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In this issue: Congregational Outreach Visiting Alaskan Moravians Learning Through Mission And more!
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On the cover: Congregations reaching out to the community make a difference and spark ideas.
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In this issue: Congregational Outreach Visiting Alaskan Moravians Learning Through Mission And more!
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20 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith
In Our Communities
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
18 Redeemer Ohio Community Garden plants seeds of outreach
13 Ohio congregations join together for “Grace in the Valley”
25 Youth mission project produces a-maze-ing labyrinth for Christ Moravian 27 Salem Creek RCC reaches out to St. Philips’ neighborhood The Daily Texts 5 Choosing a cover for the Daily Texts Moravian Education 8 Comenius Learning Series event explores Ancient Unity and Sermon on the Mount
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Ministries Foundation 11 Creating a Mission and Ministry Fund Moravian History 15 Bethlehem Archives completes first phase of renovations Moravian Travels
Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.
October 2013
20 Travelers find warmth and hospitality among Alaskan Moravians 23 Mission team learns and grows while helping Alaskan Seminary In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: Sparking a sense of community 29 Official Provincial Elders’ News 30 Obituary: The Rev. Melvin R. Klokow
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PONDERINGS
Sparking a sense of community Sitting in this editor’s chair (it’s not really a special seat, just a stan-
dard office chair from IKEA), I get to hear about—and read about —the great things our Moravian congregations are doing. Whether mission work around the world or at home, neighborhood outreach, help for the homeless, or just inviting folks in for a meal or worship time, it’s heartening to see Moravians making a difference. The efforts don’t need to be monumental to rate attention. Sometimes, hearing about a small gesture spurs interest in something bigger. Sharing information about what congregations and ministries are doing can trigger ideas in others to make a bigger impact. In this issue of The Moravian Magazine, we highlight a local youth mission effort that resulted in a labyrinth for prayer; a community garden that makes great use of church property; an outreach event in one of Winston-Salem’s needier neighborhoods; sharing Moravian music traditions in Ohio; mission work with Moravians in Alaska, and more. These initiatives represent different levels of effort and complexity. Regardless, are there ideas in these stories that could work in your community or congregation? The articles we share in the magazine help illustrate both large and small examples of God’s work making our communities and the world better places. My hope as editor is that you are inspired by the articles you read in The Moravian—inspired to do much-needed, heartfelt, meaningful and appreciated work in your congregations and communities. I encourage you to keep the ideas coming. Through The Moravian Magazine and other outlets, share your congregations’ good ideas… especially when they can spark action in other people in other ways. I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian. As always, I welcome your comments. And I look forward to hearing—and sharing—more about the great things Moravians do. Peace, 4
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) October Vol. 44, No. 8 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: pubs@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2013, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
THE DAILY TEXTS
Choosing a cover for the Daily Texts When I describe the work of the Interprovincial Board of Communication, I typically start with “publish The Moravian Magazine,” followed by “run the moravian.org website,” “produce books about the church and its faith,” and “provide communications counsel to ministries and congregations.” But our most visible work is the annual production of the North American editions of the Daily Texts. By this time of the year, we’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of more than 15,000 copies of the Daily Texts in four different formats. Our writers completed their work more than seven months ago. In the time since, the IBOC team compiled, edited and reviewed the copy; worked with our designer to lay out the books; proofed each edition carefully; then sent the project off to the printer in Michigan. October 2013
One of my favorite parts of the Daily Texts process (other than reading the hymn selections and insightful prayers of our writers) is finding and selecting a cover. In previous years, the only big decision about the cover was what color it was going to be. For the first time in 2001, a full color image was selected for the hardcover and journal editions; meanwhile, the softcover and large print versions used a single-color cover. Then, for the 2012 edition—the first Daily (continued on next page) Mike Riess is executive director of the Interprovincial Board of Communication Photo above: Just a few of the options considered for the cover of the 2014 Moravian Daily Texts. 5
MORAVIAN
DAILY TEXTS 2014
A Devotional Guide for Every Day
The cover selected for the 2014 Moravian Daily Texts
(continued from previous page) Texts that I would oversee from start to finish—we decided to try a full-color cover on all four editions. This required finding an appropriate image that would define the whole range of books for that year. For 2012, we chose a colorful stained-glass image; for 2013, we selected another glass image, this time of the cross in the center of our Moravian seal. So many opportunities presented themselves when developing the cover for the 2014 edition. I combed through images that I had taken over the past year and a half that offered possibilities…stained glass, nature scenes, religious subjects, even pictures of past Daily Texts. All would work, but I wanted something more. One idea was to try abstract close-ups of the religious paintings at the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth. The Whitefield House’s collection of paintings by noted Moravian painter John Valentine Haidt would 6
provide plenty of opportunities…or so I thought. Unfortunately, after an hour of finding and photographing colorful sections of the paintings, nothing was working for me. Most of the Haidt paintings in the Whitefield’s collection had very somber themes and the colors weren’t what I was after. As I looked around at the beautiful Moravian artifacts at the Whitefield House museum, I began to see intriguing possibilities. I trained my camera on the pipes of their 1776 Tannenberg organ, the mechanism from an original church clock, an iron casting from 1756, paintings of Moravian historical figures and other interesting pieces in their collection. When I added the images from the Whitefield House to the ones I was already considering, I found I had nearly a dozen really good possibilities. To help visualize how these images would work, I made mock-ups of each image in the format of a Daily Texts cover, printed them out in color and wrapped leftover 2012 paperback Daily Texts with the potential designs. I shared these with the IBOC staff, my coworkers in the Moravian Church Center, even my wife and daughter at home. While this helped me edit the list somewhat, I still found I had too many good options. It would be up to the members of the IBOC meeting at Laurel Ridge in April to make the decision. During breaks in our discussions, IBOC board members gathered around the collected mock-ups and pondered the possibilities. After several spirited rounds of weeding and editing, discussing the merits and potentials of each, the board made their selection: the close up of a cast iron stove plate. The staff at the Whitefield House provided this description: “A cast iron stove plate was assembled with four or nine other plates to The Moravian
make a boxlike metal heating stove. The side plates could be very decorative, sometimes including the year they were cast and the furnace which made them. “This unusual plate contains only half of a German inscription that says, ‘das Jahr darin wütet’, which translates to say, ‘This is the year in which rages.’ The rest of the inscription, found on the companion plate, adds ‘the Indian war party.’ The plate refers to the attacks on local settlers during the French and Indian War in Pennsylvania. “The stove plate measures 26 ½” high by 28” wide. The designs are hearts and tulips. It is dated 1756.” The design of the plate translated perfectly to the cover of the Daily Texts. We’re quite pleased with the way it turned out and are looking forward to seeing them completed.
