Moravian Magazine, Issue 1 2024

The 2024 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 2024 hardcover, paperback, large print and journal editions, are now available at a 30% discount for a limited time. Order yours today!

Since 1920, The Larger Life Foundation has offered financial support to core ministries of the Moravian Church Northern Province. Today, 20 agencies in the Province receive assistance to help meet social, educational, ministerial, welfare and provincial needs.

Your gift to the Larger Life Foundation helps make this support 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

On the cover: Part of the quilted wall hanging in the Moravian Church Center, designed and sewn by Jill Bruckart and Lois Bly Mease.

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

PONDERINGS

Meeting the first two purposes of Synod

As I write this, I’ve just returned from the Western District Synod, held at Mt. Morris Camp in Wisconsin. In another month, I will be in Edmonton, Alberta for the Canadian District Synod, followed in two weeks by the Eastern District Synod in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.*

Yes, it’s Synod season in the Northern Province. In between the every-four-year provincial synods, the districts of the province hold their gatherings to discuss the needs of the church in their areas.

The last time the districts held their synods in 2020 (actually, thanks to COVID-19, it was 2021), they were virtual – organized and held online via Zoom. Delegates gathered in front of webcams and computer screens instead of in-person. The synod officers and planning teams were in a conference room at the Church Center in Bethlehem. The legislation and elections necessary were achieved; planners were creative with worship opportunities; reports from agencies were made via video; but we weren’t together. For the first time since joining the IBOC in 2010, I covered each Synod from my office, not in Canada or Wisconsin or at Moravian University.

This year promises to be different. Delegates will once again meet in person. Depending on the district, between 25 and 175 Moravians will come together in their areas to discuss the future of the churches within their district.

According to the Northern Province Book of Order, the first two purposes of a district synod are to a.) confirm and renew Christian love and fellowship and b.) to stimulate and strengthen the work of the Lord. While efforts were made in the virtual synods to meet these purpose, they are much better met when we gather in person.

Being all together -- to have face-to-face conversations, to worship together, to shake hands or hug or smile, to enjoy meals together, to share ideas in person – makes these gatherings much more meaningful. And as a communicator, being there lets me hear firsthand what’s happening among our congregations and agencies (and filling my story queue with lots of article ideas) while reconnecting with friends and colleagues.

If the Western District synod is any indication, this is going to be a good year for traveling. I’m looking forward to being among so many dedicated Moravians and sharing more of what happens at these important gatherings.

Peace,

Mike Riess, Editor

* I write “Ponderings” once the rest of the magazine is ready for press;, so in-depth coverage of the Western District synod will appear in our next issue. And once these are over, I then get to meet with a large gathering of my Southern Province Moravian counterparts during their Intersynodal Gathering in October.

(ISSN 1041-0961)

Issue 1 2024, Vol. 55, No. 1

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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.

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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: 16,000

Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.

Michael Riess, Editor

Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant

Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant

Interprovincial Board of Communication

Paul Knouse, chair

David Bennett, Peggy Carter, Christy Clore, Margaret Couch, 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

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Contents © 2024, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Church in America. All rights reserved

EMERGING MINISTRIES

You Belong: Making an impact in Green Bay

“If we’re not working together, we’re not doing this right!” This is a phrase I always say when I’m connecting with a new community partner. Christ calls us to build relationship so that together we might love one another more deeply and serve one another above all.

Many people have asked how our team at You Belong has made such an impact in our community in just 2 ½ years. The answer is – because we have developed hundreds of individual and community partners. To love and serve others requires us to go far beyond our own doors into the communities we serve, and the fastest way to do that is to work with others who are already serving.

Before we even hit the ground in Green Bay in 2021, our team began connecting with organizations, agencies, churches and individuals to develop a network of people who shared a passion for serving the people that we were interested in serving. Each time we entered a conversation, our focus

was on how our team can help support the work that the potential partner was already doing. This mindset has been the key to our success. Instead of having the mentality of being the new group in town looking for the help of others, we showed that we are here to support what is already happening. We listened for what was working and where there were still needs. Then we responded to what we learned by developing programs that worked to meet those needs. Before long, we became another piece of the puzzle and quickly became recognized as another impactful organization in our local community.

Everything we do at You Belong is an effort to explore how the church can exist differently in the 21st century. We believe a church can enter into and work alongside both religious and secular groups to impact the lives of God’s children in our local community. We also believe in a model of church that builds sustainability on pro-

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You Belong

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gram generated revenue which helps us become less dependent on an offering plate. It is a business minded model of church with the product being a positive and life changing impact on the lives of the people we serve.

So what exactly is You Belong? We are a faith community of the Moravian Church that emphasizes the importance of accessibility, inclusion of individuals living with disabilities, and living into a new model of church.

Here is a list of the current ministries and programs that You Belong offers:

You Belong Faith Community

• Worshiping Congregation

• Pastoral Care and Counseling

• Christian Education

Family Program:

• Family Classes

• Mom-to-Mom Postpartum Peer Support Groups

• Caregiver Classes

• The Adventure Zone – an accessible indoor learning and play center

All Abilities Program:

• Respite Care

• Vocational Training Program

• Better Together Social Events

• Accessible Gardening Program

What is the impact these ministries and programs are having?

• Improve mental health

• Practice and promotion of self-care

• Healthy child-development

• Respite Support for individuals and families

• Parenting and caregiver education

• Bridging the gap between people living with and without disabilities through relationship-building

• Providing safe and educational spaces for families and children to grow and learn together

• Support for individuals/families experiencing homelessness, domestic

violence, and foster care

• Vocational training for individuals living with disabilities

Why is this work important?

We believe what we do is important to the people we serve in their everyday lives while also working to help change larger systems of structure in areas of accessibility. We also believe that this unique ministry is important for the Moravian Church as we explore ways to build sustainability for the church of the future.

To start 2024, You Belong was selected as one of 50 nonprofits to participate in a 24-hour fundraising event called Give Big Green Bay. Give Big Green Bay is a day focused on raising awareness and support for local non-profits in the Green Bay community. This event was started through a partnership between the Greater Green Bay Foundation and the Green Bay Packers who offered a percentage match to each nonprofit with over $500,000 available in the matching fund. The idea is simple enough,

of the 50 non-profits working together to raise funds, You Belong receives percentage of the matching fund equal to the percentage of the total funds received during the event. Our goal was to raise $15,000 in 24 hours; thanks to many generous donors, we raised an amazing $48,600!

