Moravian Magazine, August 2016 by Mike Riess

A U G U S T

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Eastern and Canadian District Synods Speech therapy at Star Mountain An update from Sierra Leone and more!

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The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning! The 2017 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 287-year-long 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. The Moravian Daily Texts 2017 begins shipping in October 2016, but you can pre-order yours online now at store.moravian.org.

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The Moravian

On the cover: Delegates pack meals for Haiti during the Eastern District’s 2016 Synod. Photo by Mike Riess

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

Moravian Synods 8

Taking up the task that’s given at 2016 Eastern District Synod

Thoughts from the “Mission Mob”

Canadian Moravians show they themselves “are the letters”

Moravians in Mission 5

An update from Sierra Leone

Giving thanks for five years of speech therapy efforts at Star Mountain

Studying Moravian Doctrine 27

Ground of the Unity, Part V

...And More 4

Ponderings: Maiking music amidst resolutions and reports

Obituary: The Rev. Gordon B. Mowrer

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.

August 2016

PONDERINGS (ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) August, Vol. 47, No. 6 photo: Jeff Coppage

Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com

Making music amidst resolutions and reports In my short time with the IBOC, I’ve covered ten Synods – two each of the Northern and Southern Provinces and two each of the Northern Province’s three Districts. As I’ve shared before, these events are special times for me – I get to meet with Moravians from all over North America, learn more about what’s happening with our church and share the events through words, pictures and video. But there’s another part of Synod that makes these experiences more than just legislation and elections and picture-taking: the daily worship. Each day (and often several times a day), pastors lead those gathered through topical and meaningful liturgies written to keep us in tune with why we’re all there in the first place. And as with any Moravian liturgy, music plays a central role. For the two Synods that are covered in this issue of the Moravian (Canadian District and Eastern District) I was fortunate to be a part of the “house bands.” For several of the services in Canada, I strummed along with Pastor Rick Beck, Brother Thomas Baucom and others. Rick taught us new songs and brought some old favorites; playing and singing “Sing Halleluia Praise the Lord” in the chapel at Camp Van-Es is an experience I won’t forget. A month later, I answered Bishop Sam Gray’s call to join musicians supporting the Eastern District Synod. The response had been overwhelming: there were keyboards, hand bells, flutes, clarinets, brass, guitars, percussion and even a ukulele, playing in different combinations throughout the week. During the closing worship, we all played together on several pieces. It wasn’t just guitar or organ like I’m used to – it was more than a dozen musicians, in key and on the beat. In fact, it’s the first time I had ever heard so many different instruments all playing the same Moravian tunes. The music—and the spirit—had everyone on their feet; the feeling in Johnston Hall of Moravian College was electric. And once again, it was “Sing Halleluia” that brought the house down! There was an e-mail chain that circulated a few days after Synod. Subject line? “Wow”! In that e-mail, Sam put it best: “I believe the music really helped to reinforce the missional focus of the Synod and you were all a big part of that.” I can’t wait for the next time! Peace,

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 Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, Kat Lehman Chair Amy Linville Terri Bischoff Dan Miller Peggy Carter Adam Pristas Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Paul Knouse 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

An update from Sierra Leone Donna Hurt, a member of Home Church and someone with close ties to the Moravian work supported by North American Moravians in Sierra Leone, offered this update on the work in this African country.

ith the passing of the ebola tragedy in Sierra Leone, I was able to take my fourth trip to that small West African country. For nine days I was blessed to share everyday life with Safie and Mohamed Braima, along with many other very special people. When I visit Ngiehun, I enjoy walking around the village, waving and offering Mende words of greeting to everyone. It’s extra fun when I see people I actually know. Protocol is that during my visit I am to be taken to say hello to the several village chiefs. One of them, however, shows up

August 2016

daily at the mission house, usually to bring me a gift of bananas or pineapple. His name is Chief Lansana. Even though he speaks only Mende, we have a special friendship developed over the six years I’ve been visiting his village. Spending time with the 200 students at our Moravian Secondary School is also a great way to experience life in Ngiehun. On this trip, Matthew, the principal, invited me to participate in daily opening assemblies and attend classes. Mostly I listened, occasionally adding a few comments. Except for one class, where the teacher allowed the whole period for students to ask me questions, starting with, “How do you get from where you live to where we live?” and ending with, “what’s it like to be a Christian?” Since most of the students are Muslim, and since the (Continued on next page)

Students at the Moravian Secondary School in Ngeihun, Sierra Leone

school is a huge part of the mission in Ngiehun, I was pleased to have the privilege of answering. Lunch is offered twice a week, a process that begins with cooking at the mission house (outside over a fire of course, no electricity), followed by transporting the food to the school, then serving the rice/sauce into large bowls to be shared by 4-5 students. Those teenagers are quite fortunate to have an occasional mid-day meal, a rarity in most other schools of Sierra Leone. Daily worship Each morning (except Sunday) begins by gathering at the church around 6 a.m. to hear the words of that day’s Daily Texts with all the scripture, and to pray together. Sundays are different, following a schedule much like what we experience in the States. First comes a time of fellowship at the church, with juice and bread. Sunday School begins with several praise songs (accompanied by drums and a keyboard), followed by a class for children of all ages, and another one for adults, taught by James who serves as their very capable lay pastor. Whenever the Sunday School lessons end, 6

“divine worship” begins, with typically more than 100 people attending. I enjoyed leading Sunday School for 4550 children. Besides reading a storybook I’d taken with me, and talking about its meaning in our lives, we centered on the phrase “Jesus loves you ... Jesus loves me.” The children taught me to speak it correctly in Mende: “Jesu lungo abee … Jesu lungo agay,” and I taught them to express it in sign language. Mustapha, who usually teaches that class, translated for the very young ones who aren’t yet in school and do not know English. Mohamed always offers me the pleasure of a children’s message during worship; this trip he encouraged me to take additional time to talk with the whole congregation. When the service was about to conclude, I was surprised to be invited forward, and honored by the choir who sang a song of farewell they had written to “Mama Donna.” A spreading presence A Moravian presence has spread to several nearby villages, so we went to visit. In Morfindor, I learned from church members that The Moravian

