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On the cover: Seasonal lights herald the joyous season of Christmas. Photo by Mike Riess
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7 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
Special Feature: Moravian Intentional Community and Ministry 16 Intentional Ministries present creative new ways to “be the Church” 25 Intentional Communities, both old and new 27 The Irresistible Revolution 28 Taking inspiration from a man in a tree 29 Thoughts on Intentional Community Traditions 5 Christmas in Old Salem through the eyes of a child 13 After 43 years and 75 surplices, Ruth Spaugh retires her needles and thread
Member, Associated Church Press
In Our Churches 7 Moravian congregation closes after 159 years of serving East Green Bay 15 Grand opening at The Promise Church Mission 10 A cool drink of water inspires Kernersville Moravian 11 Invitation to Mission Leadership: Board of World Mission seeks Executive Director Unity 31 Message to the Unity from the Unity Board
Visit our website at <http://www.moravian.org>. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at <pubs@mcnp.org>.
December 2010
Book Review 12 An Awakening Heart: A Novel of the Moravians in Early America …and More 4 Ponderings: Seeing the old and the new 33 Official Provincial Elders’ News 36 2010 Index of The Moravian
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PONDERINGS
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) December 2010, Vol. 41, No. 10 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Express Messenger International, PO Box 25058, London, Ontario N6C6A8, email: <emi@exmessenger.com> Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces
As I learn more about what it means to be a part of the Moravian Church, one thing has become abundantly clear — Moravians love their history. We study it. We celebrate it. We live it every day. Centuries-old traditions in prayer, music, practice and life permeate so many aspects of our church today. Our heritage is one of the things that makes our denomination special and unique. But I’m also learning that the Moravian Church is one that is constantly changing. In the six short months in my church role, I’ve seen the first woman elected as a Provincial Elders’ Conference president and a whole new structure for the Southern Province. I’ve heard the stories of the closing of one church and the grand opening of another (both of which you’ll read about in this issue of The Moravian.) And during the past few months, I’ve been learning more about a small group of Moravians who are seeking a new way of “being the church” through intentional communities and ministries. It’s fascinating to see these non-traditional ways of living a Christian life, reaching into communities and bringing the power of Jesus and the good word of the Gospel take their first steps. While these initial efforts are small, they signal a new way of thinking, a new way of bringing God to those who may not see Him. Yet in true Moravian fashion, the idea of intentional ministries and communities reaches back into our history and focuses on that most critical piece that makes us who we are — “In all things, love.” In this issue of The Moravian, we’ll bring you stories from some of those who are trying new ways to be the church. We also feature stories about some of the special traditions that mean so much to all of us. The IBOC staff wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas. May the spirit of Jesus and the warm traditions of this holiday be with you all year long. 4
Mike Riess, Editor, The Moravian
Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Make checks payable in U.S. funds to The Moravian. 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 Siobhan Young, Advertising Coordinator/ Communication Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Gary Kniskern, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Paul Knouse 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: <pubs@mcnp.org> <www.moravian.org>
The Moravian
TRADITIONS
Christmas in Old Salem through the eyes of a child
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hildren of all ages anxiously await Christmas in Old Salem. For Moravian children, this special event begins at about nine in the morning and continues until leaving the church late in the evening for celebrations at home. Christmas excitement in Old Salem seems new, yet familiar each year. As they have for generations, families gather in Old Salem Square, its fencing roped in pine boughs. Playing chorales, the band welcomes the worshippers as they wait, often for hours, to be led in for this special Moravian service. Inside the church, the children’s eyes light up. High above the sanctuary, with the cedar scent of the freshly hung laurel and cedar ropes, the 26 pointed Moravian star sways gently. Over the organ pipes, shiny deep green magnolias frame the stained glass of Jesus kneeling at Gethsemane. Adding to the
smells, skyward reaching narcissus encircle the choir loft pointing to the Star above. Two magnolia leafed podiums topped with gigantic bright red poinsettias greet the holiday-dressed congregation as they assemble for the traditional Christmas Lovefeast services at Home Moravian Church. Soon the organ awakens its pipes with loud revelry. Next, the much anticipated youth, white gloved with their brass bells resting on the black clothed tables, assemble in the (continued on next page)
Marcia Tabram Philips, author and North Carolina Road Scholar, speaks on “Life as a Moravian in Old Salem-Keeping the Traditions of the Brethren.” Website: <MarciaTabramPhilips.com> December 2010
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(continued from previous page) balcony corner. All heads turn to hear the celestial ringing as the young bell choir meticulously sounds out the joys of Christmas. While singing familiar holidays hymns, the congregation passes white mugs of the twice brewed coffee with sugar and milk added. Made in 35 and 28 gallon brass and copper coffee pots from the mid-1800s, the coffee is poured from tin replicas. Men carry handmade trays while Dieners dressed in all white with doily-like caps pass the mugs. The orange sweetened Lovefeast buns imprinted with “M” are passed in white baskets with freshly pressed linens. Treasured family napkins adorn the laps of tried-and-true Moravians. After the traditional Moravian Blessing, the choir and orchestra serenade the partaking congregation.
dim preparing for the arrival of the coveted trays of individually made amber beeswax candles bedecked with red paper ribbons. All eyes light up as the trays of illuminated candles arrive and are passed from worshiper to worshiper. With the last hymn, the candles raised signaling Christ’s arrival into our hearts, worshipers extinguish the flames, and greet each other as they spill out into the bricked sidewalk heading homeward. Getting into our car, my precious children, tired from a full day’s Lovefeast activities, would turn and sweetly say, “Our Christmas is giving to others!” This is truly how a memory is created through a child’s eyes. ■
Then the much awaited trio of youthful cherubs stand in their neatly pressed white caplets framed with large cherry red perfectly tied bows. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles smile with tears of joy as their children sweetly sing “Morning Star” while the lights 6
The Moravian
IN OUR CHURCHES
The
East Green Bay Moravian Church concluded its ministry on Sunday, Oct. 10, with a celebration of its 159th anniversary. Moravians from across the northeast Wisconsin area joined with the congregation in its final formal act of worship. For the congregation, this was a day of determination and hope, in spite of the sadness surrounding the end of an era. The 40 remaining active members of the congregation had gathered the previous evening to reminisce and to share stories during a banquet at a nearby supper club. Many in that group had been a part of the congregation their entire lives and told of their experiences over the decades with Sunday School and worship, with former pastors, with the camping ministry of the district, with annual salad luncheons, with booyah fundraisers, with the candlemaking ministry, and with service on the boards. Participants laughed and cried together. The members were reminded of how, over the years, they had contributed over $500,000 to ministries and missions to the community, to
December 2010
agencies of the church and to the world wide Moravian Church â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all in addition to the annual payment in full of all denominational assessments (with one exception â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it was not discovered until 2009 that a bookkeeping error in 2006 had prevented 100% payment that year). Many other congregations across the Province had also benefited from zero or low-percentage loans from the congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invested funds during the last quarter of the twentieth century. The Rev. Gary Straughan, who served as the pastor of the congregation over its final 26 months, presided over the Oct. 10 services. The Rev. James Hicks, president of the Western District Executive Board delivered a message of gratitude to the congregation for (continued on next page)
The Rev. Gary Straughan, who served as pastor for the East Green Bay congregation, will retire from active ministry in January. 7
(continued from previous page) the ministry and mission carried on over the years. Former pastors, denominational officials and local leaders sent greetings. Although the total membership of the congregation had declined to less than 60 in recent years, more than double that amount attended the service (a number that included members of other area Moravian congregations and from other churches in the area). Following this service of worship, a light luncheon was held in the Fellowship Hall, hosted by members of the Christ Alone congregation, an emerging congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church that had shared the facilities with the congregation over the past three months and will continue to lease the building for at least the immediate future.