We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from the Northern Province and various churches and Moravian individuals over the past 2-1/2 years. As we take our next step in developing our own sustainability, we are finding a variety of ways to generate funds through our programs and ministries. Most of our programs are generating funds that will soon give us the sustainability that we need to allow You Belong to thrive for many years to come. Until we hit that threshold, we continue to write grants and rely on donor support to keep building up this work.

To learn more, visit youbelongwi.org! n

The Rev. Greg Behrend serves at You Belong in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photos courtesy of You Belong

MORAVIAN BISHOPS

Remembering Bishop Clennon

In the warm embrace of the Lord, The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, known affectionately to all as Hopeton, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born under the Jamaican sun in the vibrant city of Kingston, Hopeton was a beacon of light and love to everyone he encountered. He departed from this earthly realm, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship and unwavering faith.

Hopeton was born on March 25, 1960, in Kingston, Jamaica. He was the son of Enos Leopold Clennon and Iris May Jones Clennon. He was united in marriage to Shelia Monica Johnson, on July 23, 1988, at Trinity Moravian Church, Kingston, Jamaica.

He attended the University of West Indies and United Theological College of West Indies, graduating in 1982 with a diploma in Ministerial Studies and in 1991 received an M.A. in Theology. He was ordained on June 19, 1983, and served as pastor in Jamaica until moving to the United States in 1989. In the United States, he served Faith Moravian Church, Washington, DC; Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, PA; Moravian Church of Downey near Los Angeles, CA; as chaplain of Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary and served as the senior pastor of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA. Additionally, Br. Hopeton had been the driving force for the renovations in Camp Hope, Jamaica. On October 25, 1998, he was consecrated as the 320th bishop of the Worldwide Moravian Unity.

Hopeton is preceded in death by his parents Enos Leopold and Iris May and his sisters Andrea Mae Clennon and Denese Clennon. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Shelia Clennon; children Andrew Clennon of Bethlehem, PA; Danielle Landis and husband Jared of Limerick, PA; HopeElizabeth Clennon-Hibbert and her husband Randy of New Jersey; grandchildren Nathaniel and Grace and sisters Evett Joy Barnett of Los Angeles, Calif. and Bethinia’ (Betty) Edwards of Jamaica.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, PA. During that service, the Rev. Dr. Livingstone Thompson from the British Province gave a moving tribute to Hopeton. Brother Thompson offered his memoir for us to reprint here.

It is difficult and maybe pointless to try to conceal the shock, the sadness and the solemnity of this hour. So, what can one say? This sense of agony brings to mind the words of Jesus in John 12:27: Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say?

In his closing moments, Br Hopeton also expressed that sense of agony: “Hon, what should I do? What should I do?” This is the question he asked Shelia on the day of his passing, and it is the question we must ponder. In a moment we will come back to the story of that question.

Br Hopeton, Br Clennon, Bishop Clennon, Pastor Clennon, or for those of us who were in college with him, Penroy, was a very unique person. Of course, everyone is unique but what I mean is that in him we saw qualities which are rare: preacher, leader, administrator, organiser, manager; son, brother, father, husband, pastor, friend; he was all of these. Others are these too; however, there is rare ability he possessed, which we see in relatively few people, an ability by which hundreds, maybe thousands of people, certainly we who are here

have been affected and impacted; and that was his ability to connect people and be connected to people. It is that ability which caused every one of us to feel we were special to him, in a personal way. When this quality is superimposed upon the other rudimentary qualities, we get a person who has the ability to create a pandemic – in a positive way. We got a feel for that when, with a few hours’ notice, over 250 people joined a Zoom call for a time of prayer.

Hopeton the Connector

One writer, (Malcom Gladwell, in his book, The Tipping Point) speaks of persons who have such significant impact that they create something like to an epidemic. They turn ordinary moments into a tipping point. The writer refers to those persons as Connectors, people who are important not simply because of the number of people they know, or because of the kinds of people they know, but also because of the importance that they give to the people they know. Hopeton was a Connector. Like Hopeton, Connectors are curious and take (Continued on next page)

Moravians from many places filled the sanctuary at Home Moravian Church for Bishop Hopeton Clennon’s memorial service

Clennon memorial

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personal interest in each person they meet; they are self-confident, sociable, likeable and full of energy and, in Hopeton’s case, full of smiles and laughter. In Hopeton’s case you add to those Connector qualities; a man of faith, kind and gentle, gracious and God fearing, and we get a Super Connector, who willingly supports us in our faith-journey and with our connection to God.

That is why we feel so connected to him in a personal and special way. Speaking of Hopeton, people are more inclined to say, “He’s my friend”; owning him in a specific way because we know he owned each of us in a personal and specific way. No one, after meeting him, comes away as just an acquaintance. They become treasured friend.

That is why we each have personal stories and photographic evidence of that personal connection.

I have been consumed with Facebook

(FB) stories since his passing, as if I can’t afford to miss each story; since we have FB, I will not need to repeat them here and look at the stories and you will see what I mean.

What shall I do?

And speaking of stories, my reflection today was influenced by a story Shelia shared. I wasn’t aware of his passing when I sent her a text inquiring of how he was, not realising he had passed 40 minutes before. Let me read in full her response: “Your brother passed at noon today. He was at peace. He woke up and asked me, ‘Hon, what should I do?’ I asked him, ‘Hon, what do you want?’ He asked me the same question again, ‘Hon, what should I do? I said, ‘Hon, it’s okay to go home.’ He is at peace.”

I have spent the last few days turning over in my mind what he really meant by that question; What should I do? I was helped as I turned to the scripture and read John 12:27. Here Jesus speaking said, “Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?”

Through this text, I hear Hopeton, in the final moments, as man in anguish, evidently sensing the dawning of a moment of transition; seeking, as he always does, another perspective; not consumed with his wisdom, he was modest and not a Mr. Know-it-all; In humility seeking help; not bubbling with confidence about the implications of all this. What should I do?

That question to Shelia represents a questioning of faith and of God, not knowing what way to turn. What should I do, standing at the crossroad of life. What should I do?

Hopeton’s Question is our Question

We who are here today and hearing this now know of his anguish in the final hours, agonising about what was best for this moment, seeking guidance in a moment of anguish.

The Rev. Dr. Livingstone Thompson speaking during Bishop Clennon’s memorial service.

