Moravian Magazine, Issue 4 2021

I S S U E

In this issue: Celebrating Seminary Graduates A place for all to belong Synods in virtual space ...and more!

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

The 2022 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 2022 begins shipping in Nov. 2021, but you can preorder yours online now at store.moravian.org.

Learn more at store.moravian.org 2

The Moravian

On the cover: A calm morning invites reflection and prayer. Photo by Mike Riess.

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16 A Moravian Education

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.

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Celebrating the 2020 and 2021 graduates of Moravian Theological Seminary...in-person!

Moravian History 8

Historic Bethlehem continues efforts to be named World Heritage Site

Moravians in Mission 10 Youth making an impact at Mission Camp 11 Getting ready for Moravian Day of Service 2021 12 Board of World Mission helps sponsor Mt. Morris Service Camp

Moravian Foundations 13 A decade of discretionary grants helps Larger Life

Foundation impact Northern Province churches and agencies

Moravian Synods 16 Districts bring Moravians together for virtual synods 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.

19 A different kind of synod...

In Our Communities 21 Ministry partnership offers place for all to belong in Winston-Salem

...and more 4

Ponderings: The screenshot just isn’t the same...

24 Reflections on John 6:51-59 28 Official Provincial Elders’ News Issue 4 • 2021

29 Obituaries

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PONDERINGS

The screenshot just isn’t the same…

For more than 10 years, I’ve had many opportunities to capture the life and work of the Moravian Church in still images, video and audio. Photos and videos from major provincial and interprovincial events like synods and festivals, along with smaller gatherings and congregational celebrations, fill the bulk of my photo library.

But this past year and a half, many of those significant events in the life of the North American Moravian Church have gone virtual. While online events have their benefits –eliminated travel costs, time savings, the ability to participate without endangering ourselves or others, etc.–they also remove the rare opportunities to be together with Moravians from many different places.

For example, instead of traveling to Wisconsin, Alberta or right around the corner to Moravian College (now University) for Northern Province district synods, I witnessed those every-four-year events on a computer screen in the Church Center conference room. The Southern Province Leadership Focus event in Winston-Salem? Delivered my presentations from my office in Bethlehem instead of in front of a group. The Moravian Music Festival? Watched from a desk in my daughter’s old bedroom.

As most of us have discovered, church life isn’t the same when you’re looking at it on a screen. And for me, along with not physically being together, these online gatherings offer limited opportunities to capture images. Screenshots of Zoom meetings or virtual events pale in comparison to the real thing. I now have a substantial 18-month hole in my photo library!

During this time of limited travel and virtual events, I invite your help in chronicling the current work of the church. While major church gatherings have been curtailed, there has been amazing work happening in our congregations. Churches got creative with worship, reached out to their communities in new ways, found ways to continue connecting and sharing the Good News—all despite the restrictions and challenges these times have wrought.

Here’s how you can help. I invite each Moravian congregation, agency, ministry, camp or partnership to share one or two images that best reflect the work going on today in your part of the Moravian church. Along with the images, please provide a description of the image, identify those in the photos, and indicate your permission for use in future IBOC-produced media. Please send them to moravianmagazine@mcnp.org at any time.

I look forward to witnessing the work of our church through your images.

At the same time, I’m hopeful I’ll be back with my camera to capture the spirit of our church in-person soon.

Peace,

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Mike Riess, Editor

(ISSN 1041-0961) Summer 2021, Vol. 52, No. 4 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 41 Northern Stacks Drive, Suite 200 Fridley, MN 55421 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published eight times per year by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries.

Individual copies available for $3.00 each.

The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. 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 Ginny Tobiassen, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Valerie Bean Wagner.

Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2021, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

A MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Celebrating the 2020 and 2021 graduates of Moravian Seminary...in-person!

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iving through the pandemic has been like building a bridge one plank at a time across a flooding river . . . the end seems to be in sight, but we continue to underestimate the time and effort it will take to get to solid ground.

For the 2020-21 academic year at Moravian Seminary, we continued to build the bridge, and for most of the year, the river’s edge felt out of reach. All courses for the entire year were offered online only, and Bahnson Center was occupied by a handful of staff. Faculty and students got into the rhythm of making personal connections through Zoom, but the usual buzz in the building felt like a distant memory as we awaited restrictions to lift.

As the winter turned to spring and the reality of vaccinations brought new hope, our sights turned to commencement and the prospect of honoring our graduates in person.

We patiently waited for the Board of Elders at Issue 4 • 2021

Central Moravian Church to determine when it would be safe to open their sanctuary, as we hoped to hold our graduation service there. On April 14 we received word that Central would return to in-person worship services, and we would be permitted to hold our ceremony there three weeks later.

So with all Covid precautions in place, Moravian Theological Seminary concluded its 214th year with a graduation ceremony honoring both our 2020 and 2021 graduates on May 8, 2021. In a sanctuary that could hold over a thousand, we filled the space from corner to corner with 180 masked and appropriatelydistanced individuals. For many in attendance, it was the largest number of people they had been with in over a year. Due to the size of the sanctuary, “family pods” sat together in every other pew. Graduates sat “together” six feet (Continued on next page) 5

Moravian College President Bryon Grigsby congratulates Scott Rainey.

Graduation (Continued from previous page) apart. Ceremony leaders and speakers fanned out across the pulpit and front of the church.

Eleven of the 25 graduates from 2020 returned to be hooded, joining 17 of the 19 2021 seniors at the Commencement Service, which was presided over by President Bryon Grigsby and Interim Dean Craig Atwood.

Among the Moravians in the 2021 graduating class was Charlie McDonald, a member of Edgeboro Moravian Church and recent pastoral intern at the Emmaus congregation. Charlie received the Master of Divinity with the academic honor of distinction (earning a grade point average of 3.9 and above). Charlie was selected by his fellow seniors to give the Senior Address at the ceremony. He was also honored with the John David Bishop Memorial Prize, given to an MDiv graduate in recognition for their scholarship, development of personality suited for ministry, and leadership of the Seminary community. Charlie has accepted a call to serve the Chaska Moravian Church in Chaska, Minn., and began his ministry there in July.

Scott Rainey, from the Bethania, N.C., congregation, will complete his MDiv this summer after concluding the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in 6

Winston-Salem. At the graduation service, Scott received the Bender Memorial Prize in Moravian Ministry, recognizing his gifts and skills for serving in pastoral ministry. He also earned the academic honor of distinction. Scott looks toward pastoral ministry in the Southern Province at the conclusion of the summer.

Receiving the Certificate in Moravian Studies were Adriana Craver, from the Konnoak Hills congregation in Winston-Salem, and Reed Lawson, who completed his supervised ministry at the Friedland congregation in WinstonSalem. Both recently earned the Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Adriana was awarded the Hamilton Biblical Language Prize for outstanding work in Greek, and will head to a CPE residency in Florida. Reed is a candidate for ministry in the Southern Province.

