J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
Returning to Sierra Leone Studying Moravian Doctrine Uncovering the First Moravian House And more!
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On the cover: A blanket of snow demonstrates the beauty of God’s creation. Photo by Mike Riess.
J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
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Returning to Sierra Leone Studying Moravian Doctrine
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Uncovering the First Moravian House And more!
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Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith
Moravians In Mission
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
12 Sierra Leone: God’s call to return
6 Students participate in new Chicago urban mission 21 Planning visit reveals much about our Czech and Polish counterparts Moravian History 9 Archaeologists uncover the First House of Nazareth (Pennsylvania) Moravian Doctrine 15 A new series: Studying Moravian Doctrine
Member, Associated Church Press
Moravian Youth 23 Youth and Young Adult Retreats: “It’s all about the relationships and being accepted for who I am Moravian Education 25 BCM resource highlights what it means to be “Simply Moravian”
Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.
January/February 2015
In every issue: 4 Ponderings: Identifying my spiritual gifts 27 Time Travel: Back in time with The Moravian 28 Official Provincial Elders’ News 30 Obituary: The Rev. George R. Scilley 3
PONDERINGS
Identifying my spiritual gifts
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) January/February Vol. 46, No. 1 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each.
Last
fall, I was invited to join the Moravian Leadership Network (MLN), an initiative from the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries to heighten the leadership skills of pastoral and lay leaders within the church. Along with 14 other Southern Province Moravians from many walks of life, I’m learning valuable insights about how to be a better leader in our denomination. In addition to uncovering and nurturing leadership styles and skills, my classmates and I also work on the spiritual side of our connection to the church. At our last gathering at Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem in January, we went in-depth on Spiritual Gifts—the gifts we’re blessed with to help bring ourselves and others closer to God. In discussing our spiritual gifts, the Rev. Dr. Neil Routh, pastor at King Moravian Church, shared insights on just what “spiritual” means. According to Neil, “spiritual” is essentially anything that helps us identify and understand the presence of God. It represents the depth and dimension of our relationship with God, ourselves and others. When we are spiritual, we are open and receptive to God’s presence in our lives. And we each express our spirituality in unique ways. “Spiritual gifts,” in turn, are the manifestation of the divine within a person. Spiritual gifts build up the congregation, and each gift works to bring about God’s kingdom. Putting our spiritual gifts to use contributes to the growth of our congregations and the kingdom of God in our midst. Knowing and understanding our spiritual gifts can go a long way in improving our connection to the church and to God. To prepare for class, each of us completed a simple Spiritual Gift Inventory. By answering a series of questions, this test helped us identify our spiritual strengths along with areas where we may not be so gifted. The inventory includes 27 different gifts—qualities like administra 4
The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Ginny Tobiassen Peggy Carter Jane Weber Gary Kniskern Jill Westbrook Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
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tion, discernment, encouragement, giving, faith, intercessory prayer, pastoring, wisdom, prophecy, tongues, evangelism and many more. By answering 81 questions, this tool provides a score from 1 to 15 on each of the identified gifts. For me, the inventory’s results seemed spot on. I scored high on writing, music, humor, assistance and artistry—all spiritual gifts that serve me well in my work for the church. Among my classmates, many scored highly on music—not much of a surprise given the central role music plays in Moravian life. My inventory also uncovered gifts that I wouldn’t have initially thought were ones I might have, but in hindsight make sense. I scored strongly on discernment (the ability to see what is of God in people, events and teachings), encouragement (the ability to be a companion to others and inspire them to a deeper faith and greater action), service (the ability to work diligently without seeking personal recognition) and leadership. On the other end of the spectrum were areas where I scored lower—areas like speaking in tongues and interpreting those messages, prophecy, intercessory prayer, evangelism and healing. Again, there were no surprises for me here. I’m still a novice when it comes to my understanding and convictions in my connection to God and how that connection manifests itself in my life. These gifts are found, I think, in those who have truly given themselves over to God … something I’m still working on. Fortunately, in my group there were those who were strong in areas where I am not. As my classmates and I discussed where our spiritual strengths lie—and how those strengths are different for all of us—I gained a greater understanding of the importance of working together with different types of people in serving God and each other. And knowing where my spiritual strengths lie makes it easier for me to contribute in the best ways possible and to know where I need help from others. I look forward to illustrating the spiritual gifts of our church and its members in this year’s upcoming 10 issues of The Moravian Magazine. If you have stories of your spiritual gifts and where they’re leading our church, please share them; as always, I’m at mike@mcnp.org. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I’ll be writing an article about the MLN for an upcoming issue... Peace.
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Students participate in new Chicago urban mission For
many of us, the days between Christmas and New Year is a great time to reflect on the year gone by, and maybe get in a bit of rest and relaxation as we prepare for the year ahead. In the last week of 2014, 15 participants (11 high school and college-aged youth and young adults and 4 leaders) gave up a portion of their vacation from school and work to learn and reach out in service in Chicago. In participating in this new urban mission opportunity supported by the Board of World Mission, many of the group experienced something new, too. Two team members traveled alone by air for the first time; another was participating in their first mission trip ever. Participants traveled from five states (North
Carolina, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota) and seven congregations to take part. When all had arrived it was also a “new group” as this was the first time this group of people were all together in the same place. The team worked hard, arriving December 28 and departing for home on New Year’s Eve. In this short time the group connected with three service organizations that led them through varied activities to serve, and to learn about and discuss issues including homelessness, hunger, poverty and cultural awareness. The group took part in a “Night Walk,” where the youth were given a chance to walk the streets of Chicago one evening using all of their senses to explore what it means to be
Jacob Dixon of Lake Auburn, Minn. working in the kitchen.
homeless. They specifically saw what it was to be a homeless young adult in an urban setting, with the difficulty of getting connected to any services that may be available. The group also learned about other worship traditions by participating in a prayer service at a Native American Christian congregation. This was followed by conversation on contemporary social justice issues such as race relations and the depiction of Native Americans as mascots. And the group helped prepare and serve a meal to low income and homeless individuals at a local church, taking time to then sit with those they served to learn and be in community.
