Moravian Magazine December 2015

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Making Bold Choices Bringing a Brother Home Scenes of Christmas And more!

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The year through a Moravian lens Introducing the new Images of the Moravian Church Calendar, a unique 12-month 2016 wall calendar with full-page photos of Moravian traditions, events and locations. Calendar pages include key Moravian festival days along with U.S. and Canada holidays.

Produced by the Moravian Church IBOC, this coil-bound calendar opens to 11” wide x 17” tall and is printed on heavy paper that’s easy to write on. $12 each.

To order your 2016 Images of the Moravian Church Calendar, visit store.moravian.org or call 1-800-732-0591, ext. 38.

On the cover: Red paper-trimmed beeswax candles await their shining moment in a Christmas Eve Lovefeast. Photo by Mike Riess

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Making Bold Choices Bringing a Brother Home Scenes of Christmas

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And more!

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

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In Our Congregations 5 Painting captures moment in history of Graceham Moravian Church 10 Scarecrows demonstrate Waconia Moravian core value Comenius Learning Series 7 Session encourages Moravians to make bold choices for Christ Moravians in Mission 11 Sharing reflections on mission in Peru 24 Special Section: Blessed to Be a Blessing: Gifts of Change

Member, Associated Church Press

Provincial Elders’ Conference 13 Northern and Southern Provinces meet jointly for annual discussions Moravian History 15 After 60 years, a bishop’s brother returns home Full Communion 20 15 years of following our Shepherd into full communion

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 2015

In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: When Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas 22 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Covenant for Christian Living, Part X 27 Official Provincial Elders’ News 28 2015 Index of The Moravian 3

PONDERINGS

When Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas I have a soft spot for Christmas specials. I grew up with “the clas-

sics”—Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch—but by far my favorite Christmas special is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Among the many stories of snowmen and Santas and reindeer came this simple, poignant reminder of what Christmas all about.

Throughout the cartoon, Charlie Brown laments on how the world seems to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. His disillusionment grows until, frustrated by how his Christmas pageant is being co-opted, he shouts, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!?” To which his friend Linus answers, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He walks to the center of the stage, asks for a spotlight, and quotes Luke 2:8-14: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (KJV) Wow. A simple scene that really stood out then…and holds up remarkably well today. I can’t think of any other time from my childhood—or today for that matter—when I’ve heard a popular Christmas special lay it out quite so succinctly.

I still pause on those other specials from my childhood when I see them on TV. I remember the Who’s down in Whoville, Burgermeister Meister Burger, the Island of Misfit Toys. But for me, it’s just not Christmas until I hear Linus step to the microphone at center stage to share the story of Christ’s birth. Now, if only in the next version, Schroeder and Lucy could perform “Morning Star” with a beeswax candle…

All of us at The Moravian Magazine wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and all the best for the coming year.

Peace,

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(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) December Vol. 46, No. 10 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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

Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Terri Bischoff Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Ginny Tobiassen Peggy Carter Jane Weber Gary Kniskern Jill Westbrook

Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. 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 © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Painting captures moment in history of Graceham Moravian Church In the light and fragrance of a trimmed bees-

wax candle, award-winning artist Rebecca Pearl recently completed a historic portrait of Graceham Moravian Church entitled, “‘Morning Star’ Graceham Moravian Church, 1892.”

The Graceham Moravian Church was organized in 1758. The current building—a combination parsonage, church and school—was erected in 1797, with a sanctuary added in 1822. The painting shows the Church in the original red brick, prior to a change to white stucco in 1942, and several later additions.

Before beginning “Morning Star,” Ms. Pearl read A History of Graceham and watched a

Moravian Christmas Homecoming video created by the congregation. She was intrigued by the beauty and simplicity of Moravian traditions and architecture, and in particular, by the spiritual significance of the joining of home and sanctuary.

Speaking of her experience, Ms. Pearl said, “This was far more than just doing a painting of a building. This work of art was conceived (continued on next page) The Rev. Sue Koenig is pastor of Graceham Moravian Church in Thurmont, Md.

Artist Rebecca Pearl with her painting of Graceham.

(continued from previous page) with the great help, love and support of Pastor Sue Koenig and the parishioners. The collaboration gave me an insight and education of the history of Moravians from centuries ago to present time, especially at the Graceham Moravian Church in Maryland. I had no idea of the gentle simplicity and deep faith in the ‘Lamb’ of God by these people. I love the magic of the Moravian Star and the beautiful symbol it carries. I was not alone while accomplishing this painting, guided by the light of our Lord and members of this very charming historic church.”

Ms. Pearl met with members of the congregation in the church’s Heritage Room, sharing faith beliefs, practices and traditions of the Moravian Church, looking at photographs and images of postcards from the late 1800s from the church’s records, and other items provided by the congregation and the Moravian Archives. The Joint Board, with input from the congregation, suggested the Christmas Eve setting. (Portraits of the present-day 6

church in spring were painted by artist Rebecca Bennett, daughter of the Rev. Warren and Mrs. Doris Wenger as a gift for the congregation’s 250th Anniversary in 2008.)

Ms. Pearl’s painting was unveiled at the formal opening of a new Main Street Center in Thurmont, Maryland in early November and was well-received by guests gathered in a festive atmosphere. The Main Street Center is the same building that was Thurmont Moravian Church, built in 1874. The Thurmont Moravian Church was one of eight churches included in a second painting unveiled the same evening by Ms. Pearl entitled the “Spires of Mechanicstown.” Thurmont was known as Mechanicstown until 1894. The Thurmont Moravian Church closed in 1918.

“Morning Star” captures the beauty and serenity of a Moravian Christmas Eve, as worshipers leave the sanctuary and children carry the “Light of Christ” out into the world. A magnificent sky, a Moravian Star on the porch of the Gemeinhaus and candles glowing offer details that fill the painting with the joy of Christmas. Other details, such as the Moravian seal, the Spring House and cemetery, add depth and meaning to the painting, even as one’s eye is drawn to the light illuminating the distinctive Moravian belfry.

Ms. Pearl is graciously giving a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the prints to the Graceham congregation; in turn, the congregation will use the funds received to support ministries and services in the community.