Robin Hannig, a member at Palmer Moravian Church, completed the Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a chaplaincy track, and the Certificate in Biblical Studies. She was chosen by the faculty to receive the Faculty Academic Prize, awarded to the student who maintains a high academic standing and also exemplifies superior, creative scholarship.

Ezekiel Kassanga from Tanzania will complete his Master of Arts in Theological Studies this summer. After he returns home to Tabora, Tanzania, he hopes to work in education and Charlie McDonald delivers the Senior Address.

The Moravian

further the work of his thesis, which offers a theological framework for churches to accept and advocate for unwed mothers in their congregations. At present, unwed mothers are often removed and excluded from membership of a church community.

Though not a graduate, but a student in the Moravian History course, Paul Stutzman, pastoral assistant at Clemmons Moravian Church in Clemmons, N.C., was awarded in absentia the Frueauff Prize in Moravian History for outstanding classwork and research in the field of Moravian history.

We congratulate all of our 2021 graduates and award recipients: the six Moravians mentioned here, as well as the 13 other graduates who make up our school’s rich tapestry of faith traditions. Master of Arts in Chaplaincy: Grace Newswanger (Lutheran); Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling: Kennedy Ahn (Nondenominational), Carla Bello (Nondenominational), Rebecca Coventry (Methodist), Rasbell Espiritu (Pentecostal), Sarah Moussa (Presbyterian), Jessica Robinson, Andy Romeo (Presbyterian), Dan Uncles (Unitarian), Mike Moeller (Methodist), Eric Schwartz (Nondenominational); Master of Divinity: Meagan Ackerman (Methodist), Will Colon (Methodist).

We look forward to each of our graduates unfolding calls. We also look forward to reporting about the many changes that are occurring at Moravian Seminary that include retirements, new dean and faculty, change of degree programs, and partnerships — stay tuned! n

Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera, director of the M. Div. program, delivers the faculty address during commencement ceremonies.

Seminary grads Adriana Craver (left); Reed Lawson (below); Ezekiel Kassanga (below left) and Robin Hannig (center, in photo at bottom.)

Jane Weber is Director of Administration at Moravian Theological Seminary Ed. Note: In our next issue, we will include coverage of a new agreement between Moravian Theological Seminary and Lancaster Seminary.

Issue 4 • 2021

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MORAVIAN HISTORY

Historic Bethlehem continues efforts to be named World Heritage Site

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n 2016, Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District, 14.7 acres in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was short-listed for nomination as a World Heritage Site. Included in the district are the 1741 Gemeinhaus, Bell House / Single Sisters’ House Complex, 1751 Old Chapel, 1768 Widows’ House, 1762 Waterworks, 1761 Tannery, 1803-06 Central Moravian Church, God’s Acre Cemetery and several archeological ruins in the Colonial Industrial Quarter.

The World Heritage organization has expressed interest in the worldwide network of Moravian settlements dating to the 18th century.

Christiansfeld, Denmark, settled by Moravians 30 years after Bethlehem, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2015. Today, Historic Moravian Bethlehem is working with the his-

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photo: Fig Bethlehem

toric Moravian communities of Gracehill, Northern Ireland, and Herrnhut, Germany, to prepare a transnational serial nomination to the World Heritage List. Since May 2021, representatives from these four Moravian communities are meeting monthly via Zoom to prepare a draft of the nomination dossier.

The World Heritage List encourages the identification, protection and preservation of sites around the world that are of outstanding universal value to humanity with a high degree of authenticity and integrity, and includes globally iconic sites such as the Great Wall of China; Pyramids at Giza, Egypt; Acropolis in Athens, Greece; and the Sydney Opera House, Australia.

There are only 24 World Heritage sites in the United States, two of which, Independence

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Charlene Donchez Mowers is president of Historical Bethlehem Museum and Sites. Photos courtesy Historical Bethlehem.

Issue 4 • 2021

photo: © Paul S. Bartholomew photo: © Paul S. Bartholomew

Hall and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, are in Pennsylvania.

Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a timeless community with ageless values, has a unique, intact community of buildings that conveys the essential qualities of the early Moravian settlement. Many of the buildings would be recognized by the original settlers, but they are special today because they are still part of a living community. In the 1700s, Moravians made lasting contributions to architecture, medicine, education, technology and music, and furthered principles of equality and diversity.

These buildings reflect the artistic, architectural, cultural, religious and industrial characteristics that set the Moravians apart from other colonial settlers.

The Bethlehem Area Moravians, Central Moravian Church, City of Bethlehem, Moravian University, and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites are working together along with the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission to accomplish the goal of bringing World Heritage recognition to our community. There are many steps in the process over the next few years including preparation of the nomination dossier, authorization by the U.S. Department of the Interior, review by the International Council on Monuments & Sites and finally, presentation to the international World Heritage Committee made up of representatives of 21 countries.

World Heritage List status will acknowledge that the ingenuity, creativity and ideals of the Moravian settlers in Bethlehem and other historic Moravian Church settlements around the world are of universal value and worth preserving today. n

Historic Moravian sites in Bethlehem include the Saal of the Gemeinhaus, the Waterworks (the first pumped municipal water system in colonial America) and the Single Sisters’ House. The Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District may become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

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Youth making an impact at Mission Camp

phrase often heard around congregations when talking about Sunday School or youth groups goes something like “Our youth are the church of the future.” Technically this is true; the chances of a 15-year-old being alive in 50 years are a lot better than somebody who is 60 today. But, to say that our youth are the church of the future relegates their impact to some undetermined time. The truth is that our youth are the church of the present day through things like participation in worship, youth groups, Sunday School and outreach ministries of all sorts.

This impact is most certainly seen each year at Mission Camp. For the last 20 years, Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp and Conference Center, with support from the Board of World Mission, has provided a Mission Camp experience that invites congregations to bring their youth group to camp and work on the yards and homes of residents that live in the area.

The camp staff works with local social service agencies to find families in need of help with projects such as replacing ramps and decks, painting and yard work. Participants are housed at Higgins Lodge and enjoy nights on comfortable beds. At the beginning of the

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week, a training session is held to stress safety while working with power tools. A typical day at mission camp begins with breakfast prepared by the camp staff. Groups then gather their tools and the packed lunches and make their way to the work sites. 3:30 PM is quitting time, and groups return to camp to clean up and enjoy some free time until dinner is served. In the evening, there is a program which this past year was collaboratively written by Sam Gray, Sacha Lambert, Zach Routh, Scarlett Dowdy and Chris Giesler. The writing team also takes turns in leading the program at each of the four scheduled mission camps.

