Moravian Magazine • May 2011

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Camping 2011 Preview New life for Moravian keys The battle against HIV/AIDS …and more!

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 by picking up one of these historical titles 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.

This spring, dig a little deeper into Moravian history with these and other publications, available online at www.moravian.org/ publications or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

MORAVIAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA 10 #09 t $&/5&3 453&&5 #&5)-&)&. 1" 1)0/& t '"9 t XXX NPSBWJBO PSH

On the cover: The campfire pit looks out over the quiet lake at Camp Hope.

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Camping 2011 Preview New life for Moravian keys The battle against HIV/AIDS …and more!

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6 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith

Ministry of Camping

In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

6 8 9 11

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Moravian Church camps: Faith, nature and fun for Summer 2011 Gearing up for summer at Laurel Ridge Summer at Mt. Morris offers fun for middle-schoolers & more A time of transition at Camp Hope Exciting things are happening at Camp Van Es

Moravian Music 12 Singing a (new) Moravian song!

19 For Ebenezer organist, playing and practicing is “the best medicine” 21 An “organ transplant” gives music to congregation 22 Nothing wasted, nothing lost Member, Associated Church Press

Congregations in Mission 13

Bagging up the joy: Mission from Ohio helps flood abatement in North Dakota

Board of World Mission 16

Are we winning the battle against HIV/AIDS?

In Our Congregations 24

G-MOM celebrates the graduation of Liberian student William Gibson

Visit our website at <http://www.moravian.org>. Northern Province Letters to the editor, address 26 Northern Province names task force to study human sexuality corrections, and other correspondence may be In Every Issue e-mailed to the magazine at 4 Ponderings: Don’t hurry through the seasons <pubs@mcnp.org>.

May 2011

28 Obituaries 30 Official Provincial Elders’ News

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Don’t hurry PONDERINGS through the seasons

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) May 2011, Vol. 42, No. 4 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Express Messenger International, PO Box 25058, London, Ontario N6C6A8, email: <emi@exmessenger.com> Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

My first Spring as a Moravian has brought many new experiences — Moravian Lenten services, the hope for the coming of Easter, the realization that the Moravian Greyhounds play their home games right outside my window — but none quite like the ability to travel forward in time to see nature’s rebirth.

While the weather has been warming nicely here in eastern Pennsylvania and the crocuses and daffodils have popped, spring hasn’t really “sprung” quite yet. But on a recent trip to North Carolina, I could see God’s creation coming back to life without having to wait.

I didn’t really notice the change until somewhere in Virginia, when we realized the deep green grass on the pastures (happy cows!). Further south, the early-budding shrubs began punctuating the roadside with bright purple flowers. A deep maroon haze appeared on the trees as they began to bud. Finally, those bright green newborn leaves you only see in spring began to appear on the trees. Once in WinstonSalem, we could sense that spring was here.

Thanks to this trek south, I experienced a renewal of seasons in a very short period of time. There was no more waiting, just “instant spring.”

And as this trip was just a few short weeks before Easter, part of me thought, wouldn’t it be nice if we could just “fast forward” through Lent to the joy of the Resurrection? If we could get in the car and drive and have Easter be on the other end?

But as I’m learning and growing to more fully understand Christ’s last days on Earth and the sacrifice He made for us, I’m glad I have the time and the ability to experience this season through Moravian eyes.

In my conversations with a number of pastors, I’ve found that Lent is their favorite season. And as I see from this new perspective for the first time, I’m beginning to understand why.

So while I’m wishing spring would get here earlier (enough with the rain and cold already!), my spiritual journey through Lent makes me think it’s okay if Easter takes a bit longer.

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Mike Riess, editor

Make checks payable in U.S. funds to The Moravian.

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries.

Individual copies available for $3.00 each.

The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

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

Michael Riess, Editor Deb Swanson, Advertising Coordinator Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: <pubs@mcnp.org> <www.moravian.org> Contents © 2011, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

Moravian Church Camps: Faith, nature and fun for Summer 2011 Ahhh, summertime. School’s out, the days are long and the great outdoors beckon. If you’re a kid — and a Moravian — what better way to spend a week of that precious summer than at a Moravian Church camp?

The four camps of the Northern and Southern Provinces — Camp Hope in New Jersey, Mount Morris in Wisconsin, Camp Van-Es in Alberta and Laurel Ridge in North Carolina — have been offering summer faith and fun for generations. Many Moravians treasure fond memories of their camping experiences. And all four camps have a great things planned for 2011 to carry on that tradition for today’s youth.

As is tradition, all four camps offer camping May 2011

weeks based on age. With pastors, counselors and friends to guide them, young Moravians grow closer in their understanding of faith and relationship with Jesus all in fun-filled session in natural surroundings.

And whether it’s EcoCamp at Laurel Ridge or Fishing Camp at Camp Hope, several of the Moravian camps offer exciting programs for children with special interests.

This month, we preview some of the special things happening at the natural treasures of the Moravian Church in North America. For more information, calendars and programs, be sure to talk to your pastor or visit your camp’s website! ■ 5

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

Gearing up for a summer of faith and fun at Laurel Ridge At

Laurel Ridge summertime means wonderful opportunities to come together in a community of faith to learn about God, make new friends and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina mountains. And for Summer 2011, Laurel Ridge continues its 50 year traditions while adding new ways to experience faith and nature.

This summer we are excited to offer weeklong camps for children who have completed grades 3-12 and two-night camps for those who have finished first and second grades.

Our Mission Camps run for five weeks and provide church youth groups the opportunity to serve others in our community through work projects and outreach.

The summer camp season begins with College Camp (June 1-4), the first of its kind in many years. The Rev. Scott Venable, pastor at Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., will lead the program on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being Encouraged,â&#x20AC;? focusing on scripture from the 6

book of Timothy. This camp is a wonderful chance to spend a few days at Laurel Ridge enjoying activities such as swimming, sports and campfires while also engaging in small

group and total group gatherings with music, discussions and more.

On Saturday, June 11, we invite everyone to our annual Homecoming Festival which celebrates the start of summer camps. This day on the mountain is perfect for anyone who loves Laurel Ridge; families, church groups, youth, and friends of all ages come to share in their favorite camp activities, eat, and enjoy fellowship with each other. The day is free and lunch is $5 per person.