Many thanks to Megan van Ravenswaay and the staff at the Moravian Historical Society for permission to use the image. Be sure to visit the Whitefield House when you get a chance. In hindsight, any of the potentials we had for this year would have made a good cover. Members of the IBOC joked that we now have covers set for the next five years at least! However, I keep my eyes open for new potentials throughout the year and welcome suggestions for other possibilities. By the time you read this, our completed books will be on their way to us from Michigan. The IBOC team will be working from midOctober through early November to pack and ship these books to readers across the continent and in some cases around the world. And these brand new books will have a cover that’s more than 250 years old! ■
This stove plate, dated 1756, is part of the collection at the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth, Pa.
MORAVIAN EDUCATION
Comenius Learning Series event explores Ancient Unity and Sermon on the Mount In early July, Aaron Linville, a recent Moravian Seminary graduate from Kernersville, N.C., joined nearly 60 others at the Board of Cooperative Ministries’ Comenius Learning Series session at Laurel Ridge. This session, “Comenius for a Complicated World,” included lectures and workshops led by Craig Atwood of the Center for Moravian Studies and scholar Diane Lipsett. Aaron shares his learning from this session…
When I took a class on the Ancient Unity at
Moravian Theological Seminary with the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, I learned many things. One important lesson was that being familiar with the Sermon on the Mount—teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5-7—is crucial to understanding the Ancient Unity, the roots of our Moravian Church. The Sermon on the Mount shaped the daily life of the Unity of the Brethren. It was their “go-to” scripture. This is why I was so excited
when I heard that the Comenius Learning Series was having a weekend at Laurel Ridge devoted to the Sermon on the Mount and John Amos Comenius (1592-1670), the Bishop of the Ancient Unity who prayed that “a hidden seed” of the Unity would survive the persecution of the 30 Years War. Those of us who attended this retreat discovered an unexpected surprise when we arrived. The Rev. Dr. Daniel Crews, Southern Province archivist, had translated several Comenius hymns just for our worship services. One of those hymns, “Lead Me, Lord Where’er I Go,” is a good example of how Comenius lived his life in service to God (see sidebar). Almost all of the words we sang during the retreat were new to us, and some of the tunes were as well. With the wonderful help of Nancy Sawtelle on the piano, we learned the new tunes, and sang Comenius’ beautiful words of deep faith, love and hope in Jesus. The Rev. Carol Foltz brought the hymns together with
Nancy’s help into two meaningful worship services and a communion service that were anchored in some of the familiar words from the Sermon on the Mount. In his lecture, Craig Atwood offered us a brief overview of Comenius’ life and times. Beginning with the close ties the Ancient Unity had with the Sermon on the Mount, he walked us through Comenius’ disaster-ridden life. Despite all of the hardships, Comenius never gave up on his calling as a bishop, and his calling to improve education systems all over Europe. Comenius is well-known as the “Father of Modern Education,” but he was also a theologian, pastor and scientist. He was the last bishop of the Bohemian and Moravian branch of the Ancient Unity. Early in his life, while he was in exile, his wife and children died of the plague. As a side-effect of one of the many wars that ravaged his homeland, he lost his entire life’s work in a fire, including all of his books, writings and unpublished manuscripts. He continued to serve as a bishop, and sought to (continued on next page) Attendees at this summer's Comenius Learning Series event at Laurel Ridge.
C. Daniel Crews, Southern Province archivist, provided a translation of a hymn by John Amos Comenius as part of the Comenius Learning Series workshop this summer: “Lead Me, Lord Where’er I Go” (© Daniel Crews, 2013)
Lead me, Lord where’er I go That my life may give you praise; Teach me all I need to know, Help me serve you all my days. All I am I freely give, All my strength by grace employ; You designed me thus to live; Only thus can life be joy. All your wond’rous love for me Always keep before my eyes; Help me vigilant to be Ev’ry sin to recognize And when I am penitent You forgive my failures still, That baptism’s covenant By your grace I may fulfill. Lord, such time as you permit That I still on earth shall dwell For your service keep me fit, Faithful as your sentinel. When I’m called this earth to leave Let me find a blessed end; Your true life I’ll then receive, And to you in heav’n ascend.