(Below) Mission members prepare to serve with a team building exercise.
(continued on next page) Justin Rabbach is director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission. Moravian youth in mission worked with volunteers in Chicago to help feed the homeless
(Below) Team members on their “Night Walk� in Chicago
(continued from previous page) Offering Reflections One leader, Rev. Kurt Liebenow, who serves Christian Faith Moravian Church in Deforest, Wis., offered this reflection: “It was an eyeopening time to experience such a variety of issues from justice issues with American Indians, to the cause, effect and care for homeless teens, to the charity of feeding people. Each one could be taken to a deep level of involvement. I am grateful and better for being a part of this team. I’m also very impressed with the young adults who chose to participate and lend themselves and their time to learn and grow in their faith. It wasn’t as much about their participation as it was their heart to be together and genuine desire to make a difference in how life is lived.” Alexis McCarn, a young adult participant from Christ Moravian Church in WinstonSalem, N.C., was one of those who traveled alone by air for the first time to take part, arriving at Chicago’s O’Hare International, one of the world’s busiest airports. In addition, she stepped outside her comfort zone, joining a team in which she had never met any of the other participants in person. Intrigued by a flyer for the trip she saw posted online, she decided to act on the call God had placed on her heart to be a part of the team. Reflecting on the experience, Alexis shared, “I learned that if I should ever get the chance to do something that I’ve never done before but will help to make a positive impact, I should do it. The place I went to and the people I met were incredibly amazing. I left Chicago with fifteen great new friends. I left with perspective of what it’s like being a Native American Christian in the U.S. and a different perspective on homeless 8
ness and socioeconomic problems in general. This experience was truly life-changing and amazing. “Through it all, I’m thankful for absolutely everything. I am so glad to recognize a new definition of the word mission and that it is to inform and to be informed. It reminds me of the quote that encourages us to be educated because that is the one thing ‘no one can take away from you.’ I believe this is true. I also believe that doing God’s work with people who share the same belief can only lead to great and wonderful things.” This group of youth and young adults now returns to their home congregations across the U.S. with the knowledge that they gained in their minds and the relationships that they built in their hearts. If you know one of the youth who took part in this trip, we encourage you to ask them, “What did you learn, and how did it impact your faith journey?” The Board of World Mission is very thankful to this team for being pioneers, taking part in the first BWM team to Chicago. This great experience has opened many doors for many types of groups to come and continue building relationships in this city. A partnership with the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago provides great lodging at a very affordable price, and is perfectly located as a base for any teams looking to serve in the city. The BWM has produced a “how to get started” resource containing information about pricing and service sites, with the hope of forming and sending many teams to build an ongoing relationship with ministries in Chicago. We encourage any with interest in leading or taking part on a team in Chicago to contact the BWM. You can reach out directly by emailing Justin@moravianmission.org for more information! ■ The Moravian
MORAVIAN HISTORY
Archaeologists uncover the First House of Nazareth (Pennsylvania) for the past century and a half only in a few surviving sketches and as a small mark on early maps of Nazareth. A small marker, set into the turf and overlooked by many visitors, quietly announced the existence of the vanished structure. But now, by digging below the surface, the First House came into focus. Archaeologists located the First House’s foundation and traces of the mortar used in 1740 to bind stone to stone.
In
late September 2014, the news spread from the Ephrata Tract, the land in Nazareth Pennsylvania where Moravians first settled in the 1700s: the First House of Nazareth had been discovered! The announcement received national attention, including a mention in Archaeology magazine. The structure, erected in 1740, stood between the Whitefield House and the Gray Cottage on the site of the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth. Demolished sometime before 1864, the building has been visible
A plan to uncover history The September discovery was the result of careful planning for over a year. The Moravian Historical Society, gearing up for a $3 million, five-year capital campaign titled “History is Calling,” determined to better understand the history of Nazareth’s Ephrata Tract before altering it in any way. One of the first steps in the campaign involved a thorough survey of the three-acre plot of land with ground-pen(continued on next page)
Scott Paul Gordon is a member of the publication committee for the Moravian Historical Society. Photos above and right: Archaeologists dig to locate the foundation of the First House of Nazareth in September. All photos by Mike Riess January/February 2015
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Moravian Historical Society staff and volunteers look on as the dig commences.
(continued from previous page) etrating radar. This project began during the summer heat, as archaeologists from Hunter Research of Trenton, N.J. arrived in Nazareth to attempt to discover what Megan van Ravenswaay, director of the Moravian Historical Society, called “the story beneath the soil.” The archaeologists used the ground-penetrating radar equipment to produce images of soil layers throughout the Ephrata Tract. This process detects shapes and anomalies and can offer hints of structures that once stood on the land. The archaeologists then correlated the shapes revealed by radar with historic maps of the property in order to select areas to excavate. They chose twenty promising spots. As the archaeologists began to dig, neighbors and passers-by joined members of the Society to watch the unusual activity around the Whitefield House. On Wednesday, September 24, after digging only a few feet beneath the surface, the archaeologists found large limestone rocks that had been back-filled with soil: this was the foundation of the First House. They also uncovered redware pottery, a glass medicine vial, a pipe, some buttons and a horse bell made of brass. 10
More discoveries The ground-penetrating radar also revealed underground shadows that seemed to hint at the remnants of a stockade that was erected during the French and Indian War to protect Moravians and their neighbors from attacks by hostile Indians. “All our places, with the exception of Christian’s Spring,” the Nazareth diary reported in May 1756, “have been surrounded with a stockade, which shall not so much serve as a stronghold, but more as a protection from all kinds of unnecessary visits.” The Hunter Research archaeologists, however, could not confirm that the images on the radar indeed captured underground traces of the trench that held the posts of the old stockade. So Muhlenberg College Professor Ben Carter and 16 field archaeology students picked up where Hunter Research left off. Working on the north side of the Whitefield House from September to November 2014, Carter’s students searched for the stockade’s trench. After removing a top layer of debris,
Archaeologists look for artifacts in screened soil.