EcoCamp (June 19-25), our environmentally-focused junior camp, is back for its third summer and offers more hands-on experiences than ever before. Campers will learn about bird tagging, weaving, organic gardening, beekeeping and bats while discovering how to be stewards of God’s creation. As 1 Corinthians says, “The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Our EcoCampers learn and live this passage while at Laurel Ridge as they focus on using their senses to explore the mountain.

This year’s pre-junior campers (finished first and second grades) will learn about “The Good Shepherd” and being a part of God’s community. Junior campers will learn about being “Friends of Jesus” as they focus on generosity, hospitality, being open to God’s calling, thanksgiving and faithfulness. Middle High campers will concentrate on “On Being Faithful Followers” while Senior High campers explore “Freedom and the Fruits of the Spirit.” For those coming to Mission Camp, the theme is “Upside Down!” as they find out what it means to turn their lives upside down and follow Jesus.

As Laurel Ridge moves forward with our environmental programming, we are completing Laura Watson is assistant director at Laurel Ridge. Photos by Laura.

May 2011

work on the Nature Center, Suncatcher greenhouse and larger organic gardens. The Nature Center will be a space for campers to gather and learn about the plants, animals, and natural world they encounter while at Laurel Ridge.

The Suncatcher is a “green” greenhouse that will allow Laurel Ridge to grow its own food while not using any fossil fuels. Both facilities as well as the gardens will be a part of all our summer camp programs this year.

Anytime is a great time to be at Laurel Ridge but there’s something about the summer that’s especially meaningful. Laurel Ridge is a place where campers and adults of all ages have come to feed their bodies, spirits, and souls for over 50 years and we look forward to the many meaningful experiences which will take place in 2011. We invite to you join us on the mountain this summer!

Please visit our website, <www.laurelridge. org>, to learn more about all activities as well as to download registration forms. ■ 2011 LAUREL RIDGE SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE EcoCamp — June 19-25 PRE-JUNIOR CAMPS — For children completing grades 1 and 2 July 10-12 and August 5-7 JUNIOR CAMPS — For children who have completed grades 3-5 July 10-16 and August 14-20 MIDDLE HIGH CAMPS — For youth who have completed grades 6-8 July 3-9 and August 7-13 SENIOR HIGH CAMP — For youth who have completed grades 9-12 July 17-23 COLLEGE CAMP — For young adults who have completed 1-4 years of college, June 1-4

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

Summer at Mt. Morris offers fun for middle-schoolers and more Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wautoma, Wisc., is gearing up for a fun and faith-filled summer for Western District Moravians. One program this year, The Wisconsin INtermediate MORavian Camp (WINMOR) provides middle-school aged youth an opportunity to experience God in both the beautiful surroundings of Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center and in campers and staff. Campers are encouraged to make new friends and reconnect with friends met at previous Moravian Church camps. Learning to love as Christ loves us is our primary task at WINMOR and is put into action in routine ways (i.e., serving and cleaning up after meals) and in Spiritfilled surprising ways (donating Sugar Shack merchandise to local community centers).

WINMOR days are filled with worship and learning in the morning, special interest

groups (baking, fishing, water polo, rope course, soccer, photography, etc.) and free time in the afternoon, and large group game, campfire with jokes and skits, and vespers in the evening.

Over the past few years, campers and staff have focused their attention on God’s creation, Prayer, Stewardship, and Where is God During Difficult Times? This year’s theme is body image vs self image. God creates us and says, “It is good!” Marketers create ads which say, “You need work!” How do vulner(continued on page 29) Mary Lou Plummer is member of Glenwood Moravian Community Church in Madison, Wis. Photos courtesy of Mt. Morris.

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

A time of transitions at Camp Hope Our name — “Hope” — was never more appropriate than right now.

On the one hand, we are losing our management team of the last five years — Rick and Jill Bruckart. With Rick as administrator and Jill as assistant administrator, they formed a hard-working and effective management team that did much to make the most of what we have at Hope Conference and Renewal Center (HCRC). They brought new ideas like the low ropes course. They saved money by finding ways to do more with less, such as producing our own publications. Rick and Jill actively sought to form relationships with the people of the surrounding area. They opened up the campus by removing years of overgrowth without damaging the peaceful tree-filled surroundings. They love Camp Hope and it shows.

Yet Camp Hope is about more than one person or family. HCRC is a ministry of the whole Eastern District! We are confident that May 2011

the right people will show up to do the right thing at the right time because that is how God works. Having received 21 high quality applications for Administrator alone, the Board of Management knows that the Lord remains very alive and active in our work at Camp Hope. In this case our problem is not in finding a qualified person(s), it is in which qualified person(s) to choose! That is a good problem to have.

The Board is also hoping to build upon the Bruckarts’ good work. We look forward to Northeast Moravian Disaster Response bringing their spring Mission Training Event (continued on next page) The Rev. Dean Easton is pastor at Lancaster Moravian Church in Lancaster, Pa. and a member of the Camp Hope board of directors. Photos by Mike Riess and Jill Bruckart 9

(continued from previous page) to Hope again this year. Their team of leaders and volunteers always accomplishes multiple missions on that weekend — building new relationships, training people for future mission trips, accomplishing a lot of needed work at Camp Hope, and just having fun and fellowship. Thank you NEMDR! Rick has some unfulfilled dreams for Camp Hope, including moving from a short wooden dock floating on old barrels to a longer galvanized steel framework on wheels. Wheels would give the dock a sturdy, stable feel and allow our staff to easily install and remove the dock each winter. We are actively working toward realizing that dream [Hint: Your donations toward this dream are more than welcome!] and we hope that the Moravian Larger Life grant process will match our fundraising efforts to help put us over the top more quickly.

We have also added a new Board member at HCRC. Pastor Tammie Rinker, now at Trin-

ity in New Carrollton, Md. is an experienced hand at Camp Hope. Tammie’s return to the Eastern District gave us the perfect opportunity to grab her for new leadership and energy toward making Camp Hope even better in 2011 and beyond!

With new and energized leadership, continued improvements, and building upon a beloved past, we are full of hope. Now all we need is YOU! We need you to come to Hope.

We need you to be enthusiastic about the ministry of Camp Hope. We need you to give of your talent, your love of outdoor ministry, and of your gifts so that new kids and new families can continue to experience the special ways that the Spirit of God works out in those woods!

