The 2025 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a nearly 300-year-long tradition of offering 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 selected and written by Moravians across North America.
The Moravian Daily Texts 2025 hardcover, paperback, large print and journal editions, along with German, Spanish and French translations, will begin shipping in early November. Pre-order from July 8-August 13, 2024 at store.moravian.org for a 10% discount.
Pre-order begins July 8, 2024 at store.moravian.org
Jesus Still Lead On • An Exploration of the Ground of the Unity and Moravian Covenant for Christian Living
Newly Updated! This guide is intended to help congregations explore the basic statements of Moravian doctrine and practice: The Ground of the Unity and the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living. It has a flexible design that allows it to be used by small or large groups, from confirmation age to adults. Now in its second edition, this study guide, written by the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, provides those new to the Moravian Church–and those who have been Moravian all their lives– with a core understanding of our faith tradition.
These Days •A Season of Life, Death and Resurrection
When COVID hit in 2020, Pastor Kerry D. Krauss took to the keyboard and sent daily messages of comfort to his congregation to help them through the uncertainty ahead. Kerry’s use of humor and thought-provoking stories made a time of isolation feel a little less lonely as he shared both current and past life experiences. Now you too can be inspired by the musing of Kerry through this entertaining book now available through the IBOC. Those days may be behind us, but our need for depth, comfort, insight and inspiration are not.
On the cover: Bishop Comenius basks in the springtime sun on the campus of Moravian University.
Our Lamb has conquered. Let us follow Him.
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
God Creates. God Redeems. God Sustains.
We Respond in Faith, Love and Hope.
Visit our website at https://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp.org
Photo by Mike Riess
PONDERINGS
(ISSN 1041-0961)
Issue 2 2024, Vol. 55, No. 2
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 41 Northern Stacks Drive, Suite 200 Fridley, MN 55421 email: file@ontrac.com
Watching as the blessings flow
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow…”
Ah, yes, the opening line of the Doxology sung in many Moravian (and other Christian) churches each Sunday…and the very appropriate theme for this year’s Board of World Mission (BWM) Annual Report.
The 2023 report’s “Blessings Flow” theme refers to the BWM’s highly successful effort to help alleviate water-borne illnesses among the Miskito people of Honduras. Through the Blessings Flow project and the generosity of so many, the BWM was able to provide more than 1,000 filters to families in the region, helping them to have safe, clean drinking water.
Since 2014, the BWM has teamed with The Moravian Magazine to bring you their yearly illustration of their work. The Annual Report remains one of my favorite issues to put together each year—a 24-page demonstration of the amazing impact Moravians are having both inside and outside of North America.
When I read through and lay out the report materials created by the BWM staff, I’m astounded at the amount of work our small denomination can do in mission. Mission is at the core of our Moravian faith tradition and the impetus for our forbears’ 18th-century spread from Herrnhut to places around the globe. Seeing what the BWM can do with the help of Moravians across North America today demonstrates that the 21st-century Moravian Church remains true to its missional DNA.
But mission is not all we have in this issue. In the magazine sections, we celebrate the graduation of Moravian seminarians; learn more about the church’s efforts toward racial justice and healing; see of the work of the Western District through their 2024 Synod; and discuss the unofficial motto of our Moravian faith: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.”
All told, you’ll find much to celebrate here, with solid indications that our church is doing great things. We’re making a difference in the world, continually finding ways to keep the blessings flowing.
I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian, and as always, I welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Peace,
Mike Riess, Editor
Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces
Published 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. Non Profit postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 14,000
Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.
Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, chair
David Bennett, Peggy Carter, Christy Clore, Margaret Couch, Austin Craver, Lynnette Delbridge, Kat Lehman, Dan Miller
Design by Michael Riess, IBOC.
Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 Phone: 610.867.0593, x702 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org
Moravian Theological Seminary celebrates graduates at May 4 commencement
On May 4, 26 students received degrees and certificates during the 2024 commencement of Moravian Theological Seminary.
Dr. Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian University and Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary, and the Very Reverend Katherine H. Ragsdale, Interim Vice President and Dean of Moravian and Lancaster Theological Seminaries, presided over the event held at College Hill Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Miller, chair of the Seminary Board of Trustees, offered a welcome to graduates and attendees.
Dr. Grigsby shared greetings, reminding the graduates, “The mission of the Seminary is to train individuals for when the seeds of hope, or joy, or pain happen in people’s lives to help them manage those so that their faith and love remain strong.” He also said, “You will be there in the most terrible of times for people, when they are suf-
fering from a death of a child, from divorce, from the loss of a loved one…but you will also be there in the moments of great joy— a marriage, a birth of a child—in all those seeds, you help lay the groundwork for joy and love and faith.”
The Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood gave the commencement address, beginning his talk with the humorous greeting, “May the 4th be with you,” as the crowd responded, “And also with you.”
Dr. Atwood shared about leaving his role at the Seminary and beginning a new chapter as associate pastor at Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Reflecting on that new chapter in his life he shared, “I’m looking forward to reminding people every Sunday and every day that they are dearly beloved children of God and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
“This is the task before you and all of us,” he continued. “We are called to help those
(Continued on next page)
Moravian Seminary
(Continued from previous page)
who are losing the flame of hope. We are called to help them recognize their identity as the children of God to be revealed. We are called to be messengers of redemption.”
Moravian Graduates
This year, four Moravians received degrees and certificates following their studies.
Josh Follweiler, a Southern Province candidate for pastoral ministry living in Bethlehem, Pa., received his Master of Divinity degree. Josh also received of two academic awards: The Cora Doster Moses Memorial Homiletics Prize for the best work in preaching and practical pulpit work, and the John David Bishop Memorial Prize for superior record in scholarship development of personality suited to the requirements of the Christian Ministry and effective participation in seminary activities.
Josh was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church as clergy under call to the Southern Province on June 9 at Mayodan Moravian Church, Mayodan, N.C., with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne D. Burkette officiating. He will serve a one-year, on-loan appointment at Central Moravian Church as
associate pastor. (see this issue’s “Official Provincial Elders’ News” for more.)
Jesmina Hebbert Meade, who had been serving at Morningstar Moravian Church in Coopersburg, Pa., also received her Master of Divinity degree during commencement. Jasmina was awarded The Reverend Bender Memorial Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership and integrity.
Jesmina completed her degree in the fall term and was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on January 21 at Morningstar, with the Rt. Rev. Michael Johnson officiating. She accepted the call to serve as pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in New Carrollton, Maryland.
Other Moravian graduates this year include the Rev. Jane R. Gehler, Watertown, Wis., who earned her graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction and delivered the graduate address; and the Rev. Darryl F. Johnson, Bethlehem, Pa., who received his graduate certificate in Formative Spirituality.
Graduate Josh Follweiler with Moravian president Bryon Grigsby.
Graduate Jesmina Hebbert Meade, with Dr. Craig Atwood.
2024 Graduates
Additional graduates in the 2024 class include:
• Master of Divinity (MDiv.): Kimberly Elizabeth Cornwell, East Greenville, Pa. and Manfredo Martinez Luna, Bethlehem, Pa.
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies: Kristy Christian, Bethlehem, Pa.; Debra Yolanda Fraser-Howze, East Stroudsburg, Pa.; Jeremy Lau, Bethlehem, Pa. and Olivia Orwan, Auburn, Pa.
• Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, Jonathan B. Weaver, Philadelphia, Pa.
• Graduate Certificate in Formative Spirituality: Monica Kemirembe, Elmer, N.J.
• Certificate in Spiritual Direction: Laura Boll, Lancaster, Pa.; James Carow, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Al Dell’Angelo, Horsham, Pa.; Bobbie Edwards, Northampton, Pa.; Sharon M. Frye, Weatherly, Pa.; Carolyn Gaffney, Hellertown, Pa.; Jean Cheng Gorman, Monterey, Calif.; Earlaine C. Klingler, Allentown, Pa.; Karen B. Larsson, Bethlehem, Pa.; Linda Mains, Seattle, Wash.; Robin Mayforth, Pacifica, Calif.; Carol Ann Silver, Schnecksville, Pa.; Deborah Staniszewski,
East Stroudsburg, Pa. and Angela Marie Tully, Bethlehem, Pa.
Graduate speaker
The afternoon ended with a message from graduate speaker Rev. Jane R. Gehler, who shared about community. “I’ve gone to school in three different periods of my life… To me, in those three different periods, I found community…Learning to get to know people who have different ideas and different ways of thinking. …and we found a home (together).”
To learn more about Moravian Theological Seminary and its programs, visit www.moravianseminary.edu. n
The Rev. Jane Gehler delivers the graduate address.
RACIAL JUSTICE & HEALING
Continuing the Pilgrimage Toward Racial Justice and Healing
Amajor point of the 2023 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province (MCNP) centered on God’s call to the work of justice, an integral and defining part of our Christian identity.
One congregation’s work of justice may address the causes of poverty or educational disparities, while others may be called to advocate for affordable housing, transportation or job retraining, depending on the concerns of their communities. Other justice work requires all of us working together to overcome institutional and systemic injustices that undergird and perpetuate injustices and imbalances in all our social systems and relationships.