A message from our bishops

At Hopeton’s memorial service, the Rev. Dr. Michael Johnson shared this message on behalf of our Moravian bishops...

“These are times when our hearts are so broken that at first, we may not be able to say thank you. That is the reason we have gathered here today – to give thanks for the life of Bishop Hopeton Clennon.

“For a time, there were eight of us – eight Northern Province Bishops. Now there are seven. We are no longer whole. We will be missing that smiling face in the 8th square on our zoom call next month. We are already missing his laughter and his zest for life.

This question will occupy our minds in the coming days; what should I do; now that my friend is gone, what should I do? My pastor has died, what should I do? Our Bishop is gone, what shall we do?

Who will pick up what he has relinquished? Who will become the Connector? Who will be the organiser? Who will

“Hopeton was given the same number of hours in a day that we all are given, but he lived much more than 24 hours a day! His hours were filled with inquisitiveness, a passion for people (all people) and a keen mind that could clarify and focus a conversation, no matter the topic. In Hopeton, we could glimpse the joy of a life well lived, serving and loving his Savior.

“Love never dies. There is so much love that we gave to Hopeton and so much love that he gave to us, and the world. And love never dies.” n

provide the inspiration? Who will be the pastor? Who will be the friend to take more than just passing interest in others?

Hopeton’s question is our question, “What should I do? And so, I ask you, you who have been affected and impacted by his connection, now that our brother has made his transition, “What will you do? n

MORAVIAN TRAVELS

Editor’s note: Bishop Hopeton Clennon was well-known for hosting Moravian tours all over the globe. Shortly before his passing,, he guided a choir from Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., on a tour of his home country, Jamaica. Choir member Sarah Jennings shared this remembrance.

We stepped out of our air-conditioned buses into the unrelenting noon-day sun and approached the low stone walls of the Old Carmel Moravian Heritage Site. Once a Moravian settlement, all that remains, at this point, is the graveyard established in 1756 that pays tribute to those earliest Moravian missionaries.

As we walked among the ancient graves, we reflected on what our Moravian forebears must have thought of this new place. They had much to fear. The land, after all, was given to them because no one else wanted it. And as time would tell, many of them quickly fell ill and died. But they persevered. There are now 61 Moravian churches in Jamaica. The history of Jamaica cannot be told

Touring Jamaica with the Home Church choir

without speaking of slavery. In fact, ministering to the slaves was what brought those first European Moravians to Jamaica. The Moravians were not only the first to bring the gospel to the slaves, but they also established the first primary school of any kind in Jamaica. So, the history of Jamaica can not be told without speaking of the Moravians.

We were not in Jamaica only to learn its history; we came to sing—with as many Moravian choirs as we could! And we had precious cargo with us. In planning the trip, Bishop Hopeton Clennon, our trip leader, had mentioned that our biggest challenge might be having a reliable instrument to accompany us at some of the churches, so our fundraising efforts had focused on providing an electronic keyboard that traveled with us.

Twenty-five choir members from Home Moravian Church began our eight-day itinerary with an overnight stay in Montego Bay, followed by several days in Mandeville, then on to Kingston where we took part in the Watch Night service, the highlight

Home Moravian Church choir members sing with the New Beulah Moravian Church choir in Jamaica

of the Christmas season. Before returning home, we connected with the PEC to hand over the piano and a donation to Camp Hope, the Moravian youth camp.

Coordinating concerts can be daunting. Fortunately, we were able to work with music director Halzen Smith at New Beulah in Mandeville. We shared music in advance that we then performed together. Technology was not as reliable in other situations, but we found that in the end it really didn’t matter.

Glenn Siebert, our music director, determined that our most authentic voice would be to offer music composed by mostly European-born composers who had lived in early Salem. Our men’s quartet and Erik Salzwedel’s trombone rounded out our repertoire.

Each choir we sang with had a voice that was uniquely theirs. One choir, for example, showed up without their accompanist because he was sick. And you know what? They performed anyway - a cappella. They

did a totally awesome job! There were youth choirs; choirs of all ages; soloists, with different accompaniments from keyboards and drums to recorded music, all delivered with gusto! Another choir, wearing colorful stoles, sang a lovely hymn. Then they tied their stoles around their heads and started swaying to a rollicking tune in a language we did not understand. While we didn’t recognize the words, we had no trouble at all catching their enthusiasm!

Experiencing such great diversity in music - from European classical to Jamaican Patois, with a good measure of gospel thrown in - filled us with the Holy Spirit in all its joyful exuberance! The delight of just being together was palpable! Over the course of our trip, we were able to visit or sing with New Irwin, Holy Cross, New Beulah, Goshen, Zorn, Mizpah and Covenant Moravian churches. And, in typical Moravian style, we were met with warm fellowship and delicious food wherever we went, (Continued on next page)

Touring the Old Carmel Heritage site in Jamaica

Home in Jamaica

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much of it prepared by the congregations we visited.

Traveling with Hopeton and his wife, Shelia, was a pleasure, and no trip to Kingston could be complete without a trip to world famous Devon House I-Scream, no matter how long the line is. When the security guard was asked if he ever had to break up fights among those waiting in line, he replied: every day! Hey, if an ice cream shop requires security, it’s gotta be good!

We had planned this trip for well over a year, and everything came together perfectly. Everything, that is, except Hopeton learning just days before our trip that he was seriously ill. He came on the trip anyway, and gave it his all. Only those who knew him well would have noticed that he was not his usual self. When he did not feel well enough to join us, Shelia, his sister, Betty, or other family members stepped in. The gift of hospitality seems to run in the family.

We completely understood when Hopeton and Shelia decided to return home one day early, but no one was prepared to lose

Hopeton just days later. How could a person so full of love and life be gone so soon? We continue to struggle with this great loss. Our one consolation was seeing Hopeton doing what he loved best – leading groups to his beloved homeland, enabling individuals to form relationships.

We are naturally curious when we travel to see how others may differ from ourselves. But in the Moravian world, we invariably learn that it’s our similarities that pull us closer together. We have a way of rubbing off on each other in a good way. That’s why our congregation experienced a few Jamaican hymns during our recent mission lovefeast. And the reverse may very well have happened in Jamaica. In any case, we now have a deeper appreciation for each other – both those we met in Jamaica, and those with whom we traveled. Building and sustaining relationships – that’s the very definition of a successful mission trip. n

Sarah Jennings is a member of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.

