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Moravian Camping Ministries A Solemn Walk Finding Common Ground And more!
Get ready to start some
new family traditions. Loving Hearts United
Moravian Guide for Family Living is a Christian resource developed by fellow Moravians to provide families with new ways to spend quality time together and nurture relationships with Christ and each other. This workbook features activities organized for the 52 weeks of the year and includes a CD with hymns and interactive songs for the whole family. Begin using Loving Hearts United at any time during the year to start your own new Moravian family traditions! For a limited time, order Loving Hearts United at a special price either alone or bundled with a 2016 Daily Texts and a Moravian Book of Worship.
To order Loving Hearts United or find other great Moravian publications, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591 Š 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Church in America. For more information, visit store.moravian.org.
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The Moravian
On the cover: A rainy night’s campfire at Laurel Ridge in North Carolina. Photo by Mike Riess
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18 Moravian Camping Ministry Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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“Camp Hope” celebrates its 70th Anniversary “We Make Memories” at Hope Center There is only one Laurel Ridge Experience Van-Es celebrates 75 years of Canadian camping Western District Camping: Learning and growing in faith Mid-states Camping offers faith and fun
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CrossWalk continues solemn yet joyful tradition Unionville Moravian draws community in to celebrate quiltmaker’s work
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United Methodist Church approves full communion with North American Moravian provinces
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Deed Day offers rare look at the beginnings of Bethlehem
In Our Congregations
Ecumenical Partners Moravian History
In Our Communities 22
Common Ground: Engaging neighbours in their faith
2016 Synods
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.
June 2016
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Eastern District Synod to focus on mission in our neighborhoods Western, Canadian Districts elect new leadership at 2016 Synods
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Ponderings: Another one of those “Daily Texts Moments” Studying Moravian Doctrine Ground of the Unity Part III Obituary: The Rev. Erwin E. Boettcher Official Provincial Elders’ News
In Every Issue
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PONDERINGS (ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) June, Vol. 47, No. 4
Another one of those “Daily Texts moments”
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t may just be the time of year—the IBOC is busy working on the 2017 Moravian Daily Texts—but I recently had another one of those powerful “Daily Texts” moments that knocked me for a loop. As I’ve written before, I see the Daily Texts every morning on my phone – it’s how I start my day. But on one special Saturday, I didn’t read it all the way through…and it made a surprise later that day all the more, well, “wow.” You see, that Saturday was the day that my wife and I attended the wedding of a friend’s daughter. The day was sunny and bright, the packed church service was lovely and heartfelt and the reception promised to be a fun time. When the time came during the reception for the young woman’s father to make the toast, he pulled out the Daily Texts for Saturday, April 23. The New Testament verse? 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth…” The verse that so many couples make part of their marriage ceremonies (they had left it out of the church service) was the Daily Texts for her wedding day! Incredulous, I checked my Daily Texts e-mail from earlier that day and sure enough, there it was! Whoa… A coincidence? Maybe. Moravians around the world who married on that April 23 had the same experience. But from my seat in the reception hall, that verse on that day represented one more time that the Daily Texts proved perfect for the occasion….one more time the Daily Texts was the perfect message from God. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of the Moravian. In it, we highlight Moravian Camping Ministries, Common Ground, happenings in different parts of the Moravian world and more. Until next time, Peace, 4
Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, Gary Kniskern Interim Chair Paul Peucker Terri Bischoff Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Design by Mike Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
CrossWalk continues solemn yet joyful tradition
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orty-two years ago, several weeks before Holy Week, Trinity’s young associate Pastor, Phil Bauguess, sat down on the floor with the youth fellowship. “Hey gang! I have an idea!” (This was not always a good thing.) He continued. “We’re gonna build a 200 lb. cross and carry it through downtown Winston-Salem to Old Salem.” Honestly, we looked at him like he’d lost his mind. But as he shared his vision—a silent pilgrimage, figuratively and literally carrying Jesus’ cross—the Spirit captured our enthusiasm as well. That first CrossWalk was very different from today. We started at the old Sears building to the beat of a single drum, silently walking the streets of our city. There were only about 25 or so of us, and a couple of our parents, but we took turns in groups of five and six carrying the heavy cross. Pastor Phil started us off by reading Mark 15:21. “They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” June 2016
As we struggled with the heavy wooden cross and contemplated Jesus’ walk, we were asked to think about Jesus’ walk to Golgotha. He had only one man “compelled” to help him; we had an entire group and could switch with someone when we were tired. As we passed a billiard parlor and several seedy bars, patrons ran out and yelled, “It’s the Klan!” We were humiliated. Some people stopped and gawked. Others bowed in prayer. And others, like the first, yelled at us. At each block, each street corner, we wondered what was coming next. It was only a little over a mile to Old Salem, but as the walk progressed we became hotter and thirstier and exhausted. Lessons learned – in a very significant way. That first year, and for several years after, we ended the walk at the Old Salem Arboretum. There were a few prayers, some reflections and the reading of the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. One common observation was that we got to put the cross down and head on home. When Christ put it down, he was raised up on it, to die – for us. (Continued on next page) 5
Winston-Salem area Moravians, led by Trinity Moravian Church pastor John Jackman, proceed with the Cross Walk in the city’s downtown. The annual walk ends in Old Salem.