The members were reminded of how, over the years, they had contributed over $500,000 to ministries and missions to the community, to agencies of the church and to the world wide Moravian Churchâ&#x20AC;Ś The day concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion with approximately 85 people in attendance. A son of the congregation, the Rev. Jason Andersen, pastor of the Freedom Moravian Congregation in Appleton, Wis., gave a challenge to the remaining members to continue to serve their Lord as they step into the future with their heads held high. Most of the active members of the congregation 8
The Moravian
joined the membership of the West Green Bay Moravian Church on Oct. 24 and will join with the members of that congregation in continuing a significant ministry of mission and outreach to the community. The viability of the congregation had been in question for the past decade and the members, at a special Church Council in May, had voted to close rather than to have their future be dictated by circumstances. They contacted the Provincial Eldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conference to ask to be dissolved as a congregation and the current PEC reluctantly granted that request at one of their first meetings following the June Provincial Synod. The congregation was organized by German settlers in the northeast Wisconsin area on Oct. 12, 1851, in the heart of what would four years later become the city of Green Bay. Those settlers built a church that served the congregation for 110 years before being sold to the next door Lutheran Church. That building was, in turn, sold to the State of Wisconsin and was moved to Heritage Hill State Historical Park, where it today stands as a reminder of the early history of Green Bay. The congregation was given land in the late 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the developing Green Bay suburb of Allouez and a spacious and utilitarian building was built there. In recent years, the congregation had struggled to attract enough young families and its viability suffered. Through the years, the members of the congregation were always centered on the concept of service to others rather than the more recent trend in church membership to have the church serve the physical and emotional needs of its own members. â&#x2013; Photos: Members from East Green Bay were joined by both Moravians and non-Moravians from across northeast Wisconsin for ceremonies closing the church.
December 2010
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CONGREGATIONS IN MISSION
A cool drink of water inspires Kernersville Moravian To
support a new well for the Nicaragua Clean Water Project, the mission committee at Kernersville Moravian Church in Kernersville, N.C. set out to raise $1,100. But thanks to the generosity of their members and some creative preaching by their pastor, the church not only met its challenge, but raised enough to built three wells! “As chairman of the our committee I received a letter that challenged the committee to raise $1,100 toward the cost of a $2,200 well as a part of the Nicaragua Clean Water Project,” says Joe DelGuercio, of Kernersville Moravian. “I presented it to the Mission Committee, and they agreed to accept the challenge. This challenge had a deadline (continued on page 34) Joseph Del Guercio is chairman of the Mission Committee at Kernersville Moravian Church in Kernersville, N.C.
Joe Del Guercio, left, of Kernersville Moravian Church, announces the collection of more than $6,600 for new wells in Nicaragua. Looking on are Esther Tesh, Pastor Don Winter and Chuck Nienow.
BOARD OF WORLD MISSION
Invitation to Mission Leadership
Board of World Mission seeks Executive Director Do you have a desire to use your gifts in service to the worldwide mission of our church, alongside other dedicated people across North America and around the world? Then perhaps you should consider whether God may be calling you to apply for the position of Executive Director of the Board of World Mission. An Executive Director must have a deep faith in Jesus Christ, a clear commitment to spreading the Good News of the Savior and extensive experience in the Moravian Church as an active communicant member. He or she should have an appreciation for and understanding of the worldwide Moravian Unity and its spirit of mutual guidance and accountability among provinces. Cross-cultural experience and strong communication skills are needed to enhance the work of the Board both internally and in the wider church. An Executive Director must have the ability to relate effectively to the many groups and individuals in differing cultural situations, including clergy and laity, heads of other denominations and ecumenical agencies, youth and adults. Administrative and personnel experience and skills are necessary along with humility, good listening skills, and the ability to be a strong facilitator. An Executive Director should have expertise in missiology, awareness of contemporary December 2010
concepts and strategies of world mission and an understanding of our Moravian mission heritage. He or she needs the ability to lead the Board in goal setting and strategy development, the ability to keep focus on the issues at hand but also vision for the future. Knowledge of the language of one or more of our partner provinces is desirable but not required. The Executive Director is elected to a fiveyear term by the Board of Directors and may be re-elected for successive terms. The Executive Director may be clergy or lay. For a detailed statement on qualifications, a position description and application procedures, please contact Bob Sawyer, Interim Executive Director, at <rsawyer@ mcsp.org> or 336.499.5310. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2010. â&#x2013;
BOOK REVIEW
An Awakening Heart A Novel of the Moravians in Early America by Barbara Dowd Wright (Moon Trail Books, Bethlehem, PA, 2010, www.moontrailbks.com). Softcover, 308 pages, $24.95
T wo small, flat gravestones, one in God’s Acre in Bethlehem and one in God’s Acre in Bethabara, represent all that most people knew about two Moravian women, until now. In this historical novel, Barbara Dowd Wright has given voice to these women, two of her ancestors, based on documents she found in a relative’s attic and her own extensive research. Christina Barbara Krause and Susannah Partsch were born in 1722 in different German villages. Both joined the Moravians as young women, were married in the Great Wedding in Marienborn in 1743, and sailed together with their new husbands to America. They shared life in communal Nazareth for a time, until the Moravians sent the couples to different missions, Christina Barbara to Bethabara, North Carolina, and Susannah to Gnadenhütten on the Mahoning, where she survived an Indian attack, to St. Thomas in the Caribbean, and eventually back to Bethlehem. The book shows life through the eyes and memories of these two ordinary, yet remarkable, Moravian women: traveling across the Atlantic and in America; sharing faith and work in communal settlements; 12
sending their children to be raised in the Moravian nursery. They reflect on some aspects which are often ignored in novels: cleaning up after seasickness, the blood of childbirth, fear and then desire for what the early Moravians called “unification.” It is all presented movingly as a part of normal life. Unlike many similar novels, this is not a “chapter book” for pre-teens. If it were a movie, it would be rated PG-13. Readers who have little knowledge of the Moravians will enjoy the descriptions of everyday life in early America from a woman’s perspective. Those who are familiar with the Colonial Moravians will appreciate the accuracy and richness of detail which Barbara Wright brings to this true story of two Moravian Sisters. ■ Susan M. Dreydoppel is a consultant in local history and museums and has done extensive research on Moravian history and lifestyle. She was the Executive Director of the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth for 18 years. She is a member of the Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pa. and serves on the Eastern District Executive Board. The Moravian
TRADITIONS
After 43 years and 75 surplices, Ruth Spaugh retires her needle and thread There are many little things that happen to
make your Moravian church and worship a special time and place. Those Christmas lovefeast candles were made and lovingly trimmed by many members of your church, and probably by you, too. Members make, pour and distribute coffee, then clean up afterwards. Hymnals and Bibles are neatly arranged in the pews every Sunday. Ushers stand at the door to greet you with a bulletin and a smile. But have you noticed at a baptism or in Holy Communion the minister is wearing a white robe? The “surplice,” as it is properly
called, is a special garment signifying the presence of Christ who is serving, not an individual pastor. They, too, are often made by a member of the church. In the Southern Province for many years one of those special people who make surplices was Sister Ruth Spaugh of the Hope Moravian congregation. After 43 years, Ruth (continued on next page) Lynn Kale works in the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference office in Winston-Salem. Sister Ruth Spaugh shares her experience making pastors’ surplices with Sister Linda Worley of Hope Moravian Church.
