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In this issue: Staten Island Thanks Moravian Music Around the World Moravian Seminary Commencement Bringing Ministers Together And more!
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On the cover: Moravian clergy sing during worship at the Interprovincial Clergy Retreat in Harrisonburg, Va. Photo: Mike Riess
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In this issue: Staten Island Thanks Moravian Music Around the World Moravian Seminary Commencement Bringing Ministers Together
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And more!
Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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Moravian Seminary 5 Moravian Theological Seminary celebrates 2013 Commencement In Our Congregations 8 Staten Island congregations send thanks for helping them help Sandy victims 22 New Beginnings blends mission with “Start your engines!” 26 A special project for a special season Moravian Music 12 Bläsertag 2013: Unity Brass Festival gathers horns from around the world
Member, Associated Church Press
16 “But we’ve never sung that before!” Introducing a new song Moravian Ministers 18 Moravian clergy gather to learn, relax and refresh spirits Moravian Reflections 23 Crossroads: Stories at the Intersections highlights the power and spirit of stories Moravian Women
Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.
August 2013
27 Spiritual Life Retreat demonstrates “Jesus-God With Us” In Every Issue 4 Ponderings 30 Official Provincial Elders’ News 32 Obituaries: The Rev. James O. Bruckart, The Rev. James L. Johnson
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PONDERINGS
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) August Vol. 44, No. 6 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.
A new team for the IBOC In my last Ponderings, I wrote of sad changes in my family’s life. This
month, I get to write about happier change and introduce you to new people here at the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC). In the past two months, we welcomed Arlene Clendenning as our new customer service/business assistant, followed not long after by Renee Schoeller as our new communication assistant. While this much change in staffing can be daunting — two-thirds of the IBOC office team is now new — I’m seeing it as an opportunity to continue our work, while bringing in new skills and perspectives. Arlene replaced Jodi Bortz in early June; Jodi recently moved to Maryland with her family. As customer relations/business assistant, Arlene will handle customer service and accounting for products and services offered by the IBOC. Arlene brings a solid accounting background and is a member of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. Renee replaces Siobhan Young, who recently accepted a new position with Rodale Press in Emmaus, Pa. after more than seven years with IBOC. As communication assistant, Renee will help with a wide variety of editorial and administrative tasks including the Daily Texts, IBOC publishing projects, print and electronic communication efforts, mailing and royalty databases and day-to-day operations of the IBOC office. Renee is a recent graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Publication Studies. You may remember Renee — she interned with the IBOC last summer and wrote Ponderings for our Oct. 2012 issue. Please join me in wishing Arlene and Renee success in our communication ministry, while thanking Siobhan and Jodi for their significant contributions to our work. And as always, enjoy this issue of The Moravian. Peace.
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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 Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: pubs@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2013, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
MORAVIAN SEMINARY
Moravian Theological Seminary celebrates 2013 Commencement Moravian Theological Seminary celebrated the conclusion of its 206th academic year with a commencement ceremony on May 11, 2013. The service was held in Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., with retiring President Christopher M. Thomforde presiding and presenting the Commencement Address. Twenty-six graduates received master’s degrees and certificates including the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MAPC), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), and Certificate in Formative Spirituality. Elected by his fellow graduates, Ken Klein delivered the Graduate Address. Ken was working in the technology industry when he experienced a growing sense of call to work with youth, a population he volunteered with at his church. Heeding that call, he enrolled full-time in the pastoral counseling program at the Seminary. For his clinical internship he was placed at Valley Youth House, a Lehigh Valley social service agency supporting young people in crisis. A gifted counselor, Ken was offered and accepted a permanent position at Valley Youth House in their Independent Living Program. Ken’s exemplary faith, counseling skills and insight were recognized during the commencement service when he was Colleen Marsh is Assistant to the Director of Administration for Moravian Theological Seminary. August 2013
Aaron Linville
awarded the Barbara Martin Stout Pastoral Counseling Prize. Five Moravians were among this year’s graduates, including one from the Southern Province: Aaron Linville, a member of Union Cross Moravian Church in N.C., earned his MDiv degree. He was also awarded the Herman T. Frueauff Memorial Prize in Moravian History for his outstanding class work and research in the field of Moravian history. Aaron has returned to North Carolina to await a call. He is volunteering for the Board of Cooperative Ministries, doing pulpit supply, serving as a counselor at Laurel Ridge and providing music for Morning Song at Rural Hall Moravian Church. (continued on next page) 5
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Laura Gordon
Rebecca Schoeneberger
Michael Persaud
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Graduates from the Northern Province included: Laura Gordon, from Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., received her MDiv degree with a concentration in Formative Spirituality and was awarded the John David Bishop Memorial Prize. This prize is reserved for a graduating MDiv candidate for ministry who, in the judgment of the faculty, has a superior record in scholarship, development of personality suited to the requirements of the Christian ministry and effective participation in Seminary activities. Laura accepted a call to serve as pastor of Advent Moravian Church in Bethlehem and was ordained on Sunday, June 2. Rebecca Schoeneberger, a member of Nazareth Moravian Church, also earned the MDiv degree. She completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at Lutheran Home Care & Hospice during the summer and will await a call to serve the Moravian church. Since 2011 two students from other provinces of the Moravian Unity were enrolled in the theological studies program. Adding to the richness of the classroom and community experience, these students shared unique perspectives on culture, language and Moravian faith tradition. From the Suriname Province, Michael Persaud earned the MATS degree. While completing the program, Michael interned at Tremont Terrace Moravian Church in the Bronx. In June, Michael returned to his family in Suriname where he will serve the Moravian Church in ministry. Rev. Bevon White attended from the Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Province. During the commencement service he received the Rev. Elmer D. Bender Memorial Award The Moravian