Four decades have passed and the youth at Trinity continue this powerful and meaningful tradition. Today, we meet near where we serve at the Overflow Homeless Shelter. Many youth groups, friends, family and tourists visiting for the Sunrise Service join us. And this year, instead of 25 scared kids and their parents, more than 260 people took part in the walk. It is still a silent, contemplative walk. There are still curious stares and occasional taunts. Participants still get hotter, thirstier and more tired as they walk. But it is still an amazing and stunning experience. The cross is still heavy. And we are still compelled to show up and help Jesus carry it. Each youth group at Trinity has put their own mark on the CrossWalk. Now, we end at Salem Square, with Trinity’s Brass Choir (and some friends) playing our Holy Week chorales. Those who are unable to walk wait in prayer at the square, lifting up the walkers and contemplating Jesus’ journey. The walkers fittingly sojourn through God’s Acre and then down Church St. to the waiting band and congregation. There, a worship service concludes the walk. This year more than 300 gathered for worship led by Pastor John Jackman. And it was fitting that Pastor Phil Bauguess participated in the worship this year, along with many in that original gang. And as we walk away, the same idea resonates. As we reflect on that miraculous place where joy and sorrow meet, we put the cross down to go our separate ways. Christ put it down only to be raised up on it - for us. “He has redeemed us by His blood and made us kings and priests to God; for us, for us, the Lamb was slain; Praise ye the Lord, Amen!” n Joyce R. Carter is a member of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photos by Andrew David Cox, BCM. 66
The Moravian
ECUMENICAL PARTNERS
United Methodist Church approves full communion with North American Moravian provinces The 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) approved a relationship of full communion with the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church in North America. The full communion agreement, which still requires approval of the Moravian Provinces at their respective 2018 Synods, recognizes each other’s ministries and encourages witness and mission work together. Representatives from the UMC announced the approval at the Ecumenical Day celebration during General Conference in Portland, Ore. on May 17. The full communion agreement is the result of several years of work by the Moravian-United Methodist Dialogue Team. The final draft of the agreement was completed in September 2014. “At that time, we put together the final draft of a document indicating our strong
June 2016
conviction that an agreement of full communion is not only warranted, but in fact would be formalizing a relationship that has been in existence for many years,” said the Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler, who was in Portland representing the Moravian Church in America for the Ecumenical Day celebration. “This just makes official what’s been reality for going on 200 some years.” “You find out many things about yourself as well when you talk with a dialogue partner,” explained Dr. Glen Messer, a staff executive with the Council of Bishops’ Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, during a press conference on May 17. “You find out a lot about your similarities and your differences and have a real opportunity to grow in relationship with one another.” (Continued on next page)
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Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar (left) of the Boston Episcopal Area welcomes the Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler, representing the Moravian Church Northern & Southern Provinces, to the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist News Service (UMNS)
New England Area Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, who co-chaired the dialogue with the Rev. Gary Harke of the Moravian Church, also lauded the long-time connection between the two churches. “The Wesley brothers had a lot to learn from the Moravian brothers and sisters and I hope and pray that we will rekindle that spirit as we go forward,” he said. Other members of the team include Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schuler and the Rev. Dr. Robert Williams representing The United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Dr. M. Lynnette Delbridge and the Rt. Rev. Giesler representing the Moravian Church (Northern and Southern Provinces). The committee received staff assistance from Dr. Messer. To be in full communion with our United Methodist brothers and sisters means that we mutually recognize and value the diverse gifts present in each church; respect each other as 8
part of the body of Christ in the world today; commit each church to cooperate in common ministries of evangelism, witness and service; recognize the validity of each other’s sacramental life and ministerial orders, allowing for the transfer of membership and the orderly exchange of clergy (subject to the regulations of church order and practice of each church); and commit each church to continue to work for the visible unity of the church, recognizing that this relationship of full communion is but a step toward the unity to which we are called. The full communion agreement will be referred to the 2018 Synods of the Northern and Southern Provinces for approval by the Moravian churches. When those approvals are reached, the agreement will be final. Portions of this report were provided by United Methodist News Service. The Moravian
MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY
“Camp Hope” celebrates its 70th anniversary (and a brief history of Moravian camping)
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ope Conference & Renewal Center, formerly known as “Camp Hope,” is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its 1946 purchase this year. The 1940s, when the camp property was purchased, was a significant period of ministry for the Moravian Church, as youth and young adults discovered camps, conferences and outdoor ministry. Although programs for youth existed in the church, especially as part of the inter-denominational Christian Endeavor movement, the summer camp conference movement emphasized learning about God in a rustic, outdoor environment. The Eastern District held its first summer camp at Camp Innabah, a Methodist facility near Spring City, Pa., in 1940. Innabah quickly became too small to host the Moravian events and it had limited availability for rental. The youth attending the 1944 youth conference requested the Executive Board of the Eastern District to secure a suitable campsite for Mora-
vian youth programs, and they began collecting funds for the purpose. The 1945 Synod of the Eastern District adopted a resolution directing the EDEB to locate and purchase property for a camp and conference grounds, recommending that it be centrally located to the majority of the members of the Eastern District. In 1946, a farm outside of Hope, N.J. was purchased and work was begun to transform it into what became known as “Camp Hope.” The property was officially opened on Memorial Day, May 30, 1946 with the laying of the cornerstone for the kitchen and dining hall. The first conference, Twin Arrows Camp for junior-aged boys and girls, opened the next year on July 27, 1947. Other parts of the Moravian Church were also holding youth conferences (we would call them camps) in the 1940s. The Western District had begun its conferences decades earlier, (Continued on page 11) A performance of the annual Music Camp in the mid-1960s outside the “Lower Lodge” of Camp Hope. The building is now called Hassler Hall.
