M A R C H
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60 Years of Moravian Music Moravians in Nepal Synods and Conversations ...And more!
March 2016
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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 by picking up one of these historical titles 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 NORTH AMERICA PO BOX 1245 • 1021 CENTER STREET BETHLEHEM, PA 18016 PHONE 800.732.0591• FAX 610.866.9223 • www.moravian.org
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The Moravian
On the cover: Music from the archives of the Moravian Music Foundation, celebrating its 60th year in 2016. Photo by Mike Riess
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22 Moravian Music Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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Foundation celebrates 60 years of preserving and sharing Moravian Music
In Our Congregations 9
Cutting and sewing to make a difference for girls in Kenya
2016 District Synods 13
2016 Canadian District Synod to reflect on the call of the Spirit
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Embraced by Resurrection: Preparing for Western District Synod 2016
Southern Province 17
‘Tis a Pleasant Thing to See: An update from the Steering Committee for Resolution 12
Northern Province 20
An introductory letter from the Northern Province IPO Task Force
Moravians in Mission 22 Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp.org.
March 2016
A visit to the heart of the Moravian Church in Nepal
Studying Moravian Doctrine 28
Ground of the Unity, Part I
...And More 4
Ponderings: Music class opens my eyes (and ears!)
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One Way? Commentary from Rev. Darryl Bell
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Official Provincial Elders’ News 3
PONDERINGS (ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) March, Vol. 47, No. 2
Music class opens my eyes (and my ears!) I’ve heard admission is the first step to getting better. So I admit it – I can’t read music. Don’t get me wrong – I love music, and I’m a decent guitar player. Ask me to play a G chord (or Am, or C#min or Dsus4) and I’m happy to oblige. I can play major scales by memory and have a decent ear for what chords and notes go together. But like a storyteller who can’t read or write words, I’m a musician who can’t read or write music. Knowing how important music is to Moravian worship, I’ve felt that this was something I needed to overcome. While I’ve tried books, computer programs, even YouTube, nothing seemed to work. I can name the lines and spaces on a staff (yes, every good boy deserves fudge!), can tell the difference between an eight note and a whole note, even understand about bass and treble clef. I just could never put all of them together. But thanks to Nola Knouse, director of the Moravian Music Foundation, my goal of music literacy is now within reach. In an hour-long class at the Southern Province Leadership Focus event in February, Nola helped a dozen fellow Moravians and I take a big step forward in learning to read. We learned rhythm by clapping along as Nola held up notes. We learned how the different notes work (she even taught us dotted eighth notes and slides). We learned to name the notes on a scale. I finally learned what “middle C” meant. The sharps and flats notations that had always been number signs and oddly shaped “b’s” finally made sense. At some point during those 75 minutes, it finally made sense. I sat down at the piano and for the first time, was able to plunk out the notes. Not perfect, not with any style or grace – but they were the right notes, in the right rhythm. I was so excited by the epiphany/eureka moment with Nola that I wanted to stay at the piano and try more, but it was time to go. I’m not sure what it was about Nola’s method that finally made things click but I’m very thankful to the Moravian Music Foundation for her; she made it possible to take this step forward. I invite you to read about the Foundation’s 60th anniversary beginning on the next page and enjoy the other interesting stories stories we’re sharing this month. And if you need me, I’ll be at my keyboard with my Moravian Book of Worship, sounding out my ABCs…and Ds, E flats, F sharps, Gs... Peace, 4
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. 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 Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen Gary Kniskern Interim Chair Paul Peucker Terri Bischoff Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Design by Mike Riess, IBOC. 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 © 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
MORAVIAN MUSIC
Foundation celebrates 60 years of preserving and sharing Moravian Music The Rev. Francis F. Hagen, an early proponent of preserving Moravian Music.
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ver 600 years ago, Jan Hus began implementing his reforms in the Catholic churches of Moravia and Bohemia. One of his initiatives was to encourage the congregational singing of hymns in the native Czech language. Moravians continue to value the ability to express their love of Christ, faith in God and care for each other through quality, meaningful music; whether by creating, sharing or listening. In 2016, the Moravian Music Foundation Inc. celebrates 60 years of work, which encompasses discovering, assembling, preserving, cataloging, researching, editing, publishing and, of course, performing of the Moravian musical heritage. Had we listened to the Rev. Francis Florentine Hagen, organist and composer, the Foundation might be much older. We recall the words of Brother Hagen, who questioned, in 1878: Ought we not to make the attempt to preserve, to ourselves and to others, these precious musical treasures? He was speaking of the trove of collected music from the 18th and early 19th century, written by Moravians and others. This wonderful music was held by many congregations, but it was in manuscript, and mostly, in German; in March 2016
Hagen’s time, the American Moravians were moving (or had moved) to English. Although Hagen had called for publication of the Moravian archival music, the first editions were not produced until 1939 by Hans T. David. Upon further investigation, during the 1930’s and ‘40’s many were awestruck at the quantity and the quality of music, and the variety of composers – those known to be Moravian, and those known in wider musical circles – represented in the Moravian collections. Working with American-born and trained conductor Thor Johnson (son of a Moravian Conductor Thor Johnson
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minister), a group in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, decided to hold an “Early American Moravian Music Festival and Seminar,” in Bethlehem, in June of1950. Out of this same energy came the founding of The Moravian Music Foundation, which was chartered in North Carolina in 1956 by a group of clergy and laity of the Moravian Church, to preserve, study, edit and publish this music, retained in the Archives. The rediscovery of this music forms a vital link in the history of American music and culture. Ten thousand manuscripts The MMF is custodian of some 10,000 manuscripts and early imprints, which comprise music both by Moravian and non-Moravian composers; sacred and secular; American and European; vocal and instrumental. Approximately one-third of this collection is housed at the Foundation headquarters in WinstonSalem, N.C; the remainder resides at the Northern Province Moravian Archives in Bethlehem. MMF discovered and preserved many treasures and cataloged them in an extensive Frances Cumnock, Robert Steelman, Richard Claypool and Jeannine Ingram cataloging music in the early 1970s.