(continued from previous page) find a way for the Unity to be recognized as a legitimate church. Later in life, he again lost all of his manuscripts, writings and library (in other words, everything he had done since the first fire) in another fire during another war. He never stopped trying to convince monarchs and governments to recognize the Unity as a legal church, but did not succeed. Then he consecrated his son-in-law in the hopes that the Unity would survive its persecution, only to bury his son-in-law, leaving no Bishops for the Bohemian and Moravian branch of the Unity. He died knowing his beloved church was disappearing, but he never stopped having faith in, love for and hope through the one necessary thing: Jesus. Studying the Sermon on the Mount The Rev. Dr. Diane Lipsett led our study on the Sermon on the Mount. She was a new face to those of us who attended the retreat, but by the end of the first session, we knew that the Board of Cooperative Ministries had chosen the right person for the Sermon on the Mount. Her use of paintings to stimulate our conversation about the Gospel of Matthew and the Sermon was effective and brilliant, because it helped us view the two from a more creative point of view. One weekend is not enough time to delve into the entire Sermon, so Diane led us in discussions of some of the most challenging portions of it. She said that there were three ways to interpret the Sermon on the Mount: hyperbole, plain language and dancing at the edge of the possible. In hyperbole, the writer of Matthew is using extreme language that is 10
not intended to be taken literally, but is a case of “saying too much when nothing else will do.” Plain language is the exact opposite of hyperbole. The examples and commands in the Sermon on the Mount are a literal guide for conduct. The third option, “dancing on the edge of reality,” is a way of understanding the Sermon as instructions for a lifestyle that almost seems possible, but is just out of reach. Dancing on the edge of reality is where I see Comenius. He lived in many ways beyond the edge of reality. His unbelievable faith, love and hope give me hope that we too can also live dancing on the edge of what seems to be possible, even when our world is too complicated for us to understand. The Comenius Learning Series The Comenius Learning Series, developed by the Board of Cooperative Ministries, offers educational opportunities that deepen our understanding of the spiritual, cultural and historical aspects of the Moravian Church, which in turn inform the choices by which we live out our faith. Join us for our Fall Comenius Learning Series, “From Fear to Hope: Where is God Calling the Church,” as we ask our questions of God and listen not only for God’s answers, but also God’s questions back to us! Come worship, learn, discuss and discern with us on Nov. 8-9 at Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. This event will be informative, practical, and hopefully, transformational! Join the Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, the Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard and others as we move from fear to hope in vision, stewardship, evangelism and discipleship. Visit www.moravianbcm.org for more information. ■ The Moravian
MINISTRIES FOUNDATION
Creating a Mission and Ministry Fund Since 1997 the Moravian Ministries Foundation has been helping individuals who want to support their churches and favorite ministries through gifts from their wills and via other forms of “planned giving.” In recent years we have seen growing interest in creating what we call a Mission and Ministry Fund. We all have an estate, whether it’s small or large. Too many people think their estate is small and thus they don’t need a will, while some who have large estates simply procrastinate in creating theirs. Regardless, we all need a will. If we die without one, the state steps in with laws which dictate what will become of our belongings. Therefore, the first question to ask before considering a Mission and Ministry Fund is: Do I want to decide who will get what I have, or do I want the state to decide? Clearly most of us have family and friends who we want to remember and share our blessings with when we are gone; these people should have a prominent place in our estate planning. However, if you enjoy your church’s music program, why not leave a gift that will support concerts which share the rich hymns and music of the Moravian Church with the community? Or if the church’s work with the less fortunate is important to you, why not consider leaving a portion of your estate to Sunnyside Ministry or Moravian Open Door? October 2013
Therefore, the second question to ask, after deciding that you will prepare an estate plan and remember your loved ones is: Will I remember my church and/or favorite ministry in my estate plan? If you decide that your church or favorite ministry will be in your estate plan, there are at least two ways for you to accomplish this: 1. Name your church or the ministry(ies) in your plan. There is suggested wording which will accomplish your wishes and can be brought to your attorney available from the Ministries Foundation or, 2. Create a Mission and Ministry Fund through the Foundation. A Mission and Ministry Fund is a written agreement between the eventual donor(s) and the Moravian Ministries Foundation that names one or more Moravian organization(s) as the beneficiary(ies) of annual distributions from the Fund. It is akin to an endowment or permanent fund where your name and generosity are forever affixed. The docu(continued on next page) Paul McLaughlin is president of the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. For more information, visit www.mmfa.info. 11
(continued from previous page) ment is simple and very easy to prepare and understand. There are a number of important features of a Mission and Ministry Fund: • Each person is asked to identify which ministries of the Church will share in the annual distributions from the Fund, and these are specified in the document. • Because charitable interests can and do change, the document is easily amended, without the cost and task of writing or amending your will. A call to the Foundation telling us what you want to change is all that is required. • The agreement doesn’t obligate the individual to make a gift; instead, it says if a gift is left to the Foundation for the fund, we will act according to the donor’s wishes. Because the Mission and Ministry Fund will make annual distributions in the donor’s name in perpetuity, there is what is called “contingency” language in the document. This says if an organization refuses to accept the funds or ceases operation, then its share will first be awarded to the other organizations receiving distributions; and/or it authorizes the Foundation to identify another organization with a similar purpose. Generally a Mission and Ministry Fund can be created with a gift of $10,000 or more. Because we know people have a wide range of charitable interests, the fund can accommodate non-Moravian causes as long as the Moravian Church’s ministry(ies) have a 51% interest. Expert and Capable Management Your Moravian Ministries Foundation currently manages 14 Mission and Ministry 12