June 2016
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MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY
“We Make Memories” at Hope Center
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ope Conference & Renewal Center, an outdoor ministry of the Eastern District, is preparing for a summer season filled with meeting new friends, enjoying campfires, swimming, boating, worshipping by the lake or on the hill and celebrating the 70th anniversary of “Camp Hope.” Overlooking Little Silver Lake in Hope, New Jersey, Hope Conference Center offers a special time for campers who have just completed Grade 1 up through age 21. All camps include time to explore a program theme; free time for swimming, boating, nature study in the new Environmental Education Center and crafts; evening vespers and campfires; singing, making new friends and more. There are camps for special interests as well. Boys and girls in grades 6 through 10 who want to learn to fish, or to improve their skills, can attend Fishing Camp, where they will learn about equipment, bait, lures and take an overnight trip to the Pennsylvania Poconos. Campers who have completed grades 3 through 6 can come to Swimming Camp, where they learn new skills and strokes, taught by the Hope Center Aquatics Team. Women who love
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to sew, whether it’s on a quilt or on something else, are invited to attend Quilt Camp in September. Times of Bible study and worship are included in all of the special interest camps. The specialty camp for performers, Musical Theater Camp, gives campers in grades 5-9 a taste of all aspects of live performance, from singing and choreography to backstage crew. The week will culminate in two live performances of The Lion King, Jr., a version of the Broadway play especially for younger performers. The performances at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, and 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, are open to the public. Tickets will be available before each performance. Chef Kim Samsel will be serving the great food that campers look forward to in the Dining Hall. She can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten- or lactose-intolerant diets and other special dietary needs, as long as the camp is informed in advance. Each camp will also have its own 70th Anniversary celebration at dinner on the last night of camp. For those no longer in school, or not even Moravian, Hope Center has a place for you. Pastors and adult lay persons alike can use The Moravian
their talents as counselors, nurses, program leaders, and role models. Campers are encouraged to bring a friend with them to camp, regardless of their religious affiliation. For those who need it, financial aid may be available; contact your pastor or Hope Center. Center Administrator Stephen Sobczak invites you to experience Hope Center this summer. For more info, contact Hope Center at (908) 459-4435 or www.camphope.org or hopecenter@camphope.org. n 2016 AT CAMP HOPE Pre-Primary Conference June 19–22 Shannon Swingle, Dean Fishing Camp June 26–July 2 Bob Wingrove, Dean Primary Conference June 26–July 2 Rev. Tammie Rinker, Rev. Bevon White, Program Leaders Middler Conference July 3–9 Rev. Sayward Lippincott, Rt. Rev. Blair Couch, Deans Jr. High Conference July 10–6 Rev. Rhonda Robinson, Dean Swimming Camp July 17–23 Musical Theater Camp July 17–23 Sarah Hriniak, Ryan Morrow, Deans Rev. Otto Dreydoppel, Chaplain Sr./Post High Conference July 24–30 Steve Kish, Dean Quilt Camp September 28–Oct. 1 Rev. Lois Mease June 2016
Camp History (Continued from page 9) holding its first young people’s conference in 1923. For many years, they held camps in rented facilities, most notably the campgrounds on the shore of Lake Chetek in Chetek, Wisconsin. In 1964 property was purchased outside of Wautoma, Wisconsin, and the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center was begun. The Canadian District began Camp Van-Es (now Van-Es Camp and Conference Centre) in 1940 on district-owned property, where it remains today (for more on Van-Es, see page 15). The Mid-States young people’s conference was first held in 1942, moving to the present site at Tar Hollow State Park in 1947. The Southern Province camps met in various locations until it purchased the property for Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference & Retreat Center and held its first summer camp there in 1960. An article in the Moravian magazine of August 9, 1947 quotes a volunteer worker referring to Camp Hope as “. . .an investment in the future of the church that will pay large dividends to our entire denomination.” The decades since Camp Hope was purchased, and since the beginning of all Moravian camps and conference facilities, have seen generations of Moravian youth who found God at camp, who discovered their calling at camp, and who consider “camp” among their best and most inspiring memories. Camps and conferences continue to be a good investment for the Moravian Church. n Susan M. Dreydoppel is the Assistant Administrator for Hope Conference & Renewal Center. She is a member of the Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, Pa., and represents the Lehigh Valley, North on the Eastern District Executive Board. 11
MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY
There is only one Laurel Ridge Experience
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aurel Ridge, the Moravian camp for the Southern Province, is a mountain place set apart for forming disciples of Jesus Christ who live and learn in community to serve in the world. And for many who have ever been on the mountain, there is only one Laurel Ridge Experience! Laurel Ridge offers campers a chance to explore and strengthen their faith in a setting that allows them to connect with the outdoors through activities such as swimming, hiking, canoeing and environmental education. For nearly 60 years, campers have grown in their spiritual faith, developed lifelong friendships, dedicated their lives to Christ and discovered Laurel Ridge to be a very special place. Summer camps are possible thanks to dedicated, caring and well trained volunteers who serve as counselors, deans, nurses, interest group leaders and provide program support. Summer camps continue to be Laurel Ridge’s most popular programs, providing summer fun for youth grades 1 through 12. Pre Junior Camp is the perfect introduction to Laurel Ridge for campers who have completed grades 1 or 2 and is held July 29 - 31. Two days fly by so fast that most campers ask, “When am I old enough to come for a whole week?” The schedule is packed with songs, games and activities to keep our young-
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est campers busy and happy for their stay away home. The theme for 2016 Pre Junior Camp is “The Good Shepherd” with Deans Gail Theard and Rev. Christopher Thore. There are four options for Junior Campers who have finished grades 3, 4 or 5. At Eco Camp (June 12-18) we believe that, “If there is a creek, you should be in it and if there is dirt, it should be on you!” This camp takes hands-on learning to the next level, immersing campers in God’s creation to learn about the bugs, fish, animals and plants that are indigenous to the over 600 acres of Laurel Ridge. Deans for Eco Camp are Rev. Rick Sides and Rev. Christy Clore. The theme for both sessions of Junior Camp is, “Creation: Back to the Beginning.” Junior Campers will learn about all that God created and what that means for them. Along with traditional elements like crafts, sports, lake activities and campfires, Junior Campers will share in some of the classic stories of the Bible. Deans for Junior Camp 1 (July 31-Aug. 6) are Rev. John D. and Mary Rights; Deans for Junior Camp 2 (August 7-13) are Rev. Scott and Liz Venable with Daniel and Heidi Everhart. Coming back in 2016 is Arts Camp for Junior Campers June 19-25. Deans Rev. Tripp May and Joyce Vance work with Arts Campers who truly love the arts and want to explore them in a mountain setting. Activities offered include painting, drawing/sketching, dance, The Moravian