For details, check our website <www. camphope.org> or ask your pastor or Camp Hope for a 2011 Program Guide. ■

2011 CAMP HOPE SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE Pre-primary Conference — Completed Grades 1 & 2, June 26-28, 2011 Primary Conference — Completed Grades 3 & 4, July 5-9, 2011 Middler Conference — Completed Grades 5 & 6, July 10-16, 2011 JJunior High Conference — Completed Grades 7 & 8, July 17-23, 2011 Senior & Post High Conference — Completed Grade 9 up to age 21, JJuly 31- Aug. 6, 2011; YOUTH SPECIALTY CAMPS Swimming Camp — Completed Grades 3 – 8, July 24-30, 2011 Fishing Camp — Completed grades 7-11, June 26-July 2, 2011

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

Exciting things are happening at Camp Van Es!

This summer will be our seventieth camping season in beautiful Alberta, Canada and we are really hoping for this to be one of our best years. Exciting things have been happening as we prepare for youth from grade one to those who are just graduating high school during the month of July (one of the few months we’re almost guaranteed to have no snow!).

This year, our theme is Come Together.

Our theme is based on our brand new logo OUR DIRECTORS/PASTORS FOR EACH CAMP ARE:

for Van Es. The the camp board spent a lot of time and effort finding something which would best suit what we envision camp to be all about: A place where we can come together in order to learn, laugh, and love as followers of Jesus Christ.

In addition to our wonderful leaders, two Antioch Servants will spend the month working with each camp and making an important impact on each and every youth who comes to camp. Along with the Antioch students, we will also have a new position at Van Es, the camp coordinator, staffed by Brandon Salyzyn. Beloved by campers and counselors alike, we know he will make a huge impact on everyone this summer.

Our seventieth year promises to be the best one yet, as we continue to live out Christ’s call to serve God’s children. For more information, visit <www.vanescamp.org>. ■ The Rev. Matt Gillard is pastor of Heimtal Moravian Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Photos courtesy of Matt.

Grades 1 & 2 (July 24-27): Rev. Judy Ganz and Rev. Jay Petrella Grades 3 & 4 (July 3-8): Rev. Steven Gohdes Grades 5 & 6 (July 17-23): Marilyn Gurnsey and Rev. Josh Viste Jr. High (July 10-16): Rev. Rick Beck, Rev. Dr. Eileen Edwards and Rev. Ian Edwards Sr. High (July 28-31): Rev. Wendy Beck and Rev. Matt Gillard

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MORAVIAN MUSIC

Singing a (new) Moravian Song!

Submissions Wanted While Moravians are known for their rich musical heritage that dates back hundreds of years, there is also great new music being written that continues that tradition.

The Moravian Music Foundation has begun a process for gathering up this new music for possible publication and sharing. The Foundation is inviting submission for a collection of newly-written Moravian songs and hymns for consideration.

While we rejoice that many of our congregations are already using a wide variety of newer songs for worship, we do not plan to publish a collection of pieces which are available elsewhere — instead, this is our opportunity to make available the songs and hymns that Moravians have written within the past few years and are writing now. Songs included in the collection will be those judged most appropriate for congregational use.

With the help of the Provincial Elders Conferences of both Northern and Southern Provinces, a committee has been formed to guide this project to completion, projected for Summer 2013.

The collection may also include some 12

brief responsive or meditative readings and prayers; we invite you to submit these as well.

These works should also be your own composition, not something which is readily available in other publications.

This collection will be available in both paper and electronic formats, to allow the greatest flexibility and usefulness.

We don’t yet know how big the collection will be. We do know, however, that a lot of Moravians are writing new songs and hymns, and we will carefully and prayerfully consider each submission.

We invite you to send your songs and hymns to: New Song Book, c/o Moravian Music Foundation, 457 S. Church Street, WinstonSalem, NC; or e-mail them to <nknouse@ mcsp.org>. You may send words only; music only; words and music together; or audio files. In order to be considered for the collection, all songs should be received by July 31, 2012 — so start writing! ■

The Rev. Nola Reed Knouse is director of the Moravian Music Foundation.

The Moravian

CONGREGATIONS IN MISSION

Bagging Up the Joy: Mission from Ohio helps flood abatement in North Dakota With all our hearts, we gladly set out to serve our sisters and brothers in Fargo. Our plan was to arrive in time to attend Lenten Wednesday worship in North Dakota, spend a few days engaged in mission work, and return to Ohio in time for Sunday morning worship while only missing three regular work days.

So, on a Tuesday at 5 o’clock p.m., we rolled out to serve Jesus.

Volunteers from Gnadenhutten, Ohio work side by side with Fargo, N.D. residents filling sandbags.

A glad-hearted gang of guys grabbed a van and drove 2,200 miles round trip from Tuscarawas County, Ohio to Fargo, N.D. in March to heed the call of God. Two engineers, an unemployed carpenter, a retired school administrator/coach and a pastor made the journey.

Facebook works for the Lord When Rev. Eric Renner, pastor of the Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian congregation in Fargo, made a Facebook appeal for volunteers to come and help with preparations against the inevitable flooding that would come with the spring thaw, I was stirred. As I read of others who were already joining to serve, I was (continued on next page)

My father, Dale, used to say, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV)” Darrell Johnson serves as pastor of the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church of Gnadenhutten, Ohio.

May 2011

The “Spider” can fill hundreds of sandbags every minute to help with flood abatement.

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(continued from previous page) inspired by the mix of young folks, old folks, and in-between folks. When I saw pictures of confirmation class kids working on the sand bags, I knew that this was something we could do. I quickly spoke with Doug who immediately and enthusiastically, said, “Let’s go!”

Eric, who had undergone major surgery just days before we arrived in Fargo, was a tremendous trooper, organizer and cordial host. Eric secured three families to graciously open their homes for our lodging. Eric’s congregation is earning a fine name in the community as they recently ministered to a large number of families who lost their homes in an apartment building fire (see the March issue of The Moravian).

Every eight seconds…relentless!

In Fargo’s large, cool City Building, “Sandbag Central” volunteers arrived by shuttle bus from the local Mall. On days when only a few were present, sandbags were filled manually by shovels. But the intense work

Filling sandbags by hand

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would begin when the Spiders fired up. With 32 shoots coming from three noisy contraptions, sand would shoot forth once every eight seconds without fail, and someone would need to be there to catch it, bag it, twist it shut and stack it.

I presumed that perhaps we would work for a bit and then take a break every hour or so. That was not the case. Once the Spider engines were revved up, they would stay operational for at least three non-stop hours. The only way to take a break was if someone else literally jumped into the line to offer respite.

On that Thursday alone, 421 of us volunteered. In a day, we made 82,000 sandbags.

