In this issue:
• Ecumenical partners
• Moravian writings and history
• Congregations and missions
• and more!
A CENTURY OF GRANTING LARGER LIFE TO MORAVIAN MINISTRIES
In 1920, a group of dedicated Moravians established an endowment fund for Northern Province Moravian congregations and agencies. In its 100 years of service, the Larger Life Foundation has distributed more than $14 million to a broad range of Moravian ministries.
Your gift to the Larger Life Foundation helps many ministries and agencies. Through your generosity, we can have far-reaching impact on the life of the Moravian Church.
To learn more about our century of granting Larger Life to Moravian ministries, visit www.largerlifefoundation.org
Larger Life Foundation
Jesus Still Lead On • An Exploration of the Ground of the Unity and Moravian Covenant for Christian Living
Newly Updated! This guide is intended to help congregations explore the basic statements of Moravian doctrine and practice: The Ground of the Unity and the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living. It has a flexible design that allows it to be used by small or large groups, from confirmation age to adults. Now in its second edition, this study guide, written by the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, provides those new to the Moravian Church–and those who have been Moravian all their lives– with a core understanding of our faith tradition.
These Days •A Season of Life, Death and Resurrection
When COVID hit in 2020, Pastor Kerry D. Krauss took to the keyboard and sent daily messages of comfort to his congregation to help them through the uncertainty ahead. Kerry’s use of humor and thought-provoking stories made a time of isolation feel a little less lonely as he shared both current and past life experiences. Now you too can be inspired by the musing of Kerry through this entertaining book now available through the IBOC. Those days may be behind us, but our need for depth, comfort, insight and inspiration are not.
MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE
Our Lamb has conquered. Let us follow Him.
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
God Creates. God Redeems. God Sustains.
We Respond in Faith, Love and Hope.
Visit our website at https://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp.org
Bethlehem, Pa. Photo by Mike Riess
PONDERINGS
A tracker for spiritual progress
For the past several years, I have worn a smartwatch on my wrist. While there are many different watch faces I can display, I prefer one that presents a wide range of information at a glance.
Not only does my smartwatch tell me the time, it shows the weather for the next five days, the current phase of the moon, where the sun is in its daily movement across the sky and the temperature outside at any given moment.
In the lower left of the screen are three circles: red, green and blue. These rings represent progress against my physical activity goals for the day —one for exercise goal, one for my standing goal and the third for overall activity goal.
When I achieve these goals for the day—indicated by a completed ring — my watch vibrates with a little fireworks display. It is a visual and often motivating confirmation of my efforts to ward off a sedentary lifestyle. I feel a sense of accomplishment when each of those rings is closed by the end of the day.
But what if that display were to indicate not physical activity, but spirtitual activity? What if those rings were tracking how wearers were being the hands and feet of the Lord?
Perhaps the indicators could mark something simple – a tracker for whether we read our Daily Texts and prayed the day’s prayer, or a visual indication of spending time with the Bible.
Or maybe one of those rings would grow when we feed the hungry or the thirsty, clothe the naked, house the homeless or visit the sick and imprisoned. The second would fill in as we work for justice, help in our communities or partner with others to bring about a better world. And the third would indicate our activity helping with mission efforts to bring people to a life with God.
And instead of a visual firework when we reach our goals for these aspects of our life in Christ, perhaps a chorus of allelulias or a blessing could celebrate our progress?
Each of us has our own way of tracking our spiritual well-being and efforts toward making our worlds better places. But I have to wonder if closing a ring on my watch can motivate me to walk more or be more active, would doing the same for my “feed the hungry” or “working for justice” rings motivate me to do more in efforts that really matter? Perhaps an email to the tech powers that be is in order…
I hope you enjoy this final issue of 2024, which for some may arrive in the beginning of 2025. May this year bring you joy and peace…and the motivation to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Peace,
Mike Riess, Editor
(ISSN 1041-0961)
Issue 4 2024, Vol. 55, No. 4
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Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces
Published by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.
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Individual copies available for $3.00 each.
The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Non Profit postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 16,000
Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.
Michael Riess, Editor
Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant
Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant
Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, chair
David Bennett, Peggy Carter, Christy Clore, Margaret Couch, Lynnette Delbridge, Kat Lehman, Dan Miller
Design by Michael Riess, IBOC.
Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018
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Contents © 2024, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Church in America. All rights reserved
MORAVIAN WOMEN
14th Moravian Women’s Conference
An invitation to our sisters around the world:
For those of you who have attended a Moravian Women’s Conference, you already know it’s synonymous with LOVE: love shown by those whose time and efforts and prayers went into making it happen; love shared by our sisters as they rekindled old friendships and made new ones; the love of our Lord who blessed it all; and the love that we took with us as we returned to our homes, our churches and our communities.
For those who’ve never had this experience, we hope you’ll join those who have and together we will sail on The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas on June 22-28, 2025! While this Conference will look very different, our focus will be the same: fellowship and worship with our sisters from around the world, always keeping in mind the Tie that Binds, our Lord Jesus Christ.
A few things to remember:
• Ports of call will be the Bahamas, Jamaica and Labadee Island in Haiti. Passports are required for Jamaica and Haiti. However, you can use a birth certificate to get on and off the ship in the Bahamas. If you do not plan to disembark in Haiti or Jamaica, you will only need a valid birth certificate.
• Our keynote speaker is
Rev. Dr. Anique Elmes-Matthew, a gifted speaker with a heart for the Lord.
• There will be eight workshops on board ship, ranging in interest from “Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: Christians who are living with or experiencing signs and symptoms of this disease” to “Learning how to use the Daily Texts to enhance your daily private prayer, Bible study and worship times” and lots in between.
• Cabins range in price from $1,235 to $2,861.27, from interior cabins to cabins with ocean views and balconies. These prices are per person on a first come, first served basis.
• A Facebook group has been added to the Conference page to facilitate finding roommates.
• Registration is $150.
• For the first time, you will have the option of payment plans rather than a lump sum.
• We hope you’re making plans. We wouldn’t want you to miss a single minute of the 14th Moravian Women’s Conference.
• More information will be posted on www. moravian.org, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Jacksonville Crew: Ministering to adults with intellectual challenges
Advent Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., is a congregation known for missional outreach to the underserved populations in the community. In 2023, they decided to embark on a new ministry to adults with intellectual disabilities named the Jacksonville Crew.
Knowing little about how to work with this population but understanding that adults with intellectual disabilities have very few opportunities to learn about Jesus on their own learning level, a leadership team was created. The team consists of church members: Bob Boyd, Terri and Jack Boyd, Shirley Chiles, Carolyn Dancs, Pastor John and Anne Fritts and Wendy Leap, along with Brent Krisovitch, a family member of one of the attendees.
Team member Carolyn Dancs said, “I never worked with this population of stu-
dents, and it scared me. I wasn’t afraid of them, but I was afraid of, ‘could I do this? Do I have this in me?’ After I saw the lessons demonstrated, I thought, ‘I can do this’.”
Members attended a training with the Bethesda Disability Ministry through the seeJesus Ministry, a global discipling mission helping the church see and reflect the life, death and resurrection of Christ though discipleship resources and training.
The Bethesda Disability Ministry understands the challenges of those with intellectual disabilities. Their website states, “Disabilities tend to isolate individuals and families, even within the church of Jesus Christ. It should not be so. Named after the pool where people affected by disability gathered in the Jerusalem of Jesus’ day, Bethesda offers a place where people affected by disabilities—and those not so af-
fected, in the traditional sense—can gather together to jump into God’s word and find healing and life.”