Funds which are distributing to Moravian churches and agencies every year; since 2003 almost $330,000 has gone to churches for scholarship aid, preschool programming, graveyard maintenance and more, and also to vital ministries such as Sunnyside, the Board of World Mission, Laurel Ridge and Moravian Theological Seminary. For example, in February 2008, Fred Masten created the Betty and Fred Masten Mission and Ministry Fund. He passed away in November 2009 and left almost $670,000 to the fund, which now and forever aids Home Church, the Southern Province’s Pastoral Care and Education Fund, Laurel Ridge, Salem Congregation for God’s Acre and Fred’s parents’ church in the North Carolina mountains. In the short time the Masten Fund has been in operation, more than $117,000 has been distributed to the ministries Fred and Betty valued most. The Foundation is a highly-skilled manager of planned gifts and invested funds; in fact, in a recent study of faith-based and community foundations from across the US, the Moravian Ministries’ investment returns ranked number one over a one, three and five year period. This is because we have worked very hard to ensure we deliver the best investment returns at the lowest cost. We have also built a solid reputation of providing the people and churches we serve with a “superior customer service experience.” Today, the Foundation manages over $140 million in assets for Moravian churches and agencies. If you are interested in exploring a Mission and Ministry Fund, please contact me at 888.722.7923, or via email at pmclaughlin@ mmfa.info. The conversation is free and you are under no obligation. ■ The Moravian
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Ohio congregations join together for “Grace in the Valley”
The mellow reverberations of steel pans called to mind a wide swath of beach, a sapphire lagoon, maybe a palm tree swaying in the tropical breeze. But no, the sweet sounds spread from a concert stage in land-locked New Philadelphia, Ohio and delighted the packed house of the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kent State University at Tuscarawas. This was “Grace in the Valley,” a unique undertaking meant to encourage ties among Moravians as well as to demonstrate an appealing Moravian presence to the community at large. The June 29-30 weekend celebration of music and cross-cultural fellowship came
about largely through the creative thinking and logistical orchestrations of The Rev. John Wallace, pastor of the First Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio, and the whole-hearted involvement of the Grace Steel Ensemble of Grace Moravian Church in Queens, New York, under the direction of Geoff Ford. The event drew volunteer staffing and financial support especially from the Dover congregation and the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission. After traveling by van on Friday, the young adult musicians and companions from New York were greeted and welcomed to the Tuscarawas Valley by other young adults, and were soon whisked off to Saturday picnics, rehearsals and sound checks ahead of two scheduled headline appearances. Joining the Grace band were two local steel pan bands from Dover and New Philadelphia high schools. Spending time and making music together, the young musicians shared appreciation (continued on next page) The Rev. Christine Sobania Johnson serves as pastor of the Fry’s Valley Moravian Church in rural Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and as chairperson of the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission (OMMC).
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(continued from previous page) for one another’s styles and techniques. The Ohio musicians heard it as a compliment when some of the New York musicians, many of whom share Caribbean heritage, told them their playing was reminiscent of authentic Trinidadian bands, while the New York musicians were pleased that the school-based Ohio musicians enjoyed their interpretations of hymns and church music. Saturday evening was devoted to taking in the regional theatre production of Trumpet in the Land, a poignant musical drama about Moravian missionary efforts to minister with and to Native Americans at the time of the American Revolution. (Unfortunately, the outdoor show was cancelled due to stormy weather, though the cast was kind enough to offer an abbreviated version to the out-oftown guests under the shelter of the concessions pavilion.) On Sunday morning, the Grace Steel Ensemble accompanied a spirited worship service in which all area Moravian congregations and clergy took part. Sisters and Brothers from as far away as Indiana and Michigan helped swell the attendance in the state-ofthe-art concert hall. The Rev. Cynthia Geyer, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Moravian Church, Eastern District, delivered an energetic and challenging sermon on “Oneness.” Singers from area Moravian Church choirs joined voices to offer an anthem, along with pianist Jeanne Carrothers, and 21 youngsters sang and danced to the tunes they had recently learned at Vacation Bible School. And, of course, there were hymns: a new hymn set to the beloved “Morning Star” tune, and perennial favorites “What Brought Us Together” 14
and “Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice.” One worshiper, Michele Green, said, “This was amazing! To have 700 Moravians together singing in one place gave me the chills.” Others praised the warmth generated by the cooperative effort. Many expressed that God had, indeed, been glorified. Then, on Sunday afternoon, the Grace Steel Ensemble took the stage again, this time in concert with two other high school steel pan bands as well as several local vocal groups. Each of the bands played complete sets on their own, with the vocal groups performing in between the band sets. The hall filled with an interesting mix of traditional tunes, jazz standards, pop arrangements and beloved hymns. Formally attired hosts Ben Wallace and Abby Helbling emceed the show with a light touch, eliciting lots of laughs from the audience and warming them up well for an enthusiastic sing-along of patriotic songs. The grand finale featured all three steel pan bands united as one Superband to play “Ras Mas.” Stretching completely across the expansive stage, the melodic tremolos coming from nearly 75 mallet-wielding percussionists earned a standing ovation from the 1,100 audience members who had been fortunate enough to claim tickets to the soldout spectacle. Dover High School musician and member of First Moravian Church Matt Spies said, “We about blew the audience out of their chairs! We didn’t want the performance to end.” Afterwards, as musicians, patrons and spectators mingled in the lobby, good will emanated from the crowd. Moravians from differing cultural backgrounds had successfully and beautifully shared the wonder of Christ’s love through one of the Church’s greatest gifts: music. ■ The Moravian
MORAVIAN HISTORY
Bethlehem Archives completes first phase of renovations
On August 20, more than 100 people gathered at the Moravian Archives to celebrate completion of the first phase of renovations to the Archives building. The Archives’ “Summer Soiree,” which brought together donors, volunteers and friends of the Archives, featured celebratory food and music, including a welcoming trombone choir and chamber trio. Among the attendees were US Congressman Charlie Dent and Bethlehem Mayor John B. Callahan, who each shared their thoughts on the value of the Moravian Archives and congratulating the Ar-
chives’ staff on completing this first phase of the project. During the first half of 2013, new movable shelving was installed in the main vault of the Moravian Archives, doubling its storage capacity. The expansion, at current rates of utilization, allows for the care of records and valuable artifacts for the next 35 years, without the construction of external vault space. In addition to the new shelving, the vault now has a wall rack system that will allow Archives staff to make even better use of the space. The new racks make it possible to mount and display more of the Archives’ flat art holdings, like maps, portraits, paintings and more—all in a secure, climate controlled vault. (continued on next page) Paul Peucker is Archivist of the Moravian Church in America, Northern Province. Photo above: U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent congratulates the Northern Province Archives on their renovations. At left: A chamber trio performs during the Summer Soiree event. Photos by Devon Mosher and Mike Riess.