(continued from previous page) is turning her scissors, needles, thread and patterns over to someone new. Starting from scratch Ruth began her long and illustrious career in surplice making by first tearing one apart. In 1966, she noticed her pastor’s surplice was looking a bit worn. After seeing the late Rev. Norman Byerly’s need, she volunteered to make a surplice for him. Ruth, who is an expert alteration seamstress, carefully took Br. Byerly’s surplice apart and pressed the pieces to use as her pattern; thus, her career as a surplicemaker began. Later, when she began receiving more requests for surplices, a friend gave her a copy of the brown paper pattern owned by Bessie Whittington Pfohl, wife of Bishop J. Kenneth Pfohl. In the early years, when fabrics came in 36inch widths, a surplice required eight yards of fabric. Today with wider fabrics available, five to six yards of white broadcloth and steady work for two days will produce a surplice. Ruth became so proficient at adapting her pattern for the surplice that she needed only the pastor’s neck size, waist size, and length from shoulder to waist and neck to floor to make the flowing white robe. The pastor didn’t even have to come in person for a fitting. Many pastors began sending her their measurements. And she always enjoyed serving them by making their surplices. She never had a return — except to lengthen the waist belt as some pastors widened their service over the years. Ruth estimates she made at least 75 surplices during the past 43 years. She misplaced her list of recipients after a recent 14
move, but remembers making surplices for many pastors in the Southern Province. Usually the Women’s Fellowship from the home church of a pastor-to-be presents a surplice to the newly ordained pastor at the ordination service; Ruth made many of these. She has also made and sent surplices to pastors in Alaska, Canada, Eastern West Indies, and Tanzania. Now the time has come for Sister Spaugh to retire as a surplice-maker. However, the tradition will continue. She has tutored and passed on her knowledge to someone else at Hope Moravian Church. Sister Linda Worley now carries on the tradition as expert surplice-maker. ■
A D V E RT I S E M E N T
The Moravian
IN OUR CHURCHES
GRAND OPENING at The Promise Church
On
September 12, 2010, The Promise Church in Lewis Center, Ohio, had its Grand Opening worship service. The Promise had been worshipping in public schools and hotels over the years, each time having to set up and tear down and having no place to “call home” all week long. They now have their own place, seven days a week, for worship and the full range of ministries. This was the cause of celebration and the Grand Opening worship service. While attendance at The Promise generally averages around 50, for the Grand Opening the attendance shot way up to 125! It was a wonderful day rich in joy and celebration of the Lord.
A brass ensemble from Redeemer Moravian Church in Dublin, Ohio, came to assist with the jubilation of the day. And after worship there were all kinds of activities from games for the children, drawing for prizes, and a pancake brunch by “Katie’s Cakes” — “a flippin’ good time.” (The chef flips the pancakes into the air and you catch them on your plate; see the photo below.) This was a glorious day to see the growth of the Kingdom of God and to rejoice in a ministry well done. Brother Darryl Bell is the pastor at The Promise and his son, Bryce, is the director of music. They are a dynamic team. Please keep The Promise in your prayers as they continue to advance the ministry for the sake of the Kingdom. ■ Above: The Rev. Dr. Darryl Bell leads worship at the grand opening worship of The Promise Church. Below, children catch pancakes flipped by the chef at a brunch celebrating the new church.
The Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr is director of church planting. December 2010
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INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY
An introduction to Intentional Community T here are many manifestations of intentional community in the world today, including in Moravian realms. Essentially, all communities of faith are intentional communities, because no one incidentally finds themselves actively plugged into a congregation. Christians, by nature, are to be intentional in seeking to serve others joyfully, to love enemies, and to promote peace, justice, and hope amid brokenness. There is an undeniable and captivating movement of God’s Spirit in the church today — a movement toward more intentionality in our communities of faith and residence. This movement is an invitation into lifestyles that help us to stay relevant to and in relationship with neighbors. It is an invitation to reclaim Christic living, to bring Jesus of Nazareth’s teachings to life, to en-flesh (incarnate) our beliefs in resurrection and love.
Intentional Ministries present creative new ways to “be the Church” In our Moravian tradition, we are taught that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We often talk about the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives… but do we heed its presence with our intentions and motivations? Over the years I have spent time talking with my father about “church stuff” — the dreams of my own call to ministry, the joy of other leaders and pastors whose vision and inspiration have shifted my own experience, and challenging reflections on the state of the church as it is. So when I was introduced to the idea of “intentional Christian community” and inspired by the notion that we might find renewed freedom by tying ourselves even more closely to one another — I went to talk to one of my favorite pastors, my daddy. He said something that has stuck with me: all 16
Churches are intentional communities. While I believe that is true, I think our communities might benefit from a booster shot of intentionality and purpose to how we live and love together in our communities of faith.