Prints of Ms. Pearl’s painting, “‘Morning Star’ Graceham Moravian Church 1892” are available in two sizes (14”x18” and “12x17”) at $95 and $55 respectively. A few larger prints (22”x30”) are available on request at $175. Ms. Pearl may be contacted at rebeccapearl123@gmail.com. ■ The Moravian

COMENIUS LEARNING SERIES

Session encourages Moravians to make bold choices for Christ On

a chilly, rainy Saturday, you wouldn’t expect to find a group of people gathered to learn about Moravian history. But on this dreary day inside Clemmons Moravian Church in Clemmons, N.C., it was warm and bright with hospitality and inspiration as 65 people gathered for the Comenius Learning Series, “Martyrs, Exiles and Missionaries: Making Bold Choices for Christ,” sponsored by the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries (BCM).

The event provided a learning conversation about the difficulties faced by our Moravian

Joyce Carter is a member of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photos by Andrew David Cox of the Board of Cooperative Ministries. Photo below: Bishop Sam Gray discusses Moravian missions today with attendees at the Comenius Learning Series at Clemmons Moravian Church.

forebears and how modern-day Moravians can build each other up in faith, hope and love. In promoting the event, the BCM wrote, “As the Unitas Fratrum faces difficult challenges in the 21st century, it is helpful to recognize that our church has often faced destruction boldly and found new ways to serve as ambassadors of Christ.”

Poking holes in myths Dr. Thomas Fudge, a leading expert on Jan Hus and visiting professor at Moravian Theological Seminary, started the day off by poking holes in many of the myths we hold about Hus. According to Fudge, Hus wasn’t the first to translate the Bible into Czech, he didn’t start congregational singing and he (unlike the pictures we have in our churches) was most likely short, clean-shaven and pudgy!

Yet, when Dr. Fudge had drawn a more complete and accurate portrait of Hus, we came away even more impressed and appreciative of his contributions to history and our Unity. (continued on next page)

Top: The Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood. Middle: A panel discussion.

Bottom: Dr. Thomas Fudge.

(continued from previous page) Dr. Fudge then challenged us to look at ourselves, our congregations and our denomination in order to answer the question, “Are we followers of Hus?” Hus was a reformer. He believed that reform must be embraced as a permanent part of the church’s identity and practice. He wanted the church to return to the church of Acts: a bold church, a pilgrim church.

Hus felt there was always “more.” Too often we become a church of “settlers”—we who have found something want to stay there and believe that we have all we need. Hus is calling the church then and now to be a “pilgrim” church—a body of Christ that keeps going, realizing that we have not yet arrived and that there is always more.

We were challenged in this lecture to reembrace our spiritual heritage; to not be insular from the world, to seek out new missions and opportunities, always keeping Christ at our center. The Light—and bearing it—is both the challenge and calling of today.

Making bold choices then…

Seamlessly, the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, associate professor of Moravian Theology and Ministry and director of the Center for Moravian Studies at Moravian Theological Seminary, ran us through 600 years of Moravian history to reflect how the church made bold choices throughout its timeline.

From Gregory the Patriarch and the Kunvald exiles, through the Bohemian Brethren and the virtual destruction of the Unity, to Comenius, Zinzendorf and the great missionaries of the early church, we learned how our denomination has always strived to be a pilgrim church. We educated the poor and 8

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After hearing of missions past, Br. Gray told us of the missionaries of today—bold, courageous, sacrificial men and women in Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua, Peru, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Albania and other places.

women, almost from our earliest incarnation. We reached out and ministered to the despised and rejected people of the world.

We followed where the Holy Spirit leads us, often at great cost and controversy, faithful to God’s leading. We have been a people of exile, without a stable home until more recent times, and we have always been willing to be sacrificial in going where we are needed.

We have welcomed the traveler, the lost, the stranger, the despised, because in our history, we have been all of those.

Br. Atwood urged us to embrace that this is the church we have inherited: a church that has a close relationship with our Chief Elder, Jesus; that reaches out in love to all; that makes no distinctions between each other; and that sings! …and bold choices now After a magnificent lunch provided by the Clemmons Youth, we settled in for the final presentation by Bishop Sam Gray: how are we making bold choices for Christ today?

After hearing of missions past, Br. Gray told us of the missionaries of today—bold, courageous, sacrificial men and women in Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua, Peru, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Albania and other places.

These are places where life is hard, often dangerous, and the task is difficult. According to Br. Gray, God raises up bold people for such times as these! He also talked of missions closer to home: Manna Ministries of the Southern Province; “Come and Worship,” a coffeehouse December 2015

church ministering to those who have not found a home in traditional congregations; and Anthony’s Plot, an intentional Christian Community, reaching out to neighborhoods and leading the way in the community response to homelessness. These and other emerging ministries are assisted by the Cornerstone Fund— a fund created at the 2014 Southern Province Synod to “put our money where our Motto is.”

Br. Gray challenged us to take a bold step of faith, leave those things behind which are hindering us, and set out on the journey, following our Savior. He said, “Seek then, listen to, teach, love, hold onto, defend!”

Panel discussion A panel discussion with the three presenters followed Br. Gray’s talk. We were all left with the knowledge of our rich history of personal sacrifice and dedication to ministry where called. Dr. Fudge’s final words, speaking of Moravians past, present and future, continue to resonate with me: “Don’t get into a position where you have fewer brothers and sisters than God has sons and daughters.” In light of recent world events, these words hold even more significance for the Church.

Following our closing worship, Bishop Gray’s prayer and exhortation that we continue to BE the Church and put our hearts where our motto is, sent us from the warmth of fellowship back into a world in need of the Light and Love of Christ!

Thanks to the BCM for a fruitful Comenius Learning Event! ■ 9

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Scarecrows demonstrate Waconia Moravian core value This fall, eight life-sized scarecrows gathered around a bright yellow sign that reads: “Waconia Moravian Church—In Essentials, Unity; in Non-essentials, Liberty; And in all things, Love.”

