emily Burrell, from Ohio, who served on Staten Island, N.Y. (3) My trip to Nová Paka, Czech Republic gave me an opportunity to experience the way that another culture understands God. I was also able to worship in new ways and widen my view of the Moravian Church, globally and historically.The Moravian Church and even the wider Christian Church seem so much bigger to me now and I

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feel as though I have a better context for understanding our mission in the world.

Sylvie Hauser, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (4) The mission trip to Tanzania at Bishop Kisanji changed my life. I believe God put me there at that time for a reason.

I learned about myself and about the love I have for being a part of such a mission. I thought I would just go there to teach, but I learned so much more than expected.

I hope to go on many more trips for more experiences that I will never forget.

Olayinka Idowu, Staten Island, N.Y. (5)

Antioch has blessed me with the privilege to see the love of God in action. I witnessed young adults serve those less fortunate, then dine with them and share personal stories of loss, failure and redemption. Former strangers became friends as we conversed for hours about Christ and life, in a language I don’t speak fluently. I felt like family with people I met only hours or days ago.The new friendships remind me that God is always with us sharing love and wisdom. Sometimes you just have to be willing to listen.

Caitlyn Mischnick of Wisconsin served in Peru (6)

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Antioch

(Continued from previous page) Education has always been important to me. My parents were stripped of their opportunity to get an education as a result of the deadly Liberian Civil War. My main focus is to empower women and children, especially young girls, through formal and informal education.The education of women and girls is not valued in Tanzania. However, as a Mathematics and English teacher at the Bishop Kisanji Girl’s Secondary School, I was given the opportunity to empower girls who are pressured to devalue their education and themselves.

Emmerline Nelson-Rogers, Staten Island, N.Y. (7)

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As you can see, the opportunities for service and the unique gifts that people share through that service are quite varied. Individuals are able to partner with Antioch at many levels, encouraging leadership development, cross-cultural awareness, spiritual formation and the creation of community with people they meet and live alongside.

These relationships and experiences continue to inform and enrich the Alums

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Angélica Regalado (8), a ministerial candidate and student at Wake Forest Divinity School, fulfilled many requirements of her Wake Forest internship by serving with Antioch. She took part in the Cuba Moravian Youth Camp, led a mission weekend at Prince of Peace in Miami, translated nine Moravian leadership learning modules into Spanish, translated the “Simply Moravian” resource, participated in the Young Adult CONVO in the Czech Republic and Germany, led a workshop on “Women in Ministry” at the first National Conference of the Moravian Church in Peru, took part in the FIT First event at Laurel Ridge and spoke in several Moravian churches in the Southern Province. throughout their lives. And Antioch is not just for young

adults! Come and join us!

Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch

Investing

in People

• Adopt a Village • Likewise Ministries

Investing in Tanzania’s future Throughout North America, Moravians have been investing in the future of Tanzania.

Working through Adopt a Village, Moravians have provided food, clothing, school supplies and uniforms, medical care, and educational scholarships to 3500 orphans in our partner province of Western Tanzania.This has only been possible because of the organizational skills and leadership of Mama Zipora Kimwaga and her 28 Moravian “Mamas” who serve these children with love and compassion.

Several churches have begun working directly with their adopted village.They

have helped construct school classrooms and supplied them with desks and text books.

Dormitories have been built and filled with beds, bedding, and mosquito nets. Fourteen new wells are now giving villages clean water. Eleven churches have been completed; three more are under construction.

The investment of North American churches in the people and communities of their partner province is a tangible demonstration of Moravian commitment to worldwide mission.

Drs. Bill and Peg Hoffman Mama Kimwaga at one of the new wells in her village in Western Tanzania.

Minstry heeds the call to “Go and do Likewise” Likewise Ministries is the Moravian Church’s response to “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37)—living out the Gospel through the efforts of a BWM committee made up of members from the North American Moravian Church with a wide range of experience in public health, crosscultural ministries, administration, research, and education.

Likewise Ministries: • supports access to treatment and monitoring for HIV+ individuals in Ahuas, Honduras; • explores ways to promote health and wellness, address violence against women, and support income-generating programs;

• supports HUKWAFA (Huduma kwa Watoto na Familia—Serving Children and Family) in Western Tanzania, lifting children and families in Magu and Gininiga out of poverty through the development of agricultural and small businesses that provide food and support for children’s education.

We celebrate with gratitude the amazing contribution of $7,000 CAD from Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Calgary, Alberta, raised by producing the musical drama “And on the Sixth Day”.

If you feel called to be part of this ministry, contact the BWM. BWM supports

the HUKWAFA program in Mwanza,Tanzania, with continued thanks to the gift of the Stafford Fund along with other donations.

Marion Perrin, Edmonton, Alberta

Students with new school uniforms in Magu.

