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A new Cuban Bishop Southern Province Synod Preview Women in the Unity
...and more!
Music & Fellowship Learning & Sharing
Practicing & Playing July 19—22, 2018
Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University Brass Ensemble Concert/Service, 4:00pm, Sun., July 22
Be part of an enormous brass choir made up of musicians from both provinces, Germany, South Africa, Labrador, and more, with lots of great music, new arrangements for players at all levels. Register online or by mail.
unitybrass.moravianmusicfestival.org 336-725-0651
Help us grant Larger Life to Moravian ministries.
The Larger Life Foundation is a permanent endowment fund that has provided “larger life” to the ministries of the Moravian Church Northern Province since 1920. Foundation grants and loans support churches, retirement homes, camps, education and social welfare programs, ministerial training, administrative support and church expansion. More than $5 million has been distributed in the last 10 years alone.
The Foundation relies exclusively on gifts and bequests from people like you. Your support directly touches many lives and offers new visions for the Moravian Church. Visit www.largerlifefoundation.org or call 610.867.7566, ext. 17 to make a difference in the life of our church.
Larger Life Foundation
MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE
Help for Today. Building for Tomorrow.
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The Moravian
On the cover: Armando Rusindo is consecrated Cuba’s first bishop. Photo courtesy of Sam Gray.
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24 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
Synod 2018 5
Southern Province prepares to “Live the Essentials with Courage for the Future”
Moravian Women 9
13th Moravian Women’s Conference set for June 20-23, 2019
Unity Women’s Desk 10
Campaign helps Unity Women’s Desk do more
Moravians in Mission 12
Moravian Church consecrates first Cuban bishop
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Cuban Camping Ministry continues to growt
27 Board of World Mission seeks Director of Mission Engagement
Create in Me
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 2018
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Embodying poetry in a prose world
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Exploring “By Galilee”
Moravian Writings 24
Messages for Palm Sunday
...and More 4
Ponderings: On recognizing light
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Official Provincial Elders’ News
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Obituary: Sister Ruth Behrend 3
PONDERINGS
On recognizing light
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he past few weeks have been really gloomy —the gloom that comes from cloudy, cold, wet weather that February is known for. It has reached the point of the season (as it does every year) when “the gloomy” is constant. The gray is just there. You wake up to gray skies, they follow you through the day. And even when the sun does come out, it’s a harsh, cold light that paints a stark landscape. It is winter, after all. But one recent Sunday afternoon, as I walked up the stairs to our second floor, I noticed something different. The light in the hallway was bright and warm. Sunlight was streaming in through the windows, creating patterns on the floors. Rooms seemed to come alive. I was struck by how the feeling had changed. It was if I was getting a preview of what’s to come. For that afternoon, the “gloominess” was gone. Another lift of “the gloom?” The tulip bulb on our windowsill is sprouting, as are the two on the dining room table downstairs. They are in pottery containers with nothing but rocks and water, yet they are growing tall and strong, with the light urging them on. The bulbs came from a Moravian Girls’ Retreat my wife attended at Camp Hope in the dead of winter. Now they signal the beginning of spring. The sunlit rooms and sprouting tulip bulbs offer the promise of better days ahead. Yes, the trees were still gray; the grass, tan; the garden, muddy. But that particular Sunday afternoon, I could feel we’d turned the corner, and that before long, the world would feel more alive once more. As we continue through the season of Lent, we can see signs of the coming Light, of the potential for happier days ahead. Yes, this is a solemn time to ponder Jesus’ journey to the cross. Spiritually, this can be a gloomy time of year. But we know that come Easter Sunday, we will be celebrating renewed life and glorious resurrection. It makes the gloomy days today worth it, knowing what’s waiting for us. I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian. In it, we celebrate the consecration of the first bishop in the growing Moravian Church in Cuba; preview the upcoming Southern Province Synod; highlight the work of the Unity Women’s Desk; share writings for Palm Sunday; and continue our “Create in Me” series that shares worship resources and ideas. Peace, 4
Mike Riess, Editor
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) March 2018, Vol. 49, No. 2 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 June/July 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: 17,000 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 Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Lance Fox, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Jill Westbrook. Design by Michael 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 © 2018, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
SYNOD 2018
Southern Province prepares to “Live the Essentials with Courage for the Future”
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n mid-April, Moravians from across the Southern Province will meet on a mountaintop in western North Carolina to discern and make decisions about the future of their church. The 2018 Synod of the Moravian Church Southern Province will be held April 19-22 at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C. For the Moravian Church Southern Province, the upcoming Synod provides an opportunity to serve the Lord here on earth and meet a challenging future with courage. This year’s theme, “Living the Essentials with Courage for the Future,” invites Synod delegates to embody the guiding principles and essentials of our faith to help guide the future of the Moravian Church. “‘Courage for the Future’ is a phrase that’s been part of the Southern Province for more than a century,” explains the Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, associate professor of Pastoral Ministry and chaplain at Moravian Theological Seminary, and a member of the Synod Planning Committee. “God does have a future for us, but it’s up to us to move with open ears, open hearts and open minds to follow in a way that God is calling us.” March 2018
Highest decision-making body In Moravian polity, synods represent the highest decision-making body of each province and have tremendous responsibility in the life of the Moravian Church. Southern Province Synod delegates will help decide how the Province “lives the essentials” and explore how Synod might take action in ways that reinforce Moravian identity and values. During the four-day event, delegates elect provincial leadership for the coming four years, including the Provincial Elders’ Conference, members of provincial and interprovincial boards and agencies and, in some years, bishops of the Moravian Unity. Synods also establish direction and priority for provincial ministries and encourage activities on the congregational level. They help answer questions and set guidelines on key topics and issues facing the province. They provide a platform for new ideas for strengthening the church and the faith of its members. In addition to the legislative and decisionmaking duties of Synod, these gatherings also (Continued on next page) 5
Synod (Continued from previous page) provide a rare opportunity to bring together clergy and lay persons from all areas of the province, including its agencies and leadership, to talk about ministry together. Synod gathers the collective wisdom and experience of the entire province to work with each other and discern what God is calling us to do now. The event also offers a chance for Moravians to worship and pray together, and to seek God’s guidance and direction for the church. “Synod offers an opportunity for the church to reflect on itself, see where God is leading and where he has led us so far, and to discern where God is leading us for the future,” says the Rt. Rev. D. Wayne Burkette. “It’s a time for looking back, evaluating what we have done well and where we need to improve, and then look forward to the future.” Andrew Heil works in a committee session during the 2014 Southern Province Synod
Delegates to Synod All pastors under call are delegates to Synod, and every congregation sends one lay delegate for every 125 adult communicant members. Small congregations are entitled to one delegate in addition to the pastor, while each fellowship is represented by an advisory delegate. Provincial boards and agencies are also represented, as are retired pastors and certified, full-time directors of Christian Education. Nonvoting, or advisory delegates, representing our various interprovincial agencies, ecumenical partners and emerging ministries also attend. A delegate is not a “representative” of his or her congregation; he or she is not someone instructed to vote a certain way by the congregation or leadership. The Southern Province Book of Order states that a delegate, “must not lose sight of the interests of the Province and of the Unity as a whole,” even as they consider the perspective of their home congregation. Delegates elected from congregations are sent with prayers and the guidance of the Spirit to use their gifts and maturity to engage in matters at Synod of their own conviction and to discern the direction God desires for the entire Moravian Church Southern Province. Getting Prepared Synod delegates serve on one of six program committees: Spiritual Growth, Community, Mission, Leadership, Partnership, or Stewardship. Committees have further divided into smaller working groups, and have met several times prior to Synod to discuss, discern and prepare proposals and reports for Synod to consider. In February 2017, pastors and members from nearly all of Southern Province congregations, along with provincial program representatives and staff, came together at the InterSynodal Gathering to discuss ways to reclaim the church’s “missional energy.” This meeting generated a broad range of ideas and offered
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The Moravian
Synod delegates Victoria Lasley, Chaz Snider and Meredith Dowdy sort through ideas as a pre-Synod meeting last September.