UNITY WOMEN’S DESK

Stars “lighting the way” for Moravian girls and women

Nearly 200 green and purple stars from Herrnhut Star Factory in Herrnhut, Germany, traveled about 4500 miles distance and arrived in Winston-Salem in 2023.

The stars, donated by Herrnhut Star Factory to the Unity Women’s Desk (UWD), were assembled by volunteers during a two month’s long assembly, carried by “star walkers” through Salem from Home Moravian Church to the Old Salem Museums & Gardens Visitor Center in Winston-Salem, and were displayed in the tall windows of

the center during October.

Posters that included tributes and bios in honor or in memory of women who shared hope or worked for justice in their homes, churches, communities and the worldwide Moravian Church were displayed with the stars. Tributes to Elizabeth Marx, who influenced the lives of thousands of students at Colego Morava in Bluefields, Nicaragua, to Virginia “Pete” Crater, the heart and soul of the Chicken Pie group at Fries Memorial Moravian Church,

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Volunteers hang green and purple Hernhuter stars as part of the Unity Women’s Desk’s Lighting the Way effort in Winston-Salem

Lighting the way

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and to Joyce Carter, “shelter paraclete” who “through her gift for guiding others led throngs of people to love boldly and reach out to the disenfranchised children of God” were included in the nearly 200 bios and tributes that lined the windows of the Old Salem Visitor Center in October.

Donations from individuals, organizations, groups and churches for the stars help to provide support for women through scholarships for education, access to food, healthcare, economic security, human rights and leadership in families, churches and communities all over the world.

Now these stars have been dispersed, and they hang in churches, homes and offices, most in the Southern Province in North America. Light shines through the green and purple paper points, honoring and remembering a constellation of women and lending support, inspiration and hope to women in 27 provinces, mission provinces and mission areas.

The “Lighting the Way for Moravian Girls & Women” fundraiser-celebration of the Unity Women’s Desk of the Moravian

Church celebrated women with these stars that have been the colors of the International Women’s Day Movement since the early 1900s: green symbolizing hope and purple symbolizing justice.

UWD, officially established in 2011 by Unity Synod works to empower Moravian women for global change and works for gender justice and human rights for women.

Three UWD scholarship recipients — Dorcas Wood, Jheanelle Harvey and EmmaGrace Stevenson—spent several days before the October reception and celebration dinner in Winston-Salem, helping to hang the stars in the Visitor Center, speaking at mission moments in worship at Winston-Salem congregations, meeting with church groups and circles, participating in a Salem Walk, meeting with Estamos Unidos, working at Sunnyside ministries and speaking at the “Lighting the Way” dinner to share experiences and hopes made possible by the UWD scholarship support.

Dorcas Wood, a nursing student from Trujillo, Colon, Honduras (pictured at far right) said that she hopes to use her nursing degree to help women and girls in rural Honduras. She volunteered for the UWD as

interpreter during the 2021 Latin America/ Caribbean Moravian Women’s Conference and the 2022 Spanish-Speaking Connections Conference in Panama and helped women in Honduras with digital connections and with completing online applications.

Jheanelle Harvey, from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, earned a degree in electrical engineering and computing in October 2023 and helps other women with language and computer skills.

EmmaGrace Stevenson is a senior at Brevard College in western North Carolina studying Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education. EmmaGrace will use her knowledge and skill to help others appreciate and care for God’s world.

For Dorcas Wood, Jheanelle Harvey, EmmaGrace Stevenson and more than 200 other young women, the Unity Women’s Desk scholarships have been bridges and connectors to prepare for their own careers but also to help others, both those in their provinces and for the global ministry of the Unity Women’s Desk.

Safie Braima, who administers two Moravian secondary schools in Sierra Le-

one, also spoke at the “Lighting the Way” dinner. Each year since 2014, UWD has provided scholarships at the schools that Safie administers in Sierra Leone. In 2023 UWD is supporting 17 secondary school students as well as five college/university students. The Unity Women’s Desk is a ministry of the worldwide Moravian Church. Its purpose is to positively impact the lives of women and girls by coordinating the spiritual, financial, educational, and material resources that exist throughout the Moravian Unity. Julie Tomberlin, PhD. is the coordinator for Unity Women’s Desk and the only full time staff. Jean Richardson of Dover, Ohio, serves part time as treasurer, and Liz Venable of Winston-Salem volunteers as secretary. Dozens of volunteers and hundreds of donors worked to make the Lighting the Stars Campaign a great success, supporting the continued ministry of the Unity Women’s Desk. n

Kay Windsor is a member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem and volunteered for the Unity Women’s Desk “Lighting the Way” celebration.

BOOK REVIEW

Forged:

Following Jesus Into a New Kind of Family

by the Rev T.C. Moore

Broadleaf Books, 2024 • 181 pages

a review by the Rev. Dana G. Myers

What do a former foster child, the only child of a schizophrenic single mother; an 18th century German hymn writer/deaconess and a high school dropout-turned-Moravian pastor have in common? All three of us have found ourselves at the intersection of a “forged family,” a non-nuclear collaboration of people who love each other, care for each other’s needs, and follow our Lamb into joyful service through community.

The former foster child, the Rev. T.C. Moore, pastor of Roots Moravian Church in St. Paul, Minn., explores these ideas in his new book, Forged: Following Jesus Into a New Kind of Family. The hymn writer, Henriette Maria Louise von Hayn, also wrote about this beautiful forged Moravian family when she commented in her memoir, “I left a pair of loving parents, but here (Herrnhut) it was as though I found a hundred fathers and mothers all at once.” I, the high school dropout-turned pastor, had the honor to review T.C.’s book before it was released to the general public. I found in the book even more ties that bind myself and my “fictive kin” throughout Moravian history and into my present experience in the Moravian Church.

Rather than a tired call for ill-conceived “unity” among Christians who often can’t agree on a place to eat breakfast, much less find common ground among themselves in

doctrine and theology, “Forged” references and calls our attention to cultivate relationships that already exist. Rather than just observing what a forged family looks like, Moore expounds on the idea. The early chapters in the book explain that the foundation for our relationships is always rooted in the Gospel of Christ. Moore describes a “collective culture of the kin(g)dom of God” and rather than finding ourselves craving this type of community, we find ourselves identifying with marks of it already present in our own local churches, our relationships with those outside our congregations and with those across the world who share our bond of being “Moravian forged family.”