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the Muhlenberg team found a layer of construction debris, dating from the middle of the nineteenth century that likely formed when the back porch of the Whitefield House was torn down. They also found a piece of ceramic tile that may have been part of the porch roof. Beneath this construction debris, the students discovered another layer of material, about twenty centimeters deep and likely dating from the early nineteenth century that included many animal bones. Digging even deeper, they hit the top of a large, stone-lined feature that resembled a latrine (or perhaps a cistern). In this structure, the students found nails, pottery, coins, broken glass and a redware pipe that matches the style of the eighteenthcentury North Carolina Moravian potter, Gottfried Aust. All these excavated layers contained artifacts like sewing needles and thimbles that indicate textile work, perhaps pointing to the trades that residents on the Ephrata Tract engaged in for their livings. Although the team did not discover the stockade trench, Professor Ben Carter notes that it may be quite close to the area that he and his students excavated. The researchers presented their findings to overflow audiences at the Whitefield House at evening events in October and November. All agreed that further analysis is needed to understand better what these artifacts reveal about the history of life and worship in Nazareth. Carter’s Muhlenberg students have already begun that work: in his spring 2015 Archaeology of Objects class, each student will analyze one of the artifacts discovered at their 2014 Ephrata Tract dig. For more information on the Ephrata Tract dig, visit www.moravianhistoricalsociety.org. ■ January/February 2015
…to discover what Megan van Ravenswaay, director of the Moravian Historical Society, called “the story beneath the soil.”
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MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Sierra Leone: God’s call to return It is difficult to be separated for seven months
from the mission that you started, prayed for, and for which you thank God for his guidance and protection. Just ask Mohamed and Safiatu Braima from Luawa Yiehun, Kaihlun, Sierra Leone. They returned to the U.S. in June 2014 to celebrate their son’s graduation from chiropractic college. Just before leaving their village in West Africa, news broke about the fast growth of the Ebola virus just over the border in Guinea. The disease quickly spread into Sierra Leone and this past fall, at the urging of the Board of World Mission (BWM), the Sierra Leone Ministry Committee at Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte, N.C. and the villagers back in Sierra Leone, Mohamed and Safie agreed to remain in the U.S. until the Ebola outbreak showed tangible signs of decline. Although Ebola had been reported in
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many areas surrounding the village of Luawa Yiehun (the center of the Moravian Mission Area), no cases occurred in the village itself! At the demand of the government, all schools in Sierra Leone are closed and have been since last summer. Traffic between towns and villages has been strictly controlled to decrease contact with people passing through
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who may have been exposed to the virus. Unfortunately, this means that commerce has also come to a halt, making food scarce for many, especially in the mission village. With the economy severely impacted, farmers and tradesmen cannot sell their produce and wares; the education shutdown has teachers out of work and students are unable to move forward in their schooling. It is almost as if this war-ravaged country has experienced another setback from which many will need to begin again. Mohamed and Safie have checked the status of the Ebola spread on a daily basis, using sources both here in the U.S. and in Sierra Leone. The capital city, Freetown (across the country from the village) is now the main concentration for Ebola cases. Freetown is an overcrowded city, where the probability of contact with the virus is much higher than in any other area of the country. The people of Freetown are also skeptical as to the existence of the virus, thus aggravating the situation. With the help of Sierra Leoneans here in the U.S., the Mission Area people have been contacted and educated about the virus and about how to protect themselves from exposure. Conference calls from the U.S. and local radio programs back in the village area have
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Rev. Mohamed and Safie Braima serve the Moravian Church in the Ngehun region of Sierra Leone, through church planting, leadership development, a Junior Secondary School (with more than 200 students), a library, community health programs and community outreach. Prayers are always needed in support of these ministries, but especially now as they face the difficulties of dealing with Ebola. been used to warn people of the real dangers of exposure to the virus. This has been a positive step in controlling the spread of the virus into the Mission Area. Because the virus is concentrated in Freetown, with no cases reported in the village, Mohamed and Safie have decided to return to Luawa Yiehun to continue their work in the guidance of the Sierra Leone mission. Through education in protecting themselves, moving quickly through Freetown to severely limit exposure and driving directly across the country to the village, they will ensure the
In Jesus Christ, and for Mohamed and Safiatu Braima, missionaries of the Moravian Church, the Sierra Leone Ministry Committee, Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte, N.C.
The Moravian School in Luawa Yiehun, Sierra Leone. Photos courtesy Board of World Mission. 13
(continued from previous page) greatest amount of safety for themselves. Mohamed and Safie desperately miss their people, and serving our Lord in Sierra Leone. Their people are longing for their return; when the Braimas are working with the people of Luawa Yiehun, they provide hope and peace in the villagers’ lives. Emergency funds have been sent to the mission to help secure food for those who cannot travel and purchase basic necessities. The Sierra Leone Committee has established means through which supporters may help provide food and other critical needs for the villagers in Luawa Yiehun. See the Sierra Leone website at www.sierraleoneinmission. org for donation instructions, or visit www. littlechurchonthelane.com for a link to the mission website. The BWM is also providing $1,000 from its disaster relief funding for food support and anyone wanting to help replenish this fund can do so either online at www.moravianmission.org/give or by mailing a check to PO Box 1245, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Please designate contributions for disaster relief.