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(continued from previous page)
Above: Trumbone choir welcomes guests to the Archives celebration. Below: Guests enjoy the unveiling of the renovated Archives vault. At far right, top and middle: staff and volunteers move material back into the renovated vault. Bottom: Archivist Paul Peucker describes the renovation project.
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This spring, all of the materials in the vault were removed and stored in the main reading room of the archives. Old shelving was removed (and repurposed by the shelving contractor), the floor was repainted, new shelving installed and material moved back in by early June. Volunteers, interns and archive staff worked together to move the materials to their new homes, allowing the reading room to reopen for researchers earlier this summer. In addition to the renovation of the vault, a kitchen was installed at the Archives. With the increased use of the Archives over the past few years and with the many programs and classes, a functioning kitchen had become necessary. Previously, the only source of running water aside from the restrooms was the janitor’s closet. Funding for this project came from a matching grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of a program called Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections. In a statement from NEH that was read at the event it said: “The experts who evaluated the application recognized the national
The Moravian
and even international significance of the archives’ holdings. One reviewer was surprised by the richness and depth of the materials and by the Moravians’ attention to recording their activities. Evaluators characterized the Moravian Archives as a ‘very professionally run operation’ with a powerful commitment to research and publication. They agreed that the collection was endangered by inadequate storage space and that the proposed improvements would help ensure the preservation of these items for years to come.” Thanks to the many donors to the “Moving History” campaign it was possible to raise sufficient matching funds for the project. “More work needs to be done,” said Michael Long, president of the Board of Directors of the Archives. The reading room needs to be renovated in order to better accommodate visitors, researchers and school classes. “We also need to expand the offices, so that volunteers and staff have room to process collections without compromising the security of the invaluable material.” The goal is to continue with the second phase of renovations in 2014. More information can be found at www.moravianchurcharchives.org ■
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IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Redeemer Ohio Community Garden plants seeds of outreach
In the last few years America’s interest in organic, locally-grown food has increased substantially. Add an economic downturn and a fast-paced urban environment to this newfound interest and the result is a resurgence of home gardens, as people try to save money, provide their families with healthy produce and unwind by stepping off the concrete and sinking their hands into good ol’ fashioned dirt. Church of the Redeemer in Dublin, Ohio was constructed on farmland on the outskirts
of Columbus. As time passed, however, the empty farm and forest land surrounding the church developed into a thriving, urban landscape. Many people moving into the area’s brand new apartments, condos and homes found themselves either without land for a garden of their own, reluctant to tear up a portion of their own lawn which they just paid thousands to lay down, or faced Home Owner’s Associations that prohibit vegetable gardens. Realizing fertile land was something Redeemer had in abundance, and seeing the need for such a resource in the community, church leadership formed Redeemer Community Garden. The Garden is about three quarters of an acre, divided up into plots each measuring 15 feet square. Members of the local community can sign up for a free plot in early April, and the plots are usually tilled and ready for planting by early May. This summer nearly 50 individuals and families from the surrounding area had at least one plot in the garden. In addition to helping people eat healthier, we have discovered that the garden also helps build a diverse community. People from ReThe Moravian
deemer and the wider community had the opportunity to meet others they may not have otherwise had occasion to. It is a place of education as gardeners share their greenthumb knowledge. It even promotes cultural diversity. For instance, an individual who grew up in China and immigrated to the United States as a young adult grows some of his favorite vegetables that are normally native to China, veggies he cannot find here in local grocery stores. The ability to grow his favorite foods from China allows him and the several others like him to keep more of their cultural identity and educate others as they share their unique produce with their plot neighbors. The garden community also contributes some of its fresh produce to a local homeless shelter called “Friends of the Homeless.” Once a month members of Redeemer prepare and serve a meal to the residents of the shelter which, thanks to the garden, has also included fresh salad and veggies. Redeemer has received nothing but positive feedback from the residents because garden fresh vegetables are not normally a part of the meals they are served. Although planning, organizing and executing the garden takes quite a large amount of time, the end result is well worth it. People are making friends, eating nutritious foods, unwinding from their busy days, saving money, learning from each other, promoting cultural diversity and building community. What a bountiful harvest from such a little patch of God’s green earth! ■ Jay Petrella, pastor of Church of the Redeemer in Dublin, Ohio, co-wrote this article with congregation member Trent Reynolds. October 2013
MORAVIAN TRAVELS
Travelers find warmth and hospitality among Alaskan Moravians Warmth
and hospitality. These two words come to mind when I think of Alaska. Not the warmth that makes you take off a layer, but the warmth you see in a loving smile and feel deep within as you connect with people through a bond of love and being Moravian. On August 6, 18 travelers from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania journeyed to Bethel, Alaska to visit with Moravian brothers and sisters there. Later, they would be joined by 16 others to journey into the heart of Alaska, and cruise down the coast. Each leg of the trip was different; each day, the travelers were being prayed for by someone at home. Visiting Bethel Bethel, on the Kuskokwim River in southwestern Alaska, is a town in the tundra. It has no roads leading to it, and being there, you begin to realize how important the river is to the people who live there. Much needed goods are shipped in on barges and it’s how you get to other towns and villages, but just as importantly, that is where the fish are. You begin to imagine the early Moravian 20