Adaptive Curriculum Writer with the seeJesus Ministry, Jill Miller, was inspired by her daughter Kim. One day Jill was coming home from a bible study and shared scripture with her daughter and noticed that she responded to the message. God’s word touched Kim and Jill thought, “she can learn like I can learn.”
She then began to create curriculum that included scripture, props and a skit to help them learn and each student gets a sheet to take home and share what they learned with their family.
“Two volunteers were uncertain if they wanted to do this; after attending the training, they said yes,” said Anne Fritts.
“ We have a new student who is nonverbal and comes with his parents, “said Shirley Chiles. “He played the blind man and after Jesus put mud over his eyes, the student went to the ‘pool’ to wash his eyes and restore his sight. He was so excited! The volunteer told him to tell his parents, and he ran over and told them. They inspire me.”
Jack Boyd shared, “I almost cry every time we meet to see the expression on their faces— andto see the parents, who get a breather thanks to us.”
The Jacksonville Crew meets on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. The group has been on field trips, hosts a coffeehouse talent show and Karaoke, and teach bible stories to the adults with intellectual disabilities.
“This program has proven to be even more than we had hoped,” said Anne. “Our students are interested and engaged in the scripture lessons through reading, reenacting the lessons, drawings and conversation.
“The previous scripture lessons are reinforced throughout the series,” continues Anne. “This ministry is not only reaching our students, but the parents and caregivers as well as the leadership team. Members of our congregation are welcome to attend, and many have done so.”
To learn more about this ministry, check out the Advent Moravian Church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ adventmoravianbethlehem. To see a testimonial video from the Bethesda Disabilities Ministry, log onto their Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/920666366/a5a0848ee9, and to learn more about the seeJesus Ministry, log onto their website at Seejesus.net. n
UNESCO World Heritage Site pastors share message of Moravian Unity
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where we have gathered as pastors and church leaders to participate in a conference celebrating the recent recognition of “Moravian Church Settlements” as a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site includes the historic settlements of Bethlehem, Christiansfeld in Denmark, Gracehill in Northern Ireland, and Herrnhut in Germany, which are seen to exemplify the unique architectural and spiritual heritage of the Moravian Church (www. moravianchurchsettlements.org).
The World Heritage Committee noted that the site “Moravian Church Settlements” bears “exceptional testimony to Moravian Church principles and the faith, way of life, and distinct religious and social ideals and practices of the community that are expressed in the layouts, architecture and craftsmanship of the settlements.” It was acknowledged, moreover, that “together, these settlements represent the transnational
scope and consistency of the international Moravian community as a global network.”
As we celebrate the honor of World Heritage inscription, we are mindful that this is a recognition not just for our four settlements, but truly an appreciation of the larger Moravian network of communities to which we belong. The concept of network and global connectedness stands in the center.
For this reason, we are reaching out to you. We believe that the new World Heritage title offers many opportunities, not just for our towns and settlements, but for the larger Moravian Church and all congregations. It is no small thing that outside experts on cultural heritage have seen something special in our shared Moravian tradition. This should be an encouragement to live our faith and tell our story with confidence and pride.
We expect that in the years ahead more people will be interested to know who we are and what we believe. Let us use this as a mission opportunity, giving witness to Christ as we share our heritage with others.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
Jørgen Bøytler, Christiansfeld
Sarah Groves, Gracehill
We also see World Heritage as an opportunity to strengthen the network of our larger Moravian community. Examples for cooperation could include learning more about our shared architectural and cultural heritage, educational programs, mutual visits and exchange of information. And, of course, being connected also means shared prayer, worship and fellowship.
In all of these things, the new World Heritage recognition reminds us of the biblical teaching that in Christ we are one body and members of one another, called to share in each other’s joys and concerns.
In this spirit, be assured that we will keep the wider Moravian perspective before
our eyes, as we continue to be a voice for the Moravian Church in the World Heritage project. We invite you to share any questions or concerns with us and to keep this endeavor in your prayers. This we ask in the name of Christ our Chief Elder whom we all serve.
Grace and peace, Rev. Janel Rice, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa., Rev. Dr. Jørgen Bøytler, Christiansfeld Congregation, Denmark; Rt. Rev. Sarah Groves, Gracehill Moravian Church, Northern Ireland, Rev. Dr. Jill Vogt and Rev. Dr. Peter Vogt, Herrnhut Congregation, Germany
Photos from a celebraion service at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem in October.
Jill and Peter Vogt, Herrnhut and Janel Rice, Bethlehem Worshipers
In mid-October, dignitaries and representatives from Germany, Denmark, Northern Ireland and the U.S. came to Bethlehem, Pa. to officially commemorate the naming of Moravian Church Settlements as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Above, the Rev. Dr. Jørgen Bøytler from Denmark addresses the assembly. Left/top, Charlene Donchez Mowers of Historic Bethlehem greets those touring the Bethlehem site. Left/bottom, Moravian University President Bryon Grigsby accepts the inscription certificate from National Park Service Deputy Director Pedro Ramos. Below: Peter and Jill Vogt, pastors of the Herrnhut congregation in Germany, share thoughts during the celebratory service on Oct. 16.
MORAVIAN HISTORY
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin A Review
Movies are not academic documentaries; they are storytelling and drama. Filmmakers must always take some license to fit a complex story into two hours. Making a movie about a revered historical religious figure is a daunting challenge; someone will always be unhappy with the way you tell the story of their favorite religious leader.
I say this because I’ve done it; for my 2009 movie Wesley we struggled to compress just a few years of John Wesley’s complex story into two hours. Many lauded the film, others hated it – often scholars who complained that their favorite hobby horse had been overlooked. So I approach review-
John Jackman is pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. He wrote and directed Wesley (2009) and Newton’s Grace (2013) as well as numerous documentaries. He studied Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings under Dr. Charles Hargis at Moravian Theological Seminary. Stills from the film courtesy of Angel Studios.
ing Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin with some caution, particularly because I have strong opinions about Bonhoeffer, whom I studied extensively in seminary.
Recently, a large group of scholars and the descendants of the Bonhoeffer family publicly decried the misuse of Bonhoeffer’s name and thought to support Christian Nationalism (links at end of article). They condemned Eric Metaxas’ book and the new movie – though unfortunately none of them had been able to preview the movie at that time.
I went to see Bonhoeffer at a preview just before the official wide release. I felt
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Bonhoeffer review
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that I had to see the movie for myself before passing any judgment. First, let me address Bonhoeffer just as a movie; then I will look at where Todd Komarnicki (writer and director) fails to capture the complex subject of his film.
The movie is actually pretty well done, especially when compared to the normal “faith film” of the past. Production values are excellent, the acting is generally quite good, and the direction is mostly good. Jonas Dassler (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) is compelling in many scenes, though there are places where the acting and the writing seem clichéd. The film uses a “flashback” structure (from Bonhoeffer in prison) to collapse the time, but in online reviews many people found this confusing – some because they didn’t know the story, and others because they did know the story and were confused by liberties taken.
Historically, the script is pretty accurate for a film of this nature – but that’s quite a low standard! Komarnicki takes many historical liberties that were not needed for condensing the story. The film does show Bonhoeffer’s time at Union Seminary in New York and his friendships in Harlem
at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. This is mostly fictionalized, however, and while it shows his exposure to American racism, it falls short in conveying the strong prophetic pacifist resistance to racism that Bonhoeffer witnessed, which was a huge shaping influence on his theology.