The 2013 graduating class and faculty from Moravian Theological Seminary
Rev. Bevon White
given to an individual preparing for the ministry of the Moravian Church who displays exemplary pastoral skills. Bevon has accepted a call to serve as pastor of Faith Moravian Church in Washington D.C., where he and his family will relocate this summer. In the ecumenical spirit of the Moravian Church, the students at the Seminary come from an array of denominations and faith traditions. This year’s graduating class included United Methodist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God, United Church of Christ, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and non-denominational students. These graduates included: Master of Divinity: Ronald Baker (WilkesBarre, Pa.), Raymond Bush (Gratz, Pa.), August 2013
Jewel Davis (Bethlehem), Kathryn Foster (Whitehall, Pa.), Kayli Freeman (Kutztown, Pa.), Josh Knappenberger (Slatington, Pa.), and Michelle Moyer (Orefield, Pa.). Master of Arts in Theological Studies: Vincent Gioieni (Bethlehem, Pa.), Deborah Graf with a Certificate in Formative Spirituality (Reading, Pa.), and Erin Maurer (Warwick, Pa.). Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling: Kathy DeSantis (Schnecksville, Pa.), Lauren Gass (Orefield, Pa.), Kenneth Klein (Durham, Pa.), Susan Nenstiel with a concentration in Formative Spirituality (Macungie, Pa.), Celeste Quinn with a concentration in Formative Spirituality (Quakertown, Pa.), Robin Reinhard (Hopewell, N.J.), Eileen Reuter (Mount Bethel, Pa.), Jill Sober (Allentown, Pa.), and from Bethlehem, Andrea Miles and Elizabeth Songer. Please join Moravian Theological Seminary in congratulating the Class of 2013 as they begin new ministries and serve their communities! â– 7
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Staten Island congregations send thanks for helping them help Superstorm Sandy victims The United Brethren’s Church of Staten Island Board of Elders, to the Moravian Church of the Northern Province and the Southern Province: “Grace to you and peace. “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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opening words of Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica seem an appropriate way for the Moravian congregations of Staten Island to share our thanks with you, our sisters and brothers across the Northern and Southern Provinces, for your amazing response to the needs generated by Superstorm Sandy! The “UBC,” the United Brethren’s Church
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on Staten Island, is typically known for the grants that have come from either the Board of Elders or the Board of Trustees of the UBC. Perhaps it was a new boiler, a roof or a critical need for your parsonage; maybe it was one of those wheelchair lifts that have been added to so many buildings that serve an everaging population! Perhaps it was assistance in a new ministry or mission, travel expenses or an emergency need for your pastor. Superstorm Sandy gave us the opportunity to seek help from you for an unexpected emergency need that destroyed many buildings, damaged others and strained the lives of many brothers and sisters in Christ on Staten Island. To help, the Board of Elders of the UBC consulted with Eastern District Board President David Bennett and Provincial Comptroller Tina Giesler to set up a fund that would be run through the offices of the Moravian Cemetery. Donations to this fund would be
The Moravian
distributed by the Board of Elders and financial reports would be provided to the District and Province as requested. (The Board of Elders consists of the pastors of each of the three member congregations, New Dorp, Castleton Hill and Great Kills Moravian Church; plus two members elected by each congregation to serve for a term of two years. In addition, one lay delegate and the Pastor of Vanderbilt Avenue Moravian Church are invited to sit on the board, exoffico, with voice but not vote.) After only one brief bulletin insert, an article in the Moravian magazine and a mention on moravian.org, donations began to pour in not only from the sister congregations of the Northern Province, but also from our sisters and brothers in the Southern Province! To date, we have received $98,741.29 from all of you, your gifts of love and your offering of hope. We are so very grateful, and deeply touched by your compassion and willingness to partner in this amazing ministry. Once we received all that money, we felt an incredible obligation to use it wisely, and to get as many dollars as possible directly to homeowners and families. We elected to carry out the ministries that we felt best equipped
to do — hospitality, clothing distribution and providing meals. Here’s a brief summary of how your generous support was disbursed: Direct Grants: $70,300.00 We created a simple form that applicants could use to request funds. We simply asked for name, address, extent of damage, hope for other sources of funds and a FEMA number. A FEMA number has become the standard identification, granted only to those households (continued on next page) The Rev. Maggie Wellert is pastor of Great Kills Moravian Church and chair of the United Brethren’s Church of Staten Island Board of Elders.
Thanks to Ostomy Matthew, Doug Rights and New Philadelphia for photos.
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der $20,000, were disbursed in early July.
that lived in the flooded areas of the boroughs of New York City. We gave grants of $1,800.00 each to families, friends and neighbors to assist with any expenses related to storm damage, or the needs of families struggling with displacement through the holidays and for months on end, to restore hope. Grants to the congregations of New Dorp, Castleton Hill, Vanderbilt and Great Kills were distributed in December 2012. Brother Michael Johnson, pastor at John Hus Moravian in Brooklyn, let us know of five families of the Hus congregation who also suffered extensive damage and loss. Each of those families also received a grant of $1,800.00. We also recognized that there were a number of our families who opened their homes to friends and family members who lost homes. We extended grants of $500 to each of them to assist with the additional expenses for food and utilities. Gradually, the word spread — sometimes, not so gradually! And, we have been able to give grants of $1,800.00 to neighbors and friends of the members and friends of our congregations. The last of the funds, just un-
Agency Grants: $2,000 We donated $1,000 to the Staten Island Community and Interfaith Long Term Disaster Recovery Organization (LTRO) to use to purchase shoes and odd-sized clothes that are not frequently donated. The South Shore YMCA of Staten Island has opened its facilities for use by mission teams traveling to Staten Island to assist in recovery. We donated $1,000 to the Y in gratitude for helping us provide hospitality for the many teams staying at Great Kills and the New Dorp congregations.
