Moravian Magazine, October 2014

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$100 million for more ministry Selling a church to enhance a ministry Making of the Daily Texts And more!

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On the Cover: The belfry of Central Moravian Church as fall arrives in Bethlehem. Photo by Mike Riess

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$100 million for more ministry Selling a church to enhance a ministry

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Making of the Daily Texts And more!

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Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith

Moravian Ministries Foundation

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

In Our Congregations

6 Investing Where We Believe: $100 million for more ministry

9 Lancaster Moravian—selling the church to enhance its ministry 17 Rudolph Moravian congregation loses church to fire 19 London Moravian Church to mark 125th anniversary 22 First annual Children’s Festival and Lovefeast: a day of covenanting and prayer for children 26 The unexpected gifts in life Moravian History 12 Guidebook charts steps of Lehigh Valley Moravians

Member, Associated Church Press

Moravian Daily Texts 14 Behind the scenes: The making of the Moravian Daily Texts Moravian Camping Ministry 20 Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center celebrates 50 years!

24 “Something Beautiful for God” The 2014 Plus 50 retreat

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.

Women’s Conference

October 2014

29 Official Provincial Elders’ News

27 Moravians Women’s Conference coming Summer 2015 And More…

4 Ponderings: Gearing up for a busy autumn 28 A Conquering Lamb for little hands to hold 3

PONDERINGS

Gearing up for a busy autumn As the calendar rolls past Labor Day and the cool winds of September

begin to blow (unless, of course, you’re in Canada, where the cold snows begin to fly), the activity level at many of our Moravian congregations begins to really ramp up. Not surprisingly, the same goes for the Interprovincial Board of Communication. While it’s been a busy year for us so far, with two Provincial Synods behind us, autumn is shaping up to be chock-full of activity.

Between early October and late November, we at the IBOC focus time and energy on getting the new Moravian Daily Texts into the hands of readers around the world (you can read Renee Schoeller’s story about assembling the Daily Texts on page 14). We’ve spent the last 10 months inviting writers, compiling and editing their submissions and proofing the four editions that make up each year’s North American offerings.

Several days before the delivery truck arrives from Michigan, we receive the sample pack with two copies of each edition. There’s a special feeling cracking open the FedEx box and seeing all that work in its final form and celebrating another edition of this Moravian tradition.

Then, on a day in mid-October, the large delivery truck pulls up outside 1021 Center St. and our team begins unloading nine pallets of books—that’s nearly 500 cases! Before the day is out, we’re already shipping our preorders, which we’ll continue through the end of the year.

But the Daily Texts is only one (admittedly huge) part of our very busy autumn. This fall will also find me in many different places, meeting with Moravians from across the U.S. By the time you read this, I will have made my first trip to Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center (you can read about their celebration of a half-century of Wisconsin camping on page 20). The Western District conference will feature a workshop by Moravian Theological

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(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) October Vol. 45, 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 Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Ginny Tobiassen Peggy Carter Jane Weber Gary Kniskern Jill Westbrook 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: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2014, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

Seminary’s Craig Atwood on “Zinzendorf’s Challenge to 21st Century Moravians,” a story about which will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Moravian Magazine.

The following weekend, Oct. 2–4, will find me at the Bethlehem Conference on History and Music. Scholars, theologians and Moravian enthusiasts from around the globe will be in town for several days of lectures, performances and workshops. Jørgen Bøytler, the business administrator for the Unitas Fratrum/worldwide Moravian Church, will deliver the annual Walter Vivian Moses Lecture in Moravian Studies on Unity in Diversity, Challenges to the Worldwide Moravian Unity. We’ll be sure to share his thoughts on that topic in an upcoming magazine, too.

The next weekend brings the annual Eastern District Youth Rally to town. Youth from congregations across the Eastern District will converge on Central Moravian Church for a weekend of fellowship, fun, competition and worship. This will be my first Youth Rally; I’ve read (and edited) the stories of previous Rallies for the magazine and always wanted to go!

The weekend after that? The IBOC board holds its semiannual meeting in Bethlehem. This year, we’re welcoming several new members to the board, including Peggy Carter of the Southern Province PEC and the Rev. Ginny Tobiassen, associate pastor at Home Moravian in Winston-Salem. For two days, the board reviews the work of the previous six months and charts the course for the future. If you have any suggestions or questions you’d like me to bring to the board, feel free to e-mail me at mike@mcnp.org.

After a weekend off, I’ll be heading for North Carolina to join this year’s class of the Moravian Leadership Network. This effort, coordinated by the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries, seeks to “broaden and deepen the pool of Moravian leaders—people who will dedicate themselves to accomplishing worthwhile goals with a sense of vision, purpose, excitement and common good, creating a future of greater possibilities.” Over the next six months, 14 Southern Province brothers and sisters and I will gather four times to learn, discuss and grow together.

But wait, there’s more! November 7–9, I will be joining Moravians from across the U.S. and Canada for the Adamson Innovation Forum, held in Chaska, Minnesota. Sponsored by the Moravian Ministries Foundation, the Adamson Forum will include presentations on topics, small group discussions and large group discussions. The Forum is focused on helping the congregations and their leadership addressing the questions, “What strategies can we employ to promote greater gratitude for God’s grace, blessings and generosity?” and “How can we more effectively educate Moravians and promote greater support for the ministries, priorities and needs of the church?”

We’ll bring you coverage from all of these events over the next few months on the pages of The Moravian Magazine. That’s one of the great things about this role—getting out and seeing firsthand what’s happening in our church.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian. And don’t forget, even with all this travelling, there are many places in our Moravian “world” that I can’t be this fall, so we welcome your stories of what’s happening in your corner of our church.

Peace.

MORAVIAN MINISTRIES FOUNDATION

Investing Where We Believe: $100 million for more ministry

The Moravian Ministries Foundation is a unique interprovincial ministry of the Church.