Top: Donna with a local chief in Ngiehun. Middle: Preparing lunch for students at the Moravian School. Bottom: Mohamed and Safie Braima.

after three years they are overcrowded and planning to add a second room to their worship space. Then in Mbaoma, the three men serving as lay leaders for the new congregation (now meeting in a small house), led us to the hillside where land is being cleared to begin their church building. Mohamed oversees the ministry in these two additional places. Besides Mohamed and Safie, there are other people in Ngiehun who are especially thoughtful, including Jeneba (who heated water over the fire each night for my sponge bath), Monjama (who always cooks delicious rice cakes for me), and even the Imams from the mosque (who walk to the mission house for a visit every time I’m there). There’s also Emmanuel, an older teen and a Moravian. Since 2010, I’ve gotten to know him well and been able to offer help in specific ways. In a conversation I’ll not easily forget, he expressed his appreciation with the words, “Over and over you have been so kind to me.” He said he wished he could travel to my country and repay me by helping however I needed, but realized that couldn’t happen. And so he offered his thanks in another way. “In my prayers to God, I speak about you, and ask that someday it’s possible that you go to heaven.” Never mind the theological position of that request, it’s hearts like Emmanuel’s and many others in Ngiehun that pull me to return there as often as possible. n Donna Hurt is a member of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. She also serves on the Board of World Mission and is president of the Mission Society of the Moravian Church, South. She has made four trips to visit the Moravian work in Sierra Leone.

August 2016

MORAVIAN SYNODS

Taking up the task that’s given at 2016 Eastern District Synod

ith a memorable line from a favorite hymn as their theme—“To us, to us, this task is given”—136 Eastern District Moravians made their 2016 Synod one like no other. While most Moravian Synods focus on learning about the church’s activities and helping to plan for the future (this Synod did those things as well), the 2016 Eastern District Synod focused on mission that got people out of their seats and into the community. Mission—putting that task we are given into action—was woven into every part of the 2016 Synod. Committees were organized into mission teams. Much of the legislation from Synod encouraged increasing collaborative mission at local, national and international levels. Staff from the Board of World Mission played a significant role. Worship times focused on aspects of mission. And participants in Synod actually rolled up their sleeves and got involved in local mission efforts. 8

Mission as a centerpiece This local mission component was the centerpiece of the 2016 Synod. Synod participants dedicated an entire day of Synod to working at agencies across the Lehigh Valley, performing a wide range of activities including visiting prisoners, cleaning homeless shelters, serving meals, painting rooms, meeting with nursing home patients, repairing homes and much more. The working groups for the 2016 Eastern District Synod were organized around the “least of these” verse from Matthew 25. The mission teams featured names like “Feed the Hungry,” “Providing a Drink for the Thirsty,” “Clothe the Naked,” “Welcoming the Stranger,” and “Visit Those in Prison.” Those committee names not only reflected the work their members would do in the community; they also signified the work they would do as part of the planning and legislation portion of Synod.

The Moravian

One of the first activities of Synod was determining where participants would be working on their mission experience. Using the Moravian custom of “the lot,” each mission team member drew a piece of paper at random that indicated his or her mission activity. Then, on Thursday, Synod participants fanned out across the area to “be the church.” Some worked in area shelters like New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem or Safe Harbor in Easton. Others worked serving meals at local soup kitchens or delivering meals with Meals on Wheels. Moravians painted walls at Esperanza for Bethlehem; hosted a picnic day for residents of a local elderly community; visited inmates at Northampton County prison; learned about providing health services to the homeless; repaired and refinished picnic tables for a camp serving youth in crisis; built a new porch roof for a Moravian in need and (Continued on next page) Eastern District Synod delegates spread out across the Lehigh Valley to participate in mission experiences, including installing a new roof, working in shelters and sorting for a clothing distribution.

August 2016

At left/below: Synod delegates worked together to pack more than 32,000 nutritious meals destined for Haiti. At right: Representatives from six Eastern District congregations share information about mission efforts as part of a Mission Forum.

Eastern District

(Continued from previous page) assisted in more than a dozen other agencies in the area. The Synod Planning team coordinated these mission experiences, locating appropriate opportunities, working with agency contacts and arranging for transportation on the day of the event. While it was a major undertaking, their work succeeded in introducing more than 130 Moravians to local mission work— and helping agencies working to improve the lives of people in the community. Synod delegates weren’t the only ones heading out into the community during Synod. Youth from a number of Moravian congregations also joined in as part of a “Mission Mob.” Eastern District Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director Cynthia Rader Geyer invited Moravians via Facebook and through their congregations to spend the day with Synod in their mission efforts. Wearing blue “Moravian Youth and Young Adults” t-shirts, 17 Mission Mob members worked alongside their Synod delegate counterparts at their mission locations. (for more on the Mission Mob, see the accompanying story.)

The Moravian

Assembly lines to feed the hungry The evening before delegates went out into the community, they put the full force of their numbers into a single project to feed the hungry. Working with an organization called “Outreach Incorporated,” Synod participants set out to assemble meals destined for Haiti. The floor of the Breidegam Fieldhouse at Moravian College was transformed into a temporary manufacturing facility. Volunteers from Palmer Moravian Church led teams of aproned/hairnetted/gloved delegates packaging non-perishable meals on more than a dozen assembly lines. Using a time-tested, highly efficient process, the workers measured precise amounts of ingredients like rice, beans, dried vegetables and seasoning into plastic bags, which were then weighed to ensure consistency, heatsealed and boxed for shipment. In less than 90 minutes, the delegates met their goal, finishing nearly 6000 packets— enough for 32,000-plus meals—which will be distributed to those in need on Haiti. While Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM) provided the funding for the project, it was the labor of Synod participants that made creating this many meals possible.

and implementing the mission parts of Synod. The staff provided a solid foundation for the events of the week, including months of coordination with the Synod Planning Team prior to the gathering, then offering informational talks, updates on the work of the BWM, training and assistance at Synod itself. During the first plenary session, delegates also learned about local mission efforts during a “District Mission Forum” hosted by Eastern District President Dave Bennett. Representatives from five congregations shared mission efforts founded in their church, including “Sole Purpose,” a ministry of First Moravian Church of Dover, Ohio, to provide shoes to kids; refugee settlement efforts led by Central (Continued on next page)