…God’s Spirit is moving in renewed ways and that we are each invited to participate… Throughout our history, Moravians were the ones who took risks no one else had even thought of yet and we also found that in living the dream of God we were filled with more than only bread… we were filled with a spirit of unity and love that bound us to family around the world! So what do you do? And more importantly why do you do it? Intentional community takes many forms, some that are set apart The Moravian
from mainline experience, some that are spots of intentionality of specific aspects of community life, some are simple daily practices of individuals who are answering God’s call by growing a little more each day into Christic living. What follows are stories of communities in North America that are living out the call to follow God on purpose in the ways that the Spirit leads them through the fruit of life in the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There are so many stories not shared here, so look around and see what stories are happening near you! We hope for readers to see in the stories we share here that God’s Spirit is moving in renewed ways and that we are each invited to participate and that each individual is being called and challenged into a life that more fully embodies the Spirit of Christ in community. We don’t expect or hope that all communities of faith will change or develop in the same ways or choose the same specific visions of what it means to live as intentional communities. We also know that there are many instances of intentional ministry happening every day that don’t grace these pages due to a lack of space and time. We do hope that as we open ourselves to the subtle and not so subtle movements of the Spirit we will see our communities blossom into vitality and hope as we all live as resurrection people, living and proclaiming that Christ is Risen INDEED! The Rev. Rebecca Craver is pastor of the Zacchaeus’ Tree Congregation in Indianapolis, Ind. December 2010
Chelsee’s Coffee Shop in Winston-Salem hosts Come and Worship
Come and Worship in Winston-Salem, N.C. Come and Worship is not what most people would consider “doing church.” The sanctuary is a coffee shop, the pews are tables and chairs. I usually sit on a stool in front of a trash can at the front door. Larry, the percussionist sits in the window cubby behind me. Tom, the other guitar player, sits on the left. Sam and/or Michelle sits against the wall with the keyboard or another set of (continued on next page)
The Rev. Brad Bennett leads the Come and Worship service
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(continued from previous page) bongos. Everybody else sits at tables or folding chairs farther back. But our congregation is a community that greets each other, prays for each other, sings and worships together. Somebody may walk through the door only wanting coffee — they are welcomed, too. In a culture that is becoming more and more like silos as “like” people wall themselves up in whatever protective covering suits them — be it economic, political, religious or any of many other sorts of cloaks currently in use — it feels good to intentionally gather with a community and worship when the outer community is plainly visible and active all around. When the weather is right, the front door is propped open so the sounds of the world outside can plainly be heard. No, Come and Worship is not perfect, nor is it better than other models or even “successful” in many of the modern definitions of the word. It only strives to Volunteers at First Moravian in York, Pa. prepare lunch
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respond to God’s call in following Christ by striving to be a community within the larger community in whatever way that is or becomes. The Rev. Brad Bennett has served as the director of Youth and College Ministries for the Southern Province and leads the Come & Worship services.
Lunch is on at First, York, Pa. First Moravian Church of York’s Moravian Lunchroom was created out of a small group of people who got together to discuss Martha Grace Reese’s book, “Unbinding the Gospel.” This evangelism group read each chapter of Reese’s book and participated in discussion questions. We determined that First does many things well, the top two being cooking and hospitality. After we better understood our top two assets, we looked at how we use those assets in the community that surrounds us. We as a church knew of and participate in many ministries that help low-income families or the homeless. However, being surrounded by businesses for the most part, there were no ministries for those who work near the church. As the lunchroom began to take shape, we wanted to offer a place where people could get a nice homemade lunch and help people discover First. First has been in York for 257 years, but for many it was just another church. The Lunchroom intentionally created exposure for First and helped people become more familiar with First as well as the Moravian Church in general. The Moravian
hope to not just feed the belly but also the spirit. Each step in the process of creating and running the Lunchroom has been intentional, by asking the questions of why are we doing this, is this working, what can we do differently, etc. The Lunchroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate intention is for personal and spiritual growth within the lives of those patrons. Patrons at the Lunchroom at First
The first phase of the Lunchroom was to serve good homemade food at a reasonable price. This phase has been amazing seen through the response of those working around the church, to the point where offices now make sure they do not schedule meetings on the third Wednesday of every month so that their employees can attend the Lunchroom. The second phase of the Lunchroom will begin this fall, with the introduction of miniseminars, ranging from how to handle stress to what is a Moravian. It is the Lunchroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
David Melby-Gibbons, right, performs at GAPS in Downey, Calif.
December 2010
Sayward E.G. Lippincott is pastor of First Moravian Church in York, Pa.
Filling in the GAPS The GAPS Community is a vision of the Moravian Church of Downey, which centers on seeking to fill in the gaps of what the institutional church tries to be: vibrant, holistic (healthy), justice-producing, transparent, outwardly-focused and intergenerational. GAPS is an acronym for the roles of those who covenant to reside in the community for a time: Gardener, Artist, Psalmist, and Shopkeeper in residence. GAPS is an intentional community (residing in the parsonage), which differs from incidental community (friends sharing common spaces and enjoying life together). While enjoyment of daily life together is an integral part of the GAPS Community, our core aim is uniting in outwardly-focused mission: loving and serving neighbors. GAPS Community residents share a desire for spirituality, manifested in creative communal prayer, meditation and worship. They strive to be Christians (Christ-ones), who are inspired (continued on next page) 19
(continued from previous page) to live lives of radical simplicity and love of neighbor, akin to the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Diversity of faith traditions is celebrated, as we seek to further the kin(g)dom of God in the world. GAPS Community residents live on a daily basis, paring down physical possessions and activities to “the essentials,” and they strive to be “low-maintenance”. They respect the earth by engaging in conservative lifestyles (buying/wasting as little as possible, rescuing/handmaking as much as possible, and conserving water/gas/electricity.) For more information, or to apply, you can visit <www.downeymoravian.org> and click on the “GAPS Community” tab. The following is a short article about Open Table, which is a just one part of the weekly rhythm of GAPS Community life. Christie Melby-Gibbons is pastor of Downey Moravian Church in Downey, Calif.
The GAPS clothes closet for the community
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The Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons prepares food for Open Table at Downey
GAPS Community invites all to an Open Table Jesus was the first Open Table host. He invited the disciples to “come and have breakfast” (John 21) and then challenged them (Peter in particular) to “Feed My Sheep.” So, we try to follow. Here at the GAPS Community, Open Table is an extension of our Sunday morning communion table, and the meal comes alive with many incredible, beautiful elements. We extend an invitation to the Downey Moravian congregation, to our neighbors and to people we meet during the week. “Come over on Thursdays at 6:30. We have a free meal and then have pie and watch a movie at our neighbor Phil’s house.” It is the highlight of our week, like having Thanksgiving dinner every Thursday (though we’ve learned not to eat like it’s a once-a-year feast). Still, our weekly time of feasting is part of our rest and renewal, our getting to know each other better, and a time to enjoy long moments away from other responsibilities and projects. A surprising mix of (mostly vegetarian and “freegan”) foods and personalities are part of every Thursday evening. One thing we’ve The Moravian
noticed: there is always enough food. We never know how much free food we will get from Fresh and Easy (a local grocery store that gives us their “sell by date” food twice a week). We don’t know how many people will show up on Thursdays, or if they will bring a dish to share — but there is always enough food to go around; and more often than not there are Tupperwares and bowls full of leftovers. Some friends come early to help us chop veggies, fry potatoes, put cheese on pizza, set the table and prepare the space. The meal itself is informal. We often begin by saying “at Open Table we eat in thanks.” We take time to listen and share. Sometimes we sing Spanish songs or old time gospel/bluegrass, depending on the musicians who are with us. We practice being family and in the process we realize that we are becoming family. David Melby-Gibbons is a member of Downey Moravian Church in Downey, Calif. He is married to Christie MelbyGibbons, pastor at Downey.