From left to right there is a Democrat, a Republican, a police officer, a “Black Lives Matter” activist, a pastor, a gay pride person, a Vikings fan and a Packers fan— and they are all holding hands. This display was part of a city-wide annual scarecrow contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Our Joint Board discussed this scarecrow idea presented by one of our youth group leaders, Kim Breeden (and executed by our Carver County Moravian Senior youth group and our Middlers youth group), and decided

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that it met our first core value of Respecting Theological and Political Diversity.

The core value reads: “As a church committed to the essential belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we recognize and respect theological and political diversity. We seek to provide a communal space where people of passionate faith and mind may not agree, but will walk together in love and will seek to nurture each other with honesty and authenticity.” (continued on page 14) The Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman is pastor of Waconia Moravian Church in Waconia, Minn.

The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Sharing reflections on mission in Peru This past spring, a fresh new relationship began to blossom… and bear fruit! The Northern Province took on the responsibility of supervising the Peru Moravian Mission Area.

In the past few months, Moravians from Peru and North America have accompanied each other in many ways as they have entered into this fruitful endeavor.

The four Moravian congregations in Peru began as house churches. Church members and leaders offered their homes for the ministry of the church. But it was soon evident that they needed room to grow. An appeal was made to churches in North America and many Moravians responded. Now all four congregations (two in Lima and two in Chiclayo, which is in northern Peru) have been able to rent suitable space for worship gatherings and for their ministries in the community.

In the “Somos Uno” (We Are One) congregation in Lima, the added space means that there is room for more children. Rev. Manuel Verástegui’s daughter, Eunice Sofia, teaches children from the Manco Inca neighborhood of Lima about Jesus through Bible stories, songs, games, dance and arts and crafts. They are glad to have room to move around as well as room to grow.

During the past year, BWM representatives (Executive Director, Judy Ganz, and Director of New Work, Sam Gray) and Northern Province President, Betsy Miller, visited Peru and met with leaders to talk about the various aspects of the relationship (Ed. note: see the May issue of the Moravian for an article on that trip). During that visit, Peru Moravian Mission Area President, Christopher Valencia, December 2015

extended an open invitation to North American Moravians to accompany the Mission Area by being physically present with them or through financial or spiritual support.

In September, the Rev. Darryl Bell and his “team of two” (Sam Schneider and Caitlyn Mischnick) spent some time with Moravians in all four Peruvian congregations. They took part in worship services and also worked on some projects to improve the rented spaces and help to adapt them for use as worship and ministry centers. (continued on next page) The Rt. Rev. Sam Gray is director of new work for the Board of World Mission. For additional opportunities to serve, visit www.moravianmission.org. Photos by Caitlyn Mischnick.

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(continued from previous page) Here are some reflections on that time from Darryl and Caitlyn: Darryl: “Our three team members met for the first time at the airport in Chicago, and as we were returning home we said, ‘It seems like we’ve known one another for years.’

“We grew very close to one another and to the people we met in Peru. We spent the first part of the week in Lima with Pastors Ana Maria and Manuel and their people. Worship was powerful, lively and with a clear sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“Later we moved on to Chiclayo where we engaged with Pastors Christopher and Walter and their congregations. Worship in each church was distinctive, yet all enthusiastically focused on praising the Lord. One used recorded music, another sang mostly a cappella. Another used a single guitar, and the fourth had a praise band. The people we met are clearly devoted to Jesus Christ and often make great sacrifices to serve him.

“The construction projects we went to do were accomplished, but they were secondary to the relationships that were formed.

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Sometimes speaking across two languages was a challenge, but we were always able to communicate. It wasn’t until our final evening there that we discovered Google Translate!

Our hearts are full, and the number of our Facebook friends has jumped dramatically as we return to life in the USA.” Caitlyn: “Our new Peruvian family will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Praising with them showed us a new understanding of true faith and dedication to Christ. It amazes me how one single act of God can come to change someone’s life.

“While in Peru we had opportunities to do construction projects for the churches, but these were never first priority to them. Our hosts truly just wanted to sit and talk with us.

The difference in language was difficult, but did not seem to matter as we spoke of our testimonies and walks with Christ.

“We shared our journeys, struggles, families, hopes and dreams, and in seven days we made life-long friendships. I hope to see my brothers and sisters again soon, but until then I pray for their health, happiness and growing faith as they follow God’s plans for them—for us.” ■

The Moravian

PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ CONFERENCE

Northern and Southern Provinces meet jointly for annual discussions

Members of the Provincial Elders’ Confer-

ences of the Northern and Southern Provinces gathered in Bethlehem, Pa. in October for their annual meeting. While having no legislative authority, members of the two PECs came together to share mutual joys and concerns, explore ways to collaborate to more faithfully bear witness to God’s love in the world and to listen to leaders of those agencies that serve both provinces.

As an interprovincial gathering, the 12 members in attendance received reports from church agencies that work in both provinces, including the Board of World Mission and the Moravian Music Foundation. The PEC members also met with Frank Crouch from Moravian Theological Seminary, Mike Riess from the Interprovincial Board of Communication and Paul McLaughlin from Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. The conversations were rich as we explored how we might find ways to share resources to better communicate what we do and why we do it.

Discussions with Frank centered around

December 2015

theological education and ways to invite people sensing a call to ministry into a process that will form them for various ministry settings in our provinces. As some congregations shrink in size, might there be ways to deploy theologically trained leaders who may not have a three-year Master of Divinity degree?

In talking with Paul, we asked, “How might the Ministries Foundation encourage interested donors to support various causes throughout the provinces, including provincial operations? And how might we use our personnel to connect donors with needs?”

And we spoke with Mike Riess about ways to tell our story in more compelling ways that will reach a wider audience. One topic included questions about what information (continued on next page) Submitted by The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller and the Rev. David Guthrie. The Northern and Southern Province PECs meet together once each year. Photos by Mike Riess, IBOC. 13

Scarecrows

(continued from page 10)

(continued from previous page) should—and should not—be on public websites, and what information could be on a secure portal to better inform our congregational leaders of resources and opportunities?

As always, we are grateful to the leaders and staff of all of our interprovincial agencies. Without them, our capacity to do ministry would be severely limited.