Mohamed and Safie are asking for your prayers for God’s protection, safe travel and strength to resume their work as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Their return is scheduled for March 10 and plans are in the making for prayer and special worship gatherings in the Southern Province prior to their departure. The gathering will be on Sunday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. It will be a time of prayer, sharing and fellowship with Mohamed and Safie Braima before they return to Sierra Leone. Please come out and show your support for the Braimas and for the work that God is doing through them (and through us!) in Sierra Leone. We are asking that the Northern Province gather and join in prayer as well to ask God’s guidance as he calls Mohamed and Safie back to the village. We thank God for all of his great work in Luawa Yiehun, Kaihlun, Sierra Leone. We thank you for your support of this vital Mission Area of the Worldwide Moravian Church. We thank you for your prayers as Mohamed and Safie prepare to return to the mission and people they cherish and serve. ■
Safie and Mohamed Braima, center, are joined by Steve and Claire Wilson (left) and Donna Hurt and Jeff Fulp (right) during the dedication of the new school last year.
MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
A new series: Studying Moravian Doctrine Editor’s Note: When you ask Moravians, “what does it mean to be part of
the Moravian faith?,” you’ll likely get many different answers about what our church is and what we believe. While the Moravian Church is known (and respected) for not being overly doctrinal or adhering to strict dogma or rules—thus the many ideas of what it means to be Moravian—at its core, the worldwide Unitas Fratrum/Moravian Church has two important documents that do a pretty good job spelling out who we are and what we believe: The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL) and The Ground of the Unity. While in a recent workshop, I realized that for many Moravians, the last time they came in contact with one of these documents was in confirmation class or when becoming a new member of the church. Perhaps your Sunday School class took a look over them once, or you worked through the excellent study guide on these pieces called Jesus Still Lead On, a Moravian Study Guide to the Covenant and Ground of the Unity. But since these two statements are so important to understanding what makes Moravian Christianity unique, I was struck by the idea to present them in The Moravian Magazine for everyone to share over the next two years. While both documents are readily available from www.moravian.org—and I encourage you to download them—a constant reminder and review in these pages should prove helpful in continuing the study of our core faith. Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, we will cover different aspects of these two important documents each month. In 2015, we’ll start with the Covenant for Christian Living and continue with the Ground of the Unity in 2016. To introduce the idea, we’ll discuss the background for studying Moravian doctrine and the basis for the MCCL. In subsequent months, we will share different aspects of the MCCL, along with commentary and thoughtprovoking questions. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org. —Mike Riess, editor, The Moravian Magazine (continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) Why study Moravian Doctrine? The Moravian Church is nearly 550 years old. Our church was established in a remote village in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) by a small group of people who wanted to live according to their understanding of the New Testament rather than by the official teachings of the churches of their day. Despite the enormous changes in the world over the past six centuries, the Moravian Church has never lost its attitude that it is preferable to follow Christ as part of a community rather than individually or merely as a passive member of an impersonal institution. The Moravian understanding of Scripture, theology, and Christian living has always been worked out in the midst of a loving and intimate community. It has been very important for Moravians that the members of the community of faith personally understand the teaching of the Church and participate in the ongoing formation of that teaching. We have not restricted the study and formation of doctrine to professional theologians or ordained clergy. From our earliest days we have included the entire community in the discussion of what it means to be a Christian and a member of the Moravian Church. 16
Our doctrinal statements are intended to help us understand the word of God in Scripture and to live according to that word. We have been reluctant to create binding doctrinal systems, preferring to let the Bible in its simplicity and rich complexity inform and shape our life as Christians. We also recognize that some portions of Scripture have greater relevance for the Christian life than others. Moravians strongly encourage all Christians to study the Bible on their own and in study groups, but we have found it helpful to have statements that guide our reading of Scripture. Such statements identify what we as a community of faith have found to be the most essential ideas in the Bible through the centuries, but they are always subject to revision as our understanding of Scripture grows. The Moravian emphasis on simplicity, which we see in the architecture of our churches and in our music, is evident in our doctrinal statements. However, simplicity does not mean that we are simplistic or simple-minded. Moravian doctrine, like the doctrine of all Christian churches, deals with some of the most profound mysteries of God and human existence. Different people will have different understandings of these mysteries based on their own experience, knowledge and reason. Through study and discussion, we can learn from the wisdom of our predecessors in the faith and from one another. The study of our doctrine, therefore, is a great privilege and should be a joyful and energizing experience. We study our doctrine to enrich our lives, not to determine who does or does not belong in the Moravian Church. We study doctrine together so that we will learn from each other and be drawn into closer communion with God and one another. As a result, we will have a clearer picture of what The Moravian
it means to be Moravian in the modern world. Doctrinal statements provide us a way to communicate what is most precious about our community to the outside world and to new members. Our doctrinal statements help answer the frequent question, “Who are the Moravians?” Our doctrinal statements are part of our worship and service to God. They are joyful proclamations of what God means to us and how we hope to respond to God’s grace to us. Through the centuries, the Moravian Church has produced many doctrinal statements, some of which were called confessions of faith. The church has never been without such expressions of our common faith, but it has also never seen such statements as rigid. As the world has changed and our understanding has changed, we have changed our statements of belief. Each time, though, changes were made in continuity with what had been said before and with scripture. These doctrinal statements also help Moravians to understand ourselves and our life together as a church. They lead us into a deeper appreciation for our common values and aspirations; thus they help unite rather