Frances Cumnock sorting music manuscripts.
project in the 1970’s, supported by national and local foundation grants. Thanks to a recent bequest by Louise Nippert, that catalog is now being digitized and shared on WorldCat. The project, managed by Barbara Strauss and David Blum, allows anyone to search the MMF catalog at moravianmusic.on.worldcat. org/discovery. Visit http://moravianmusic.org/ gemeinkat-catalog/ for information about online searching. The catalog of holdings continues to grow as the Foundation self-publishes more anthems, both old and newly-composed. Many anthems that were published by others, in the 20th century, are now out of print. MMF has gone back to the original source to create new editions of some of these favorites. The Moravian musical heritage is replete with skilled composers, writing inspired music from the heart. MMF cultivates and encourages living composers and creative new musical ministries. Events to celebrate 60 years In celebration of its 60th anniversary, MMF is collaborating with the Board of World Mission to collect and distribute 60 band instruments, not currently being used, to areas of the Moravian Unity that don’t have and would make good use of them. The instruments will be collected at the Moravian Music Foundation offices in Winston-Salem and Bethlehem, and then handed over to the Board of World Mission for place-
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The Moravian
ment, either by shipping or accompanying teams as they travel. If you have an instrument you would like to donate, please contact erik@ moravianmusic.org or 336-725-0651, to share details about the instrument and arrange for delivery or pickup. Another MMF partnership is the new Music Camp for Middle High Youth at Laurel Ridge in North Carolina, July 10-16, 2016. There will be general music, choral, band and instrumental, traditional, and lots of other fun stuff! Kids will learn about the Moravian music heritage and hear a wide variety of guest musicians. The camp is based out of Higgins Lodge. Registration is open now at www.laurelridge.org. Moravian Music Sunday is celebrated each year on the fifth Sunday of Easter, which is April 24, 2016. Materials designed to assist worship planning are available for downloading on the Moravian Music Foundation’s web site, moravianmusic.org/resources. This year’s theme is the 60th anniversary of the Moravian Music Foundation and its work in preserving, celebrating, and cultivating the musical life of Moravians. The suggested order of worship includes a special liturgy, as well as hymns and anthems that celebrate the Foundation’s work over the past 60 years. The Moramus Chorale, celebrating its 40th anniversary, will perform on Moravian Music Sunday, April 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m. at Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., WinstonSalem, N.C. The concert features solo, choral, and orchestral music of contemporary, classical and historical Moravian composers. The Unitas Chorale, in the Lehigh Valley, will celebrate its own 20 years with an Anniversary Concert, also on April 24, 4:00 p.m. at Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Rd., Bethlehem, Pa. The concert will feature favorites from 20 years of presentations, with music by Moravian composers. Both are free concerts, with donations accepted. March 2016
Photos, from top to bottom: Gwyn Michel and John Sinclair during a recent recording session; rehearsing for Music on the Mountain; singers with First Moravian Church in New York City; Jan Harke and Barb Strauss digitize music in Bethlehem.
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As a special opportunity for the 60th anniversary year, the Foundation has planned a Choral Music Weekend at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, June 9 – 12, 2016. Maestro John Sinclair, Moravian Music Festival continuing conductor will conduct, and Rolling Hills Moravian Church will host the Sunday morning lovefeast. Registration information is at www.moravianmusic.org. And plans are coming together for the 25th Moravian Music Festival in WinstonSalem, N.C., July 23 – 29, 2017. There will be learning and performing opportunities for singers, band, orchestra, and other instrumentalists, handbell ringers, children, youth, and adults. Please plan to join us for a week of fun, fellowship, and music. Information at www.moravianmusicfestival.org. Today’s Moravian Music Foundation The Moravian Music Foundation Inc. is expertly led by the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse and Gwyn Michel and governed by a skilled and dedicated Board of Trustees. But, the work the Foundation continues to do, and the sucThe Archie K. Davis Center in Winston-Salem
Nola Knouse conducts the band at the 2011 Moravian Festival.
cesses it has achieved, are the direct result of the patronage of thousands of donors, whose contributions to the Friends Fund are critical to the life of this organization. MMF receives only a small fraction of its operating funds from the Moravian Church; it survives on the kind and generous support from individual musicians, music-lovers, and patrons. Join us in celebration of MMF’s 60th anniversary, as we give thanks and prepare, optimistically for the future of Moravian music! Please consider featuring Moravian music in your worship/concerts/events in 2016; keep sending all Moravian music-related events to MMF for the calendar; and support MMF with your attendance, input, time, love, and gifts that will preserve, celebrate, and cultivate our Moravian musical heritage. n Erik J. Salzwedel is business manager for the Moravian Music Foundation. Photos courtesy of MMF.
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The Moravian
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Cutting and sewing to make a difference for girls in Kenya
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e can do this!” I was excited to get our Women’s Fellowship at Shepherd of the Prairie Church in Fargo, N.D. involved in helping others. Listening to a presenter from a non-profit group helping girls in Kenya, I realized this was our chance. As we listened a little more, Maureen Hahn said, “I’ll bring my serger.” I added that I would bring my sewing machine; Charlotte Carlson chimed in too. It was set: at least six of us would show up the following Saturday to cut flannel, make bags and sew. Our project: to make reusable sanitary pads for adolescent girls in Kenya. Unlike many women around the world, girls in the TharakaNithi region of Kenya don’t have money to buy sanitary pads. African adolescent girls in remote areas miss school during their menstrual periods and eventually drop out because of menstruating issues. They can miss as many as three-to-five days of school every month dur-
March 2016
ing their monthly periods due to the lack of sanitary pads. My heart just feels for these girls as their missed classes lead to low academic standards. Beginning by listening Our project started when one of our members, Joan Macdonald, asked her friend to talk with us over lunch. We were all ears. We could not believe there were women without the commercial convenience of sanitary pads. Our presenters were a mother / daughter team set out to help these girls in Kenya. The mother, Sharon Secor, is a retired Presbyterian youth director; her daughter, Molly SecorTurner, is a North Dakota State University registered nurse working globally with young girls to learn about puberty. Both Sharon and Molly have been working for 20 years with the girls in Kenya. Molly (Continued on next page)
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Eileen Rick cuts fabric
Sewing for a cause We gathered at church with portable sewing machines in hand and 16 yards of fabric. Ladies came with cutting pads and rotary cutters, stickpins, tape measurers and scissors. Those ladies who came to cut learned how to use the cutting pads and rotary cutters. The serger was hot taking the cut flannel and serging around the edges. Charlotte and I sewed bags with pull strings to put 6 serged flannel pads in to give each girl. Our goal was to help make 2ooo flannel pads for this organization. We had eight yards of flannel that were cut to size for 72 pads and eight yards of cotton print to make 146 bags. This is just a beginning, a start for us. It’s
helped create “For the Good Period,” an allvolunteer nonprofit organization to provide school-age girls with reusable menstrual pads and reproductive health education helping to eliminate the lack of access to menstrual products. But they also need more volunteers to help. And this is where we came in. Our small congregation has an average of 35 active members but we are blessed with a want to do Christ’s work.