When our agency heads departed, PEC members explored best practices in the areas of health care and benefits, along with pension support for our retired clergy. Might there be ways to collaborate that would enrich our capacities without diminishing our autonomy? With new administrative staff in both provinces, there may be new opportunities for shared resources that would better serve our clergy and lay staff.

Throughout our time together, we were blessed by the presence of Br. Hans Becklin, a representative of the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), one of our full communion partners.

His presence both blessed and informed our work together.

During the course of our meetings, we were able to worship in various Moravian congregations in Bethlehem. We are grateful to Moravian Theological Seminary for hosting our meetings. ■ 14

The Joint Board understood that some of the scarecrows might start a conversation, and while that conversation might be risky it would be welcome. However, the Joint Board agreed that the display was not about just one scarecrow, it was about having all of them standing together, all of them holding hands. That is our church. That is the visual of our church.

And it is neither something we hide, nor is it something we are embarrassed about.

We have people in the church who stand passionately on various pivot points of a variety of political, economic and social issues and yet there are times in worship where we are all invited to stand up and hold hands as we sing a hymn. Our scarecrows did that for us publicly on a daily basis, come rain or shine.

On the first day we installed the scarecrows, a small boy walking with his mother stopped and stared up at the Viking scarecrow and then gave him a big hug because they were wearing the same shirt! A short time later a stranger on his phone was overheard to say: “You have to see this! They have a Republican and a Democrat holding hands!”

Our youth are proud of their hard work building a sturdy and thought-provoking display of their church’s core values. While we are not sure we will win the competition (we haven’t won in the past 3 years…) (Ed. note: they didn’t this year either…), we may start a conversation about a white “Black Lives Matter” activist holding hands with a black police officer, not to mention a Vikings Fan handin-hand with a Packers fan. These conversations on what truly unites us will be worth the work. ■ The Moravian

MORAVIAN HISTORY

After 60 years, a bishop’s brother returns home In August, the Rt. Rev. Graham Rights and his family put his brother George to rest.

George died while serving in Korea in 1951, yet it was only in 2015—64 years later— that the family received closure on the case. What follows is Bishop Rights’ story of bringing his brother home…

George Rights grew up as the eldest child

of the Rev. Douglas Rights and Cecil Burton Rights. He actually was their second child, the first having lived only one day. There was great joy with his arrival on February 19, 1928. His baptism, administered by Bishop Edward Rondthaler using water from the Holy Land, took place at Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, where George’s father served as pastor.

George attended Central School at the junction of Church and Race Streets at the foot of Salem, a mile and a quarter from his home. George walked to school and back, a prelude to greater distances as he grew older. In his late teens, George would walk to such places as Pilot Mountain, High Point, Mocksville, Elkin and North Wilkesboro, setting out with some carrots wrapped in a raincoat under his arm.

George’s high school years were spent at James A. Gray High School where he learned

December 2015

to love Latin and played JV football. His fondness for Latin may have been the cause of his occasional injection of big words into a conversation. During these years he also developed a focus on healthy practices of eating and exercising. He enjoyed keeping pet ducks in the back yard. He took piano lessons and in his playing showed a particular fondness for the music of Chopin. He was the family wood chopper, working in the parsonage basement to produce kindling for the kitchen stove and fireplaces. During summers he worked with the crew tending God’s Acre Moravian Grave(continued on next page) The Rt. Rev. Graham Rights is a bishop of the Moravian Unity living in WinstonSalem, N.C. He cites several sources for this article, 1including VFW Magazine – February 2001; 2Huey Harris in article

by Leo Copeland in the Seminole [Texas] Sentinel, Nov. 10, 2013; on web site: http:/www.etypeservices.synology.me/ etypes/sentinel11/Magazine38860/ Publication/Magazine38860.pdf; Mary Helm, author of a forthcoming book on the Hoengsong Massacre; and http://www. koreanwar-educator.org/memoirs/volpone_ jim/index.htm.

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Top: Bishop Rights receives the remains of his brother George.

Middle: With a portrait of Right’s father, the Rev. Douglas Rights.

Bottom: A visit to the parsonage where George Rights grew up.

(continued from previous page) yard in Salem.

After high school, George attended Clemson College in the Army Specialized Training Program, which prepared students for military service. He then enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corps. George didn’t want to be a pilot or a “grease monkey,” and so he chose to serve as a weather observer at Davis-Monthan Field in Tucson, Arizona. After 18 months in uniform, he returned home with the rank of corporal. In the fall of 1947 he entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying there for three years with particular emphasis on mathematics and business administration.

Serving in Korea In September 1950, George re-enlisted in the Army and on the 25th of the month, exactly three months after the beginning of the Korean War, he left home for 60 days of training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before being sent to the Far East. His outfit stopped briefly in Japan and then landed in Korea during the disastrous retreat in the fall of 1950.

After launching their invasion, the North Koreans had pushed the South Koreans down to a small area called the Pusan Perimeter.

General Douglas McArthur, who had been appointed commander of the United Nations Forces that came to South Korea’s aid, then executed a bold maneuver on September 15, by invading at Inchon, on the west coast near the South Korean capital of Seoul, far back behind the front lines. Now the allies had the initiative and pushed the North Koreans back almost to the Yalu River on their border with China, whereupon, in late October and into 16

The Moravian

November, Chinese forces began to storm into North Korea and drive the allies southward.

It was at this point that George arrived in Korea, landing at Inchon two months after the invasion there and went by car to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. There, in early December, he was assigned to the 15th Field Artillery Battalion attached to the Second Division.

By late December the Second Division had moved into the vicinity of Wonju, in the center of South Korea near the border with North Korea. In late January and early February he writes home about missions from his battalion to the recently retaken Wonju airfield and to areas beyond Wonju and about being on machine gun guard duty at night.

An article in the Veterans of Foreign Wars magazine by Gary Tubak has described the setting for what happened to his unit next: In early February, with the Chinese offensive stalled, U.N. commanders prepared a counter assault across the center of the Korean peninsula. This time, however, Republic of Korea (ROK) troops were to do the bulk of the fighting—with elements of various U.S. infantry, artillery and other units supporting them.

The notion of Americans supporting ROK troops was very much an experiment— one U.S. military leaders later regretted.