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than divide us. Furthermore, our doctrine guides us as we make decisions so that we keep before us what our fundamental beliefs and values are. This is particularly important during times of stress and crisis. It is very important to understand that Moravians have always developed their doctrinal statements as part of the larger body of Christ. Moravian doctrinal statements do not attempt to define the meaning of Christianity for all Christians; rather they are expressions of our understanding of being Moravian within the Body of Christ. Therefore Moravian doctrinal statements use older statements of faith that are common to other Christian churches, such as the Apostles’ Creed. They do not attempt to say all that can be said about God and the Christian life but discuss what is most important to us as Moravians. It is also important to understand that since its founding, the Moravian Church has been more concerned with right living (sometimes called Orthopraxy) more than with right belief (Orthodoxy). Theology is important, but for Moravians the practical aspects of Christi(continued on next page)
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(continued from previous page) anity have had priority over academic debates. This is reflected in our doctrinal statements, especially compared to other churches. Background on the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL) In early days of the Moravian community of Herrnhut there was a danger that the fledgling community would collapse because of conflict. People were divided over theological opinions, religious ceremonies, organizational matters and ethnicity. Under the leadership of Count Zinzendorf, the residents of Herrnhut discussed their many differences and began to recognize that what they had in common as followers of Christ was more important than their divisions. They also saw the need for some guiding principles to help organize their life as a community. The result of this discussion and prayer was the Brotherly Agreement that was signed on May 12, 1727. The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living is the modern version of the Brotherly Agreement. The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living is part of the Book of Order of both
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the Northern and Southern Provinces and is therefore an official doctrinal statement of the Church. It has been changed many times through the centuries in an effort to express more clearly the Moravian understanding of Scripture and Christian living. It includes guidelines for individuals, congregations and the denomination as a whole. Although it is not binding on people, it is a statement of what the Moravian Church most values. It is intended to guide our decisions as a community of faith. The original Brotherly Agreement included rules for living together in a community as well as specific economic instructions and legal matters in Herrnhut. All of the Moravian settlements, such as Bethlehem and Salem, developed their own Brotherly Agreements. Since these settlements were closed communities rather than congregations in our sense of the word, their Brotherly Agreements also included economic and legal matters. With the dissolution of the communities in the middle of the 19th century, the old Brotherly Agreements were obsolete. There was a sense that the church should have some type of statement and in the 1860s both of the
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American provinces established new Brotherly Agreements to guide their members. There were slight differences between the two Brotherly Agreements, but they were similar in most respects. The Northern Provincial synod of 1946 proposed that the Brotherly Agreement be recast in a more contemporary style with a closer conformity with Scripture. The Sunday nearest May 12 each year was to be a day for educating congregations about the document. Few changes were actually made at that time, so the issue came up again in 1961 in a proposal to the Synod. “It is the feeling of many in the Church that the present form of the ‘Brotherly Agreement’ has lack of organization, no particular thought being given to an organized statement of the Christian life and discipline, but rather items being added on as they were felt necessary. It is also felt that some of the language used is outmoded and that some of the thought expressed reflects attitudes of the 19th century.” A committee consisting of bishops, pastors, theologians and laity was assigned to compose a new Brotherly Agreement. Their work was approved, with some revisions, by the Northern Provincial Synod of 1966. There was also growing dissatisfaction with January/February 2015
the Southern Province’s Brotherly Agreement in the 1960s. The special synod of 1969 that had been called to deal with the social unrest of the period instructed the Provincial Elders’ Conference to appoint a committee to revise the Brotherly Agreement. That committee in turn proposed that the Southern Province should adopt the Northern Province’s Brotherly Agreement. This was part of the planned merger of the provinces which did not take place. Synod also instructed the pastors to lead their congregations into study of the Brotherly Agreement. In 1986 a number of revisions to the Brotherly Agreement were made by both provinces. Most of them related to the use of non-sexist language. Thus “mankind” became “all people,” “Brethren’s Unity” became “Moravian Unity,” and “brotherly love” was changed to “Christian love.” Most significantly, the title of the document itself was changed to The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living. The last revision to the Covenant came in 1995 when the statement on Scripture was changed to conform to the revised Ground of the Unity. (continued on next page) 19
in order to emphasize that we are part of a worldwide church. It is also appropriate that we are reminded that this Covenant is not based on our desires but on our calling. We believe that our church, as imperfect as it is, exists because the Lord has called us together to serve the world. Within our fellowship we offer a model of Christian community for the world to see. Outside the walls of our church we reach out in love to our neighbors. It is important to recognize that our fellowship is worldwide and so is our outreach. (continued from previous page) Studying the MCCL Part One: Called Into Fellowship Paragraph 1: We are called into a Christian fellowship by the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the eternal purpose of God the Father (Ephesians 3:11) by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:18-21), and as members of Christ’s Body, the Church, to serve all people by proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to our faith by word and deed. Commentary: The opening paragraphs of the Covenant conform closely to the Ground of the Unity
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Questions: • What does it mean to be called by Christ? • What does it mean to you that your congregation is part of the Body of Christ in the world? • Why is it important to see our connection to all followers of Christ? • What does it mean to serve people by proclaiming the Gospel? • Why do we say we do this in “word and deed”? • How do you proclaim the Gospel? How does your congregation? ■ Next month: Scripture and A Church Among Churches.