Racial disparities are found in health, housing, education, legal representation,
voting and other social systems. This justice work often demands much of us, and requires long-term commitment, perseverance and hope.
One of the proposals adopted by the 2023 MCNP Synod is a “Commitment to the Work of Racial Justice and Healing.” This legislation both affirmed the work toward racial justice and healing during the previous five years and acknowledged the need for a long-term commitment to move toward systemic change, and the healing and repair of relationships.
The 2023 Synod action extended legislation passed in 2018, “…recognizing that racism continue[d] to devastate the lives of people of color,” and “…acknowledging past failures to ‘work diligently to eliminate
More than 70 Moravian clergy, licensed lay pastors and candidates for ordination attended the Pilgrimage for Racial Justice and Healing to Montgomery, Alabama, in 2022.
racism, and the fostering of diversity in churches.’” The 2018 legislation referenced the 1998 Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission’s, “A Statement on Racism and the Church.”
In this statement, drawing on texts from Holy Scripture, and excerpts from The Moravian Catechism, The Ground of the Unity, and The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, Faith & Order stated unequivocally that racism is sin and “contradicts the teaching of Jesus and violates the known will of God,” and “God’s call for members of Christ’s church to be reconciled to God and one another and to be engaged in a ministry of reconciliation in the world.”
The Commission found that the church “has been affected by the very racism that is contrary to our beliefs,” pointing, for example to “…the segregation apparent in our church’s worship life and congregational life...the absence of widespread dialogue on the issue and resulting congregational inaction to overcome the effects of racism in our society… the inability of the majority to hear the expression of frustration, pain and anger of minority peoples…” 2018 Synods of both the Northern and Southern Provinces reaffirmed the “Statement on Racism and the Church,” and adopted new legislation that included specific steps toward racial
justice and healing.
In the Northern Province, these steps included a requirement for all pastors, licensed ministers and candidates for ordination to receive anti-racism training to equip clergy to lead congregations in this holy, healing work. The MCNP Provincial Elders’ Conference (PEC) began the process of planning for the required training by listening to the stories from clergy of color of the extensive harm and injury they and their families experienced due to racism and recognizing the church’s implicit and complicit role in this harm. In the spirit of the 1998 Statement on Racism, they listened to the frustration, pain and anger of our siblings in Christ; and repented, grieved together and prayerfully sought authentic ways for the church to hear of the stories of people of color and begin a sustained dialogue on racism.
On a Pilgrimage
Initial training for clergy occurred in the context of a Pilgrimage Toward Racial Justice and Healing held in Montgomery, Alabama, in September 2022. Seventy-five clergy, licensed ministers and candidates for ordination, including six persons from the Southern Province, participated in this transformative event.
(Continued on next page)
Pilgrimage participants prepare to enter the EJI Legacy Museum in Montgomery.
Racial Justice
(Continued from previous page)
The week-long event included presentations by Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Justice and a heart-breaking account from Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch of our own history with slavery, racism and segregation. Several Moravian clergy members provided personal accounts of racial injustice, while teams of pastors worked through exercises in racial understanding. Participants were confronted with the history and legacies of slavery and injustice through visits to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, The Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum and the
Dexter Ave. Baptist Church where Martin Luther King, Jr., was pastor. You can hear more from participants in this Pilgrimage by visiting the Racial Justice and Healing page on www.moravian.org/northern.
Racial Justice Team
The Northern Province PEC organized the MCNP Racial Justice Team in 2019. Since that time, they planned the 2022 Pilgrimage, offered a variety of educational and advocacy opportunities and resources, and helped facilitate dialogue about racism and related concerns. Since the 2023 Synod, the Racial Justice Team offered an Advent “New Way of Being” series with presentations and small group discussions; provided resources for congregational use on
(Continued on page 46)
Left: At the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Right: the Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch presents on the church’s history with racism.
Left: At Dexter Ave. Baptist Church. Right: the Rev. Sue Koenig introduces Dr. Catherine Meeks.
MORAVIAN SYNODS
2024 Synod invites Western District to
“Survive, Revive, Thrive”
Survive. Revive. Thrive. As the theme for its 2024 Synod held in late April, the ideas of surviving, reviving and thriving provided a platform for more than 80 delegates to discuss and plan for the future of the Moravian Church Western District.
Meeting at Mt. Morris Camp and Retreat Center in Wautoma, Wisconsin, representatives from congregations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan Indiana, California and Illinois came together, in person, for the first time since 2016. The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller served as chair for this Synod.
Survive, Revive, Thrive
“Our theme was ‘Survive, Revive, Thrive,’ said Bruce Nelson, outgoing Western District president, who has served since 2016. “This was not seen as a progression from surviving to reviving to thriving but rather as a continuum where we are sometimes in thriving mode, sometimes in survival mode and sometimes in revival mode. This applies not only to our churches and our district but also to many of our relationships and to us as individuals.”
The Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, associate professor of Practice in Pastoral Ministry at Moravian Theological Seminary, delivered the program sessions for this Synod. Riddick introduced attendees to the concept of liminal space and talked about how many of our churches are in that space, providing much food for thought and some interesting con-
versations in small group sessions. (Ed. Note: Riddick’s presentations are currently being edited for sharing on Moravian.org.)
Throughout the four-day gathering, delegates learned about the engaging work going on in places like You Belong in Green Bay, Wis., Tricklebee Café in Milwaukee, Wis., Roots Moravian Church in St. Paul, Minn., Common Grace in Madison, Wis., along with progress by provincial and district agencies and ministries like the Board of World Mission, Moravian Ministries Foundation, Moravian Archives, Mt. Morris Camp, the Moravian Western Christian Education Commission and others.
Electing leadership
Completing one of the core functions of Synod, delegates elected new leadership for the coming four years during their time together.
The Rev. Jason Andersen, former pastor of Christian Faith Moravian Church in (Continued on next page)
The Rev. Charlie McDonald preaches during Synod worship.
Western District
(Continued from previous page)
DeForest, Wisconsin, was elected as the president of the Western District Executive Board (WDEB). As president of the WDEB, Jason will serve as the chair of the WDEB and will serve as a member of the Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference (PEC). Outgoing president the Rev. Bruce Nelson, who had held the role since 2016, will conclude his term June 12.
Other members of the WDEB elected include the Rev. Marian Boyle Rohloff, pastor of West Side Moravian Church in Green Bay, Wis.; the Rev. Kerry Krauss, pastor of Sister Bay Moravian Church in Sister Bay, Wis.; Steve Heroux from Watertown Moravian Church in Watertown, Wis.; Ivy
Summers from West Side Moravian Church in Green Bay, Wis.; Linda Schaefer from Sister Bay Moravian Church in Sister Bay, Wis.; and JoAnn Keller from Hope Moravian Church in Hope, Ind.
The incoming WDEB was installed in a service on the closing day of Synod. Moravian bishops, including the Rt. Rev. Paul Graf, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Kay Ward and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman led the service, blessing the newly-elected board in their work to come and charging Synod delegates to support and pray for the WDEB.
The WDEB acts as the executive board of the Western District Synod during the
(Continued on page 43)
The Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber leads a presentation session.
Bishop Kay Ward leads the installation service for the newly-elected Western District Executive Board.
Delegates participate in a program discussion.
Blessings Flow...
Board of World Mission 2023 Annual Report
A message from our board chair
Embarking on an impromptu road trip has always been a source of joy for me — a spontaneous adventure sparked by a passing thought or casual conversation. Years ago, one such whim led me on a ten-hour journey to see the majestic Niagara Falls. In witnessing that awe-inspiring grandeur for the first time, it felt as if I had stumbled upon a sacred marvel — a moment
so profoundly blessed that it stirred the depths of my soul with gratitude and wonder. Surrounded by others in the observation area, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized at the sheer power and beauty of nature.
That unforgettable experience resurfaced during a recent Board of World Mission board meeting, where I shared the story with a small group after witnessing a similarly powerful display. We had collected water from a nearby, scum-filled pond and watched as it flowed through a small filter into a glass borrowed from the kitchen, transforming the murky liquid into crystal-clear, crisp water before our eyes. This simple act was a powerful reminder of the blessings these filters could
bring to communities where clean drinking water is a daily struggle. The water flowing out of that filter stirred my soul in the same way Niagara had and, in that moment, we began the “Blessings Flow” clean water project.
This is just one of many awe-inspiring and humbling moments that come to mind as I reflect upon our collective mission over this past year. I hope you will join me in pausing to learn about the work of the BWM through the stories and images in our annual report. I also want to thank you for your partnership and fellowship with the BWM, and I can’t wait to hear about the blessings flowing in your lives and communities as we journey in mission together.
— Thomas Baucom
Thomas Baucom, Chair* Board Appointed
Dan Miller, Vice-Chair / Engagement Committee Chair* Board Appointed
Taylor Farrey, Secretary* Western District, Northern Province
Dave Bennett*
PEC President, Northern Province
Neil Routh*
PEC President, Southern Province
A message from our executive director
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Those words were sung almost every Sunday as I was growing up when the offering plates were walked to the front of the church.