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Investing

in Healthcare

• Clinica Evangélica Morava, Honduras

Despite challenges, Ahuas Clinic continues its work The Clínica Evangélica Morava has been curing diseases, easing suffering and winning souls for the lamb since 1945. In 2015 this ministry saw 3294 outpatients, performed 319 surgeries, attended to 365 births (including 63 cesareans), and admitted 969 patients.

Recently, however, the Honduran Moravian Medical work has faced unprecedented challenges with rising debt, aging infrastructure and changes

in leadership.

In 2015 the clinic moved to a computerized accounting system to assist with financial management. With the help of outside accountants we now get more accurate financial data. Many teams of physicians and workers have been coming to Ahuas to help with the medical care and with repairs. Donations from many brought an improved sanitation system, repaired ceilings,

and buildings were painted.

We are currently searching for a new medical director as our former director, Dr. Ovelio Lopez, left in December. Dr. Kenneth Serapio from Nicaragua continues to help with surgeries; Dr. Maylo Wood, an OB/GYN specialist, helps out two weeks a month, while Dr. Ratli Bendles, a recently licensed physician, helps everywhere.

As we wonder where

God is in all of this, we see the commitment of many who wish to ensure the long-term viability of this ministry. Two recent visitors share their stories: Susan of the New Era Reformed Church writes:

“While New Era Reformed Church in Michigan has supported the Clinica Evangelica Morava for more than 25 years, we’ve never set eyes, hands or feet on it … until now!

“For seven people from New Era, following the instruction of Jesus in Matthew 25 to work with the ‘least of these’ just got real.The vision and mission of the clinic was so clear: to bring both compassion and excellence in meeting the physical need for health care in Ahuas and surrounding villages, and opening the door to share the good news of Jesus, in word and deed.

“As we fully participated in community—from daily devotions, to working hard alongside the staff, to meeting people from the community—we were changed. While we came to help, the Lord touched our hearts deeply through the work and love at the clinic.

“We believe our investment of a week here will have far reaching implications in our community back home. We will be praying and digging deeply before the Lord and into our pockets. As our debt has been paid in full by our Lord and Savior, what would we not give for our brothers and sisters in Ahuas? We’re with you! We’re in!”

Dan Nelson of the Friedberg Moravian congregation says of his experience in Ahuas:

“It was Isaiah who responded to God’s call by saying, ‘Here am I, send me.’ I heard a similar call to go and serve God in Ahuas, Honduras, so I found myself traveling to Ahuas to do whatever I could to help the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I saw firsthand the dedication of the Hospital Staff to serve those who Jesus called “the least of these.”They absolutely need our continued financial and spiritual support and encouragement.

“As I returned home to North Carolina I wondered why God led me to Honduras.Then I heard another call being issued, ‘I need somebody to be an advocate for the Hospital in Ahuas. Dan, I want you to be that ‘somebody.’’ This was going to take my level of investment to a new level, but how do you say ‘no’ to God?

“Since I have taken on God’s new call, He has revealed Himself in awesome ways. My investment to mission work in Honduras has rekindled my desire to do all that I can to serve my Savior and Lord wherever He calls and wherever He leads.”

We feel that the Moravian medical work in Honduras provides a vital ministry for the indigenous community and we thank the many who passionately support this mission!

Rick Nelson, missionary serving in Ahuas, Honduras

Investing

in Global Missions A focus on self-sustainability

1 2

3

In 2012 BWM began a gradual decrease in subsidy to our global partners. We are happy to report that in 2015 the Province of Costa Rica went off of subsidy and in 2016, Guyana will, too. We celebrate these partners’ strong focus on self-sustainability, even as we explore new ways to walk with them in the ministry of their churches.

In 2015 we began to put the amount decreased from partner subsidies into a mission grant fund.This new fund will allow us to support our global partners in ways that will strengthen their churches and promote their sustainability through leadership development, mission outreach and economic strengthening.

In 2015 mission grants were disbursed to: • Costa Rica, for continued work on a Multiuse Building that will help generate income for the province; • Western Tanzania, in collaboration with the British

Province, for a stewardship training workshop for their pastors; • Honduras, for development of a fish market project (3); • The Honduras Mission Province, for an upcoming pastors’ training event; and • Peru, for an income-generating project.

In this past year we also supported one representative from Honduras to attend the Theological Conference in Germany and helped leaders from Cuba, Peru, and Honduras attend the Unity Caribbean Regional Conference.

Through donations received, we were able to send support for the newly constructed Alaska Bible Seminary in Bethel.

In 2015 we provided funds for other programs in mission: • Phil and Eunice Raiford serving with the Mixe in Mexico; • Michael and Ceci Tesh (2) at the Ray of Hope orphanage in Kenya, and Adopt a Village in Tanzania, thanks to a gift from the Stafford Fund for hunger in Africa; • Andrew and Amy Fields, serving the Moravian Bible Institute in Pte. Lempira, Honduras; • George Goff and the Moravian plane ministry in Ahuas, Honduras; and • Steve and Ann Marx, serving Mission Aviation Fellowship in Idaho (1).