Forged family subverts Empire. We read of Jesus’ radical ideas behind forging a new

kind of family centered around his justicedriven mission and ministry. Brother T.C. calls us to remember that we are not a forged family made up of lazy, lethargic, negligent people. Rather, we are called to resist harmful relationships and institutional structures and instead, build up a community of passionate, faithful justicecentered disciples who bind ourselves not only to one another, but also to our Lord.

We read in the book of T.C.’s dysfunctional, biological family, and the echoes of financial hardship, neglect and unhealthy relationships with biological family members ring true in my own life as well. Though I never joined a street gang, my heart ached in reading T.C.’s story with a shared experience of children whose parents cannot love them properly. T.C. shifts effortlessly from describing his own personal experiences with forged family and sharing reflections and stories from the Scriptures of Jesus’ experiences. When T.C. describes his own baptism and the desire to share the love of God in his own heart with his mother, I felt the agony in his expression of care for the person who should have cared for him most, and yet could not.

Discussing realistic ways to deal with inevitable conflict in our forged family, T.C. resists the “toxic, traumatizing” type of conflict and, instead, leads us to a gentle, Spirit-filled discussion on how to love one another through conflict, not just in spite of it. He talks of conflict and confrontation being opportunities to grow in Christ and not just threats to divide our forged family. He speaks of reconciliation, repentance and relationships with practical, heartfelt advice and thoughts.

Weaving in personal stories and experiences with advice and practical wisdom, Forged takes us on a journey through the

wilderness of loneliness into the hope of a bright future for Moravians and all believers in Christ when we work to strengthen and uphold our forged family. He prioritizes inclusion and diversity in this forged family, reminding us that we are all God’s beloved children together in this household. He speaks of grace and covenantal relationships, of discipleship and the “transitive property of love.”

I believe that Forged shows us a picture of the future of our Church: a renewing of the old ways of depending on one another through all aspects of life, of leaning into an uncertain future while knowing that the inevitable decline that comes to all denominations is not the end of our existence together. Moravians are, after all, the hidden seed protected throughout the centuries by faithful ones who remember the old ways. We are accustomed to working together in forged families, drawing from our traditions of active cultural lifestyles with one another. We need reminders to cultivate “space at our tables for those who have been left out, cast aside and pushed around.” After all, T.C. says, “It often literally requires hosting a dinner and inviting people over. The kin(g)dom of God is a family in which there is literally always room for more.”

May we always make space, create bonds and forge ahead together, a messy, rag-tag, chaotic little family who loves each other, loves our neighbors and our Savior, and looks forward to the day when our kin(g)dom table gets bigger and bigger! n

The Rev. Dana G. Myers is a Moravian pastor serving with Come and Worship Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Forged is now available from the IBOC at store.moravian.org.

MISSION

Trinity Moravian awarded BWM’s 2023 Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation MORAVIANS IN

At a special worship service in January at Trinity Moravian Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina, the Board of World Mission presented the Trinity congregation with the 2023 Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation.

In 2019, the Board of World Mission voted to recognize congregations in North America who were doing exemplary mission and service work, both in their local communities as well as in global mission efforts. Board members decided to name this the Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation for Dedicated Mission and Service.

Why Herrnhut, you might ask? Many of you already know the answer. In 1731, the small Moravian community in Herrnhut, Germany, was introduced to Anthony Ulrich, a man of African descent, who was the slave of a Danish nobleman. Anthony told the community about the conditions under which several of his family members lived as enslaved persons on sugar plantations

on the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. On that day, hearts were stirred to action, and within a year, Herrnhut missionaries Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann were on the ground in St. Thomas, seeking to be the light of Christ to the enslaved persons on that island.

In the next ten years, the Herrnhut community would send missionaries to Greenland, Lapland, Georgia (US), Guinea Coast (Africa), South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Dutch Guiana (now Surinam), Algiers (Africa), St. Croix (Virgin Islands), Pennsylvania and New York (US). Those actively serving on mission fields were supported by the prayers and encouragement of the community back home and by the financial support received from the industries set up to raise funds for this endeavor. This demonstrated the Christian compassion and determination Moravians showed to see that the oppressed would know of God’s love for them.

The Herrnhut Congregational Affirma-

Members of Trinity Moravian celebrate the retirement of medical debt.

tion for Dedicated Mission and Service goes to a Moravian congregation in the Northern or Southern Province that is in some way following the example of the Moravian community in Herrnhut by actively giving of themselves in terms of time, talent and treasure to be the light of Christ to others. We are thrilled to name Trinity Moravian Church as the second recipient of this affirmation. Here are just a few of the ways Trinity Moravian Church is involved in mission:

• Trinity was instrumental in the organization of Sunnyside Ministry and continues to be a key part of this dynamic ministry as it has long outgrown the little house across the parking lot from the church.

• Trinity has also been instrumental in the formation of the Anthony’s Plot ministry housed right next door in their parsonage. This ministry, by the way, was named after the Anthony who inspired that first Moravian Mission to St. Thomas.

• Trinity is actively involved in the City With Dwellings organization providing meals and safe shelter to Winston-Salem’s unhoused population.

• Trinity gives children a place to learn, grow, and experience Christian community each Wednesday evening with the Logos Program.

• Their most recent – and most visible – work is Trinity‘s leadership in the medical debt relief partnership with RIP Medical Debt that has enabled well over a thousand families to escape the prison of medical debt. Their work has inspired people like Casey McIntire and her husband Gregory to raise over $700,000 in Casey’s final months of fighting ovarian cancer. This effort forgave over $70 million dollars of debt in New York City. They heard about the good work of the Trinity congregation and wanted to fol-

low that example. And they inspired Moravians from across North America to surpass the stated goal of raising $50,000 in 50 days to raising over $102,000. This provided the Moravian Clinic in Ahuas, Honduras with $25,000 that they would have never received for the ministry they provide. It also forgave over 10 million dollars of medical debt in the states of Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The good work of

Trinity Moravian Church inspired all of that and more.

As recorded in the latter half of Matthew’s 25th chapter, Jesus teaches that when you do this for the least of these, you do it also unto me. With deep appreciation for the ministry of the Trinity congregation, and with gratitude for all of the ways they are meeting the basic needs of the “least of these” in their community and beyond, the Board of World Mission is honored to present Trinity Moravian Church with the 2023 Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation. n

Sylvie Hauser is director of communications and development for the Board of World Mission.