As I reflect on the words now while compiling our annual report I see symmetry between the call in this hymn for “praise” to come from everywhere—here on earth and in heaven above. Similarly, in these pages, you will find work being done close to our home office in North America, and around the world.
But in all this—as we give thanks and praise for the many ways our donors are supporting this work, and the ways our global partners are implementing the many projects—we are reminded from whom all these blessings flow.
Take a look in these pages and see the ways that God has motivated so many individuals to be faithful to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Relationships built over months, years and decades are allowing BWM to work with trusted local partners to implement and oversee efforts that simply could not be done by our staff alone. I encourage you to read the whole report, but if you want to cheat, turn to the center-fold for the fea-
ture on our Blessings Flow project bringing clean water to La Moskitia, Honduras.
While the world could discourage us with such great need, at the BWM we have found that when we step out in faith, suddenly our resources are (over) flowing right to where they are needed most!
— Justin Rabbach Executive Director
Joe Jarvis, Finance Committee Chair* Southern Province
Sue Koenig
Eastern District, Northern Province
Andrea Peart-DeFlaviis Eastern District, Northern Province
Lisa Pampe, Outreach Committee Chair Western District, Northern Province
Trina Holmberg
Canadian District, Northern Province
Jennifer Boles Board Appointed, Southern Province
Dion Christopher Southern Province
Cynthia Campbell Mission Society of the Southern Province
Clifford Jimmie
Alaska Prov. Board President
Arthur Coolidge
Alaska Province, Advisory Member
Jeremy Francis EWI Province, Advisory Member
Charmane Daley
Jamaica, Advisory Member
David Miller Unity of the Brethren
Rex Knowlton
Treasurer, Advisory Member
* member of Executive Committee
MORAVIAN DISASTER RESPONSE
The Board of World Mission’s Moravian Disaster Response program (MDR) enables us to quickly mobilize resources to bring relief to those both down the street and around the world who are affected by natural disasters, war and injustice. From 2020 through 2023, the MDR program has disbursed
$1,003,093—a remarkable amount of money that has helped thousands of souls experiencing pain, uncertainty and suffering. Helping refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine has been one of the most significant MDR efforts in recent years.
Ukraine
Soon after the war in Ukraine started, the BWM sent funds to Nová Paka, Czech Republic, which allowed the local Moravian church to welcome refugees from a Christian school in Kyiv. The congregation renovated historic hotel rooms, which were provided as housing, and converted their old church building into classroom space so that teachers and students could continue their work.
While providing space for the school and shelter for families was vitally important, a significant outcome of this effort was the fellowship built between Ukrainians and Czech Moravians, providing opportunities for Ukrainians to find jobs and longer-term housing. In addition to facilitating hospitality work
in the Czech Republic, MDR funds supported Moravian congregations in Germany, including Herrnhut, who also welcomed refugees. In the past two years, our funding has shifted to supporting the aforementioned Ukrainian school’s campus in Kyiv by paying the salaries of two of their teachers who are providing education for children and support for their families in these difficult days of the war.
The best way to support our disaster response efforts is to designate donations for “MDR” rather than for a particular disaster. This allows us the flexibility to respond to disasters as they occur. On the last page of this report, you will find information about how to make contributions.
Top: Worship at the Moravian congregation in Nová Paka includes Czech and Ukrainian families. Bottom: Classes for Ukrainian students held in the congregation’s old sanctuary.
Star Mountain
The Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center (SMRC) is a mission effort of the Worldwide Moravian Unity. It began as a leprosy hospital in 1867 and was originally located in Jerusalem. It reopened at its current site in the Palestinian city of Ramallah after World War II. As a cure for leprosy was developed and implemented, the facility transitioned into a ministry that caters to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Since 1980, SMRC has been contributing to securing a life of dignity for persons with intellectual disabilities through rehabilitation and training, integration and inclusion, awareness building, and community mobilization based on love, dignity, justice and equality. Currently, thirty qualified staff members work with participants aged three months to 40 years.
The BWM funds the salaries of both an occupational therapist and a speech therapist on an annual basis. These staff members work with participants’ language and daily life skills to overcome barriers that affect their emotional, social and physical needs. The speech and occupational therapy programs aim to make it possible for participants to communicate effectively and participate more fully in their society.
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, life has been very difficult for the staff and students at SMRC. The war in Gaza has not directly threatened Star Mountain, but all Palestinian territories have been closed off since October. Many individuals have lost their jobs in Israel and now have no income to pay for transportation to SMRC. Now, more than ever, these children and young adults need the routine and peace of mind that Star Mountain provides. The BWM’s Moravian Disaster Response program has sent two $10,000 grants for transportation to ensure participants receive the support they need. We will be in communication with Star Mountain as this situation continues to unfold.
A child practices tactile and daily life skills with Star Mountain’s occupational therapist.
Gaza
Ramallah
Star Mountain speech therapist works with a child on his communication skills.
MDR in Honduras
The BWM has worked diligently over the past few years to help meet the needs of Honduran Moravians who continue to lose crops to the increasingly frequent and unpredictable heavy rains, flooding and (alternatively) drought – the results of climate change, deforestation by colonists that appropriate indigenous lands, and a dam that limits the flow of water on the Patuca River.
Given the immense and recurring need, the BWM is thankful for the many partnerships that have been formed to assist in this effort. Here are just some examples of the ways the BWM and our partners met needs in La Moskitia in 2023:
A shipping container of food from Feed the Hungry – the second in two years –was received and distributed in about 40 villages.
BWM Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) funds covered land, ocean, and river transportation costs.
Samaritan’s Purse, which has supported MDR efforts in Nicaragua and Honduras with several grants since 2020, contributed $25,000. The BWM distributed medicines with half of this grant; plans are in the works to utilize the remaining funds for agriculture efforts.
BWM funds purchased watermelon, cucumber and green pepper seeds for use at the Honduran Mission Province’s family garden training project. Additional generous donations helped cover the purchase of barbed wire, hoes and picks for 20 project participants
Another donor is supporting an ambitious cacao project that already has 6,000 seedlings ready for planting in June 2024. This project is being further supported by CURLA (Regional University Center of the Atlantic Coast) which has agreed to provide two scholarships for students from La Moskitia to attend a one-month cacao diploma program. They will use their training to support cacao projects in both provinces.
Convoy of Hope has donated 20,000 pounds of pre-packaged meals for Moravian child nutrition sites.
Moravian Disaster Response work in Honduras continues to focus on agriculture
Mission Province Synod
In February 2023, the Moravian Church in Cuba held their second synod since becoming a mission province of the Worldwide Unity. The synod took place in the city of Havana, where they elected a new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Obed Martínez. They also held Provincial Board elections and reelected Rev. Tania Sanchez Fonseca as provincial president. New priorities were set for the coming years, including a strong focus on pastoral and theological training at all levels of the church, Sunday School age and up.
BWM was represented at the synod by Executive Director Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Outreach Angelica Regalado-Cieza and Director of Communications and Development Sylvie Hauser. They were blessed to spend time with provincial leaders and delegates both in formal sessions and fellowship time. In addition to elections and legislation, highlights of the gathering included worship with joyful singing and dancing, summer camp planning and a special Valentine’s Day celebration.
Bishop
Consecration
The Rt. Rev. Obed Martínez was consecrated a bishop of the Moravian Unity in January 2024 in Matanzas, Cuba. The Rt. Rev. Evelio Romero
from Honduras and the Rt. Rev. Kingsley Lewis from the Eastern West Indies Province served as the consecrating bishops. The consecration service was well attended by the larger ecumenical community in Cuba, a true reflection of the many years that Bishop Obed has worked diligently to strengthen the relationship between churches in Cuba.
Executive Director Justin Rabbach represented the Board of World Mission and the Rev. Dr. Neil Routh represented the Southern Province, which is Cuba’s accompanying province, at the gathering. The BWM rejoices with the Moravian Church in Cuba and we invite your prayers for Bishop Obed and his loved ones.
Right: Rt. Rev. Obed Martinez participates in worship at synod.
Below: Rt. Rev. Obed Martinez receives a gift from the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation.
Provincial President Rev. Tania Sanchez Fonseca addresses the synod.
GLOBAL PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT: WILL CUTHBERT
In September 2022, the Board of World Mission hosted a Moravian Resources Conference in Panama with representatives from each of our Spanish-speaking partner areas. Among them was Will Cuthbert from Costa Rica, who has since helped the BWM realize our goal of strengthening relationships between our global partners. His work began by forming an online community where youth and pastors could gather weekly to share resources and grow in faith. This initiative is the first of
its kind for Spanish-speaking Moravians.
Recognizing Will’s impactful contributions, the BWM has supported his efforts and engaged him in responding to invitations to host workshops in our partner areas. Will also serves as a co-facilitator of the reconciliation commission in the Nicaraguan Moravian Church. We are grateful for his service and on these pages we offer some of Will’s own reflections on this work, all of which is guided and supported by the BWM.
Weekly Bible Study for Moravian Pastors and Young Leaders
At the conference of Moravian leaders in Panama, I felt the awakening of the Holy Spirit when I saw the work and planning of the BWM to bring us together. From this effort, we now have Bible study groups for pastors and young people.