Charlotte Carlson and Maureen Hahn sew pads and bags
Karen Fleugel measures fabric
not me as the president of the Women’s Fellowship that made this happen but these Moravian ladies who saw a need and a purpose for our help. We are a small group of volunteers wanting to help and are growing, as more women are getting involved with our project. We just want to make a difference. n Sylvia Medd is Women’s Fellowship president at Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church in Fargo, North Dakota. Photos courtesy of Sylvia. To learn more about “For the Good Period,” visit www.forthegoodperiod.org.
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The Moravian
COMMENTARY
One Way?
Commentary from the Rev. Darryl Bell
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t is becoming more and more awkward and difficult for Christians to assert that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. There are so many other viewpoints. Has that teaching become obsolete or unacceptable in our current culture? Should we push it to the back burner and ignore it? Is it too distasteful to embrace today? And if we do embrace it, how then should we live? Historically the church has asserted that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. The Moravian faith statement, The Ground of the Unity, says, “There is no salvation apart from Him (Jesus Christ).” This seems very narrow. In a world in which everyone makes up his or her own belief system, we might consider it to be inappropriate and unacceptable to be so exclusive. But as Christians we don’t create our own belief system. It is revealed to us by God. We don’t have the freedom to change it to suit our preferences or cultural norms. We need to interpret it as accurately as possible, but the foundation is God’s revelation, not our preferences. So what is revealed to us by God in the Scriptures? God’s call for exclusive loyalty goes all the way back to the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3 NIV). Several passages in Isaiah stress that God is the only way of salvation. “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11 NIV See also Deuteronomy 4:35; 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 44:6,8; 45:5-6, 21-22; Hosea 13:4). When we come to the New Testament Jesus himself makes the well-known assertion:
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“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). When Peter spoke to the Jewish council he said, “There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them” (Acts 4:12 NLT). And there are several other Scriptures that affirm, implicitly or explicitly, that Jesus is the only way to God (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 5:5, 12; Matthew 11:27; John 3:36; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 John 2:23). Those texts may make us uncomfortable in a world where tolerance is supreme and everyone’s world-view is considered equally valid. We may begin to question whether we should even affirm these scriptures any more. A while back, while reading the account (Continued on next page)
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Consider this now from the Father’s perspective. Your beloved Son is begging you, plead(Continued from previous page) ing with you to save him from the horror he is about to face. It breaks your heart. You have all the power in the world to do whatever you want. of Jesus’ suffering, I had a powerful insight that If there was some other way, wouldn’t your heart helped me appreciate and understand that Jesus be moved to save him from this suffering? If there is the only way. It is hours before the crucifixwas any other way at all, why would you let him ion. Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane with go through with it and not intervene? the inner circle of his disciples: Peter, James, Or can you imagine the Father letting the Son and John. Terrible suffering is looming on the go through this horhorizon. The gospel rible ordeal and then, writer says, “He beThe key issue is not later in heaven saying, gan to be filled with one’s “religion;” it is “Well, Son, it was nice horror and deep disthat you did that, but tress. He told them, one’s relationship I’ve decided I’m also ‘My soul is crushed with Jesus. going to accept peowith grief to the ple who come to me point of death. Stay “I am the way in other ways too. If here and watch with they’re good people, me.’” (Mark 14:33and the truth that’s enough. Or if 34 NLT). Jesus is in and the life.” they choose some agony. He is sweatother spiritual path, ing blood, literally. that’s fine, as long as they’re sincere.” What an Dread is almost killing him. “He went on a little incredible insult that would be to Christ’s obedifarther and fell face down on the ground. He ent sacrifice on the cross! I believe God was silent prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour when Jesus asked for some other way because awaiting him might pass him by” (35). Do you there really is no other way. hear what he is saying? “I don’t want to do this! We should be clear. Scripture doesn’t say This is too terrible!” “’Abba, Father,’ he said, Christianity is the salvation of the world. There ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this are people who call themselves Christian who cup of suffering away from me” (36). He is don’t have a relationship with Jesus. And there begging the Father, “If there’s any other way, let’s are people with a Muslim background who folnot do this.” He’s saying, “Father, you can do low Jesus. There are Jews who follow Jesus. anything. Please find another way. I don’t want to There are believers with a Hindu background. go through with this. Save me from this terrible The key issue is not one’s “religion;” it is one’s ordeal.” relationship with Jesus. “I am the way and the He is begging the Father to take this horrible truth and the life.” cup of suffering away. He doesn’t want to do it. Fortunately we are not the ones who deterBut, he is willing to subject his own desires to the mine the eternal fate of others. That is God’s job Father’s will. “Yet, I want your will, not mine” alone. We can hope that God will make Jesus (36). And what is the answer he receives? Silence (Continued on page 29) from heaven. Nothing.
One Way
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The Moravian
2016 SYNODS
2016 Canadian District Synod to reflect on the call of the Spirit
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here is a sacred call to creativity, witness and love for the world at the heart of who we are as followers of Jesus. How do we speak and live this call? May 12-15, 2016, representatives from the churches and ministries of the Canadian District will gather for District Synod at Van-Es Camp and Conference Center with the theme, “You yourselves are the letters” (2 Cor. 3:2-3). With this theme in mind, synod delegates will reflect on the call of the Spirit to live the Gospel message with our whole beings. How will we, as a district, embody this call to be letters of proclamation and demonstration of God’s love for the world? The synod planning committee looks for-
ward to the leadership of keynote speaker Reverend Nick Trussell, priest in mission in the Anglican diocese of Edmonton and Associate priest at Christ Church in Edmonton, as a keynote speaker. Rev. Trussel will offer us encouragement, experience and energy for finding “fresh expressions” in our congregational lives and as a district. The Anglican Church in Canada has been exploring how to foster new expressions of community, ministry and evangelism alongside established congregations for a number of years. (http://www.freshexpressions.ca/) Nick brings his own experience of this work to share with our district and to invite us into conversations about how God might be call(Continued on page 16)
Scenes from the 2012 Canadian District Synod at Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Calgary, Alberta. The 2016 Synod will be held at Camp Van-Es.