singing, photography and more! Looking at the gifts God has given will enhance this new and innovative camp. Arts Camp will be based out of Higgins Lodge. Middle High Campers who have finished grades 6-8 have three options! Inspired by the lessons taught at Eco Camp, Eco Mission Camp (June 12-18) takes older campers out into the areas surrounding Laurel Ridge to serve as stewards of God’s earth. Blending elements from our Mission Camps and Summer Camps together, campers will get to travel offsite during the morning and early afternoon to complete work projects and experience traditional camp activities in the late afternoon. The theme for Middle High Camp (June 19-25) is, “Build Up.” Deans the Rev. Jeff Jones and Catherine Long are putting together a program using Romans 12:1 to explore the building blocks of living for God. The week will be filled with summer camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, sports, Group Interaction Course, archery, crafts, music and campfires every evening. Brand new for 2016 is Music Camp for Middle High Campers who are beginners to experienced musicians. Campers will be able to learn to play instruments, strengthen their skills, discover what a Singstunde is and why music is important in worship. Join Deans Rev. Dave Merritt and Dr. Nola Reed Knouse July 10-16 for an amazing experience! Music Camp will be based out of Higgins Lodge. Playing off the hype of this election year, the theme of Senior High Camp (July 10-16) is June 2016
“Decision 2016,” focusing on Joshua 24:1-28 where we find this prompt, “...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Senior High Camp will include all the summer camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, sports, Group Interaction Course, archery, crafts, music, and campfires every evening. The 2016 Dance Theme will be “Favorite Character” from a movie, book, etc. The Deans for this week are Rev. Joe Moore and Meredith Dowdy. The program was created by Justin Rabbach and Dewey Mullis; the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray will be Camp Chaplain. Laurel Ridge will host four Mission Camps (June 26-July 2, July 3-9, July 17-23 and July 24-30) for youth groups (grades 6-12) to serve the less fortunate in the High Country. Mission Camps match youth groups and their adult leaders with work sites based on their skill level and project needs. Groups should provide adult leadership (one adult for every five students) and transportation to and from mission sites. And a brand new camp offered for 2016 is for adults who want to relive camp and renew their faith. Dean Beth Hayes leads participants through “Living the Labyrinth” J.O.Y. Camp based out of Higgins Lodge August 1-4. For more information about Laurel Ridge camp offerings, visit www.laurelridge.org. n
Scarlett Dowdy is program manager at Laurel Ridge Camp & Conference Center in Laurel Springs, N.C. 13
MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY
Van-Es celebrates 75 years of Canadian camping In 1941, Moravians gathered on a wilderness site east of Edmonton for their very first time. That site would soon be named Van-Es, taking its letters from the Unitas Fratrum’s Latin motto “Vicit Agnus Noster Eum Sequamur” – a name that reminds all who gather together on the land that Our Lamb Has Conquered! Fast forward to the 2016 summer camping season, marking the 75th year that Moravians have gathered together on South Cooking Lake to enjoy all of the wonderful things that Van-Es has to offer: wonderful nature preserves, amazing food, joyful counselors and grace filled directors who do their very best to make sure that every camper has the chance to experience God’s love while there. This summer, Van-Es is trying something new: offering camps for students who have completed grades 1-3 and 4-6 (in previous years, the camps were for grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6). For these younger campers, this year’s theme will be “Live It Out,” with each week’s program focusing on how we can live out our faith in our every day lives and allowing the intentional community that we build at camp to be lived out at home, school and everywhere we go. Since it is our 75th anniversary, the Jr. High and Sr. High camps will have a special theme, based upon The Hunger Games, where we will learn about 24 Christian men and women who led exemplary lives. Through different games and challenges, 1414
The Moravian
campers will learn the lives of these people of faith and hopefully have a great time as well. In addition to our regular camps, we will also be having a Peace Camp, which will be held in conjunction with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, where campers will have the opportunity to learn of and foster peace through games, projects and education. One of the neat things that Van-Es has done in the past is to have an Antioch student or two come from the USA and be a counselor to each camp, working with the youngest ages to the oldest. This year, our Antioch student (who was set to come from Germany) was unable to make the trip work, but we hope and pray that others will consider the trip in years to come. Anyone who is over the age of 18 is eligible and they can contact Jill Kolodziej with the Board of World Mission (www.moravianmission.org) for more information. Finally, on behalf of all the campers and counselors, staff and board members, and all the people of the Canadian District, I would like to thank Alice Sears for her exemplary leadership of the Van Es board over the past eight years. All of her hard work has helped do amazing things to make Van-Es a wonderful place for all people to visit and we June 2016
are blessed for all the work and time (and tree’s planted) you have put in to make our camp such a great place to experience all the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. (Ed. note: Lynne Hennig of Calgary was elected as the Van-Es Board Chair at the Canadian District Synod May 14.) The Rev. Matt Gillard is pastor of Heimtal Moravian Church. 2016 AT CAMP VAN-ES Grades 1/2/3 Camp June 29 – July 2 Led by Steve Gohdes Grades 4/5/6 Camp July 3 – July 9 Led by Marilyn Gurnsey and James Lavoy Junior High Camp July 10 – July 16 Led by Brandon Salyzyn and Eileen and Ian Edwards Senior High Camp July 17 – July 23 Led by Matt Gillard Peace Camp (Grades 4/5/6) July 17 – July 23 Led by James Lavoy 15
MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY
Western District Camping: Learning and growing in faith Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Noah. Noah Who? Noah good place to go to camp this summer? Yes! The Western District has six camps available during the summer designed to appeal to youth of all ages, starting from grade 2 through age 21 We have a summer camping program filled with excellent opportunities to learn, serve and celebrate life with Jesus. The Moravian camp experience is different from any other camp because it is a community of Christians that are learning and growing in their faith. Each week is unique, varying in themes and activities. Generally each day provides a morning program where the theme is presented followed by smaller group time which might involve crafts, games and discussion about the presentation. Meals are shared together and there is lots of time to play carpet ball, swim, hike, play
games and hang out with friends. The evening time might involve a whole camp game such as Find the Counselor or Moravian kickball, a group hike up Mt. Morris, Wacky Olympics or a Celebration event. Each night there is a camp fire, snacks and a time of reflection through vespers and cabin devotions. Picture yourself sitting around the camp fire. Hear the crackling of the logs and the croaking of the frogs in the night air. Snuggle up in your sweatshirt, sitting next to your friends singing camp fire songs. 2016 will be another exciting year and we are looking forward to experiencing how the Holy Spirit will lead us. We look forward to seeing you there! Kathy Liebenow is chair of the Western District Camping Committee.