a basis for topics to be covered at the 2018 Synod. Then in September, delegates gathered for a pre-synod meeting for orientation and to begin refining the topics and areas of discussion for Synod. Groups have been working since then to study issues and develop proposals to bring to Synod for action. Many proposals will be shared with delegates prior to Synod. During the actual Synod time, these committees will continue to discuss these proposals and ideas or develop new ones, and prepare them for presentation to the entire voting body. Delegates are expected to further prepare for Synod by familiarizing themselves with the processes and parliamentary procedures of the event; reviewMarch 2018
ing the reports and information from boards and agencies; becoming knowledgeable about nominees for elected offices; preparing for four intensive days of work for the future of the church; and praying before and during Synod for God’s leading and direction for the Province. On Sunday, April 15, Southern Province congregations are invited to celebrate a Liturgy for Commissioning Synod Participants. Spiritual preparation “Spiritual preparation is at the heart of what we are called to do and be as Synod delegates,” wrote the Rev. Scott Venable, a member of the planning committee, in a special 2018 Synod Devotional. “Lifting the Synod and all the participants up in prayer before God is vital to our preparation. Prayer, medita-
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Synod (Continued from previous page) tion and reflection is essential to discerning the leading of our Lord and Savior, who is Head and Chief Elder of our Moravian Church. In a very real way, serving as a delegate to Synod is our calling…[and] we believe that God’s Spirit will be present with us as we worship, work, pray and fellowship together.” At Synod, delegates will participate in daily worship and devotions, work in committees and working groups, and gather in plenary sessions with all delegates for discussions and votes. Elections and votes on resolutions will be handled electronically to help speed the process. The four days are intense – there is a lot to accomplish in a short period of time – but plenty of opportunity for prayer, singing, and catching up with Moravians from other parts of the province is built into the schedule. The 2018 Southern Province Synod will be the culmination of nearly two years of planning and development by the Provincial Elders’ Conference and the Synod Planning Committee. These teams have been working to ensure all of the logistics, communication, discernment and prayer necessary to bring together
We live in a world and age where God’s children are often divided on issues concerning everything from politics to morality. Our Moravian church allows for this diversity, while encouraging unity in the essentials. Our task now is to work together to discern how the church can best reflect the essentials of our faith in our changing world. —from Synod 2018: At A Glance
Moravians from across the Southern Province are completed, and that the people and processes are in place for a successful governing session. More information about the upcoming Synod, including videos describing what Synod is, how it works and how to prepare, along with communication materials for congregations and a devotional study developed for Synod delegates and those supporting them, are available at the Southern Province website, www.mcsp.org. In addition, The Interprovincial Board of Communication and Board of Cooperative Ministries will be covering the 2018 Synod and will report on key events and decisions. n
Delegate Julia Simmons discusses ideas during the 2014 Synod.
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The Moravian
MORAVIAN WOMEN
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13th Moravian Women’s Conference set for June 20 – 23, 2019
une 2019 marks the 13th Moravian Women’s Conference and the 48th year since the first conference. Certainly, conferences are a tradition, but, more importantly, they are a movement! Sisters form vibrant relationships that connect them and ministries across churches, provinces and the world. Sisters are inspired as individuals to know and to live God’s plan for them. Sisters depart the conferences equipped for Living the Essentials. The 2019 conference theme Unleash Your Power! is based on Ephesians 3:20, Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us. The conference committee prayerfully sought guidance for a theme that speaks to the potential and strength of Moravian women in 2019. The Ephesians passage almost leapt onto the table after a day and a half of discernment. Past conference attendees experienced great Joy on the Mountain in 2007, bravely committed to Stepping Out of the Boat in 2011 and learned what it means to Walk in the Light in 2015. March 2018
In 2019, we will discover together how to seek and know God’s plans for each of us; how to be his face in the world today; and how to unleash our power by accessing his power at work within us. The 2019 Moravian Women’s Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem, N.C. The vibrancy of downtown Winston-Salem and the city’s Moravian legacy provide an ideal setting for a dynamic conference for Moravian women. Interested in helping the Women’s Conference? Peggy Dodson, chair of the 13th Moravian Women’s Conference, suggests promoting the conference in your congregation and with friends; helping those in your Fellowship or congregation who may need financial assistance; volunteering to help as the conference draws near; and praying for those charged to plan the conference. For more information on the 13th Moravian Women’s Conference, visit www.moravianwomensconference.org; email moravianwomen@gmail.com; or call 336.893.4460. n 9
UNITY WOMEN’S DESK
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Campaign helps Unity Women’s Desk do more
he Unity Women’s Desk is a ministry of the worldwide Moravian Church whose purpose is to positively impact the lives of women and girls by coordinating the spiritual, financial, educational and material resources that exist throughout the Moravian Unity. The vision of the Unity Women’s Desk is to bring about global change for Moravian women around the world. The most pressing issues facing women and girls today are in the areas of education, health, economics and violence against women. By raising awareness of these issues, developing and funding solutions, and enlisting help from our worldwide Unity, we are working to improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. To help us achieve our vision, on March 12, 2017, we began our first capital campaign, Standing With Our Sisters, in the Southern Province, with the goal of raising $250,000 to strengthen and expand our work in four areas: • Scholarships • Project Grants • Loans • Leadership and Development
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We have a dedicated capital campaign steering committee led by Ms. Sallie Greenfield (member of Kernersville Moravian Church) and Dr. Phil McKinley (member of Home Moravian Church), with the Moravian Ministries Foundation serving as campaign counsel. After our campaign kick-off event at Fairview Moravian Church, members of the committee began visiting our most dedicated supporters and making the case for the campaign. It is with great joy that we share that we reached the original campaign goal of $250,000 as a result of these visits and the generosity of those who believe in our mission. Able to do more We are already able to give more Project Grants. In September, for instance, before Br. Rick Nelson left Honduras, he presented a seminar for 40 of our provincial coordinators and local women’s fellowship leaders teaching them how to manage financial accounts. With the funds we provided, these women were able to enlarge their teaching staff and include courses on time management, dealing with violence against women, and improving the The Moravian