What U.N. commanders didn’t know was that Communist forces also were launching a major offensive and had moved four Chinese and two North Korean divisions into the area north of the village of Hoengsong [which was a short distance north of Wonju]. On Feb. 11, ROKs tangled with Communist forces, quickly disintegrating the planned South Korean offensive.

At one point, GIs of the supporting 15th Field Artillery (FA) Battalion (2nd Division) December 2015

[George’s unit] encamped for the night, relying on ROK infantry for protection. When the Chinese attacked in the dark, the South Koreans fled. The enemy swarmed over the U.S. position. Some 204 artillerymen ultimately died, resulting in one of the most concentrated losses of American lives in the entire war, according to Joseph Gould in “Korea: The Untold Story.”1 One survivor reported, “at about midnight, the Red Chinese army attacked in thousands, blowing trumpets and shouting…. They came from everywhere, a seemingly endless stream, we were vastly outnumbered.”2 One writer estimates that of the total allied forces involved, Americans alone suffered nearly 1500 casualties in roughly 30 hours.

Seven months later, in a letter dated September 19, the department of the Army notified my parents that “your son became missing in action 13 February 1951 while his unit was breaking an enemy roadblock in the vicinity of Hoengsung [sic], South Korea.” Actually, he was among the several hundred prisoners who were captured in the Hoengsong Massacre and then taken on a march to the north.

A prisoner of war The march and time as a prisoner were very difficult. In an account written by a member of the Second Division Infantry, James Junior Volpone, who was captured the same day as George described being marched for days without food or water, and when they finally stopped to rest were given meager rations and poor sleeping conditions. POWs were getting sick from the conditions; those who dropped out of the lines were shot. The camps were bombed and machine-gunned by Allied forces.

Many of those prisoners did not make it back. (continued on next page) 17

(continued from previous page) George’s family, of course, was unaware of what was happening to him during this time.

When the war finally ended in a stalemate and an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, prisoners began to be released and return home. Our family stayed up nights listening to broadcasts giving the names of returning soldiers, hoping to hear George’s name. That was not to be, however, and in January 1954, the Department of the Army wrote to the family that, based on reports from returning persons who had been with George, he had died in a prison camp of malnutrition sometime in May, 1951—three months after his capture.

My father obtained information about the identities of some who had been with George and corresponded with them, traveling for personal visits with two, one in Baltimore and one in Farmville, Virginia. Roosevelt Lund, who had been with George on the march and in the same room at the camp, told my father, “Your son and I were not in the same outfit but we became close friends after we were captured…. He was very meek and friendly.

George read his Bible, talked about his family and his mother’s apple pie. He didn’t eat much. The food was poor…. He was sick most of the time.”

Gray Norman, another who knew my brother, wrote, “I knew George. We met after we were captured in 1951. And the last time I saw George was in May 1951, when I was sent to another camp.”

As the years passed, members of the family looked forward to the possibility that some day George’s remains might be recovered and returned home. The Department of Defense held briefings for families of POWs and MIAs periodically and when they were in our area, 18

we sometimes attended. We also donated DNA to help with possible identification. Hope of any return faded, particularly as relations of our Government with the North Korean Government worsened and the U.S. no longer sent teams to North Korea to recover remains.

Finding a brother On Wednesday, July 8 of this year, however, my elder sister, Eleanor Rights Roller of Roanoke, Virginia, as George’s next of kin, received a telephone call from Karen Johnson at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Ft. Knox, Ky., who told her that remains of George had been identified and were to be returned to the family. Eleanor called me and, somewhat incredulous, I asked for the woman’s number and gave her a call. She confirmed the news by telling me the DNA of the remains matched on the mother’s side the DNA that Eleanor gave about 12 years ago and on the father’s side DNA that I gave at the same time and that my nephew John provided last year at a Defense Department briefing in Charlotte. She indicated that the remains were part of 208 caskets of remains dug up from prison camps, battlefields and crash sites by the North Korean Government and handed over to the US between 1991 and 1994. George’s remains were received in 1992—23 years ago. All these were taken to the military cemetery in Honolulu, called the “Punchbowl” Cemetery because it lies in a volcanic crater. There is a laboratory there that works on identification of remains.

After much coordinating of schedules to allow the family to gather for a burial, the date was finally set for Sunday, August 9, 2015. Two days earlier, my daughter, Susie, and her teenage children, Ian and Anissa; son John G. (now pastor at Kernersville The Moravian

At right: The burial service for George Rights at God’s Acre in Old Salem.

Moravian Church); nephew John D. (now pastor at Konnoak Hills Moravian Church) and I went to the airport to receive the remains. We were taken into a security waiting room until the flight arrived bringing the remains from Honolulu.

After the arrival, we were taken out to the ladder where baggage is taken up and down. A color guard from Ft. Bragg stood at the foot of the ladder and two soldiers emerged from the airplane, one carrying the urn with George’s remains and the other following with the flag.

We received urn and flag, and I turned to the family and said, “Let’s take him home.”

Taking George home We first went to Trinity Moravian Church, his church home for all of his life. We entered the sanctuary and placed the urn on the communion table. We had a prayer of thanksgiving and sang, “Now Thank We All Our God.” We then took the remains into the Douglas L. Rights Chapel, placed them on a table under the portrait of George’s father painted by Winston-Salem artist, Joe King, and took photos.

Next door was the parsonage, George’s home for all of his life, now occupied by Anthony’s Plot, a Moravian intentional community engaged in outreach efforts. Arriving there, we entered and, after a brief stop in the living room, took the urn upstairs to what had been George’s room. Now, remains of George were truly back home, while George abides in his heavenly home.

At the burial service two days later, with a band numbering 121, finally, after 64 years, George’s remains were placed in God’s Acre in Salem, on the same hallowed ground that, as a member of the caretaking crew years before, he had helped to maintain. Thanks be to God! ■ December 2015

George Rights

19

FULL COMMUNION

15 years of following our Shepherd into full communion A relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces.

In early summer 2015, I was looking through

the filing cabinets at Fries Memorial Moravian Church and came across a copy of the original booklet from the first formal worship and holy communion in celebration of the full communion partnership between The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Moravian Church in America. This communion service was held Thursday, January 27, 2000 at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. “Wow,” I thought, “that’s been 15 years!”