2016 WESTERN DISTRICT CAMPING 4M (Grades 2–3) June 22–24 at Mt. Morris Theme: Dirt, God’s Way to Make Us Happy Junior Camp (Grades 3–5) June 27–July 1 at Mt. Morris 16 Theme: TBD
Chetek (Grades 9–age 21) July 17–23 at Mt. Morris Theme: Living Waters Winmor (Grades 6–8) July 24–30 at Mt. Morris Theme: Moravians in Mission
Camp MINDYY (Grades 2–5) July 25–28 at Luther Crest Bible Camp-Alexandria, Minn. Theme: TBD Ba6 (Grades 3–6) August 14–18 at Mt. Morris The Moravian Theme: Creation
Mid-states Camping offers faith and fun
2016 SYNODS
T
he camping ministry in the Mid-states— for Moravian congregations in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois—is unique from all the other Moravian camps in that each one is held at a different location. The goal of MSYMC is to ensure that the youth and young adults of the Mid-States Moravian churches (which include Ohio, lower Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois) are able to participate in interchurch activities and further their relationships with Christ. We strive to provide appropriate, safe and challenging programs for participants of all ages. We have two sites for our younger campers. Illiana is held at Bedford Christian Camp in Bedford, Ind., centrally located for the two churches that attend: Hope (Ind.) and West Salem (Ill.) The other young camp is Camp Bethany, near Lakeville, Ohio for campers from the Ohio and Michigan churches. Tar Hollow, our longest running camp, is for grade 7 through post high youth held at Tar Hollow State Park in Laurelville, OH. This camp is for youth from the four mid-states states. More information about this year’s camps, along with registration materials, are available at midstatesmoraviancamps.webs.com. 2016 MID-STATES CAMPING Camp Illiana (2nd–6th Grade) July 25–29 in Bedford, Ind. Camp Director: Kris Haswinkle Camp Bethany (3rd-6th Grade) August 1–5 at Camp Bethany, Ohio Camp Director: Scott Minor Tar Hollow Camp (7th Grade – age 21) July 17–23 at Tar Hollow State Park, Ohio Camp Director: Jo Keller June 2016
eastern district synod 2016 Eastern District Synod to focus on mission in our neighborhoods
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very four years, delegates from Eastern District Moravian congregations meet in Bethlehem for several days of meetings, discussion, legislation and fellowship. For its 2016 Synod, to be held June 22-25 at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., the Eastern District is adding a new component: mission. This year’s theme—“To Us, To Us, This Task is Given…”—recalls us not only to a beloved Moravian hymn, but also to the sacred task of mission. In that spirit, this year’s synod will focus predominantly upon congregational mission, collaborative regional mission and global mission. The synod experience itself will include multiple opportunities to do “hands-on” mission in the Lehigh Valley. On the Friday of Synod, delegate teams will visit one of more than 20 different sites in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and surrounding communities including local rescue missions, senior care (Continued on page 29) 17
MORAVIAN HISTORY
Deed Day offers rare look at the beginnings of Bethlehem
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n a rainy Saturday in April, more than 800 people visited the Northern Province Moravian Archives in Bethlehem to get a glimpse at how the Moravian community in Pennsylvania came into being. For “Deed Day”—on April 2, 2016— archivists put the original deed for the land purchased for the Moravian settlement on display for one day only, 275 years to the day of its signing in 1741. This was the first time the deed was on public display. An important purchase With the deed, Moravians purchased a 500acre tract along the Monocacy Creek and Lehigh River from William Allen, who later founded Allentown, Pennsylvania. But the Moravians, who were not able to purchase the land on their own because of their citizenship, relied instead on Henry Antes to purchase the land for them. According to the Archives, Antes paid 400 pounds in Pennsylvania currency for the land
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situated on the “Menakasie Creek and West Branch of Delaware River” (an early name for the Lehigh). Because the Moravian Church was not recognized as a legal entity at the time, the Moravians needed a naturalized citizen of Pennsylvania to purchase the land. Antes, who would later join the Moravian Church, was the right person to do this. In order to ensure the land would not pass on to Antes’s heirs after his death, a separate agreement between Antes and the Moravians was drawn up. The deed was written in English on animal skin parchment measuring 16 x 24 to help ensure it would last a long time. There was a small hole in the parchment, which the deed clerk wrote around. The document still includes the signatures and lacquer seals of sellers William and Margaret Allen. An interested crowd Archives’ staff estimate more then 800 people came through to view the exhibit and deed on Deed Day, likely the largest gathering at the ArThe Moravian
chives in its history. Visitors began arriving at 9 a.m. and a steady stream continued throughout the day. The event was sponsored by Thomas and JoAnne Riddle and Valley National Financial Advisors. A trombone choir welcomed visitors to the Archives, while staff, board members and volunteers directed the large crowd through the exhibit. The day also featured musical performances sponsored by the Moravian Music Foundation. Commemorative prints, archives merchandise, books and other items were on sale during the free event, helping to raise funds for the Archives. Given its fragility and importance to the history of the Moravians and the city of Bethlehem, the deed is normally kept in the vault at the Northern Province Moravian Archives and only brought out for research. During Deed Day, the star attraction was protected in a glass case, with volunteers describing the document and answering questions. It was safely returned to the vault at the end of the event. The Deed Day presentation was part of a new Archives exhibit called “Building Bethlehem,” that explains how the settlement—and city of Bethlehem—came to be. The exhibit
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Above: Detail of a display showing the original 500 acre tract over the Bethlehem of today. Below: Visitors on Deed Day view the “Building Bethlehem” exhibit at the Moravian Archives.
features some of the earliest building plans, drawings, and maps showing the development of Bethlehem during the colonial period. The drawings are combined with artifacts, paintings and nineteenth-century photographs of the buildings. While the deed has returned to the vault, the exhibit features several displays that showcase the document and explain interesting information about the piece. The exhibit, part of the 275th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Bethlehem, is open through June 2017. n
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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
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Unionville Moravian draws community in to celebrate quiltmakers’ work
embers of Unionville Moravian Church in Unionville, Mich. discovered that a quilt show was a wonderful way to draw in a community and honor the women who made them. Organizers chose the theme “A Celebration of Quilts and Their Makers” to commemorate the wonderful group of quilters from Unionville Moravian who had a long tradition of quilting, not only for themselves, but for the community. Quilts transform sanctuary The idea came to life at Unionville last October when the church sanctuary was transformed into a sea of beautiful color. Quilts old and new, gathered from family members, were draped over the pews, hung from the balcony and walls, adorned the lectern and altar, blanketed the grand piano and covered the plant stands. On display were many family heirloom quilts; a 1902 fund-raising quilt with names of area residents; a 1905 Bear’s Paw; a 1917 Crazy Quilt in perfect condition; Log Cabin blocks more than a 100 years old; a king-sized quilt with a beautifully appliqued Moravian Seal; memory quilts made from T-shirts; children’s art work quilt; an Applique Basket Quilt made with 291 baskets; and many more.