quality of women’s lives in their province. The women there provided the accommodations and transportation for attendees and also supplied the meals for the weekend. Also, the increase in our Gretta Gene and Irvin Leinbach Fund will allow us to get involved with several Vicobas (Village Community Banks) in Tanzania. Our plan is to lend money to women to purchase 10-acre tracts of land, divide the land among the 7-10 member Vicobas, and allow each woman to start a business (which they will fund through monthly contributions to the Vicoba) and become self-sustaining. They will have five years to repay the loan without interest. Finally, we are now able to give $2,000 in scholarship money per province, Mission Province, and Mission Area without fear of depleting the Scholarship Fund. We also have five new named scholarships designated for the following purposes: • to support women who want to go to nursing school • to assist women in Sierra Leone • to support women who want to go to university, seminary, or nursing school • to provide educational scholarships to girls and women • to support women who want to go to seminary With the additional funding from the campaign, we hope to increase the amount awarded to each province, Mission Province and Mission Area this year and in the years to come, until we can help all the Moravian girls and women who need scholarship funds. March 2018
A new priority In late September we identified a new priority for the six months that remained on our campaign: raising funds for women who are planning to go into the ordained ministry. Currently we have to limit gifts to seminary and university students to $500 per year unless there are no secondary and primary school requests from a province or area. In most places the cost of one year’s education is between $3,000 and $6,000. In some places this pays for everything—tuition, room and board, books and supplies; in other areas, it only covers tuition. With the $500 limit we have now, the women have a substantial amount they must raise themselves, and we do not send our funds until they have raised the full amount needed for a year. We would like to be able to provide at least two full scholarships each year to women who plan to enter the ministry. We will celebrate Standing With Our Sisters on Sunday, March 18, 2018with an Open House at the Unity Women’s Desk office from 2:00 pm to 3:30 p.m., followed by a special lovefeast at 4:00 pm at Home Moravian Church. Sister Angelene Swart will bring the message. We are overwhelmed by the generous support of the people who are Standing With Our Sisters and enabling the Unity Women’s Desk to strengthen and expand its work around the world, and we are delighted by what their support will mean for Moravian women and girls for generations to come. Laura Watson is director of stewardship and development services for the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. 11
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Moravian Church consecrates first Cuban bishop
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n January, the Unitas Fratrum consecrated its first bishop from the growing ministry in Cuba. Armando Rogelio Rusindo, the 365th bishop of the Moravian Unity (the 303rd in the Renewed Moravian Church, and the first in the Moravian Church in Cuba) was consecrated in Havana, Cuba on Saturday, January 20, 2018. The consecrating bishops were the Rt. Rev. Stanley Clarke (Jamaica), The Rt. Rev. Volker Schulz (European Continental) and the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray (America Southern Province). Representatives from each of the seven Moravian territories in Cuba were in attendance, as well as special guests, including the Consul from the Czech Republic, the Ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda, the Vice-Consul from South Africa, the Chair of the Moravian Worldwide Unity (the Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis, from Antigua), the Lutheran Bishop of Havana, the president of the Cuban Council of Churches, the Archbishop of Havana (Roman Catholic), two representatives from the Cuban Muslim Community, members of the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation, other guests from North Carolina, the director of associations for the Department of Justice of the Cuban government, and the assistant to the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Cuban government.
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The newlyconsecrated Rt. Rev. Armando Rusindo speaks during his consecration ceremony in Cuba.
An ecumenical music group led the hymns and praises and also provided some beautiful musical interludes. The service was led by the Rev. Tania Sanchez, president of the Cuban Moravian Mission Province, with liturgists from the various territories taking part as well. A look at the journey The consecration of Brother Rusindo was a glorious and historic event, but in order to more fully understand its significance, we must look not only at the destination but also at the journey. The journey began in May of 1997 when Armando Rusindo felt a clear and strong calling from God to establish a church in his native land, Cuba. As he pursued this vision, he began to become aware of something called the “Iglesia Morava” (Moravian Church). The Moravian
In July of that same year, the Caribbean Council of Churches met (for the first time) in Havana. Moravians from Jamaica and from the Eastern West Indies attended the meetings and Armando was introduced to some of them by a mutual friend. The Caribbean Moravians met with him, gave him some Moravian books and documents, and said that they would stay in contact with him. In the meantime, Brother Rusindo began conducting “house church� meetings in Havana, despite pressure not to do so because of the political climate at that time. The president of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands wrote a letter to Brother Rusindo and informed him that the Moravian Church in Jamaica would be honored to supervise the development of the Moravian Church in Cuba. With the support of the Jamaican Moravians, Armando attended the Moravian Mission Conference in Herrnhut, Germany, in 2001. The following year (2002),
the Unity Synod, meeting in Bethlehem, Pa., officially designated the work in Cuba as a Mission Area under the supervision of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. That same year, Armando Rusindo was ordained a Deacon. In January 2012, the Cuba Mission Area came under the supervision of the Southern Province, through the North American Board of World Mission, and in June the Cuban government gave the church full recognition and legal standing. At a National Assembly of the Cuban Moravian Mission Area in 2013, three Deacons were ordained and Armando Rusindo was consecrated as a Presbyter. Three years later, at the 2016 Unity Synod in Jamaica, the Moravian Church in Cuba was designated as a Mission Province to be accompanied by the Southern Province through the North American Board of World Mission. (Continued on next page)
Clockwise from top: Representatives from Cuba and other countries at the episocopal consecration of Armando Rusindo; Bishop Sam Gray with Brother Armando; Unity Bishops Sam Gray, Stanley Clarke and Volker Shulz.