Global partners invested in mission, too Our global partners are also invested in mission, and sometimes there are ways that we can partner with them in sharing the gospel beyond their own churches.

The Moravian Church in Western Tanzania (MCWT) is actively evangelizing the Sukumu, a group of migrant herdsmen. BWM provides funds each year to support this ministry and Central Moravian Church is actively involved as well. Many thanks to the Society for Promoting the Gospel for its significant contribution to this ministry.

In addition, MCWT has new churches developing in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.

Guyana has supported an ecumenical ministry to the mining region of their country for many years.

The Eastern-West Indies Province (EWI) has a mission in Grenada and another in Tortola. Bishop Sam Gray has helped do an assessment of the Tortola Mission.

The Alaska Province agreed at its synod in 2015 to take over a mission outreach in Marshall, Alaska that was begun under Samaritan’s Purse. It is a unique ministry because it is outside the area assigned to the Moravians, but the Orthodox in the village are very open to a Moravian presence and ministry. The

Board of World Mission plans to provide support to this mission in 2016 and beyond, not only financially, but with short-term Antioch servants helping with Vacation Bible School or other needs.

The Honduran church has outreach to Belize, as well as to the Garifuna people in northeast Honduras, while faithful in Nicaragua are spreading the gospel along that country’s west coast areas.

It is wonderful to see the many ways that we can partner with the worldwide Moravian Church as together we invest in sharing the gospel with the world!

Make an Investment

in Global Missions • Support a Music Ministry Outreach in Guyana by sending $50 or more to help music workshops in 2016.

• Consider an offering for the Alaska Moravian Church to establish a Moravian Church in Marshall, Alaska.

• Help the Honduras Province develop its Fish Market project, with another $2,000 needed.

• Donate toward scholarships for high school fees for Ray of Hope orphans.

• Help toward solar systems for pastors in Western Tanzania ($1,310 ea.)

• Donate $50 to help families purchase chickens, pigs or invest in a milling machine as part of HUKWAFA in Tanzania.

• Renew or commit to three years of support, at $1,000 per year, for Adopt a Village and the care of orphans in Tanzania.

• Support a house rental ($200-$400/mo) for the churches in Peru.

Investing

in Mission

• Sierra Leone Mission Area • Cuba Mission Area

Investing in prayer for Sierra Leone mission So, why does the Sierra Leone Mission Area report begin by mentioning a Youth Gathering in the Czech Province? Well, it was at that conference of about 225 participants that many young adults inquired how they might be more connected to other parts of the Worldwide Unity.They were informed of opportunities and needs throughout our 23 Unity Provinces, 5 Mission Provinces and 16 Mission Areas. Then they were invited to pray for people all around the “Moravian world.” Some of them wanted to take this a step further by investing their own time, talents and resources to be part of the answer to their own prayers for needs in other places.

Several of the young adults were touched by the stories from Sierra Leone: the ministry of the Rev. Mohamed and Safiatu Braima, the churches that are being planted, the school, the library and the work in the communities of the Kailahun District.

14

So they wrote letters to the Braimas. Here are some excerpts:

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ in the Czech Republic! We learnt about your ministry in Sierra Leone and we want to encourage you and bless you in your service there. Your story is very encouraging to us! We want you to know that we support you in our prayers and that we’ve accepted your pain as our own.We bless you to be the healing hands of Christ, the living water and the light in the dry and dark places that were struck by both war and disease. God will lead you; trust God in everything. A single drop of God’s mercy can touch an entire country! Where I live, people have so much and sometimes they think they don’t need God. How sad, but how happy I am that you are looking to God for power and grace.

One young woman went further with her “investment.”

She offered a full month’s salary that was sent to support the ministry in Sierra Leone.The Czech Province has established some ongoing and meaningful connections with this Mission Area. How beautiful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters can dwell together in unity!

God works in amazing—and unlikely—ways in Cuba We know that God works in many amazing but unlikely ways and often through amazing but yes, unlikely people.

A little over a year ago, the Cuban government decided to send an engineer to Ecuador to work on a project for two years. This engineer just “happened” to be a Moravian – a member of the church in Santayana. He took his faith in Jesus Christ (and his love of the Moravian Church) along with him!

Even though there are many Christian churches in Ecuador, brother Rony found that this was not the case in the little town where he is living (about two hours from Quito). So he started inviting people to his house to pray, worship, study the Bible and share fellowship together.