Our first Bible study was in March 2023 with seven pastors who wanted to expand their knowledge of the Word of God and strengthen ties between Spanish-speaking Moravian siblings. This came with big challenges for our areas, such as venturing into a world of virtual communica-
tion that was quite new for many: managing Zoom and using WhatsApp for further discussion.
The next challenge we had was to make the group
larger, so we wrote to several servants of God to see if they would be interested in joining this Bible study group. To the glory of God, the response was imme-
Will Cuthbert leads music at the 2022 Conferencia de Recursos Moravos in Panama.
The BWM is grateful for Will Cuthbert’s leadership at Moravian workshops throughout Latin America.
diate. The group grew to nine, then 12, and soon we reached 35. In November, we celebrated the first virtual Holy Communion with very good attendance; it was an inspiring moment for everyone.
Today, we have approximately 76 members in the Bible study group from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras and the United
States. We hope to continue growing with the help of our Heavenly Father and the help of the BWM, which has led several workshops for us this year. We are grateful that we will be receiving a blessing and a lot of learning to continue growing in the Lord. Some themes covered include:
• A 3-week art workshop on the theme of “Jesus the Redeemer” by David Sommers
*Guantanamo Workshop, December 2023
In July 2023 I attended the annual youth camp in Cuba, and met so many youth who impressed me, especially the youth from Guantanamo, who brought a spirit of joy to the camp despite the difficulties they face. For this reason, Rev. Tania Sanchez, President of the Moravian Church in Cuba, and I visited Guantanamo and offered a workshop for 87 young people and leaders on the theme: “Young people, do
• “The Seasons of the Christian Life” by the Rev. Angelica Regalado-Cieza
• “The Attributes of God” by the Rev. Segundo Regalado
• “Moravian Ecclesiology” by Bishop Sam Gray
• … and we have many more to come this year!
[continued]
not be discouraged; God is with you even in difficult times” to motivate them to continue loving the Lord with fervor.
*Puerto Cabezas Workshop, February 2024
It was wonderful to visit Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to share resources with young adult leaders. I led a workshop called “Young people, do not faint because Jehovah promises to be with you,” based on Joshua 1:9. It was important and blessed to bring together many leaders from opposite sides of the current conflict to focus on mission and ministry.
*Havana Workshop and Musical Gala, March 2024
A return trip to Havana allowed me a chance to conduct a workshop for 57 youth on “How to continue being a young believer without feeling apart from young people who are not, always being a guide for them” according to Matthew 5:13-14. It was a time of delight in the Lord, a time of worship and praise in which we were filled with the love of God. In addition to the workshop, we were able to fulfill a very special mission:
collecting 100 Bibles from the churches of Havana to donate to remote communities in Nicaragua!
Will Cuthbert
[continued from page 9]
Consistent internet access remains a challenge, and taking into account the needs of this group, a YouTube channel will launch soon so that those who cannot enter the live Zoom study can have access to videos of the workshops. We hope to continue being a group thirsty for the Word, a resource for many to receive the Word of God in their remote homes, and a group in constant prayer for the people of God.
Final Thoughts from Will
I would like to thank the BWM for their financial support and their many prayers as none of this would have been possible without their help. Thanks especially to Justin, Angelica, and all of the BWM staff for their support and for inspiring us to serve the Lord in a better way. We continue to serve with joy and dedication, always in humility taking into account that the entire glory and honor will always be for our Savior and Redeemer, the only one worthy of all glory forever and ever. Amen.
La Moskitia is a remote region, a bit smaller than the state of New Jersey, with an estimated population of around 120,000 people. The Moravian Church has been active in this area for almost a century, with the Clínica Evangélica Morava, the Moravian medical clinic in Ahuas, having recently celebrated their 75th anniversary.
In La Moskitia, water is typically collected from unprotected wells or lagoons and rivers where community members also bathe and wash their clothing, making it unsafe to drink. In Tumtum Tara, the
first village served by the Blessings Flow project, 100% of families were experiencing waterborne illness thus causing 20% of families to have missed school or work in the previous two weeks prior to the survey.
In response to this need, the Board of World Mission is partnering with a clean water organization called One Atta Time and local Moravian leaders to distribute simple household filtration systems that will supply each family with clean water for more than ten years. Since April of 2023, we have distributed filters to about 1,000 households in five villages.
In each village, the Blessings Flow team visits three times. During the first visit, the community gathers to
hear about the water filters and to confirm the village census to determine how many filters will be needed.
During the second visit, existing health issues are treated and filters are distributed to every household! Everyone joins together to assemble filters, fill bags with medication, and ensure that each family has what they need.
During the third visit, the Blessings Flow team measures the success of the project by interviewing community members and answering any questions that they may have after using the filters for a few months.
Each filter provides a household with clean water for at least a decade!
Left: The community gathers to receive water filters for each household. Right: Before filters are distributed, existing rates of waterborne illness are assessed and medications are provided.
Río Plátano is the Spanish name for the village located at the mouth of the river of the same name. The Miskito name for the village, Ras, is used less frequently even by the local Miskito population. Located at the mouth of the river and on the shore of the ocean, many people fish both for profit and for their personal diet. Due to recent storms and hurricanes, there has been much beach erosion and the community is now much smaller than it once was. Most families continue to collect water from the Plátano River. In February of 2024, 260 filters were distributed to every household, school, church, and health center in Río Plátano and the neighboring communities of Utla Almuk and Tasba Pauni.
Kuhrpa is a village located on the upper Patuca River. The long distance from the mouth of the Patuca makes this village somewhat inaccessible, though there is a highway that is increasingly used by colonists who are taking over traditional Miskito lands. The area is known for cacao cultivation, but most people live by planting traditional Miskito crops of rice and beans. In April of 2024, 220 families in Kuhrpa received water filters, which are needed more than ever: the Patuca’s waters are increasingly muddy since colonists have begun felling forests in the area, increasing erosion into the river.
Tumtum Tara is situated in Laka, an area that referred to as the poorest in the Miskito homeland and characterized by a lack of employment, of government services, limited access to ter, and poor conditions for agriculture. Laka often travel several hours to work their plots rice, yucca, etc., and local families obtain their from shallow wells and the nearby rivers where also bathe and wash clothes. 209 filters were ed in Tumtum Tara in April and October of
that is often homeland employment, absence potable waLaka residents plots of beans, their water where they were distributof 2023.
in La Moskitia, Honduras
Warunta is the easternmost community in the municipality of Ahuas, a six-hour walk from the Moravian clinic that has been serving in La Moskitia for over 75 years. Locals in Warunta are engaged in traditional Miskito agriculture, but other employment is limited. There are very few wells in the community as people for generations have been obtaining their drinking water from the same lagoon where they wash clothes and bathe. 200 filters were distributed in Warunta in October of 2023.
Pakwi is a village that consists of about 200 families who live by cultivating rice, beans and other crops traditional to the region. Many families obtain their drinking water from the nearby Kruta River, though during the dry season, they may be forced to travel several hours to the large Apalka Lagoon to find a cleaner source. In January of 2024, the Blessings Flow team distributed water filters to 252 households in Pakwi.
Scan here to learn more!
Yamnika Laya
Yamnika Laya (which means “Blessings Flow” in Miskito) is the group of six local Moravian leaders who are making this project possible. The group includes leadership from each of the two Moravian Church bodies in Honduras, which split more than 25 years ago. Their commitment to finding ways to work together in a mission that transcends their historical division is a
Women and children typically collect water from wells, rivers or lagoons four times per day.
Where will the Blessings Flow next?
The need for clean water in La Moskitia remains significant, with about 200 villages that would benefit from filtration systems. The next phase of this project will focus on the northern shore of the Caratasca Lagoon, beginning with the communities of Puswaia and Ujumbila. Historically a center of Mískito culture and population, this area is also the site of the first Honduran Moravian mission established in 1930.
We will continue to share news as this project expands! Scan the QR code to read more.
Contribute to the Blessings Flow Project at www.MoravianMission.org/ Give. Your $100 donation covers the cost of purchasing the filter and bucket and shipping them into the country, as well as visits to do health assessments, filter distribution, training on how to use and maintain the filter, and follow up to measure impact and ensure continued proper usage.
That’s a lot of value to give these communities a decade or more of clean water and to limit days of work and school lost to the effects of waterborne illness!
tremendous witness to the Moravian Church in this area. The Blessings Flow project would truly
not be possible without the knowledge and skills of this group of dedicated leaders.
MISSION GRANTS
Our mission grant program allows the Board of World Mission to address specific needs and support valuable ministries as they are identified by our partners.
Each year, we receive numerous project proposals from Moravian partners around the world. These are tremendous sustainable initiatives that will be implemented and managed by those on the ground, but
require financial support to get started.
This program has been designated as a priority by BWM directors and continues to grow every year. In 2023, the BWM provided $74,813 in mission grant awards to various projects undertaken by our partners. (This is In addition to the $75,000 budgeted to support other global partner projects that advance the
church but don’t fit grant criteria!)
Visit MoravianMission.org/ MissionGrants/ (or use the QR code) to learn about mission grants and see the impact of this program! Here is one example of a grant funded in 2023:
Construction at the Comenius Polytechnic Institute in Tabora, Tanzania
The Comenius Polytechnic Institute (CPI) was established in 2019 to promote the mission of the Moravian Church through the training of ministers. The institute currently offers a certificate and diploma in theology.