BWM’s Chris Giesler and Angelica Regalado-Cieza present the Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation to John Jackman, pastor at Trinity Moravian.

MORAVIAN RESOURCES

IBOC updates guide that explores central Moravian documents

This spring, the Interprovincial Board of Communication introduced the second edition of Jesus Still Lead On. This guide, revised and updated by its author, the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, 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.

This expanded second edition provides those new to the Moravian Church – and those who have been Moravian all their lives – with a core understanding of our faith tradition. Each chapter in Jesus Still Lead On covers a different aspect of each of the Moravian Church’s core documents. The format includes the text from each document, commentary from the author and discussion/study questions. It’s flexible design allows it to be used by small or large groups, from confirmation age to adults.

JESUS STILL LEAD ON

AN EXPLORATION OF THE GROUND OF THE UNITY AND THE MORAVIAN COVENANT FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

The first edition was published in 2004 and has been used by congregations across the denomination. This update, revised at the request of the IBOC, reflects changes in the church and expanded scholarship since that first edition.

In Jesus Still Lead On, author Atwood describes how this study guide came to be—and where it goes from here.

“What do Moravians believe?”

THE REV. DR. CRAIG D. ATWOOD

SECOND EDITION

I’ve been asked that question many times, and I often start by saying that Moravians believe many different things. The Moravian Church does not require each of its members to profess their agreement with a series of doctrines. Instead it recognizes that people come from many different

backgrounds and have their own ways of interpreting the Bible and living the Christian life. Many of our congregations say “All are welcome,” and that means that people are welcome to be part of our church even if they do not believe exactly the way the church teaches.

As we shall see, the Moravian Church’s doctrinal statements even allow for a diversity of beliefs. So instead of saying what Moravians as individuals believe, I prefer to tell people what the Moravian Church teaches about God, the Bible and the Christian life. It teaches through its official doctrinal statements, its theological heritage, hymns and liturgies, its polity and statements of synods. This study guide is going to look closely at the doctrinal statements of the church, but those leading the study may want to bring in hymns, liturgies, and other things that illuminate the issue being discussed.

This study guide originated in the midst of conflict within North American Christianity. In the last quarter of the 20th century, many denominations struggled over issues that arose from the cultural changes the United States and Canada had experienced since World War II: the Cold War and its ending, rock and roll music, the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Movement, the Gay Rights Movement, rise in divorce rates, the sexual revolution, industrialization, globalization and so forth.

Churches had also been in conflict since the 1920s over fundamentalism and Pentecostalism. Older, more established (so-called Mainline) Protestant denominations, like the Moravians, found themselves faced with conflict over social, political and theological issues within – and

the rise of popular evangelicalism and the charismatic movement without. Congregations and the clergy who serve them were caught up in debates over styles of music in worship, ways to evangelize, biblical inerrancy, interreligious dialog, sexuality, civil rights, human rights and Christian ethics.

In the Moravian Church in North America, lay people began asking, “What does

The Moravian Church does not require each of its members to profess their agreement with a series of doctrines. Instead it recognizes that people come from many different backgrounds and have their own ways of interpreting the Bible and living the Christian life.

the church teach about God and Christian living?” No doubt some people were trying to decide if the Moravian Church agreed with them or whether doctrinal statements could be used in the so-called “culture wars” in American society. But many people were sincerely looking for guidance and insight from their church. Moravians are famously non-confrontational people, and sometimes it appeared that the church did not have much to offer. People were asking for more than just the statements themselves, but what is at the heart of the Moravian approach to Christianity.

In the Southern Province, where I am a member, the Board of Christian Education in the 1990s developed a spirituality program called Gemeinschaft. Hundreds of lay people and pastors participated in this program and found it deeply meaningful. (Continued on next page)

Jesus Still Lead On

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A core component of the program was weekly study of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, which is part of this study guide. Many participants found that this statement offered a better approach to controversial ideas than simply engaging in partisan political and religious debate. Also during the 1990s, the Northern

This study guide is going to look closely at the doctrinal statements of the church, but those leading the study may want to bring in hymns, liturgies, and other things that illuminate the issue being discussed.

Province proposed a change in some of the wording of the Ground of the Unity, which is the official doctrinal statement of the global Moravian Church (the Unity). This proposal was vigorously discussed in synod and other settings. For many Moravians, this was their first encounter with the Ground of the Unity. In both provinces there was also a lot of discussion/ argument over whether there can be salvation or truth outside of Christianity and whether “All are Welcome” includes only people with a heterosexual orientation. As a result people began looking more closely at the church’s official teachings.

After the Southern Province synod of 2002, I joined the staff of Home Moravian Church as “Theologian in Residence,” which meant that I was called to study and write about Moravian theology and teach

courses for lay people who were interested in learning more about their church and the broader Christian Church. Almost as soon as I arrived, I was asked to lead a study of Ground of the Unity. Over 50 people a night gathered to learn and discuss Moravian doctrine. After we finished, the Interprovincial Board of Communications asked me to go a step further and write a study guide that other congregations could use. And they asked that it include both the Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity. For Moravians life and faith intertwine, and we should talk about ethics as we talk about God.

Please note that this study guide was written specifically for a North American context in the early 21st century. Some of the material may be useful in other parts of the world, but others may not. I hope that Moravians in other provinces will take what is useful for them and add material specific to their context. The Covenant for Christian Living is a statement of both the Northern and Southern Provinces in North America, but the Ground of the Unity is for Moravians in every province.

The second edition of Jesus Still Lead On is now available from the IBOC. Visit the IBOC’s site (store.moravian.org) or contact them at 610.867.0593, ext. 703. n

MORAVIAN WRITINGS

Trinity Sunday: a celebration of the Triune God

Each year, the first Sunday after Pentecost is called Trin ity Sunday. On that day, Christians of many faith traditions celebrate the mystery and majesty of the three-in-one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In our Moravian Book of Worship Trinity Liturgy, we share, “Triune God, we acknowledge the profound mystery of your being, beyond our comprehension, Three In One, One in Three…We know God as Father, who seeks loving relationships with all whom he has created…We know God as Jesus Christ, the Word who became a human being and lived among us, full of grace and truth…We know God as Holy Spirit, who reveals the truth about God.”

that transcends mere curiosity, diving deep into the profound truths of salvation and spiritual understanding. One cannot ignore the significance of Nicodemus’ curiosity. His inquiry is not a casual engagement but a probing search for spiritual truth. This story is praising the genuine hunger for understanding that prompts individuals to seek Christ under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus, in his curiosity, represents the earnest seeker, the one who recognizes the need for divine enlightenment.