So here’s where the film goes astray: Bonhoeffer was a profound pacifist, and I have the feeling that (like many people), Komarnicki doesn’t adequately understand pacifism. Bonhoeffer had been in touch with Mahatma Gandhi in the early 1930s, and learned more from the saints at Abbysinian Baptist Church (MLK didn’t invent peaceful resistance). Like Gandhi, Bonhoeffer believed “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” In the movie, Bonhoeffer seems to abandon that position, and the complex, carefully thought out theology he had espoused and participates enthusiastically in the plot to kill Hitler. Miles Werntz writes in Christianity Today,
“Rather than depicting a man of deep theological convictions and subtle intellect, Bonhoeffer tells the story of a man for whom moral convictions are a flexible and useful tool, a man whose actions are determined not by concerns for the church’s witness but
Actor Jonas Dassler portrays Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.
by perceived historical necessity. It is the story of a Bonhoeffer willing to do anything—including disavow the teachings of Jesus as he understood them—to assassinate Adolf Hitler.”
Victoria Barnett, the editor of Bonhoeffer’s collected works, describes the movie “as a very romanticized ‘Christian hero’ fantasy.”
“[Bonhoeffer’s] legacy is actually a very critical one of the failures of his church in Christianity. How would we read him if we were not looking for a hero story, but reading him for insight and guidance into how to be a good person in this world? It’s a fantasy. They’ve made lots of things up to actually contradict who he was and what he did.”
But – didn’t Dietrich Bonhoeffer actively participate in the plot to kill Hitler? That’s the popular view. His brother-in-law Hans von Dohnanyi certainly did. However, scholars today point out that there is no evidence that Dietrich actually helped or actively participated in the plot. He probably knew about it, but even that is speculation. He was active in the resistance in many forms, but he certainly did not abandon his theology, as he seems to in the movie. Bonhoeffer’s own actions of Christian resistance—spreading information to international contacts, and assisting with sending Jews to Switzerland—were consistent with his long-standing convictions. Instead, he confirmed his continued belief in pacifism in letters from prison. His theology had not changed.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin does not seem to directly promote Christian nationalism (as some feared), and does indeed get many things right. However, it fails to hit the mark in significant ways, in
particular understanding how profound Bonhoeffer’s bravery was. Like Jan Hus, he stood publicly and courageously against the might of empire, knowing that he would likely pay the ultimate price. He proclaimed truth in the face of fascism. Miles Werntz, writing in Christianity Today, concludes:
“What we needed was a film about a man concerned with how God might be calling the church to be steadfast amid the great temptation to mold our faith to our politics.”
Warren Throckmorton voices a slightly different perspective:
“It is good that the movie is triggering discussion about how to respond to a totalitarian regime. We are now living in the shadow of that possibility. This is new ground for American Christians and we need to deal with it.”
Incidentally, the real Bonhoeffer had connections to the Moravian Church – his mother, Paula von Haase Bonhoeffer, spent time learning in Herrnhut as a young woman, and his governess, Maria Horn, was a Moravian. He grew up using the Moravian Daily Text (Die Losungen) and continued to meditate on the Die Losungen daily until his imprisonment.
I would encourage church groups to see the movie, but to be forearmed with solid information and an awareness of the inaccuracies -- and use it as a springboard for conversation on the very difficult issues. I can see some very fruitful discussions happening.
I would also encourage Christians to read Bonhoeffer’s actual writings rather than third-party interpretations. In our time, the Church needs to wrestle with his profound thought in a significant way. n
Writing a guide to Compassionate Giving
Since the 1970s, the Rev. Judy Ganz has served the Moravian Church as a missionary, nurse, pastor and director of the Board of World Mission in North America. Drawing on this extensive experience in mission work in the field and administration, and on her deep reflection on mission practices and justice, Judy shares insights about helping engender self-reliance in Compassionate Giving: Promoting Dignity and Self-Reliance in Our Mission.
Compassionate Giving is a helpful new resource for mission board members and donors, granting organizations, congregations, mission trip preparation and theological and mission education. This informative, instructive and accessible book explores the church’s past and present approaches to funding missions, and the ways in which the use of wealth and power have impacted people and relationships both positively and negatively.
Grounded in Biblical texts and including the voices of those seeking a more just and equitable world, Judy is willing to name past failings and current challenges and provide insightful, thought-provoking questions for the possibility of transformative conversations. She presents a hopeful way forward, giving local and global examples of sharing the gospel, wealth and power that reveal that “another world is possible.”
“This book comes at a critical time as the church in the global north is coming to terms with how its mission movement cre-
ated the injustices of both colonialism and racism through the ownership of slaves and plantations in support of the missionary enterprise,” wrote the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller in her foreword to the book. “It will be of deep interest to Moravians, whose lifeblood is God’s mission to the world, and to any who want to explore how wealth and faith impact human dignity and worth.”
Answering questions
“Compassionate Giving attempts to answer the question: How can we best fulfill God’s mandate to share our wealth in compassionate giving?” writes Judy. “It is a question posed to those of us in North America who share in the mission of God’s church. It is not meant to be a directive to those we serve, even as it is an attempt to better understand and value them. We have been
skilled at defining “their” problems; the intent of this book is to address our own.”
Throughout the brief 60-page book, Judy describes the mandate in scripture to share our wealth, along with how that sharing may have potential negative impacts that have been seen in both local and global mission, particularly in the development of dependency of mission churches on outside funding for basic operations.
She also discusses how cultural differences and our own biases can impact our goals of empowering others in their own contexts to use their gifts and resources toward self-reliance.
To provide context for how the Moravian Church has worked in missions through the years, Compassionate Giving also provides a history of Moravian missions from its early days through the 21st century, and shares principles of self-reliance that guide the Board of World Mission in its efforts today to promote sustainable and healthy congregations in our global churches.
Throughout Compassionate Giving, Judy references theologians, missionaries, experts in justice and poverty and others to
add to her personal insights. The book includes an extensive list of outside readings and resources to enlighten those looking to dig deeper into the subject of mission.
“This is the kind of book that could only be written by a person of faith who narrates her own experiences then courageously interrogates both her actions and motives throughout the journey,” continues Betsy. “Judy Ganz offers us a tremendous gift and models a way for all of us to join her in this brave exploration toward making a better world possible.”
Compassionate Giving will serve well as a book study; there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter that invite readers to dig deeper into the material. It serves equally well as an opportunity for personal reflection for anyone who seeks to be a generous giver and a gracious recipient of the rich gifts of those among whom their wealth is shared.
Compassionate Giving (paperback, 72 pages) was produced in partnership with the Interprovincial Board of Communication and is available through the IBOC at store.moravian.org. n
Judy Ganz, then BWM director, offers communion during a service in Sierra Leone
Canadian full communion partners come together in prayer
In 2023, The Moravian Church, The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) came together in a full communion partnership. That agreement, called “One Flock, One Shepherd: Lutherans, Anglicans and Moravians: Called to Walk Together in Full Communion,” outlines and acknowledges the shared beliefs of each denomination. It affirms each other’s baptism, celebrations of Holy Communion, lay ministries and “authenticity of the ordained ministries of bishops and presbyters/pastors” existing in each church.