Learning about mission In addition to rolling up their sleeves, Synod participants also had many opportunities to learn about mission from those doing it. Staff from the Board of World Mission, including Judy Ganz, Sam Gray, Justin Rabbach and Jill Kolodziej, along with board members of the BWM, were instrumental in the planning August 2016

(Continued from previous page) Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa.; the Adult Day services ministry of Lancaster (Pa.) Moravian; joint ministry efforts of Vanderbilt Moravian and the churches of Staten Island; and the clothing ministry of Mountainview Moravian in Hellertown, Pa. Through the Forum, each congregation shared the work they were doing, what sparked their efforts, how they made their effort happen and the results. These stories got Synod delegates thinking about ways to bring the mission spirit home to their congregations and get a sense of what’s possible. And each of the worship services throughout Synod, led by Synod chaplain Bishop Sam Gray, focused on one of the actions called for in Matthew 25. Through prayers, songs and sermons, the worship services provided a spiritual connection to the mission work at hand. Sparking mission interest The outreach events and learning opportunities did more than just get Synod delegates out into the community. The experiences of Wednesday and Thursday educated their notions of what mission means and sparked renewed interest in mission as ministry. Upon returning from their community experiences, mission team members gathered

to debrief and discuss what the experience meant to them. During this time of reflection, delegates also began work on the reports and resolutions they would bring to Synod the following day. The mission experience inspired many of the resolutions that came to the Synod floor on Friday. The “Visit Those in Prison” brought a resolution calling for the District to make prison ministry resources available to congregations, arrange opportunities for congregations to get involved and encourage advocacy for treatment efforts to prevent incarceration and facilitate re-entry into society. Other mission groups passed resolutions calling for the development of active mission components for use in Sunday school and confirmation classes; encouraging congregations to seek and actively engage in local mission work; providing resources and information on mission opportunities; encouraging support for the emerging ministry in Peru (the Northern Province is the sponsoring province for this mission area); and others. Additionally, the Synod proposed the development of a single-day “Be the Church” event that would be District-wide (or perhaps Northern Province-wide), where all congregations across the district would participate in local mission activities in a single-day co-

Eastern District Synod delegates discuss elements of a resolution to be presented.

The Moravian

Eastern District Executive Board members elected at the 2016 Synod include the Rev. Dave Bennett (president), the Rev. Dr. Michael Johnson, Jackie Pasquinelli, Ralph Wanamaker, Mike Koenig, the Rev. Darrell Johnson, Lauren Dougherty, Tammy Lavoy and Blondel JonesGrant.

ordinated effort. This potentially annual event would combine resources and talent of many congregations to make a greater impact together. (We’ll share more on this as the idea is developed by Eastern District commissions). And with the success of this year’s mission experiences, Synod passed a resolution recommending that all future Eastern District Synods include a hands-on mission component. Elections and legislation Delegates conducted other important Synod business along with the mission work undertaken and future work proposed. On Friday, delegates elected leadership for the next four years in the form of the Eastern District Executive Board. The Rev. David Bennett was elected to a third term as the president of the EDEB. In this role, Dave will lead the Executive Board and serve as the administrative leader for the Eastern District. He will also serve as a member of the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church Northern Province. The EDEB also includes two clergy and six lay members. The Rev. Michael Johnson, pastor of John Hus Moravian Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., and The Rev. Darrell Johnson, pastor of John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, were re-elected as the clergy representatives to the EDEB. August 2016

Lay members re-elected at the 2016 Synod include Blondel Jones-Grant, United Moravian Church, New York City; Jackie Pasquinelli, Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church, Ohio; and Ralph Wanamaker, West Side Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. Newly elected members include Lauren Daugherty of Palmyra Moravian Church in Cinnaminson, N.J.; Tammy Lavoy of Newfoundland Moravian Church in Newfoundland, Pa.; and Michael Koenig of Graceham Moravian Church in Thurmont, Md. Along with EDEB, delegates elected board members for eight different commissions and agencies that assist in carrying out the mission and ministry of the District. In addition, Synod delegates approved the District budget for the coming year, discussed financial topics and resolved to continue work on an equitable income-based methodology for District assessments through the next Synod in 2020. Learning opportunities Synods also offer an opportunity to learn more about the many ministries that support the Moravian Church. Throughout Synod, agency leaders from the District’s senior living facilities, the Moravian Theological Seminary, Moravian Open Door, the Board of World Mission, (Continued on next page) 13

At left: Synod teller Lisa Mixon collects ballots during an election for commission members. Above: The Rev. Dave Geyer, who chaired the 2016 Synod Planning Committee, addresses Synod and thanks those who helped make the gathering a success.

(Continued from previous page) the Moravian Ministries Foundation and other agencies of the church provided updates on their work and offered insights into how that work benefits the overall Church. Delegates also heard from the Revs. Chris Johnson and Tracy Pryor, who provided an update on the work of the IPO (Identity, Purpose and Organization) Task Force of the Northern Province. The team is studying the structure and ministry of the Northern Province. Words from an Epistle As delegates left Synod, they were provided with “An Epistle to the Eastern District Congregations.” This document summed up the activities of the 2016 Synod. “It was exciting to hear how God is blessing others through the faithful actions and ministries of so many people throughout the Eastern District. People are feeding the hungry, providing a drink for the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, healing the sick, visiting and advocating for the imprisoned and finding ways to fund these tasks. “Throughout all of this—in our worship, in our discussion, in our mission experiences, in our conversations with fellow Moravians— we saw that God has blessed us so that we can 14

be a blessing; so that we can be the church of Jesus, not only within these walls, but especially as we go out into God’s world to serve God’s people. “If we live by the Spirit, then we must be guided by the Spirit. God’s Spirit leads us outward, beyond the walls of our church, even beyond our comfort zones. And we believe that the best part of Synod is what happens after Synod. The task of feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty and welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked and healing the sick and visiting and advocating for the imprisoned and using our resources to do God’s work is not only for us (delegates at Synod). It is for all of us, as together we carry on the ministry that God has given us—all of us—to be Christ’s servants. “Just as [we were sent] to be the delegates at the Eastern District Synod, now God sends you to be Christ’s hands and feet and eyes and ears—Christ’s heart—to be the church of Jesus Christ in the Eastern District and in all the world!” n Article and photos by Mike Riess, IBOC. The next Eastern District Synod will occur in 2020.