Along with their youth, congregations are asked to send adult chaperones and individuals with some experience doing these types of home projects. This summer, congregations sending their youth groups include Hope, Friedberg, Union Cross, Unity, Home, Estamos Unidos, Konoak Hills and Raleigh. While all of these are Southern Province congregations, others are certainly encouraged to come. For information, go to www.laurelridge.org.

The Board of World Mission is seeking to expand the mission camp model to some of our other Moravian Camp centers. If you would like to help in this process, please contact Chris Giesler at chris@moravianmission. org. n The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Getting ready for

moravian

day of september 19, 2021

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he 2021 Day of Service is set for September 19. Local congregations are invited to make this a day to stress the importance of service in the community in their worship services, and coordinate a service activity either that weekend or at a time that is most convenient for them.

The idea for the Moravian Day of Service sprang from the 2018 Synods of the Northern and Southern Provinces. The Synods recognized that coordinated efforts of Moravians can help engage others in service and ministry and raise awareness of the Gospel message; that Moravians have always celebrated their faith through service and mission work locally, regionally and globally; and that Moravians derive a sense of collective unity and identity from serving together and with others.

The Day of Service isn’t a one-time thing but an annual event; it does not replace the great local mission work already happening in our congregations. The Day of Service offers a chance to rethink how your congregation interacts with your community and encourages you to make service to others an ongoing expression of God’s love for the world.

If you use Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, please tag any of your Day of Service-focused

Issue 4 • 2021

posts with the hashtag #MoravianDayofService.

This will allow us to consolidate posts about all the great work happening around the U.S. and Canada in one place. When you post about your Day of Service activities, please be sure to make your posts public (not just to your friends or followers.) Also, be sure you have the permission of those involved to share their images.

We also ask that congregations share their stories, photos, videos and more directly with us. The information you share will be used to provide ideas and inspiration for congregations looking to get involved in community mission; catalog the work being done by our congregations; help guide future Moravian Days of Service; highlight the work of Moravian Church online, via the Moravian Magazine and other venues.

Complete information for planning your worship service, service opportunities and reporting back to us can be found at www.moravian.org/dayofservice. n The Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler is director of mission engagement with the Board of World Mission.

Reach him at chris@moravianmission.org

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Board of World Mission helps sponsor Mt. Morris Service Camp

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he first annual Board of World Mission sponsored service camp at Mt. Morris Camp & Retreat Center gathered together 26 young people and adults from June 11-20, 2021. The group used a broad range of skills to accomplish a wide variety of projects that included: • sanding, replacing boards and refinishing Arrowhead deck and ramp • deep cleaning all seven cabins • cut up and remove a downed tree from the new building site and former bridge site • begin replacing rear exit doors on cabins • general weeding around Sandhill and Arrowhead • cleaning the space designated for the Snack Shack • shampooing upholstered seats in Sandhill • staining the new “castle-like” playset • disassembling and planing boards to refinish picnic tables • re-siding and roofing the wood holder near the fire pit • organizing camp resources 12

It was a wonderful week of work and relaxation following each day’s efforts. The volunteers were graciously treated to the generous hospitality of the Mt. Morris staff: Dan, Joy, Rose and Kelly. They helped identify the projects, provide the necessary resources and keep the group well-nourished so that the volunteers could focus solely on the tasks.

The BWM is working with Mt. Morris to offer another opportunity next year to help prepare the camp grounds for the upcoming camping season. We also see these events as a great way to teach building and maintenance skills to youth and adults alike to prepare them for mission trip opportunities for years to come. Watch for the notice about the service dates for 2022! n Jill Kolodziej is director of mission service with the Board of World Mission. Reach her at jill@ moravianmission.org

The Moravian

MORAVIAN FOUNDATIONS

A decade of discretionary grants helps Larger Life Foundation impact Northern Province churches and agencies

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ne million dollars is a big number. It is a number you expect to only hear talked about in corporate boardrooms. It is not a number you expect to hear eclipsed by a financial stewardship resource of the Moravian Church.

However, in the spring of 2021, the discretionary grants of the Larger Life Foundation (LLF) will surpass $1,000,000. This is the tenth anniversary of the Discretionary Grant arm of the Larger Life, and $964,101 has been distributed to 164 congregations and agencies of the Moravian Church Northern Province since LLF’s discretionary grant program was established in spring of 2011.

The Board of Trustees is humbled and honored to have made a difference to many different congregations and agencies. In addition, the trustees are grateful for the foresight of the many board members who have come

before us to set up the discretionary grant program from the original LLF that was chartered in 1920.

Sometimes Larger Life is thought of first as providing discretionary grants. However, for 100 years now the LLF has provided meaningful semi-annual financial assistance to twenty core agencies of the Moravian Church Northern Province; it also provides loans to congregations of the MCNP. Starting in 2011, grants have been awarded to agencies, organizations and congregations to address immediate needs related to a capital project, start-up program or start-up position, or to meet an unexpected, non-recurring expense. Discretionary grants depend on funds available and the number of requests received. Many of them are in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Annually those funds often total around $100,000.

(Continued on next page)

The sanctuary at Schoenbrunn Moravian Church benefitted from an LLF Discretionary Grant

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Steeple work at Unionville Moravian Church

Larger Life (Continued from previous page) Many requests for funds are for the unexpected costly repairs of roofs, elevators and basement water problems, just to name a few.

Others stem from remodeling projects that turn into more expensive projects because of needed asbestos removal or other headaches that show up when a project is started. 2020 has been a year of requests not only for the normal repairs and upgrades but to promote safety options because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Those requests have been for installing new or expanding the already existing sound and projection systems to promote distancing during worship. Requests have also been made to remodel spaces for safe gatherings and upgrading restroom facilities.

In the spring of 2012, a discretionary grant request of $5,000 was awarded to Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio, for handicap accessibility to the pulpit in the sanctuary so members confined to wheelchairs and walkers can participate in the worship service.

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In the fall of 2014, a discretionary grant request of $6,000 was awarded to Christ’s Community Church in Maple Grove, Minn.

They were excited to have an opportunity from God to serve their community in a new and impactful way with KidPack—to provide young elementary school students who experience food insecurity on weekends with a bag of food one weekend a month.

KidPack brought schools, churches, community organizations and social service organizations into partnership with one another to make a difference in the community. Through KidPack, Christ’s Community Moravian served food for approximately 320 students.

Larger Life was one of the early supporters of the start-up project Tricklebee Café. In the fall 2015, they received a $3,500 discretionary grant for the purchase of restaurant equipment to help facilitate the opening of the café the next year. Then, in the fall of 2018, Tricklebee was awarded a $5,500 grant for partial funding to hire part-time café managers the next year.