CPI is in the process of building a new facility to house three lecture rooms and an office for theology students. The Moravian Church in Western Tanzania (MCWT) was awarded mission grant funding for the erection of walls and roofing, which was completed in December 2023. They will now move forward with the final stage of construction (plastering, ceiling board, electricity, flooring, windows and doors).
In mid-December, CPI held their fourth graduation ceremony. Bishops Ezekiel
Yona and Conrad Sikombe were present, along with the Tabora regional commissioner. 18 students from MCWT (a BWM global partner province) and one student from the Moravian Lake Tanganyika Province graduated this year.
UNITY MATTERS
Unity Mission and Development Board
The Board of World Mission had the wonderful opportunity in May 2023 to host the Unity Mission & Development Board (UMDB) at Mt. Morris Camp & Retreat Center in
Unity Synod
Unity Synod, the constitutional body of the Unitas Fratrum, convenes representatives from all Moravian provinces and mission provinces every seven years to make decisions about the worship, witness and work of the Worldwide Moravian Church. The 2023 Unity Synod took place in September in Cape Town, South Africa.
One particularly noteworthy synod action, as it relates to the work of the BWM, was the approval of both Brazil and Bolivia as prospective mission areas. The BWM has walked with these areas in their initial discernment process as they
Wisconsin. UMDB’s charge is to monitor new Moravian mission work, evaluate the progression of established work and coordinate partnerships between mission
explored the idea of joining the Moravian Unity; we look forward to their continued ministry.
Additionally, a mission agreement written at the 2017 Unity Mission Conference was officially accepted by the synod and will be included in the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum,
agencies and mission areas or mission provinces. The board is composed of delegates from each region of the Moravian Unity (Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, Europe and North America) and a representative from each mission agency in the Unity.
The group enjoyed fellowship with our international colleagues and learning about recent Moravian work throughout the world. New opportunities for mission were identified, support was allocated to ongoing efforts, and updated methods of sharing resources were implemented.
which is the Book of Order for the Unity as a whole. This agreement helps us understand our call to mission as a church in a globalized world.
BWM Executive Director
Justin Rabbach served as a resource to the gathering and translated for our Spanish-speaking partners.
Nicaragua Province Reconciliation
After nearly six years of conflict with little to no progress, the Board of World Mission is pleased to be a supporting partner in a reconciliation process that has begun in Nicaragua. While it is still in the early stages, the two largest groups have elected rep-
resentatives to serve on a formal commission working toward the goal of reuniting the church.
This commission was formed after the 2023 Unity Synod called on the church in Nicaragua to find a way to come together. BWM
Executive Director Justin
Peru National Conference
In August 2023, Peru’s third National Conference was held in Chiclayo. Rick Nelson represented the BWM; other international guests included the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, representing the Northern Province, which is Peru’s accompanying province; the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray as the ordaining bishop; and Dr. Julie Tomberlin, representing the Unity Women’s Desk.
The National Conference elected a new board composed of representatives from five congregations:
• President: Ana María Huamán Dávila
• Vice President: Andrew Chicchón Gutarra
• Treasurer: Lucero Carrasco Camacho
• Secretary: Fernando Joaquín Santa Cruz Muro
• At-Large: Walter Calle Peralta
Rabbach has traveled to Nicaragua multiple times with Unity Board Administrator Jørgen Bøytler to assist in setting up the commission and to offer guidance and support in the process. In February 2024, the process was strengthened when all four bishops residing in Nicaragua came together to take part in discussions and, afterwards, wrote a joint letter of unity and call for reconciliation.
Much work remains to be done in this delicate situation; we invite prayers for continued discernment and wisdom, as it is truly the desire of so many to see this province reunited.
The BWM holds a new covenant agreement with Peru and is leading workshops to help formalize the next stages of ministry through a new strategic plan and annual budget.
Moravian leaders in Nicaragua and representatives from the Unity gather to discuss steps toward reconciliation.
Representatives Rick Nelson from the BWM, Betsy Miller from the Northern Province and Ana María Huamán Dávila from the Moravian Church in Peru sign a new covenant agreement.
MISSION ENGAGEMENT
Congregational Resources
Through mission engagement, the Board of World Mission seeks to engage North American Moravian congregations in local and global missions. We encourage regular visits to the BWM website and social media pages, where you will find updates and resources available to all congregations. We regularly feature prayer requests from our partners that congregations can post in their newsletters and Sunday bulletins.
As you dig a little deeper,
you can find materials that help your congregation move through a multi-session mission discernment program to match your gifts with the needs in your community.
Once you know where you are being called, you can also find mission team training materials to help teams plan effectively, prepare for cultural differences, and set realistic goals.
To help pastors and educators connect mission to their sermons and lessons, we publish a weekly preaching resource based on the three-year lectionary. While primarily a resource for preachers, it can also be used for Bible studies and personal reflection.
Blessings Flow Filter Assembly
The BWM also offers resources to Spanish-speaking congregations in North, Central, and South America. On our website, you will find translations of the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum, Our Moravian Treasures, and links to workshops on programming, strategic planning and financial recordkeeping.
Learn more at MoravianMission.org/Resources/.
Congregations and individuals engage with our work every day in many ways, but one of the main ways we all connected this year was through our Blessings Flow project. Camps, congregations, Sunday school classes, confirmation retreats and more gathered across the United States and Canada to assemble water filters that were then shipped to Honduras to provide clean water for families in need. Many congregations dedicated their 2023 Moravian Day of Service to working on this project. Thank you for taking such an active and tangible role in the work of the BWM!
Mission Camps
One way the Board of World Mission has encouraged mission engagement and provided hands-on training has been through our support of mission camps. The mission camp program at Laurel Ridge brings youth groups to the camp to do service projects at the homes of people in need who live near the camp. Evening programs and campfires are also provided. Based loosely on this model, the BWM has hosted mission camps for the last few years to prepare our Moravian camping facilities for summer programming.
In May 2023, volunteers gathered both at Camp Hope in New Jersey and at
Mt. Morris in Wisconsin. At Camp Hope, volunteers focused much of their energy on the picnic pavilion roof, removing old shingles, repairing rotting roof decking and trusses, and installing a new roof. At Mt. Morris, the main project was power washing and staining all of the cabins.
While getting needed jobs done is always a primary focus, participants in each mission camp will tell you that the fellowship shared at mealtimes and evenings spent in conversation are what made the week memorable and meaningful. If you are interested in participating in a mission camp, please contact Chris Giesler at chris@moravianmission.org.
Mission Service Awards
Each year, the Board of World Mission recognizes Moravians who have given of themselves for the benefit of others either down the street or around the world through our mission service award.
The 2023 Ted Wilde Award, which recognizes individuals who have been willing to take up the great commission through humble service, was awarded to the Rev. Marian Boyle-Rohloff and Br. Ed Winney, both of West Side Moravian Church in Green Bay, Wis. (at right, bottom)
The 2023 Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation, which recognizes congregations in North America who are doing exemplary mission and service work, was awarded to Trinity Moravian Church in Winston Salem, N.C. (at right, top.)
Read more about the award recipients and submit nominations at MoravianMission.org/Awards (use the QR code here).
Above: Volunteers at the Camp Hope mission camp repair the picnic pavilion roof. Left: Volunteers at the Mt. Morris mission camp stain cabins.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Sue Adams, Administrative Assistant
It is my pleasure to be a part of the wonderful team that makes the Board of World Mission a successful mission sending and support agency of the Moravian Church in North America. Our board members work with staff to establish priorities, determine areas of mission involvement and set goals for future initiatives.
As the administrative assistant, I am blessed to be the person who processes all of your amazing gifts! Donations are carefully processed to ensure each is used for its intended purpose. While the news
around the world is so often filled with negativity, I am privileged to see the positive impact of these compassionate gifts.
As the Moravian Church continues to grow and new prospective mission areas are identified, we know we would not be as effective without your support.
Thank you for helping us to be faithful to our commitments to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission! The list of new project ideas being discerned, funded and completed is ever-changing. Please visit our website at MoravianMission.org to learn more.
Rex Knowlton, Treasurer
Financial Outreach:
Our office has the pleasure of following through on financial commitments made to our national and international partners. This takes the form of issuing payments via check or wire as well as collecting support via credit card, check, or electronic means. It can be a challenge to send funds via wires to other countries; the ultimate reward for us is the successful receipt of needed support to enhance the mission of the worldwide Moravian Church. It is a joy to get generous donations to the projects or areas where the support is most needed.
Finally, while responding to disasters can create a heightened work load and anxiety, allowing BWM to respond quickly in order to meet urgent and essential needs is well worth the behind-the-scenes work.
In the summer of 2023, generous donors contributed over $100,000 to medical debt relief through the Debt Jubilee Project: For the Healing of the World.
Based on our biblical call to care for the sick and our belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right, this project worked to offer grace and hope through the forgiveness of medical debt. Because our call is to our siblings in Christ here in North America and throughout the world, funds were raised to relieve medical debt in the United States as well as at the Moravian medical ministry in Ahuas, Honduras.