The Moravian

MORAVIAN SYNODS

Thoughts from the “Mission Mob” As part of the mission component of the Eastern District 2016 Synod, 17 youth from around the District joined Synod delegates on their experiences in their communities. Responding to Facebook invitations and flyers in their congregations, these young people appeared as a “Mission Mob” on the Thursday morning of Synod to be a part of the gathering’s outreach. Mission Mob members Chelsey Mancuso from New York and Collin Beil from Nazareth share their thoughts: Chelsey Mancuso: When asked by Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer to participate in Mission Mob 2016, it was a no-brainer to accept her invitation. Meeting Cynthia at Camp Hope last summer changed my life (I’m not even sure she realizes that just yet). I could tell that through this Mission Mob she was planning, something extraordinary was coming and I had to be a part of that. As a turbulent adolescent, faith was some-

thing I struggled with tremendously. I was sure I believed in God, but how exactly to nurture that belief always seemed to escape me. While being raised in a Catholic home was wonderful, especially since my parents always supported my growth in life and in faith, something still was not exactly right for me. Finally, I found my safe-haven at Camp Hope, which is where I finally realized I had true brothers and sisters in Christ. While I consider myself an “adoptedMoravian,” Cynthia reminded me the true meaning of being Moravian. She stood steadfast and strong as she found numerous ways to connect and to pique the interest of the anxious, excited and sometimes underestimated teens who attended Camp Hope last summer. Mission Mob was a marvelous way to extend an all-inclusive hand to encourage us all, especially the youth in faith, to step up and stand beside each other to make a difference. (Continued on next page)

Members of the 2016 “Mission Mob” joined delegates at mission experiences during the Eastern District 2016 Synod.

August 2016

Mission Mob

(Continued from previous page)

tight to her balloon and smiled from ear to ear. This woman reminded me that it is the people around us that make life so beautiful. It is experiences such as this Mission Mob that allow God to shine in all of his glory. The entire day was a whirlwind of busyness and laughter. After this experience I am definitely a changed woman. I was reminded that young is a state of mind. Young is my journey, young is my joy, young is my faith. There is a lifetime ahead of each of us and it is through sharing beautiful experiences such as this that we learn to appreciate our youth and the youth that will follow in our footsteps. I want to extend my utmost gratitude to the Moravian Church for accepting me as I am and allowing me to share in this journey of faith. An experience such as this was once in a lifetime. I went into the Mission Mob with an open heart and I left completely fulfilled.

Arriving at Synod and meeting more Moravians, outside of my Camp Hope family, was a truly awesome experience. I was welcomed with open arms to share in this glorious experience. It was refreshing to know that we were all out to achieve the same goal—to leave our community a little better today than we left it yesterday—and that was all that mattered. What better way to serve, than beside my brothers and sisters in Christ, to provide for our community. Upon arrival, I had no expectations for where my placement would be or what type of services I would be able to provide. Being part of the team that was assigned to the Phoebe Senior Care Facility was an absolute joy. From setup to cleanup, the entire day was a blessing. The members of my team became absorbed in the experience, sitting amongst Collin Beil: When I was told about the Misthe seniors as they laughed with their visiting sion Mob, I wasn’t sure families and shared great what to expect. I had never stories with their friends. It been on a mission before, was a blessing to bond over and I had just turned 20. I a meal with men and womfelt like this was the peren of a wiser generation fect opportunity for me to than my own. As the picbegin my journey as the nic was coming to a close, hands and feet of God. one woman approached to I heard about the misgive her thanks for having sion mob through the staff eastern district synod 2016 us around to help. This at Camp Hope. Our aswoman explained, that sistant administrator, Sue “An experience such while she was having trouble Dreydoppel, told us all about with her hearing aides and as this was once-in-awas practically deaf, she lifetime. I went into the this opportunity, and we all knew she needed to be at the Mission Mob with an agreed that it would be a great idea to go together as picnic. While explaining that open heart and I left a staff. her first love in life is to talk My task was to help seto anyone and everyone that completely fulfilled.” nior citizens with a game day crosses her path, she held —Chelsey Mancuso at Gracedale Nursing home 16

The Moravian

in Nazareth. I was a little to make contact with the apprehensive; I thought ball a few times, I told her to myself, “How is this to wait so I could reposigoing to really change the tion it. After pretending to world?” and “How can I move the ball, I told her make a task of seemingly to try again. As she began little importance someswinging for the ball, I disthing that can impact my cretely kicked it towards area?” I felt the task I was the hole. God must have eastern district synod 2016 given wasn’t important: been watching us then, I wasn’t building a roof, because the ball rolled all “This experience or serving food at a soup the way down the green, showed me that I could kitchen, or helping give and into the hole. The make a difference in clothes to the homeless. look of excitement and God’s name...I cannot Rather, I was helping run sheer surprise on her face a senior game day. My atwas priceless. That reacwait for my next titude about it not being tion alone was more than mission opportunity.” important did not stay that worth the time I spent at way for long. Gracedale. I later pushed —Collin Beil Upon reaching the her back to her room, and game area, I was apwe talked all the way back. proached by close to 100 residents that day. She thanked me for my time, and I congratuTo hear them laughing, to have them thank lated her on her job well done. I would never me, and to see the smiles on their faces when have imagined an experience like the one that I they succeeded at a game was awe-inspiring. I had with the mission mob, and I am so grateful quickly realized that this mission was about inthat I took part in this activity. teraction. I could get to know the residents, play The time that I spent at Synod with the games with them, and make their day. I realized Mission Mob changed my life. This experience that if I could make every single resident feel joy, showed me that I could make a difference in I would have succeeded in my mission. I tried God’s name. Whether it be building homes or my very best to be polite and friendly, and with just showing folks in a nursing home a great each smile I saw, I felt God’s presence. time, I could be part of the change I wanted There was one moment in particular that to see in the world. I decided that regardless I will never forget. One woman came up to of the task I am assigned and regardless of my game (which was a mini golf-style putting what God has called me to do in my life, I will game) in a rather large wheelchair. Her name embrace it with open arms. We are not always was Mildred, and she was completely unable ready for Gods plans for us, but whatever we to stand. Her arms and legs were propped up, are called to do, we must do it in His name. and when I handed her the club, she could not The Mission Mob was an amazing experireach the ground with it or see the ball from ence, and I cannot wait for my next mission her seated position. She kept swinging the opportunity. n club, but could not reach the ball. After failing August 2016