Tricklebee was able to hire 3 part-time managKidPack volunteers at Christ’s Community Moravian Church

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The Larger Life Discretionary Grants have been blessing congregations in the Northern Province since 2011. Whether a grant was needed to deal with an emergency such as a roof leak or to provide equipment to expand ministry beyond the four walls of a building, the opportunity to receive grants has released the imagination of our church leaders to take ministry to a level beyond what they could afford locally. Investing in the technology to provide livestream worship services during the COVID-19 pandemic has literally brought ministry to the world. With viewers from across the province and around the world, fellowship, worship and education is rich with connections that would otherwise not be possible. The Provincial Elders’ Conference is deeply grateful to LLF for providing “larger life” to so many churches and ministries across our province.

- The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, PEC president ers which helped continue future operations.

Tricklebee is a pay-what-you-can community cafe that offers healthy meals, food-service training and spiritual nourishment in Milwaukee, Wis. Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, Pa., was interested in establishing a pilot music therapy program for residents of the retirement community. They received a $10,000 grant in Spring 2017 to explore the benefits of folk songs, percussive instruments, singalongs, etc., in increasing individual and group interactions. Two trials of music therapy services were funded by the Larger Life grant and resulted in increased awareness of the positive role of music therapy in their comprehensive care services.

In the fall of 2019, Unionville Moravian Church in Unionville, Mich. was awarded a $8,850 discretionary grant for belfry renovation. The church building’s appearance was revitalized and made their 150th anniversary celebration in 2020 a little more special. And in the Issue 4 • 2021

The Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons with new equipment for Tricklebee

fall of 2020 Advent Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa., and Lititz Moravian Church, Lititz, Pa., received discretionary grants of $5,000 each for technology upgrades for worship spaces to accommodate COVID-19 requirements.

We, as LLF trustees, love to be good stewards of the financial gifts that God has given us.

Please don’t hesitate to apply for a grant when your organization, agency, or congregation is in need—that is what we are here for.

Visit the Larger Life Foundation website, www.largerlifefoundation.org for grant guidelines and an application. For additional information on applying for a discretionary grant, contact Tammy Curcio, Treasurer, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 or call 610-867-7566, ext. 17.

As the Larger Life Foundation continues its second century of service to the church, we also continue to rely exclusively on gifts and bequests from individuals. We value all donations and planned gifts given directly to the LLF or through the Moravian Ministries Foundation. MMF also administers our investment portfolio. The Foundation looks to the future with faith and gratitude. n Jon Gehler and Steve Pasquinelli are trustees of the Larger Life Foundation. Jon is a member of Ebenezer Moravian Church, Watertown, Wis. and Steve is a member of Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio. Larger Life celebrated a century of giving in 2020.

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DISTRICT SYNODS

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Districts bring Moravians together for virtual synods

long with many other aspects of church life, the districts of the Northern Province had to postpone their quadrennial synods. But this spring and early summer, one year later, they each were able to conduct the legislative business of the church, thanks to technology and flexible planning.

In April, May and June, the Western, Canadian and Eastern Districts held virtual synods, bringing together delegates for across each region in online sessions. While the in-person element of synods was lost due to holding them via Zoom, these district synods each completed the three key responsibilities they needed to perform: elect district leadership, elect members of various boards and commissions; and pass a budget for the coming year.

The synods used the now nearly-ubiquitous meeting platform Zoom to conduct the meetings.

The Western and Eastern District synods also added a second platform called Lumi to provide a secure platform for elections and addressing synod.

Rick Santee, the provincial chancellor for the Moravian Church Northern Province, presided over the Western and Eastern District Synods from the Moravian Church Center conference room in Bethlehem. Rick would normally be “on location” for these events; travel restrictions and the virtual nature of these synods kept him home.

The Canadian District Synod, while still using the provincial technical set up, was chaired by Graham Kerslake. Graham pulled upon his experience with both district and provincial synods to lead the meeting.

Technical aspects of the meetings were handled by Northern Province staff. Mark Santore, IT manager, oversaw the effort, ensuring that ev16

eryone who participated was able to overcome technical issues and participate fully in this new way to doing synod. A team of provincial staffers from the finance and benefits offices served as front-line technical support.

The “business” of Synods The main order of business for these three synods was the election of new leadership for the coming four (now three) years. Synod delegates re-elected the Rev. Bruce Nelson as president of the Western District Executive Board; David Jones as president of the Canadian District Board of Elders; and the Rev. Melissa Johnson as president of the Eastern District Executive Board. (see sidebar for others elected to the executive boards).

Each of the outgoing executive boards had agreed to stay on an additional year after having to cancel last year’s synods. The church is grateful for the continued efforts of Greg Weir, outgoing CDEB president, the Rev. Dave Bennett, who served as Eastern District president for 13 years, and the executive board members from each district who continued their service an extra year.

Also elected at each synod were district rep-

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resentatives to various interprovincial boards and agencies, along with district commissions and responsibilities (see chart for new elections).

Another key aspect of synods includes approving each district’s budget for the coming year. These first-year budgets serve as the blueprint for the coming intersynodal periods and provide insight into the financial positions of each district. All three synods approved their respective budgets.

Thanks to the Lumi computer meeting platform, elections and votes were efficient and quick. In past synods, elections were conducted using paper ballots, which were then collected and hand-counted. For the 2021 synods, voting was conducted electronically, with results tabulated instantly and easily shared. This is the first time the Northern Province has used an electronic voting system, although the Southern Province has been using a system like this for their past two synods.

Worship and Fellowship Holding synods online limited opportunities for another important function of synod: To confirm and renew Christian love and fellowship. While these virtual synods lacked the in-person connection these events typically hold, the planners of each session worked in elements to build fellowship among the Moravians in attendance.

Each synod featured times for worship. East-

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ern District worship, coordinated by the Rev. Dr. Lynnette Delbridge of Central Moravian Church, featured four distinct prerecorded services with different themes, opportunities for interaction and messages based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The Rev. Kurt Liebenow lead Western District worship times, joined in singing by his wife Kathy, while the Rt. Rev. Blair Couch offered devotions for the Canadian synod.

The Eastern District added another layer to their virtual synod by including live, online hosts.

The Rev. Cynthia Geyer, Eastern District director of youth and young adult ministries, joined Tory Reid from John Hus Moravian in New York to serve as emcees for the synod. In this role, they introduced the different segments of synod and provide commentary on what was occurring (see the accompanying story).

Synods are also opportunities to review the work of the district. All three district synods included a “state of the church” address by their district presidents, along with a presentation on provincial matters from the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, president of the Northern Province PEC. In-person synods typically receive live greetings from ecumenical partners, agencies and congregations. For these synods, agencies and congregations provided pre-recorded video greetings outlining their efforts for the past four years.

Two of the synods featured speakers to inspire and educate delegates. During the Western District Synod, Rev. Dr. Heather Vacek, now dean of Moravian Theological Seminary, reflected on how the Holy Spirit was at work in the District.