The Rev. Armando Rusindo, president of the Moravian Church in Cuba, stayed in communication with him and provided resources and guidance for this new outreach effort. Brother Rony’s wife and daughter are still in Cuba and have remained active in the Moravian Church.They will be joining him in Ecuador in 2016. Rony’s wife has taken part in Moravian Leadership Development courses in Cuba and plans to use this knowledge to help to “grow the church” in Ecuador. How exciting to see disciples making disciples!

Meanwhile, the Moravian

Church in Cuba continues to grow (in wisdom, in stature and in increasing favor within the community). Some signs of growth: • 23 baptisms, 14 confirmations and four reaffirmations of faith in 2015.

• The completion and dedication of the National Headquarters (which also houses the Belén Congregation) in Havana.

• Continued cooperation and collaboration with the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) on projects (clean water, sustainable farming, remodeling of facilities, children’s outreach ministry, special needs hospital ministry, etc.) that benefit the communities of Jagüey Grande, Santayana, Arroyo Naranjo and others.

• Continuation and expansion of the children’s ministry in Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, and near completion of the Jon Amos Comenius Center.

• Leadership training modules for 22 pastors and leaders in Havana, Jagüey Grande, Mayabeque, Holguín, Camagüey and Guantánamo, with more training opportunities to come in 2016.

Sam Gray, Director of Intercultural Ministries and New Work

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Investing

in Mission

• Peru Mission Area • Moravian Disaster Response/Volunteer Resources

Continuing development in Peru After several years of development as a Mission Area, the Moravian Church in Peru held its first official National Conference in August 2015.The delegates, representing four congregations and one fellowship (in Lima and Chiclayo) took the following steps: • Ratified the Book of Order of the “Iglesia Evangélica Morava en Perú”.

• Affirmed the ordination of two deacons (Manuel Augusto Verástegui and Christopher Valencia Alcántara) and the commissioning of 3 Acolytes (Ana Maria Huaman, Brandon Lee Valencia and Walter Calle Peralta).

The ordinations and commissioning took place at the closing service of the conference.

• Elected the official Mission Area Board.

• Adopted a five-year ministry plan, including steps toward self-sustainability.

• Took part in workshops on • Women in Ministry (presented by Angélica Regalado) • Biblical Interpretation in a Moravian Context • Ministerials and incidentals • Pastoral Care and Family Ministry (presented by the Rev. Segundo Regalado and Sister Hilda Regalado) • Elected a representative to the Unity Women’s Con-

16

sultation in Suriname (Sister Ana Maria).

Earlier in 2015, the Rev. Betsy Miller met with pastors and leaders in the Peru Mission Area.The Church Order of the Worldwide Moravian Unity states that Mission Areas must be under the supervision of (or accompanied by) a Unity Province. Sister Miller proposed that Peru be supervised and accompanied by the Northern Province (America). The details of this agreement were discussed with Peruvian Moravian leaders, approved by the Northern Province PEC and ratified at the Peru National Conference in August. During her visit to Peru, Sister Miller also preached in Lima, took part in baptisms in Chiclayo and accepted the role of “godmother” for the Rhemanente Praise Band!

Because of security concerns and space limitations in the existing house churches, the Moravian Church in Peru asked that BWM partner with them to obtain rental properties for their congregations and ministries. Many Moravians in North America have responded to this request, and all four of the congregations have found church homes where they can continue to grow and share the good news in their communities!

Sam Gray, Director, Intercultural Ministries and New Work

Responding to disasters at home and abroad In 2015, many communities around the world were affected by disasters, and Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) looked to respond as best as possible.The largest financial response by MDR was to the earthquake in Nepal, which occurred in April of 2015.The BWM thanks our donors and congregations that enabled the sending of nearly $20,000 to assist in the relief in Nepal and help acquire land for their new church in Khokona.

More funds will go this year.

Visits by a Moravian team made up of members from Pennsylvania and Minnesota in December, as well as a visit

by Northern Province President Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, have helped to strengthen relationships for this ongoing work.

Other international support from MDR in 2015 went to Malawi to assist with flood damage and to the Unity to help with refugees from Burundi crossing into Tanzania. Donations received for Syrian refugee relief were sent to our fellow Moravians in Germany. They were most grateful for our help.

Domestically, flooding and storm damage occurred across the Southern United states, with large amounts of damage in Missouri and South Carolina. Planning began in late 2015 for teams to respond to this damage. A team is also returning to the gulf coast of Mississippi to continue the ongoing work following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

To better meet the ever changing needs and locations involved in disaster response, the BWM has worked to “right size� our tools and equipment available for response. In 2015 this involved the sale of the 32 foot MDR trailer, and purchase of two replacement 14 foot trailers.

These smaller trailers allow for better use and accessibility to multiple locations, as well as not requiring extra skill and vehicle restrictions to put them to use.

There is a great need for volunteers to assist in disaster response in 2016. Please contact the BWM for more information on ways you can get involved!

Left, Wsconsin Moravians at an MDR build; right, working in Nepal after last April’s earthquakes.