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The day of the quilt show was one of Michigan’s beautiful, cool, crisp autumn days. The sun was shining and the trees that lined the street to the church were bursting with yellows, reds and oranges. God’s handiwork of color was found inside the church as well. Gentle music was playing in the background as quilters and non-quilters strolled through the sanctuary, reminiscing of times past and talking of today. Visitors were awed by the creations made by many skilled hands—the artful talents were evident everywhere one looked. The highlight of the day was the “Show and Tell” as many people shared the stories behind the quilts. A grown woman told of how she had lost her father at a young age and was given his quilt. She shared how comforting it was to wrap herself in the quilt that her grandmother had made for him. Another talked of the Lilac Quilt a daughter had made for her mother who was allergic to lilacs so that she could still enjoy them. An enthusiastic quilter shared, “Sometimes making a quilt is so much fun, we make two – one in red and one in blue!” The Moravian
Admiring our heritage The quilt show provided a time to admire the work that was a part of our heritage. For many decades a dedicated group of women met weekly to enjoy a common interest in a skill that they had learned from their grandmothers, mothers or often from a quilting mentor in the congregation. The quilts made by the women of the Unionville Moravian Church and the surrounding community are a tangible expression of artistry and love. Often they were made to celebrate a wedding, anniversary or birth. Quilting was a way for women to share their joy or to cope with their grief and loss. The quilts express a desire to comfort family and friends and to be remembered and somehow known by generations that are yet to be. In recent years however, the number of quilters who participated dwindled, and what was the weekly meeting place became a stor-
age area. In April 2015, the thought of not continuing the time-honored tradition motivated two friends and fellow-quilters Dawn Pawlak and Deb Trischler to restore the room into a beautiful, functional quilting room. As a result of their efforts, once again women of the church and community are meeting at Unionville Moravian weekly to share their interest in embroidery, knitting, and crocheting as well as quilting. Participation has grown and so have friendships old and new. Laughter can be heard to the far end of the building and not infrequently even men stop by to see what is happening in “The Quilt Room” with a cup of coffee and a story to share about quilts they remembered from their childhood. n Sally Zimmer and Dawn Pawlak are members of Unionville Moravian Church in Unionville, Michigan.
Just a few samples of the many quilts shared during Unionville Moravian’s “A Celebration of Quilts and Their Makers” held in their sanctuary.
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IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Common Ground: Engaging neighbours in their faith
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s the culture in North America changes, so too does the way our neighbours engage in their faith. The Common Ground Community Café, co-founded by the Revs. Ian and Eileen Edwards, with support from the Moravian Church Northern Province, was developed as a creative response to a cultural desire for spiritual conversation and community in a more accessible setting. Since opening the Café nearly two years ago, it has become a staple in the Sherwood Park community in Alberta— a place of refuge, peace and spiritual support for many neighbours who don’t have a church home. As a not-for-profit company, the Café has three primary goals: Foster community through a shared space, provide resources and invest in the community and provide a safe place for spiritual exploration and support.
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From a distance, the Café seems like an ordinary business, selling coffee, baked goods and other menu items. However, once you set foot into the building it doesn’t take long to see the uniqueness of the Common Ground Community. “When I walk into the Café I feel God,” explained one regular customer and community participant. In the past two years the Edwards’ have provided spiritual support and counsel to more than 50 neighbours through their ministry at the Café. There, they meet neighbours in their everyday environments, developing relationships through conversation, counsel and support. The Café fosters both community with God and community among its customers. The Café provides opportunities for those coming in to cultivate relationships with one
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another. For example, the Café hosts popular regular events such as Family Game Nights and Open Mic Music Nights. Additionally, the Café hosts community workshops. For instance, this fall we partnered with the local library to create Free Little Libraries. Neighbours came together to transform old newspaper stand boxes into miniature libraries - distributed across the community - where anyone can take or leave a book. Whether playing board games or learning a new craft, these opportunities are bringing neighbours together to learn, grow and fellowship. And, as a not-for-profit company, the Café also contributes to the financial welfare of the community. Set for growth, the Café is structured to donate 100 percent of net profits to June 2016
local charities. The Café is able to offer these grants, in part, because it operates largely on volunteer support. The Café enlists volunteers to serve most café roles, from baristas and pastry chefs to committees managing art installations and events. Encouraging volunteer led operations not only increases the investment neighbours have as collaborative co-owners of the Café, but also reduces expenses. The Café has more than 50 volunteers who donate their time and talent each week! Following Christ’s call to give all that we have to help further the Kingdom, the Café also utilizes its indirect resources to benefit the community. For example, the Café partners with a local farmer as an access point for distributing affordable produce boxes weekly to households. (Continued on next page) 23
Although the Café has partnered with more than 16 agencies to host 11 workshops, 106 events, and showcase nearly three dozen artists and artisans’ work, the most valuable asset the Café provides the community is a safe place for neighbours to explore faith and access spiritual support. While the Café sustains its general operations through sales revenue, the ministry of the Revs. Edwards relies on ongoing support from the Moravian Church and fellow individual members of the Church. Currently, we are raising $55,000 for our Coffee+Christ=Community Campaign. Every dollar gifted towards this project will be directly invested into the ongoing ministry of the Café for the coming year. Both your financial and spiritual support is vital. Please keep the Edwards’ and the Café in your prayers. You can also make donations via the online GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/commongroundcoffee Donations from USA may be made payable to: Moravian Church Northern Province Attn: Finance Office, P.O. Box 1245 , Beth-
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lehem, PA 18016-1245. Canadian donations should go to Andrea Stremich, 600 Acadia Dr. SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Please make sure to designate your gift to Ministry at Common Ground Café. The Common Ground Community Café was borne from a desire to reflect God’s love in our community, and with your love and support we will continue to transform lives and grow the Kingdom of God. The Rev. Matt Gillard is pastor of Heimtal Moravian Church.