The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Planning visit reveals much about our Czech counterparts Visiting the Czech Republic typically means seeing historic sights in Prague, but if you want to meet members of our church (there it’s called Jednota Bratrska) and learn of its ministry in a country where few identify themselves as active in religion and Christianity, travel about an hour north to Liberec and surrounding areas. When the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray and I did just that recently, we were blessed to reconnect with friends from our previous visits, meet new pastors and youth leaders and learn about significant changes that have occurred in the Czech church. In our first four days, Czech bishops Evald Rucky, Petr Krasny, and Jan Klas talked with us about their province, the Unity and the 2015 Youth Mission Conference that Sam and I were there to help plan. Depending on the subject at hand, other church leaders added their wisdom to the conversation each day. We were grateful to hear about a huge decision recently made by the Czech government, which has profoundly impacted the churches. January/February 2015
When the Communist Party took over Czechoslovakia in 1948, the churches there were placed under state control. The state owned the buildings, decided who could be a pastor, paid pastors’ salaries and had the final word over any requests from churches concerning programs, outreach or facilities. In the past few years, that has all changed. In 2012, the government agreed to return church properties seized in 1948. It is a positive thing, but it also means that the 28 Moravian congregations in the Czech Republic are now individually responsible for paying their pastors—not very easy when the average at(continued on next page) Donna Hurt is a member at Home Church in Winston-Salem, and serves on the Board of World Mission and the Southern Province Mission Society. Photo above: a new meeting space for a congregation forming in Nowa Sol, Poland. 21
(continued from previous page) tendance in many of them is 20-30 people (although a few have up to 50). We heard some of the creative solutions for making up the difference, including selling decorative bags of special coffee beans, setting up an ice cream parlor at the church, managing a nearby camp, operating a flower shop, making wooden toys for children, running a thrift shop and offering a handyman phone line for use when members need something fixed. One provision from the government that will temporarily assist with this financial gap is the promise to pay the churches a lump sum of money, decreasing annually over the next 17 years. This represents the government’s apology for the many church buildings that were destroyed and the property that was seized. Seeing ministry up close After the days of conversation and planning, Sam and I travelled to nearby communities to see ministry up close. Our first stop was in Hradek, where we met pastor Patrik Muller at the building that houses an afterschool youth club and is being renovated to include a space for worship.
In Chrastava, David Just (who volunteers with the youth) and Simon Dvorak (the pastor) showed us around their small five-story building that is being used for children’s clubs, youth groups on Fridays, senior fellowship with various classes and occasional Bible study, space for several mothers’ clubs and a small room for Sunday worship. Mothers’ clubs are everywhere. The purpose is to give mothers a place to go with their young children, since apartments where most people live are too small to have much play area. And because the Czech Republic encourages new mothers not to go back to work until their children are four years old, there are many moms looking for daily fellowship and opportunities for their little ones. When one of these clubs is held in a church, the adults are gently exposed to Christianity, with the hope that their whole family might become believers. Attending Worship On Sunday we were taken to the small town of Nove Mesto to attend worship. There we met the pastor, Jan Selnekovic, and one of the provincial board members, Martin Bu(continued on page 26)
Donna Hurt (fourth from left) and Sam Gray (fourth from right) with the planning team for the 2015 Youth Conference in Czech Republic.
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The Moravian
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT RETREATS
“It’s all about the relationships and being accepted for who I am.” Moravian youth and young adults celebrate their relationships with each other and with the Lord as they gather each year for the MidStates Fall Retreat and the Eastern District Eastern Region Winter Retreat. The weekends offer youth a chance to share powerful worship, relevant Biblical messages, games, group challenges and their own faith stories as they take the next steps in their spiritual journey. If you ask the youth about their experience at retreat, they’ll tell you that it is more than the scheduled activities; it’s really the attendees that can make the program an exceptional experience. Mid States Fall Retreat The Mid-States Fall retreat, sponsored by the Mid-States Youth Ministry Council (MSYMC)
January/February 2015
and led by Dan Meikle, Amy Keller and Anita Watkins, took place in November at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Ind. MSYMC works to ensure that the youth and young adults of Moravian churches in Ohio, lower Michigan, Indiana and Illinois can participate in interchurch activities and further their relationships with Christ. Through this vibrant organization, young Moravians (and their friends) are able to participate in various events throughout the year. (continued on next page) The Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, director of the Eastern District Youth and Young Adult Ministry, compiled this article. Below: participants at the Winter Retreat at Camp Hope.
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(continued from previous page) Clayton Wilson, a 15-year-old member of Hope Moravian Church in Indiana, has been attending the Mid-States Fall Retreat since he was in the sixth grade. “I attend because I love meeting up with friends from church camps, rallies and previous retreats,” says Clayton. “Our retreat this year was a great experience packed into one weekend with good food, good worship and lots of fun.” The Rev. Doug Rights, director of Youth, College and Young Adult Ministries for the Moravian Church Southern Province, led this year’s program called “The Jesus Challenge” which encouraged participants to share their own faith stories with one another. “I saw Jesus most clearly as we gathered together during program and especially as we shared our own faith stories in small group,” said Clayton. “My favorite part was free time, when I could talk to other kids and find out what they like to do, what sports they play and what their hometowns are like. I especially like meeting people from other states.” “I will invite my friends to this fun weekend in the future; it is a chance to do something different and make new friends from around the country.”
and member of Egg Harbor City Moravian Church, has attended Camp Hope since the second grade and participated in this year’s retreat. “I am very thankful for this camp,” says Courtney. “It changed my life in so many ways and has strengthened my relationship with God. Camp Hope is a place where you can let the bad out and breathe in the good. It is a place where you make friends you will never lose, where you feel so close to God and where you’re accepted for you and you alone. “The winter retreat helped me to cope with several tragedies I experienced this past year,” continues Courtney. “I feel that camp is a safe place where I can talk to anyone and they will not judge me. I can express my real feelings, fears and dreams and no one judges me for it. In small groups everyone opens up and shares and it is such enlightening experience. Everywhere you look or go during camp you can feel God is with you, leading you and helping you. “I am counting the days until I return to camp this summer, first as a junior counselor and then as a camper myself.” ■
Winter Retreat in the East The Eastern Region Winter Retreat was led by Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, Eastern District director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The Eastern District Christian Education Commission sponsored the Winter Retreat at Hope Center in Hope, N.J. in mid-January. Ashley Eisenhard, a young adult leader from Emmaus Moravian Church, wrote and led the program, “What’s In Your Bag?” with Cynthia. Courtney Heist, a 15-year-old sophomore 24
The Moravian
MORAVIAN EDUCATION
BCM resource highlights what it means to be “Simply Moravian” Ever taken one of those Facebook quizzes?