We worked hard, motivated by knowing that “the joy of the Lord is our Strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10) About Our Team Bob Geiger is a retired school administrator and coach. Spry, energetic, smiling and bright eyed, the 74-year-old young-at-heart would shout over the roar of the Spiders, “This is the day the Lord has made, let’s fill some sandbags!” Doug Decker, an engineer and volunteer firefighter, is newly serving as Ohio’s Regional Volunteer Coordinator (RVC) in partnership with the Moravian Board of World Mission.

Gideon Swartzentruber, a strong, unbending, unemployed carpenter viewed this opportunity as a “God-incident,” just what was needed. Andy Brooker, another sharp and steady engineer, brought a strong sense of commitment. Bob, Doug and Andy have previously traveled together to help people in need. And I have previously worked gladly with Habitat for Humanity, and have done short-term mission work at the Moravian Ahuas medical clinic in Honduras.

The Moravian

Support — God always gives more than needed We were very happy to share in the combined worship Lenten service of the North Dakota Moravian churches on Ash Wednesday.

Rejoicing, singing and speaking of mission in a mutual atmosphere of worship encouraged us. Hospitality and fellowship afterwards with Moravian brothers and sisters powered us up for work the next day.

At Sandbag Central, we met neighbors, firefighters, city sanitation workers, college students, middle school and high school students, and even an energetic six-year-old. A local radio station conducted its broadcast from the site and cheered on the workers. I’ll never forget the bearded radio station intern who put on a grass-skirt, floral lei and coconut bra to hearten us with a pom-pom routine!

A spirit of collaboration and cooperation permeated Sandbag Central. We heard no swearing or coarse talk, even when a deluge of sand would hit the table and bounce into your shirt or your shoes. Instead, there was laughter, camaraderie and encouragement.

We pursued financial support from the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission (OMMC) who gladly agreed to provide funding. As usual, God supplied more than we needed when three individuals independently handed us generous contributions. Now, OMMC has money available to support the next mission opportunity that God gives.

In the van, traveling to and from our destination, we held priceless spiritual conversations in which it seemed that God was guiding our thinking, learning and growing. The joyride itself turned out to be a blessing.

Available for Mission Over the years I have always considered myself a glad-hearted grunt guy who enjoys May 2011

On one day, volunteers made 82,000 sandbags toward the city’s goal of 3,000,000

serving. God grants opportunities. I am available for mission. A North Dakota colleague likes to say, “Either you are a missionary or you need one!” You too can discover opportunities for service by simply paying attention, staying open to possibilities, and keeping a willing spirit. I urge you to try it. It’s a blast!

As I reflect back on the experience, a couple of things stand out. I recall a piece of advice offered to us by Bob, the oldest fellow on our team, when some of us were noting our aches and pains at the end of the work day. He said with a smile, “You younger guys have got to learn to pace yourselves!” That reminds me that life is a marathon, not a sprint. In our faith journey, we run with perseverance the long race set before us! I also think about the relentless way in which the Spiders would pour forth sand, and that reminds me of the relentless way God constantly pours forth grace on us!

If I were asked to describe the fiveday adventure in one word, I would say, “Transformational.”

We left Fargo on a Friday afternoon, just hours ahead of a blizzard that would chase us part of the way home. We arrived back in Ohio some 20 hours later, weary and stiff, but satisfied to the bone. ■ 15

BOARD OF WORLD MISSION

Are we winning the battle against HIV/AIDS? It is easy to be lulled into thinking that the AIDS crisis has diminished because of the relative lack of public discourse in the media and on a national level. In a recent CNN. com article one activist noted, “numerically, statistically and by any definition known to modern public health, AIDS is a plague, but no authority has the guts to call it one.” Given the ongoing fight for almost 30 years of AIDS, such a claim to those who have been in the trenches is both terrifying and heartbreaking.

Yet, AIDS continues to be categorized as a pandemic and no cure has yet been found. The stigmatization of those suffering from the disease has not lost its acuteness. While the general public is better educated about the disease, there is still denial, detachment and silence.

Most people living with AIDS inhabit a space of dread — fear of disclosure — and too many of them have not even told their closest relatives, even unto death. In the United States, well over half a million people have died of AIDS to date — the equivalent of the entire population of Tuscon or Milwaukee.

More than one million people live with HIV and AIDS in our nation; approximately onefifth of them are unaware of their infection, posing a high risk of onward transmission.

The U.S., the largest donor of AIDS-related funding, is itself facing a major, ongoing AIDS epidemic which shows little sign of abating.

Although the disease cuts across all socioeconomic, religious, ethnic and other lines, the socioeconomic problems related to poverty continue to have a devastating impact on minority communities, particularly Black and Hispanic, and women and children. These 16

groups account for nearly half of those infected in the U.S. Sadly, research has shown that a large proportion of young people are not concerned about becoming infected with HIV. Thus, we have to devise ways to reach out to them.

Adolescents need accurate, age-appropriate AIDS orphans in Tanzania are assisted by the Likewise AIDS ministry.

Photo courtesy of Board of World Mission

information about the HIV infection and AIDS, including how to talk with their parents, pastors or other trusted adults about the disease. They need to understand how to reduce or eliminate risk factors. They need to hear the consistent message that abstinence from sex and drug use are effective ways to avoid infection.

Statistics in many of our partner provinces are no less appalling, and in some others, both the statistics and the consequences of the disease are staggering. In 2004, it was projected that about 60% of the people in the world with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, a region of the world that contains only 10% of the world’s population. According to the Gates Foundation, currently undertaking AIDS research to find a cure, half of all 15-year-olds in many African countries will not reach their fiftieth birthday because they will die of AIDS. Every day, lives are being shattered by the loss of those who are crucial to the well-being of their communities: income earners, caregivers, teachers, medical professionals — the list is endless.

But there are glimmers of hope — improvements and achievements in the global fight against AIDS that cannot be sidelined.

Officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) report that “significant progress” has

In the United States, well over half a million people have died of AIDS to date — the equivalent of the entire population of Tuscon or Milwaukee. been made in the treatment of HIV and AIDS in developing countries, but it was also made clear that there is enormous work ahead to make universal access to treatment a reality in low-and middle-income countries. A total of eight countries, including Cambodia, Cuba, and Rwanda have “achieved universal access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for adults,” while Eastern and Southern Africa have made “remarkable progress,” increasing their HIV treatment coverage from 32 percent in 2008 to 41 percent in 2009.