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Gift Cards: $2,270.16 More than $2,200 went towards the purchase of gift cards at local grocery stores and home supply stores. The gifts cards were distributed to families and friends of the congregations and to “strangers.� Hospitality for Volunteers: $2,194.80 These funds were used to provide communal meals when we had mission team volunteers who worked either on local homes or who assisted with the clothing sort. Castleton Hill Moravian Church was able
The Moravian
to pull together the resources and personnel to offer a clothing distribution in February 2013. At that distribution, we served 622 people, 194 of whom had been directly affected by Superstorm Sandy. There was an amazing heart-warming turnout of volunteers in both December and February to help with that extra distribution, including at least 11 Moravian congregations, and our ecumenical partners from St. Peter’s Episocpal Church in Port Royal, Va. Those who provided help included Trinity (Md.); Grace (Queens); Central, East Hills, Mountainview, Nazareth and Schoeneck in the Lehigh Valley, Covenant (York) and the denominational staff from the Church Center in Bethlehem. The “usual” larger clothing distribution will again be held in August, with assistance from various congregations around the Provinces. Great Kills and New Dorp Moravian Churches have opened their facilities to mission teams who have traveled to Staten Island to help with the work of recovery. The Baptist Disaster Recovery Team settled in at New Dorp for several months, deploying teams for removal of fallen trees, mucking out water and mud and offering hugs of hope.
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Crews have come to Great Kills from North Carolina, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, New York State and Indiana. Mission teams have “reservations” throughout the summer months, working with local neighborhood grass-roots organizations such as Occupy Sandy and Boot on the Ground. We have teams scheduled from Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana and Maryland. Vanderbilt Avenue Moravian Church, with a thriving Community Dinner ministry, gathered their “cooks” and provided endless trays of food at the relief centers that grew in the beach neighborhoods along the coast. The work will continue for years to come. Many homes remain unfinished, some families remain separated or displaced. Some are still living in FEMA-funded hotels in the greater Metro area. We invite your continued prayers on behalf of our neighbors. It is our humble honor to be the face of the Moravian Church in North America, representing you as, together, we point to the power of love as shown us by our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth. We are living out our identity as Easter People, those who live in the hope of new life, the wonder of Christ’s New Creation. Thanks be to God. ■
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MORAVIAN MUSIC
Bläsertag 2013: Unity Brass Festival gathers horns from around the world The 2013 Moravian Unity Brass Festival was held May 17-21 in the Moravian community of Bad Boll, Germany. This year’s festival, known as “Bläsertag 2013,” was the second Unity-wide gathering of brass players; the first event was in 2007 in South Africa and coincided with the 550th anniversary (14572007) of the Unity.
About 350 brass players attended the long weekend (Friday-Tuesday) festival, representing five countries: Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United States (my wife, Nola Knouse, and I “represented” the U.S.). This year’s festival was held on Pentecost weekend, with special services on Sunday and Monday. The congregation of Bad Boll hosted Bläsertag 2013. In addition to being wonderful hosts, their “Festival Committee,” proudly sporting their black tee-shirts (labeled “crew” and translated in several languages) did an outstanding job of directing and executing the event. The schedule was actionpacked from Friday evening through Tuesday morning and included an array of typicallyPaul Knouse is Chair of the Interprovincial Board of Communication and a member of Home Church, Winston-Salem, NC. Photos by Paul.
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treasured Moravian activities: rehearsals, a variety of concerts, a “singstunde,” Sunday worship, a very special communion service on “Pentecost Monday” and, last but not least, great meals and fellowship time. The first full day of the festival included several rehearsals (imagine the sound you get from hearing 350 brass players all at one time!) and concerts. In the afternoon, a series of “themed” concerts gave participants and listeners a chance to play and hear different types of music, including “King’s Music” in the church park, folk music and even “water music” performed literally in the swimming pool (brass instruments can get wet!). On Saturday evening, the South African delegation, about 66 members strong, presented a two-hour program that had everyone clapping and toe-tapping throughout. Sunday’s activities included morning worship in Bad Boll and afternoon rehearsals. On Sunday evening, the Bad Boll congregation presented “Bunter Abend,” (roughly translat(continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) ed to “colorful evening”) a “lively, fun, joyful evening program.” The show incorporated a talk-show theme, with guests from each of the five countries represented (“George Washington” represented the U.S.), complete with musical presentations for each country. The “Bunter” definitely lived up to its name…it was colorful and fun! Monday morning was particularly meaningful as everyone shared the Sacrament of Holy Communion in observance of Pentecost. With Bishop Theodor Clemens presiding, the bread and cup were served by clergy and lay persons from each country represented. Familiar hymns were sung in all the languages. The singing left no doubt that you were at a Moravian service!