17

Investing

in Mission

18

The Board of World Mission (BWM) is grateful for the continued support provided for the mission work of the North American Moravian Church.The accompanying graphic outlines generally where the contributions for our efforts are gathered and then where this support is used to cultivate the missions.

Much of the support of the BWM comes from the Northern and Southern Provinces through congregational provincial giving.This, along with donations from the Alaska Province, collectively accounts for almost half of the income entrusted to us for 2015.The Society for Promoting the Gospel provides 18% of our support, followed by various general unrestricted gifts and contributions we receive which account for another 10 percent of our 2015 support.

Exchanges, or support for a specific outreach under the BWM such as Nepal and additional Ahuas donations, are excluded from the statement but represent another significant part of our mission work. Investment returns were negative this year due to the downturn in the economy.

Thanks to many past supporters we have established several restricted funds that were used to fund 18% of our ministry this year.

Seventy-one percent of our 2015 expenditures were applied directly to our ministry.This includes funds

• Resources for Investing

Support and Revenue

For the year ended December 31, 2015 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church

Northern, Southern, Alaskan Provinces Larger Life Foundation Society for Promoting the Gospel Mission Society, Southern Province Other Provincial Support General Unrestricted Contributions Investment Returns Other Utilization of Restricted Gifts Total Support and Revenue

$513,166 $24,213 $201,104 $25,000 $16,242 $109,825 ($14,793) $15,657 $204,357 $1,094,771

Expenditures

For the year ended December 31, 2015 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church

Direct Program Costs Assistance Grants Ministry Administration/Management Supplies, Materials, Occupancy Travel, Meetings Publications, Communications General Administration Total Expenditures

providing assistance to many

of our brothers and sisters in

need as well as extensive on site ministry provided by our missionary staff or volunteer teams.The assistance takes many forms as described more fully throughout this report, often including medical management, technology assistance, orphan support, training and a host of other crucial activities, mostly in distant lands. Our accumulated continued support over the years enabled the BWM to

$851,972 $156,792 $28,196 $60,852 $15,094 $93,304 $1,206,210

outspend our revenue in 2015 but as we move forward a balanced approach is envisioned.

Additional details can be obtained once the annual audited financial statements for 2015 are complete. For more information or a copy of the audited financial statements, please contact Deb Swanson or myself at the Bethlehem office of the BWM.Thank you for your support of this important outreach.

Rex Knowlton, Treasurer

Journeying Together

The board and staff of the Board of World Mission thank the contributors who provided articles, Many thanks to the contributors provided and articles, and other material for this information,who photographs otherinformation, material forphotographs this year’s Annual Report. year’sOriginally Annual Report.

Originally published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Re- in published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Annual Report isAnnual also available port is also availabledigital in digital format from the Board of World Mission.

Design by Mike Riess, IBOC format from the Board of World Mission. Design by Mike Riess, IBOC 19 ©2015, Board of World©2016, Mission.Board Visit us at www.moravianmission.org. of World Mission. Visit us at www.moravianmission.org.

BOARD OF

WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America BWM staff and directors are eager to INVEST in our congregations on 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, Admin. Assistant,Winston-Salem sheila@moravianmission.org

Board of World Mission 500 South Church St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336.773.1732

Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch jill@moravianmission.org

Web:

Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement justin@moravianmission.org

www.moravianmission.org

Judy Ganz, Executive Director judy@moravianmission.org Sam Gray, Dir. of Intercultural Ministries & New Work sam@moravianmission.org

Deb Swanson, Admin. Assistant, Bethlehem deb@moravianmission.org

The Board of World Mission is grateful for the dedicated service of Kay Odegard, who left us in June after serving one year as our administrative assistant in the Bethlehem office.

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.

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Food, friends and fellowship mark Moravian Theological Seminary Annual Alumni Luncheon The annual Alumni Luncheon is a time for Moravian Theological Seminary alumni to walk the campus, gather together as friends and former classmates over a meal and continue to be a part of the Seminary. At this year’s luncheon in March, Rev. Maggie Wellert ’99, ’00, and current president of the Alumni Association, presided over the gathered group of 80 alumni, faculty, staff, senior students and friends.

In welcoming the alumni, Moravian College President Bryon L. Grigsby lauded the Seminary for its work continuing in the spirit of Comenius. He highlighted the new Spiritual Direction Gift Fund supporting the growing Formative Spirituality program and a Grey-

April/May 2016

hound Loyalty Scholarship to be awarded to Moravian College undergraduate alumni who are accepted to a Master’s degree program at the Seminary. He also celebrated the authorization of a new M.A. in Chaplaincy degree for those seeking certification as a chaplain but who are not intending to purse ordination.

The Rev. John D. Rights ’85, who received the 2016 Hus Award recognizing an outstanding Seminary grad, firmly asserted that “I am here [receiving this award] because of my church.”