Eastern District delegates heard an inspiring talk called “Worldchanging 101: The Downside of Hero Stories” from author, speaker and professional musician David LaMotte. In his talk, David discussed how heroic actions and long-term movements can lead to change. Delegates then had opportunities to break into smaller groups to share, discuss what they learned and bring questions back to the speakers.

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District synods

(Continued from previous page) Looking to the future While the hope is for future synods to continue to be held in person, the efforts of synod planners and implementers in 2021 proved that despite limitations on meeting together, the work of district synods can still go on.

Planning is now underway for the 2022 synods of both the Northern and Southern Provinces. Current plans are to hold these sessions in-person, but it is uncertain if circumstances will allow.

More information on 2022 Synods will be shared in our Jan./Feb. 2022 issue. n

2021 District Synod Elections EASTERN DISTRICT

WESTERN DISTRICT

Eastern District Executive Board (EDEB) Eastern District President: Rev. Melissa Johnson (Advent) Pastoral Representatives: Rev. Earl Goulbourne, (Grace NY); and Rev. Darrell Johnson, (Palmyra.)

Penn/Mar: Bonnie Robertson, (Trinity ); NY/NJ Metro/ Toronto: Naomi Mercia Solomon, (Vanderbilt Avenue); Ohio: Jackie Pasquinelli, (Schoenbrunn); Del Valley: Lauren Grady, (Palmyra); LV North: Tammy Lavoy, (Newfoundland ); LV South: Linda Rapp, (College Hill.)

Western District Executive Board President: Rev. Bruce Nelson (Lake Mills) Clergy: Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman (Waconia), Rev. Kerry Krauss (Sister Bay) Lay: Courtney Bauder (West Side WI), Nancy Chandler (Hope IN), Cindy Fahney (Lake Mills), Cheryl Lovlien (Our Savior’s)

Church in Society Ministry Team: Rev. Mandy Mastros (Lancaster), Rev. Tammie Rinker (Westside Pa.), Rebecca Canfield (Schoenbrunn), Evadne Morrison Taylor (Grace NY) Spiritual Formation Ministry Team: Rev. Jennika Borger (Palmer), Rev. Desna A. Henry Goulbourne (United), Blondel Jones-Grant (United), Linda Toggart (College Hill) Stewardship for Life Ministry Team: Rev. Jay Petrella (Graceham), Rev. Bevon White (Faith DC), Margo Harris (New Dawn), Brandy Marie Rowe (Graceham) Hope Conference Center Management Board: Richard Eldredge, Jr. (Castleton Hill), Rev. Jodie Harney (Mountainview), Mike Rampula (Schoeneck), Oswald Steele (United) Board of World Mission District Representatives Rev. Sue Koenig (First, Easton), Andrea Peart-DeFlavis (First Riverside NJ) Moravian Hall Square Historic District Board Linda Crook (Nazareth), Rev. Derek French (Nazareth), Rev. Mark Newman (Newfoundland), Alice R. Yeakel (Nazareth) Moravian Manor, Inc., Board Dan Garrett (Lititz), Rev. Mandy M. Mastros (Lancaster), James T. (Tim) Roland (Lititz)

Mt. Morris Camp & Conference Center Board: Rev. Jason Andersen (Christian Faith), Rev. Barb Berg (London), Cindy Miller (Lake Mills), Mark Stephan (Our Savior’s) Midwest Christian Education Commission: Carmen Gesinger (Waconia), Jenny Hollenberger (London), Teri VanLieshout (Sturgeon Bay).

Marquardt Village Board: Todd Fischer (Watertown), Rev. Katie Van Der Linden (Ebenezer) Auburn Homes Board: Rev. Rick Newswanger (Lake Auburn), Jill Sandau (Waconia), Bruce Shoger (Lake Auburn), Arvin Zwart (Chaska).

Board of World Mission Representatives: Lisa Pampe (West Salem), Taylor Wickert (Watertown)

CANADIAN DISTRICT

Board of Elders, Canadian District President: David Jones (Good Shepherd) Board Members: Rev. Rick Beck (Good Shepherd), Bob Hawkesworth (Good Shepherd), Brandon Salzyn (Good News), Rev. James Lavoy (Rio Terrace) Board of World Mission: Rev. Trina Holmberg (Edmonton) Van-Es Chair: Lynne Hennig (Good Shepherd)

Morning Star Senior Living, Inc., Board Carolyn Knauss (Schoeneck), Rev. Jeff Van Orden

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DISTRICT SYNODS

U

A different kind of synod...

nder normal circumstances, pastors, delegates and representatives from congregations across the district would travel to Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., to discuss important business and matters pertaining to the Church at large. During that time, we would have been fellowshipping, worshiping and eating meals together in Johnston Hall and the HUB in person. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Planning Committee suddenly had to rethink how we would convene Synod in a safe and productive way, so the thought of conducting a virtual synod was going to be the obvious and logical plan.

It was a pleasure and distinct honor to serve a co-host with Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries during the virtual Eastern District Synod 2021.

The theme for this year’s Eastern District Synod

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was Into the World­–This is the challenge of our mission. The scripture passage centered on Paul’s letter to the Philippians; worship services throughout the event were based on the themes from this letter as well. Worship was such a reflective and meaningful time for me because I had some time to read Paul’s letters from his situation while he was in prison, his appreciation for his fellow Christians in Philippi, and the words of encouragement he shares with them to spread the gospel with others. This form of evangelism was extremely important to Paul, because he believed that those who already established a personal relationship with the Lord should share testimonies with those who who had not and share how they overcame various obstacles in their lives.

Eventually, from those conversations and en(Continued on next page)

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A different Synod

(Continued from previous page) counters with others they met, they would be eager to become active members of a church and develop their own relationship with the Lord.

Throughout Synod, the section that resonated with me the most was from our guest presenter David LaMotte, who is an awardwinning songwriter, speaker and writer from Montreat, N.C. During his presentation, he spoke to us about how we can all use our Godgiven talents and abilities to change the world for the better, not only for ourselves, but for future generations to come. He discussed two types of narratives that we as Christians often find ourselves in when an opportunity to help someone or a group of people arises. Those narratives are either classified as the Hero or a Movement narrative. For individuals like myself, who have a passion and zeal for participating in mission engagements both locally and globally, Bro. LaMotte’s message has given us a new sense of purpose and calling to be actively involved with mission and outreach in our local congregations and the wider community at large.

The theme Into the World- This is the 20

challenge of our mission has been the hallmark of the Moravian Church over the years.

Both lay members and clergy alike have decided to offer their time, talent and financial contributions to travel to the ends of the earth to serve the least of these in the community, build and strengthen relationships with our brothers and sisters from the various provinces, and proclaim the gospel about the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once mentioned that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” I strongly encourage everyone, no matter how young or advanced in age you are, to find what you are truly passionate about doing and use that platform to serve people without seeking any accolades, awards or high praise because that is the definition of humility and servanthood. Lastly, Philippians 2:3-4 indicates to “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Go and do likewise!! n Tory Reid is a member of John Hus Moravian Church in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Musician and speaker David LaMotte offered the keynote address at the Eastern District 2021 Synod via video from his home in North Carolina.