On the weekly bulletin messages shared in many Moravian churches, pastors have reflected on the Trinity and the Bible verses selected through the lectionary. We share those writings here.

Yearning to Learn

Trinity Sunday • May 26, 2024

Angelica Regalado Cieza, pastor, Estamos Unidos, Winston-Salem, N.C.

In John 3:1–17, the narrative unfolds with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, approaching Jesus under the cloak of night, driven by a curious yearning for understanding. This nocturnal rendezvous sets the stage for a conversation

John 3:16, the crown jewel of this passage, epitomizes salvation’s essence. God’s sovereign love permeates the discourse, which under-scores the depth of divine sacrifice and the exclusivity of salvation through faith in Christ. The verse resonates with the unyielding truth that salvation is not earned; it is graciously given by a sovereign God.

The interplay between curiosity and understanding culminates in the metaphor of being “born again.” Jesus’ words highlight the profound transformation it entails. Jesus’ words stress the Holy Spirit’s role in enlightening the spiritually dead.

We have Matthew 6:33, “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” and Philippians 2:13a, “It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to

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Trinity Sunday

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will and to work.” We don’t know what happened with Nicodemus after this encounter with Jesus. We do know that his curiosity of Jesus led him to act, seek and ask about the profound understanding of the divine truths. May we all have this curiosity to know and learn more about Christ in our daily life.

Born of Water and Spirit

Trinity Sunday May 27, 2018

Kurt Liebenow, pastor, Watertown Moravian Church, Watertown, Wis.

It is convenient to buy an item in a grocery store in which the directions are “mix with water.” Everything that is needed is in the box—except for the water. Eating or drinking the product without water is not recommended and is not appetizing. But when mixed with water, what is intended is realized. With water, the food or beverage is pleasing. In a similar way, this could describe the opportunity of our existence. Our life is what’s in the box. We’re packaged; we’re ready to go. We need water to be complete.

Jesus tells Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” Nicodemus doesn’t understand. Isn’t our birth a one-time occurrence? Can our lives change again in the magnitude of a birth?

Jesus says in the text that entrance to the kingdom of God requires a birth via water and Spirit. Is Jesus also saying we can see the kingdom of God now? I think so. When someone offers music in worship that becomes more than the performance of notes and connects a person with the glory of God—isn’t that a kingdom sighting? When a Sunday school teacher engages a student with the planned lesson and the student

grasps a clearer understanding of God—isn’t that a kingdom sighting? When someone is suffering and another comes to sit alongside and in that visit there is an uplifting assurance of hope and forgiveness is received— isn’t that a kingdom sighting?

Being born of the water and Spirit enhances living today beyond what may be attained in this world, and gives vision into God’s kingdom. It takes our life and living out of the box and makes us heavenly.

The Trinity in the Mirror

Trinity Sunday, June 6, 2004

C. Scott Venable III, associate pastor, Home Moravian Church Winston Salem, N.C.

Theologian Frederick Buechner gives some helpful insight into the concept of the Trinity in his book Wishful Thinking. He suggests that to get a better grasp on the mystery of the Trinity, all you need to do is look in the mirror at yourself. There are three important aspects to that one person standing before you.

First of all, you have an interior life. It is known to you and perhaps a few people to

whom you choose to communicate it. The interior life is like God the Father/Creator. Second, there is your outward, visible self, which reflects your inner life to a certain extent. This exterior life is like God the Son/Redeemer. Third, you have an invisible power that you can use to communicate your interior life to others. This way, others can catch a glimpse of the real you, if you are willing to share this. This is what God the Holy Spirit/ Sustainer does. The mirror still reflects only one person. Yet, the three aspects are there.

The Trinity is a time-tested concept that helps us better understand God’s revelation of God’s self to us. The concept is present throughout Scripture, with John 16:12-15 being just one example.

One of the best ways I have found to think about the Trinity is to imagine a party. God the Creator has invited each of us to an ultimate grand party (also referred to as eternal life). The price of admission has been paid for us by God the Redeemer (Jesus) in his death. God the Holy Spirit is continually at work, calling us into a community and leading us to tell others that the party is being thrown for them as well.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and communion and fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be and abide with you, now and forevermore!

Go Change the World

Trinity Sunday, June 2, 1996

Charles Fishel, pastor, Bethania Moravian Church, Bethania N.C.

When someone very close to us is dying, we grasp the last word spoken to us as a very important expression of the love that has been shared together.

Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and was raised. His words were important to the

disciples who had lived with him. Especially after the resurrection, any verbal contact with Jesus was cherished. The commissioning words of Jesus burned in their whole being: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

The angel came to the tomb on the day of the resurrection and told Mary Magdalene and the other Mary: “Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead’” (Matthew 28:7). As they ran to tell the others, Jesus met them and said: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Matthew 28:10).

The disciples, under the authority of Jesus, were to go and change the world. They were to make disciples and baptize.

Having confessed Jesus as Lord and been baptized into the community of faith, one receives the great commission. The words form the song, “Go Change the World,” capture the great commission and privilege of every person who takes the name Christian. One may not be considered an evangelist, but everyone in Christ is called to be an inspiration of faith and love by their life.

We are to go, either next door or to another nation, to make disciples, one person at a time. It is not an option, but a command.

Those united in Christ are baptized into submission to Christ and are willing to live his way. “Go and change the world.”

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

2024 Watchwords

At the close of 2023, watchwords for 2024 were drawn in Herrnhut, the birthplace of the renewed Moravian Church, for the Unity Board, Provinces and Unity Undertakings.

The 2024 watchword for the Unity Board is from January 24: “Earth and the heavens will perish, but you will endure.” Psalm 102:26

The 2024 watchword for the Northern Province is from April 14: “It is God who arms me with strength.” Psalm 18:32 NIV

The 2024 watchword for the Southern Province is from June 19: “Listen to me, my people; hear me my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations.” Isaiah 51:4 NIV

NORTHERN PROVINCE

Pastoral Updates

Sr. Byrnese Craig was installed as a parttime Licensed Lay Pastor at the MorningStar Moravian Church in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Sr. Craig is an ordination review candidate of the Moravian Church Northern Province and is currently a student at Moravian Theological Seminary.