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2016 SYNODS
Embraced By Resurrection: Preparing for Western District Synod 2016 It is quite amazing to witness Jesus’ hands at work. Where have you seen his hands at work, of late? Addressing that question is the core work of synod. I continue to be captured by Scripture texts that refer to times when Jesus and the disciples went off by themselves immediately after a healing, sign or proclamation—and wonder if they are precursors to our synods. After the wedding at Cana, where water is turned into wine, John writes, “Jesus went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers and his disciples; and they remained there a few days” (John 2:12). What do you suppose occupied their time those “few days”? From April 28 through May 1, the 2016 Western District Synod will convene at Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center near Wautoma, Wis. for a “few days” to follow up those early conversation of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and disciples gathered with Jesus. Like our brothers and sisters in Canada and the Eastern District, we too will gather in “Capernaum”—though in the West we call it “Mt. Morris,” Canada says, “Van Es,” and in the East, “Moravian College.” Regardless of what 14
we call the place, the work is the same – to resolutely attend to where Jesus is acting, including in and through our church. In gratitude we will reflect back on where Jesus has been working. The stories are amazing: ❖❖ Every day, Auburn Homes and Marquardt Village touch thousands of lives with Jesus’ hands. They remember many who can no longer remember, because of memory loss. Safe housing watches over the able-bodied and those with limiting physical conditions alike, and most of those thousands are not Moravian. Auburn and Marquardt are amazing expressions of Jesus’ working hands. ❖❖ The Board of World Mission has a long history of organizing the church to be church. While our vision is the conquering Lamb, our mission is to follow. BWM staff will be with us as we look forward with gratitude, to how they will challenge us for work ahead as Jesus’ hands. ❖❖ Our emerging ministry in Milwaukee, Tricklebee Café, will join synod conversation for the first time. This ministry, rooted The Moravian
in our ecumenical identity, points to new ways of understanding our identity and purpose as church. In the same way we will give thanks for the witness of the above ministries (and others) as we focus on congregational life. Liturgies will incorporate stories gleaned from Annual Reports. Our hope is that each delegate will see their congregation in these acts of praise, confession, forgiveness and gratitude. Meeting at a “spiritual home” Mt. Morris Camp & Conference Center is, for many, a spiritual home away from home. Many of our Western District camps occur there, echoes of which can be heard throughout the year. With synod being held at Mt. Morris we will see the enormous blessings of this facility and experience some of the space limitations that currently exist. Patience from delegates will be needed in close quarters. How often the Savior has been patient with each of us!
Small groups at synod will focus on the results of a District-wide assessment that was completed through Landscape, a judicatory assessment tool developed and implemented by Holy Cow Consulting (see www.holycowconsulting.com). While an enormous number of topics received attention by the 173 people who completed the assessment, two items jumped out at the District Board. One was “priorities – aspirations for the future” (noted below). The second was the phenomena of how a large percentage of responders are waiting for “what is next.” Embraced by Resurrection Finally, a few words about our synod theme, Embraced by Resurrection. Some things are ending in our church’s life, making way for the new things God is doing in our midst. About a year ago our Saratoga congregation was embraced by resurrection. A stranger called
Scenes from the 2012 Western District Synod in Appleton, Wis. The 2016 Synod will be held at Mt. Morris.
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Western District (Continued from previous page) and offered to take the property off our hands because our church, as he said, “failed.” If only the caller knew! I don’t believe the Saratoga saints failed. Instead of investing their energy in a building, they concluded their time of ministry as a congregation and have now strengthened another congregation with gifts of hospitality and mission. They were embraced by resurrection and they are an inspiration to our District. n The Rev. James Hicks is president of the Western District. The 2016 Western District Synod will be held at Mount Morris Camp & Conference Center April 28-May 1, 2016. Coverage of Synod will be available on www.moravian.org.
Aspirations for the Future The upcoming 2016 Western District synod will work with the desired aspirations for the future below. It is to be seen if the Synod sets a direction for “what is next.” 1. Develop a discernment process to rethink how to be vital Christian communities (Moravian Churches) in our various regions. 2. Take a leadership role in working with churches that are struggling. 3. Improve the programmatic resources the District makes available to congregations to ensure that they are the most effective ways to do ministry in the church today. 4. Equip pastors and other leaders in congregations to help members become growing, vital disciples. 5. Equip pastors and other leaders in congregations with strategies that enable them to reach new members.
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2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NRSV) You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all; 3and you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2
Canada District (Continued from paage 13) ing us into greater experimentation for the future. The committee hopes that this educational and interactive approach to exploring a synod theme will empower and encourage our congregations and ministries with a vision of hope for the next four years. Epistles from Synod Canadian District Synod will also borrow an idea from our sisters and brothers in the Western District. Each committee will be invited to write a letter to the churches of the Canadian District in the way of St. Paul’s epistles. Every Epistle will reflect on the work and ministry of the previous four years and encourage congregations in their future ministry. The planning committee believes that the act of acknowledgement, gratitude, and encouragement through letters has the power to remind and engage each member of the Canadian District of their God-given gifts for ministry in the world. These letters will be shared throughout the district as reminders that as followers of Jesus, we are the letters of love, encouragement, challenge and hope to the world as we live each day with Christ as our guide. n The Rev. Rebecca Craver is pastor of Edmonton Moravian Church and a member of Canadian District Executive Board. The 2016 Canadian District Synod will be held May 12-15 at Camp Van-Es in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Coverage of the Canadian District Synod will be available on www.moravian.org. The Moravian
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Nearly 400 people packed New Philadelphia Moravian Church for a worship service and presentation on Biblical Interpretation.
‘Tis a Pleasant Thing to See: Fostering Respectful Conversation about Homosexuality in the Church An Update from the Steering Committee for Resolution 12 from the Southern Province Synod of 2014 In the summer of 2014, the Southern Province Provincial Elder’s Conference appointed a steering committee to fulfill the mandate of Synod Resolution #12, “Study and Discernment Regarding Homosexuality.” One of the legislation’s key resolved statements was “to provide leadership, resources and a process for a conversation about homosexuality in the church that includes diverse viewpoints, and opportunities for open and honest discussion, study and discernment.” Committee member the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse offers this update on their work to date.
