Official Provincial Elders’ News

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 13, 2020 The second Sunday in September is designated as a day of prayer for Christian education. The nurture of Christians of all ages in their faith is the responsibility of each congregation. Pray for your congregation’s Christian education program and for the personal growth in faith of each member.

Moravian Day of Service, September 20, 2020 The 2018 Provincial Synods of the Northern and Southern Provinces passed similar resolutions to create an annual church-wide day of service, the “Moravian Day of Service.”

In the joint meeting of the PECs, November 2018, the weekend closest to September 16 was identified for this outreach in mission and service to our communities. The Board of World Mission was tasked with providing information and resources to support this effort across the Moravian Church in America. Resources may be found at www.moravian. org/dayofservice. (see story on page 26)

Prayer Day for Children On a Sunday in October, congregations of the Northern and Southern Provinces are invited to join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the national observance of Children’s Sabbath. Endorsement of the Children’s Sabbath was made by the Provincial Elders’ Conferences in January 1994.

Prayer Day for World Mission, October 11, 2020 The second Sunday in October has been designated as a special Day of Prayer for World Mission. Pray for the ministries in our partner provinces, our mission areas, and for wisdom and guidance for our Worldwide Unity. May God hold us together in celebration of our wonderful diversity, and may God persist in revealing to us where the church in North America and throughout the world is called to mission, both locally and globally, that God’s love may be known by all.

For specific information for your prayers about these and other new and continuing ministries, please see the BWM website, www.moravianmission.org .

NORTHERN PROVINCE

Prayer Day for World Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, August 2, 2020 In accordance with legislation enacted at the 1982 Synod of the Northern Province and affirmed by the 1990 Synod, the first Sunday in August has been designated as a day of prayer for world peace and nuclear disarmament.

Prayer Day for Public Education, August 30, 2020 Congregations of the Northern Province are asked to observe Public Education Awareness Day on the last Sunday in August. Prepared liturgies, intercessory prayers for students and all who teach in and administer public schools and sermons at worship may

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

call attention to our responsibility for public education and seek the blessing of God upon these endeavors.

Prayer Day for Church Development, September 20, 2020 The third Sunday in September is the prayer day for church development in the Northern Province. Pray for the new congregations established in our province in recent years as they develop their unity and mission. Support the ongoing development of these new ministries. Pray also for those congregations in the redevelopment process.

Prayer Day for the Church’s Ministry to Older Adults, September 27, 2020 The 2002 Synod reaffirmed the fourth Sunday in September as a time to recognize older generations and to pray for our mutual ministry. Each congregation can make ministry to and with older generations in their midst a special cause for prayer.

Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 18, 2020 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom.

Prayer Day to Raise Awareness about Violence Against Women, October 25, 2020 By action of the 2018 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, the Provincial Elders’ Conference has designated the 4th Sunday in October as a prayer day to raise awareness of violence against women. Synod called for Moravians to establish resources for victims of violence, form study groups to provide discussions and support to victims of such violence, pressure governments to pass legislation penalizing violence against women and children, and address excessive violence in the media. Resources may be forthcoming from the Unity Women’s Desk.

Cinnaminson, New Jersey Sister Laura Gordon, who had been serving as pastor for the Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, New Jersey, concluded her ministry to the congregation effective April 1, 2020.

Released for other service Sister Vicki Jens-Page, who had been released for other service to the ELCA, concluded her ministry June 20, 2020.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania S ister Linda Wisser, a May 2020 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminar, accepted an appointment to serve as part-time interim pastor for East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Sister Wisser began her work May 18, 2020.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

PEC Membership Change The Rev. Jeff Coppage, who was elected to the PEC at the 2018 Synod, has decided to conclude service as a PEC member due to health needs and has applied for long term disability. Jeff shares that having the opportunity to serve the Province in this way has been a source of joy and fulfillment for which he is thankful. The PEC accepted this decision with appreciation for the many ways Jeff’s gifts, energy and insights contributed to our work. We pray that stepping away from this role will provide time and space to focus on continued recovery, and for new ways of continued ministry in days to come. Jeff is happy to be involved in the life and witness of his home congregation, Konnoak Hills.

According to the Constitution, the PEC appoints a pastor to fill this clergy position for the remainder of the current term (until the 2022 Synod). We are pleased to announce that Matthew Allen, pastor of Olivet Moravian Church, has accepted appointment and begins this new avenue of service effective July 23.

We invite your prayers for Jeff and his wife, Ann, for Matthew, and for the ministry of the Provincial Elders’ Conference.

David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference

Share your story!

During this year of pandemic and protest, we’ve seen an astounding variety of creative, caring, spirit-filled efforts from Moravians across the U.S. and Canada. Online worship and outreach, feeding those in need, caring for and supporting those on the front lines, standing up against injustices and reimagining our church lives are just a few of the ways Moravians have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest in our country.

Now, it’s time to tell your story. In our upcoming issues of The Moravian, we want to share the story of how you, your congregations, your families and your communities have responded during the first half of 2020. We’re looking for articles, images and reflections that celebrate and honor the Moravian efforts both big and small, while sharing ideas and best practices with others.

To learn more about how to share your story, visit https://www.moravian. org/2020/07/share-your-story/; e-mail moravianmagazine@mcnp.org, or write to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.

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

The 2021 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 290-year-long tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day.

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

The Moravian Daily Texts 2021 begins shipping in Nov. 2020, but you can preorder yours online now at store.moravian.org.

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Let the world know Jesus makes your heart rejoice!

This high quality, 100% cotton T-shirt comes with a brilliant red and white, silk-screen design: “Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” over a big red heart! On the back, the navy blue Southern Province version lists all Southern Province churches, while the royal blue Northern Province version lists all the churches in the Northern Province (2018). Show your pride in your church and share your faith with this great new T! Adult Sizes S M L XL $15.00; XXL $17.00 (XXXL available in Northern Province only $17.00)

Northern Southern

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