Through the generosity of Moravians throughout North America, we were able to forgive almost $11 million in debt here in the United States by partnering with an organization called RIP Medical Debt.
Over $25,000 (25% of the total raised) was allocated for debt relief at the Ahuas Clinic. These funds
cleared existing debt from patient accounts while also allowing the clinic to invest in medication, equipment, and supplies to better serve future patients.
Clinic administrators determined that in order to provide debt relief to the community members who needed it most, patients would be prioritized in this order: 1) patients with terminal illness; 2) HIV patients; 3) patients with disabilities; 4) single mothers; 5) elderly patients. We recently heard from two of the debt relief recipients; use the QR code here to read their stories.
This was a collaborative effort of the Board of World Mission, the Moravian Ministries Foundation, the Southern Province Commission on Congregational
Development and the Interprovincial Board of Communication. It was inspired by the work of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. The results of this effort are truly a testament to what is possible when Moravians join together in service of our neighbors near and far.
Elma is a 27-year-old single mother whose medical debt was relieved through the Debt Jubilee funding allocated for relief at the Ahuas Clinic.
BOARD OF WORLD MISSION 2023 FINANCIAL REPORT
The Board of World Mission is appreciative of the strong support of congregations and individuals, which enables our continued ministry. The graphics on these pages depict where our con-
Support and Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited) Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church
tributions come from and, just as importantly, where the funds go to expand and enhance Moravian mission efforts.
Support from the North American provinces, including congregational giving, is critical to our success. The Society for Promoting the Gospel continues to fund us generously, accounting for 11% of our revenue in 2023. We are grateful for the continued support of the Larger Life Foundation and the Southern Province Mission Society. Grant income is a newer source for the BWM with grants awarded in 2023 representing 4% of our support. Contributions with donor restrictions accounted for 34% of our income this year. This funding
Exchange Accounts
It is worth noting that beyond our budgeted expenditures, the BWM is blessed to receive and distribute additional donations via our exchange accounts. These accounts are created when we receive donations designated for a specific purpose or project, and the BWM ensures their transfer for that specific use.
Over $578,000 in exchange account donations were distributed in 2023. This is tremendous as it reflects donations equal to more than 50 percent of our annual budget!
supported our Moravian Disaster Response efforts, the Blessings Flow project, work with the Ahuas Clinic, and many other specific needs throughout the year.
Investment returns were positive due to the upturn in the economy at year end and keen investment oversight from the Moravian Ministries Foundation.
An amazing 87% of our 2023 expenditures was applied directly to programming, including global partner support and mission grants, our Blessings Flow project, disaster response and meeting other needs. BWM administrative expenditures are modest, and of that we are proud.
Additional details can be obtained from the 2023
The largest expenditures in 2023 included:
• The Ahuas Clinic: $162,175
• Moravian Disaster Response: $132,781
• Water filters in Honduras: $98,162
Other efforts funded include workshops in Peru; mission grants; scholarships to the Moravian Secondary School in Bluefields, Nicaragua; classroom construction at the Comenius Polytechnic Institute in Tabora, Tanzania; an orphanage in Tanzania; ministries in Sierra Leone and so much more!
audited financial statements once they are completed. For additional information or to request a copy of the audited report, please contact the BWM office.
Thank you for your support of this important outreach.
— Rex Knowlton, Treasurer
Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2023 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church
CONNECT WITH THE BWM!
The Board of World Mission provides a multitude of ways to stay up-to-date with our work. See the latest updates on our website, MoravianMission. org, and follow us on Facebook (Board of World Mission), Instagram (@moravianboardofworldmission), and TikTok (@ boardofworldmission).
Please contact Sylvie Hauser at sylvie@moravianmission.org or (920)495-8995 if you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter or other regular communications from the BWM. You can also let us know your communication preferences by scanning the QR code here. Thank
you for staying engaged with the work of the BWM!
In order to continue supporting new ministries and maintaining long-standing relationships throughout the Moravian Unity, the Board of World Mission counts on our committed donors throughout North America. Unrestricted donations provide the BWM with the most flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to needs as they arise. You may also indicate that you would like your gift to support Blessings Flow, Moravian Disaster Response, mission grants, the Ahuas Clini, or other specific efforts of the BWM. Thank you for your overwhelming generosity, without which none of the projects described in this
2023 Board of World Mission Staff
annual report would have been possible.
Those in the U.S. can send checks to:
Board of World Mission 1021 Center Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
You can also make your donation online at MoravianMission. org/Give.
Canadians can send checks to: Moravian Church in Canada 600 Acadia Drive SE Calgary, AB T2J 0B8
Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to treasurer @moravian.ca. In the comments section, please include your name and address to receive a tax receipt.
Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler Director, Mission Engagement chris@moravianmission.org
Sylvie Hauser Director, Communications and Development sylvie@moravianmission.org
Sue Adams Administrative Assistant sue@moravianmission.org
Justin Rabbach Executive Director justin@moravianmission.org
Rex Knowlton, Treasurer rex@moravianmission.org
Rick Nelson Mission Consultant rthornel2003@yahoo.com
ABOUT MORAVIANS
“In essentials, unity...”
A view of the “Moravian motto”
Most institutions in modern society try to express their special characteristics in a logo or brief slogan. In the Moravian Church, a phrase that comes closest to this, although never made official: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love.”
Variously attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo and more frequently to Peter Meiderlin, a 16th century Lutheran theologian, the phrase also appears in the last published work of the Moravian bishop John Amos Comenius entitled The One Thing Needful.
After a lapse of a couple of centuries, the motto began to appear within the Moravian Church in the mid 1800s, and by 1900 had appeared in the Southern Provinces’ newspaper, The Wachovia Moravian.
So while it isn’t solely “ours,” the motto has been a comfort and rallying cry for Moravians around the world. In this issue, we offer the description found in “Our Moravian Treasures: A Manual of Topics for Theological Education in the Unitas Fratrum,” edited by the Rev. Peter Vogt, to provide additional insight and serve as the introduction for work completed by the Rev. Ted Bowman (see accompanying article) on what the motto means to a group of longtime Moravians.
“The experiences of more than 500 years have
taught us that, in order to remain true to the message of the Gospel, we have to keep working on how we express our faith. With changing historical circumstances and new theological insights, our statements of what we believe have developed over time, and even today this process is likely to continue. We have found that it is best to keep the statements about our doctrine relatively simple and allow people to have different views on things that are not clear in the Bible.
One important guideline for theological reflection in the Moravian Church is the maxim: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.” While this principle is not uniquely Moravian, it reflects very well the character of our tradition. The Unity Synod of 2016 described it as a “fundamental notion” for dealing with differences within the Unity (COUF #414). It seems the principle was first used by Catholic and Lutheran theologians in the early seventeenth century. In the old Unity, it was quoted once by Bishop John Amos Comenius, and, in 1857, it was introduced to the renewed Moravian Church by Bishop Alexander de Schweinitz. Today, it is widely known across Moravian provinces and considered to be one of the “treasures” of our church.
The significance of this principle is obvious when we consider that the Unitas Fratrum,
(Continued on next page)
(Continued from previous page)
as an international church, is facing the growing challenge of cultural and theological diversity. At the Unity Synod and other international gatherings, Moravian leaders struggle to maintain the unity of our church as they disagree on important theological questions. Likewise, many provinces and congregations face the task of dealing with conflicts over matters of doctrine and belief that threaten to divide the community. How can we engage in controversial theological topics without putting at risk our connection as brothers and sisters in Christ?
The principle “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things love” helps us to see that unity does not mean uniformity. Members of a church community do not need to agree on everything or always have the same opinion. While many people like the idea that others agree with them, our principle makes it clear that in the church there is room for diversity. Controversial opinions are often rooted in the fact that different people have different perspectives, due to their specific life-experience, cultural background, education, family situation, personal character, and so on. Because it is quite unrealistic to expect full agreement among people that come from diverse walks of life, there is great wisdom in the willingness to offer freedom for different views, especially in matters that clearly are of secondary importance. This makes it possible for people to “agree to disagree” and still be part of the same community.
At the same time, the principle “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love” expresses the wisdom that in those things that are truly important all members of a church community should be of the same mind. Unity means that people
are connected to one another by something they all have in common. If this core of essentials is lost, the community falls apart.
What are the “essentials” for the unity of the Moravian Church? This question has often been asked and is difficult to answer because for much of our history Moravians have been reluctant to define church unity as agreement with precise doctrinal statements. Certainly, the beliefs and values expressed in the Ground of the Unity (see section 3.5.) and in COUF, Part II (“The Essential Features of the Unity”, #50-152) represent an important resource for approaching this question. Yet, it seems that the core of our spiritual identity is something different than simply a statement of doctrine, as it also concerns the way of how we do things and what kind of experiences are important to us. At the same time, we can expect that Moravians from around the world are likely to name very different things as being essential for the unity and identity of our church. This is obviously a matter that will require more discussion and thoughtful deliberation.