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ince our report in the September Moravian, two public forums and three fellowship meals and conversations have taken place regarding homosexuality and the church. The first of the public forums was held on March 2016
Sunday afternoon, October 4, 2015, in Shirley Recital Hall at Salem College, for an overflow crowd of about 210 people. We began with worship planned and led by Bishops Sam Gray, Lane Sapp, and Graham Rights; Bishop Wayne Burkette served as moderator for the forum. Our featured speakers were the Rev. Dr. Susan Parker, ordained Baptist minister and social worker, and the Rev. Dr. John C. Rankin, President of the Theological Education Institute (TEI), International (teii.org). A close family member of Rev. Parker passed away on the day before the forum, and she was unable to be present; however, she shared her prepared remarks, and they were ably read by the Brother Riddick Weber. Following the two presentations, which did indeed present very different ways of ap-
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Resolution 12 (Continued from previous page) proaching the topic of homosexuality, there was a break, in which the attendees could write down questions to be submitted to the speakers or to the committee. Brother Burkette moderated, presenting such questions as there was time for; Brother Weber responded where appropriate, not presuming to speak for Rev. Parker, and Rev. Rankin responded to those directed to him. The remaining questions were turned over to the steering committee. Both speakers agreed to address the remaining questions in writing, and as these are received they are being posted on the Southern Province’s website. The afternoon closed as it began, with worship and the singing of hymns. The second forum was held on a bitterly cold Tuesday night, January 19, 2016, at New Philadelphia Moravian Church, where Bishop Gray made a presentation on Moravian interpretation of scripture based on the “Guiding Principles of Biblical Interpretation” (prepared by the Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission and adopted by the Provincial Elders’ Conferences in 2012). Some 350 people attended this session, which was framed in worship, led by Bishop Burkette. Brother Gray also responded to some questions, with the support of his brother bishops.
conversations about homosexuality and the Moravian Church. As individuals sign up, they are asked to identify where their beliefs fall on the wide spectrum of perspectives about homosexuality and the church; they also identify their congregation, and they are then assigned to tables for the meal and conversation with others who are from different congregations and differing perspectives, with each table’s conversation guided by a facilitator. Again, these gatherings are framed in worship led by a bishop. The conversations focus on the participants’ hopes for the outcome of these conversations and this process; on one or two things they believe about homosexuality that they would like to share, speaking as a Moravian in love; and on what is needed in order to con-
Bishop Sam Gray presents on Moravian Biblical interpretation in January.
Fellowship meals and conversations Nearly 200 people have participated in fellowship meals and 18
The Moravian
The Rev. Drs. John Rankin, D. Wayne Burkette and Riddick Weber host a panel discussion at Salem College in October.
tinue fruitful conversation among members of the Moravian Church Southern Province. We have received a number of responses to our request for feedback, and most have been very positive, finding the conversations non-threatening, focused on Christian faith, and in many cases expanding their insights. Another such gathering will be held on Sunday evening, April 10, at Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. What is the goal of these gatherings? It is not to change anyone’s mind; but rather to build relationships; to enhance our understanding of one another’s perspective; to grow in faith, love, and hope as a body united in our faith in Jesus Christ; and to be open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of Christ, our Chief Elder. What’s next? What is coming in the next months? Depending upon the response we receive to this next gathering in April, we may schedule one or more additional ones like this. We may move to offer gatherings within the Regional Conferences of Churches, recognizing that so far our table conversations have been among people who do not attend the same congregation. In 2017 we may offer materials for a series of meetings within an individual congregation. There is still plenty of room and time for participation in this process! We would love for every member of the Southern Province to participate in these conversations! As we continue to schedule events, we will make the dates and locations known as best we can. If you would like to be sure to be notified of these March 2016
events, please send your name and contact information (telephone, email, and/or mailing address) to: Rev. Nola Reed Knouse, 457 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101; nrknouse@triad.rr.com. Most importantly, what is coming is a continuation of the prayers we all offer to our Lord, asking for the intervention of the Holy Spirit, who alone can provide the platform for us to hold these respectful conversations as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Everyone who reads this article, whether in the Northern or Southern Province or around the world, is invited to share in the prayer provided for our conversations by our bishops: “Lord God, as your Son once sat at table with his disciples, gracing them with his presence, come now, by the power of your Spirit, and dwell with us. Guide our conversations in all the days to come. Help us to speak with an honesty that is gentle, forbearing one another, exercising compassion, kindness, meekness and patience in our discussion. Help us listen to each other without judgment, respecting the diversity of experience and understanding among us. More than anything, O God, help us in these moments to “put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony” despite our differences. These things we humbly ask in the Name of Him who binds us together, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” n The Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse is director of the Moravian Music Foundation and is on the Resolution 12 Steering Committee. Photos by Andrew David Cox and Tripp May. 19
NORTHERN PROVINCE
An Introductory Letter from The Northern Province IPO Task Force
D
ear Sisters and Brothers of the Northern Province, Because you’re reading this letter in this magazine, we’ll presume that you have affection and appreciation for the Moravian Church. We’ll also presume you want to thrive in your faith, and you want the Moravian Church to thrive in carrying out Christ’s mission as it has been doing for centuries. But because you’ve been paying attention, maybe you have noticed that the Moravian Church, at least in North America, has gotten smaller over the last few decades. Maybe you’ve also noticed our beloved church doesn’t seem as effective as it might have been in its storied past.
We’ve noticed the same thing. And we want to address it. We are members of the IPO Task Force, a working group whose abbreviation stands for “Identity, Purpose and Organization.” We were appointed by the Provincial Elders Conference to follow up and carry out work begun before the 2014 Northern Province Synod and voted upon at that gathering. Synod Resolution 18 calls for the development of a process that allows everyone to engage in listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and participate in conversations to discover just where it is the Holy Spirit is inviting the Moravian Church, Northern Province, to go. Designing a method for accomplishing
The Northern Province IPO Task Force meeting in Chicago earlier this year. Members include (l-to-r) Linda Schaeffer, Tracy Pryor, Eric Renner, Betsy Miller, Greg Behrend, Justin Rabbach, Maggie Wellert and Christine Johnson. Not pictured: Gary Marsh.