MORAVIAN SYNODS

Canadian Moravians show they themselves “are the letters”

Synod delegates offered messages of encouragement and hope in cards to fellow delegates.

n a beautiful weekend in May, delegates from Canadian District congregations and guests from across the Northern Province came together at Camp Van-Es for the 2016 Canadian District Synod. Based on the theme “You Yourselves Are the Letters” (from 2 Corinthians 3), delegates met to discuss happenings in the Canadian District, learn more about community mission and develop plans for the future of the Moravian Church in Canada. Camp Van-Es provided an ideal setting for Synod. Since six of the eight congregations of the Canadian District are in the Edmonton area, many delegates weren’t required to travel far to get to Synod. Those from further away stayed in the recently constructed Unity Lodge or in other accommodations on-site (a few delegates even brought their campers!). Harmony Center served as the main plenary space, cabins doubled as break-out meeting rooms, Morningstar Hall hosted all meals and the chapel was used for worship. Keynote encourages fresh expressions The Rev. Nick Trussell, priest in mission for the Anglican diocese in Edmonton and associate

priest at Christ Church in Edmonton, joined the Canadian District Moravians as the Synod’s keynote speaker. During his sessions, Rev. Trussell guided delegates through ways to think about mission in their communities and how to find “fresh expressions of church” in their congregational lives and as a district. Sharing anecdotes of work done by his team in Edmonton and outlining a common framework for mission on a congregational level, Rev. Trussell posed a series of questions to help delegates consider work they are doing in their own neighborhoods. He invited delegates to learn the mission needs of each community, how those community needs can be met, how congregations can “feed and nourish” their neighborhoods, and how congregations see God at work with and through them. During his talks, Trussell also posed several questions—“What does God do all day… really?” and “What would Jesus do all day… really?”—as ways to consider congregational mission. He encouraged delegates to be a part of what Jesus was in the world and get to know the people in their neighborhoods, as those in The Moravian

Top: The Rev. Nick Trussell shares his keynote address: Middle: Synod delegates pray before a plenary session. Bottom: Synod Chair Rick Santee works with Charlene Adam to prepare a resolution for presentation.

our community are the ones who we are called to serve. In his closing session, Rev. Trussell shared his view of what “fresh expressions of church” look like: forms of church that listen to people, find ways to understand and enter the culture of a community, serve those outside the reach of existing church structures, make discipleship a priority, and intentionally form “church.” The work of Synod Synod delegates spent the bulk of their time studying the work of the Canadian District and proposing ways to improve, enhance and enliven that work. Guided by Synod Chair Rick Santee, the five “discussion groups” of the Canadian Synod—Fresh Ministry Expressions, District Community, Mission, Van-Es and Finance—each presented resolutions that supported ongoing work, proposed new opportunities or provided guidance for the governance of the District. The Fresh Ministry Expressions team reviewed and accepted the reports presented to Synod by task forces dealing with: healthier congregations (Northern Province), part-time clergy, deacon supervision and spiritual formation; encouraged all congregations to avail themselves of the resources identified by the Spiritual Formation Task Force for directed spiritual growth; and proposed the creation of a District-wide Fresh Expression of Ministry Cooperative. This new cooperative, composed of representatives from each congregation in the District, will work together in partnership to discern and empower new expressions of ministry that God is revealing to them. The District Community Focus Group presented resolutions that encourage congregations to actively engage one another in sharing their creative and unique approaches to being (Continued on next page) August 2016

Canadian Synod

(Continued from previous page) a church that fosters enthusiastic engagement in our faith journey; proposed the establishment of a District Community Team to develop District-wide programming and events each year; reviewed the reports of the Canadian Moravian Historical Society and encouraged its Board of Directors to examine and modify its structure and organization to best fulfill its mission; and charged the Board of Elders of the Canadian Disctrict (BECD) to assign a task force to assess the viability of the development of an adult living complex in Canada (similar to those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and North Carolina) and provide its recommendations to the 2020 Canadian District Synod. The Mission Focus Group brought resolutions expressing gratitude to the Board of World Mission; encouraging the Canadian Moravian Mission Society to continue their work in mission and increase their communication and connection with local churches; and encouraging congregations and the Mis-

sion Society to explore developing a relationship with the growing Moravian presence in Peru and considering future support of the Peruvian mission. The Van-Es Focus Group focused their efforts on the camp. The group brought resolutions that affirmed the Summer Camp Executive Director role for Van-Es; encouraged the Van-Es Board to examine capital projects, including cabin replacement, solar power/solar heating for the pool, recreational activities for kids, camp sites, expansion of Unity Lodge and the creation of a Prayer Cabin and a Family Cabin; and recommended the use of metal roofs and fire-resistant materials in all new construction (Ed. note: The tragic Ft. McMurray wildfires were occurring 275 miles north of Edmonton during the week of Synod). The Van-Es group also encouraged refreshing and enhancing current trail and natural areas and working with Beaver Hills Initiative, a consortium of 20 member organizations working to protect the area where the camp is located, to develop educational materials for use at Camp Van-Es. The Finance Committee brought a number

Maxine Charlton, a delegate from Edmonton Moravian Church, shares her thoughts with the District Community Focus Group.