The Moravian

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

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Ministry partnership offers a place for all to belong in Winston-Salem

hose experiencing homelessness are met with many challenges, but one of the greatest needs is the need to belong—that desire to be a part of something—and to be valued as a person. In Winston-Salem, N.C., a new ministry, created in partnership between the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has begun to service this need.

At The Dwelling, people come and are treated with the same love that God offers each of us. Through this newly federated mission between the two denominations, those experiencing homelessness have a place to worship, be fed and to get a shower—they have a place to be restored and a place to belong.

Pastor Emily Norris, an ELCA pastor who leads The Dwelling, was inspired by a meeting she attended a few years ago about the needs of the homeless. She wanted those experiencing homelessness to understand their value in Christ, not in their housing status.

The Dwelling was envisioned as a church/ gathering place, a place to find a meal and a Issue 4 • 2021

shower ministry. The partnership was officially established on August 13, 2020, a spiritual birthday of the Moravian Church and has since met with many challenges, including restrictions due to the COVID pandemic. “Our primary ministry was going to be the church, but safety restrictions made it impossible,” said Emily. It was time to change direction.

Assessing the community needs, Pastor Emily decided the shower ministry would be their anchor ministry. “The most surprising thing about The Dwelling and it’s ministries is how quickly it took off,” said Emily. “When we don’t put limitations on the work of the Holy Spirit, amazing things can happen. People’s (Continued on next page)

“In a world that constantly tells people who are homeless that they don’t belong, The Dwelling is a church that tells them that the world has it all wrong.”

—thedewellingws.org 21

Dwelling

(Continued from previous page) generosity caught fire in so many hearts. We were able to staff the showers, and as restrictions were lifted, we were also able to provide worship, feed our guests, and do so many other wonderful things.”

Emily is careful about the language she uses when speaking of those she serves.

“Words matter. We say ‘our neighbors experiencing homelessness’, rather than just calling people homeless because people aren’t their housing status,” she continued. “We are sisters, brothers, spouses, parents and children.

We need to use better language to help our neighbors find their value in themselves, not in their housing status.”

Pastor Emily teaches that our identity should be rooted in Christ first. We are wanderers, seekers, questioners and doubters— some feel worthy and others unworthy—but we are all God’s people.

“Both Lutherans and Moravians are very similar in beliefs, and more significantly, in their approach to service to God’s people,” says Emily. “The Lutherans have been instrumental in the bureaucratic process of establishing a new mission, securing grant funding, and supporting the first summer of Service Learning groups. Moravians made sure the shower ministry got off the ground and several Moravian vacation Bible schools collected nearly 200 shower kits for this ministry.”

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Not only are the two denominations invested in making this ministry happen with a location and resources, but both churches help care for the people. “Lutheran and Moravian pastors volunteer to be the ‘theologian in the room’ for our weekly neighbor-led Bible studies,” she continues. “We believe all are welcome, including those who may not have a home or who may feel separated from God due to their own brokenness.”

A Place to Worship Sundays are the most difficult days of the week for those who are experiencing homelessness.

They struggle to find services and respite. Public libraries are closed or have limited hours, public transportation runs a modified schedule and many soup kitchens are closed, or run on a limited schedule. The Church should be that place of rest and renewal for everyone, regardless of housing status. Most of us want a sense of belonging and a community that surrounds us, and treats us with dignity and respect. At The Dwelling, people find their identity in Christ, changing the narrative of what they believe about themselves.

“People gather together for fellowship, share food and worship together,” said Pastor Emily. “They come to have both their physical and spiritual needs met. They enter looking for a place to belong and they find so much more.”

The Moravian

God has blessed everyone with gifts and talents to be used to tell the world that God is good. At The Dwelling, attendees are encouraged to look at their gifts and use them— whether they are musicians, poets, builders, artists or coffee brewers—everyone has a place to use their gifts at The Dwelling.

“The church is open to everyone in the community,” Emily continues, “not just those experiencing homelessness.”

Attendees share and proclaim God’s word together through gospel hymns, contemporary music, poetry or even silence. Worship at The Dwelling reflects the diversity of the people who attend. It is the unique and personal gifts of each person that make The Dwelling a place to gather around God’s holy table and find a place of true belonging.

A Shower With the shower ministry being the anchor for The Dwelling, they are able to provide one of the basic human needs: a place to be refreshed and renewed by water. Those who have a home can get a shower whenever they want, but for

Issue 4 • 2021

those who are experiencing homelessness, a shower must be “scheduled” at a facility that offers public showers. The Dwelling understands that a shower is a basic human luxury and any person who needs a shower is able to renew themselves through water and perhaps be reminded of their baptism.

The Dwelling is able to offer dignity and healing through this gift of water, as well as the gifts of underwear, socks, toiletries and t-shirts. The shower trailer moves between four different shelters in the Winston-Salem neighborhoods during the winter months, and the remainder of the year they have the shower trailer set up at the Community First Center every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. The shower trailer is able to provide 3040 warm showers to guests each time they set up a location. Donations of toiletries, towels, washcloths, laundry detergent and dryer sheets are always welcome, as well as monetary donations to cover the cost of propane and water used for the showers.

(Continued on next page)

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Dwelling

(Continued from previous page) The Dwelling is making deeper connections in the community. “Part of our ability to connect those in need with the many services available to them, is the trust we have earned in being part of a faith community together,” Emily continues. “It is powerful to be church together in the trenches—outside our worship space. As The Dwelling continues to grow, so does our credibility with our community members and the impact of our ministry field.”

Service Learning Experience This summer, The Dwelling began offering Service Learning Experiences for individuals and churches to come learn about the challenges of homelessness and what can be done in their own communities. Staff and volunteers take participants through the complexities of the systems that are already in place that perpetuate homelessness, and teach how the church can respond and advocate for justice, including access to mental health care, affordable housing and many other services that may be available in their own communities.

This service experience equips people with knowledge and gives attendees a look into the hearts of those serving in this ministry.

“The Dwelling lets people know that they are

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that more than 580,000 people across America experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2020. beloved to God and to us; that they are children of a God who aches alongside them, rejoices with them, cares deeply for them, loves them beyond description, and will never abandon them,” said Emily. “If there was one thing I wish I could do for those we serve is, I wish I had the balm to make it all peaceful for them, to give them what they need. So many of our neighbors suffer from mental illness, trauma, addictions and other tragedies. I wish I could make things right for them,” continues Emily.