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The Moravian
Key Affirmations Guiding the Conversation on Identity, Purpose and Organization 1. God is at work in the world, through the movement of the Holy Spirit among individuals, congregations, agencies and denominations. 2. God called the Moravian Church into being centuries ago, as a people whose identity emerged out of faithfulness in the midst of persecution, exile in the midst of political and religious conflict, and a love for Jesus that sent us out of nurturing communities to bear witness to God’s amazing grace to those whom the world had forgotten. 3. God has been in the midst of the Moravian Church Northern Province throughout its life, leading it to engage in meaningful ministry in the name of Jesus. 4. God is continuing to lead the Province today in the midst of significant change taking place within the church and the world around us, requiring us to engage carefully and reflectively in mutual discernment as we continue our journey in ministry. From “Recommendations of the Task Force on Identity, Purpose and Organization (IPO),” report prepared for the Provincial Elders’ Conference, December 2013
this before the 2018 Provincial Synod is one of the key jobs of our Task Force. We have been meeting and making preparations, and will introduce the process we’ve designed at each of the upcoming District Synods (Ed. Note: See article on the Western District Synod April 28-May 1 on page 14 and the Canadian District Synod May 12-15 on page 13; information on the Eastern District Synod, June 22-25, will be shared in our May issue.) After these Synods, look for regional gatherings where we’ll all have a chance to express the ideas, understandings, and dreams about what God has in store for the Moravian Church. We are proud of our church’s heritage and enthusiastic about our church’s future. (Please see the Key Affirmations from the original IPO report in the box above.) We March 2016
hope you will join us in this important conversation. As Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf once said, “There can be no Christianity without community.” With All Hopefulness, The IPO Task Force: The Rev. Margaret Weller, Convener; Gregory Behrend; the Rev. Christine Johnson; the Rev. Gary Marsh; the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Miller; the Rev. Tracy Pryor; Justin Rabbach; the Rev. Eric Renner; and Linda Schaffer The Rev. Christine Johnson is pastor of Fry’s Valley Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio and a member of the Northern Province IPO Task Force.
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MORAVIANS IN MISSION
A visit to the heart of the Moravian Church in Nepal In December, a group of North American Moravians travelled to Nepal to serve and learn. Brian Stangret and Gwyn Michel offer their thoughts on the trip. Brian: On the first day of Christmas—and after more than a year of planning with Pastor Trina Holmberg and the Board of World Mission—ten of us from congregations in Minnesota and Pennsylvania embarked on the 7,000 mile journey to the heart of the Moravian Church in Nepal. Working with the Revs. Pradhan, who shared the perspective of local ministry in Nepal and offered practical experience in helping visiting mission teams serve effectively, our plan was to partner with their school in Kathmandu for a weeklong Winter Camp Program. The team would have further engagement with a one-day bible school and youth rally at the Upasana Moravian Church in nearby Khokana, as well as leadership and music workshops 22
with the Baneshwor congregation in Kathmandu. This was the plan…before the earthquakes and aftershocks, before the blockade and fuel shortages that have plagued the region. In the last weeks and months before leaving, while there was time to reconsider, reschedule, or ask the airline for a refund, it became clear that the Lord was keeping the road between Minneapolis and Kathmandu open. In light of the difficulties that our sisters and brothers were facing (and continue to) we wondered if this was the right time for a visit. We did not wish to be a burden. We were eager to respond in whatever way would be most helpful. And, over and over, the Moravians in Nepal said, “Come.” Mission trips are difficult to explain, as you never know what you are getting into. Little did we expect how fulfilling and life-changing this trip would be. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by our The Moravian
gracious hosts and whisked into the chaos that is Kathmandu. The streets were unlike anything we had seen before: cars, trucks, busses, bicycles, pedestrians, and countless motorcycles all moving the wrong way at breakneck speeds. We saw motorcycles carrying four people (including infants), a whole pig, and even a kitchen sink! We were brought to our guesthouse where we cleaned up and got ready for supper with our hosts. We ate at a local restaurant and got acquainted with the Pradhans. The plan was to go over lessons and plans, but everyone kept nodding off until we finally decided to try to get some sleep. Tom Cooper was our “man with a plan,” designing wonderful sessions for the Winter Camp. Tom taught us about birds, mammals, insects, habitat and food chains. The 35 three-to-six-years-olds came from diverse backgrounds. Tom was with these kids and the school’s staff every day. Everyone bonded with “Mr. Tom” and thought his duck calls were pretty neat. Our team followed his lead, helping wherever needed; even coming up with a geology lesson to round out the week. The Pradhans direct the school with a highly capable staff of teachers and caretakers. During the school session there are about 75 children enrolled. This spring they will be opening an adjacent location for seven-to-eight year olds. The Pradhans are truly leading this ministry along a wonderful path of education and community partnership.
ers, but we improvised actions and sang along to an audio recording of our VBS song, “All Around the World.” Everyone joined in and told us what good singers and dancers we were; the Nepali people are kind and respectful, and clearly very good-humored! We divided into four stations: a dramatic telling of the story of Jesus and the woman at the well; a video on autism and being different; craft bracelets; and a shrinking island and goofy relay race. We ended the day with s’mores (something completely new and strange to many of the children) and a recap of the day sharing pictures, video highlights, and hilarious outtakes taken by our teammate and camera guy Keith Griffin. On Thursday we split up again. Pastor Brian (Dixon) organized a Rally at Khokana for Moravian Youth ages 15-25 focusing on (Continued on next page) Children at the Upasana Church in Khokana receiving pillow case dresses made by Moravian churches in North Carolina
Traveling to Khokana The next day, six of our group traveled to Khokana to lead vacation bible school for children ages 6-14. We were ready to go when we discovered that the instructional video with the theme song and corresponding dance moves was missing. None of us are singers or dancMarch 2016
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At right: Worshiping at Baneswhor, trekking through local villages and working with students.