missionaries who ventured to this place, and what their life was like before barges, outboards and snowmobiles. But the missionaries did come and we were blessed to have part of that story unfold before us in several ways. August is a very busy time in Bethel as people catch fish and pick berries for the winter. Even though it was such a busy time, two boats with drivers were made available so that our group could travel down the river to Napaskiak to visit the Moravian church there. It was a long, cold ride for some, but well worth it to see the village and the church. We beached the boats, climbed out and walked on the wooden road to the church. Houses are on stilts and conventional roads are impossible because of the tundra. Motor traffic is four wheelers, driven by all ages. On our walk, we encountered the pianist Hank Naisby is a member of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. Photos from this Alaska visit by Myra Jones and Linda Wickmann. The Moravian
for the Moravian church. As a young man, he was taught piano by Mrs. Gertrude Trodahl and then asked to move to Napaskiak and play at the church there. He has been there ever since. Moravian mission work in Alaska has affected many people. An important part of the work in Alaska was the Kuskokwim Orphanage and School. The school impacted our trip in many ways. Lyn Trodahl Chynoweth was a child when her parents served at the school. When she heard of our trip, she offered to cook for the group. This meant buying the food in the lower 48 and having it shipped to Bethel. Lyn also brought sister Jean, brother-in-law Bob and niece Kristy to help cook and serve. As we sat in the seminary building, so much was shared in fellowship and witness. We were joined by many who came to be with us, including a woman named Ruth. She had lived at the orphanage as a child and shared her story and thoughts. Eyes teared as she said, “On behalf of my people, thank you for bringing the gospel to us. I would not be alive if it weren’t for the Moravians.” Her words brought to mind the mission sentiment, “Thanks for those who went, and those who sent.” On August 7, a service of worship and song and a community supper was held. It was thought that maybe thirty would attend since it was such a busy time and in the middle of the week. Three times that many attended, some traveling by boat for hours. Table after table was added and the spirit grew. Large amounts of food were offered, including many salmon dishes, and blueberry and salmonberry akutaq. The service followed and Bishop Peter Green led the call to worship, Bishop Hopeton Clennon gave the message and Bishop Jacob Nelson gave the benediction. In between, there (continued on next page) October 2013
(continued from previous page) was spirited singing in English, and Yup’ik. Our Yup’ik was halting, and the choir director encouraged us by saying not to worry, that in the Yup’ik culture, “It is important to just be there with us.” What a wonderful lesson. A special Yup’ik choir sang many songs, including “Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” and “Silent Night” in Yup’ik. It was beautiful. Right before the benediction, the congregation sang, “It is Well with My Soul.” And it was. Our time in Bethel had come to an end, and it was time to join our fellow travelers in Anchorage. While going to eat, we stopped at the Qivuit (Yup’ik for musk ox) knitting shop. Still excited about our Bethel experience we were sharing with the clerk. He told us that his grandfather was in the Moravian orphanage and that the old man talks of how the Moravians helped him. Joined as one group, we headed to Denali and a whirlwind two days of travel. We did not see the mountain, but saw beautiful coun-
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tryside, a variety of animals, and got to know each other a little better. Sunday morning, Hopeton gathered us in a corner of the lodge, and we shared in worship. As we got on the ship for the final part of our trip, I heard someone say, “I’m afraid I might not see anyone for a week.” Indeed, it was hard to keep contact with everyone as we enjoyed the glaciers, visited the towns, and steamed south. But we did come together for a service as we celebrated the August 13 experience of long ago. It was a beautiful service put together by Gwyneth Michel. The sign on the chapel that said Private Event was removed, and we were joined by at least one person. I’m sure many on the ship heard our singing. I pray that their hearts were warmed. What a blessing to travel so far in distance and culture, and yet to feel so close to the people. Traveling as a Moravian, and visiting those with whom you share such a special bond, makes me think that the August 13th experience is not just long ago, but is with each of us. Blest be the tie that binds. ■
The Moravian
MORAVIAN TRAVELS
Mission team learns and grows while helping Alaskan Seminary “Recently,
I was given the opportunity to work with a Moravian work team in Alaska. Just being given the chance to go to Alaska was awesome, but being given the chance to help other people was a chance I couldn’t pass up. I booked my flight, got my days off and left, having no idea what was in store.” These are the words of David Kemmerer, a member of East Hills Moravian in Bethlehem, Pa., who arrived in Anchorage, Alaska on the evening of July 12, spent the night in the airport, and met the other team members of the Bethel work crew. He was to be joined by David and Debbie Hauser, team coordinators from Unity Moravian in Lewisville, N.C., and Charles and Sheila Beaman from Macedonia Moravian, Advance, N.C., to travel to Bethel, Alaska to put vinyl siding on the Alaska Moravian Seminary. Without siding, the building would need to be replaced in just a few years. Helen Gulledge, another team coordinator from Little Church on the Lane, in Charlotte, Sheila Beaman is administrative assistant for the Board of World Mission in WinstonSalem, N.C. Photos by Charles Beaman. October 2013
N.C., met the five members in Anchorage. After a brief time of touring, the first assignment was to purchase food in Anchorage and pack it for carrying on the plane to Bethel. The food prices in Alaska are double or triple those in the lower 48 states and other items needed in Alaska are very expensive. Because of its isolated location, items must be shipped or flown in. (continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) We were blessed by beautiful weather upon arrival in Bethel. The team was anxious to take advantage of the good weather, but Barb and Ed Dehnert, Dean of the Seminary in Alaska and Clifford Jimmie from Bethel Moravian advised that we may not have another opportunity for fishing. Soon we were off on the Kuskokwim River, casting drift nets and pulling in salmon. Clifford served as boat captain and instructor in fishing techniques. Along the way, we visited the fish camp of John Charlie and his family and saw salmon drying in the sun. The next day, John was the speaker during our worship service at Bethel Moravian, in the absence of The Rev. Tom Conrad. We also enjoyed the regular choir music, directed by Mary Gregory, and vocal and guitar music presented by a congregational music group. Our work week began with clouds and rain on Monday morning. Each morning after breakfast, Helen led us in a time of devotion before beginning the work for the day. As David Kemmerer expressed, “It was hard most days to wake up and go outside in the cold rain to work; even the ravens knew better, but it needed to be done.” The Dehnerts had ordered siding supplies for both the seminary and the Moravian Bookstore, which has been closed for several years because of needed repairs. Before attaching the siding, Tyvek wrap and foam insulation had to be stapled and hammered into place. By the end of the week, 80% of the vinyl had been attached which accomplished the goal that had been set. The remainder of the work could be completed by local people from the congregation and community. One of the highlights of our days was the 24