We do not train or educate pastors. We do not serve the poor or the elderly. We do not write, compose or perform music. We do not minister to people in far away lands. We do not lead worship. We do not evangelize or do outreach in the community. Instead, our primary “job” is to connect money with Moravian ministry,

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so our churches and agencies can do these essential works and more.

James tells us “…faith without good works is dead…” And at the Moravian Ministries Foundation, while it might be grammatically incorrect, faith is an action word. It is a verb. And, this charge is taken very seriously.

In our view, to do ministry and to turn faith into an action word requires four elements: 1. Inspiration and leadership by Christ, as he expresses in the Gospels, 2. People on the ground to do the work, 3. Time to do it and do it well, and 4. Money!

The Foundation’s job is to help generate the money.

Fortunately, Moravians have a long history of connecting money with ministry. In fact, the early Moravian communities were economically organized to generate profits from the goods and services they produced and sold to Moravians and non-Moravians to support the ministries of the Church. This faith-based The Moravian

entrepreneurship provided the money to send the first Protestant missionaries to the Caribbean. It helped support those who migrated south to Salem and west to Ohio and beyond.

It aided in the establishment of Moravian College and Salem College, the oldest women’s college in America.

Building on this rich history, the Moravian Ministries Foundation began 17 years ago with one purpose: to bring about more money for ministry. We accomplish this in four ways: • Working with individuals who feel inspired and called to make planned gifts. In most cases, these gifts are made through wills, trusts, gift annuities and the like. This service is called GiftLegacy.

• Helping Moravian congregations and agencies raise funds for needed capital projects like renovations, new buildings, etc. This also includes working with the congregations to inspire greater financial support through the Sunday offering. This service is called Morning Star.

• Assisting people with gifts of stocks, bonds and mutual funds to their church or favorite Moravian ministry.

• Managing a low-cost investment program for churches and agencies to invest funds and gifts they have been left to support their ministry. The program is also designed to produce superior investment returns; in fact, it is ranked number one among its peers. This service is called the Moravian Common Fund. (continued on next page) Paul McLaughlin is president of the Moravian Ministries Foundation.

Photos courtesy of MMFA. October 2014

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Activity

Funds Generated

Morning Star Services

12,500,000

Stock Gifts for the Benefit of Churches & Agencies

1,540,000

Common Fund Distributions to Churches & Agencies

42,180,000

Planned Gifts by Individuals for the Future Benefit of Churches & Agencies

37,690,000

Planned Gifts from Deceased Individuals Paid to Churches & Agencies TOTAL (continued from previous page) This summer the Foundation paused to look at our results and we were surprised by what we found.

Since inception, the Moravian Ministries Foundation is responsible for $100 million in both planned and outright gifts and distributions from invested funds to churches and agencies, all of which is directed towards supporting more ministry.

Looking at the numbers in more detail, over

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6,500,000 100,410,000

$58,000,000 is in the form of planned and outright gifts from individuals, and just over $42,000,000 was distributions to churches and agencies from their invested funds.

And what did it cost the Foundation to accomplish this? In simplest terms: for every dollar generated by our work, it cost the Foundation 6.5 cents to carry out these services.

Two final points: First, every single penny of the $100 million will or has gone for ministry; not a cent supports the work of the Foundation. In other words, there were more funds for summer camping for children and youth, more funds to train and educate future and current pastors, more funds for outreach and evangelism in our communities, more funds for international and domestic mission work, more funds to care for the elderly in our retirement communities, more money to preserve our rich history and records, more money for music... more money for more ministry throughout both Provinces of the Moravian Church.

And secondly, in 2012 the Foundation adopted a new tagline that speaks more eloquently to our mission: Invest Where You Believe. In this regard, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and nearly 100 churches and agencies that Invest Where They Believe.

Will you join them and help the Foundation reach the $200 million mark? Remember: faith is an action word! â– The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Lancaster Moravian— selling the church to enhance its ministry In many cases, we don’t pull out of the drive-

way until we have seen the exact route on our GPS, know what turns to make when and know exactly what time we will arrive at our destination. The very thought of launching off into the largely unknown seems a little nutty these days; yet, believe it or not, there are still those in our midst who abide by such bold faith for no other reason than they believe that they must do “just as God said.”

On June 22, Lancaster Moravian Church experienced their last service of worship at 1460 Eden Road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Are they closing? Absolutely not. In fact they are doing the very opposite of ending their ministry together—they are following what

they believe to be God’s call to leave what is familiar… leaving that which feels like home… “for a land I will show you.”

Following a period of prayerful discernment within the Eastern District A.I.D. (Assessment, Intervention and Development) program and numerous congregational gath(continued on next page) Dean Easton is pastor of Lancaster Moravian Church, which is currently meeting at Moravian Manor in Lititz.

Thanks to Dave Bennett, Eastern District president, for his introduction. Photos by Dean and Jan Stein.

Lancaster Moravian members and friends leaving their building for the last time in June.

October 2014

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(continued from previous page) erings for dialogue and prayerful discussion, the Lancaster Moravian congregation made the decision to launch into a new ministry in service to the growing elderly population within their community. Deciding to focus their ministry efforts on Adult Day Services (ADS) and to do this in a new location, the Church Council made the decision to sell their present facility and to identify a new location which will accommodate both their worship needs and the ministry of an ADS program.

“Our ‘Genesis’ was that we had to accept that what we were doing was not working effectively,” says Dean Easton, pastor of the Lancaster congregation. “ADS is something that we can relate to… understand… and have a passion for... We are called to ADS.” A key concept of this new ministry venture is that the ADS and the worship areas will overlap, ensuring that the mission and the worship are physically and spiritually integrated as one.