fruit of the Spirit. Things started with about a dozen worship songs led by Rev. Pradhan and others. The singing and music were awesome! Brian taught from John 20:19-23, when Jesus gives his disciples the Holy Spirit, and Galatians 5:22,23 where the fruit of the Spirit are listed. In small discussion groups we shared reflections and activities. Many of us were nervous about trying to explain the connections between these verses and relating them to our own faith. We each had wonderful groups to work with and youth leaders who translated and kept everyone involved. We all shared one gift of the Spirit that we either felt we had or would like to develop. Then we prayed for one another. The day ended with hilarious skits, more music and dancing. First the men danced and then the women, led by a young woman named Lydia and Tom’s daughter Autumn! Rev. Pradhan was pressured into teaching us a “typical” Nepali dance, which I am sure was anything but. It was comical and a whole lot of fun. There is probably a video, but let’s hope it stays off the internet. Saturday was church day and our earliest morning. We were picked up at 7 a.m. for service back at Khokana. The temperature was barely above freezing and there is no heat in any of the buildings. We could see our breath in church as we sat on the floor cross-legged for about two hours. The service was wonderful, led by singing, guitars and drums. Gwyn Michel from the Moravian Music Foundation and College Hill Moravian Church taught us all a new song that was our musical offering. The local farmers brought their offerings of rice and lentils to the front of the sanctuary as they arrived. Pastor Brian preached a sermon inviting us to consider that “Let there be light,” are the first spoken words of the bible and how we are called to put those words in action as followers 24
The Moravian
of Jesus. The church gradually warmed up as more than 100 people came to worship and celebrate Holy Communion. We then continued to a second service at Baneshwor in Kathmandu. This congregation meets on the third floor of a downtown resource building. Simon is the worship leader here, along with the pastors. The church in Nepal is very much alive with the Spirit and at work introducing the community to Jesus in many different ways. It was very interesting to watch the people who live near of each of these congregations walking slowly by or even stopping to listen to what was being said and sung about by their Moravian neighbors. The planning, prayers, and partnerships behind this mission trip truly made the difference. The team members brought many different talents and abilities. The people of Nepal touched our hearts and blessed our souls with their kind and gentle ways. In all the chaos from the recent earthquake and fuel embargo,
our brothers and sisters there find ways to keep moving forward without complaint. We never felt unsafe and were always greeted—on busy city streets or along quiet country paths up in the hills—with the traditional greeting, “Namaste.” It is performed with a slight bow, hands together, palms touching, fingers to the sky and thumbs to the chest. And, it carries the meaning, “I honor the divine in you.” We thought that this would be a once-in-alifetime trip, but know now that we wish to return. We are hopeful to be able to go back with family and friends to see where the Church is going, to help with other projects, to continue growing relationships, to trek the Annapurna Circuit, and maybe even to eat a few more momos. Gwyn: I must admit that I was probably the “doubting Thomas” of the team, with concerns about how the presence of ten Americans would impact the limited resources of our Nepali hosts. How on earth would they deal with us while, at the same time, attempting to
Brian Stangret leading vacation bible school
March 2016
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An excursion to Shivapuri National Park
recover from a devastating earthquake and an overwhelming fuel crisis? What I hadn’t taken into account, of course, was the gracious hospitality and resourcefulness of our brothers and sisters. They welcomed us with open arms. Like the five wise bridesmaids in Matthew’s Gospel, they had stockpiled fuel and supplies for our visit, anticipating our every need. We were well cared for on this journey. The Nepalese are a friendly, joyous people. They currently have much to overcome—with the aforementioned earthquake and fuel crisis— but they face these challenges very practically. The Moravian Church in Khokana was rendered uninhabitable after the earthquake, so they built a new one! The new church compound is impressive: a series of four buildings, including the sanctuary, kitchen, Sunday School classes, and a Day Care, all built in a two-month period with room to expand as the need and the money arise. We also experienced a palpable joy in worship. From the opening strains of the worship choruses, accompanied by rhythmic guitars and driving percussion, to the wonderful sing26
ing, which could have – and often does – gone on and on, their praise is tangible. Despite their own constraints, our Nepalese brothers and sisters anticipated our every need. We were fed and housed with graciousness. In true Moravian style, each worship service or program seemed to end with a glorious lunch (something one experiences among Moravians from Zeist to Bluefields to Kathmandu); a time for food and fellowship, opening doors to lifelong opportunities and friendships. The Moravian Church in Nepal is new! In a culture that is predominately Hindu, the Christian faith is a new component, accounting for only 1.4% of religious make-up of the country. Thus, many Moravians in Nepal are hearing the bible stories for the very first time. To watch these new Christians explore biblical questions and answers was eye-opening to those of us more steeped in the tradition. Would that we could all encounter the bible with the same openness to learning and hunger for the Word expressed by our Nepalese sisters and brothers. What new insights and inspiration might we find? The Moravian
Serving lunch at Vacation Bible School
From the pink Himalayan morning sky to the bright clothing of the children at the IK, color was everywhere. The joy of its people is outwardly reflected in the colorful hats and mittens and scarves worn by the children and the beautiful saris worn by the women. At the same time, the brilliant smiles and bright eyes of our brothers and sisters offer an outward reflection of the beauty of their inner souls. As is true of any mission trip, the meager gifts we brought with us to share were answered ten-fold. Our team served as leaders for six days of a ten-day Winter Camp at the IK. We received days/months/years of smiles, laughter and hugs in return. What we brought to the one-day Vacation Bible School, Youth Rally, Church Leadership and Music workshops, we reaped a thousand-fold in joy, enthusiasm, and insights. The pillowcase dresses (provided by Moravians in North Carolina), blankets (from Ohio), vitamins, school supplies, microphones and sound systems we delivered were quickly put to use during our stay and will continue to
enhance both the Nepali ministry and, in turn, our work and witness here in North America for years and ages to come. In short, travel with and among our Moravian family has been both a challenge and a joy from the 18th Century through to the 21st. May this exchange continue for centuries to come! n
A Nepali mother and child passing us on the road
Brian Stangret is a member of Waconia Moravian Church in Minnesota; Gwyn Michel is assistant director of the Moravian Music Foundation and a member of College Hill Moravian Church. Photos by Brian Dixon and Keith Griffin.
March 2016
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STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Ground of the Unity, Part I Editor’s Note: Following the outline established by the 2005 Jesus Still Lead On study guide, we are sharing different aspects of The Ground of the Unity, one of the worldwide Moravian Church’s key doctrinal statement, in each 2016 issue of The Moravian. This month, we’ll discuss the introductory paragraphs of Ground of the Unity. In subsequent months, we will share different aspects of the foundational document, along with commentary and thought-provoking questions. Both the Ground of the Unity and The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living are available on www.moravian.org. We covered the Covenant throughout 2015. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n 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
senger, Dec. 1957, p. 3). Unity is an important word as well. Here it refers both to the official name of the Moravian Church, the Unitas Fratrum, and to the idea of a united body of believers. When our ancestors separated from the Catholic Church in 1457, they did not call themselves a “church.” Instead they were a union of brothers or a unity of the brethren. In Zinzendorf’s day the Moravian Church was known as the Brüdergemeine, or community of the brothers. Unitas Fratrum is the Latin version of the original Czech name for the church as well as the German Brüdergemeine. This idea of the church as a unity of brothers and sisters around the world has been a core belief for Moravians for over 500 years. Sometimes the idea of unity has been used to promote uniformity in the church. At other times, it has been recognized that unity includes diversity.