“At the end of the day, it’s a good day, and I am exhausted,” said Emily. “Thanks be to God!” For information and how you can be a part of The Dwelling, contact Pastor Emily at info@ thedwellingws.org or log onto their website at thedwellingws.org. n Sue Kiefner, IBOC communications assistant, researched and wrote this article. Photos courtesy of The Dwelling

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MORAVIAN WRITINGS

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven...”

Reflections on John 6:51-59 Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins. This month, we share insights written on John 6:51-59.

Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions to the Moravian bulletin series.

Done with Jesus?

John D. Rights, pastor • Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. • Aug. 22, 2021

John 6:56–69 is as much about what was happening in the day it was written as it is about the day it remembered. Writing 70 years or so after the Jesus Movement emerged in Galilee, John teaches a lesson on Holy Communion when Jesus says: “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. . .Whoever eats me will live because of me. . .The one who eats this bread will live forever.”

The T-shirt version could read, “Eat mo’ Jesus.” Repugnant to some. Offensive to others. Appealing to a few. And all might agree with the many disciples who said, “This teaching is difficult, who can accept it?”

Many couldn’t. Sounded too cannibalistic.

Disregarded the Law of Moses. Nothing about this in the Scriptures. So they turned their backs to Jesus, following no longer.

But others, such as Simon Peter, had tasted his new wine. (John 2) Their thirst had been quenched by his living water. (John 4) Their hunger had been satisfied by his bread of life. (John 6) Issue 4 • 2021

Their hearts had been stirred by his words of eternal life.

And the Divine Life they received by believing in him kept them on his course.

This passage is also as much about what is happening in our days, in our lives, as it is about what was happening in the days it was written and on the day it remembers. Jesus’ teachings on love and grace, forgiveness and nonviolence, wealth and social boundaries, are at least as difficult as the teachings on Communion we find in John. It would be easier to be “done with” Jesus than to follow. But where would we go? Where else could we go for the Life he gives and the Life he is?

“You have the words of eternal life”

Staci Marrese-Wheeler, pastor • Lakeview Moravian Church, Madison, Wis. • Aug. 26, 2018

In her spiritual memoir Take This Bread, Sara Miles begins with the account of her first communion. She was forty-six years old; until she ate the bread and drank the cup of that communion meal, she had lived a “secular life, at best indifferent to religion.” Her first commu25

Living Bread. . .

(Continued from previous page) nion meal was her moment of conversion to a life of Christian discipleship.

Miles writes, “Eating Jesus, as I did that day, to my great astonishment, led me against all my expectations to a faith I scorned and work I’d never imagined.” Through that encounter with Christ, she realized that the work she was being called to in life was feeding people through the creation of food pantries.

It stopped me in my tracks when I first read it: “eating Jesus.” It made me uncomfortable.

Yet it was in eating real food, bread and wine, that Sara Miles was struck with a spiritual awakening. Through it, she understood Jesus as the Bread of Life, who feeds people and who called her to do the same. She had to consume the Bread of Life, literally and figuratively, to understand the life she could have through him.

The disciples didn’t like the thought of “eating Jesus” either. Jesus told them, “I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me” (John 6:57). This teaching of Jesus offended them. Some of them quit following him. The twelve stayed. Later, after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17). Once they ate the bread of life, they were called to feed it to others.

I met Sara Miles once, and she signed my copy of Take This Bread. She wrote, “Many blessings on your work feeding people.”

Bread of Life

Betty Helms, ministerial candidate, Friedberg Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. • Aug. 26, 2012

Christ is the “Bread of Life” and those who believe in him have “everlasting life.” Jesus made it abundantly clear (John 6:53–58) that those who believe will “eat the bread” and “drink the cup.”

In order rightly to discern the body and blood, we need to understand the symbolism 26

behind each. Jesus states, in the partaking of the bread and cup, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. . .Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. . .Do this in remembrance of me.”

But what is Jesus calling his disciples to remember? In partaking of the bread and the cup, in a spiritual sense we receive the body and blood of Christ. This does not mean that

John 6:51-59 New Revised Standard Version “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died.

But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

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bread and wine literally turn into flesh and blood. Rather, this is a moment of holy remembrance and individual intimacy when we consume the bread and the cup (1 Corinthians 10:16).

As disciples of Christ, as we receive “the bread” (Jesus’ flesh) and “the cup” (Jesus’ blood), we receive publicly “Christ the Bread of Life,” and we receive his forgiveness of sin brought forth in the new covenant. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we in remembrance receive spiritual nourishment that brings personal intimacy with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Remembering Jesus, we feed our spirit with his “body and blood.”

This receiving of “the Supper” is spiritually nourishing to our inner heart, body, mind, and soul—in much the same way that baptism spiritually cleanses us. When we receive “the bread and the cup,” our hearts need to receive them remembering God’s great love for us.

We need to come to the Table with repentant hearts that are spiritually hungry for the nourishment that can be found only in Christ, the Bread of Life.

True food and true drink Ray Burke, pastor • Clemmons Moravian Church, Clemmons, N.C. • Aug. 16, 2009

T”hose who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is the true food and my blood is the true drink” (John 6:54-55).

The people who first heard Jesus, who like Jesus were Jews, were scandalized by his words.

But Christians through the ages have also been deeply troubled by them. Their exact meaning has been difficult to grasp or accept. Thus, they have been the source of misunderstanding, division, and conflict. Even today theologians and scholars continue to argue over them.

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Regardless of our understanding of the terms as literal or figurative, Jesus’ original intent, or any of the other debates raging around this text, we must finally accept the fact that, for most people today, these words relate to Holy Communion. Jesus could not have been clearer. No one can hear or read his words and doubt their importance. Consequently, we should never doubth the importance of Holy Communion. And yet we do!

Oh, we’d never say that we do. Yet our practices often betray our attitudes. Sometimes we even seem to assign Communion to the position of second-class worship. Thirty years ago I first noticed that attendance at Holy Communion services was almost always less than at a regular worship service. And this is still true today! When I ask people why, the most common responses I receive are (1) “It’s not ‘preaching’”; (2) “I do it once or twice a year, and that’s enough”; (3) “It’s just ‘too high church’ or ‘too Catholic’”; and (4) “It just doesn’t make sense to me” or “I don’t really understand it.” These responses indicate a serious need for some personal spiritual growth and Christian education.

After baptism, Holy Communion is the most sacred thing we do in worship. It is the holiest act in which we participate on a regular basis. We need to recover the awe and wonder of it. We need to reexamine its meaning in the context of our faith. And we may begin with today’s Gospel.

We also need to remember that Holy Communion is not something we created. Rather it was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, when he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Presbyterial Consecration Sister Rhonda Robinson, presently serving as pastor of Esperanza Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on May 23, 2021. Bishop J. Christian Giesler officiated at the service, which was held at Esperanza.