He also added, “Every seminary should be a church, and every church a seminary.”

Gregory A. Krausz ’02, the Kortz Award (Continued on page 33)

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MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Grant makes Moravian College more affordable for church members

As America’s sixth-oldest college, Moravian College (MC) has been a little revolutionary from the start. The College has been pushing boundaries in small ways that have big (lasting) impacts since 1742. That’s when a 16-year-old Moravian girl Benigna founded the nation’s first school to educate women. Almost 275 years later, Moravian College gives 1,850 undergraduates eye-opening, heart-racing ways to discover their own little revolutionary spirits.

Moravian College maintains its deep-rooted traditions and honors its long-standing affiliation with the Moravian Church by offering an annual $2,000 grant to all Moravian congregation members who enroll as full-time undergraduate students. The Moravian Church Grant is designed to help make attending Moravian more affordable for members and their families.

The College challenges all of its students to dream a little bolder, think a little differently, and do something “a little out there.” That’s why MC annually awards $30 million in finan32

cial aid to students – with more than 90 percent receiving institutional grants and/or merit scholarships. It’s why MC gives every freshman a MacBook Pro and iPad to get ready for the tech-savvy, ever-connected world.

Moravian College believes in the liberating power of the liberal arts. This means students have the freedom to own their education. They choose from more than 55 academic pro-

Moravian College offers annual $2,000 grants to Moravian congregation members who enroll as full-time undergraduate students grams; they get hands-on, in-the-field opportunities; they work one-on-one with professors on SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research) projects; or they study abroad in nearly 20 countries.

The Moravian

From 20 NCAA Division III teams to 80plus clubs and organizations, students participate in service, Greek life, performing arts, and campus communications. They can serve on United Student Government, host a radio show on WRMC, join the Greyhound Marching Band, and see a show in New York City with IMPACT. They can even start their own clubs.

Greyhounds get to be front-and center for campus traditions (like Vespers, MC’s Christmas services), and enjoy amenities such as the always-buzzing student union and the new fitness center. A bonus: Moravian College’s hometown—Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (and the Lehigh Valley)—is the perfect college town for students to explore, with its student-friendly restaurants, quirky shops, and a growing arts scene.

Being a little revolutionary has taken Moravian College (and its students) a long way.

Ninety-five percent of the College’s graduates finish in four years. And 97% of newly-minted alumni from the Class of 2015 landed jobs or went to grad school within 6 months. So it’s not surprising that Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the College among the top 25 percent of U.S. schools for high return on investment.

For centuries, Moravian College has been unleashing the kind of out-of-the-box dreamers, doers, and go-getters – revolutionarythinking Greyhounds – the world needs. And that’s just the beginning.

Prospective students can qualify for the Moravian Church Grant if they: have applied and been accepted to Moravian College; are an active member of the Moravian Church community; and provide a letter from their pastor supporting the student’s participation.

For more information on the Moravian College Church Grant, please contact Peter McCullough at McCulloughp@moravian.edu, by calling (610)861-1448 or visiting the website: www.moravian.edu/churchgrant. n April/May 2016

Alumni

(Continued from page 11) recipient, acknowledged the importance of the support of people in the Seminary and around the community to his counseling ministry and pledged to continue to integrate the two for the benefit of all.

The Alumi Association board now includes the Rev. Neil Routh ’90, elected to his first threeyear term, and Kyle Borowski ’08, Rev. Cheryl Cottingham ’08, and Rev. Rhonda Robinson ’12 elected to their second terms. Rhonda will continue as vice-president, Maggie Wellert as president and Kyle Borowski as secretary.

The afternoon concluded with thanksgivings for those alumni who have been called to the more immediate presence of the Savior, recognition of the 25th and 50th Reunion Classes, and introduction of this year’s 28 seniors by Dean and Vice-President Frank Crouch, ’80.

2016 represents one of the largest classes in recent years, as the Spiritual Formation cohort, Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, and Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling students join with Masters of Divinity students to swell the influence of Moravian Seminary graduates in congregations and community ministries here in the United States and around the world.

Tentatively, next year’s Alumni Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017. Please plan on joining us! n The Rev. Dr. Christine L. Nelson is director of Seminary Advancement Carol Foltz, ‘78, presents the Hus Award to John D. Rights, ‘85

33

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Ground of the Unity, Part II Editor’s Note: Following the outline established by the 2005 Jesus Still Lead On study guide, we are sharing different aspects of The Ground of the Unity, one of the worldwide Moravian Church’s key doctrinal statement, in each 2016 issue of The Moravian.

This month, we’ll discuss The Belief of the Church; Salvation; and Word, Sacrament and Service.

Both the Ground of the Unity and The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living are available on www.moravian.org. We covered the Covenant throughout 2015.

Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org.