The Moravian
STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Ground of the Unity, Part III Editor’s Note: Following the outline established by the 2005 Jesus Still Lead On study guide, we are sharing different aspects of The Ground of the Unity, one of the worldwide Moravian Church’s key doctrinal statement, in each 2016 issue of The Moravian. This month, we’ll discuss A Church of Sinners and Personal Belief. Both the Ground of the Unity and The
Moravian Covenant for Christian Living are available on www.moravian.org. We covered the Covenant throughout 2015. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org. —Mike Riess, editor, the Moravian magazine
In the light of divine grace, we recognize ourselves to be a Church of sinners... A Church of Sinners In the light of divine grace, we recognize ourselves to be a Church of sinners. We require forgiveness daily, and live only through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He redeems us from our isolation and unites us into a living Church of Jesus Christ. Commentary: Here we come to one of the central teachings of the Moravian Church. Christians, unlike many people, know that we are sinners. It is because of God’s free gift of redemption that we recognize the full extent of our sinfulness. At times, this recognition does not feel like grace, but what it means is that we can June 2016
look at ourselves honestly and without self-justification precisely because we know that we are loved with an infinite love. This is not a call to condemn others because of their sinfulness but to recognize that our redemption is real. We do not need to hide from God or from our own true nature because we know that we are of infinite worth to God. Those who proclaim their own righteousness are trapped by their own need to appear righteous, but those who trust in the mercy of God have the courage to show mercy to others. We are a church of sinners, and that knowledge acts as a hedge against our human tendency to condemn others for the sins that we long to commit. Because we know that we (Continued on next page) 25
need forgiveness daily, we can be forgiving to our fellow Christians and all of God’s children. In Moravian teaching, a church that is not forgiving is not really a church. This does not mean that we simply accept and condone sin. It is because we are forgiven that we can see our sins and strive to overcome them, knowing that perfection is unattainable. A good summary of Moravian teaching is found in the line “He redeems us from our isolation and unites us into a living Church of Jesus Christ.” Redemption is a matter of being called out from the loneliness of self-righteousness; from the alienation of fear; from the bleakness of hopelessness; from the segregation of sin. Sin, selfishness, fear, and despair leave us strangers to ourselves and others. Like Adam and Eve, we try to hide our shame and flee from our true selves, but Christ seeks us out to bring us back into the true community. He does not make us perfect but joins us together with others into a life-giving community of grace. Moravians understand the Church to be a living community where no one is left alone and forlorn. One of the old Moravian litanies prayed “may no one need to eat his morsel alone.” Discussion: ❖❖ How does it feel to say that we are a church of sinners? Does this sound like the church you know? ❖❖ How does it affect the way you treat others when you admit to yourself that you are a sinner saved by grace? ❖❖ How do you understand the relationship of forgiveness and the call to live a moral life? ❖❖ Have you ever experienced being redeemed from isolation? Can you tell the story? ❖❖ How should the Church deal with sinners?
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This testimony calls each individual personally... Personal Belief The belief of the Church is effected and preserved through the testimony of Jesus Christ and through the work of the Holy Spirit. This testimony calls each individual personally, and leads each one to the recognition of sin and to the acceptance of the redemption achieved by Christ. Commentary: The previous section was the “belief of the Church,” which means that it focused on the profession of faith of the Church, not just individuals in the Church. In 1981, a section on personal belief was added to stress the importance of individual commitment. This statement in the Ground of the Unity tries to keep two very important truths in balance. One is our firm conviction that humans are not in charge of the Church, and that God is not subject to human definitions of truth. It is the tesThe Moravian
timony of Jesus Christ expressed in the gospels and the on-going witness of the Holy Spirit that are the foundations of our belief, not our own futile efforts at understanding the mysteries of God. Therefore we are humble in our expressions of faith. Moravians do not set up elaborate doctrinal systems and rigid confessions of faith that act as barriers to individuals who are called by God. We also understand that each person stands individually before God and is responsible for his or her own actions. Responsibility is a keynote of Moravian doctrine. It is not enough to experience conversion and “wash away your sins” without acknowledging the harm that you have caused others. In connection with what was earlier stated in the Ground of the Unity, this recognition of sin is a life-long process, not a matter of a single emotional moment of repentance. Honest recognition of one’s own sinfulness is not the end of the story, however. There is also the importance of
accepting for oneself the redemption that has already been achieved by Christ. Acceptance of redemption simply means believing in the deepest recesses of one’s heart and soul that God has purchased you from sin and death; that you are loved with an infinite love that cannot be erased. According to Moravian teaching, we do not save ourselves, nor do we save others, but we are saved by Christ. The moment of our salvation was a Friday afternoon nearly 2000 years ago. Discussion: ❖❖ What is the “testimony of Jesus Christ”? ❖❖ How do you think the Holy Spirit works in the Church and in the world? ❖❖ What does it mean to recognize your sins? How does this relate to the Gospel? ❖❖ Is this important? Why or why not? Images by DesignPics.
Obituary: The Rev. Erwin E. Boettcher Brother Erwin E. Boettcher died in Lititz, Pennsylvania on May 2, 2016, at the age of 89. Born September 8, 1926 in Bruderheim, Alberta he was the son of Emil and Martha (Hauer) Boettcher. Brother Boettcher attended the University of Alberta, graduated from Moravian College in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1952. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry July 6, 1952 and consecrated a Presbyter November 24, 1957. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Wright March 9, 1951 and together they served pastorates in Alberta (organizing pastor at Jasper Place, Edmonton), Minnesota (Berea,
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Northfield), Wisconsin (Freedom, Glenwood), and Pennsylvania (Lititz). Br. Boettcher also served as chaplain for Moravian Manor in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He entered into retirement July 12, 1988. Brother Boettcher is survived by his daughters; Wendy, Jill, and Rebecca; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, October 17, 2004. A memorial service was held May 14, 2016 at Lancaster Moravian Church, Lancaster, Pa. with the Rev. Dean Easton officiating. Memorials were welcomed for Lancaster Moravian Church, Lancaster, Pa.
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2016 SYNODS
Western, Canadian Districts elect new leadership at 2016 Synods
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t this spring’s 2016 Synods of the Moravian Church Northern Province Western District and Canadian District, delegates elected leaders to guide their Districts through the next four years. Western District The Rev. Bruce Nelson, currently pastor of Lake Mills Moravian Church in Lake Mills, Wis., was elected president of the Western District Executive Board. In this role, Bruce will serve as the chair of the WDEB and will serve as a member of The Northern Province Provincial
Betsy Miller, left, installs Western District Executive Board Members Nancy Chandler, Cindy Fahney, Bruce Nelson (president), Megan Smock and Jason Andersen.