At their first joint gathering, the three churches of the Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Commission met in November in Edmonton, Alberta, to work on ways to live more fully into the agreement. During the two-day gathering, members of the commission discussed orderly exchange of clergy and ways that they could share ministries in their communities, focusing on places where all three were present -- Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto.
To experience each other’s worship expressions, the Moravian members
hosted a worship service and Holy Communion in celebration of Christ the Chief Elder at Heimtal Moravian, where 41 people filled the sanctuary with the sounds of song and prayer. They also participated in a Smudging Ceremony led by an Indigenous member of the Standing Stone Circle, midday Eucharist in the Anglican tradition and Holden Evening Prayer led by the Lutherans.
Working together, the Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Commission also prepared a joint cycle of prayer with recommended petitions for use each Sunday throughout the 2025 calendar year. This prayer cycle, which grew out of a joint liturgy used by the Lutherans and Anglicans in Canada, was extended to include Moravian petitions for the coming year.
“Among Lutherans, Agnlicans and Moravians in Canada, we have three similar but different churches, including the ways we worship and pray,” said ELCIC assistant to the bishop Rev. Paul Gehrs, who helped assemble the cycle of prayer document. “The Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian
Full Communion Prayer Cycle is a way of praying for each other. It is also a way of getting to get to know each other: where we’re present in Canada, who provides leadership for God’s mission and some of the moments that shape identity. It also serves as a reminder that the diversity of ways to pray is a gift.”
The nine-page document provides prayer direction and leadership for each denomination for the 52 Sundays of 2025. It began with Advent 1 and runs through Reign of Christ Sunday in late November 2025.
“The Moravian Church is a little different from what some Lutherans and Anglicans are used to,” said The Rev. Dr. Betsy
Miller, who serves as the ecumenical officer for the Moravian Church Northern Province.
“This new prayer cycle is a lovely witness of what it means to be in full communion: praying for and with each other,” continued Betsy. “And that’s the most exciting part about this for me, just knowing that we’ll be prayed for by some Lutherans and Anglicans for whom this is a normal part of their worship life.”
Those interested in reviewing—and joining in on—the Lutheran Anglican Moravian Full Communion Cycle of Prayer can find it online at www.moravian.org/ northern. n
Full communion partner denominations the Anglican Church in Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Moravian Church in Canada met together for the first time in November. The partners have joined together in a yearlong prayer cycle for all three churches. Moravian representatives include Blair Couch, Betsy Miller and Matt Gillard.
MORAVIAN MINISTRIES FOUNDATION
Five years of the Moravian Day of Giving: a tradition of generosity
Since its launch in 2021, the annual Moravian Day of Giving has become a cherished tradition of faith, hope, and generosity, uniting Moravians across North America to support the ministries and missions close to our hearts. On March 4, 2025, we will celebrate the 5th Moravian Day of Giving, commemorating five years of inspired giving that has touched countless lives and strengthened communities.
Rooted in love, united by generosity
The Moravian Day of Giving began with a simple yet transformative idea: to unite Moravians in a day of collective generosity to ministries they love above and beyond their regular tithe or pledge. This initiative has grown into a powerful movement: the combined total given on the four Moravian Days of Giving is $1,419,870! We thank every individual and family who has donated, as well as the generous people who have matched contributions and multiplied the impact of every gift.
Each year, matching opportuni ties have been at the heart of the Moravian Day of Giving, ensuring that donations go even further in supporting min istries and mak ing a dif ference. Most recently, in 2024, multiple individuals came together
to provide $2,500 in matching funds for each Field of Interest fund, underscoring the collective impact of Moravian generosity.
What Is a Field of Interest fund?
The Moravian Ministries Foundation’s Field of Interest (FOI) Funds are part of our grant program, which is dedicated to fostering vibrant and impactful ministries across the Moravian community. FOI funds support projects that address critical areas such as food insecurity, housing and shelter, health, preventing violence against women, environmental stewardship, and racial equity. Our grant program is made possible through generous contributions and a portion of MMFA’s income. Field of Interest funds help transform these gifts into action, enabling ministries to thrive, expand their reach, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.
Laura Watson, MMFA’s Vice President and Director of Programs, shares: “Every dollar given to MMFA’s grantmaking funds matters. Whether it helps pay for health services for residents in transitional housing or purchase shoes for children in underserved neighborhoods, every gift makes a difference.”
Amplifying impact
While matching gifts have been the cornerstone of the Moravian Day of Giving, the event has also included exciting incentives to encourage participation. In 2024, the five ministries with the highest number of individual donors each received $2,500. Last year’s incentive winners were Chaska, Faith, West Side (Wisconsin), Common Grace, and New Philadelphia. As we prepare for the 5th annual Moravian Day of Giving on March 4, 2025, we’re excited to continue this tradition of multiplying generosity. Once again, the five ministries with the highest number of individual donors will each receive $2,500 as a way to celebrate their participation in the Day of Giving.
Additionally, thanks to the dedication of generous donors and a portion of MMFA’s income, every gift to our Field of Interest funds will be matched dollar-fordollar up to $2,500.
Stories that inspire
To mark the fifth anniversary in 2025, this year’s Moravian Day of Giving embraces a theme inspired by storytelling: “Who Inspires You to Give?” Whether it’s a person or a ministry, who motivates you to be generous?
The Moravian Ministries Foundation (MMFA) invites you to share your answer with us. These stories will be highlighted in the weeks leading up to March 4th, celebrating the many reasons we have for answering God’s call to generous giving and living.
One such story comes from Common Grace, a 2023 and 2024 incentive winner. With their prize, they supported community events, local schools, and a food pantry garden. Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler reflected: “It wasn’t merely the ‘winning’ that (Continued on page 21)
Recent Field of Interest grant recipients include Common Grace in Madison, Wis. for their Hispanic Heritage Celebration Event; Ephraim (Wis.) Moravian’s solar panel project; and Clemmons (N.C.) Moravian’s native pollinator garden project.
Supporting justice with Churches for Middle East Peace
The Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces, became a joint member of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), in 2006 through resolutions passed at both Provincial Synods that year—the 125th Anniversary of Moravian ministry and mission work in Palestine and its ongoing operation of the Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Ramallah (in the West Bank.)
This relationship with CMEP was a way of staying informed of developments in the
Middle East and obtaining knowledgeable and timely information for education and advocacy to provide to congregations and members, including through CMEP Board representation. The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Sawyer served a long tenure as the first Moravian Church representative on the CMEP Board of Directors. He was followed by The Rev. Rick Sides who served in this role through January 2022.
CMEP has worked since its founding in 1984 “…to promote just, lasting and comprehensive resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East, and to mobilize U.S. Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and be advocates of equality, human rights, security and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.” The approach CMEP uses for this work is threefold: Educate. Elevate. Advocate. [cmep.org]
The Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province in June 2023 expressed its deep concern for the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and called upon congregations “to pray for, and through education and action, advocate for, a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East; for equality, human rights, security, and justice for all people; for the safety and well-being of those at Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center; and for the work of CMEP.”
Following the horrific attack on Israelis and the taking of hostages by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the devastating, ongoing war in Gaza, and violence and seizing of persons and property in the West Bank, with
their unimaginable death toll, injuries, suffering, famine, and destruction, CMEP has engaged in broad advocacy efforts, issued statements and press releases, provided daily updates, weekly prayer gatherings, informative webinars, educational resources, and advocacy opportunities.