Anthony’s Plot in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Anthony’s Plot — A newly sown Moravian Intentional Community On Sunday, Aug. 22, an audience gathered at St. Philip’s Moravian Church in WinstonSalem to witness the launch of Anthony’s Plot, a new community of Moravians living and serving the city’s southeast ward. Coordinated by Rev. Russell May, the director of Anthony’s Plot, the event assembled Moravian members and church leaders from North Carolina and beyond, as well as participation from students and other community representatives. The gathering also featured a number of speakers whose reflections illustrated the relationship between Anthony’s Plot, its Moravian context, and the biblical & historical witness to incarnational ministry. Speakers for the event included Rev. Jeff Coppage (St. Philips Moravian), Rev. John Jackman (Trinity Moravian), Rev. Joey Yokeley, and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, a popular writer, speaker and founder of The Rutba House, a North Carolina intentional community. Following the service, others in (continued on next page)
Members of the community enjoy a meal at Open Table
December 2010
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(continued from previous page) attendance also had the opportunity to share their hopes and/or curiosities about the new ministry. Some were attracted to the desire for service among the disenfranchised; others were interested in the call for Moravian renewal. Regardless of this varied interest, members of Anthony’s Plot were hopeful that so many different stories were able to come together. “Evangelism is when we share with strangers what we share with our family and friends.” Those words shared at the event by Rev. Coppage summarize well what Anthony’s Plot strives to be. The ministry of Anthony’s Plot combines residential community life and local community development work in order to bring the good news of Jesus to visible reality in the neighborhoods where we have been called to live. While collaborating with congregations and existing community organizations, the members of Anthony’s Plot Brian Freezor, left, of Anthony’s Plot reads during a gathering at the Bethesda homeless shelter. He’s joined by the Rev. Russ May and Larry Anderson.
seek to manifest a living faith and are dedicated to sharing their lives and using their collective gifts to strengthen and support those who face sudden or systemic disenfranchisement. Anthony’s Plot strives for the development of a Christian community witnessing to Jesus’ sacrificial & relational love. Indeed, a place where people are learning to make tangible the proclamation of the gospel to our neighbors through a helping hand, a listening ear, a genuine presence and a community of love and support. Since the August kick-off event, Anthony’s Plot has moved into a house in the southeast ward of Winston-Salem and has developed daily rhythms for prayer and devotion. Its members have created relationships within the neighborhood and are developing continual opportunities for community meals, worship, bible study, and forums for theological discussion. By sharing its gifts, networking local resources, and seeking solutions that reflect its neighbors and Christ, Anthony’s Plot prepares to face such issues as the growing need for adequate housing and matters surrounding immigration and racial reconciliation, as well as generating youth initiatives for education and community arts events. If you would like to find out more about Anthony’s Plot, be a part of our regular practices, or join us in our annual projects, visit our website <www.anthonysplot.org>, or write us (PO Box 12778 Winston-Salem, NC 27117). Andrew Heil is a member and resident of Anthony’s Plot. He received his Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University in 2010, and is currently pursuing ordination in the Moravian Church.
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which I see God constantly. It serves as a model for all of my relationships, which are much happier and healthier for the insight. We, the band, do not simply lead song during worship, but we constantly worship, simply by being a strong community of faith. The community has shaped me, continues to shape me and helps me to remember openness, acceptance, understanding and love, in all things. The EDGE worship band at Edgeboro Moravian. New members have joined the band in recent years.
Worship band gives local service its EDGE The Edgeboro Moravian Worship Band is one of the best things that ever happened in my life. What’s greater is that it just keeps happening. Singing and playing with the band has brought me closer to God, without question. Worship during the Sunday morning EDGE service is beautiful. Rehearsal, though, being more intimate, is where the community grows. In addition to rehearsing music for Sunday, we share our own music with one another. Upon sharing music, we shape it, add to it, and create a community worship experience out of something that had often been incredibly personal moments before. Allowing somebody else to play a significant role in my artistic creation makes me extremely vulnerable, but the Worship Band is safe, as I believe any true community should be. That understanding of openness, support and unconditional love (at least as close as I’ve ever seen) has helped all of my relationships bloom, both inside and outside of Edgeboro. The Worship Band is a community within
Rachel Schachter is a member of Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem. She is currently a freshman at Drew University in Madison, N.J.
Sunnyside’s intentional beginnings lay foundation for successful ministry Every congregation is an intentional community that stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before. However, it doesn’t need to be a clone of that from which it was born. (continued on next page)
Sunnyside Ministries building in North Carolina
December 2010
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(continued from previous page) In 1977 I became associate pastor of Trinity Congregation in Winston-Salem, N.C. The heritage of reaching out to those in physical need was a hallmark of the ministry of Rev. Douglas Rights who had been the long time pastor of Trinity. The clothes closet for the needy and food pantry weren’t closets but whole rooms on the third floor of the church. Faithful people had come for years and sorted the clothes and food which were distributed by the pastors to those who came to the church. It is not surprising that from this fertile ground the idea of a storefront ministry for the needy would spring forth. In typical church fashion, we formed a committee to discuss this issue and decided we would spend a year answering all of the questions and planning. That was our intention, but God’s intention was different. Within a week of forming the committee we were given an opportunity to have an empty store building across the The food pantry for the community at Sunnyside.
parking lot for $1 per year. Our timetable was moved up. We made a proposal to the Board of Homeland Missions asking for support of this venture. They agreed to fund a director and pay the utilities, but could not provide money to distribute to clients.