This trip reminded me once again that we are indeed members of a world-wide Unity… Monday afternoon, the entire group traveled about an hour to the city of Ulm. There in a magnificent cathedral, all 350 players presented an incredible hour and a half concert. Tourists filled the remaining seats in the packed cathedral. The incredible brass sounds reverberated through the massive church. The events of the day and the weekend concluded with a closing service, when all meditated on the music, events and fellowship of the weekend, while looking forward to the next festival (in 2018; location to be determined). This trip reminded me once again that we are indeed members of a world-wide Unity, and this gives me great joy. In our individual congregations here, we may not often think
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very much about being part of a geographically dispersed unity. We know our local members and congregations but perhaps do not consider that thousands of miles away, there are fellow brothers and sisters doing the same things we are: singing our familiar and favorite hymns, sharing in Holy Communion along with the right hand of fellowship, having lovefeasts and reading the exact same Daily Texts every day. I cannot adequately communicate my joy when we sang “Christian Hearts in Love United” and the lovely words and notes of “’Tis the most blessed and needful part to have in Christ a share,” all the while being thousands of miles from home. I realized at Bläsertag that I was home with my fellow brothers and sisters in Germany and other countries. Though I sang in a variety of languages, I knew exactly what I was singing and what I was saying. Moravians may be small in numbers around the world, but clearly we are part of a very special unity, and what a blessing this is! And this blessing is especially sweet when we remember that at the center of it all is Jesus. Our hymn says it well: “Christian hearts in love united…we in him our Lord are one.” ■
MORAVIAN MUSIC
“But we’ve never sung THAT before!” Introducing a new song So you’ve just bought a new songbook, or
just found the perfect new hymn that fits the theme of an upcoming service. And you’re so excited about hearing your congregation sing a new song! But you’ve heard horror stories about a new song “falling flat,” where people just fold their arms and refuse to try to sing it. Or the comments you’ve heard after worship show that the new song didn’t “fly” like you’d hoped it would, and now you’re not sure they’ll ever sing this one. Or try another.
How can a new song be brought into a congregation’s repertoire? Maybe we should think of the congregation’s favorite songs and hymns almost like a family — you wouldn’t introduce a new member into the family without a great deal of preparation, would you? It might be stretching the point a little bit, but bringing a new song into a congregation’s “memory bank” is a little like that. No, I’m not going to talk about how to bring a new child into a family. Many others can write about that with a great deal more knowledge and experience than I! But here are some ways you can bring a new song into your congregation’s life and worship. First, recognize that the songs a congregation knows play a vital part in congregational identity, mission and faith formation. Members may not even read the words or the music very much any more — they are singing, truly, from their hearts, and their familiar songs and hymns are deep expressions of faith that has developed over the years. Remember that we’re seeking to add to that body of hymns,
The Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse is director of the Moravian Music Foundation 16
The Moravian
New songbook celebrates the creative spark in Moravian Music not to replace them; a way to help make that clear is … If you include a new song in worship, surround it with familiar ones. (Put the new song in the middle of the service, not as the opening or closing hymn!) Second, it’s good to remember that learning new music is a great deal more challenging to a congregation than new words to already-familiar music. Many of our members don’t read music fluently and haven’t had the years of training it can take in order to look at musical notation and know “how it goes.” Before you ask the congregation to sing new music, then, give them opportunities to hear it ahead of time. The organist/pianist might play the song as a prelude or offertory several weeks before you intend to include it for con-
Many of us think of Moravian music as rich old hymns from hundreds of years ago. But today, there’s a creative spark alight in Moravian musicians bringing a new glimmer to the jewel of Moravian musical tradition. To celebrate the musical gifts of today’s Moravian Church in North America, the Moravian Music Foundation and the Interprovincial Board of Communication have introduced Sing to the Lord a New Song: A New Moravian Songbook. Compiled by the Moravian Music Foundation from more than 200 submissions, the songbook includes 80 new songs as diverse as the Moravian Church itself. Among the new selections are old-style hymns, praise songs, camp tunes and liturgies written and composed by 51 Moravian (continued on page 29)
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MORAVIAN
Moravian cl to learn, relax an For the first time in more than a decade, Mora-
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vian pastors from the Northern and Southern Provinces came together for three days of learning, relaxation, worship and spiritual refreshment. In late May, more than 60 active and retired Moravian clergy from congregations in the United States and Canada gathered on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., for the event. Planned by an interprovincial team of pastors including Nola Knouse, Rebecca Craver, Keith Harke, Tony Hayworth and Russ Williams, the retreat was designed to bring clergy from both Provinces together to learn from each other, discuss issues and best practices and spend time worshiping, learning andTherelaxing together. Moravian
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lergy gather nd refresh spirits The Rev. Dr. Will Willimon served as the keynote speaker for the clergy retreat. Dr. Willimon is a professor at the Divinity School of Duke University in North Carolina. He is author, speaker and retired bishop of the United Methodist Church and was awarded an honorary degree from Moravian Theological Seminary. During his three presentation sessions, Dr. Willimon discussed the issues and challenges facing congregational leaders in today’s church. He shared thoughts and ideas on the changing role from pastors as caregivers to leaders of transformational change. He also discussed ways for pastors to balance their pastoral and personal lives. August 2013 (continued on next page)
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(continued from previous page) In other sessions, clergy members of the Northern and Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conferences answered questions from attendees. Pastors learned about changes in curriculum at Moravian Theological Seminary, spoke with representa-
tives from interprovincial agencies and met in small group sessions to talk over a wide variety of issues. Pastors were also invited to share some of the interesting things going on in their corners of the Moravian world. They discussed efforts in their communities, ecumenical efforts working to help those in need and
ways they’ve worked to build congregations. The clergy retreat featured music from across the Moravian spectrum. Traditional hymns, guitar-led praise songs and even oldtime spirituals enhanced worship times, while impromptu “jam” sessions for guitars and horns gave the retreat a spontaneous flair. And, of course, pastors had an opportuni-
ty to relax with their fellow clergy. Golf outings, hiking in the Virginia mountains, quiet conversation and other recreation provided an element of fun and fellowship. At the close of the retreat, clergy packed up for home, with a promise to make sure another 14 years doesn’t go by until the next interprovincial clergy retreat. ■
Moravian clergy from the Northern and Southern Provinces at the Interprovincial Clergy Retreat.