“We will employ professionals to manage our business, while our own people will volunteer to develop new relationships and improve our service,” says Dean. “We own the business not only with our dollars, but also with our hearts, hands and prayers.” The ADS ministry will not only offer opportunities for congregational service, but will also supplement the congregation’s financial needs.

“Our congregation is making some major changes, and taking significant risks in doing so. The congregation has sold its beloved building and moved out. Now “homeless,” we are worshipping temporarily at Moravian Manor, with our office in the basement of the parsonage. Our new worship home will be in a building and at a location that none of us would have personally chosen.”

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What could make a faithful band of people resort to such radical measures? Dean provides his insights: A Willingness to Acknowledge the Signs Often we pray for our congregations to grow, for a program to succeed, for a new family to walk in the doors or for more money to pay the bills. However, rarely does a congregation open its collective heart and mind to genuinely listen to what God has in mind. It is easier and less scary to resist the truth of the signs the Lord provides all around us, especially when they don’t jive with our hopes and plans, or if they require more of us than we are willing to give. Somehow this group of believers in Lancaster has developed a faith unafraid to read the signs, discern what they can from them and respond with real changes based on this new guidance of the Spirit.

A New Understanding of Surrender Many congregations seek to meet their growing challenges by working even harder at what they have always done. Although just as concerned about our congregation’s future Wheeling out the star.

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Unity of Purpose When all members agree to surrender their wills, and instead make decisions based upon what they understand God leading them to, an unusual and spectacular thing results— unity. This is not a unity in which our identities are lost, but instead a unity grounded in common purpose. The fruit of this unity has been peace, joy and an ability to talk things out honestly, come to consensus and move forward together.

Yearning to Bear Fruit Our yearning is to move forward in doing something good for the Lord by investing less energy and time vocalizing among ourselves and more energy and time speaking through our actions among others. We seek to change our identity from one based upon a building to one based upon new and meaningful relationships.

So now you have some idea of what has led to selling, moving and choosing a building and location well-suited to our new ministry—adult day services. Monday through Friday our staff will care for up to 50 individuals 60 years or older who are no longer able to be left home alone, often due to beginning dementia. On weekends, we will worship in the same facility which is located at a population and transportation hub for the good of those we serve. As we are able, our people will volunteer to make the day care experience greater for our clients, their families and for our members.

In short: Our Lamb has conquered, and we are following Him. ■

Members at the last service.

Lancaster’s new building.

as anyone else, somehow this community of faith has chosen to surrender much or all of that worry to God while instead focusing on their call to serve God through others.

Looking Outside Themselves As congregations stagnate or decline, they usually focus increasingly inward upon themselves—caring for their own, focusing on stretching the budget even further and overwhelming innocent strangers who happen into worship. Somehow this group has come to focus less on self, instead seeing their future in seeking a role in the community.

October 2014

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MORAVIAN HISTORY

Guidebook charts steps of Lehigh Valley Moravians The rich cultural history of Moravians in the

Lehigh Valley has never appeared more fresh or more entertaining than in the new Moravian Walking Tour and Guidebook: The Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, published by the Moravian Historical Society. This Guidebook will surprise every reader, even those who are students of Moravian history. It contains more than 200 images, many of them never seen before and nearly all of them in brilliant color.

Readers will see familiar sights from unfamiliar vantage points, buildings that they have heard of but have never seen and others that will be wholly-new discoveries. The book is ambitious in its scope, exploring the entire Lehigh Valley: not just Bethlehem and Nazareth, the usual suspects, but also Emmaus (in great depth), Allentown (where Moravians who refused to swear loyalty oaths were taken in 1777), Easton (with its 1761 Brethren’s House), Schoeneck, Jacobsburg and Christian’s Spring. Nowhere else can readers so

Scott Gordon is professor of English at Lehigh University and chair of the publications committee of the Moravian Historical Society.

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easily understand the widespread influence that Moravian culture had throughout the Lehigh Valley from the eighteenth to the twentyfirst centuries.

The Guidebook provides a superb introduction to Moravian history. The book offers brief accounts of the European origins of the Moravians and their arrival in Pennsylvania, as well as information about the General Economy and the Choir System. But at the heart of the Guidebook are walking tours of the three Moravian towns of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Emmaus. These tours guide readers and walkers through these eighteenth-century communities where so much history survives today.

To follow these tours is to experience these unique communities as they were organized in the eighteenth century. The community store and inns were placed on the outskirts of town, while the choir houses, tradesmen’s shops and churches were clustered at the town’s center. Hatters, gunsmiths, carpenters and locksmiths lived and worked across the street from one another. And, in each town, the community that worked and worshiped together was buried together at the God’s Acre.

The book also offers fascinating guides to The Moravian

Moravian sites in the nearby county seats of Allentown and Easton, to Christian’s Spring where Moravian boys were trained in various trades and to the industrial communities along the Bushkill Creek.

Making the Guidebook Assembling the Guidebook was a remarkable group effort. The Publications Committee of the Moravian Historical Society did extensive research, sketched out each walking tour and wrote the detailed descriptions of buildings and sites from across the Lehigh Valley. Local businesses, including Discover Lehigh Valley, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and C. F. Martin Guitars, provided the support necessary to enable the Moravian Historical Society to produce an unusually beautiful publication designed by Heather Reinert.

Each page bursts with high-quality images.

The staff of the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem scoured their vast collections to supply images that have never appeared in print before, and other local institutions, from Lehigh University to the Jacobsburg Historical Society

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and Doylestown’s Mercer Museum, provided materials as well. Thanks to these contributions, the Guidebook includes images of many buildings that no longer survive—as well as side-by-side images of dozens of extant Moravian buildings to encourage readers to compare eighteenth-century structures with their current incarnations!