March 2018
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Bishop
(Continued from previous page) Mission Provinces can elect bishops, so, at the Synod of the Cuban Moravian Church in Havana in 2017, an episcopal election was held and Armando Rusindo was elected. At that same synod, the Rev. Tania Sanchez was elected to be president of the Cuban Moravian Mission
Province, which now included churches and ministries in seven territories across the island, stretching from Havana to Guantánamo.n The Rt. Rev. Sam Gray is director of mission outreach for the Board of World Mission. Photos provided by Sam.
Testimony and response
At his consecration service, Bishop Rusindo was asked to offer a word of testimony and response. He decided to express his thoughts poetically. The following translation of his words may not capture the beauty of the poetic expression, but it may give a glimpse of the journey:
Five hundred and sixty years has been the trajectory of this church that has left its footprints in fertile history, and in this constant struggle of great commitment and service, her bishops have served with exemplary sacrifice. For me it is a privilege that I do not deserve, to be included among them today because God saw fit so to do. What can I say? Only: thanks, thousand thanks, dear Lord. And thanks also to the church for granting me this honor. I will serve, yes, as always, with passion and dedication, but now facing the greater challenge that the Lord has placed upon me. I need God’s grace and I need your prayers to continue on this road with strength and courage bearing abundant fruit for the work of God. I will pray and I will work for the church, but not alone! Because deep in our souls we have a clear vision: the Church of Christ is one as her Lord is one. And in this unity, brothers and sisters, I urge you with fervor: let us join our forces; let us work with ardor, that Cuba may belong to Christ! That in Cuba the Lord will reign!
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The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
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Cuban Camping Ministry continues to grow
n 2014, the first United States Mission Team of youth and young adults from throughout the Northern Province traveled to Cuba to participate in the Cuban Youth and Young Adult Camping Ministry. The team served under the leadership of the Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Eastern District. The camp took place on the western side of the island in Matanzas, a two-hour drive outside of Havana. Along with 50 Cuban youth and young adults, our U.S. team shared the love of Christ, found strength in our Christian fellowship and developed lifelong relationships with our sisters and brothers in Cuba. Each year that followed, a U.S. Mission Team of youth and young adults returned to share in this very special cross-cultural camping experience. In 2016, Br. Armando Rusinido, president of the Moravian Church in Cuba, announced plans to start a second youth and young adult camping ministry in Camaguey, on the eastern side of the island. An invitation to our Eastern District Camp Cuba Mission Team to attend the first camping ministry on the eastern side of March 2018
Cuba followed in February 2017. In discussions with the Eastern District Executive Board, the invitation was accepted. Sis. Geyer once again assembled a team representing the Eastern District and the Northern Province, including 14 youth and young adults and three adults. The Camp Cuba – Camaguey Mission Team traveled to Cuba last July. While in Cuba they immersed themselves in the culture and language, studied and implemented the recommended Board of World Mission (BWM) Best Practices, developed and utilized leadership skills, and established deep and abiding Christian relationships with more than 50 youth and young adults. The 2017 Camp Cuba – Camaguey team was led by two Eastern District young adults, Sashamarie Long and Victor Tory Reid. Four of our Camp Cuba – Camaguey team share insights from their mission experience. Expectations • Sashamarie Long Sasha began her mission experiences with the first Camp Cuba Mission Team in 2014. Serving as an interpreter, she developed her (Continued on next page) 15
Cuba
(Continued from previous page) leadership skills and this year served as the co-leader of the 2017 Camp Cuba – Camaguey Mission Team. Sasha is currently attending Northampton Area Community College in the nursing program. In the coming years, Sasha believes she is being called to serve as a missionary nurse and hopes to serve through our BWM Antioch program. Sasha is connected to the Moravian church through its camping ministries at Hope Conference and Renewal Center. “Cuba is a country that has gone through so much pain and suffering, and yet is filled with people who have the most genuine, loving hearts. I learn more about myself and the people around me when I am in an unfamiliar place ,rather than in my own country. I cannot express in words how blessed I am to have been able to experience the love of God in Cuba and to see God working through the people I meet, speaking through them and speaking life into me. “The way we live and the way we perceive things in our lives solely depends on us. No one can take our happiness and faith away. In Cuba, I learned that it is okay to not be okay. We must see the good in everything, because if not, we will never truly be happy. We must love God and the people around us; we must strive to live every day to the fullest regardless if life is going the way we expect or not. We must live for God and love God throughout all the struggles and
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joys we will encounter in life. Most importantly we must love…love ourselves and the people around us. We must share God’s love and pour it onto other people. “This is what I learned in Cuba: it does not take a plane ride or even going to another country to show God’s love. It can be done wherever we are. It starts from within. We must be ready for the unexpected, ready to grow and learn new things about our faith. We must pour out the love God gave us and share it with those around us, even if we may feel a bit empty, because one day that same love will be returned to us.” We Are Not Alone • Victor Tory Reid Tory served as a co-leader for our 2017 Camp Cuba – Camaguey mission Experience following three years as a Camp Cuba participant and a mission experience in Jamaica. He has participated in Youth Convo and Young Adult Convo where his understanding of Moravian history was enriched by the experiences and the people he met. He is a member of John Hus Moravian Church and attends CUNY – College of Staten Island where he is pursuing a degree in psychology. Our Cuban brothers and sisters have enjoyed watching Tory grow spiritually and personally over the years and hope that Tory will remain connected with their ministry. “The theme of this year’s camp was taken from the book of Daniel, ‘Tu no estas solo. Dios te acompana todo el tiempo!,’ which means ‘You are not alone. God is with you all the time!’