There is an extensive list of webinars, movies, and books for individual or group study available at cmep.org. In addition, congregations may host a speaking event, organize a Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage, arrange a trip to the Holy Land, or mobilize for advocacy. Congregations may also join CMEP as a Church Partner. For resources and opportunities, or more information, visit cmep.org or contact The Rev. Sue Koenig, suekoenig@mcnp.org, current representative to the CMEP Board. n
Day of Giving
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energized us; it was the opportunity to share these resources with our community. The joy of giving became a ministry in itself.”
Join Us on March 4, 2025
On March 4, let’s come together—rooted in faith, united by love, and filled with hope—to celebrate five years of the Moravian Day of Giving and the incredible difference we can make together.
We’d love to hear who inspires you! Share your story by contacting Hanna Jackson at hjackson@mmfa.com before March 1st. Your story could help build excitement and inspire others as we approach our fifth annual Moravian Day of Giving on March 4.
The Rev. Sue Koenig serves as director of racial justice and healing for the Northern Province. She was part of a CMEP Executive Leaders Delegation to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the West Bank in January 2024. See her report, “Views from the Holy Land,” at www.moravian.org/northern. To learn more about Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center, visit www.starmountain.ps or www. moravianmission.org
For updates, inspiring stories, and to give on March 4, visit mmfa.com or follow us on social media. On the day of giving, we invite you to post a photo and share a story about the person who inspires your generosity on your social media. Use the hashtag #IGiveMoravian and tag MMFA so we can celebrate your story and the incredible spirit of giving in our Moravian community!
Together We Give: Rooted in Faith, United by Love, Filled with Hope. n
Hanna Cheek Jackson is director of marketing and communications for the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America (MMFA)
The South Branch RCC in North Carolina received a grant for their Rise Against Hunger event.
A teacher works with a student at the Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Ramallah on the West Bank.
MORAVIANS
IN MISSION
Littletons honored with BWM
2024 Ted Wilde Mission Service Award
At a special worship service on Sunday, November 24th, 2024 at Grace Moravian Church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, the Board of World Mission awarded Jim and Glenda Littleton with the Ted Wilde Mission Service Award.
Each year, the Board of World Mission honors the memory of Ted Wilde, former BWM Executive Director and lifelong servant of Jesus Christ, by recognizing individuals who embody the mission spirit described in these words from Moravian Book of Worship hymn 684, written by brother Wilde in 1984:
Christ, engage us in your mission; worldwide let our parish be.
We take up this great commission, traveling first to Calvary.
There absorbing, Christ-like going, taught by your humility.
The Ted Wilde Mission Service Award recipients are Moravians who have been willing to take up the great commandment and the great commission by learning from our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ, and then engage in humble service in his name. We honor those who have responded to God’s call to mission in our worldwide parish, keeping in mind that the world starts just outside our door.
We can all see how closely the description developed for this award fits Jim and Glenda Littleton and their ministry among those at the margins of their community.
Quoting largely from the information given to us by Pastors Andrew Heil and Neil Routh:
“Jim and Glenda pay attention to the little things and the hidden things. Their heart for others is often expressed in ways
Jim and Glenda Littleton (center), recipients of the Ted Wilde Mission Service Award, are joined at Grace Moravian Church by The Revs. Neil Routh, Angelica Regalado Cieza and Andrew Heil.
that many may never see or hear or notice except for those toward whom those acts are directed. They neither seek attention for their dedication to Christ’s church nor recognition. It is not uncommon for the pastor to visit someone or share a conversation and learn of something that Jim and Glenda have done for that person. A phone call. A text. A note. A hug. It’s about giving attention to the things that God wants the church to see. Jim and Glenda have oriented their senses to attend to the world through the lens of Christ.
“Though they are experienced in ministry and mission, often leading with maturity, they do not overshadow those around them nor do they place themselves in the center of what is happening. Instead, they are welcoming of others, desiring to work with, along and alongside. In this way, they model the companionship of mission and are examples of the attributes that the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum (COUF) describes (Section 3: #871), in particular: Affirming the Dignity and Worth of Every Person, Mutuality, Stewardship, Interdependency, and Prayer and Intercession.
“Jim and Glenda empower others by their acts of service and are unafraid to pray with and for others. Their commitment to disaster relief in many places over many decades is well-known.
“Like the Good Samaritan, Jim and Glenda are willing to be interrupted by the calling of the Spirit to show mercy and serve others sacrificially. And though their lives stretch wide in the ministry of the ordinary and the everyday, they are grounded in prayer and the worship of the whole people of God. We are reminded of the Psalm-
ist (84:10) who said, ‘A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.’”
With deep appreciation for these servants’ generosity—through their time, treasure, and exceptional talents—the Board of World Mission is honored to present Jim
“Like
the
Good Samaritan, Jim and Glenda are willing to be interrupted by the calling of the Spirit to show mercy and serve others sacrificially.”
and Glenda Littleton with the 2024 Ted Wilde Mission Service Award.
The Rev. Ted Wilde served as Executive Director of the Board of World Mission from 1983 to 1995. During his years of service, he worked to expand the Moravian Church’s definition of “world” and of “mission.” Ted was a firm believer in and follower of the Biblical “Great Commission,” which calls us to go into the world to not only baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but to teach the world what Jesus taught through both our words and actions. Ted’s life reflected a passion for and a vision of a world where every voice would be heard and every life valued.
Learn more about the BWM’s annual awards and nominate those who have given of themselves for the benefit of others at www.MoravianMission.org/Awards. n
TMoravian Disaster Response Update:
Tropical Storm Sara and Hurricane Helene
he Board of World Mission continues to coordinate emergency funding and mission teams seeking to assist residents impacted by severe flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. The BWM is cooperating with Laurel Ridge, the Moravian Camp and Conference Center located in Western North Carolina, to house and feed those interested in assisting with the rebuilding efforts. If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to fill out a volunteer data form at MoravianMission.org/MDR/. If you have any questions, please contact Butch Sawtelle at mdr@moravianmission.org.
The BWM is also aware of the flooding in Honduras caused by Hurricane Sara, which stalled just to the north of the country and caused extended heavy rains. The photos you see here were taken in La Moskitia during the early stages of the storm. Many airports are closed, and roads are impassable, making life very difficult for those who live there. We will be sending aid shortly as the needs become more defined. 100% of the donations received for our MDR Fund go to providing relief for these disasters. You can assist us with our disaster
response efforts at MoravianMission.org/ Give. Please designate your gift to “MDR” to ensure that funds can be directed to the disaster relief efforts where there is the greatest need. Please make checks payable to “Board of World Mission” and send to:
• U.S. Donors: Board of World Mission, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
• Canadian Donors*: Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to treasurer@moravian.ca. Include your name and address in the comments section of the transfer to receive tax receipts.
*Please note that for Canadian and other non-U.S.-based donors, the BWM is not able to provide an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes outside of the U.S. While donations from outside the U.S. can be made via our secure giving platform, they are not able to be acknowledged with a tax receipt.
Stay up-to-date with Moravian Disaster Response efforts at MoravianMission.org/ MDR/. n
Mission in Action: 2025 Youth Convo
Convo is a tradition that youth and young adults in the Moravian Church have enjoyed since 1957. Held every two years, Convo traditionally rotates between a gathering here in North America for high schoolers and a gathering elsewhere in the Moravian Unity for young adults.
Beginning with the 2025 Convo for high schoolers, the Board of World Mission is honored to be taking on the role of planning and implementing these gatherings on behalf of the Moravian Church in North America.
Please save the date for the 2025 Youth Convo and spread the word to any high school aged Moravians.