—Mike Riess, editor, The Moravian Magazine

The Belief of the Church With the whole of Christendom we share faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Commentary: The Moravian Church does not have a different understanding of God than other churches, but stresses what we have in common with all of the world’s Christians. “Christendom” here simply means Christianity. We see here not only the influence of the ecumenical movement on the Ground of the Unity but also our historical perspective that we are part of the one holy catholic and apostolic church. We are a Trinitarian church that proclaims that we experience God in three manifestations or “persons.” We do not attempt to explain this mystery, but celebrate the belief of the whole Church, singing praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sometimes we use the words Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter as another way to express this Trinitarian faith. The Moravian Church does stress certain aspects of Christian doctrine and emphasize certain aspects of the Christian mission, but we make it a point not to be divided from our brothers and sisters in other Christian churches because of beliefs. It is important that the Ground refers to “faith” in God rather than belief in God. Faith is related to the word “trust.”

...we share faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

34

The Moravian

...there is no salvation apart from Him. Discussion: • Why is it important that our doctrinal statement includes what we have in common with all of Christianity?

• What is the difference between believing in God and having faith in God? Is it important that the Ground of the Unity says that we share faith in God rather than believe in God? • How do you understand the idea of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?

Salvation We believe and confess that God has revealed Himself once and for all in His Son Jesus Christ; that our Lord has redeemed us with the whole of humanity by His death and His resurrection; and that there is no salvation apart from Him. Commentary: This may be the most discussed sentence in the entire Ground of the Unity in recent years because it deals with a vital and easily misunderstood point of our doctrine. The Moravian Church is a Christian Church, which means that we understand God through the person of Jesus Christ. Historically we have avoided getting entangled in defining the precise nature of Jesus Christ as divine and human, and instead April/May 2016

simply affirm that God is revealed in Christ.

Therefore the portrayal of Jesus and the teachings of Jesus in the four gospels are at the heart of Moravian devotion. This is what we mean by “Christocentric.”

The phrase “once and for all” was an attempt to translate a German phrase (einmal und endgültig) which means one ultimate time or once definitively. The writer probably had in mind Hebrews 9:26 which speaks of the sacrifice of Christ “once - for all.” This does not mean that God was revealed only one time. We teach that God was also revealed in creation and through the prophets, but the revelation of God in Jesus of Nazareth was a unique, historical revelation that most clearly expressed the divine nature in a way that humans can understand. We could change this phrase to say that God revealed himself ultimately in Jesus Christ, the Son. What is most important here is not the “finality” of Christ, but the “centrality” of Christ for Moravians. If we want to know who God is, we simply have to look at the actions and teachings of Jesus in all four gospels.

Once we understand that God is revealed in Christ, the rest of the sentence makes more sense. This is the Moravian way of restating Paul’s proclamation that God is reconciling the world to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19). It is through God’s self-giving in Jesus (Continued on next page) 35

Ground of the Unity

(Continued from previous page) Christ that the world can experience reconciliation with the Creator. Redemption is the divine reaffirmation of the blessing given in creation.

Notice that we teach that our personal redemption is part of the redemption of all humankind.

Moravian missions are based on the understanding that all people have been redeemed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We go bearing the good news of redemption: of God’s sacrificial action in reaching out in love to all people. Traditionally we have taken this message especially to those whom the world has despised and declared less than human.

It is important to note that the Ground asserts that there is no salvation apart from Christ. It does not say that there is no salvation apart from a profession of faith in Christ or even apart from belief in Christ. The Moravian Church has always promoted missions and evangelism so that people may have the joyful opportunity of responding to the love of God in Christ by having faith in Christ. We believe that those who profess faith in Christ have an assurance and an experience of salvation, but we have traditionally rejected the idea that Christ cannot save those who do not profess belief.

In particular, the great Moravian theologian and teacher August Spangenberg taught that all children who die before they are old enough to profess faith are still saved by Christ (Idea Fidei Fratrum ¶123).

There is another point being made in this simple statement that there is no salvation apart from Christ. It is important to keep in mind here the situation in 1957 when the Ground of the Unity was written. Millions of people had been seduced by would-be messiahs such as Hitler, Musolini, Stalin, and Tojo into committing unspeakable acts of horror and evil. To say that there is no salvation apart from Christ is to 36

reassert that Christ is our Messiah and Lord.

Any effort at achieving a sense of salvation that would separate us from Christ, including obsessive consumerism and self-righteousness, is a false salvation.

Discussion: • What do you think of the idea that we have been redeemed with the whole of humanity by the death and resurrection of Christ?

• How does this affect our view of other people?

• What does it mean to you that there is no salvation apart from Christ? Why doesn’t the Ground of the Unity say “apart from belief in Christ?”

• Do you think that those who have not professed faith in Jesus are condemned or is there a possibility that Christ’s saving action extends beyond the Christian Church?