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
New Beginnings blends mission with “Start your Engines!” Recently
at the Interprovincial Ministers Retreat in Harrisonburg, Va., our main presenter, Will Willimon, spent some time talking about his observation that we live in an age where the church as we know it is being changed and reassembled in dramatic fashion. This idea is not new; according to recent Pew Research statistics and others, many confirm Mainline Denominations are changing and shifting in dramatic ways. If this research is accurate, though unsettling at times, this kind of macro change can also present new and vibrant opportunities. Could it be that the church as we know it is being urged once again to move away from “attraction” models and back into “sending” opportunities, meeting people where they are? Such was/is the case for New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville where a few years ago they entered into a joint mission with Motor Racing Outreach, a ministry within the NASCAR Racing community. For most people involved in this sport,
weekends are consumed travelling from one town to the next. So the ministry follows them, setting up worship, teaching and prayer opportunities at whatever track they find themselves. In addition during the midweek when they are back home working at their individual shops, Bible studies and faith formation venues are pursued. Through this connection, New Beginnings Church has offered facilities to serve as a meeting space for many of the (continued on page 34) The Rev. Chris Thore praying the invocation for the World “Outlaw” Dirt Track series finals held in Charlotte, N.C.
The Rev. Christopher C. Thore is pastor at New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, N.C. and a member of the Southern Province PEC. 22
The Moravian
MORAVIAN REFLECTIONS
Crossroads: Stories at the Intersections highlights the power and spirit of stories “When learning to drive, my parents urged me to be especially alert when going through intersections. “Slow down, look both ways and be alert” were advisory words I heard often before and after I began to drive. Little did I know then that my parents were giving me a life lesson, not just driver advice. As I have aged, I have become convinced that it is in life’s crossroads — life and death, sickness and health, youth to aging, grief and hope, caregiver to carereceiver, school to work, belief and doubt, or from innocence to loss of innocence — that one needs to slow down, look both ways, and be alert.” — from the preface of Crossroads: Stories at the Intersections.
Moravian funeral practices often include what is called a memoir. It is the caring and careful weaving by the minister of the personal story of the deceased person as it intersected with the faith story of that same person. I was reminded of that tradition when Deanna Hollenbach, then director of the Interprovincial Board of Communication, contacted me in 2005 to ask if I would be interested in writing what she described as a meditation or reflection book for the denomination. If August 2013
accepted for publication, I knew the volume would reflect the importance of storytelling throughout lives, from birth to death and after death. My proposal was accepted and the (continued on next page) Ted Bowman is author of Crossroads: Stories at the Intersection. Crossroads is available from the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Contact IBOC at 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38 or http://store.moravian.org.
Ted Bowman
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(continued from previous page) book, Crossroads, was published in 2008. Consider these two perspectives featured in Crossroads: Stories at the Intersections: “The very act of storytelling, of arranging memory and invention according to the structure of the narrative, is by definition holy. We tell stories because we love to entertain and hope to edify. We tell stories because they fill the silence death imposes. We tell stories because they save us.” From author James Carroll, quoted in Notre Dame Magazine in 2001. “Nightmares awakened a young boy in the middle of the night. He cried out for his mother who quickly joined him at his bedside. He said, ‘I’m afraid, Mommy.’ She hugged him and assured him that he need not be afraid, for not only was she going to be sleeping one
room away, but God was right by his side also. ‘Well I know God’s here,’ insisted the boy, ‘but tonight I guess I just needed somebody with skin on.’” From author Jeffrey Zurheide, author of When Faith is Tested.