You know, “What Kind of 80s Rock Star Are You?” or “How Many World Flags Can You Name?” I’ve often thought it would be fun to create a “Test Your Moravian IQ” quiz. How would you do? Go ahead . . . try it! 1. Who is considered the founder of the Moravian Church? 2. Who is the actual founder of what we now consider the Moravian Church? 3. What is the name of the village where the ancient Unity began their church? 4. From what famous scripture was the doctrine of the Ancient Unity developed? 5. What are the “essentials?” The answers appear at the end of this article. How did you do? If you got all five correct, congratulations! Your Moravian IQ is through the roof. Most of us still have plenty to learn about the roots of our denomination.
Did you miss a few questions? Then, Simply Moravian: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Essentials might be for you. Developed by the Board of Cooperative Ministries and written and edited by Moravian historians and educators, this small volume is designed to be used by children, youth and adults to explore the world of the Unity of the Brethren, the very earliest Moravians (also called the Brethren of the Law of Christ). These brave Christians were one of the very earliest groups to move beyond the restrictions of the state church to create their very own church. It was nearly 600 years ago that these men and women broke the law so that they might serve God and each other according to the “Law of Christ,” better known as the Sermon on the Mount. It’s a fascinating story still unfamiliar to many of us, which provides us with some important context for exploring our roots. Turns out, the past really can teach us to live as better Christians today. In Simply Moravian: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Essentials, we talk about how we can learn how to be faith(continued on next page) Ruth Cole Burcaw is the executive director of the Board of Cooperative Ministries in the Southern Province.
January/February 2015
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Czech counterparts (continued from page 22)
An illustration from “Simply Moravian” by Andrew David Cox.
(continued from previous page) ful to the call of Jesus Christ in our modern world from the courage of John Hus to the simplicity of Gregory and the early Moravians of Kunvald. What are the “essentials” as our early Moravians understood them? What does it really mean to be Moravian? How do we live that out today? Simply Moravian includes activities designed for children of all ages as well as discussion questions for youth and adults. The engaging illustrations range from ancient Czech drawings to modern artwork from the very creative pen of Andrew David Cox, illustrator and member of Olivet Moravian Church. So far, this unique resource has been used as part of VBS programming, for children’s education, in youth groups, as part of a book study group, and as an intergenerational Sunday School class. How will you use it to bring the story of the early Moravians to your family or congregation? Simply Moravian is available for purchase from the Board of Cooperative Ministries in Winston-Salem and the Interprovincial Board of Communication in Bethlehem. ■ Moravian IQ Quiz Answers: 1. John Hus; 2. Gregory the Patriarch; 3. Kunvald, Czech Republic; 4. Sermon on the Mount; 5. God creates, God saves and God blesses us—we respond in faith, love and hope. 26
kovsky. The building they use was once a cinema, so they left part of the theatre area in place for Sunday services and renovated the rest into mothers’ club rooms, spaces for seniors and a youth club for teens. The two-hour service was followed by lunch and then another two-hour service for a different group, the Roma people (Moravians in the Czech Republic offer a significant outreach to this overlooked group). These loving people invited us to stay afterward for some ‘refreshments,’ which turned out to be eight large platters of sweets and sandwiches, plus beverage. On our last full day of experiencing the Czech church, Evald and Petr drove us two hours across the border to Nowa Sol, Poland. Because a thriving Moravian community was once alive there from the 1750s through the end of World War II, the province is taking intentional steps toward starting a new congregation, under the leadership of pastor Josef Seda and his wife Iva. We spent hours exploring the town with them and their three young children. They were pleased to show us the small structure that has already been purchased for the church. When it was finally time to travel to Prague for the first leg of our trip home, Sam and I took with us a tentative schedule for next year’s four-day Mission Conference, to include 200 Czech youth ages 16 to 23. Nearly a dozen people came together to help begin the planning, and now Sam and I will fill in the details. I get rather excited as I wonder what God will bring about when we return in September! ■ The Moravian
TIME TRAVEL
Back in time with The Moravian The Moravian Magazine and its predeces-
sors have been bringing news and commentary from around the Moravian world for more than 100 years. In its pages, you can read the story of our modern church. In this issue, we look back 25 years to the January/February 1990 issue. In the issue, readers learned of changes in East Germany and how Moravian brothers and sisters in Herrnhut (then in the far east of East Germany) were faring. The cover photo by Reuters shows a meeting of East German leaders in a “round table” discussion in the saal of the Moravian Church in East Berlin. Deiter and Heidi Gembecki wrote, “How do the Herrnhuters react to the sudden changes? With joy and satisfaction. The brethren interviewed stressed the impact of the church on the people … services and prayers for peace created a climate of nonviolence that pervaded the political attitudes …” In a story relating the ministry of Christ Church in Calgary, Alberta, pastor Glen Stoudt wrote, “We acknowledge the reality that our church is full of lukewarm Christians. But we are not afraid. In fact, we are just beginning to realize that in this we have a valid and unique ministry and are actually learning to heat up a few every now and then—perhaps a few who would never otherwise get close enough to the flame of God’s Spirit or the warmth of God’s grace.” In an article entitled “Faithful to a Vision,”
the Rev. Doug Caldwell shared his views on the ministry at Central Moravian Church. “In a very complex, pluralistic society, many conscientious, thinking people are looking for the refreshing understanding of what the Moravian Church really represents. At Central Church every attempt is made to uphold these ideals of quality worship, music, education and mission. The Moravian Church has always sought individuals who want to make a positive difference for Christ and the Kingdom of God. We are finding many people who are willing to respond.” And the first issue of the 1990s introduced a feature called “Z” with quotations from Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf compiled by Dr. Gary Kinkel of the Iowa Sate University faculty. “… And He [Jesus] requires that all His dear hearts should rejoice over the soul…whom he has saved through His sovereign power … This is the reason why we lover our enemies, why we bless those who curse us and pray for those who wrong us and persecute us; for it can help …“ (From the Second of the Nine Lectures on Important Subjects in Religion, 1746, trans. George Forell). ■
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2015 The Moravian Church is privileged to join with Christians throughout the world in prayers for the unity of the Church during the week of January 18-25. The theme for this year: Jesus said to her: “Give me to drink” is based on John 4:7.