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Members of the Mission Focus Group craft resolutions for Synod.

of governance and budget-related resolutions to Synod. One resolution directs the BECD to appoint a task force to review and take appropriate actions of governance and financial relationships between BECD Moravian entities, while another requested the BECD, in partnership with the Northern Province PEC, review and address a part of the Book of Order that affects the Canadian District. The Synod also approved the 2017 operating budget and changes required by the pension plan for Canadian District Clergy. Learning about Canadian Moravians Throughout the weekend, delegates also learned about the work of the broader church. Representatives from the Moravian Music Foundation, Ministries Foundation, Board of World Mission and other agencies brought greetings and shared information. The Rev. Rick Beck discussed work by the Spiritual Direction Task Force while the Rev. Eileen Edwards updated attendees on Common Ground in Edmonton. The Rev. Christine Nelson shared information from Moravian Theological Seminary, and delegates heard updates about the Northern Province’s Identity, Purpose and Organization (IPO) task force. The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, president of the Northern Province Provincial Elders’ ConferAugust 2016

ence, brought greetings from the PEC, discussed several issues the PEC and BECD had addressed together during the past several years and took the opportunity to highlight the work of outgoing BECD President Bryan Peacock and thank him for his service. Being the Letters Synod delegates had several opportunities to live into the Synod’s theme, “You yourselves are the letters.” In one activity, greeting cards were distributed to all Synod delegates and guests, with instructions to write a letter sharing a hope and prayer from the 2016 Synod. These were then collected and distributed to each participant, providing an inspiration for ongoing ministry and a promise of God’s love. (Ed. Note: The letter I received expressed “hope and prayers that God continues to be present in all we do,” and prayers that “the next four years are a time when the Canadian District will discover new ministries throughout the district for service to those in need in each of the church’s locations.”) Committees also worked together to write letters from Synod to the churches of the Canadian District. The letters reflect on the work and ministry of the District during the previ(Continued on next page) 21

(Continued from previous page) ous four years and encourage congregations in their future ministry. Each was formatted based on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, with a greeting (“To the saints who are in the Moravian Church…”); a section in which they shared thanks (“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers”); a remembrance (“So then remember…”); an encouragement for the future (“Therefore…”); and a closing blessing, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” The full content of these letters in available on Moravian.org; here, we share each letters’ remembrances and encouragement:

“So then, remember to share ideas be-

Millwoods delegate Ryerson Christie presents a resolution from the Van-Es Focus Group.

tween congregations, build relationships, remembering that everyone’s hard work is and has been done for the glory of God. “Therefore, we encourage the church to share God’s love from the heart, continue to be unique and to continue to share ideas and prayers.” — District Community Focus Group “So then remember, whereas we are in search of new ways of living as followers of Christ which will endure beyond our current structures, we seek the ways that God may be calling us into Fresh Expressions of Ministry. We recognize that spiritual grounding is essential to our growth in faith and to our ability to invite others on the journey of faith. We recognize that God is always doing a new thing and we desire to partner with God in this work. We recognize that a strength of the Moravian Church was and is that we are a people who walk with others. We seek new ways to do this in addition to our current worship expressions. “Therefore, we encourage the church and district leadership to support the formation of a Fresh Expression of Ministry Cooperative for the purpose of discerning the new ways God is calling us to engage in ministry, and recognizing that we are stronger together. We encourage our congregations to fear not and to be bold and dance out in faith. We anticipate great joy at our next gathering as we celebrate the exciting new ways we have answered Christ’s call.” —Fresh Ministry Expression Group “So then remember, the Van-Es Camp The Moravian

Board and all those who were involved in bringing the Unity Center to a successful conclusion; the Camp Board, Camp Van-Es staff and shared faith and trust among members of the Moravian faith who make Camp Van-Es the wonderful place it is; and the summer camp committee and the many individuals who,through their participation, make the camp experience so embracing for those who attend. “Therefore, we encourage the church to be involved in camp through their time, talent and resources; pray for all of those who will be involved in camp directly or indirectly; and reach out to those who are not currently in relationship or connected to Camp Van-Es.” —Van-Es Focus Group “So then remember, the Moravian Church has a long history of active involvement in mission work both locally and globally. We value intergenerational collaboration in mission, cross-congregational cooperation and regular communication of mission needs and opportunities. God calls us to love one another and walks with us in serving the church. “Therefore, we encourage the church to… • Seek nearby opportunities to consider short-term and longer-term mission work that meets the needs of others • Pay attention to mission opportunities in our own communities • Identify and encourage key individuals with passion for mission in each congregation – be that person; be the change • Give permission to end projects gracefully • Specifically mentor youth to experience personal involvement in improving conditions and relationships with others; to go and do • Encourage the VanEs program providers to offer opportunities for mission experiences at camp • Re-establish, through the Canadian Moravian Mission Society (CMMS), greater coorAugust 2016

dination with and communication between stakeholders within the Moravian Church with regard to mission projects and opportunities • Continue to support initiatives of the BWM and CMMS … and we call on the District to prayerfully support the mission of the Church.” —Mission Focus Group Each of these letters was shared at the closing worship of Synod on Sunday. Edmonton-area congregation members were invited to attend the communion service in the Van-Es chapel. During that service, the newly elected leadership team for the Canadian District were also installed (see the June issue of the Moravian for news of the newly-elected BECD and other leadership roles.) n Article and photos by Mike Riess, IBOC. The next Canadian District Synod will occur in 2020. Bishop Blair Couch preaches the sermon at the Canadian District Synod’s closing worship in the Van-Es chapel.

MORAVIAN UNITY

Giving thanks for five years of speech therapy efforts at Star Mountain Five years ago, Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Palestine, an undertaking of the worldwide Moravian Church under the European Province, identified a need for speech therapy services in addition to its work helping mentally challenged children near Ramallah on the West Bank. Today, those services are available and thriving thanks to their connections to Moravians in the U.S. and Canada. Ghada Naser, director of Star Mountain, shares the story of how this much needed outreach came to be. t all began on June 13, 2011 when I wrote a letter to our friend in the U.S., Mr. Bill Ray of North Carolina, asking him to help us in supporting a speech therapy program at Star Mountain. I wrote: “I was stopped by a mother of a 3-year-old girl with severe intellectual disability who is enrolled at our Kindergarten. She is so frustrated to see her child in need of specialized services like speech therapy and occupational therapy and that she is not able to get it in a profes-

sional way in the country. At Star Mountain we offer physiotherapy, but do not have any speech therapist or occupational therapist due to lack of funds. Again and again, Alia, the mother I mention above, and many other parents face me with this question and need. I feel their frustration and hurt feelings. I try to look for options and promise them to look for possibilities.” Only one week later I received a positive answer from Mr. Steve Green saying “I am very interested in helping with this project.” Within a few months, the Annie B. Mission was established to support this very important need. The Star Mountain team and parents were thrilled to get this news so quickly, with such a positive spirit, and with a great message of love, perseverance and hope in memory of Mr. Green’s late wife, Annie B. That was the moment when the quest for a speech therapist began. A difficult search As eager as we were to find a speech therapist quickly, we were confronted with the lack of speech therapists in Palestine; those that