It is not surprising that from this fertile ground the idea of a storefront ministry for the needy would spring forth. Folks from Trinity emptied the building of store fixtures and put up walls for rooms and offices. Trinity’s clothes closets and food pantry were moved and Br. Thor Harberg was called to be the first director. Other than Trinity’s closets we had nothing to give. Thor told me he read the New Testament 8 times during that first year in-between clients. Without a fund drive or request on our part people began to hear of the ministry and brought food and funds to give to those in need. There was never a time when there was nothing to give. The ministry has grown over the years and has been embraced not only by Moravians, but by others of faith throughout the community. Last year Sunnyside and their staff of three aided by over 200 volunteers with a budget of $1.2 million assisted the needy in southern Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Indeed it was and is an intentional ministry, but I think most of the intentions were the Lord’s! ■ The Rev. Steve Craver is pastor of the Rural Hall Congregation in Rural Hall, N.C. He’s also Rebecca’s father.
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INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY
Intentional Communities, both old and new What is an Intentional Christian community… An escape for disillusioned hippies? No. A natural rhythm of the church, including the Moravian Church, throughout history? It seems so. A movement within the church today? I hope so.
From Kunwald, Bohemia to Herrnhut, Germany to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Downey, California, the intentionality of Moravian Christians was and is being rekindled. Within the context of what many deem “intentional Christian community” today, “intentional” means deliberateness of intimate and selfless relationship with others, striving to emulate Jesus of Nazareth (as did the early Christ-followers attested to in the book of Acts), and creatively making God’s kin(g)dom of mercy and love tangible for our neighbors. Conventional tendencies of North American Moravian congregational life today Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons serves the Moravian Church of Downey, Calif. She and her spouse (David) have co-founded an intentional Christian community (called the GAPS Community), based out of the Downey Moravian parsonage. You can learn more about the GAPS Community at <http://www.downey moravian.org/GAPS%20community.htm>. December 2010
don’t typically entail such intentionality. It’s time to look past some of our established ways of doing church and settle into more holistic, intentional ways of being the church in the world today. In 1457 a cluster of John Hus’ followers fled persecution from the established church of that time, finding sanctuary on the MoraviaBohemia border, in forests, caves, and cabins. It was there, in Kunwald, that the early Moravians first found true religious freedom. Theirs became an intentional Christian community manifesting the minimalism and vigor of Hus’ example, which entailed: primitive apostolic Christianity, a wide embrace of the poor and powerless, communally-shared material wealth, and a clear sense of mission. (continued on next page)
Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons
(continued from previous page) These early Moravians sought to live what Jesus Christ taught, upholding the “Law of Christ” (the Sermon on the Mount) as a community manifesto. It was in Kunwald that these early Moravians became known for their disciplined lives and Jesus-inspired simplicity. They gave up possessions and professions, setting themselves apart from culture and met one another’s needs in community. Early Moravians also understood “the church,” not as a religious institution and the buildings it occupies, but as Christ’s body: each other. They were intentional about nurturing their common life in ways supplemental to Sunday morning fellowship hours. And early Moravians gave themselves permission to eliminate useless religious ceremonies, to revive the discipline of living out their Christian faith and engaging in contemplative practices, both of which had been so long neglected in the realm of institutional church. These early Moravians were accused by the established church of their time of “innovation” and were thus tarnished.1 The Counter-Reformation of the 1500s forced scores of these innovative early Moravians to become refugees in foreign lands. They were collectively homeless and continued being essentially illegal as a church. In 1722 a cluster of transient Moravians sought protection on Count Zinzendorf’s land. After awhile, additional religious dissidents gathered with them on his estate. Collectively they constructed the rural, intentional Christian community of Herrnhut. 1
Geneva A. Bost, History of the Bohemian and Moravian Brethren, trans. & abridged ed. (London: Religious Tract Society, 1834), 42.
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This was the coming to fruition of the “hidden seed” that John Amos Comenius prayed would be preserved. Like Kunwald, the builders and residents of Herrnhut experimented in experiential, intentional Christian community — seeking to live like the early Christ-followers once again. Only a few decades after the inception of this intentional Christian community in Herrnhut, a group of Moravians braved the long sea voyage to America. Some settled in Georgia, and seventeen others in a cabin in the colony of Pennsylvania, which Zinzendorf named Bethlehem. Like in Kunwald and Herrnhut, this intentional community strove to reside in simplicity and service — endorsing a return to Christ-like minimalism and mission. We cannot brush off such practices of simple living, communal sharing of material wealth, and radically wide-embraced love as naive enthusiasm, destined to fizzle out or bring our denomination to ruin. Moravians have always dared to deviate from the norm. So, let’s not turn away apathetically in pursuit of attempted self-preservation. The cry of the (pre-)Reformation prophets and their 18th century predecessors to return to Christ and the early church echoes today. A resurgence of intentionality within Christian communities (including Moravians) is beginning to revitalize the North American Church today. We’re totally capable of realigning ourselves with the life of Christ manifested by the early Christ-followers and our Moravian forbearers. We just need a bit of transformation. Are you ready to make intentional Christian community a reality in North America? Will you join me in helping to fill in the gaps of what the institutional church struggles to be? ■ The Moravian
The Irresistible Revolution Living As An Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne Zondervan Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI. 2006. 368 pages. ISBN: 978-0310266303, Price $14.99
T he Irresistible Revolution: Living As An Ordinary Radical sits atop the list of books that I have encountered that have truly affected my daily life and faith. In the three years since I was first invited to “live the Revolution,” I am drawn in again and again to rediscover the places in my own life where I am too comfortable and need to be reminded of the radical call of Jesus — ”‘Loving God, Loving People and Following Jesus’ in our neighborhoods and world.” Shane writes, “Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life.” From Eastern College’s classrooms to the struggling streets in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood where he co-founded The Simple Way, Shane Claiborne lives the message and invites others to go and do likewise. Shane describes himself as a hillbilly from east Tennessee, and his writing comes from a place of deep, authentic faith in action. He tells story after story illustrating how the radical message of faith, love and hope in Jesus Christ, especially as it is lived out in community, changes our world for the better. His courageous example and willingness to December 2010
share about his own trials and triumphs provide inspiration to show how Christ’s call can be lived out in our 21st century world. Jesus’ call to live out the love and hope of the Gospel in our daily lives is a message for individuals, and the Church as a whole, to remember and allow this message to remember and re-form us. The Irresistible Revolution helps me to hear Scripture in new ways. It challenges me to find where I am too comfortable and comforts me with hope that “Another World Is Possible.” It’s a book that helps name some of the problems in our society and offers stories of people working for solutions that authentically share Christ’s love with the poor, the outcast, the strangers, and the enemies in our world. The Irresistible Revolution served as my introduction to the spiritual practice and lifestyle of intentional communities, and The Simple Way serves as an example of a new (continued on page 35) Book review by The Rev. Suzanne P. Miller, associate pastor at Raleigh Moravian Church, Raleigh, N.C. 27
INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY
Taking inspiration from a man in a tree Here’s a little story about man and a tree, and why that story makes all the difference to me… Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho, was a man that no one liked and that did lots of things that were harmful to others. So when Jesus came into town and sought out Zacchaeus, instead of the other more suitable candidates, it was shocking and unexpected. It wasn’t showy or miraculous, but it was a simple invitation to dinner that made the difference for Zacchaeus. The invitation to relationship with Jesus started to transform this man from the person no one cared for, into a person that cared for everyone. It is that transformation that I invite people to experience when they participate in the life of Zacchaeus’ Tree Congregation (formerly New Hope Community Church in Indianapolis, Ind.). As a community we are called to seek out those people who don’t believe they are The Rev. Rebecca Craver
included in what God is up to or who have been excluded by stereotypes, negative experiences in churches, or media distortions of “who” Christians are. We work together to live more like Jesus, and to follow in his footsteps, by making our faith an intentional journey towards building the kin(g)dom of God on earth. Our congregation is shaped by many of the ideals shared by leaders of intentional communities. Responding to their call to live in community and discover how God can use those relationships and complexities to shape the Christian witness, these leaders have many thoughts and challenges to offer to the established church and its developing congregations. Our church plant does not currently have in its development plan the creation of a livein community, but it is not divergent or impossible that the future may bring such a witness to our congregation. For now we are studying, praying, serving, worshiping and following the call to be a congregation of people who God seeks out to invite into relationship. The conversations that help build our vision for the community of faith are inspired, in part, by the lives of those people in the early church, early Moravian history and current leaders in intentional communities. They help us challenge the (continued on page 30) The Rev. Rebecca Craver is pastor of the Zacchaeus’ Tree Congregation in Indianapolis, Ind.