NORTHERN PROVINCE Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sister Nasel Ephraim has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Redeemer Moravian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sister Ephraim was installed December 14, 2014.
Ecumenical Sunday, January 25, 2015 The Provincial Elders’ Conferences request that congregations observe our ecumenical witness in the worship services on Sunday, January 25, 2015. In addition to prayers and themes for preaching, our ecumenical witness is expressed in our participation in local and regional ecumenical service ministries and in councils of churches. Our church supports financially this ecumenical witness with congregational pledges for local and state councils of churches and with support for the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and the World Council of Churches.
Retirements Brother Gary T. Marsh requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective February 23, 2015.
Prayer Day for Retired Ministers, January 25, 2015 The last Sunday in January has been designated as a day of prayer for retired ministers. This is an opportunity to recognize with gratitude the service our retired ministers and their spouses have rendered to the Church over the years.
The church is grateful for his 32 years of faithful service to our provinces.
Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.
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Brother Marsh was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church January 2, 1983 and has served the church in pastorates in the Northern and Southern Provinces. He served congregations in Minnesota (Waconia), Wisconsin (Green Bay, West Side), North Carolina (Winston-Salem, Calvary) and Pennsylvania (East Hills) and also served as Director of Stewardship for the Northern Province.
Sister Margaret A. Wellert requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective January 15, 2015. Sister Wellert was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church April 21, 2001 and has served the church in pastorates in Minnesota (Our Savior’s and Berea), Wisconsin (Sister Bay) and New York (Great Kills). The church is grateful for her 14 years of faithful service. The Moravian
Lewis Center, Ohio Due to declining membership and in accordance with ¶1019 of The Book of Order, The Promise Moravian Church, Lewis Center, Ohio closed on July 27, 2014 with a final service of worship and celebration. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Pastoral Changes The Rev. Matthew Allen has accepted a call to become pastor of the Olivet congregation after serving at Oak Grove Moravian Church since 2002. Matthew concluded his ministry at Oak Grove in January and was installed at Olivet on Sunday, January 18. Both congregations are in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Rev. Douglas Gebhard, of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has accepted appointment as the intentional interim pastor of the Friedland congregation. Doug was installed Sunday, November 23.
Your prayers are invited for Matthew and Doug, and for the Olivet, Oak Grove and Friedland congregations. Retirement Tommy Cole, Director of Sunnyside Ministry since August 2007, has requested and been given permission to retire from this appointment, effective June 30, 2014. During Tommy’s time as Director, Sunnyside Ministry has grown. Over 200 volunteers from 60 area churches provide nearly $2 million in crisis assistance, primarily for those on the south side of Winston-Salem. In 2010 and 2011, the facilities were completely renovated to more effectively serve neighbors in need. The Sunnyside Program Board and the Board of Cooperative Ministries will conduct a selection process for a new Director in the coming months. We give thanks to God for Tommy’s ministry, and invite your prayers for him, for his family, and for the staff, volunteers and people served by Sunnyside. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference
Go beyond the Daily Texts with books, music and Moravian gifts from the IBOC! The Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) offers an ever-growing variety books and products, each with a special connection to The Moravian Church. From this outstanding collection, you can understand more about the history and practices of our Church, be inspired, teach your family and grow in
your connection to God. The IBOC also offers CDs that celebrate the rich tradition of Moravian music, along with a selection of gifts ideal for both Moravians and nonMoravians alike! And, of course, the IBOC is your source for the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts.
For a complete listing of Moravian resources from the IBOC, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38. January/February 2015
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OBITUARY
The Rev. George R. Scilley Brother George R. Scilley died in Fargo, N.D.
on December 21, 2014, at age 81. Born August 27, 1933 in Fargo, N.D., he was the son of Ralph and Minnie (Schroeder) Scilley. Brother Scilley graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1958. He later attended U.S. Army Chaplain School and George Washington University. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry June 22, 1958 and consecrated a Presbyter December 30, 1973. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Li-
bricz September 27, 1958 and together they served pastorates in North Dakota (Aurelia, Alice, Fargo) and Michigan (Daggett-Menominee) as well as numerous assignments while serving as a chaplain with the U.S. Army from 1963-1983. He entered into retirement March 1, 1998. Brother Scilley is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Sarah; and one grandson. A memorial service was held December 28, 2014 at Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church, Fargo, N.D., with the Rev. Eric Renner officiating. Burial was in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. ■
“Come...walk in the light of the Lord!”
- Isaiah 2:5
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Presented by the Interprovincial Women’s Board, Moravian Church in North America
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