Thurmont, Maryland Brother Jay Petrella, who has been serving as pastor for MorningStar Moravian Church, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, has accepted a call to serve as pastor for Graceham Moravian Church, Thurmont, Maryland. Brother Petrella began his new work July 5, 2021.

Specialized Ministry Brother David Bennett, who has been serving as president of the Eastern District Executive Board, has accepted a call to serve in specialized ministry as Chaplain for Morning Star Senior Living, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Brother Bennett will begin his new work August 30, 2021.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE Unity Moravian Church Scott Rainey, an approved candidate for ordination, has accepted a call to become pastor of Unity Moravian Church. Scott will conclude a 24-year ministry as music director and organist at Bethania on August 1, and will be installed at Unity on September 12. A service of 28

ordination is still being scheduled. Please pray for Scott, his wife Katy, and their children; and, the Bethania and Unity congregations during these weeks of transition and new beginnings.

Rural Hall Moravian Church Andrew Craver has accepted a call to be pastor of the Rural Hall congregation. He concluded his ministry as co-pastor of the Bethel Moravian Church, in Alaska, in May and began his service at Rural Hall August 1.

Commission on Congregational Development The Provincial Elders Conference is pleased to announce the creation of a Commission on Congregational Development and the appointment of a director to lead its work.

In response to dynamics of the past two years, including decreased Provincial income and extended pandemic church closings, the PEC has focused on how best to apply reduced resources to support and enhance congregational development. After much study and consideration, PEC is creating this new Commission to provide advising and coaching for pastors and congregation leaders on specific ministry development needs, replacing our current educational programming focused model.

The new Commission will assume most of the functions of the current Board of Cooperative Ministries. It will operate similarly to the Province’s Commission on Ministry, which oversees candidacy and ordination; the Provincial Support Services Board, which oversees the finance office; and the Archives ComThe Moravian

mission. The Commission on Congregational Development will be led by pastors and laity and will assist the PEC in fulfilling the purpose of the Southern Province: “To equip Moravian Christians and congregations to be agents of God’s transforming love in the world. We will do this by providing resources for spiritual growth, community and mission.”

We are very pleased that the Rev. Rebecca Craver has accepted a call to serve as Director of Congregational Development.

In her 15 years of ordained service, Rebecca has led faith communities in reimagining their structures, practices, and traditions as they embrace Jesus’ call, supporting them through organizational change, worship creation, and adult learning curriculum. Capacity building and innovation have shaped her ministry.

Rebecca earned an undergraduate degree at UNC Asheville and Master of Divinity at Moravian Theological Seminary. Since 2012, she has served as pastor at Edmonton Moravian Church in Alberta. Her first pastorate was at Edgeboro Moravian in Pennsylvania, followed by a new church development at Zaccheus’ Tree in Indiana.

For more than seven years, she has served as the chair of the Healthier Congregations

Task Force in the Northern Province, which has developed congregational tools and resources for both Provinces. She is the co-creator and co-host of Create in Me, a podcast with Rev. Brian Dixon that explores the intersection between worship and everyday life and imaginative worship experiences that prepare and cultivate vibrant practices for living out faith.

Moreover, Rebecca is a lifelong member of the Southern Province Moravian community and daughter of retired pastor Steve Craver. She and her husband have two small children.

Rebecca will conclude her pastorate at Edmonton and begin her new call on Aug. 30.

The PEC expects to name members of the new Commission in the coming weeks. Beth Hayes, Director of Congregational Resources & Ministries, and Heather Stevenson, Operations Coordinator, will continue in their current positions working with Rebecca. The Provincial Elders’ Conference expresses appreciation to Ruth Cole Burcaw and Hanna Cheek Jackson for their many contributions to the ministries of our Province. As previously reported, both have resigned to accept new positions in the community.

David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference

Obituary: Mrs. Valarie Ferguson Sister Valarie Rose (Brown) Ferguson died June 17, 2021 at age 58. She was born April 20, 1963 at Montego Bay, Jamaica, a daughter of Andrew and Edna Brown.

Sister Ferguson was united in marriage to Brother Wellesley Ferguson on July 30, 1989 at Trinidad/Tobago, West Indies.

She was a graduate of the Caribbean Nazarene Theological College and Covington Theological Seminary with degrees in Christian Issue 4 • 2021

Education. She served alongside her husband in the Eastern West Indies Province and then in the Northern Province at churches in New York (United, Fellowship, Vanderbilt Avenue).

Sister Ferguson is survived by her husband, Wellesley; daughter, Jalethea; and son, Joshneil.

Services were held July 9, 2021. Burial was in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island, New York.

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Obituary: Rev. Robert M. Peek The Rev. Robert M. Peek, age 77, joined the heavenly Church Triumphant Friday, May 21, 2021. After a period of declining health he died at home under the care of his son, Robert, Jr., and hospice.

Bob was born in Prince William County, Va., the son of Edna and Macon Peek, grew up in Greensboro, N,C., and was a member of Florida Street Baptist Church. He graduated from the University of Maryland, and later earned Master of Public Administration degree at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA. Robert retired from the U. S. Air Force in 1987, after 24 years of service; and spent more than eight years with MCI Communications.

He responded to a call to ministry, graduated Moravian Theological Seminary in 1999, was ordained a Deacon May 23, 1999, at Christ the King Moravian Church, Durham N.C., by Bishop Graham H. Rights, and consecrated a Presbyter September 25, 2005, at Immanuel-

New Eden Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. by Bishop Lane A. Sapp.

Robert was pastor of Morning Star Moravian Church, Asheville, NC; both the Immanuel and New Eden congregations in Winston-Salem, and the merged Immanuel-New Eden congregation; and, after retirement in 2009, served the Providence congregation. Bob was strongly committed to the spread of the Gospel, and to pastoral care for members and nonmembers alike.

He was preceded in death, in 2020, by his wife, Blanche Earlette (Keene) Peek; and is survived by a son, Robert Peek, Jr.; a brother, George Peek, and a sister, Sandra Peek; two half-sisters, Kathy Peek and Donna Pool; and five nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at Fairview Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Tony Hayworth officiating.

Burial followed in God’s Acre, in Salem.

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The Moravian

Eight great ways to dig deeper into Moravian history.

When seeking to understand more about today, sometimes the best place to look is yesterday.

Learn more of the rich, 550-plus-year history of the Moravian Church with one of more than a dozen historical titles available from the Interprovincial Board of Communication.

From brief introductions to in-depth studies, these books deliver interesting and insightful looks into the unique story of faith that laid the foundation of today’s Moravian Church.

This spring, dig a little deeper into Moravian history with these and other publications, available online at store.moravian.org or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

MORAVIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 1021 CENTER STREET BETHLEHEM, PA 18018 PHONE 800.732.0591 • www.moravian.org

Issue 4 • 2021

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