These daunting statistics mean more than simply faceless victims, categorizations, projections, body counts and distribution of antiretroviral drugs. They represent real people with hopes, dreams and aspirations. But more profoundly, people suffering from HIV/AIDS, regardless of their geographical locations, represent children of God — those whom we are called to love and exercise compassion with full Christian intentionality.

These gifts of Love and Compassion, as taught to us by our Savior, have been the impetus for the ongoing investment of time, energy, money, selflessness, and more, that (continued on next page) Carol Armstrong is a director on the Board of World Mission and a member of Likewise AIDS Ministry. She worships at Fellowship Moravian Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. 17

(continued from previous page) are required to deal with the disease and its consequences. Much of the investment comes from within faith-based organizations (FBO) across the full spectrum of religions around the globe, as they mobilize with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). For us Christians, in general and universally, AIDS has become a matter of faith, hope and mercy and our call to social justice ministry.

Yet, the questions have to be asked after almost 30 years of unparalleled human tragedy in recent history: Where do we as Christians, personally and collectively, stand in the fight against HIV/AIDS? Have we been faithful in conveying hope to the hopeless and comforting the sick? How have we, as Christ’s followers, demonstrated the full measure of compassion through the examples taught to us by Christ?

Have we been unwitting co-conspirators in promoting Stigma through our SILENCE? We are reminded of Christ’s words in Matthew 25: 45, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” These are questions that each individual and each congregation should grapple with and find the ways and means to seek answers and respond.

Likewise AIDS Ministry of the Board of World Mission (BWM) is a subcommittee consisting of a relatively small group of Moravians from the Northern and Southern Provinces. Our mandate is to help bring awareness and educate our congregations locally and globally about the impact of HIV/AIDS and to encourage response through some form of engagement. Our emphasis is also keenly directed to the conditions that fuel HIV/AIDS, e.g. poverty, violence, and the vulnerability of women and children.

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But this is an effort in which we must all participate. It requires a focus of deep spiritual and scriptural discussions within congregations. Beyond that, we can reach out into our local communities in more tangible ways: discussion groups, counseling, seminars, workshops, collaboration with existing organizations to provide comfort to the sick, their families and caregivers; and, if nothing else, educating our congregations in meaningful ways.

We must be empowered by our faith to become active participants in the ongoing battle to help eradicate the disease. The church must continue to boldly lead the way to provide a space of compassion without judgment — a safe place where the unburdening of souls will not result in betrayal, retribution, or pity — a sanctuary for those who are ostracized and marginalized.

As ambassadors of Christ, we, the church, must strive to be the first and last bastion of hope for those who are suffering in ways that defy humanity. If, by our actions, the church is conveying a message of hope, compassion and welcome, those who are suffering will find us. Can we win the battle against HIV/ AIDS? As intimidating as the statistics are, we can because we are witnesses that all things are possible through Christ, our strength and redeemer. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Members of Likewise AIDS Ministry are willing to visit congregations and help provide information for discussions, seminars and other related events. If your congregation is engaged in any type of AIDS ministry, please send information to the BWM. We would like to share and inspire other congregations. ■ The Moravian

MORAVIAN MUSIC

Carol Schultz has played the organ at the Ebenezer Moravian Church, located four miles south of Watertown, Wis., longer than she can remember, but she knows that it is more than 50 years. And in her later years, that playing has become an important part of her well-being.

Carol, who will turn 78 this year, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration of neurons (nerve cells) in the region of the brain that controls movement. Carol has also been told she is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia affecting older people. About 4.5 million older Americans now suffer from this condition, the onset of which usually begins after the age of sixty.

Carol has been under medical treatment for both conditions and has been working on her physical as well as mental conditioning. Carol’s physician has prescribed what she calls “the best medicine,” which is playing the organ and to practice, practice, practice.

As organist, Carol enjoys playing both Ebenezer’s newer electronic organ as well as the lovely old pipe organ that was purchased in 1905.

When concerned about playing without making a mistake, she commented, “I don’t play for the church, but for God.” This dedication and love (continued on next page)

Rosemary Berger, B.S., R.N., manager of the Home Health Dept. and the School Nurse Program at Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson, Wis., is a member of the Ebenezer Moravian Church and recently established a Parish Nurse Program for the congregation.

At right: Carol Schultz at the Ebenezer organ

For Ebenezer organist, playing and practicing is “the best medicine.”

(continued from previous page) for God has helped her deal with some recent serious health issues.

During her fifty years at the keyboard, Carol has directed and accompanied the Sunday school and church choirs and served as church organist. When it comes to questions about the liturgies and hymns and how they are sung, Carol is always a reliable source of information. On the second Sunday of Advent, she played six additional Christmas carols after playing for our special music service. She did just fine and told me later that she had not practiced a single one.

As all organists and pianists know, playing for a church service is a demanding job. Not only does it require the technical skill of playing the instrument along with good eye-handfoot coordination, but one also needs an intimate knowledge of the order of the service in order to play hymns and responses at the appropriate times. From start to finish it is the organist or pianist who in many respects is in charge and moves the service along.

To assist Carol with the logistics of the church service, Colleen Walsh, a teen at Ebenezer who is taking organ lessons, helps organize the music so Carol knows which hymn and how many verses to play next. This has been a wonderful solution, since it allows Carol to continue to give her gift of music at Ebenezer. Although she is concerned about the mistakes she may make, she smiles and says, “I’m lucky that the members at Ebenezer have always listened with their hearts and not only with their ears.”

God is at work in the music program at Ebenezer, especially when one knows that the music Carol plays if for God and that it has been prescribed by her physicians as the “best medicine.” ■ 20

MORAVIAN MUSIC

An “organ transplant” gives music to congregation When King Moravian Church in King, N.C. was preparing to install its new organ, it saw an opportunity to put is old organ to good use. Thanks to planning, moving and volunteer help, their Rodgers 220, an electronic organ with total pipe sound, began a new life in Mt. Bethel Moravian Church in Cana, Virginia.

The organ was originally dedicated 38 years ago and served King Moravian in two locations: the church’s old sanctuary and its new sanctuary built in the 1990s. However, it had to give way for a new Wicks Pipe Organ the congregation purchased and was preparing to install in March. It had served the King Moravian congregation well for worship services, cantatas, weddings, funerals and in thirty-eight years had become a very special part in many people’s lives.

But it had to move to give room for the new pipe organ.

Late last year, King offered their Rodgers electronic organ to any Moravian congregation. After seeing that offer listed on the Internet through the Southern Province Provincial Elders news, pastor Charles Fishel contacted Brother William McElveen about first option which he granted. The board of Mt. Bethel Moravian Church agreed to acThe Rev. Charles W. Fishel is pastor of Mt. Bethel Moravian Church.