The Moravian
“This year, we joined Moravian youth from Holgin, Granma, Guantanamo and Camaguey to share in the first youth camp in Camaguey, Cuba. The most memorable moment for me was teaching them the song “Moravians for Jesus” which we sing at our annual Metro Youth Ministries Weekend each October. As we were singing the song, the room was filled with lots of enthusiasm and pride; each group clapped and danced when they heard their congregation’s name sung. Continuing to sing this song, our language barriers were broken and we were united in one voice as Moravians and Christians. “As Peter Scholtes wrote in his song, We are one in the Spirit, we were one in God’s spirit and anyone who heard, saw us, or experienced it would know that we are Christians by the love that we shared.” What We Saw • Quinn Matthew Quinn is an honor-roll senior at Suitland High School in College Park, Maryland. She attends Trinity Moravian Church where she is a worship leader reading scripture and an
advocate for youth ministry. She enjoys public speaking and hopes to attend Moravian College where she will study physical therapy with a goal of working with dancers and dance related injuries. “The Cuban people are not the oppressed ones we read about in textbooks. They are full of life, gracious and loving. I was truly dumbfounded at how much they were willing to share, even when supplies were scarce. “In Camaguey, we stayed amidst other Moravians. They expressed their love of music and song everywhere we went. One day, we all shared a bus to spend time at the pool. We were crammed more than 40-deep in a bus meant to hold about 20, but that did not discourage our Cuban brothers and sisters from singing about the deep love of our God at volume. It was personally moving, because it showed how quick we are as Americans to complain about our ‘problems,’ when in actuality, we are so blinded by our modern conveniences and ma(Continued on next page)
2018 Camp Cuba participants from the Moravian Church in America
March 2018
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Cuba
(Continued from previous page) terial goods, we subsequently do not see our true blessings. “Being a part of the mission trip to Camaguey really changed me for the better. I met new people on the team, reconnected with friends from years ago, and made personal connections with the Cuban people through Christ. The fellowship we shared even penetrated the language barrier. “If there is one lesson I came away with from my experiences in Cuba, it is that Jesus is the bridge between all ‘walls’ of cultural differences, tongues and color.” Faith Stories by Allesyn Wesner Ally is a freshman at Shippensburg University where she is pursuing a degree in Business. She looks forward to Sunday mornings at her home church, Calvary Moravian in Allentown, where she sings with the choir and praise band, one of her favorite activities. She notes, “I feel connected to the songs I sing and they’ve helped me understand a greater depth of God’s story.” Ally looks forward to returning to Cuba, hopefully as a Young Adult Leader for an upcoming Camp Cuba – Camaguey mission experience. “When we arrived in Havana, I knew right away that this mission experience was going to be incredibly life-changing. The beauty of the country was beyond words. There were many times I just stopped, stood, and took it all in. “I enjoyed the evenings the most. In the evenings we had program, during which we taught the group the song “Moravians for Jesus,” and they taught us “Father, I Adore You” in Spanish. We also spent time in small groups where we got to know each other on a personal level.
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“On Tuesday evening, we participated in a Bible Olympics where we had a competition between our church groups on who could recite the most verses, and who had the most knowledge on the book of Daniel which had been our theme. One evening, I was asked to share my faith journey and discuss what our church camp in the Eastern District Northern Province at Hope Conference & Renewal Center is like. I usually don’t talk much about my faith journey and how my life has forever been changed the in last couple of years, but something told me that I should, to offer a sense that there is hope for the future with God by your side. Many campers came up afterwards and thanked me for sharing my story. I had learned from other campers the challenges they faced in their everyday lives. Despite everything, they never took anything for granted and their belief gave me a new insight on my faith. “The Cubans I met have forever changed my life and hopefully I will get to see them all again someday. “All in all, together as one body, Cubans and U.S. citizens, we stood side by side in the knowledge that no matter what we might be going through in our lives, whether through good or bad, whether through smiles or frowns, or whether through victories or defeats, we are not alone for God is with us all the time! “Tu No Estas Solo. Dios Te Acompana Todo El Tiempo!” Dates for the 2018 Camp Cuba Mission experience have been set for July 29-August 10, 2018. For more information, contact the Rev. Cynthia Rader-Geyer at Cynthia@ mcnp.org.
The Moravian
CREATE IN ME
Embodying poetry in a prose world Our “Create in Me” series offers space for conversation about the ways people are shaping worship through writing songs and liturgies, using poetry and visual arts, and simply creating experiences in worship that encourage deepening faith. Through articles, hymns and their backstories, and ideas for using worship resources in new ways, we are exploring, celebrating and sharing that diversity and including a variety of perspectives on worship, meaning and what inspires. This month, the Rev. Maggie Wellert shares her views of “visual poetry” in preparing a table for worship.
F Photos by Amy Silvoy, Moravian Theological Seminary
or the first two weeks of January 2018, I became keenly aware of my “embodied” life! For eight days, Keith and I toured Israel….on the bus by 8:00 a.m. each morning, traveling to various sites, disembarking, walking, climbing back on the bus, riding more…. walking more. I was so grateful for my walking
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stick! Returning to the U.S., I brought not only amazing photos and incredible memories. I also brought a hitch-hiking, microscopic companion who wreaked havoc on my GI tract for the next week. I was so grateful for antibiotics. We experience the wonders and ills of the world, and interpret that world, from within these bodies. I like to think of us as embodied spiritual beings—the wholeness of being human—mind, spirit and body. As with the amazing “Word that took on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood,” we are incarnated beings. (John 1:14, The Message) We bring those bodies to worship! I love the feel of music resonating within my bones, the rhythmic sway that causes me to feel one with the sound. I deeply love the touch, aroma, and taste of the bread and cup; the invitation of the bathing waters of the font; the flicker of candlelight, its shadows playing on wall and ceiling. Each captures my imagination: Living Water, Bread of Life, Cup of Salvation, Light of the World. (Continued on next page)
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Poetry
(Continued from previous page) Embodied life, incarnated spiritual existence, is poetry. Often, however, that poetic existence is lived out in a prose world…even in worship. I invite you to consider some poetic presence in the gathered assembly’s time of worship, whether it be Sunday morning, devotions for a meeting, Sunday school gatherings, or youth group. I invite you to write visual poetry that presents sacred space as the setting for word, sacraments, prayer and song. Set the stage—set the table—for worship that engages all the senses. Those of us who use paraments in worship are already setting the table with fabric and symbol. However, I find that most often those symbols are visible to only a few, and the color 20
of the season is lost if the table covering does not have a frontal piece. We are simply going to expand on a long standing worship and liturgical tradition. Let’s start with the theme of the day (see photo above). This table is “set” for a worship in Advent, a worship that focuses on the witness of Mary. It was a service of quiet contemplation, simple music, prayers and candle lighting. Blue is both the newer color designated for the season of Advent, and is often used as a symbol for Mary. There are two tables: one that normally serves as the communion table in the front of the room, has a beautiful icon of Mary and the Babe, draped blue cloth, and a candle. It is an optional focus for mediation and contemplation. The second is a large round table in the middle of the worship space, and thus, in the middle of the gathered. It could also represent The Moravian