Elder’s Conference. Outgoing WDEB President the Rev. James Hicks of Green Bay, Wisconsin, concludes his term in June. Joining Bruce will be clergy members the Rev. Jason Andersen, currently pastor of West Salem Moravian Church who will soon be pastor of Christian Faith Moravian Church in DeForest, Wis. and the Rev. Jane Gehler, pastor of Unionville Moravian Church in Michigan. Also elected were lay members Judy Anderson 28
of Main Street Moravian Church in Northfield, Minn.; Megan Smock of Downey Moravian Church in California; Nancy Chandler of Hope Moravian Church in Indiana; and Cindy Fahney of Lake Mills Moravian Church in Wisconsin. Concluding their WDEB terms were Jeff Brandt, Bruce Loppnow and the Rev. James Hicks. The Board works with the congregations in calling pastors, addressing conflict, establishing quotas, managing finances and determining budgets for the various ministries that our congregations participate in together. Members of the WDEB are elected by the District Synod every four years. Elected members were installed at a service on May 1. They will serve through the next Western District Synod in 2020. Canadian District Greg Weir, a member of Good Shepherd Church in Calgary, was elected president of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District (BECD). Unlike other districts in the Northern Province, the BECD president can be either a layperson or clergy member. Greg is a recently-retired high school principal. In addition to serving as president of the BECD, Greg will join the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church Northern Province. Joining Greg on the BECD are the Rev. Matt Gillard, pastor of Heimtal Moravian Church in Leduc; Bob Hawkesworth, a member of Good Shepherd; Holly Heffernan, a member at Christ Community in Calgary; the Rev. James Lavoy, pastor at Rio Terrace Moravian in Edmonton; and Bryan Peacock, also a member at Rio Terrace. Bryan served as BECD president from The Moravian
2012-16 and will continue on the board as a member. Donna Gordon, a member at Christ Community, was elected as Canadian Moravian Mission Society chair. In this role, Donna will also serve as the Canadian District representative to the Board of World Mission. Lynn Hennig, a member at Good Shepherd, was elected chair of the Camp Van-Es board, overseeing the work of the District’s camping ministry. Elected members were installed at a service on Sunday, May 15. They will serve through the next Canadian District Synod in 2020. In-depth coverage of the Western and Canadian District Synods will be featured in the
Eastern District Synod
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ministries, youth and women’s shelters, soup kitchens and more. There delegates will have an opportunity to prepare food, visit with and help seniors, work in food pantries, work with the homeless, visit prisoners, plant gardens, work with at-risk youth and other tasks. In addition, all delegates will work together on Thursday night, participating in a synod-wide effort to assemble more than 30,000 simple, nutritious meals for the poor, destined for Haiti. Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM) underwrote the cost of these meals. Youth and young adults ages 16 to 30 will also have an opportunity to participate in the mission activities of the 2016 Synod. Through the MISSION MOB, coordinated by the District’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry team, young participants will work alongside Synod delegates at many of the locations. MISSION MOB participants will be housed at Advent Moravian Church in Bethlehem. For more information, contact Cynthia Rader-Geyer at Cynthia@mcnp.org. June 2016
Newly-elected Canadian District Leadership includes (l-to-r) Bryan Peacock, Matt Gillard, Donna Gordon, James Lavoy, Holly Heffernan, Greg Weir (president), Bob Hawkesworth and Lynne Hennig.
July issue of the Moravian magazine. n
The 2016 Synod will also include time to complete traditional governance role. Elections for District leadership, leaders of boards and commissions and representatives to Eastern District agencies and educational institutions are on the docket, as are sessions for legislation on Eastern District topics and opportunities to learn more about the work of the District and the wider church. And while these legislative activities are important to the ongoing work of the Eastern District, we are reminded that the first two purposes of a District Synod are for “confirming and renewing Christian love and fellowship” and “stimulating and strengthening the work of the Lord.” This gathering of Moravian clergy, lay leaders, congregational delegates and agency representatives from New York to Ohio and from the Poconos to Washington, D.C. will offer ample opportunities for those two purposes to be met. The Moravian magazine will be covering the Eastern District Synod in its August edition. n
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Ordination Brother Daniel M. Miller, a May 2016 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, will be ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on June 4, 2016. Bishop Kay Ward will officiate at the service, which will be held at Lake Mills Moravian Church, Lake Mills, Wis. Presbyterial Consecration Brother Charles Harewood, presently serving as pastor of First Moravian Church, New York, N.Y., will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on July 10, 2016. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon will officiate at the service, which will be held at First Moravian Church. Staten Island, New York Sister Kathlyn Ferguson-Nealand, an ELCA pastor, has accepted an appointment to serve as Intentional Interim Pastor for Castleton Hill Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y. Sister Ferguson-Nealand will be installed July 3, 2016. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Brother Daniel M. Miller has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Edgeboro Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. Brother Miller will be installed June 26, 2016.
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Released for Other Service Brother Andrew Meckstroth has accepted the call to be released for other service to the ELCA serving as interim pastor for Ziegels Lutheran Congregation, Breinigsville, Pa. Brother Meckstroth began his new work April 18, 2016. Retirement Brother James T. Hicks requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective July 1, 2016. Brother Hicks was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church November 23, 1980 and has served the Moravian Church in pastorates in North Dakota (Fargo) and Wisconsin (Green Bay West). He was released for other service to the United Methodist Church (1988-1997) and the Presbyterian Church USA (1999-2000), was elected as a member of the Western District Executive Board in 2004 and has served as president of the board since 2006. The church is grateful for his thirty-six years of faithful service. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE Advance, N.C. The Rev. Zachary Dease has accepted a call to become pastor of Macedonia Moravian Church, Advance, N.C. and will be installed during morning worship Sunday, June 5, 11:00 am. Zach was ordained on March 17, 2013 at New Philadelphia Moravian Church, Winston Salem, N.C. and served as pastor at Mayodan Moravian prior to his call to Macedonia Moravian. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference The Moravian
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