Registration is now available at MoravianMission.org/Convo. As individuals and congregations begin planning and fundraising to send young people to Convo, we estimate the cost will be $800 (in addition to travel expenses). We are in the process of confirming housing costs with the host site and will provide a final cost shortly. n
Rev. Dan Miller joins BWM staff
The Board of World Mission is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dan Miller will be joining our staff as the Director of Mission Service.
As Director of Mission Service, Dan will be responsible for facilitating mission service opportunities to empower individuals to take part in mission both locally and globally. He will coordinate youth and young adult Convos, resource Moravian youth ministries with mission-related programming, and develop intentional leadership training for Moravian clergy, lay leaders, adult members, and youth.
Dan is passionate about equipping others to know and live out their faith, love, and hope and making known the stories that come as a result.
Dan will conclude his ministry with Edgeboro Moravian Church on February 2nd and begin his work with the Board of World Mission on February 18th, serving from the BWM office in Bethlehem (and wherever our global ministry takes him!). His BWM email address will be dan@moravianmission.org.
Welcome, Dan! n
MORAVIAN WRITINGS
Looking for the Light on Epiphany Sunday
Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins. As we prepare to enter a new year, we share insights written for Epiphany Sunday and the second Sunday after Christmas. Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions, and to the Rev. Hermann Weinlick for his continued editing of our bulletin messages.
The Most Precious Gift
Second Sunday after Christmas January 2, 2022
In light of today’s Gospel text from Matthew 2:1–12, I want to say first that wise persons still seek the Lord, and when they find him, they give him their most precious treasure. The wise men from the East traveled a long way in search of the Christ Child, not only because they saw the star, but also because they were men of faith who had spiritual insight. They were convinced that with the star’s appearance the promised Messiah had been born; so they journeyed to Bethlehem of Judea to find him.
Unlike Herod, who had a different motive for knowing where the young child was, the wise men wanted to worship and honor the child as an infant king. So they brought precious gifts from their rich treasuries. But their most precious gifts were not gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their most precious gifts were their hearts, and their greatest honor was acknowledging Jesus as Messiah and King.
For us, as for the wise men, the wisdom to search for Jesus, until we truly find him, comes from above, and the desire to worship and honor him comes from the heart. In our spiritual journey, may we truly find
Jesus and get to know him personally, so that while we surrender to him some of our earthly treasures, we also surrender our most precious treasure. That most precious treasure is our hearts, as we worship him in Spirit and in truth.
—Charles C. Harewood, pastor, First Moravian Church, New York, New York
Looking for Jesus
The Epiphany of the Lord January 6, 2019
People from all walks of life have been drawn to Jesus, some of whom have gone to great lengths overcoming challenges of one kind or another just to see him. Recently I read a story of a man who created a nativity scene in his front yard. Somebody one night took his plastic baby Jesus. Deeply troubled over the disappearance of his plastic baby Jesus, the man issued a plea, reported in a local newspaper, to have it returned to his nativity scene.
In this season of reflection, the Christian community is drawn to Jesus, “the reason for the season,” and remembers his humble beginning in Bethlehem’s manger, where the greatest story ever told began. This life-transforming story did not end there in the manger, prompting us to wonder what has become of Jesus, and pleading for his safe return. In keeping with God’s redemptive plan for humankind, God directed Mary and Joseph to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). Every successive move from the manger to the cross was in keeping with God’s plan in making Jesus known as the Savior of the world. Today we are not looking for Jesus in the manger where he was born, nor in the king’s palace.
Looking for him at the beginning of this New Year, we may encounter him in spirit and truth in that place where we longed to meet him, or in that place where we least expect to meet him. Importantly, for Jesus’ followers and people of hope, this season is about looking for Jesus and meeting him where we are in time and place. The word of God became flesh and dwelt among us for a while (John 1:14). He became one of us to literally set up his tent among us, as the word “dwell” conveys in the original language of the text, so that we could have full access to him.
—Wellesley Ferguson, pastor, Vanderbilt Ave. Moravian Church, Staten Island, New York, and Fellowship Moravian Church, Brooklyn, New York
Once upon this time
Epiphany Sunday January 6, 2013
Once upon a time . . . wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. We know the story well, and our children act it out in the Christmas plays that invariably hallmark this time of year. And we learn of these strangers from another land, these seekers who were not Jews, who followed a light and had an epiphany, a revelation of Jesus the Christ, who filled them with joy. They responded to this epiphany with generosity, sharing gifts that confirmed the importance of the occasion. And these foreigners were the first to acknowledge that this Jesus was God’s anointed king.
As we hear the familiar story again, do we relegate it to a long ago time in a faraway place? Or do we recognize that there are seekers today who need the same revelation of Christ, the same light to shine (Continued on next page)
Looking for the Light
(Continued from previous page.)
in their lives, as did those wise men long ago? Perhaps today’s seekers won’t find the Christ in a fancy temple or palace either. Will they find him within the walls of our churches? Or will they have to go to the lowly places, to the places of dirt and sweat and tears to find this light of revelation? Where will you find the light of Christ in your life?
And those who have seen this light— have known this light—Matthew challenges to be this light to others. He ends the gospel with the call to discipleship, reaching out to all nations. All are still included. We—seekers too—also respond to this Lord of light with generosity to give back to the world and to the stranger the joy of knowing our Lord. We move out from the places of comfort to the places of need, where through us God can write the story anew.
Once upon this time . . .
—Judy Ganz, executive director, Board of World Mission
Wilderness
First Sunday after the Epiphany January 8, 2012
A place in the wilderness often sounds like a pleasant retreat from the busy-ness of the day. I can imagine the time simply to sit with God a while as a welcome re-
spite for my life. But in today’s Gospel the wilderness is not a place of tranquility for tranquility’s sake, but a place of (re)commitment and change. John called out for people to repent, confess, and be baptized in recognition of their commitment to living God’s way of life. The wilderness drew them out from their lives so that they could see, through a change in their perspective, new possibilities for ways to live.
So, as we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus and all the possibilities that it brought for the world, let us also hear the call from John. The call of John compels us to go out into the wilderness; to change the things that keep us from following as faithfully as we can; to commit ourselves to the Mission of God as we accept our place in it. It was not easy for people to leave their homes to go listen to this eccentric prophet in the desert. But they went because God had something to say, and they were ready to listen.
Jesus continues calling us out to serve and love the world that God created. May we find our way into the wilderness to seek God and listen for new directions. As the possibilities are laid out before us, may we have the courage to claim our place in the Mission of God as we too prepare the way of the Lord!
—Rebecca Craver, pastor, Zacchaeus’ Tree, Indianapolis, Indiana
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS
NORTHERN PROVINCE
Mountainview Moravian Church
Due to declining membership and in accordance with Paragraph 1019 of The Book of Order, Mountainview Moravian Church, Hellertown, PA had its final service of worship and thanksgiving on November 24, 2024.
Pastoral Changes
Rev. Greg Behrend, pastor and administrative director at You Belong in Green Bay, Wis., has accepted a 12-month appointment to serve as half time pastor of the Freedom Moravian Church in Appleton Wis.. Greg will also move to half time at You Belong.
This decision comes with the blessing and support of the leadership teams at both Freedom and You Belong, as well as the District Board, PEC, and Emerging Ministries Committee. Rev. Behrend and his family will remain in their home in Green Bay; he was installed in his new part-time position at Freedom on September 22nd. Please hold the Behrend family and the saints at Freedom and You Belong in your prayers as they begin these new ministry relationships together.