the world, and all the children of God who are part of that world. In what ways does God enter your world today, inviting you into a challenging response of trust and faithfulness? Notice that there is a basic white table cloth holding everything together as a foundation piece. We also used hymnals under the cloth to create varied heights for the placement of objects—adding texture and dimension. On the four compass points, we placed varied statues of Mary: European, African, Latina, and Asian in character. The Incarnation is for all God’s children, and each woman can see her own face in Mary’s. We also placed numerous candles on the round table. There are layers to the presence of candles in Advent and each of those layers is present. The primary function was that as we brought out prayers to God, we would each light a candle, as we, too, witnessed to our trust in God’s continued movement in the world. It is elegant. It is simple. It carries layers of meaning. And, as each of the gathered scattered into the rest of their day, this image moved with each one with all its symbolism, texture, richness, color and witness. You can do this too. Here’s a simple starting tool kit. • Always remember these words: simple, elegant focal point. • Fabrics are key. Pashminas, scarves, remnants from fabric stores and resale shops are good sources. A Pashmina is about 24” wide by 6’ long—a good sample size. Choose fabric that is washable and drapes easily. I started with scraps of each liturgical color (blue, purple, red, gold, green, white, black) in varied shades. You can twist or layer different colors or shades of the same color. As you expand, consider multi-colored designs; seasonal prints (think fall); stripes or varied colors; set-
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tings for Biblical stories, like browns, golds and greens. • Candles and candle holders of all kinds and shapes. These will also add texture and height. Remember that a single candle can be a bold statement. • Items from creation: feathers, stones, sand, shells, branches—look out the window and get ideas. Raid the kitchen for baskets, bowls, simple baking utensils • Symbols of Moravian faith in particular, Christian faith in general: water, pitchers, bread, evergreen branches; chalices; even bread machines, which can fill the nave with the smell of freshly baked bread for Holy Communion or the texts of Thanksigving. Gradually expand your thoughts. What might be a perfect small table setting for a funeral sermon or memoir. I once spread a quilt my grandmother made to emphasize the way her life had been pieced together. Put a large rock on the communion table (with a nice cookie tray under it) and anoint it with oil as you read the story of Jacob anointing the rock upon which he slept and dreamed. Poetry in a prose world! n
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Sunset over the Sea of Galilee Source: Almog, Wikimedia Commons
CREATE IN ME
Exploring “By Galilee” As part of our Create in Me series, we share a hymn from Sing to the Lord a New Song A New Moravian Songbook written by Lahoma Gray. Her son, Sam Gray, shares the story behind the song, while the Rev. Brian Dixon of Lake Auburn Moravian Church offers ideas on how to use it in worship. By Galilee words by Lahoma Gray By Galilee I met the Savior; by Galilee I heard him call; by Galilee I felt his presence, and I’ll never be the same again. Refrain: By Galilee I saw the splendor of all the love he has to give. It filled my cup to overflowing, and I’ll never be the same again, and I’ll never be the same again. By Galilee I heard him whisper; by Galilee he touched my heart; by Galilee he stood beside me, and I’ll never be the same again. (Refrain) By Galilee I made a promise; by Galilee I made a vow; by Galilee he drew me to him, and I’ll never be the same again. (Refrain)
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n 1985, Lahoma Gray had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. This was her first journey to Israel and she went with a group (many of whom were her friends) and a tour guide. She loved being able to see the significant places in Jesus’ life and being able to “walk where he walked.” But there was one place and one experience that touched her more deeply than any of the other places and experiences. It was the Sea of Galilee. She found time, late one afternoon, to sit alone, in silence, by the sea. She said that the place was meaningful to her because it was a place of encounter – a place where people were called into a relationship with the Savior – a place where life-changing decisions were made. Lahoma had written many poems and reflections about experiences in many places: Nicaragua, Honduras, Sierra Leone and the United States. But she had never composed a tune for any of those texts. So it surprised her, she says, when she realized she was singing the words about this experience to a tune that had never been sung before. She sang about being “by Galilee” and meeting the Savior, hearing him call, feeling his presence, hearing him whisper, feeling him touching her heart and standing beside her, making a promise to him – a vow – and being drawn to him. It was the highlight of her Holy Land journey. The Moravian
When she returned to the U.S., she sang the song for her sons, Sam and Steve, and asked them to transcribe the melody and add harmonization and chords for guitar and piano. No changes were made to the original tune or text that had formed in her heart and mind that evening by Galilee.
Note: When Lahoma began to suffer the effects of dementia, the song seemed to be even more meaningful for her. Her children would sing it for her and they could see her almost being transported through time and space to that place by Galilee. n —Sam Gray
Using “By Galilee” in worship
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any people feel that music has a special ability to “take you there.” It can touch our deepest, most powerful memories, and give shape to our feelings about the future. I believe that, through music, all the sight and sound, taste and touch of life can be shared. This is especially significant when we gather for worship, and one reason I think that music plays such an important role in the faith we sing and play. It takes us there: from beginning, “Crashing waters at creation,” to end, “Jerusalem the golden, descending from above,” and it prepares us all along the way to live more deeply in the Way. Lahoma Gray’s hymn, “By Galilee,” has become one of my favorites. It moves me, lifts me, brings me along with her into that experience of rest and reflection while sitting by the sea. In considering the use of this hymn for worship, it may help to note that it is a personal testimony. “I met the Savior… I heard him call… I felt his presence,” and “I’ll never be same again.” You will find there are hymns emphasizing the community of which we are a part: “When simplicity we cherish,” and there are also hymns like “By Galilee” that invite each one of us to more personal considerations: • Where have I met Jesus and heard his call? • Where have I felt Christ’s presence? • In what ways has this changed my life? In addition to encouraging worshipers to March 2018
reflect on such questions personally, it should not be lost on us that Sister Lahoma made the decision to bear public witness to this personal experience—to make a wonderful gift of it to us. What would it look like to create space in our worship for following this brave example? Here are a couple ideas: • Sing one verse at a time and have someone different prepared to speak for a few moments in between each verse. 3-5 minutes would be ideal. Each of the three speakers could take a different verse as a prompt for their comments. • Sing the first two verses and ask the accompanist to continue playing while worshipers are invited to write a “thank you” to Jesus for some particular encouragement, or a pledge of commitment to some needed change. Then, as the third verse and refrain are resumed, have people bring their notes forward, placing them in a large cup at the front of the sanctuary. If the notes do not all fit neatly inside the cup, but end up overfilling it and spilling out onto the table, that would be alright! n —Brian Dixon Email us at moraviancreateinme@gmail.com with ideas, hymns, suggestions and thoughts on worship! Let’s continue the conversation and share with one another. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing the creativity alive and well in today’s Moravian Church! 23
Photo: DesingPics
MORAVIAN WRITINGS
Messages for Palm Sunday Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins. This month, we share writings based on Mark 11:1-11. This Bible text is for “Palm Sunday” in Lectionary Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary used by the Moravian Church.