So much is packed into this Guidebook that it is impossible to exhaust its riches even after multiple readings. Its descriptions, photographs, maps and portraits will excite students of history, religion, town planning, early industry, art and architecture. Whether you read it at home or keep it in your hand as you walk the streets of Bethlehem, Nazareth or Emmaus, this Guidebook will serve as the perfect companion to experiencing Moravian culture in the Lehigh Valley.

The Moravian Walking Tour and Guidebook is available at the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth, the Moravian Archives and the Moravian Bookshop in Bethlehem.

It is also available through the IBOC at store.moravian.org. ■

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MORAVIAN DAILY TEXTS

Behind the scenes: the making of the Moravian Daily Texts Every October, the Interprovincial Board of Communication receives hundreds of cases of the Moravian Daily Texts from its printer in Michigan. But shepherding each year’s Daily Texts from watchwords drawn more than two years before in Herrnhut to the printed—and now digital—publication used by many North American Moravians takes the IBOC team nearly a year to bring to fruition.

Renee Schoeller, communications assistant at the IBOC in Bethlehem, handles much of the work involved with preparing the Texts.

This month, she shares the process in her own words.

Daily Texts is actually constructed and where all the pieces come from. Following the completion of the 2014 edition, I finally received the opportunity to build the Daily Texts piece by piece into the book that we are all familiar with. The 2015 Daily Texts is the first edition that I have personally worked all the way through—compiling, working with writers, editing and proofreading.

A list of days The process begins with a simple list of months and days; this is the initial framework of the Daily Texts. Once this outline is set up, Renee Schoeller proofs the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts.

When I began working with the IBOC as communications assistant last year, I walked right into the thick of the proofreading process for the 2014 Moravian Daily Texts. It was certainly an overwhelming part of the Daily Texts process to begin at, as it’s the part that moves the fastest, but I was well-prepared for it. As a publications intern with the IBOC in the summer of 2012, I had some responsibility proofreading the 2013 Daily Texts.

That previous experience in proofreading the Daily Texts was, and still is, an invaluable resource for me to fall back on.

What I didn’t learn as an intern, or in my first couple months on the job, was how the 14

The Moravian

in over 50 languages around the world!

The Daily Texts has been living this ecumenical dream for many years.

other pieces are set into it to make it function.

First published in 1731 in Saxony, this little book grew out of a spiritual renewal The Bible plan—designed to help of thereading Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) that dates back to August 13, 1727.

Daily Texts to read theits Psalms in one Today,readers more than 280 years after first publication, the Daily Texts continues its of “a daily message from God year andpromise the whole Bible in two years—is the that is new every morning.” first thingThisthat I set into the framework, skipNorth American edition features an added benefit: in theSundays spirit of diversity and ping over Sundays. receive verses devotion known throughout the Moravian Church, hymns and prayers are prepared from thebyMoravian Common Lectionary and different people each month. are outside of the Bible reading plan. Sunday watchwords for the week are also based on the lectionary cycle and are not chosen by lot as I had originally assumed.

In November, the IBOC receives the watchwords—chosen by lot in a ceremony more than two years earlier—from Germany, which have been translated from their original German into English. Our current translator, Erdmute Frank, works to keep as true to the original German text as possible. Her time and dedication assure that in English we can derive the same meaning and experience the same feeling from reading the Daily Texts as our Brothers and Sisters who are reading the German version. And as there are many further translations that are made from this English translation, it is important to make sure that those translations also match the original German as closely as possible.

We are truly all worshiping together when we read these words!

ISBN

DAILY TEXTS 2015

The cover of the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts features stained glass from Imagine sharing the same devotional Fairview Moravian in Winston-Salem. with Church more than 1.5 million believers —

MORAVIAN

DAILY TEXTS 2015

A Devotional Guide for Every Day

978-1-933-57155-3

51300

9 781933 571553

Assigning writers Around the time that we receive translated verses from Germany, the IBOC staff gets together to discuss potential writers for the Daily Texts. We try to gather a wide selection of Moravians—lay, clergy, young, old, Northern Province, Southern Province, men and women. I love receiving positive responses when reaching out to people to invite them to be part of this ministry. I enjoy working with our writers as they take on quite possibly the most October 2014

important role in the Daily Texts creation; their careful, Spirit-led selection of hymns and their written prayers have the potential to impact the faith journeys of so many people.

When invitations to write are accepted, I send the framework for each individual month to the assigned writers. While I am sending materials to our English writers, I am also sending complete English manuscripts to translators around the world.

At the spring meeting of the IBOC, the (continued on next page) Did you know you can receive the Daily Texts each morning by e-mail?

While this is not a new service from the IBOC, we have joined with a new provider to make the Daily Texts e-mails more consistent and efficient to make sure that you receive your word from God every morning.

You can sign up from the Moravian.org homepage by clicking the envelope under the Daily Texts module that says “Receive Daily by E-mail.”

(continued from previous page) members of the board of directors select the cover art for the coming year’s edition. Over the past several years, the board has had a broad range of options to choose from, each with the potential to give the book its fullcolor cover. For 2015, the board selected an image that features the stained glass seal at Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem to grace this year’s cover.

In mid-February, writers send me their completed months and I begin editing. As lead editor and compiler of the Daily Texts, I find that editing the prayers is the most rewarding part of the process. Our writers put so much thought and love into their prayers, and as I edit them, I am hopeful that they will help our readers to build a greater connection You can order the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts directly from the IBOC. The Daily Texts are available in paperback, hardcover, large print and journal editions and should be available for immediate shipping in late October.

To learn more, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

If you prefer a digital copy, the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts will be available for Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and Apple iBooks in early November. Visit those online stores and search for “Moravian Daily Texts.”

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with God. Editing is kept to a minimum—we want to ensure that the prayers maintain the thoughts, feelings and voice of their writers.