Photo: Sharon Sparger plays the newly installed organ in Mt. Bethel’s sanctuary.

cept King’s offer of the organ, but it had to be moved quickly so that the King congregation could begin remodeling their sanctuary.

Jackson Piano Co, Winston-Salem, N.C., graciously moved the organ on a snowy January 10, 2011 to Mt. Bethel Church, Cana, VA. After appointing a committee for installation at Mt. Bethel Moravian Church, the process began and the organ was installed and ready to be dedicated.

The dedication service at Mount Bethel Moravian Church was during worship on March 20. Brother Scott Rainey, organist of Bethania Moravian Church, was the guest organist providing special music and leading the congregation in Moravian hymns offered to the Glory of God. Eight members from the King congregation attended the dedication service, which was followed with a covered dish luncheon to which all our visitors and guest were invited.

The King Moravian congregation graciously offered the organ to the Mount Bethel Moravian congregation to bless this congregation in their worship and special services. It was dedicated to the Lord in a new setting with a new life. It will continue to be a blessing for many years of worship and special events. It will accompany the congregation, by our organist, Sister Sharon Sparger, for the singing of Moravian hymns and special music in worship.

Just as this organ will never stop serving the Lord’s people, we too can continue serving God anew in a committed life in Christ. ■

MORAVIAN MUSIC

Nothing Wasted, Nothing Lost Gather up the fragments left over so that nothing may be lost,’ — Jesus, in John 6:12 (NRSV) Five thousand people had just been fed to satisfaction with five barley loaves. The meal, the incredible miracle, would seem to be over. Except that it wasn’t. “Pick up the crumbs,” Jesus tells his disciples. “There’s still more to be gleaned. They do as he says and fill 12 baskets with the scraps. It seems to be a warning of waste-not-want-not, a little reminder of frugality and stewardship buried in the center of this story of God’s overflowing providence.

Yes, but it’s also more than that, isn’t it? Jesus here reminds us that even after an event has ended the transformative power of that experience endures. There remains the chance to discover bounty and abundance beyond our expectations. We need only bend over and pick up the left over bits and pieces.

And that’s exactly what Brother Bob Diehl of College Hill Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., likes to do. An accomplished woodworker, chemist, machinist, gardener, builder of all things, Bob appreciates the possibilities that lie in an old bit of machinery, a wooden box, a discarded fan, or, in this case, a broken down church organ. Here’s his story of the transformative possibilities he saw in its bits and pieces.

“Organs today operate with electric solenoid valves, but old ones were manual like a piano.

When you’d push a key down, wooden pipes would open to let the air go in. For years, College Hill had this type organ. The wind was supplied by an electric motor and pump located in the church basement. The organ was always breaking down. The felt cushions would wear thin and the air would leak into the wrong pipes. The wrong note would sound or two notes would play at once.

Sometime around 1960, College Hill decided to replace the old organ with an electronic one. My brother, David Diehl, was the church organist and had been since the age of 12. He offered to dismantle the old organ 22

and take it out, maybe with the possibility of some day rebuilding it.

The organ was all put together with wooden screws — screws that wouldn’t come out.

David called me and with a modified screwdriver and a month’s labor, we were able to get the thing apart. At that point, we knew that the organ could not be rebuilt…at least not as an organ. However, there were hundreds of wood and metal pieces ranging from tiny screws and felt pads to large pipes. Among them were useful, even beautiful materials if we took care in handling them.

After finding locations for all of the materials, we started making things: From wooden pipes: These ranged from The Moravian

2 feet by 2 inches square up to 10 feet long and 10-inches square. We un-nailed and unglued many of these so the maple wood could be used in other projects. Over the years, we made shelves, lamps, and other things out of that wood. Some pipes were sold at church and Moravian Archive sales. One is on display in College Hill’s Sunday School.

From the wooden chamber: This structure, which enclosed the entire organ consisted of about 300 square feet of 3-feet by 8-feet by 1-inch maple lumber. It is now part of the second floor sub-flooring in my house.

From the shutters: These 1 by 4 foot, one-half inch maple doors used to control the organ’s volume were used to build bookcases for my brothers David and John.

From wooden push rods: Since this was a mechanically operating organ, it had rods connecting the keys or foot pedals to the organ pipes. There must have been a hundred of these rods and they were used for many things over the years.

I used some to make a doll’s high chair and others for a clothes rack. Several served as the horizontal framework of a doll’s playpen for my daughter Linda. The playpen is two feet high and four feet square and it folds up like a regular playpen. Today, these 50 years later, that thing is used to store my granddaughter Stephanie Magee’s stuffed animal collection.

From the maple framework: This 1-foot by 8-foot maple lumber was used for many (continued on page 28) Anna Kodama of Rieglesville, Pa. is a member of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa. Photo right: Bob Diehl displays a wooden pipe from the old College Hill Moravian Church organ.

May 2011

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

G-MOM celebrates the graduation of Liberian student William Gibson

On Friday, December 17, 2010, William Gibson, a student from Monrovia, Liberia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from East Carolina University. William, with the assistance of Grace Moravian Church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, has crossed the first hurdle in his goal to become a medical doctor and assist in the health care needs of his fellow citizens in Liberia.

William and G-MOM’s (Grace Moravian Outreach Ministry) journey in faith together began on June 21, 2005 at the 100th Celebration of the Founding of Rotary at the Rotary International meeting in Chicago. Rotarians Carol Burke, a member of Grace Moravian Church and Vera Reynolds who had served on the Race Relations Committee at Grace Moravian Church under Pastor Neil Routh, met Reginald Pratt on an escalator following the meeting of the African delegation to the International Conference.

A partnership began during that conversation about the importance of higher educa24

tion for students in Liberia and providing an exchange for students from the United States to visit and study in Africa. Mr. Pratt shared with us information about a Liberian student who had studied chemistry in Ghana. Because of the Civil War in Liberia under the regime of Charles Taylor, secondary education in Liberia for this student was impossible. He had highest marks in his secondary studies from Ghana and wanted to continue his chemistry studies with an ultimate goal of becoming a medical doctor.

Upon returning to Mt. Airy, the Mt. Airy Rotary Club and Grace Moravian Church teamed up to assist this student — William Gibson — in obtaining his student visa and begining his studies at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, N.C.. The process for obtaining an international student visa is long, complicated and arduous. The American Embassy in the country one is coming from must approve an F-1 student visa. In August 2005, G-MOM agreed to work with the International Student Advisor at Wake Tech; Santrell Caison’s assistance was invaluable.