Rev. Kevin Marshall was installed on September 29 as the pastor of Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pa. and the First Moravian Church of York, Pa , serving halftime at each church. Brother Marshall and his wife Donnaree Alicia Bailey-Marshall and their children, Rokeya Abigail Michaela and Idara Tendai Makena have moved from
Jamaica to serve the Pennsylvania churches. Brother Marshall was ordained at Carisbrook Moravian Church in Jamaica on June 19, 2005 and consecrated a Presbyter on March 13, 2016 at Fairfield in Jamaica. He has served in Jamaica at the Carisbrook, Bethabara, Goshen and Portmore churches. Please welcome the Marshalls and hold their family and the congregations of Covenant and First Moravian in your prayers as they begin their ministry together.
Br. Walter Bishop who has been serving under appointment at New Dorp Moravian Church, Staten Island, NY began serving at New Dorp under call on November 10, 2024.
The Rt. Rev. Amy Gohdes-Luhman has accepted a call to serve as the full-time Director of Mission Engagement for the Board of World Mission. She began her call on November 11, 2024. Prior to the call, Sr. Gohdes-Luhman had served as pastor to Waconia Moravian Church since August 23, 2011. Sr. Gohdes-Luhman was elected as a Bishop at the June 22-25, 2023, synod of the Northern Province and consecrated on November 5, 2023. Please be in prayer for Sr. Gohdes-Luhman, her family, the Board of World Mission and the Waconia Moravian Church at this time of new beginnings.
Rev. Heather Robinson Owens was installed on December 1, 2024, as the pastor of Egg Harbor Moravian Church, Egg Harbor, NJ. Sister Owens and her husband Jason and their twins Jasmine and Joshua, have moved from Jamaica to serve
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS
(Continued from previous page.)
Egg Harbor. Sister Owens was ordained at Goshen Moravian Church on September 16, 2012. She has served at the Harbour View Moravian Church, Goshen Moravian Church, Ballards Valley Moravian Church, Bethlehem Moravian Church and Bethlehem Moravian College as Chaplain. Please welcome the Owens and please hold their family in prayer as well as the Egg Harbor congregation as they begin their ministry together.
The Rev. Dan Miller has accepted a call to specialized ministry at the Interprovincial Board of World Mission (BWM) as their Director of Mission Service. Dan will be responsible for facilitating mission service opportunities to empower individuals to take part in mission both locally and globally. He will coordinate youth and young adult Convos, resource Moravian youth ministries with mission-related programming, and develop intentional leadership training for Moravian clergy, lay leaders, adult members, and youth. Dan will conclude his ministry with Edgeboro Moravian Church on February 2 and begin his work with the Board of World Mission on February 18th, serving from the BWM office in Bethlehem (and wherever our global ministry takes him!). His BWM email address will be dan@moravianmission.org. We invite your prayers for Dan and his family, the Board of World Mission, and the Edgeboro congregation during this time of transition.
Retirements
Rev. Dawn Volpe has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective July 27, 2025. Sister Volpe was ordained on July 21, 1985, and has served in the Moravian Church at the congregations of Tremont Terrace, Bronx, N.Y.; Trinity, New Carrollton, Md. and Ephraim in Ephraim, Wis. The Church is grateful to Sister Volpe for her 40 years of service to the Moravian Church. Please hold Sister Volpe, her family and the Ephraim congregation in your prayers as they journey through this transition.
Rev. Wanda Weidman has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective November 14, 2024. Sister Weidman was ordained on December 11, 1983, and consecrated a Presbyter on February 28, 1988. Sister Weidman was licensed to serve at Big Oak, Yardley, Pa.; assisted at Evangel, Toms River N.J.; accepted a call to specialized service as a Navy Chaplain at the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, R.I. and the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois. She served in Okinawa, Japan; Philadelphia, Pa.; Charleston Naval Base, S.C. and Virginia Beach, Va.. Wanda served as an interim pastor at Good Shepherd, N.Y. and she served as pastor at Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pa. The Church is grateful to Sister Weidman for her many years of service as Navy Chaplain and pastor. Please hold Sister Weidman in your prayers through this transition.
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS
Retirements (cont.)
Rev. Rhonda Robinson has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective December 31, 2024 . Sister Robinson was ordained on February 10, 2013, and was consecrated a Presbyter on May 23, 2021.
Sister Rhonda has served as a church planter since February 2013 as a part-time pastor with the Esperanza emerging ministry in Bethlehem, Pa.. The Church is grateful to Sister Robinson for her service to the Moravian Church. Please hold Sister Robinson, her family & the Esperanza ministry in your prayers.
Clergy Updates
Br. Lance Fox, who had been serving at Castleton Hill Moravian Church, Staten Island, New York since October 2017, was granted a leave of absence by the Provincial Elders’ Conference, which was effective September 24, 2024.
Sr. Trina Holmberg, who had been serving the Anglican Church of Canada since January 1, 2021, was granted a leave of absence by the Provincial Elders’ Conference, effective October 1, 2024.
Sr. Jodie Harney who had been serving at Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown, PA since August 31, 2009, was granted a leave of absence effective December 1, 2024.
Br. Andy Kilps who had been serving at Hope Moravian Church in Hope, Indiana since August 4, 2014, was granted a leave of absence effective October 28, 2024.
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
King Moravian Church
The Rev. Zach Dease has accepted the call to be the Pastor of King Moravian Church, King, NC. Brother Dease will conclude his ministry as Pastor at Macedonia Moravian Church, Advance, N.C. on December 29, 2024. A service of installation will be held at King Moravian on Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:00 am. Brother Dease was ordained a deacon on March 17, 2013 and later consecrated a presbyter on July 29, 2018. Please keep the King and Macedonia congregations in prayer during this time of transition.
Bethania Moravian Church
We celebrate with the Bethania congregation that The Rev. Linda Seippel has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Bethania Moravian Church. Sister Seippel has also been approved by the PEC for reception into the Moravian Church as a Deacon transferring her ordination credentials as a Baptist minister into the Moravian Church. A service of reception and installation is being planned. Stay tuned for further details.
New Philadelphia Moravian Church
We celebrate with the New Philadelphia congregation that The Rev. Paul Stutzman (Interim Pastor at Hopewell Moravian Church) has accepted the call to be the Associate Pastor of New Philadelphia Moravian Church. Brother Stutzman will begin ministry at New Philadelphia Moravian Church on March 1, 2025.