Once editorial is complete, I add the hymns that our writers selected to accompany each Daily Texts verse and their prayers to the framework, completing the rough draft of the Daily Texts. We check the hymns for meter and line length; in addition, we sometimes need to replace a hymn if it’s been used elsewhere or has a copyright conflict. The completed Texts are then reviewed prior to sending this draft on to create the book.

Designing the book In May we send the rough draft to the designer who sets each day on a page and formats it to look like the book with which we are familiar.

Over the next several months, we go through primary and secondary proofs of each of the four printed versions of the Daily Texts before we send the files to the printer. The printer also sends a proof to the IBOC for approval before printing the full volume of books.

In October, the IBOC sees that full volume at our doors when we receive thousands of books. We devote several weeks to shipping the books to our preorder customers following the arrival of the Daily Texts. The shipping process, while hectic, is a lot of fun and allows the IBOC to spend more time together building closer relationships while being physically involved in our ministry.

Once the books are shipped, we take some down time, regroup, attend to different projects around the office and then… we begin all over again. I’m eagerly looking forward to getting the 2015 edition into the hands of our readers and I’m humbled to have been a part of the creation of this devotional that means so much to so many people. ■ The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Rudolph Moravian congregation loses church to fire After more than 80 years as the home of the

Rudolph Moravian congregation, the church at 1490 Main St. in Rudolph, Wis., suffered a serious fire on August 26.

While Rudolph is one of the smallest congregations in the Northern Province — less than 30 members — it has been a vital, faithful, spirit-filled group of people with women’s fellowship, Bible study and involvement in community concerns and local and worldwide mission. This wasn’t the first time the congregation lost a church to fire. The current building was built in 1932 to replace the original fire-destroyed church building.

Firefighters worked throughout the day to quench the flames. The fire appears to have started in the ceiling of the church and may have smoldered for hours before being seen by local fire department personnel. Lightning storms the previous evening may have contributed to the fire. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

Pastor Christine Stack and many members of the small congregation gathered for prayer even as the firefighters were fighting the fire.

By the time Christine arrived at the church,

October 2014

squads from nearby communities of Vesper and Grand Rapids joined firefighters from the Rudolph Volunteer Fire Department in trying to battle the blaze.

“Almost all of our church members arrived on the scene sometime during the day,” said Christine. “Obviously, there was lots of shock, sadness, anger and other emotions by our members. I helped our members the best I could, and our members did ‘pastoral care’ for each other. We circled together, held hands and offered prayers in the church parking lot while the firefighters were working.”

While fighting the fire, the firefighters were helpful and compassionate, says Christine.

They were able to retrieve the congregation’s communion service, the brass offering plates, cross and flower vases, filing cabinets and files, record books and historical books.

They also retrieved their communion table and baptismal font, but both were damaged.

“We were heartened to see the firefighters come from the church with our Moravian star intact,” said Christine. “And the white cross (continued on next page) 17

Photos by Deb Cleworth, Wisconsin Rapids Tribune.

(continued from previous page) that stood at the peak of the roof — which never burned — was also removed and saved.” The items were moved to a storage shed, while one member, Tom Reffner, took the historical books home to photograph them page by page.

While together, the congregation held an informal meeting where they decided to take some time to process what happened before moving forward. They would worship at nearby Kellner Moravian that coming weekend. Since then, they have been welcomed by the Kellner congregation and will be wor-

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shiping there for the foreseeable future.

By the end of the day, the fire had destroyed much of the roof. The sanctuary ceiling collapsed onto the main floor, much of the balcony had collapsed, there was not support holding up the front side walls, and the large roof tiles were slowly dropping off the roof. The location was cordoned off for safety reasons.

“I arrived back home, tired, dirty with soot and just exhausted emotionally and physically,” said Christine. “And as I got out of my car, I discovered an Easter lily, which I had planted last spring, had suddenly come into full bloom with five beautiful flowers. What a wonderful sign of resurrection — and a most needed reminder to me that God’s amazing love and power will be there to surprise us, especially on those days when we are overwhelmed and exhausted.”

Since the fire, Christine and the congregation have been working with insurance adjusters, fire investigators and local officials as they prayerfully consider options going forward.

“Pray for comfort in this time of loss and for a clear sense of the Lord’s leading for the future,” says Jim Hicks, Western District president. “We thank God no one was hurt.” ■

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

London Moravian Church to mark 125th anniversary The London Moravian Church congregation

will celebrate its 125th Anniversary on Sunday, October 12, 2014. The church, located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin between the communities of Cambridge and Lake Mills, was established on October 6, 1889.

All former Moravian pastors and spouses who have provided ministry leadership at London have been invited to join the anniversary to celebrate their contributions to the congregation’s history. Douglas Bauder, who served as pastor from 1982–92, will be the guest preacher for the anniversary. Joining him is a daughter of the London congregation, Staci Marrese-Wheeler, now pastor at Lakeview Moravian Church in Madison, Wis., who will be worship leader. The service will begin at 9:45 a.m. with prelude music by the Jane Follmer Zekoff is pastor of London Moravian Church.

October 2014

Glenwood (Madison, Wis.) Moravian Church Trombone Choir. The worship liturgy will begin at 10:15 with a noon meal to be served following the service.

The congregation is also inviting all those confirmed at the London Church to return for this homecoming. Since 1943, 170 youth have professed their faith and been received into the London Church.

This congregation of 90 members has an active Sunday school, Women’s Fellowship, and four talented musicians who rotate providing both organ and piano music for Sunday worship services. Since 2009, the congregation has learned about and supported over 30 mission projects locally, nationally and worldwide. In addition, several projects have recently been completed to update the building and property. (continued on page 30) 19

MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center Celebrates 50 Years!

Sometimes ministry happens and creates a memorable place. Sometimes a special place helps ministry to come alive. Mt. Morris is both. It is a place like no other.