Telling and hearing stories aid us in addressing the intersections of life and drawing meaning from what has happened. Telling stories is holy, Carroll asserts; I concur. This account from Zurheide is a story of embodiment, a story of the importance of “personal” faith. Scared, the boy yearned not
for proof but for presence. I often hear similar stories when persons are facing a major medical situation. Sounds to me like the beginning of the old spiritual, “Were you there when…?” The quote from James Carroll might be a description of discernment. Telling and hearing stories aid us in addressing the intersections of life and drawing meaning from what has happened. Telling stories is holy, Carroll asserts; I concur. Uses of the Book My hope in writing Crossroads was that whether in a solitary manner or in study groups, retreats or workshops, the book could serve as a prompt for personal, familial and congregational reflections about the intersections of faith and personal stories. Stories lead to stories. Frederick Buechner, a noted American author and theologian, asserted in his memoir, Telling Secrets, “My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours. Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way.” Crossroads is organized to encourage writing or reflections. Brief segments are followed by spaces or prompts for personal writing/reflection or group writing and subsequent discussion. Nostalgia, life review, or long-overlooked memories often emerge. My experience of a wide range of congregations over the years is there is a hunger for going deeper in faith by getting to know more how other members in the church live faithfully. Further, too often I’ve heard quizzical comAugust 2013
ments after funerals as worshippers wondered if the minister really knew the person that died. If that was the case, it implies that there was little sharing of personal and faith stories in the congregation of the living. Hence, I include stories and poems that I have written, along with those found in published poetry and memoir as an invitation for faith and relationship formation and growth. One more example from a section on prayer: in A Prayer for Children, author Ina Hughes wrote a challenging prayer that moves from one stanza to another with children on different sides of “the fence.” “We pray for children who spend all their allowance before Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food…And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist…” Following that quote is this invitation for reflection and sharing: How do you pray for those different than you? How do you pray for enemies? My experience of Ina Hughs’ prayer is that it is much more specific than many prayers I hear in churches. It moved me closer to my enemies and those I know from a distance. Write about your prayer patterns. Or better, pray now. This prayer prompted a crossroads in my own prayer practices. Before encountering Hughes’ prayer, the circles of people included in my confessional, thankful or petition prayers were members of a narrow intersection of the families of God. More often now, I see beyond that limited map, as important as it is. It is my prayer that you too can expand horizons through books like Crossroads: Stories at the Intersections. ■ 25
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
A special project for a special season Lent 2013 was an especially important season for New Philadelphia Moravian Church as it launched a new project to enhance its members’ personal and corporate Lenten journeys. A Lenten Devotion Guide was produced, with each daily entry written by a church member. Members of the Trustees and Board of Elders led the way, writing more than half of the devotions. The remainder of the submissions came from other church leaders and volunteers. Fifty devotions made up the Guide: In addition to the 47 days of Lent, devotions for Pentecost, Ascension Day and Ascension Sunday were included. The Moravian Daily Text was used as the reference for the scripture passages. “Each writer was given a choice to use either the Old Testament or New Testament passage for the assigned day,” explains Clyde Manning, church staff member. Some writers were tentative about the project, having never participated in a project quite like this one before. Senior pastor Worth Green’s advice was not to worry too much about historical context, but simply to answer the question, what is this text saying to you? The Lenten Devotion Guide was designed 26
by church member and graphic designer, Paula Chyrsson. “God has blessed me with a career that I love very much and to give back my time and talent for His good is just natural. Designing the Lenten devotional is just one of the ways I am able to offer service to New Philadelphia and beyond.”
…simply to answer the question, what is this text saying to you? The Guide was available on February 10, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Of the 1,000 copies printed, about 700 copies were taken by worship attendees on that day. “We encouraged our members to take copies for themselves as well as for family members and friends who would enjoy having the book as a guide during Lent,” said Rev. Green. About two hundred copies were distributed also to local businesses, and the remaining copies were picked up by individuals attending the Ash Wednesday service. Board of Elders member, Tom Williams, and wife, Deanna, use various guides for their daily devotions. During Lent, the New Philadelphia Guide was the one they read before breakfast. “We felt closer to it, and enjoyed (continued on page 32) Clyde Manning is a member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church in WinstonSalem. For more information about New Philadelphia, visit www.newphilly.org The Moravian
MORAVIAN WOMEN
Spiritual Life Retreat demonstrates “Jesus-God With Us” The magnificent mountains surrounding the Laurel Ridge Conference Center rang with joyful sounds during April’s Southern Province Women’s Spiritual Life Retreat, led by the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse, director of the Moravian Music Foundation. “Jesus-God With Us,” the theme of the retreat, and was illuminated in every session. Friday night’s group session included views of many pieces of artwork depicting Jesus. We could see how every culture that believes in Jesus pictures him in their image and in the context of their culture. Every participant had her favorite image. Saturday morning, the group was guided to use the scriptures to explore “Who Was Jesus,” and “Who Is Jesus.” Saturday afternoon’s session titled, “Singing Jesus,” gave the group the opportunity to “make” music
to accompany songs from Sing to the Lord A New Song, the new Moravian songbook published this summer (see story on page 17). The instruments used ranged from traditional horns and woodwinds to finger cymbals and children’s rhythm instruments including an alligator shaped xylophone. Joy filled the conference center. Sunday morning’s Holy Communion not only gave us the opportunity to share the sacrament but to also sing again. The songs were many and moving and truly refreshed the soul. (continued on page 34) Janet T. Doub is a member of the Provincial Women’s Board of the Southern Province
Never Sung THAT (continued from page 17) gregational song. You might have an instrumentalist play along on the melody. Have the choir or a soloist sing it as a call to worship for a couple of weeks. And the day you plan to have the congregation sing it, have the choir or soloist sing the first verse and invite the congregation to join in on subsequent verses. Third, it always helps to know something about the song. The “story behind the song” might not actually tell you what the melody will do before you hear it, but it’ll increase your interest in learning that melody. You’ll pay more attention as it’s being played or sung for you, if you know what the poet or composer was thinking about, what occasion it was written for, what scriptures it reflects upon, etc. So, either verbally in announcements, or in your order of worship, include information about the song, its poet and composer. (For the Moravian Book of Worship, supplemental Services for Holy Communion and Readings for Holy Week, those
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stories are contained in the Companion to the Moravian Book of Worship, published by the Moravian Music Foundation.) Fourth, consider a series of workshops or classes studying new and old songs and hymns. This might be a Wednesday night study series, or a Sunday-school class, or fifteen minutes before morning worship, where your church musician or a guest speaker tells stories behind the songs and teaches the music. This could be a topical series — using the weeks of October and November to look at songs and hymns for Advent and Christmas, or using the Epiphany season to study hymns for Lent and Easter. Then, when a new song is first used in worship, you might refresh their memory with a little “rehearsal” about ten to fifteen minutes before worship begins, and ask the pianist/organist to include the new song in their prelude or meditative music early in the service. (If you’re doing a study series on new music, you might want to focus on more familiar music throughout your worship services on those weeks … don’t disorient everyone by doing all new music in study and in worship all at once!)