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INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY
Thoughts on Intentional Community Our Ground of the Unity states the characteristic fellowship as an essential feature of the Unity. Fellowship calls us into relationship, and not just as social acquaintances, but a sacrificial relationship with God and one another. What this means is that our church is called to open itself to relationship with those who are different, even those we might consider our enemies; it is through these relationships that God seeks to reconcile the world, drawing all people into Christ’s Body and making us whole. Does God call us to press on towards a goal of “membership” or “becoming a congregation” or is it possible that our gift to the world is to re-form our understanding of the church as a missional community? Does “new monasticism” and the concept of “missional community” call us to return to the roots of our tradition where we came into being as a church within a church, a concept referred to as “ecclesiolae in ecclesia”? The intent was not to challenge or change the existing structure, but to create something new from within that would exist alongside and in partnership with the established church. Instead of seeking to become a new church or denomination following its Re-Formation, the modern Moravian church understood itself as a gift to the greater church. If this was the gift of the “modern” Moravian church to the wider world, is there a new calling being asked of The Rev. Tracy Pryor is pastor of Covenant Moravian Church in Wilmington, N.C. December 2010
the “Post-Modern” Moravian church? Where is God calling us from here? Matthew 18:20, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Wherever we gather with others around God’s Word, Font and Table we are being re-formed by God as an expression of Christ’s Body. When this occurs, not only is Christ present but the Christian Church is there as well. Indeed, it may not look like the church we grew up in (or the church we didn’t grow up in) but it is nonetheless Christ’s Church. As diverse expressions of the Church, we are then called to live as witnesses to the transforming experience of reconciliation in the world. “Intentional Communities” are, in varied “intentional” ways, taking up the challenge of (continued on next page)
The Rev. Tracy Pryor
(continued from previous page)
A man in a tree (continued from page 28)
living into the chasm our society has created between social outreach and the ministry of Word, Font and Table. “Intentional communities” are living out the model of Acts 2:42-45 where the believers, “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Traditional expressions of congregational life and new representations such as “intentional communities” are called to live in fellowship, in relationship and unity with one another. Traditional congregations and new ways of being church are not called to competition with or judgment of one another. Instead, our Chief Elder calls us to encourage one another, live in sacrificial fellowship with one another and work together to become vibrant expressions of His Body in the world. Let us honor our past and engage in constant re-formation that takes place as we come together in fellowship around God’s Word, Font and Table. Perhaps then, our membership in the church becomes an understanding of membership and participation in a missional community. Our intercessory prayers might reflect and support the work of “local missionaries” both within and beyond the walls of our sanctuaries. As we share our challenges, disappointments and blessings with one another, we learn and grow in a spirit of fellowship, discipleship and unity. ■ 30
assumptions that church is a place to go rather than an invitation to be the Body of Christ in the world; that church must look like it always has in order to be the church; or that church is a place where we come when we know things rather than a place we come to ask questions and learn. I have met many people in my 18 months in Indianapolis who are looking for community. People who are dying for a place to ask questions, to find hope, and I believe to be told how much God loves them and wants to know them! I am heartbroken when I hear stories filled with hate, hostility and mistrust connected with their experience of the church, which often translates into their experience of God. I grew up in the church and have known such great and amazing love, forgiveness and hope — it is this church I hope to share with others. I hope to be unexpected in the same way that Jesus speaking to Zacchaeus was unexpected. I hope that our congregational life will live out Jesus’ hospitality and presence in the lives of those most unexpected people. There seem to be lots of people hanging around in trees in every community in the world, wanting to see Jesus. I believe that it is our invitation as believers to call out to them and invite them to the table for the bread of life and the blood of grace. So at Zacchaeus’ Tree we intentionally seek to be a community that embraces the call to find those people who seem to be furthest from Christ and invite them to learn with us what Jesus meant when he came to give life and to give it abundantly — right now and forever more. ■ The Moravian
UNITY
MESSAGE TO THE UNITY from the Unity Board
The bi-annual Moravian Church Worldwide
Unity Board meeting was held near Calgary, Alberta, Canada October 1-8, 2010. The Rev. Dr. Paul Gardner of Jamaica, president of the Unity Board, provides a summary of this meeting: Members of the Unity Board were graciously welcomed by the warm hospitality of the Canadian District of the America North Province of our worldwide unity. We bring you greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose presence we experienced powerfully throughout our deliberations. In the midst of Bible study, prayer and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, we prayed for the people of the worldwide church, and sought to be led by the Holy Spirit into Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future for our church. The theme of the meeting was: In All Things Love: Mission as our Common Heritage. The deliberations gave witness that we are a church of mission, and when all things are conducted in love, our common heritage will continue to inspire to bring forward the work of the Chief Elder. After holy conversation and heartfelt testimony from two brothers of the Czech Province, the Unity Board officially removed all sanctions imposed on the Czech Province and welcomed our brothers and sisters back into full relationship with the Board as a Unity Province. Our brothers acknowledged, with contrition, their part in the discord that has separated the province from the Unity December 2010
Undertaking in the Czech Republic. Amidst tears of celebration, we received promises of communication between the two groups, and recognition of the rightful place within the unity of both expressions of the Moravian Church in the Czech Republic. We also heard witness of the painful and ongoing division within the Honduran Province and the Unity Undertaking in that country. Leaders of both the Honduran and Nicaraguan provinces were present to share their perspectives about the need for open communication and the hope for ministry activities that would promote mutual participation. We clarified that the American (continued on next page)
The Rev. Dr. Paul Gardner, president of the Unity Board