delicious meals including moose and salmon provided by the congregation. We were also treated with other prepared dishes, especially desserts provided by Tianna Conrad, Rev. Conrad’s, wife. On some of the evenings, we were challenged by Bible studies led by Clifford Jimmie, boat captain, who attends Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in the fall and winter. Some of the ladies also shared their beading and sewing abilities by showing us beautiful jewelry and kuspuks they had made, the traditional dress worn mostly by women, but also by men for special occasions. Thanks to the hospitality of the members of Bethel Moravian Church and the Dehnerts, our team experienced both growth in our work skills and spiritual journeys. We made many friendships that will continue well into the future. As David Kemmerer expressed in a recent reflection, “Christ cannot work alone or without the hands of his disciples. Working with the work crew in Alaska made me feel lucky to have what I have, and it brought me closer to God.” ■
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Youth mission project produces a-maze-ing labyrinth for Christ Moravian
Instead
of its usual summer mission trip doing work in the Laurel Ridge vicinity, the Christ Moravian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) Youth Group decided to do mission on a more local basis. Youth leaders Matt Pace, Kiley Smith and Sabrina Maksi, in collaboration with the youth group, came up with the idea of building a labyrinth for the church. It was to be a surprise for the church and its neighborhood. During our most recent youth retreat, the youth group had walked a labyrinth and we were intrigued by the thought of our own church having one. The idea was introduced to our church board which said to think about the upkeep and maintenance of the labyrinth. With this in mind, we came up with a design idea and outline for the labyrinth using stone and gravel. Once the blueprint for the labyrinth was complete, the church board gave us approval and work got underway.
October 2013
The night the project began, everyone gathered at our church’s fellowship building with the board members for a groundbreaking ceremony. The Youth Group set up camp inside the fellowship building with air mattresses everywhere. This is where we would sleep, eat and get ready for the next few days of our local mission! The theme for the week was prayer. This coordinated well with the building of the labyrinth, which was to be place for prayer. A labyrinth is like a maze that you walk through, praying and meditating throughout the walk. When you get to the center, it symbolizes find(continued on next page) Alexis McCarn is a member of the Christ Moravian Church Youth Group in Winston-Salem, N.C.
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(continued from previous page) ing Christ. Then, you walk back out of the labyrinth with Christ. The labyrinth symbolizes the walk of faith that everyone goes through—twists and turns in life that would be difficult without a sense of guidance from Christ. With this in mind, on the first night everyone pitched in to help build a centerpiece for our labyrinth: a cement cross decorated with multi-colored glass. On Monday morning, the first day of work, everyone grabbed the loaned tools and began to dig the outline of the labyrinth. This took a very long time, as it had to be dug six inches deep. After a couple hours, many were tired from working for so long, and it hadn’t even looked like we made a dent in the project. We were all losing our motivation. God surely must have known this, because in that moment a tiller and a tractor, lent by church members, arrived. This allowed us to make much more head way in moving dirt from the labyrinth! After digging for several hours, we finished for the day, tired and exhausted and covered in dirt. On Tuesday, we continued to dig, and after a couple of hours, we were able to begin filling the labyrinth with stones. Pretty soon, we were in a routine of dumping gravel, raking, then dumping gravel, then raking. We continued this task throughout the day. 26
On Wednesday, we finished putting the gravel in and started on the lining of the labyrinth with pavers. The youth leaders certainly helped a lot with this task. This was the most arduous, back-breaking task of them all. We had worked all day and began to wonder if this would get finished in time. By Thursday, everyone was hard at work making the lines of the labyrinth. We did a few touch ups and it was looking fantastic! Thanks to youth leaders Matt Pace and Ronnie Sturgill, who stayed out working on the labyrinth until very late in the evening, the project was finally completed! With everyone exhausted and sore, we were so thankful to have it turn out the way it did. On the last day, the youth leaders decided to take us to the Greensboro museum. It was such a great way to end a wonderful week! This project proved to us that with God all things are possible, and just as we had entered twists and turns, Christ was with us the entire way. It was such a wonderful experience to be with a great group of people who share the same faith. Everyone’s work not only helped create the labyrinth, but also it created unbreakable bonds between members of the youth group. At the close of the last day of our Mission project we gathered together to share a spe(continued on page 30) The Moravian
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Salem Creek RCC reaches out to St. Philips’ neighborhood This summer, the Salem Creek Regional Con-
ference of Churches worked together actively on outreach to children in the neighborhood around Saint Philips Moravian Church in the northern part of Winston-Salem. The Salem Creek RCC (Home, Messiah, Trinity and St. Philips congregations) identified the needs of that neighborhood and, working together, developed a plan for a summer outreach that would invite neighborhood families and children to a fun, positive program at the historic congregation. Plans were laid for an outdoor Saturday Community Festival in June, with music, games and food. Each of the four congregations took responsibility for a portion of the planning and the program, and pooled funds to pay for the event and to hire Hilda Regalado as coordinator for the outreach and follow-up. The wild weather this year sent us a chalThe Rev. John Jackman is senior pastor of Trinity Moravian Church. October 2013