The Moravian
(continued from New Songbook page 17) And finally, remember that every “old favorite” song was once new to us. “Be Thou My Vision” was new to the 1969 Moravian hymnal, as was “Join We All with One Accord.” So, in summary, here are some ways you can ease the introduction of a new song … • If you include a new song in worship, surround it with familiar ones. • Give plenty of opportunities to hear a new song before it’s to be sung by the congregation in worship. • The first time you use a new song in worship, ask the choir or a soloist to sing the first verse and invite the congregation to join in on other verses. • Tell the story behind the song. • Present a study series on new songs and hymns. (The Moravian Music Foundation can supply information and help in designing such a study!) • Sing some “old favorites” that were new within our lifetime, and tell their stories, too — how did you get to know this song? And may God bless your singing, and enrich the faith and life of your congregation through song! ■
contemporary text-writers and composers of all backgrounds. The songbook, introduced at last month’s Moravian Music Festival, is spiral-bound with a protective coating on the cover for durability. The songs feature words and music for vocal and piano or organ accompaniment, as well as chords for guitar accompaniment to allow congregations and praise teams to create the kind of worship experience they desire. Also included in the songbook are new liturgies, even for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, relevant to our lives today. “Keeping with tradition, the new songbook is organized according to the ‘essentials’ as defined by Luke of Prague,” says Nola Knouse, director of the MMF. “Representing God’s part in our lives are the sections the good will of God, the saving work of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Representing the role of humanity are the sections faith, love and hope. Following these sections are hymns on the church and sacraments and finally, hymns on mission and life in Christ.” The selected songs and liturgies are geared specifically toward congregational use and are meant to deepen the worship experience by adding to materials already available. Sing to the Lord a New Song: A New Moravian Songbook keeps alive the musical tradition held so dear in the hearts of Moravians. Sing to the Lord a New Song is available for $10 through the IBOC. Call 1.800.732.0591 ext. 38, or visit store.moravian.org. Sing your new song to the Lord, and start making new Moravian music traditions today!
Editor’s Note: In future issues of the Moravian Magazine, we’ll feature some of the stories that inspired the new music in Sing to the Lord a New Song. August 2013
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for World Peace and Nuclear Disarmament August 4, 2013 In accordance with legislation enacted at the 1982 Synod of the Northern Province and affirmed by the 1990 Synod, the first Sunday in August has been designated as a day of prayer for world peace and nuclear disarmament. Prayer Day for Public Education August 25, 2013 Congregations of the Northern Province are asked to observe Public Education Awareness Day on the last Sunday in August. Prepared liturgies, intercessory prayers for students and all who teach in and administer public schools and sermons at worship may call attention to our responsibility for public education and seek the blessing of God upon these endeavors. Ordination/Specialized Ministry Sister Janice Coffing was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on June 22, 2013 at Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon officiated at the ordination service. Sister Janice has accepted a call to specialized ministry as Chaplain at Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, Indiana. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Sister Jennika Borger has accepted a call to serve as part-time Chaplain for Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Sister Borger will begin her new work August 1, 2013. 30
Retirement Brother Gary L. Harke requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective March 1, 2014. Brother Harke was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church August 12, 1973 and has served the church in pastorates in Nicaragua, under the care of the Board of World Mission, and Pennsylvania (Easton First). He also served as Director of Educational Ministries for the Western District, as Staff Associate to the Provincial Elders’ Conference, and under call to Specialized Ministry as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. The church is grateful for his 41 years of faithful service. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Advent, Winston-Salem The Rev. Dr. Tim Sapp, pastor of Mizpah Moravian Church in Rural Hall, N.C. since 2009, has accepted a call to become pastor of Advent Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. and will be installed Sunday, July 21. Tim was ordained February 6, 2006 at Fulp Moravian and served as pastor at Pine Chapel before joining the Mizpah congregation. The Moravian
Friedberg, Winston-Salem A service of installation for The Rev. James Newsome, Jr. as pastor of Friedberg Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. was held on Sunday, July 28, during the morning worship service. Jim has served as Associate Pastor at Friedberg Moravian since 2005 and will replace the Rev. Tom Shelton who retired June 30, 2013.
New Philadelphia, Winston-Salem The Rev. Christy Clore was installed as the new Director of Christian Education for New Philadelphia Moravian Church in WinstonSalem on May 26.
Retirement The Rev. Leslie Venable, co-pastor at Christ the King Moravian Church in Durham, N.C., has requested and been granted permission by the PEC to retire from active ministry as of July 1, 2013. Leslie was ordained at Raleigh Moravian Church in 1987, and served as Associate Pastor of the Konnoak Hills congregation. She and her husband, Frank, have been co-pastors of Christ the King since its beginning in 1989.
The Rev. David Guthrie President, Southern Province PEC
The world’s oldest daily devotional…that’s new every morning! For more than 280 years, the Moravian Daily Texts has offered an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day! Each entry in this beloved daily devotional includes “watchwords”—Old and New Testament verses to accompany readers throughout the day—combined with beautiful hymn texts and heartfelt prayers. The North American 2014 Moravian Daily Texts will be available this fall in convenient paperback, elegant hardcover, easy-to-read large print and insightful journal editions.