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were available were not willing or experienced enough to work with people who had intellectual disability. After at least two failed attempts, and more than 13 interviews with applicants, at the beginning of 2013 we finally found the right person who had a great heart, willingness and professional experience to work with our special students. Ms. Ilham An-Najjar, a young woman in her mid-30s, was finally hired as a part-time speech therapist at Star Mountain. Having more than 82 students at the Center who in one way or another need speech therapy, Ms. Ilham had to make a short list of students most in need, filling in her program as a part-timer. Over the years the number of children benefitting from the speech therapy service reached 20 boys and girls between 2- and 8-years-old. The earlier the children get speech therapy the better their chances in acquiring language skills. This is indeed what we have witnessed with several children like Omar.

Omar is a 13-year-old boy with moderate intellectual disability and has speech delay. He lives in a family of six members including his parents and siblings. Five years ago, when he was 8 years old and the speech therapy program began at Star Mountain, Omar was unable to talk; all he said were unclear sounds that barely anyone understood. Now, Omar speaks almost everything, expresses himself fully, with minor speech difficulties. Most people understand what he says. He managed to develop his expressive and comprehensive skills with approximately 80 percent speech clarity. He became more interactive with his classmates, teachers, relatives and friends. He is more accepted within his family, is strengthened to share his feelings, concerns, wishes and mostly very much empowered to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? when he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree to something. (Continued on next page)

Above left: A view of the Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Palestine, an undertaking of the worldwide Moravian Church. Below: Speech therapist Ilham An-Najjar works with a young girl at Star Mountain.

August 2016

Teachers working with students at Star Mountain

Star Mountain

(Continued from previous page) From individuals to groups Over the past several years, the speech therapy service developed from being an individual one-to-one service provided to the children, to becoming a multi-way service that includes group therapy in the children’s classroom along with involving the mothers of the children to take part in the sessions. The aim of having group sessions and involving the mothers is to convey speech therapy techniques both to the teacher in class and to a family member, so as to continue working with the children in the different settings: inside the classroom and at home. We strive to have

a complementary center/home rehabilitation process in all aspects. The teachers in class receive the individual plan for each child benefiting from the speech therapy service and build on it in class. The parents receive clear daily homework sheets or exercises that they are requested to do with their children at home. Further, in 2016, we added a new component to the speech therapy program at Star Mountain. We are coordinating with the Audiology and Speech Therapy Department at Birzeit University who will send four speech-therapy fourth-year BA students per semester to Star Mountain, to train in offering speech therapy to our students. This is a win-win situation for the students who fulfill their community training university requisite and for us in providing more speech therapy services for our students who have not been able to benefit from our services due to lack of human resources. With this new addition, the speech therapy program at Star Mountain is also contributing in the empowerment of local Palestinian human resources in the field of speech therapy, with a focus on therapy for children with intellectual disability—a very rare and much needed field of work. At this point, and in commemoration of our five-year partnership with the Annie B. Mission and the Board of World Mission, I would like to convey my gratefulness for the continued support and dedication. We look forward to more future successes of our children and continued cooperation. Shukran…Thank you for your support and love…We highly appreciate it. n Ghada Naser is Director of Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center. Star Mountain is an undertaking of the World Wide Moravian Church in Palestine, under the European Province. The Moravian

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Ground of the Unity, Part V 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 Continual Search for Sound Doctrine and Divine Mysteries. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n for this material.—Mike Riess, editor, the Moravian magazine

Continual Search for Sound Doctrine The Unitas Fratrum takes part in the continual search for sound doctrine. In interpreting Scripture and in the communication of doctrine in the Church, we look to two millennia of ecumenical Christian tradition and the wisdom of our Moravian forebears in the faith to guide us as we pray for fuller understanding and ever clearer proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Commentary: The Moravian Church traces its roots back to the reforming efforts of Jan Hus and Jakoubek of Stríbro who challenged the dogmatism and scholastic tradition of the medieval Catholic Church. Rather than merely accepting what the Church defined as unchanging dogma, our ancestors shook the foundations of the institutional church by proclaiming the simple teaching of Scripture. In the 1490s, converts to the early Moravian Church (the Unity of the Brethren), felt that our church had also become rigid and judgmental in its doctrine and practice. Luke of Prague led a doctrinal revolution within the Unity that attempted to restore the gospel message of forgiveness and salvation by grace rather than self-righteousness. Luke argued that no individual can define the doctrine of August 2016

...we look to two millennia of ecumenical Christian tradition and the wisdom of our Moravian forebears...

the Church for all time. Each generation must faithfully examine Scripture and the traditional teachings of the Church in the light of plain reason and their own historical setting. The search for sound doctrine never ends because the world is in a state of constant flux. We make it a point of doctrine that we will not be intellectually static and spend our time buttressing ideas that have lost their relevance. Nor should we let important ideas become obscured through neglect. Instead, we maintain a vigorous and faithful on-going examination of our doctrines and practices in light of the revelation in Scripture and the witness of the entire Christian Church through the ages. Here again, though, we see that the Moravian Church does not see itself as separate from the rest of Christianity. We encourage our members to learn from the whole Christian tradition rather than (Continued on next page) 27

just our part of it. Paradoxically, perhaps, the continual search for sound doctrine makes us more distinctly Moravian at the same time that we learn from other churches. Discussion: • Do you think it is important for the Church (and individuals in the Church) to study the long history of Christianity and the beliefs and practices of other churches? Isn’t the Bible all you need? • In what ways do you think your congregation has been enriched by a fuller understanding of the Christian tradition and heritage? • Under what circumstances should we adopt the practices and beliefs of other Christian churches? • Do you have personal experience of other communities of faith? How does this affect your life as a Moravian?