On August 9th, 2014 the Mt. Morris Board and staff hosted a celebration of a place that is both special and memorable. We celebrated… …the people who searched for a place including Will Behrend, Thor Harberg and Fred Harberg who, in 1964, acted on a District’s desire to have a primary location for our youth camping ministry. They purchased (with both personal and Christian Education checkbooks) 164 acres of land in central Wisconsin, just past the Lutheran church with the neon blue cross on the steeple and just down Blackhawk Road. Later, they went to the District and asked for permission. …the Sandhill renewal center, built in 1972, which hosts events such as youth retreats, church ministry groups and family gatherings.

Kurt Liebenow is pastor of Christian Faith Moravian Church in DeForest, Wis. and is president of the Mt. Morris board of directors. Photos by Jennifer Hiscox of Rochester, Minn.

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…the re-affirmed desire to have an identifiable camping ministries place to call our own. In the 1990s many people met to make plans, and execute fundraising programs to build seven cabins, a lodge called Black Oak and a program/dining/administration building called Arrowhead. …the directors who in past years maintained the facilities and hosted all the groups who came to Mt. Morris. We remembered Walter and Sylvia Prahl, Lew and Naomi Thomas, Jane Sommers, Dave and Mary Jo Hornickle and Val Lehman. … the current staff that so wonderfully maintains the facilities, coordinates single use groups and multiple groups together, prepares meals and offers genuine Christian hospitality to everyone: Joel Jarvis, executive director; Joy Witkowski, Food and Beverage Director; Nancy Vistain, Administrative Assistant; Barb D’Amour, Head Housekeeper; Jim Stannard, Maintenance Director; and all the additional staff serving under their guidance. …that we are still discovering the vision of what Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center is to be. When a place is valued by some, word spreads and others begin to arrive.

What is needed is some more space for this The Moravian

place! We are looking at additional areas for program, new cabins and even another lodge like Black Oak and to update Sandhill.

So how did we celebrate? Around 150 people came and helped make it a joyous celebration.

We opened up the facilities and grounds to be enjoyed. We were blessed with perfect weather, with temperatures in the 80s and sunny blue skies. Arrowhead was set up as a central place for refreshments for people to visit and sit on the deck looking out to the prairie and trees.

Aden Ward offered nature walks. A hayride took people around the grounds. A scavenger hunt, arranged by Kris and Doug Schefft, led explorers to significant places such as the swimming hole and the foot bridge. Deb Kappel set up games for people to play. Kris Schefft provided a nature art project for people to enjoy.

We made the zip line at the high ropes available for the bold and adventurous and the swimming pool was open.

Guitar, drum and harmonica music accompanied the grilled hot dog and hamburger lunch, after which notable people present were applauded for their leadership contributions. The Rev. Jim Hicks, Western District president and Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, Northern Province PEC president, offered words of encouragement and gratitude.

The whole assembly shared in litany prayers of thanksgiving with Stacy Wickert offering accompaniment on the keyboard.

A photo show offered a visual presentation of the many people and events which have helped make Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center a unique place.

It was another memorable day at a special place. A place like no other. â– October 2014

21

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

First annual Children’s Festival and Lovefeast: a day of covenanting and prayer for children In many Moravian churches, one Sunday in

October is chosen to recognize and pray for children. The Southern Province got a head start this year by celebrating the first annual Children’s Festival and Lovefeast: A Day of Covenanting and Prayer for Children on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at Bethabara Moravian Church.

It was a wonderful day for children and families to come together to play, to learn about Moravian history and to worship in a lovefeast designed especially for them. It truly warmed the hearts of many people.

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The Children’s Festival and Lovefeast is just one example of how a Regional Conference of Churches (RCC) can work with the Board of Cooperative Ministries (BCM) to carry out a vision of ministry. The idea was a year in the making, initiated by the Salem Creek RCC including Home, Messiah, St. Philips and Trinity congregations and the children and family team from the BCM. Each congregation sent a representative to the planning team.

We decided early on that this would be an annual event on the date closest to August 17, which commemorates the spiritual awakening that touched many children in Herrnhut on August 17, 1727. Since the events are designed to teach Moravian heritage, the first one was appropriately held at Bethabara, which was the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina. Next year, it will move to the second settlement, Bethania, and then on to Salem.

The day started after morning worship with an opportunity to share a picnic lunch. Afternoon activities centered on Moravian history and the early days at Bethabara. There were colonial crafts, games and costumes for play.

Each participant signed a commemorative The Moravian

scroll with a quill pen; the scroll was then given to the Southern Province Archives to mark the day.

All four bishops of the Southern Province helped children customize a special scripture bookmark. The children drew a bookmark with a text on it much like the Daily Texts are drawn each year in Herrnhut. Each child then personalized their bookmark with their name and received a blessing by a bishop.

Storytellers shared Moravian classics such as “Susanna and Mary” from Tell Me A Story, “The Story of August 13” from The Moravian Godly Play Stories, and Emma’s Secret: A Bethabara Tale. Music and mission stories from our Moravian mission fields were also shared. The grounds of historic Bethabara Park were open for tours to help teach even more about local Moravian history. Participants walked to commemorate the journey made from Bethlehem to Bethabara by 17 early settlers; a highlight of the day was a visit to the Gemeinhaus where those first settlers worshiped.

Later in the afternoon, the bells at the Gemeinhaus and Bethabara Church began ringing simultaneously to call families to the lovefeast. A band prelude of familiar Moravian music welcomed the families in front of the sanctuary.

The lovefeast itself was filled with song and more storytelling about the children’s experience in 1727 and the significance of this renewal for the Moravian church today. Puppets joined the storytelling to share more about that holy experience.

Beth Hayes is director of congregational ministries and resources for the Board of Cooperative Ministries in the Southern Province. Photos by Katie Boyles Martin.