The Ground of the Unity
❖❖ What images does the word “Ground” bring to mind for you?
Commentary: Titles are always important because they try to communicate the meaning of a text in just a few words. In the years leading up to the Unity Synod of 1957, German Moravians worked out a statement of basic principles (In Geman: Grundsätze) for the reorganized Unity. The word “Ground” was chosen as the best word to express in German and English the idea of foundational principles. According to Bishop H. G. Steinberg “a Statement was adopted which attempts to say in terms of our own day what the Lord’s will is for the Church Universal and for the Unitas Fratrum.” He pointed out that “ground” was chosen because the church’s faith is “rooted” in this ground and can be fruitful (The Moravian Mes-
❖❖ What would you title a doctrinal statement? Why?
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Discussion:
❖❖ What do you think of when you think of Unity? ❖❖ What does this title say about the Moravian Church and its approach to doctrine?
Called by Christ Preamble: The Lord Jesus Christ calls His Church into being so that it may serve Him on earth until He comes. The Unitas Fratrum is, therefore, aware of its being called in faith to serve humanity by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It recognizes this call to be the source of its being and the inspiration of The Moravian
its service. As is the source, so is the aim and end of its being based upon the will of its Lord.
Commentary: The Ground of the Unity begins with a statement on why the Christian Church exists before it begins to discuss the purpose of the Unitas Fratrum. According to Christian teaching, the church has been called into being by Jesus Christ as his body on earth. Despite its many imperfections and failures as an institution made up of human beings, the Church itself is a divine institution. The Church does not exist for its own sake; it exists only to serve Christ. As such, if the Church no longer serves, it is no longer the Church. The Unitas Fratrum shares in the mission of the universal (or catholic) Church to serve humanity by the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. It does not exist for its own sake or its own prosperity. Its existence as a church is based on the will of Jesus Christ, our Chief Elder. It is important to recognize that the proclamation of the Good News (or Gospel) is a way to serve humankind, not a way to justify ourselves as Christians. If our proclamation harms others or fails to communicate God’s reconciling love in Christ Jesus, then we should reflect on what we are doing and our relationship to the Chief Elder. Discussion: ❖❖ What does it mean that Christ calls the Church into being? ❖❖ Why do you think there is a Church? Why does the Moravian Church continue to exist? ❖❖ What does it mean to proclaim the Gospel? Is this just in words or in deeds as well? ❖❖ How does your congregation fulfill the purpose of the Church? How do you share in this mission? ❖❖ How does your congregation serve humanity? How do you? Next Month: The Belief of the Church; Salvation; and Word, Sacrament and Service. March 2016
One way? (Continued from page 12) known to people in ways we aren’t even aware of now. We can hope that everyone will have the opportunity to receive God’s grace through Christ in some way. We know God is ultimately and eternally fair. But given what we do know, how then should we live? Certainly it should not be with an attitude of “I have it and you don’t!” That is disgusting and repulsive. None of us is saved by our own achievements or goodness. So I can take no credit. It is all a gift. Rather this should motivate me to share the amazing message of God’s love with the world. I need to respect other people’s religious (or non-religious) views, just as I want to be respected. I will treat them with dignity and value who they are. But at the same time, in my heart there is always a desire for them to meet Jesus. Will my words and my actions reveal Him to them in some way? Will I represent Him well? If Jesus is the only way to God, then it is important for those who know Him to share Him with those who are yet to know Him. Will I humbly and lovingly lift Jesus up as my Savior and the Savior of the world? n The Rev. Darryl Bell is a retired Moravian pastor. He most recently served The Promise congregation in Ohio and served as the Northern Province’s church planters’ resource advisor. 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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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Moravian Music Sunday, April 24, 2016 The fifth Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2016, has been designated as Moravian Music Sunday. The purpose of this observance is to help all congregations become more familiar with our rich heritage of Moravian music. Music is an expression of faith, and thus continuing creativity is to be encouraged.
NORTHERN PROVINCE Resignation Brother Andrew Meckstroth, who has been serving as pastor in team ministry at Castleton Hill Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y., resigned his call effective Jan. 17, 2016.
Western District Sister Vicki Jens-Page, who has been serving as pastor for Morongo Moravian Church, Banning, California, accepted a call to temporary service with the Western District. The call was effective Nov. 6, 2015.
Retirement Brother Terry L. Folk requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective Sept. 30, 2016. Brother Folk was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church June 18, 1978 and has served the church in pastorates in Ohio (Schoenbrunn), Maryland (Graceham), Alberta (Millwoods), and Pennsylvania (York First and Schoeneck). The church is grateful for his 38 years of faithful service.
Rudolph and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Sister Christine Stack, who has been serving as appointed pastor at Kellner Moravian Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and Rudolph Moravian Church, Rudolph, Wisconsin, concluded her work with the congregations effective December 31, 2015.
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
OBITUARY: The Rev. W. Norwood Green, Sr. The Rev. W. Norwood Green, Sr., entered the more immediate presence of our Lord on Friday, February 12, his 94th birthday. Norwood was born in Winston-Salem, N.C., the second of three children of Luther “Luke” and Mary Easter Green. In 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and twice rose to the rank of Staff Sgt. and held that rank as a member of the Normandy invasion force in 1944. He married Henrietta Stout Dec. 26, 1947. Norwood graduated from Mars Hill College, Moravian College (1950), and Moravian Theological Seminary (1952). He was ordained a deacon in 1952, and consecrated a Presbyter in 1958; served pastorates at Enterprise, Hopewell, New Eden, Pine Chapel, Hope (Indiana), Friedberg, and Friedland Moravian Churches; and retired at the age of 67. He then served 14 years as the chaplain of Salemtowne Moravian Retirement Community, did a partially overlapping 15-year “interim” at Memorial Reformed Church and continued to support the volunteer chaplaincy at Forsyth Memorial Hospital. Norwood is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Henrietta; by one son, Worth Norwood Green, Jr., and wife Elayne of Winston-Salem; by two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Following a private family interment at Friedberg Moravian Church, a memorial service was held at Fairview Moravian Church on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 with The Rev. Scott Venable officiating.
Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
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