I was anxious to share this with my brothers and sisters serving on the Lutheran-Moravian

20

Coordinating Committee, who would be gathering for their annual meeting at Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center in just a few short weeks.

Using financial support from the Hine Fund of Augusburg Lutheran Church, conversations that would lead to the formalization of our agreement, Following our Shepherd to Full Communion, began in the 1990s. In 1999, the full communion agreement was presented at the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA in Denver by the Rev. Ron Rinn, pastor of Augusburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Brother Rinn started that presentation with the statement: “having ecumenical conversations with Moravians is like looking at a friend’s family photos and seeing some of your second cousins.” The Moravian Church, both the Northern Province and the Southern Province, approved the decision to enter more formally into full communion with the ELCA at their respective synods in 1998.

To help our denominations live into this new agreement, a Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee (LMCC) was formed with both Lutheran and Moravian representatives.

The committee is made up of one staff person and three appointed people from each denomination. One of the first fruits of the newly formed LMCC was a program written by the Rev. Patricia Garner called “Sustaining our Shepherds,” which provided a weekly gatherThe Moravian

ing for clergy, from both denominations, to meet together to encourage, pray with, be in fellowship with and study with one another, giving pastors an opportunity to take a breath and take care of their spiritual needs.

“Working on the LMCC for ten years was a wonderful blessing,” says Sister Garner. “Not only did I learn a great deal about the theology and structure of the ELCA, but I also had the opportunity to get to know many wonderful Lutheran brothers and sisters, many of whom remain good friends. The Moravian Church benefited greatly from this relationship in the early years and continues to reap benefits today. It was a privilege to serve on the LMCC.” Echoing some of Sister Garner’s thoughts, Kathryn M. Lorhe, ELCA Executive of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Relations said, “It has been a privilege and a joy to be part of a growing love for one another as sisters and brothers in Christ, and a growing desire to follow our Shepherd together as we journey in full communion.”

The full communion agreement has been primarily about relationship-building: building bridges in the midst of disaster, helping each other in the exchange of clergy and some more innovative approaches to minis-

try that would not have been possible without this agreement.

One example is the arrangement made between Water of Life Lutheran Church and Covenant Moravian Church in Wilmington, N.C., where the Lutheran congregation rents worship and office space from Covenant Moravian and together both congregations are served by the Rev. Rachel Connelly, an ELCA pastor.

“I have seen the Lutheran-Moravian partnership open lines of communication that led the way to deeper relationships and subsequently prompted leaders to put aside uncertainty about doing ministry together. The results have been joyous and impressive,” said the Rev. Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and a member of the coordinating committee.

The LMCC currently meets annually, rotating host denominations for face-to-face meetings, and also engages in a number of (continued on page 23) The Rev. Kelly Moore is co-pastor of Fries Memorial Moravian Church in Winston-Salem and serves as a Moravian representative on the Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee.

Members of the LMCC include Kathy Lohr (ELCA): Tammy Rinker, Chris Thore and Kelly Moore (Moravian); Rachel Conelly (serves both churches); and Bishop Samuel Zeiser (ELCA) .

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Covenant for Christian Living Part X

In our January issue of the Moravian Maga-

zine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month.

This month wraps up the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living. Beginning with our January/February 2016 issue, we will begin our journey through the Ground of the Unity.

Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org.

The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www. moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC.

22

Conclusion We realize that all areas of Christian life and conduct cannot be covered in this statement of principles by which we live and bear our witness, and we call attention, therefore, to the Christian’s responsibility to follow Christ as Lord of all areas of life.

We make it a duty of the Board of Elders, which is charged with the spiritual welfare of the congregation, to see that this Moravian Covenant be adhered to and faithfully observed; and we will cooperate with the Board of Elders in its efforts to maintain the discipline of the congregation. As a redemptive community we will be much more concerned in aiding than censuring those who falter, being conscious of our own need for correction and forgiveness.

Commentary: This is a catch-all statement to cover areas not specified in the Covenant, but it is conThe Moravian

sistent with the Moravian Church’s traditional teaching that all of life should be held in sacred trust. We do not believe that there is a difference between our secular life and our religious life, but all of our activities are part of our worship and service to the Lord. The final paragraph recalls the ancient tradition of our Church that our church leaders have the responsibility to see to the discipline of the congregation. At certain times in our history, and in some provinces of our Unity today, this practice of church discipline has been rigorously enforced. In the North American provinces today, elders tend to leave members of the congregation to follow their own conscience unless their behavior is affecting the life of the community.

Discipline should not be confused with punishment or judging others. In fact, discipline is a process that renders punishment unnecessary. Moreover, the Church’s concern is not to condemn but to help brothers and sisters. It is appropriate that the Covenant end with the fi-

nal observation that in following this Covenant we are aware of our need for both correction and forgiveness. In the Moravian tradition, we are much more concerned about our own short-comings than the faults of others.

Full communion

ated from seminary and stepped into leadership roles, so we are looking at ways to help educate them about our agreement and direct them to documents and resources that could be helpful for them as they foster relationships with Moravian Churches or Lutheran Churches in communities where they serve jointly.

I believe our Moravian forbearers (and dare I say ELCA forbearers) would be pleased to see the results of the LMCC’s work over the past 15 years and would anticipate with great joy the work that we look forward to in the years ahead. Information about the ongoing work of the LMCC can be found at www.

LutheranMoravian.wordpress.com or on Facebook by searching Lutheran Moravian Coordinating Committee. ■

(continued from page 21) conference calls throughout the year. Our last meeting was held in July 2015, generously hosted by the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province.

Our future plans for faithfully following our shepherd into the next 15 years and beyond is to take a look at what and where joint ministry is already happening and where it could be happening. There is so much unrealized potential for joint ministry between the two denominations.

We also recognize that during these 15 years of joyous union that many have graduDecember 2015

Questions: • What areas of the Christian life do you think the Covenant does not address?

• Are there areas of your life that you think the Church should leave alone?

• Does the Covenant present any challenges to you in your life?