Correction

In our last issue, we misspelled the name of one of Ted Wilde Mission Service Award winners (story, page 23). The awardee’s name is Edward Winney, not Edward Winnie. We aplogize for the error.

Br. Cliff Bergstresser was installed as the part-time Licensed Lay Pastor at First Moravian Church of York, Pennsylvania on Sunday March 3, 2024. Br. Bergstresser has been a lifelong Moravian and has begun taking Crossroads courses at Moravian Theological Seminary.

Sr Jesmina Meade was installed as the full-time pastor at Trinity Moravian Church, New Carrollton, MD on February 25, 2024. She previously served as the parttime Licensed Lay Minister of MorningStar Moravian Church in Coopersburg, Pa.. She graduated from Moravian Theological Seminary in May 2023 with an MDiv and was ordained on January 21, 2024.

Retirements

The Rev. John Wallace has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective September 1, 2024. Brother Wallace was ordained on August 26, 1984, and has served in the Moravian Church at the congregations of Veedum, West Salem, Berea and Waconia in the Western District and most recently in the Eastern District at First Moravian Church of Dover, Ohio. The Church is grateful for Brother Wallace’s forty years of service.

The Rev. Donald Michaels has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective December 18, 2024. Brother Don was ordained on June 11, 1995, and has served the Rio Terrace congregation in Canada and Fry’s Valley and Sharon in Ohio. The church is grateful for Brother Donald’s many years of faithful service.

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

The Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective December 31, 2024. Brother Chris was ordained on June 8, 1986, and has served in the Moravian Church Southern Province; as Chaplain at Moravian Theological Seminary; as Director of the Eastern District Youth Ministry; as pastor of Edgeboro and Emmaus congregations and most recently as Director of Missional Engagement with the Board of World Mission. Brother Chris was consecrated a Bishop on November 13, 2010. The Church is grateful for Brother Chris’ thirty-eight years of faithful service.

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Presbyterial Consecrations

The Rev.  Rusty Rushing was consecrated a presbyter on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Little Church on the Lane Moravian Church, Charlotte, N.C., with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne Burkette officiating. Rusty was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on November 19, 2017 at Little Church on the Lane Moravian Church with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Graham Rights officiating.

The Rev. Adam Goodrich was consecrated a presbyter on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Union Cross Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., with The Rt. Rev. Sam Gray officiating. Adam was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on September 24, 2017 at Olivet Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC with The Rt. Rev. Sam Gray officiating.

Ardmore Moravian Church

The Rev.  Joe Moore has accepted the call to be the Pastor of Ardmore Moravian Church. His present ministry as the Pastor of Bethania Moravian Church concluded April 7, 2024. His first Sunday with Ardmore Moravian was April 21, 2024. Please keep Joe, The Rev. Kelly Moore, and Zach in your prayers as they move through this time of transition in ministry. Also hold the Bethania and Ardmore congregations in your prayers.

Provincial Service

The Rev. James Demby has accepted a call to Provincial Service. His present ministry as the Pastor of Pine Chapel Moravian Church will conclude on March 31. Please keep James and the Pine Chapel congregation in your prayers during this transition.

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Obituary: The Rev. Sandra Lynette Alvis Thigpen

Sr. Sandra Thigpen was called home on Monday, January 15, 2024, after a brief illness at the Magnolia Creek Assisted Living in Winston Salem.

Sr. Sandra was born on January 12, 1945, in Louisville, KY. She graduated in 1991 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and was ordained a Deacon on August 19, 1992. She was the first female Chaplain to serve in an adult male correction facility in North Carolina. Reverend Thigpen served as an Associate Chaplain at Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries for seven years, was the Assistant Senior Chaplain for three years, and Chaplain at the N.C. Baptist Hospital while completing studies in Clinical Pastoral Education.

In 1997, she was awarded the National Woman of Achievement Award for Religion and was the keynote speaker for the International Moravian Women’s Conference. In September 2000, Reverend Thigpen was the Millennium Speaker for the Virgin Islands Moravian Women’s Fellowship Conference. She became the

first African-American woman to the pastorate in the Moravian Church in America; she served as pastor to St. Phillips Moravian Church, the oldest African-American Church in Winston Salem, as an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest Divinity School, and pastor of Grace Moravian Church in Queens, N.Y.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christina (mother); John Alvis Sr, (father); two brothers; one sister; and her only son, Brian Christopher Thigpen, on May 1, 2023.

Sr. Sandra is survived by her daughter, Tosha Davis; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren:; her sister, Inez Grevious (Rev. Robert Grevious); her brother Reginald Alvis; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial celebrating her life was held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Calvary Moravian Church, Winston-Salem. Cards & memorials can be sent in care of Tosha Davis to 1694 Gateway Dr. , Loris, SC 29569. n

Northern Province Racial Justice Team announces “Being a Christian Citizen: A Bible Study for Our Time”

The Northern Province Racial Justice Team has prepared a timely five-week Bible Study on Christian Citizenship drawing on the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and related scriptural texts. This study is open to Moravians in both the Northern and Southern Provinces.

“Being a Christian Citizen: A Bible Study for Our Time,” is available to download for use in congregations. In addition, the Racial Justice Team will offer the Bible study on Zoom on Tuesdays, May 28, and June 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET.

Most of the hour will be spent in small groups discussing questions provided in the Bible Study. Session titles include: Humility

as a Christian Citizen; We Are Citizens of a Country, What Does That Mean?; and Civil Authority and Responsibility: Obligations and Opportunities.

The online Zoom Bible study sessions are also open to all. A version of “Being a Christian Citizen” adapted for use in Canada will also be available to download.

Information on the Zoom session and to download the study, please visit the Racial Justice and Healing section of www.mcnp. org. You can also contact the Rev. Sue Koenig, Director of Racial Justice and Healing at suekoenig@mcnp.org for additional information. n

Eight great ways to dig deeper into Moravian history.

When seeking to understand more about today, sometimes the best place to look is yesterday.

Learn more of the rich, 550-plus-year history of the Moravian Church with one of more than a dozen historical titles available from the Interprovincial Board of Communication.

From brief introductions to in-depth studies, these books deliver interesting and insightful looks into the unique story of faith that laid the foundation of today’s Moravian Church.

In this new year, dig a little deeper into Moravian history with these and other publications, available online at store.moravian.org or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 703.

MORAVIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

1021 CENTER STREET

BETHLEHEM, PA 18018

PHONE 800.732.0591 • www.moravian.org