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS
Retirements
The Rev. Douglas Rights requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry effective December 31, 2024. Brother Rights was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on June 19, 1983 and consecrated a presbyter February 16, 1992. Brother Rights served as associate pastor at Kernersville Moravian, Kernersville N.C. He also has served as pastor at Hope Moravian, Hope, Indiana, Morning Star Moravian, Olivet Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. and King Moravian, King, N.C. He also served as the Director of Youth, College and Young Adult Ministries. We express deep appreciation to Doug for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
The Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry on December 31, 2024. Brother Giesler was ordained in 1986 and then served as pastor of Bethesda Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. and Redeemer Moravian, Richmond, Va. From there he served for eight years as the Chaplain at Moravian College and Theological Seminary and later became the Director of Youth Ministry for the Eastern District. He served the Edgeboro and Emmaus congregations in Pennsylvania, and was elected a Bishop of the Moravian Unity by the Synod of the Northern Province in 2010. His final role was as director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission. We express deep appreciation to Chris for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
The Rev. Dan Nelson requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry effective February 25, 2025. Brother Nelson was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on October 18, 1987 and consecrated a presbyter November 28, 1993. Brother Nelson has served as pastor at Makkovik Moravian Church, Labrador, Canada, Fulp Moravian Church, Walnut Cove, N.C., Bruderheim Moravian Church, Bruderheim, Alberta, Canada, and Friedberg Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. where he has served since May of 2014. We express deep appreciation to Dan for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
Southern Province Youth Ministry
We are excited to announce that both parttime Youth Ministry Specialist positions have been filled! We welcome Monique Richards for the Florida/Georgia District region and Ethan Smith for the North Carolina Region
These positions are in response to Synod resolution #31. We hosted listening sessions, worked with existing youth planning teams, and leaders passionate about youth ministry in developing the job description for these positions. The Commission on Congregational Development is looking forward to learning more about the needs of congregations through youth ministry consultations and regional events. We are continuing to work on finding grant funding to further support youth in the province.
OBITUARIES
Constance Hazel Marie
Schulze (Fenske)
Constance Hazel Marie Schulze (Fenske) entered the more immediate presence of her Savior on July 23, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born on September 10, 1932, in Wetaskwin, Alberta, she was the third daughter of Helmund and Martha (Rentz) Fenske. After her High School graduation from Camrose Lutheran College, she entered the School of Nursing of the Royal Elexander Hospital in Edmonton. She graduated with an R.N. degree with the highest standing in her class in April 1954.
Connie was joined in marriage with Eric Schulze on June 3, 1954, and together they raised four children and served in church ministry in two provinces in Canada, Antigua and St. Croix in the West Indies, and three states. She and Eric travelled during redirection years visiting retired pastors and missionaries for the Reformed Church for 11 years.
The Rev. John D. Hoenig
Brother John D. Hoenig passed away peacefully into the nearer presence of our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Veterans Home in Vineland, N.J.
Brother Hoenig was born on July 9, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the son of the late Adolph and Adeline (Brick) Hoenig. Brother Hoenig graduated from Moravian College in 1978 with a B.A. and from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1980 with an M. Div. He was ordained on January 6, 1980, and consecrated a Presbyter on June 10, 1984.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Jayne Price on March 23, 1968, at the Vanderbilt Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y. They had two children.
Brother Hoenig served the Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, N.J., served in specialized ministry as director of Christian ministry with Church Stewardship Administration Counselors and served Philadelphia Third Moravian Church in Philadelphia, Pa.. John took a leave of absence from the Church to serve as a chaplain with the Red Cross at the 9/11 site to work with survivors.
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A memorial service was held for Brother Hoenig at the Wiley Church in Marlton, N.J. on September 21st with a private burial at Ocean View Cemetery in Staten Island, N.Y.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland: NJVMH Welfare Fund, 524 NW Blvd, Vineland, NJ 08360 (IMO – John Hoenig)
The Rev. Franklin C. Jones
Brother Franklin C. Jones passed into the more immediate presence of our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ, during the morning of November 23, 2024.
Brother Jones was born on March 18, 1940, in Allentown, Pa. He was the son of the late Franklin C. Jones and Anna Susan (Seip) Jones. Brother Jones graduated from Moravian College in 1962 with a B.A. and from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1965 with an B.D. In 1973 he graduated from Gettysburg Theological Seminary with an S.T.M. He was ordained on May 9, 1965, and consecrated a Presbyter on June 14, 1970.
He was united in marriage to Carole Anne Altemose on August 18, 1962, at the Old Moravian Chapel. He was a loving father to his daughter, Louellen Sue and to his son David Allen.
Brother Jones served the Newfoundland Moravian Church, Newfoundland, Pa., Graceham Moravian Church, Md., BereaOur Savior’s Moravian Church in Minn., and Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Minn. Brother Jones returned to Berea Moravian Church and served several years after his retirement.
Brother Jones earthly body has been lovingly donated to the Mayo Clinic. A celebration of life service will be held sometime in the spring.
Those wishing to make a contribution to honor the work and life of Br. Franklin, can do so to the Board of World Mission. To give online visit www.Moravianmission.org/ give indicating the gift is in memory of Rev. Franklin C. Jones.
Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May
Sister Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May, 73, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 unexpectedly at her home. Jeannette, known by all as “Jeannie,” was born on June 19, 1951.
Jeannie had recently completed the course work for becoming a Director of Christian Education and was awarded the certificate posthumously.
Jeannie was an essential partner alongside her husband, The Rev. Tripp May, with their dedication to the ministry of the church. Their creative nature blossomed together as they led dozens of puppetry and drama teams, youth groups, and Bible School events. They were both on the founding team of a creative ministries festival called Curtain Call founded in 1978 and continued with it for 30 years.
Jeannie is survived by her husband The Rev. Tripp May; her son, The Rev. Russ May (Rebecca Post-May); her daughter, Elizabeth Ann May (Martin Campbell).
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at Trinity Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C.
CELEBRATING CONGREGATIONS
Advent (NC) Moravian Church: Sharing community for more than 100 Years
With beloved members, far-flung children of the congregation, and respected provincial representatives gathered close, Advent Moravian Church celebrated 100 years as an official Moravian congregation on June 23, 2024.
Programs shared the theme “Jesus Still Lead On”, and told the history of the church dating back to its beginnings as a strong community Sunday school movement in the mid 1800s. At the end of 1924, after the congregation was chartered, the Sunday school joyously served a total of 204 students and leaders. On the day of celebration in 2024, nearly 300 came together to remember the past and hope for the future of the church.
However, many in the church had been preparing for and marking the special occasion in various ways throughout the year. Plans were made to build a monument honoring the charter members of the church, and a stone with each charter member’s name was debuted at the 100th celebration. To honor current members and families, the congregation had the opportunity to put the family members’ names on specially-made wooden Moravian stars, which then embellished an Advent Moravian family tree.
In addition, each family was gifted a hand cross-stitched ornament with the church’s anniversary date. Decorated vignettes with memorabilia from the church’s history were displayed in the sanctuary throughout the year, and an “Advent Minute” sharing fun facts from the church’s history was placed in the newsletter each week. Church members were also invited to share written memories with the 100th celebra-
tion planning committee. These memories were lovingly compiled into a commemorative booklet that was given to everyone in attendance.
As a congregation rooted in close connection with the community, members of Advent worked to give back to the area by donating at least 100 items to Sunnyside Ministries every quarter of their centennial year. Decades of community picnics and celebrations, Vacation Bible Schools, playground adventures, and outreach efforts like this show that Advent does not stand alone at the corner of Old Salisbury and West Clemmonsville Roads, but as part of a vibrant neighborhood.
As with any good party, people joined together for a meal after the service. The space filled with happy conversation and laughter, echoing decades of happy times spent in fellowship. Many in attendance were recognized for being part of Advent for nearly all of the last 100 years, and photographs depicting moments from the church’s history were displayed during the meal and program. Sons and daughters of the congregation who became leaders in ministry shared fond memories and heartfelt messages for the future, while Advent’s current youth gave special musical performances.
It was moving to see so many of the kind, loving souls that Advent Moravian has influenced over the last 100 years, and hope that its members continue to share God’s love in the world for many years to come. n
Amy Gardin Linville, whose family are members of Advent Moravian in WinstonSalem, now lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
of the tree adorned with wooden Moravian stars with family names by Patricia Long.
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