• In what ways do people seek salvation apart from Christ?

Word, Sacrament, and Service We believe that He is present with us in the Word and the Sacrament; that He directs and unites us through His Spirit and thus forms us into a Church. We hear Him summoning us to follow Him, and pray Him to use us in His service. He joins us together mutually, so that knowing ourselves to be members of His body we become willing to serve each other.

Commentary: True to the Moravian tradition, our statement of faith moves us quickly from theology to practice. It is not enough that we form an intellectual understanding of Christ and salvation; we also need to focus on the day to day reality of following Christ. We experience the on-going presence of Christ in the reading and proclamation of the Word. This Word includes The Moravian

We believe that He is present with us in the Word and the Sacrament...

the Scripture, especially the four gospels, and the preaching of the Word. Moravians have always understood that words on a page are lifeless until they are taken into one’s own heart and mind and applied to one’s own life. The “living voice” in preaching is part of that process of making God’s Word come alive in the community of faith.

We also believe that Christ is truly present with us in the act of Holy Communion. This is not just an “audio-visual” aid illustrating a biblical truth; it is an important ritual through which we experience the living Christ within and among us. Moravians have often referred to a “sacramental” presence of Christ in Holy Communion to distinguish our view from that of the Catholic Church. The important thing, though, is to recognize that Communion is a vital aspect of the Christian life and is an opportunity for deeper spiritual experience and blessing.

Worship and the reading of Scripture are not ends in themselves. Notice that they are connected to the idea that the Holy Spirit is a living presence in our lives. It is through the April/May 2016

presence of the Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Sacrament that we are formed into a church of Jesus Christ rather than being a social club. We are not made into a church just for our own benefit, we are called into service. Notice that this service is both to our brothers and sisters in the Church and to the world at large. We are united by the Holy Spirit so that we may serve in the world.

Discussion: • What does the “Word of God” mean to you?

• How do you hear God’s Word in your life?

• What relationship do you see between taking part in Holy Communion and being united as a church?

• How can we be united as a church if we have different understandings of Scripture and Communion? Is there more to unity than uniformity?

• How does the Word and the Sacrament call you into service in the world and in the church? n

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Outdoor Ministries Sunday, May 29, 2016 The 1994 Synod of the Moravian Church– Northern Province passed legislation regarding the observance of an Outdoor Ministries Sunday. The date for this observance has been established by the Provincial Elders’ Conference as the Sunday after Trinity Sunday, which falls on May 29 this year. Pastors are encouraged to use either of the liturgies prepared in 19961997. The liturgies are available in the “Public Documents” section of the Northern Province Portal or by contacting the Provincial Office.

DeForest, Wisconsin Brother Jason O. Andersen, who has been serving as pastor at West Salem Moravian Church, West Salem, Ill., has accepted a call to serve as pastor of Christian Faith Moravian Church, DeForest, Wis. Brother Andersen will be installed June 19, 2016.

Resignation Brother Joshua R. Viste, who has been serving as pastor at Millwoods Community Moravian Church, Edmonton, Alberta, resigned from the Moravian ministry effective March 17, 2016.

Retirement Brother David P. Glasser requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective March 11, 2016.

Brother Glasser was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church September 12, 1982 and has served the church in pastorates in Edmonton, Alberta and Good News in Sherwood Park, Alberta (where he was the founding pastor)

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and in church development/emerging ministries in Indianapolis, Indiana and St. Michael, Minnesota.

The church is grateful for his 34 years of faithful service.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

Consultation

(Continued from page 10) work among us and will continue to bless us as we move into the future. By the time we left Paramaribo, we were all in accord that “We are indeed our sisters’ keepers!”

Thank you to all who donated money to bring delegates, who prayed for us, and who supported us with encouraging words and deeds. We truly felt surrounded with prayer as we sought the Lord’s guidance for the future of the Unity Women’s Desk. n The Rev. Patty Garner is coordinator for the Unity Women’s Desk. Learn more about the UWD by visiting unitywomensdesk.org Thanks to Judy Ganz and Craig Atwood for the photos accompanying this article.

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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June 30–July 11, 2017 Moravian Seminary invites you to Prague & Herrnhut to experience our Moravian Roots Itinerary Includes: Bethlehem Chapel Prague Castle Tyn Church Vltava River Lunch Cruise Kunwald Chalice Rocks Herrnhut Zinzendorf Manor House Berthelsdorf Sculpure Garden Path Herrnhut Star Factory Bautzen, Niesky and more!!!

Led by Prof. Riddick Weber, Jane Weber, and Czech guides: Prof. Petr Balcar and Irena Balcarova

MORAVIAN Theological Seminary

For more info or to reserve your seat, visit: www.moravianseminary.edu/moravianrootstour or email weberj@moravian.edu April/May 2016