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OBITUARIES
The Rev. James O. Bruckart
The Rev. James L. Johnson
Brother James O. Bruckart died in Riverside,
The Rev. James L. Johnson, husband of Edith
New Jersey, June 19, 2013, at the age of 87. Born April 1, 1926 in Lancaster, Pa. he was the son of Albert and Susan (Huber) Bruckart. Brother Bruckart attended public schools in Lancaster, graduating from J. P. McCaskey High School in 1944. He graduated from Moravian College in 1947 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1949. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry September 11, 1949 and consecrated a Presbyter September 6, 1955. He was united in marriage to Thelma Landis June 25, 1949 and together they served pastorates in Pennsylvania (Reading, Calvary, College Hill), New Jersey (Riverside) and Ohio (Gnadenhutten). Sister Bruckart died October 13, 1979 while they were serving in Ohio. Brother Bruckart married Colleen Workman Taylor July 11, 1981 in Riverside, New Jersey and together they served the Battle Hill congregation in Union, New Jersey. He entered into retirement June 30, 1988. His wife, Colleen; daughter, Karen; son, Richard; four grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild survive Brother Bruckart. A memorial service was held June 23, 2013 at First Moravian Church, Riverside, New Jersey with the Rev. Richard Bruckart officiating. Burial was in the Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, New Jersey. ■ 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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Tesch Johnson, joined the heavenly church triumphant June 29 after a time of illness. Jim served as associate pastor and then pastor of Little Church on the Lane, in Charlotte, N.C. from 1959 to 1972, followed by 27 years of community leadership with United Family Services in Charlotte. In 2002, Jim was recognized for his ministry to the needs of families and his community in receiving the John Hus Award from Moravian Theological Seminary. A funeral service was held July 27, 2013, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Charlotte. We give thanks for Jim’s life and witness. Please hold his wife, Edith, their children and extended family in prayer. The Moravian Daily Texts for June 29 include the following: “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.” (Psalm 142:3) ■
A Special Project (continued from page 26) reading and sometimes discussing the interpretations of the individual writers,” Tom explains. “Knowing the writers made the devotions more personal.” Plans for Lent 2014 are already underway, and will include even more church members. “We’re involving our youth this time,” says Rev. Green. “They’ll be providing artwork to enhance the daily devotions. In this way, our Guide will touch more lives, both here inside the church doors, as well as out in our community.” ■ The Moravian
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Stars come in a variety of sizes and colors for indoor and outdoor use. Choose from plastic or durable heavy-duty paper. Garlands are also available. Each star comes ready to be assembled with a lightbulb and fixture for hanging included. Purchase your star today at the Whitefield House in Nazareth, at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, or call us at 610-759-5070.
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“Start your Engines!”
Spiritual Life Retreat
NASCAR women to gather periodically for Bible Studies, etc. Along with other volunteers from the church we have had the chance to teach weekly Bible studies at the race team shops of Roush-Fenway Racing, preside at weddings, visit hospital rooms, council folks in crisis — all as Moravians being sent to a new mission field! One faithful volunteer, Brother Tom Tucker reflecting on his involvement says, “I didn’t know that much about NASCAR at the time and knew less about who might be attending the Bible study that Pastor Chris was leading. And while some of the attendees have changed over the years I have found these individuals to be very genuine people. This study has certainly helped me to spend more time learning the Bible and getting closer to God. “But just as important, it has opened up opportunities to meet and study with an entirely new group of people. Folks I am now very proud to call my friends. They are interested in continuing their walk with God, are open to different perspectives and at times very generous with their thoughts and innermost feelings. These relationships have not happened overnight, but on more than one occasion over the years I have been moved to tears based on the very personal stories and witness they have shared.” So you have heard the old joke, “The only one who likes change is a baby.” There is a lot of truth in this idea especially in our day and time, but when we are stretched in new ways, when we seek new opportunities, God’s abundant mission is within our midst, in this case maybe our own back yard! Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! ■
This year’s Retreat featured numerous opportunities for fun and fellowship. One participant brought collars of a musical print she had made for everyone. Each person made a table placement with her favorite hymn as the main feature. The mats were moved for each meal to facilitate eating with different people at each of the six meals. Making s’mores on the terrace the first night, gathering for a group picture, doing crafts, watching a movie and eating popcorn; all contributed to a memorable weekend. We felt truly blessed to have had such a meaningful experience and to have been immersed in the understanding of Jesus-God With Us. The planning committee for this lovely retreat included Rev. Cheryl Cottingham, Barbara Howard, Betty King, Cindy Lamb, Tamra Thomas and Patti West, all members of the Provincial Women’s Board. Plan to join us at Laurel Ridge in 2014 on May 1-3, for another wonderful experience. ■
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The Moravian
GROWING FAITH takes inspiration. Growing funds takes expertise.
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EADING THE WORK OF MORAVIAN MINISTRY is a divine gift — but it requires financial gifts as well. That’s why leaders of faith in our churches and agencies are often called to be leaders in fundraising. Fortunately, Morning Star Campaign Services is here to help. As a program of the Moravian Ministries Foundation, Morning Star provides full-service advice and support for capital campaign fundraising, stewardship education and development, and long-range planning to help you build a solid financial platform for doing the work of faith. From understanding the fundraising possibilities to capturing their full potential, Morning Star can help you grow the resources needed to continue growing our faith.
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Salemtowne residents - Bill & Carol McElveen
Energize Your Lifestyle Salemtowne is a non-profit continuing care retirement community that reflects the Moravian values of respect for the individual, hospitality, life-long learning and a love of the arts. At Salemtowne, a maintenance free lifestyle provides you the extra time to devote to your interests. We invite you to visit Salemtowne and discover a community where your passions can thrive.
Visit salemtowne.org or call (336) 767-8130