Divine Mystery But just as the Holy Scripture does not contain any doctrinal system, so the Unitas Fratrum also has not developed any of its own because it knows that the mystery of Jesus Christ, which is attested to in the Bible, cannot be comprehended completely by any human mind or expressed completely in any human statement. Also it is true that through the Holy Spirit the recognition of God’s will for salvation in the Bible is revealed completely and clearly. Commentary: One of the key insights in Moravian theology is the recognition that God is beyond human comprehension. To comprehend something is to encircle and contain it. Comprehension implies superiority to what is comprehend-

...the mystery of Jesus Christ...cannot be comprehended completely by any human mind...

ed. Comprehension also means that there is nothing more to learn. We cannot grasp the phenomenal mysteries of the universe or the mystery of ourselves. How can we comprehend God? The doctrine of the Trinity should serve as a reminder that the reality of God is a mystery beyond our reasoning. Mystery here does not mean ignorance. God is not a puzzle to solve. A sense of mystery comes from our experience. Think of the person that you know best in the world and to whom you are most attached. You know each other and you trust each other, but you still remain mysteries to each other, don’t you? As the years pass, aren’t there new depths of intimacy and trust? The same is true of God. This statement in the Ground of the Unity is a way to encourage us to ponder the divine mysteries of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Moravian doctrine is not as concerned with getting the right answers to a dogmatic examination as it is with bringing people into a life-giving and ever-growing relationship with their Creator and Savior. Scripture lies at the heart of this effort. Moravians are Bible-reading people, but we

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encourage many ways to let the Bible speak to us. Our litanies and liturgies are taken primarily from the words of Scripture, and we read the Bible privately and in study groups. We recognize that the Bible was never intended to be a simple exposition of beliefs and laws. It is an inspired work that speaks to us in different ways at different points in our lives. We recognize that some portions of Scripture take years to appreciate while others provide the most essential truths for people of all ages. As Bishop Kenneth Hamilton wrote in an unpublished commentary on the Ground of the Unity, “there are mysteries dealt with in the Bible which we can neither completely grasp nor satisfactorily formulate in our teaching. Moravians hold that God has spoken to man plainly enough for our needs, and that central in His Word stands the doctrine of the Saviour’s vicarious death.” In other words, Moravian doctrine is focused on what is essential and clear in Scripture, but we recognize that this does not exhaust the meaning of Scripture. Moravians are encouraged to study Scripture without hesitation and discuss what they see there without fear. Discussion: • What does it mean that our doctrine is based on Scripture and yet we state that Scripture does not have a doctrinal system? • Why do we teach that Jesus is a mystery instead of offering a definition of his nature and work? • Is there a contradiction between saying that God is beyond comprehension and saying that God’s will for salvation is revealed clearly and completely? • What is God’s will for salvation and how does this affect how we live as followers of Christ? • What is your understanding and experience of God? August 2016

Obituary: The Rev. Gordon B. Mowrer Brother Gordon B. Mowrer died at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, July 19, 2016, at age 80. Born February 9, 1936 in Bethlehem, he was the son of Clifton and Margaret (Brown) Mowrer. Brother Mowrer graduated from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. in 1959 and received a Masters Degree in Education from Lehigh University, in Bethlehem in 1965. He received a Masters in Pastoral Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1989 and a Certificate in Theological Studies in 1992. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry June 17, 1992 and consecrated a Presbyter October 22, 1995. He was united in marriage to Mary Thaeler December 29, 1960 in Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua. Together they served the Bethlehem, Pa. community and, following his ordination, pastored the Advent Moravian Church until his retirement January 1, 2003. Brother Mowrer is survived by his wife, Mary; son, George; daughters, Ruth and Margaret; and eight grandchildren. A memorial service was held July 26, 2016 at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Memorials were welcomed for the Bethlehem Rotary Foundation or Central Moravian Church’s Tanzania Mission Fund. n

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 11, 2016 The second Sunday in September is designated as a day of prayer for Christian education. The nurture of Christians of all ages in their faith is the responsibility of each congregation. Pray for your congregation’s Christian education program and for the personal growth in faith of each member. NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Church Development, September 18, 2016 The third Sunday in September is the prayer day for church development in the Northern Province. Pray for the new congregations established in our province in recent years as they develop their unity and mission. Support the ongoing development of these new ministries. Pray also for those congregations in the redevelopment process. Prayer Day for the Church’s Ministry to Older Adults, September 25, 2016 The 2002 Synod reaffirmed the fourth Sunday in September as a time to recognize older generations and to pray for our mutual ministry. Each congregation can make ministry to and with older generations in their midst a special cause for prayer.

SOUTHERN PROVINCE Winston-Salem, N.C. The Rev. Joe Moore has accepted a call to become Associate Pastor at New Philadelphia, after having served, with Kelly, as co-pastor at Fries Memorial since 2011. Joe concludes ministry at Fries Memorial Sept. 18 and begins this new work Oct. 3. A service of installation is planned for Oct 9. Oak Ridge, N.C. The Rev. Carol Foltz has accepted a call to serve three-quarter time as pastor of the Moravia congregation, in Oak Ridge, NC. A service of installation is planned for Sunday, September 11. King, N.C. The Rev. Kevin Conley, a Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor, has accepted an appointment to serve as intentional interim pastor of King Moravian Church, and will be installed Sunday, August 14. Rev. Conley pastored Covenant Presbyterian Church, in the Konnoak Hills neighborhood of Winston-Salem for 14 years. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference 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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QUESTIONS OF FAITH

aren’t always easy to answer. Questions about finances can be.

OW CAN YOU HELP THE MINISTRIES you care about most? How can you

tap into potential support for your church or agency? How can you make your financial investments work harder to support our shared faith? These are all good questions, and the Moravian Ministries Foundation has answers. From education, to gift planning, to fundraising help, to investment management, we have answers that are rooted in wisdom, experience and — most importantly — unwavering faith and values. Simply put, our goal is to generate more money to support Moravian ministries. Visit us online at www.mmfa.info and explore what we can do together. JOIN US ON

Invest Where You Believe August 2016| 119 Brookstown Avenue, Suite 305 | Winston-Salem, NC 27101 | 888.722.7923 31 www.mmfa.info

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

August 2016

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