Our theological tradition offers an important insight that helps us to think about this question. Luke of Prague spoke of “essentials” when he employed in his theology the distinction between things that are essential, things that are ministerial, and things that are incidental. Of course, he did not know at that time the principle “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things love,” and before we proceed any further it is very important to note that these two ways of talking about “essentials” are not the same. In the case of Luke, the “essentials” refer to what is essential for salvation. The principle “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love,” in contrast, speaks about the unity of the church. The “essentials,” here, are points of agreement that form the core of an organization’s shared identity. There are certain things in the life
Motto
of the church, for example the regulations of our church order, where such agreement is indeed necessary for church unity, but which would not qualify as “essentials” for Luke. In turn, we find that many of the items that Luke defines as “ministerials,” such as Holy Scripture and the sacraments, seem to belong to the category of the “essentials” when looked at from the perspective of church unity. It would not be appropriate to place them in the category of “non-essentials,” which really corresponds more to the group of “incidental things” in Luke’s terminology. It is very important not to confuse these two ways of talking about “essentials.”
What we can learn from Luke is to look beyond shared traditions or agreement in doctrine when we think about the essentials of our unity. There is also the reality of God’s grace in creation, the redemptive work of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which call forth our response in faith, hope, and love (God Creates; God Redeems; God Sustains (Blesses). We respond in faith, love and hope.) This suggests that ultimately the unity of the church does not rest in agreement about statements of doctrine but in the reality of what God does. While it is very important to discuss doctrinal matters and work towards agreement, people should bear in mind that human words are limited in their ability to capture the full truth of our faith. As we seek “unity in essentials,” let us remember that being one in Christ is a gift far greater than what we can express in theological definitions. In the end, true Christianity, as well as the unity of our church, is not based on the words of certain creeds or doctrinal statements; it is grounded in the living experience of faith in Christ, active love for others, and joyful hope that looks to the time when all God’s promises are fulfilled.
Above all, the principle “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things
love” points us to the importance of love for the discussion of controversial theological topics. The spirit of love involves a movement in two directions: love creates community, as it draws connections between people; at the same time, love offers freedom for difference, as each person or group is respected and valued for their own unique contribution. The spirit of love facilitates “unity-in-difference”, as it creates a space where people of different opinion can come together to seek mutual understanding and cooperation. The spirit of love thus offers the wisdom to see those who hold a different view not as opponents but as partners on a shared journey.
The unity of the Moravian Church is a work in progress. It requires theological reflection on many important issues. The principle “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love” offers us precious guidance and encouragement for this task. We are invited to speak honestly and listen carefully to each other so that we may come to under- stand how we differ in our views and discern what we have in common. We can expect that, since the Moravian Church is a global denomination, disagreements on matters of doctrine and polity will continue to be a part of this process. They do not necessarily form a threat to our unity, but they can be an opportunity for dialogue and conversation, which may lead us to a better understanding and a deeper connection, as we continue our journey into the future that God has prepared for us. n
Adapted from “Our Moravian Treasures: A Manual of Topics for Theological Education in the Unitas Fratrum,” edited by Peter Vogt. “Our Moravian Treasures” is available from the Interprovincial Board of Communication at store. moravian.org.
ABOUT MORAVIANS
The Moravian Motto: An Aphorism or Spiritual Wisdom?
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; and in all things, love or charity
What comes to mind when you read these words? Do you routinely turn to this motto as an underpinning for your decisions, interactions, even when facing a faith crisis? When is the last time you have drawn on this common Moravian affirmation?
This article is an invitation to visit and re-visit this motto by self-reflection and prayer; with others in your church or community; or by writing your understanding of the motto for a future article in The Moravian Magazine
Here is the backstory for this article and to the questions posed for you, the reader. In late 2020, Allen Bergmann, Bill Blickensdefer, John Griffith, Thomas Haupert and Ted Bowman (all graduates of Moravian College and all clergy) began meeting via Zoom. Since then, the group has morphed to be a valuable spiritual resource for each and all.
This has been a surprise because this group of men overlapped only for a brief time in the 1960’s at Moravian College or Moravian Theological Seminary. From those settings we went our separate ways into ministries and community service. All had little to no contact with one another for over 50 years, until 2020.
The early focus of the Zoom gatherings was on introducing ourselves to one another. Each served in ministry at Moravian or other Protestant churches, some for a few years, others until retirement. Initial stories
expanded and deepened to life reviews (a range of challenges, losses and joys) that led recently to an extended discussion of our understandings of and use of the Moravian motto for our personal and spiritual lives. Interestingly, we all shared some degree of attachment to the words. The motto intrigued and informed our individual theologies. Here are some of the statements we shared.
When someone asks what’s special about the Moravian Church, I often point to our history, and then affirm that we hold the same core beliefs that other Christian groups do. And I like to point to our motto, “In essentials, unity. . . (and so forth).” When I talk about those essentials, a truly ecumenical moment often occurs, in that I and the other person see that we agree about what’s truly important.
When various issues loom large, often dividing our congregations, I find that these essentials often get pushed to the side, and are even lost sight of. Rather than get involved in these issues, I feel called to keep focused upon these essentials, and to study Scripture in order to listen for these essentials, that I may understand them better, because through the church’s 2,000 years of history, it’s by such listening that needed church renewal has come.
— Tom Haupert
When I talk about those essentials, a truly ecumenical moment often occurs...
Yes, the Moravian church’s motto of unity, liberty and in all things love has kept us together.
When I was asked if I’d be interested in joining four other Moravian College classmates. I was quickly reminded of Ludolph Schlicht’s hymn, “What brought us together, what joined our hearts?” My answer was a reminder of the Moravian Church’s motto, “In all things, love.” How else can one explain this mystical union after six decades of separation that somehow has tethered us together for the last four years on monthly zoom meetings living in different states and country?
Several of my classmates have now affiliated with other denominations. It’s been amazing to see how God has blessed each of us in our life’s journeys, in the good times as well as the difficult times. We have discussed various issues on personal, philosophical and theological level with appreciation and enlightenment. It’s been a joy to share very personal life experiences, support each other as well as having some humor and laughter. Yes, the Moravian church’s motto of unity, liberty and in all things love has kept us together.
— Al Bergman
I have been engaged in a life-long question to find words - the words of others through conversations, poetry, song lyrics, fiction, nonfiction, scriptures – and/or my own words - to acknowledge and address ambiguous experiences. Many life experiences in my early years revealed more ambiguity than clarity. Students from a nearby college were not served coffee at a Woolworth’s because they were Black. Boys were encouraged to pursue
ministry; girls not so. Later, the Vietnam war evoked core questions about my willingness to kill fellow humans because my government told me to do so. The list of ambiguous conundrums seems now to be endless. My present neighbors lean toward “clarity,” some asserting that the United States is a Christian nation. My understanding of God is of a god who loves all peoples, not some more than others.
When I was introduced to the Moravian motto, I found comfort in its ambiguity. Essentials? Extravagant welcome and service seems foremost to Jesus. Essential for me is often singing In Christ There is No East or West or O Master, Let Me Walk with You. In non-essentials, liberty and in allthings, love. Theologian Henri Nouwen wrote
This 11-word statement has been a powerful message guiding my personal and spiritual life.
with humility that, “Someone might read what I wrote and discover something there that I myself did not see but which might just as valid as my original thought.” My understanding of his assertion is that I need to listen respectfully to the voice of the neighbor, sibling and stranger.
—Ted Bowman
This 11-word statement has been a powerful message guiding my personal and spiritual life. I have always been a curious person, asking questions and wondering about the universe (outer space) and the inner space of heart and belief. Some people go into ministry because they have a strong call to share their faith with others. I went into ministry because (Continued on next page)
Motto
(Continued from previous page)
I had a strong call to explore my relationship with the divine and be part of a community that is on this same journey of exploration.
To me “In Essentials Unity” is about the unity of all of life—the blessing of freedom to wonder about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit while also wondering about science, creation, evolution in a wondrous unity. My questions were a positive experience, letting me expand on what I knew while calling forth a faith that believed God is in all things. For centuries Moravians have reached out to people all around the world establishing relationships that introduced them to the love of God. Love, health, education and community development were signs of the unity of the human spirit at work with the Holy Spirit.
Determining what is essential and what is non-essential is the work of love, building bridges, not walls. I remain a Moravian at heart as this motto from my beginning in
Determining what is essential and what is non-essential is the work of love, building bridges, not walls...
the Moravian Church allowed me to discover deeper connections and new ways of living faithfully.
— John Griffith
Even as a child, into young adulthood, I have always felt a calling to become a Moravian pastor. As a pastor I served three Moravian churches and as District Youth Minister for the Eastern District. Then, I chose to go into a different direction, still feeling a call-
[The motto] always made perfect sense to me how fundamentally true it is regardless of my experiences, religious and secular.
ing but not limited to those directly related to the church. I was a high school guidance counselor, sales and marketing manager for two companies, and Admission’s Officer at Northampton Community College.
Throughout that time, I never lost my call to ministry. Our Moravian motto took incredible importance in these different careers. It always made perfect sense to me how fundamentally true it is regardless of my experiences, religious and secular.
Recently joining the East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem, I participate in the Adult Bible Study. This terrific and diverse group has studied and discussed many different biblical passages, frequently referring to and ending sessions with our Moravian motto.