Rev. Tim Byerly wrote the letter necessary for William to take to the U. S. Embassy in Monrovia along with the other required documents necessary for F-1 Student Visa. William called from Liberia early one morning in August 2006, a year after the process had begun, stating that he was getting ready to go into the office of the official at the U. S. Embassy. G-MOM members met in prayer over the phone. William called back 30 minutes The Moravian

later saying that the VISA had been approved, and he would be arriving in Raleigh to begin his studies at Wake Tech later that month.

While William lived in Raleigh with his aunt, Yusador Gaye, Williamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tuition expenses were paid for through Grace Moravian Outreach Ministries and through members who value international students for the friendships made while they are here in school and the long-term value of higher education for all students who can do the work required to get a university education. William has visited Grace Moravian Church several times during his process to earn his degree, with words of appreciation to our congregation and more importantly sharing his faith in Jesus Christ.

With the help of G-MOM and the Rotarians, William began his studies at East Carolina University in 2009. In addition to his hard academic studies, William began working as a tutor in the Chemistry Lab. Dr. Rickey Hicks, Chairman of the Chemistry Department, met with members from Grace Moravian Church and a visiting doctor/public health physician from Uganda, Dr. Ronnie Kaddu last August to share with the congregation the important work that William Gibson is doing. Two of the studies with which he has been involved are scheduled for publication. In December, William received his BS in Chemistry from ECU. In congratulating William on his achievement, the Rev. Tony Hayworth, Pastor of Grace Moravian Church wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congratulations on your graduation from East Carolina University. Although commencement marks the conclusion of this particular educational chapter of your life, it also serves as an open door to the next one. Since you are considering medical school, this commencement is not an ending but a new beginning for you.

Whatever path you ultimately take, I pray and trust that the faith and values you have May 2011

witnessed in the lives of the members of this congregation will provide you with the courage of your own convictions as you meet the challenges of the future. May you be aware of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued presence as you take the next steps on your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey.â&#x20AC;?

So the chance meeting on an escalator in Chicago of two women of faith from Mt. Airy, North Carolina has made it possible for an entire congregation to aid in the education of a young man, whose future will save the lives of many people. If it is possible to help a young student in any way, may we have the courage, faith, and stamina to do so. â&#x2013; Carol Burke is a member of Grace Moravian Outreach Ministry (G-MOM) Committee of Grace Moravian Church, Mt. Airy, N.C.

Prince of Peace Moravian Church

invites you to celebrate our 25th Anniversary with us in 2011!

Aug. 13: Family Picnic Sept. 24: 25th Anniversary Banquet

Special Home Coming Celebration November 17-27

11/17: Reception on Lawn 11/18: In Town Tour & Young Musicians in Concert 11/19: Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast 11/20: Harvest Festival 11/21: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Branches Bear Musicâ&#x20AC;? from Palm Beach, Margate, Surinam Fellowship, etc.

11/22: Seniors Event 11/23: Bus Tour & Community Thanksgiving Service 11/24: Thanksgiving Day 11/25: One Day Cruise To The Bahamas 11/26: All Day Youth Extravaganza 11/27: Song Service & Celebration 25th Anniversary Closing Service /8 SE 4U r .JBNJ '- r

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NORTHERN PROVINCE

Northern Province names task force to study human sexuality The

Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference has formed the Task Force to Study Human Sexuality as outlined at the 2010 Northern Province Synod.

This task force is the result of a resolution that called for additional discernment and action on the topic of the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy in committed, monogamous publicly accountable relationships. That June 2010 report resolved: • that the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, will sponsor congregational forums in 2011 for collaborative dialogue and prayerful discernment of the Christian service of homosexual persons; • that the 2012 Eastern, Western and Canadian District Synods will establish time in the synod process for non-legislative, collaborative dialogue and prayerful discernment regarding the Christian service of homosexual persons; and 26

• that the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, in consultation with the Bishops of the Northern Province and the District Boards, will provide a summary report and corresponding legislation regarding the Christian service of homosexual persons for consideration by the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province.

To follow through on this Synod resolution, the group is developing a plan to engage all regions of the Northern Province in a process of collaborative dialogue and prayerful discernment regarding the Christian service of homosexual persons. This process will include materials and resource persons to lead conversations in regional and congregational forums in 2011.

Members of the task force represent a broad range of people and perspectives that reflect the many views in the Northern Province. Members include: The Moravian

• Gary Marsh — Chair; Gary is director of stewardship for the Province • Bill Andrews — pastor, St. Paul’s Moravian Church, Upper Marlboro, Md. • Hopeton Clennon — bishop and chaplain at Moravian College and Theological Seminary • Amy Frantz — member at East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. • Amy Gohdes-Luhman — pastor at Main Street Moravian Church, NorthfIeld, Minn.

• Bernalyn Jones-Clark — member at United Moravian Church in New York City, N.Y. • Peggy Ondrajka — member at Unionville Moravian Church in Unionville, Mich.

• Marion Perrin — member at Rio Terrace Moravian Church, Edmonton, Alberta • Paul Peucker — member at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. and Northern Province archivist

• David Piper — member at Goshen Moravian Church, Leonard, N.D. • Kay Ward — bishop, member at Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. The task force held their first meeting in March at the Moravian Church Center in Bethlehem. They were guided in their initial process by Susan Nienaber, senior consultant of the Alban Institute, who will serve as an occasional resource for their work.

The Task Force covets your prayers for their work and the upcoming forums.

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 are available by contacting Siobhan Young at the Communication Office.

Photo above left: The new task force includes (l-to-r) Hopeton Clennon, Paul Peucker, David Piper, Amy Gohdes-Luhman, Bill Andrews, Kay Ward, Peggy Ondrajka, Gary Marsh and Marion Perrin. (not pictured: Bernalyn Jones-Clark and Amy Frantz) Photo below: Task force members at work in their first meeting in March.

OBITUARIES

Leslie Jill Anderson Sawyer Sister

Leslie Jill Anderson Sawyer passed away on March 9, 2011 in Winston-Salem, N.C. She was the wife of The Rev. Dr. Robert E. “Bob” Sawyer. She was born May 19, 1947 in Staten Island, N.Y. Her family attended Castleton Hill Moravian Church. She met Bob Sawyer while he was serving a Moravian congregation in Manhattan and they married on September 12, 1969.