• What do you think of the idea of the Elders being in charge of discipline? Are there any dangers in this? What are the benefits?

• How should the Elders perform this duty?

• How would you sum up the teaching of the Covenant?

• Do you think the Covenant is consistent with the teaching of Jesus? Why or why not? ■

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Blessed to Be a Blessing:

Gifts of Change I n addition to supporting the Board of World Mission (BWM) global mission partners through common ministry funding from our provinces, North American congregations are offered specific opportunities for

supporting our partners in their efforts to share the Good News with others.

Gifts of Change is a representative giving program that allows you to walk with our partners in specific ministries.

Funds received in excess of that needed for a specific project will be applied to another project for that province or group.

You will receive a tax receipt for each gift purchased.

Ministry and Mission We are all about sharing the love of Christ with the world. We can walk with our brothers and sisters in this effort in many ways.

Worship needs for Moravians in Peru • $50 to help provide for monthly rent for worship space at one of the four churches ($200/mo)

Seminars for pastoral leadership in new mission areas of Western Tanzania: Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda p $50 to help support a workshop for developing leadership in churches

Music Ministry Outreach in Guyana p $50 to help music workshops for youth and young adults.

Health Care

While the Gospel of Christ brought people close to God, Jesus was concerned about people’s physical and social needs as well. As Moravians in mission, we continue to address the broader needs of the people we serve.

HIV/AIDS support in Honduras p $100 to help an HIV patient get needed treatment ($450/yr. each) p $30 for travel costs for an infant of an HIV+ mother for monitoring ($60/yr.)

Economic Strengthening Consider helping to support a project that will help our partners generate income for their church or their community.

Fish Market Project in Honduras p $40 will buy 30 pounds of fish to sell p $50 to help with shipping and freezer costs p $50 toward a generator (Partially funded; $2,000 total needed)

Small Restaurant for Moravians in Belize p $50 to purchase kitchen p $50 toward rental utensils (Total: $4,350) p $50 toward tables and chairs

HUKWAFA: Huduma kwa Watoto na Familia (Serving Children and Families)

p $30 to provide a bag of corn or rice p $30 to provide 30 chicks for the Chicken Project p $50 toward the Pig Project (total cost $1,400) p $50 toward a milling machine project for maize and rice (total needed $2,800) p $10 to purchase an annual health card

School of Music & Worship in Costa Rica p $50 toward painting the interior walls of the new building (estimate $1,000)

Leadership Development A crucial need seen in all of our provinces is for skilled and effective leadership. This is a great way to help someone improve his or her future options.

Equipping Seminary Students

Honduras Mission Province Bible Institute, Ahuas p $50 to help provide a laser printer p $100 toward three computers p $100 toward a photocopier p $100 toward a large table & chairs (Total project cost: $5,000)

High School Scholarships For nine Ray of Hope orphans

p $50 toward high school fees p $100 toward high school fees (Total $5,675 per year)

!

Interested in making a Gift of Change?

I would like to donate to the Board of World Mission for this (these) projects: Amount

Project

In the USA: Make check payable to Board of World Mission and mail to: BWM Gifts of Change 1021 Center St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

In Canada: Make cheque payable to Moravian Church in Canada and mail to: BWM Gifts of Change 600 Acadia Drive SE Calgary, AB T2J 0B8

You can also give online at www.moravianmission.org/give

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Brother David Glasser, who had been serving under call as a new church planter, accepted a call to Provincial Service effective October 5, 2015.

Emmaus, Pennsylvania Brother J. Christian Giesler, who has been serving as pastor at Edgeboro Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa., has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Emmaus Moravian Church, Emmaus, Pa. Brother Giesler will be installed into his new work January 24, 2016.

Brother Frank Stinner, an ELCA pastor who has been serving the congregation under appointment since September 21, 2015, will conclude his work January 15, 2016.

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Due to declining membership and in accordance with ¶1019 of The Book of Order, Kellner Moravian Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin will close as of December 31, 2015. A final service of worship and thanksgiving will be held December 6, 2015.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

SOUTHERN PROVINCE Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, N.C. The Rev. Jeff Carter accepted a call to become pastor of Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, N.C. and was installed on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Jeff was ordained on October 4, 1998 at Little Church on the Lane and served as pastor at Immanuel Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C., Hopewell Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. and Macedonia Moravian, Advance, N.C. prior to his call to Little Church on the Lane.

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The 2016 Moravian Daily Texts are in stock and shipping now. Order yours today at http://store.moravian.org or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

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December 2015

Photo note cards Matted prints ready for framing Photo coasters Featuring Moravian Star & Candle Collection note cards 27

2015 INDEX OF THE MORAVIAN Board of World Mission 2014 Board of World Mission Annual Report, April, 11 Book Review A Time of Sifting: Mystical Marriage and the Crisis of Moravian Piety in the Eighteenth Century by Paul Peucker, Nov, 16 Camping Ministry A commitment to camping, May, 5 Camp Hope readies busy season of fun and faith, May, 12 Camp Van-Es to light Hearts on Fire at 2015 camp, May, 10 Helping Camp Hope by selling and stitching, May, 14 Mid-States Camping changes hearts, May, 9 Thinking about summer at Laurel Ridge, May, 6 Western District 2015 Camps offer opportunities for youth of all ages, May, 11 Christian Education Becoming “New to the Pew”, Oct. 11 Beth Hayes names Educator of the Year 2016, Oct, 10 Centenarian continues to educate about God and the Bible, Oct, 14 Jump into Bible stories with Godly Play, Oct, 13 Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast, Oct, 16 You are God’s Masterpiece--A Tale of Two Weekends, Nov, 13 Emerging Ministries ”The trick will be…” Bringing the Tricklebee ministry to life, July/Aug, 15 Lancaster Moravian: Our mission to others is transforming us, July/Aug, 12 28

Healthy Congregations Building up congregational health.