Sadness
by John Wallace, pastor, First Moravian Church, Dover, Ohio • March 25, 2018
While visiting Duluth, Minnesota, last year, I had to take the city bus to get to my destination downtown. I encountered all kinds of people while waiting at the bus stop in this poor, working-class neighborhood. . .One man with a learning disability told me which bus I needed to take for my destination. . .One man talked to himself, answered his own questions, and paced back and forth but never rode the bus. . .One youth listened intently to her music flowing out of her earbuds off of her iPhone, oblivious to her surroundings. . .One man sat next to me speaking on his cell phone to the friend he would meet really soon. . .One man 24
shuffled by us in his flannel PJ pants, pushing his cart, toting his ZZ Top beard and donning a dirty ball cap. We all waited for the bus, looking down the street with a tired sadness hovering in the air over the bus stop. When the #3 bus arrived, we all lined up, swiping the metro cards—except for me. I dropped my three quarters into the slot for my fare. Off we went. Imagine Jesus taking public transportation to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Would riding into town on a public bus have the same impact, like riding into town on a donkey? The bus buzz of triumphant victory parade faded rather quickly for Jesus by the end of the week, when Jesus’ disciples had abandoned him and tossed him under the bus, for fear of their own lives. Sadness and regret flare up throughout the sharing of this week’s Passion Week readings. Prayer: Heavenly Comforter, come along beside us as we seek your healing in our lives for the sadness in life that we harbor. Amen. The Moravian
Deliberate
by Chris Johnson, pastor, Fry’s Valley Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio • March 29, 2015
With one week to go before Easter, I suspect you already have some plans in place. Maybe you already know for what time you’ll need to set your alarm in order to make it to sunrise service…or that you will not be going to sleep at all on Saturday night because you’ll be playing the trombone or the clarinet in the Easter band…or that you’ll be having eleven people to dinner at your house and have ordered a ham, shopped for carrot-cake ingredients, and decided which tablecloth and napkins you’ll use…or that there will be dyed eggs to hunt down, round up, and collect in baskets. Chances are, you have already been quite deliberate in preparing for the special day. After all, you can’t just throw these things together at the last minute if you want them to leave an impression, can you? Jesus was purposeful in arranging details for the demonstration we would come to call Palm Sunday. He designed the effect he wanted to evoke. He thought ahead and reserved an economy-model colt (not a showy warhorse). He set it all up, premeditated. He put things in motion when he sent two disciples to fetch his ride. Jesus was profoundly deliberate, wanting to make a provocative statement. He meant to deliver the message that his God-branded leadership was very different in nature from the leadership of others with power—warriors, kings and politicians. He meant to leave an indelible impression as he kicked off what would become a turning point in all of history. Be deliberate through this Holy Week, not only when it comes to the details of getting ready for Easter, but in contemplating the reasons Jesus both orchestrated and submitted to the events that make Easter even possible. (Continued on next page) March 2018
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor, David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. From the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission
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A triumphal entry?
by Gary Harke, Moravian pastor, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Council of Churches • April 13, 2003
A “triumphal” entry? Not unless one appreciates the irony of the prophet’s oracle: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). A king on a donkey, triumphant and victorious in his humility! Not exactly the image of a conquering messiah of the line of David, is it? The evangelist knew this prophecy. For him, it was compelling evidence that Jesus was the Messiah—though not the conquering military hero anticipated by so many. Ched Myers, in Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus, calls this scene “political street theater” and concludes that “the theatrics of the procession may have been meant by Mark as a kind of parody, contrasting Jesus’ destiny of the cross with the popular messianic expectations of the disciples/ crowds/readers.”