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(continued from previous page) Board of World Mission was particularly responsible for the Unity Undertaking, now known as A Ministry of the Moravian Church in Honduras. However, it was also noted that the Board of World Mission would encourage ministries in both the Honduran Province and the Ministry. After careful deliberation and with a deep sense of respect for widely differing opinions on the issue, a resolution was passed clarifying the action of Unity Synod in 2002 and 2009 regarding homosexuality. The moratorium on legislation imposed in 2002 was lifted. The board will ask the Standing Committee on Theology to map the differing views on the issue, their theological and cultural background as well as the legal considerations within the provinces and to provide resources for provinces to hold conversations on pastoral care to homosexuals. This Committee will be directed to offer a report to the Unity Board meeting in 2012. These resources will be offered to provinces to do with them as they see fit. To allow provinces an opportunity to absorb this information, the Unity Board is asking all provinces to refrain from making any legislation on the issue until after the Unity Board meeting in 2014. It is with joy that we report that the following areas were officially recognized as Mission Areas: Sierra Leone, Zanzibar, South Asia (formerly North India), and Ruvuma and Njombe (in Tanzania). The following Mission Provinces requested to be identified as full Unity Provinces: Eastern Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika, Malawi, Northern Tanzania, and Zambia. Delegations from the Unity Board 32
will visit these mission provinces and bring a report and recommendation back to the Unity Executive Committee meeting in 2011, whereupon decisions will be made. The Province of D. R. Congo was officially recognized as a Unity Province. A number of other important issues, including the finances of the Unity, reports from all Unity Provinces, Mission Provinces
We are thankful to God as the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit continues to empower Moravians throughout the world to reach out to their neighbors with the Good News of Jesus Christ. and Mission Areas were on the agenda. Follow-up on the resolutions of the Unity Synod 2009 was also discussed. Brother Paul Gardner (Jamaica, Caribbean Region) was elected to his second two-year term as President of the Unity Board and Brother Frieder Vollprecht (European Continental Province, European Region) was elected to his second term as Vice-President of the Board. Sister Elizabeth Miller (Northern Province, North American Region) was elected as member of the Executive Committee. The election of the member of the Executive Committee representing the African Region will take place shortly. Further, the following members were elected for the Standing Committee on Theology: Caribbean Region: Rev. Dr. Conrad The Moravian
Spencer, EWI and Rev. Gary Gardiner, Jamaica; North American Region: Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman, America North and Rev. Dr. Worth Green, America South; from the African Region: Rev. Elize Thienssen, South Africa; one member from Tanzania is still to be elected. The European Region will be represented by Rev. Benigna Carstens, ECP and Rev. Philip Cooper, British Province. We are thankful to God as the Lord’s Spirit continues to empower Moravians throughout the world to reach out to their neighbors with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We pray that you will join with us as we seek to be faithful servants of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE New Carrollton, Maryland Sister Tammie L. Rinker, who has been serving as pastor of the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Trinity Moravian Church, New Carrollton, Md. Sr. Rinker was installed into her new work Nov. 21, 2010. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
Submitted on behalf of The Unity Board by Paul Gardner (Rev. Dr.), President
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CORRECTION Sister E. Christine “Christy” Clore should have been listed as Associate Pastor of Young Adult Ministry in the October 2010 issue of The Moravian.
December 2010
Presbyterial Consecration Sister Judy Knopf was consecrated a presbyter on Nov. 14, 2010 at Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Kernersville, N.C. Bishop Lane Sapp officiated. Moravia Moravian Church Brother Russell Williams, a 2010 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Moravia Moravian Church beginning Dec. 1, 2010. Brother Williams was ordained by Bishop Sam Gray on Nov. 28, at his home church, Trinity Moravian Church. He will be installed at Moravia on Dec. 5. He is married to the former Jessica Rhyne. Please join in prayer for God’s blessing upon Russ and Jessica and the Moravia congregation. D. Wayne Burkette, Provincial Elders’ Conference 33
A cool drink of water (continued from page 10) of September 1, so we really had to get moving to present this to our congregation.” Kernersville’s pastor Don Winters agreed to present the challenge on Sunday morning at both services. The committee would supply bottled water between services which the congregation could obtain and make an offering. On Sunday morning, the committee set up a table in the fellowship hall with Clean Water Project information. A pot was filled with bottled water representing the way some people have to gather their water. Pastor Don presented the challenge by asking the congregation if they had ever been so thirsty that they needed a cool drink of water. Upon entering their home, they find that the tap is dry. They then go to the local stream or river to fill their pot with water and find little wiggly things swimming in it. Then they place the pot on their head to carry it back home which could be 100 yards or as much as 3-6 miles. “This illustration touched the hearts of everyone at KMC,” says Joe. “We collected $2,145, nearly double the challenged amount of $1,100. The following Sunday Pastor Winters challenged the congregation a second time to raise the additional amount of $480 needed for a second well. The congregation responded with an awesome amount exceeding $1,500! Once again our
congregation responded generously, and it looked like we would be able to purchase a second well.” “However, when we finally counted all the donations that were received, the final amount totaled more than $6,600. Now that is what I call awesome! Kernersville Moravian Church will now be purchasing three wells for the Clean Water Project. A fire was surely stirring among our membership, showing the work of the Divine Holy Spirit of God in the lives of the members of Kernersville Moravian Church.” “If you could have only seen how the donations were just coming in, it was unbelievable,” continues Joe. “It was truly amazing how God moved among the congregation. I was sitting in church and a member handed me a check. I was attending a church social and another member walked up to me and handed me a check. Our total kept changing on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.” “This project has been such a wonderful experience for me, and I saw how God moves within each of us. I am so proud of our congregation, not only for this project, but for the way they support our mission projects throughout the year. As said in Acts 20:35, “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ■ 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 are available by contacting Siobhan Young at the Communication Office.
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Revolution (continued from page 27) monastic community <www.thesimple way.org>. Shane speaks to both communities and the church that we need one another, because “We can do more together than we can do alone.” The Irresistible Revolution invites each of us to consider becoming an Ordinary Radical and join the movement to be the Church in the abandoned, forgotten, and ordinary places in our world. “There is a movement bubbling up that goes beyond cynicism and celebrates a new way of living, a generation that stops complaining about the church it sees and becomes the church it dreams of. And this little revolution is irresistible. It is a contagious revolution that dances, laughs, and loves.” ■
December 2010
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2010 INDEX OF THE MORAVIAN
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The Moravian
December 2010
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The Moravian
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