October 2014

Above: Margaret Norris tells stories during the Children’s Lovefeast.

Below: Robbie Boyles from Bethabara Moravian.

Youth from various churches served as dieners, many of whom had never served a lovefeast before (but hopefully will again as they get older!).

The children were wide-eyed and excited as the trays of mini-mugs and buns wrapped in specially stamped linen napkins were passed. They were invited to take the mug and napkin home to remember the day.

It was truly a memorable day spent honoring the children of the Moravian Church.

You couldn’t help remembering Jesus saying, “Let the children come to me…”

For more ideas about celebrating children in your congregation go to www.moravianbcm.org. ■

MORAVIAN CAMPING MINISTRY

“Something Beautiful for God” The 2014 Plus 50 retreat Each year people from around the Western

District gather for a long summer weekend at Mt. Morris Camp in Wautoma, Wis. The annual Plus 50 event is an opportunity for the over-50 crowd to enjoy the experience of being campers.

The group usually numbers 15–25; this year, our over-50 campers came from Minnesota, California, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Some folks have been coming for many years; each year there are newcomers as well. Most of us are Moravians over the age of 50, but we also bring friends who can hardly wait to get together with our group each August.

Each year, we sing, walk, eat great food, enjoy campfires, make greeting cards, play card games, build puzzles and relish long chats.

24

There’s also a group of poets who gather at Mt. Morris this same weekend and over the years a joyous tradition has developed: the ‘Poets’ join the ‘Singing Moravians’ for an evening of music on Saturday night.

Music is central to the Plus 50 experience.

Jason Pues, choir director at West Side Moravian Church in Green Bay, Wis., serves as our musician. As a ‘40-something’ he’s the youngster of our gathering. His musical skills and winning personality bring a special sense of joy to the group singing. Myrna Peil of Sturgeon Bay Moravian is our delightful retreat director. She organizes the event, handles all reservation details and sets up everything at the camp according to our needs. Rev. Wanda Veldman, pastor of Veedum Moravian Church,

The Moravian

Pittsville, Wis., has been the retreat program leader since 2011.

This year our program was called “Something Beautiful for God.” We learned about the inspiring life of Mother Teresa, an ordinary person who dedicated her life to helping the poor and humble. She encouraged people to make of their lives something beautiful for God. In Bible Study we reflected on Matthew 25 and the importance of recognizing Christ in everyone we meet.

Our hearts were saddened that a couple of long time campers were unable to join us this year due to health problems. As we united in one of our hymn singing times (that Wanda always calls “Stump the Organist”) someone suggested that it would be nice to call one of our missing campers on a cell phone so the group could sing a song for her. That missing camper’s favorite hymn is “In the Bulb,” so we opened our hymnals and made the call.

She was so delighted to hear from us, and the music made her feel like she was right there with the group.

After that first call, the Plus 50 campers began thinking of more people they wanted to bless with a singing telegram, and our weekend mission project was born. We kept on calling more and more people who we felt could use a lift. In one case, we accidentally dialed a wrong number. When the woman called back, we apologized and told her what we were doing. She thought it sounded like a lovely idea so we offered her a song that she was thrilled to receive. God surely blessed our sharing of the gift of song with so many.

The Rev. Wanda Veldman is pastor of Veedum Moravian Church. At left, this July’s Plus-50 retreat group.

October 2014

Plus 50 was created for all adults over the age of 50 but those of us who are over 50 are willing to share a few years with anyone who hasn’t reached that milestone yet. Why not join us in August 2015 for the next Plus 50 retreat? We’d love to see you there. ■

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order online or call www.moraviancookies.com 336.748.1667 25

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

The unexpected gifts in life As a pastor for thirty years I have encoun-

tered all kinds of people with different perspectives and approaches to life. Like any pastor worth their salt will confirm, bringing the love of Jesus Christ is an honor, a pledge and a call. At times, God’s unexpected love lands right in your lap. Here is one such story.

I was on a typical summer visit to a member’s home. Going on home visits has always been a part of my ministry; yes, it’s pretty old fashioned but it was how I was trained to be a pastor to my flock. This member and I talked about life without his spouse and changes unfolding in his life. Then we got up and took a little walk. He opened the door to the shed and then said, “I want to give Christie’s whole collection of Santas to the church family. All of them.”

“Well, how many ‘thems’ would that be, Dick?” I asked looking at a shed full of boxes.

Dick replied, “1,500 Santa Clauses.” Unbelievable, I thought to myself. What a beautiful gift from the heart.

So what does a church family do with 1,500 Santas? I shared the news with the trustees, who smiled and accepted the gift. We went about planning an event. First off, two volunteers from the church went to the house to get the boxes of Santas. This collector had all styles and types of Santas, including some very fine Santas from the Franklin Mint.

On Sunday, July 27, we held a nontraditional “Christmas in July” service. After the worship service that included brass music, carols, the text of Luke and a Christmas sermon, (I thought about a candlelight service for a few seconds but let that idea go) we gathered down in the fellowship hall for the Santa Sale.

A team of volunteers had put on display a small portion of the collection; 200 Santas graced our fellowship hall. It was an amazing sight—a sea of red, green and white beards.

Neighbors and worshipers gathered in the hall and began to purchase the Saint Nicks.

The proceeds of the sale, which was the first of three planned, went to our two mission projects in Honduras and Kenya.

I realize that Santa is an American icon of giving surely not found in the Gospel of Luke but the trustees found a creative way to take an unexpected gift and transform it into a moment of grace. The first sale brought $800.00 into our mission field. Some may think it was a silly event with no real depth, but so many times God uses us to find a gracious way to embrace the unexpected gifts that unfold in life. ■ John Wallace is pastor of First Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio.