Bill Blickensderfer
We are curious about how other Moravians, even congregations, draw on this motto for guidance or support and for other sorts of reasons.
Send your thoughts about “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things, love” to us at moravianmagazine@ mcnp.org. n
This article was compiled and edited by Ted Bowman of St. Paul, Minn.
Western District
(Continued from page 12)
intersynodal period. Its primary roles are to oversee the boards and institutions of the Western District, supervise pastoral changes, manage District funding, advise congregations and to help extend the work of the Church within the District. The newly elected board will serve through the Synod of 2028.
Rev. Jason Andersen’s first day as District President will be Monday, June 17.
Legislating for thriving
The 2024 Synod also developed and passed a number of resolutions aimed at preparing the Western District for surviving, reviving and thriving into the future.
Several resolutions laid the groundwork for increasing the participation of youth in the decision-making of the church. In those resolutions, delegates directed the incoming Western District Executive Board to explore ways to add more youth delegates to upcoming synods and offer voice and vote to those delegates under age 18 on all matters except those with financial implications.
Delegates also passed legislation that aims to develop strategic plans rooted in the mission, vision and values of the Western District; establish processes for assisting and supporting potential licensed lay pastoral candidates; promote emerging
Moravian ministries, new faith communities and recruiting leaders in the district; encourage a task force to help congregations implement ways to stabilize and revitalize their ministries; address advocacy and acknowledgement for sexual abuse victims; and re-focus the Moravian Western Christian Education Commission to the Western District Congregational Enrichment Commission.
Worship and fellowship
The gathered delegates weren’t just there for the business of Synod. Meaningful worship services, led by pastors from across the district, focused on the theme of Synod. Opportunities for individual and group conversations abounded. And meeting in the beautiful natural surroundings of Mt. Morris offered chances for reflection and fun.
“ We did the work of the synod but perhaps the most important thing we did was to renew fellowship,” said Bruce. “In the Book of Order paragraph 909 it states, ‘The purposes of the district synod shall be as follows: (a) to confirm and renew Christian love and fellowship...’ After not being together in person for a district synod for eight years, one of the things we enjoyed was just being able to see one another in the flesh. There was much fellowship that took place. We were able to see old friends and meet new ones.” n
(Left) Synod delegates bless outgoing WDEB President Bruce Nelson and his wife Nan. (Right) Betsy Miller chairs Synod.
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS
NORTHERN PROVINCE
Central Moravian Church
Sister Janel Rice has accepted a call to serve as the full-time senior pastor at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA. She began her call on April 8, 2024, but will be officially installed on June 23, 2024. Prior to the call Janel had served as associate pastor to Central Moravian since September 17, 2023. Please be in prayer for the members of Central Moravian and for Janel and her family as they transition together in this ministry.
Lake Auburn Moravian Church
Sister Judy Ganz began serving as the part-time Intentional Interim Pastor at Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Lake Auburn, Minn., on April 22, 2024, and was installed officially on May 12, 2024. Judy is a retired Moravian pastor who has previously served several congregations in the Northern Province and as Executive Director of the Board of World Mission. Please hold Judy, her husband Charlie and the Lake Auburn congregation in your prayers as they begin this ministry.
Schoeneck Moravian Church
Brother Ian Edwards has accepted the call to serve as the full-time pastor of Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, PA. Ian began his call on May 6, 2024, and was installed on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Ian will continue to serve as the part-time chaplain to the Moravian Houses Senior Living Residence on Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., where he began serving on Febru-
ary 5, 2024. Please hold Ian, his family, the Schoeneck Congregation, and the Moravian Houses in your prayers as Ian serves these communities.
Pastoral Appointment
Br. Joshua David Follweiler has accepted a one-year appointment to serve as the fulltime assistant pastor at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa. Br. Follweiler began his appointment on May 28, 2024, but will be officially installed on June 23, 2024. Prior to the appointment, Joshua served as a student pastor at Calvary Moravian Church, Allentown PA from 2021-2024 and as student pastor to Central Moravian Church from 2023-2024. Br. Follweiler graduated from Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, PA with a Master of Divinity Degree on May 4, 2024. See Southern Province Official News below for information about Josh’s ordination. Please be in prayer for the members of Central Moravian Church and for Joshua and his wife, Molly, as they transition together in this ministry.
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Pine Chapel Moravian Church
Brother Ted Kimball was installed as the interim Congregational Acolyte at Pine Chapel Moravian Church, 324 Goldfloss Street, Winston-Salem, NC on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Please support Ted and the Pine Chapel congregation as they begin this new relationship in ministry together.
St. Philips Moravian Church
The Rev. Ken Pettigrew was installed as the interim Congregational Acolyte at St. Philips Moravian Church, 911 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Please support Ken and the St. Philips congregation as they begin this new chapter in ministry together.
Ordination
Brother Joshua Follweiler, a 2024 graduate of the Moravian Theological Seminary, was ordained a deacon on Sunday, June 9, 2024, 3:00 p.m. at Mayodan Moravian, Mayodan, N.C. with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne Burkette officiating.
Home Moravian Church
The Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood was installed as associate pastor at Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. on June 2, 2024. Brother Craig was ordained a deacon on May 31, 1987. Craig served as chaplain and assistant dean at Moravian College and Theological Seminary from 1986 until 1990. From 1992 until 1994 Craig served as pastor at Third Moravian Church in Philadelphia, PA and upon concluding his time there he returned to Winston-Salem to serve as chaplain and professor at Salem College and later at Home Moravian as theologian in residence until 2009. In 2010, he returned to Pennsylvania to serve as professor and interim dean at Moravian Seminary. Craig was recently awarded emeritus professor status upon retiring from Moravian Theological Seminary. Please be in prayer for Craig and the Home Moravian congregation during this time of transition.
The Table, Raleigh, N.C.
The Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller and The Rev. Elizabeth Yarborough Neely were installed on May 5, 2024 as Co-Pastors for The Table in Raleigh, N.C.. Sister Suzanne was ordained at Raleigh Moravian Church (by Holly Springs Congregation but held at Raleigh Moravian) on August 10, 2008, with The Rt. Rev. Lane Sapp officiating. She is currently the convener for the Advocacy & Justice Action Team of the CCD of the MCSP and is the Executive Director and founder for Pastors for North Carolina Children. Suzanne has served previously as the associate pastor at Raleigh Moravian and as the program coordinator at Holly Springs.
The Rev. Elizabeth Yarbrough Neely grew up at Bethania Moravian Church where her family continues to be active. She attended Lenoir Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary before being ordained as a part of the ELCA. She has served in a variety of positions, including hospice chaplaincy, outdoor ministry, youth and family ministry, and interim pastoral positions. She has been serving as a supply pastor and is excited to begin a relational ministry with The Table. She is a homeschool teacher/administrator, a Girl Scout leader, a Girl Scout day camp director, and a children’s choir co-leader, among other things. Please support Suzanne, Elizabeth, and The Table as they begin this new relationship in ministry together.
Pastors bless the Rev. Betsy Miller at the close of the 2022 Pilgrimage Toward Racial Justice and Healing.
Racial Justice
(Continued from page 10)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month, or at other times of the year; developed a pilgrimage grant program; arranged for raising awareness on May 5 of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women with members of the Morongo Congregation; and hosted the Bible study, “Being A Christian Citizen.”
The Racial Justice Team is available to assist with resources and support for your congregation’s pilgrimage toward racial justice and healing and our shared pilgrimage to end systemic racism. We have been called to live into God’s vision for our Province and to do the work of justice entrusted to us.
“First” and “next step” resources are available for congregations at any place on the “pilgrimage” to racial justice and healing. What the Faith and Order Commission observed in 1998 is still true today: the segregation apparent in our church’s worship life and congregational life. For
some, a first step may be to explore the history of their communities’ development and barriers that may have existed (and/or exist) to greater integration. Resources are available for use by congregations, groups and individuals at mcnp.org/northern/ racial justice. n
The Rev. Sue Koenig is director of Racial Justice and Healing for the Moravian Church Northern Province. For more information, contact here at suekoenig@ mcnp.org. We will share the work of the Southern Province Moravian Team for Racial, Cultural and Ethnic Reconciliation in a future issue.
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
A CENTURY OF GRANTING LARGER LIFE TO MORAVIAN MINISTRIES
The Larger Life Foundation makes loans available to churches in the Northern Province for major capital projects like renovations and expansion. Since 1987, the Larger Life Foundation has provided more than $2 million in loans to assist Northern Province congregations.
Your gift to the Larger Life Foundation helps make these loans possible. Through your generosity, we can have far-reaching impact on the life of the Moravian Church.
To learn more about our century of granting Larger Life to Moravian ministries, visit www.largerlifefoundation.org
Larger Life Foundation
A unique opportunity to reach Moravians across North America!
When developing marketing and promotional plans for your event, product or service, be sure to include The Moravian Magazine in the mix!
Advertising in The Moravian gets your message to more than 13,500 Moravian households in the U.S., Canada and around the world. Our cost-effective advertising options offer a unique opportunity to spread your message, promote your event and offer products and services to a Moravian audience. For more information and to get started advertising in The Moravian, visit moravian.org or e-mail moravianmagazine@mcnp.org.