Sept, 29 Illustrating the Healthy Congregations Ideal for the Northern Province, Nov, 10 In Our Communities Bethlehem group helps shelter homeless during harsh winter months, May, 20 Country’s oldest bookshop to open a second location, June, 5 Moravian Open Door continues assistance in NYC, Nov, 7 Sunday School Class shows it’s “all about deeds” with work at Overflow Shelter, May, 18 In Our Congregations Calgary Moravians entertain with biblical musical, Nov, 18 Christ’s Community Church heeds God’s call to feed local children, March, 8 Minnesota Moravians making a difference in the Twin Cities, April, 31 North Dakota Moravians honor a returning soldier with a special service, May, 22 Passion for God, compassion for people and willingness to get out of God’s way, Sept, 5 Peace Moravian Church on the move, Oct, 22 Sharon Moravian celebrates 200 years of service in Ohio, July/Aug, 17 Taking our heritage to the street, Oct, 22 Jan Hus 2015 A service of celebration at Home, Sept, 28 A tour to remember the life of Jan Hus, Sept, 11 Churches commemorate Hus’ life and martyrdom in many ways, Sept, 25 The Moravian

Ministry to Older Adults Groundbreaking celebration marks start of a new phase at Marquardt Village, July/Aug, 20

Moravian Women Conference offers spiritual renewal for women around the world, July/Aug, 5 Excitement builds for June’s International Moravian Women’s Conference, April, 9

Moravian Bishops Northern and Southern Province bishops meet for discussions on our church, Nov, 5

Moravian Youth Two young Moravians find their voices at Christian Citizenship Seminar, June, 12

Moravian Easter Technology amplifies and shares the glory of the resurrection, March, 19 The Easter Morning Liturgy, March, 15

Moravians in Mission Addressing the need for trained leaders in Alaska, April, 7 Alaskans welcome the arrival of Bibles in the Yup’ik language, Oct, 29 Assisting Syrian Refugees, Nov, 21 Earthquake shakes the ground, but not the faith of Moravians in Nepal, June, 6 Experiencing a growing faith in Peru, May, 16 FIT First event helps youth discern— and act on—their call to mission, Oct, 5 In Tanzania, a community completes their church and joins Adopt-aVillage, March, 13 Moravian medical work in Nicaragua, March, 25 Notes from Nepal: Preschool overcomes quake-related obstacles, Oct, 18 Orphan Care in the city of Tabora, Nov, 20 Planning visit reveals much about our Czech counterparts, Jan/Feb, 21 Prayers for Middle East Peace, May, 24 Sierra Leone: God’s call to return, Jan/ Feb, 12 Students participate in new Chicago urban mission, Jan/Feb, 6

Finding our Moravian roots: a Convo participant’s perspective, Sept, 23

Moravian Education BCM resource highlights what it means to be “Simply Moravian”, Jan/Feb, 25 Moravian Theological Seminary Commencement 2015: Historic institution embraces new traditions, July/Aug, 8 Moravian History Archaeologists uncover the First House of Nazareth (Pennsylvania), Jan/Feb, 9 John Hus and the Moravian Church, March, 6 Moravian settlement in Denmark named to UNESCO World Heritage List, July/Aug, 24 Schoenbrunn: Honoring the legacy of an amazing Moravian missionary, June, 17 Moravian Leadership Strengthening the ranks of Moravian leaders, June, 14 Moravian Music “A Storm in the Land”: Southern Moravians in the Civil War, June, 24 Moravian Unity Unity Committee on Theology meets to study church and doctrine, April, 5

December 2015

Northern Province Healthy Congregations: A story from the field, Oct, 20 Obituaries Adam, The Rev. Lorenz W., July/Aug, 30 Befus, Sr. Violet Emma Stelter, March, 30 29

Conrad, The Rev. Joseph Daniel, March, 30 Dreydoppel, Mrs. Otto, Sept, 34 Scilley, The Rev. George R., Jan/Feb, 30 Stelter, Hazel Marie Cox, June, 30 Winters, The Rev. R. Donald, May, 30 Ponderings A Conversation with Ed, July/Aug, 4 A front-row seat to Moravians in Mission, April, 4 An overwhelming sense of place, Sept, 4 Event points to a bright future, Oct, 4 Fifty isses and counting…, June, 4 Identifying my spiritual gifts, Jan/Feb, 4 Recording a milestone year with the Daily Texts, March, 4 So many faces to be thankful for, Nov, 4 Taking the longer way home, May, 4 Remembering Hus Who is Jan Hus to today’s Czechs?, June, 10 Southern Province Fostering respectful conversation about homosexuality in the church, Sept, 7

Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part VII, Sept, 31 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part VII, Oct, 27 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living; Park IX, Nov, 22 Time Travel Back in time with the Moravian, Jan/ Feb, 27 Turning Back Pages: May 1965, May, 29 Turning Back the Pages: April 1990, April, 38 Turning Back the Pages: March 1990, March, 21 Unity Women’s Desk New Unity Women’s Desk Loan Fund named for caring Moravians, July/ Aug, 22 Youth and Young Adult Retreats “It’s all about the relationships and being accepted for who I am.”, Jan/ Feb, 23

Southern Province Ministries Sunnyside Ministry thanks Tommy Cole for leadership and progress, March, 26 Statistics/Indices 2015 Index of the Moravian Magazine, Dec., 28 Statistics of the Moravian Church in the US and Canada, Nov., 26 Studying Moravian Doctrine A new series: Studying Moravian Doctrine, Jan/Feb, 15 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, March, 22 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part III, April, 34 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part IV, May, 26 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part V, June, 22 Moravian Covenant for Christian Living: Part VI, July/Aug, 26 30

Back issues of The Moravian Magazine are available online at www.moravian.org/themoravian-magazine/moravian-magazineback-issues/ The Moravian

God’s legacy is the GIFT OF LOVE. What will yours be?

A

S A PEOPLE OF FAITH, Moravians know our work can serve God far beyond our lifetimes. With careful planning, our money can do the same. The Moravian Ministries Foundation’s GiftLegacy program helps individuals, churches and agencies create plans for giving that support the ministries they care about most — now and in the future.

GiftLegacy offers confidential consultation to individuals and tools to help meet personal and charitable financial goals. For churches and agencies, GiftLegacy helps structure planned giving programs that resonate with congregations and supporters. In keeping with our mission, the Moravian Ministries Foundation GiftLegacy services are always offered free of charge. Contact us today to discuss your charitable legacy.

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