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One of the hardest things about Christianity is getting one’s head around these contrary images of power and glory: a king on a donkey, a throne that’s a cross, eternal life coming from ignominious death. It’s easier to ignore these images and join parades for “King Jesus,” belt out hymns filled with militaristic metaphors, and skip the passion narrative of Holy Week. It’s so much easier to go straight from “Hosanna” to “Alleluia,” ignoring the turn to Golgotha and the cries of “Crucify him!” Yet these images are at the heart of Christianity, finding their expression in the earliest of Christian hymns (like Philippians 2:6-11). They are the essence of the gospel, especially for Moravians: “The Unitas Fratum recognizes the Word of the Cross as the center of Holy Scripture and of all preaching of the Gospel and it sees its primary mission, and its reason for being, to consist of bearing witness to this joyful message” (The Ground of the Unity). So, sing “Hosanna” today and “Alleluia” next Sunday. But remember, “Christ, and him crucified, remain our confession of faith.” n
The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Board of World Mission seeks Director of Mission Engagement The Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church in North America is seeking a new Director of Mission Engagement (DME). The DME is the lead staff member for efforts to engage constituent members, congregations and communities in the ongoing work of the BWM. The DME is responsible for building relationships, creating resources and initiating opportunities to empower individuals to take part in mission both locally and globally. This position also coordinates mission support efforts and maintains up-to-date and regular communication with our constituents. The work of the Director of Mission Engagement falls into three categories: education, service and mission support. Key responsibilities include: Education: Facilitate mission education and mission discernment within our constituent congregations; develop/coordinate mission education materials consistent with board values; deepen understanding of the work and role of the BWM within the context of the Moravian Unity; initiate opportunities and accept invitations to teach, preach and pray about mission work and engage in congregational visits and other direct constituent contact (conferences, synods, camps). Service: Initiate BWM sponsored mission team opportunities, and sequenced opportunities for ongoing growth and training in mission service; develop and maintain mission team training resources, devotionals and “how to” materials; and manage volunteer contacts and ongoing partner or disaster-response service opportunities. March 2018
Mission Support: Assist in development and implementation of strategic plan for marketing and communication; develop mission support efforts to focus fundraising appeals and communication; increase number of touch points for constituents by coordinating website content, social media, on-line donation campaigns and interactive possibilities for our constituents; promote consistent and effective communication with constituents, board and staff. Desired qualifications: • Dedication to serving our Lord and a sense of call to mission; • good skills in writing and communication, computer use and social media; • organizational skills and the ability to develop and implement a strategic plan; • cross-cultural experience (ability in a second language other than English is desired); • the ability to value and affirm diversity; • good self-initiative; • effective inter-personal skills and the ability to work well in a team environment; • the ability to travel frequently; and • the minimum of a bachelor’s degree. To apply for this position, send your resume, cover letter and three references to Justin Rabbach, executive director, Moravian Board of World Mission at Justin@moravianmission. org by Friday, April 13. n
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Moravian Unity Work March 4, 2018 The first Sunday in March is designated as a day of prayer for the special causes which are supported by all provinces of our Moravian Unity. This year the Unity Offering will benefit purchase of a piece of land for a church office, the first to be owned by the Moravian Church in Peru. NORTHERN PROVINCE Watchwords In December 2017, members of the Provincial Board of the European Continental Province met in Herrnhut, the birthplace of our renewed Moravian Church, and drew watchwords for the Unity Board, Unity Provinces, Mission Provinces, Unity Undertakings and New Mission work. The Northern Province watchword from January 27 is: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” Psalm 23:6 Cinnaminson, New Jersey Sister Laura Gordon, who has been serving as pastor for Advent Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Sister Gordon will begin her new work April 23, 2018 and will be installed April 29, 2018. Brother F. Jeffrey Van Orden, who has been serving the congregation under appointment, concluded his work December 17, 2017.
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Ordination Brother Mark Newman, a May 2016 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, will be ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on April 22, 2018. Bishop Douglas H. Kleintop will officiate at the service, which will be held at Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Presbyterial Consecration Brother John Fritts, presently serving as pastor of Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pennsylvania, will be consecrated a Presbyter of the Moravian Church on April 15, 2018. Bishop Douglas H. Kleintop will officiate at the service, which will be held at Covenant Moravian Church. Newfoundland, Pennsylvania Brother Mark Newman has accepted the call to serve as part-time pastor for Newfoundland Moravian Church, Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. Brother Newman has been serving the congregation under appointment since October 30, 2017, and was received under call January 28, 2018. Madison, Wisconsin Sister Staci Marrese-Wheeler who has been serving as full time pastor for Lakeview Moravian Church, Madison, Wisconsin, has accepted the call to serve the congregation on a half-time basis. She has also accepted a half-time appointment to serve as pastor for the Glenwood Moravian Church, Madison, Wisconsin. Sr. Marrese-Wheeler began her new work in February 2018.
The Moravian
Retirement Brother Michael Eder requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective April 30, 2018. Brother Eder was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church July 17, 2011 and has served the church in Chaska, Minnesota. The church is grateful for his seven years of faithful service. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE Presbyterial Consecration The Rev. Betty Helms was consecrated a Presbyter on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at New Hope Moravian Church, Newton, N.C. with bishop Lane Sapp officiating. Betty was ordained at Friedberg Moravain Church on Sunday, October 28, 2012, and has served as pastor at New Hope since her ordination. Presbyterial Consecration The Rev. Jeff Jones was consecrated a Presbyter on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Bethabara Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC with bishop Wayne Burkette officiating. Jeff was ordained on December 30, 2012, by bishop Wayne Burkette at Rural Hall Moravian, Rural Hall, N.C. Jeff has served as pastor to the Bethabara congregation since his ordination.
March 2018
Presbyterial Consecration The Rev. Tony Hayworth was consecrated a Presbyter on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at First Moravian Church, Greensboro, N.C. with bishop Lane Sapp officiating. Tony was ordained by bishop Graham Rights on July 8, 2008 at Friedland Moravian, Winston-Salem, NC and served as pastor at Grace Moravian, Mt. Airy, N.C., prior to his call to First Moravian. Mizpah Moravian Church, Rural Hall, N.C. The Rev. Fran Saylor has accepted a call to serve three-quarter time as pastor of Mizpah Moravian Church, Rural Hall, NC. Fran was ordained by bishop Graham Rights at Raleigh Moravian, Raleigh, NC on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Fran was installed as pastor during morning worship at Mizpah Moravian Church on Sunday, March 4, 2018. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference
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The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning!
The 2018 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 288-yearlong tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day. Now, for a limited time, all versions of The Moravian Daily Texts 2018 are on sale! Learn more at store.moravian.org
OBITUARY
Sister Ruth Behrend Sister Ruth L. (Knutson) Behrend died at Watertown, Wisconsin, January 21, 2018, at age 88. She was born January 26, 1929 at Northfield, Minn., a daughter of Clarence and Lillie (Nelson) Knutson. Sister Behrend was united in marriage to Brother Wilbur W. Behrend on June 9, 1950, at Northfield, Minnesota. She served alongside her husband in pastorates in Wisconsin (Ephraim, Glenwood, Lake Mills), and Minnesota (Waconia). Daughters, Charlene and Jeanie; sons, James and Daniel; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren survive Sister Behrend. She was predeceased by her husband, Wilbur, on June 6, 2003. Memorial services were held February 10, 2018, at Watertown Moravian Church, Watertown, Wisconsin with the Rev. Kurt Liebenow officiating. Memorial gifts were welcomed for Marquardt Foundation in Watertown, Wisconsin. n
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The Moravian
Highly favored congregation God has blessed Moravian congregations in so many ways for our collective work of ministry in our communities and the world. The Moravian Ministries Foundation in America provides creative, customized, and comprehensive approaches to capital campaigns, fundraising, and special appeals, as well as for helping individuals, churches, and ministries embrace our joyful identities as stewards of GodĘźs abundant gifts. We are here to move Moravian ministry forward through stewardship development, campaign consulting and management, and long-range planning. Could your congregation beneďŹ t from help in these areas? Call Laura Watson, Director of Stewardship & Development Services, at 888-722-7923 or email her at lwatson@mmfa.info today.
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Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245
March 2018
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