During their New York years Sister Sawyer worked at a Wall Street law firm with the exception of some maternity leave. While the family lived in Philadelphia she worked part time at a dry cleaning establishment and did some proofreading, jobs that enabled her to be a full-time mother for her sons, Scott and Justin. The family also lived in Upper Marlboro, Md., and there she worked for a dry cleaners and at the local high school cafeteria, again positions she chose so she could be mother and wife first. School cafeteria work continued in Winston-Salem, N.C. when the family moved to serve at Home Moravian

Church. Subsequently, she and her friend, Anne Geis, teamed up to open Salem Kitchen in 1988. The business grew and thrives serving the Triad Region of North Carolina.

Sister Sawyer was always active in her church. She was loved by brother and sister Moravians, who quickly learned her love for and commitment to the church didn’t necessarily mean acceptance of the traditional role of “pastor’s wife.” She sang in church choirs most of her life. She participated in prayer groups, women’s fellowship circles, and especially Candle Tea at Home Church. Up to the moment of her death on Ash Wednesday, March 9, she was an inspiration to family and all who knew her.

Sister Sawyer is survived by her husband of 41 years, The Rev. Dr. Robert Sawyer, by two sons and their wives and her grandson with whom she celebrated his third birthday the evening before her death. A memorial service was held March 14, 2011 at Home Moravian Church with burial in God’s Acre in Salem.

Nothing Wasted

and surprising uses than any one might have ever guessed. And, it’s not over. Bob still has some metal and wooden pipes and a music rack. There may even be a couple of wind chambers somewhere in Bethlehem. These 10-feet long maple boxes were too big to store in any attic. Last Bob remembers, they were in that garage on Detweiler Street, no doubt waiting to be discovered by a willing and able craftsman with an appreciation of the pieces left behind. ■

(continued from page 23) things. In the 1970’s I made a flintlock Kentucky rifle stock from a piece of that wood. I treated it with a coat of light maple stain and about 5 coats of boiled linseed oil, allowing a full week of curing between each coat.”

So it is, that one old organ’s music making ended, but its fragments, gathered up and reconfigured, were put to more new 28

The Moravian

Wilton Lawrence Schwanke Brother

Wilton Lawrence Schwanke, husband of Cecelia Martha (Priebe), died in Eastland, Washington (Orcas Island) on March 22, 2011 at the age of 88. He was born on June 9, 1922 in Bruderheim, Alberta, Canada.

Brother Schwanke attended Walker High School in Bruderheim, Alberta and the Edmonton, Alberta, Christian Training Institute from 1945 – 1946. He graduated from Moravian College in 1949 and Moravian College Theological Seminary in 1952.

On February 8, 1952, Brother Schwanke accepted a call to serve as a missionary in Clark’s Point, Alaska. He was ordained as a Deacon at Camp Van Es on July 6, 1952. He married Cecelia Martha Priebe on July 29, 1953 in Edmonton, Alberta. The Schwankes then returned to Alaska and together continued their missionary service in Quigillingok, and later in Dillingham. Brother Schwanke was consecrated as Presbyter on June 29, 1958. He served as the Treasurer of the Alaska Province from 1970–1974, and as Asso-

Mt. Morris offers fun (continued from page 8) able youth navigate these conflicting messages they receive? Very carefully and within a faith community.

The true beauty of WINMOR is God’s creative power. Scattered individuals are called to participate for a week of experiencing God and six days later are transformed into a loving, caring community of youth and adults renewed in Spirit to carry Christ’s message of love into the world. “Come and see!” For more information, visit <www.mt-morris.org.> ■ May 2011

ciate Pastor of the Bethel Congregation until 1974-1977.

Brother Schwanke is survived by his wife, Cecelia and his children Timothy and Marianne.

On March 26, 2011, a memorial service was held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Eastland, Washington. This service, officiated

by The Rt Rev Craig Anderson, reflected both Moravian and Episcopalian traditions.

We are establishing a fund to assist with the outreach of missions in south central Alaska.

We decided to do this directly through the Anchorage Moravian Church.

Anyone that would like to give something in memory of Brother Schwanke can send their donations to: The Wilton Schwanke Memorial Fund for Mission Outreach Anchorage Moravian Church 3512 Robin St. Anchorage, Alaska 99504

2011 SUMMER CHURCH CAMPING PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN For those who have completed grades 1 - 2 — 4M CAMP (Mini-Moravians at Mt. Morris) August 15-17 For those who have completed grades 3 - 5— JUNIOR CAMP, June 27 - July 1 Ba6 CAMP, August 14 - 18 For those who have completed grades 6 - 8 — WINMOR, July 24 - 30 For those who have completed grade 9 - age 21 — CHETEK, July 17 - 23 For those age 50 and over — PLUS 50 CAMP, September 19 - 22

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Moravian Music Sunday, May 22, 2011 The fifth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2011, has been designated as Moravian Music Sunday.

The purpose of this observance is to help all congregations become more familiar with our rich heritage of Moravian music. Music is an expression of faith, and thus continuing creativity is to be encouraged.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Specialized Ministry Brother Richard J. Thierolf, who has been serving as pastor of Lebanon Moravian Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has accepted the call to specialized ministry as Chaplain for Moravian Manors, Inc., Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Brother Thierolf will begin his new work July 1, 2011.

Moravian Retirement Community Prayer Day Salemtowne, “a continuing care retirement community affiliated with the Moravian Church, provides residents with the security of a lifelong, loving environment that fosters healthful living and meets individual, changing needs.” This Moravian retirement community opened in 1972. On May 8, 2011 congregations of the Southern Province are asked to remember in prayer the ongoing ministry offered to older adults at Salemtowne. Our Day of Prayer is a time when contributions are made to our resident’s financial assistance fund.

VISIT THE MORAVIAN MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK!

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

The Moravian Magazine is now on Facebook!

Visit <www.facebook.com/MoravianMagazine> to learn more about what’s happening with the magazine, view current and back issues online and interact with The Moravian editorial staff.

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

We’ll be providing updates, posting themes for upcoming issues, looking for story ideas and taking your comments about The Moravian Magazine.

King Moravian Church, King, N.C. Brother Neil Routh has accepted the call to become pastor of the King Moravian Church in King, N.C. For the past eight years he has served as pastor of Christ Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Brother Routh was installed by PEC representatives, Betsy Bombick and Gary Kniskern, on April 10, 2011.

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The Moravian

Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245

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