lenge—a powerful storm ripped through the area only days before the event, taking down two large trees on the St. Philips’ Church property. Fortunately, neither tree damaged the building and they were able to have a tree service clear the parking lot of debris for the Festival. June 15 was a bright sunny day, with pleasant (continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) temperatures, the best sort of day for such an event! More than 200 neighborhood children came from blocks around to enjoy face painting (very popular!), crafts, food, a pony ride and a chance to climb on a real fire truck. Music was provided by a number of different musicians, including the Revs. Brad Bennett and Ginny Tobiassen, Peter Free and Christian rapper Gregory Peeples, “Mister GP.” Everyone who attended was asked to register so that we could follow up with them later. Each of the RCC congregations helped with some aspect of the celebration. Following the event, Hilda Regalado worked with the members of St. Philips’ Church and volunteers from the other congregations to develop a Vacation Bible School type of program for the children we had built contacts with. The program ran several Monday evenings, and included about twenty new children of grade school age. They joined together in age-appropriate crafts, Bible study, singing and a simple dinner together. St. Philips is one of the oldest African American churches in the country, and has quite a heritage; but that heritage and the general unfamiliarity of their neighbors with the Moravian Church and Moravian worship means that they have a special challenge in reaching their neighbors for the Lamb. However, this joint effort demonstrated that very different congregations can work together to get a remarkable start on new outreach, and to begin building new relationships with neighborhood families. It is hoped that in future months the members of St. Philips’ can build on this strong beginning, with the spiritual and practical support of sister congregations! ■
The Moravian
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Children On a Sunday in October, congregations of the Northern and Southern Provinces are invited to join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the thirteenth annual national observance of Children’s Sabbath. Endorsement of the Children’s Sabbath was made by the Provincial Elders’ Conferences in January 1994. Prayer Day for World Mission, October 13, 2013 The second Sunday in October has been designated as a special Day of Prayer for World Mission. Pray for the ministries in our Partner Provinces—Alaska, Guyana, Eastern West Indies, Honduras, Labrador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Western Tanzania; our new work in Peru, Sierra Leone and Cuba; and for wisdom and guidance for our Worldwide Unity. And pray that God will persist in revealing to us where the church in North America is called to mission, both locally and globally, that God’s love may be known throughout the world. For specific information for your prayers about these and other new and continuing ministries, please see the BWM website, www.moravianmission.org.
VISIT THE MORAVIAN MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK! The Moravian Magazine is 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. October 2013
NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 20, 2013 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
The Widow’s Society of Bethlehem Annual Report • June 30, 2013
ASSETS Cash in Banks $ 6,056 Investments at cost 342,701 Total Assets $348,757 Investments at market: $1,077,546 EQUITY Membership Fees $ 84,554 Accumulated Capital Gains and Losses 180,091 Accumulated interest 3,000 Legacies and Bequests 76,143 Unexpended Income 4,969 Total Equity $ 348,757 Dividends Paid: 12/17/12 71@ $256 $ 18,176 06/17/13 69@ $268 18,492 Total $524 $ 36,668 Members as of June 30, 2013: Ministers:108; Laymen:126; Total:234 Membership in the Society is open to any married man who is a member of the Moravian Church or whose wife is a member, for a one-time membership fee of $100 up to age 50; slight additional fees added for each year to age 60. For further information write or call: The Widow’s Society of Bethlehem 561 E. Market St., Suite #1, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6323 Phone: 610.866.1841 Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.
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OBITUARY
The Rev. Melvin R. Klokow Brother Melvin R. Klokow died in Fort Lauder-
dale, Fla. on July 29, 2013, at the age of 91. Born in Watertown, Wis., Mel later attended Moravian College and Seminary. Melvin and his wife, Helen, were life-long Moravians who joyfully served the Lord together. After their marriage at First Moravian Church (N.Y.) in 1949, they served Daggett Moravian Church in Michigan and welcomed the arrival of four children: Christine, Linda, David and Jonathan. In 1957, Mel accepted the call to start a new church, Grace Moravian, in Wayne (now Westland), Mich. After eight years there, Mel and Helen were called as missionaries to the
Moravian Church in Bethel, Alaska. In 1968, the family moved to Gnadenhutten, Ohio where they served the John Heckewelder Moravian Church, and were involved in the historical outdoor production of “Trumpet in The Land.” In 1974 Mel accepted the call to serve Coral Ridge Moravian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He faithfully served this congregation until retirement in 1987, and Helen was active in the music and educational ministries of the church. Mel was instrumental in supporting the early development of the Prince of Peace congregation in Miami, and as a leader of the Florida District of our Province. Helen preceded Mel in death September of 2008. In addition to their four children, Mel and Helen were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Memorial services were held in Florida and in California where family members currently live. ■
Labyrinth
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cial liturgy written by our Pastor, the Rev. Dave Marcus, which ended in a silent candlelit walk through our completed labyrinth. When the time came to reveal the labyrinth to the church, everyone was amazed at what we all had accomplished. The labyrinth was truly a wonderful surprise and a great addition to the church as well as the West Salem Community! ■ The Moravian
QUESTIONS OF FAITH
aren’t always easy to answer. Questions about finances can be.
H
OW CAN YOU HELP THE MINISTRIES you care about most? How can you tap into potential support for your church or agency? How can you make your financial investments work harder to support our shared faith? These are all good questions, and the Moravian Ministries Foundation has answers. From education, to gift planning, to fundraising help, to investment management, we have answers that are rooted in wisdom, experience and — most importantly — unwavering faith and values. Simply put, our goal is to generate more money to support Moravian ministries. Visit us online at www.mmfa.info and explore what we can do together. JOIN US ON
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