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The Moravian

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Moravian Women’s Conference coming Summer 2015 The 12th Moravian Women’s Conference is quickly approaching and the conference committee is excited about seeing Moravian Women from around the world next June!

The 12th Moravian Women’s Conference will be held June 25–28, 2015 at Sandy Cove Conference Center in North East, Md. Keynote speaker Jennifer Sands will share her testimony of coming to salvation through Christ after her husband was killed on September 11. Keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Craig Atwood will guide the conference attendees to view Moravian church pioneer women and the importance of their role in the ministry of the denomination. And Mary Kategile will share her love for Moravian women in Tanzania and how we can be a part of their spiritual growth.

A highlight of the 2015 Conference will be Albanian and Cuban workshops led by Moravian sisters from those countries. Conference attendees will learn firsthand how Moravians are handling difficult situations in their home country.

Registration and scholarship forms and additional information about the Women’s Conference can be found at our website: www.moravianwomensconference.org.

Conference registrations should either be mailed to Janice Wilson at 9400 Concord

Church Road, Lewisville, NC 27023 or submitted online at www.moravianwomensconference.org. Early bird registration discounts will end at Epiphany of 2015 (January 6).

Attendees should either drive to the conference site or plan to fly into either the Baltimore or the Philadelphia airports. Limited shuttle service will be offered for an additional per person fee.

Domestic scholarship applications should be applied for immediately so that the amount can be deducted from the registration amount. Domestic scholarships are limited to two recipients per congregation and the maximum amount is $200. Applications should be sent to JoAnn Kouts at moravianwomen@gmail.com OR mail to: Mrs. JoAnn Kouts, Scholarship Committee, 2114 Sherman Court, Columbus, IN 47203.

Plan to attend and worship with Moravian sisters from around the world next year! ■ Photo by: Myra Jones

Nancy Chandler of Hope (Indiana) Moravian Church is the 2015 Moravian Women’s Conference Chair.

October 2014

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A Conquering Lamb for little hands to hold The Lamb is a favored symbol of the Moravian Church. He can be found on the wide variety of logos and images that depict the Unitas Fratrum in every corner of the globe. And he is central to our seal and motto — Our Lamb Has Conquered. Let Us Follow Him. Now, thanks to the efforts of Moravian members from eastern North Carolina, little Moravians can add a fuzzy representation of the Lamb who conquered to their stuffed animal collections.

Chris Gann, a member of Covenant Moravian Church in Wilmington, N.C., and his family own a custom plush toy company in Raleigh called Gann Memorials. Several years ago, Chris had an idea to transform the Moravian seal’s “Conquering Lamb” image into a threedimensional, plush toy. The toys were to help support Covenant Moravian’s building fund and were made available to other churches, too.

In late 2013, Chris and his company

created a new version of the lamb, complete with halo, staff and cross flag. It caught the eye of IBOC executive director Mike Riess, who thought the “Conquering Lamb” would make an excellent addition to the IBOC’s online store. Nicknamed “Conky,” the Conquering Lamb plush is now available for $14.57 (get it?) from the IBOC. “We’re excited about producing this all new ‘Conquering Lamb’ design, keeping with the Moravian Seal’s original imagery,” says Chris.

Chris’ family-owned toy company was founded in 1999, launching with a line of specialty charity teddy bears. Several years later, he started receiving inquiries from clients around the world who needed his assistance with their own custom plush toy projects.

Around 2005, Gann transitioned strictly into custom plush toy development.

To order a Conquering Lamb plush, visit store.moravian.org. For more information about Chris’ company, visit www. gannmemorials.com. ■

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 12, 2014 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, the Honduras Mission Province, Labrador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Western Tanzania; our mission areas in Peru, Sierra Leone and Cuba; and for wisdom and guidance for our Worldwide Unity.

May God hold us together in celebration of our wonderful diversity, and may God persist in revealing to us where the church in North America and throughout the world is called to mission, both locally and globally, that God’s love may be known by all.

For specific information for your prayers about these and other new and continuing ministries, please see the BWM website, www.moravianmission.org.

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.

October 2014

NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 19, 2014 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom.

Provincial Service Sister Christie Melby-Gibbons, who has been serving as pastor at Downey Moravian Church, Downey, Calif., has accepted a call to Provincial Service to explore, develop and provide leadership to an Emerging Ministry in the Northern Province. Sister Melby-Gibbons began her new work September 23, 2014.

Presbyterial Consecration Sister Vicki Jens-Page, presently serving as pastor for Morongo Moravian Church, Banning, Calif., will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on March 1, 2015. Bishop Kay Ward will officiate at the service, which will be held at the Morongo Moravian Church.

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by Linda Wickmann www.lilycreations.net 610-746-0788 Photo note cards Matted prints ready for framing Photo coasters Featuring Moravian Star & Candle Collection note cards 29

London Moravian (continued from page 19)

Today, the oldest member of the congregation is 90 years old and the youngest child is four years old. Forty-five of the 90 members (one-half of the membership) have joined the congregation in the last ten years. Pastor of the congregation is Jane Follmer Zekoff, who resides in Lake Mills.

Throughout the upcoming year, the anniversary celebration will continue with musicians from neighboring churches and the community providing special music on the second Sunday of each month. In July, as the Moravian Church remembers the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of John Hus, the

London Church will incorporate into that remembrance an honoring of the many saints of the London Church who have enriched the congregation’s story.

London, Wisconsin, is a small, unincorporated community located on the Jefferson/ Dane county line, in the Town of Lake Mills.

It is part of the Cambridge School system.

This once thriving railroad community has seen most of its businesses close, the rail tracks removed and replaced by the Glacial Drumlin state bike trail and the school across the road from the church turned into a community center.

The presence of the London Moravian Church has been a steady anchor and an abiding light in the community’s history. ■

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