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Christian Education FIT First: Discerning Mission Movement for Peace Moravian And more!
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The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning! The 2016 edition of The Daily Texts continues a 286-year-long Moravian tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day. Each entry in this beloved daily devotional includes “watchwords”—Old and New Testament verses to accompany readers throughout the day—combined with beautiful hymn texts and heartfelt prayers selected and written by Moravians across North America. The Moravian Daily Texts 2016 begins shipping in late October 2015. Order yours online today at store.moravian.org, or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.
Learn more at www.moravian.org
On the cover: The maple’s yellows and oranges herald the coming of autumn. Photo by Mike Riess
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Christian Education FIT First: Discerning Mission Movement for Peace Moravian And more!
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14 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
Christian Education 10 Beth Hayes named Educator of the Year 2016 11 Becoming “New to the Pew”! 13 Jump into Bible stories with Godly Play 14 Centenarian continues to educate about God and the Bible 16 Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast Moravians in Mission 5 FIT First event helps youth discern—and act on— their call to mission 18 Notes from Nepal: Preschool overcomes quake-related obstacles
Member, Associated Church Press
29 Alaskans welcome the arrival of Bibles in the Yup’ik language In Our Congregations 22 Taking our heritage to the street 24 Peace Moravian Church on the move Northern Province 20 Healthy Congregations: A story from the field
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 2015
In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: Event points to a bright future 27 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part VIII 30 Official Provincial Elders’ News 3
PONDERINGS
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) October Vol. 46, 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
Event points to a bright future We often hear how the church (and not just the Moravian Church)
is lacking youth and that young people don’t really care about being involved anymore. But if how I spent my Labor Day Weekend is any indication, those sentiments are way off. For three days I was surrounded by 30 young Moravians from the U.S. and Canada who are, quite literally, ready to take on the world in service to Christ. At the Board of World Mission’s FIT First event, these late high school- and college-aged men and women came together to learn how to best discern their call to mission, then put that call into action. They learned from BWM staff, agency leaders, the presidents of both PECs and adult volunteers who shared insights and information about the whys and hows of serving in mission. As the weekend continued, the participants shared their mission experiences and questions with each other, offering ideas, answers and encouragement to take on mission opportunities. Several presented to the entire group, discussing the work they had done in Central America, Europe, Africa and here in the United States that had an impact on those served and the missionaries themselves. As I listened, talked, prayed and worked with these young people, I sensed a bright future unfolding. These are Moravians who will be leading the church someday—and in some cases already are! Events like this during the last decade were instrumental in the development of young pastors, BWM board members and staff, church board leaders and missionaries working around the globe. I wouldn’t be surprised if these young people’s stories will be in future issues of The Moravian. As I drove back to the airport from Laurel Ridge, I couldn’t help feeling enthused about the state of our church. These 30 young people left quite an impression and solidified my feeling of optimism for the Moravian Church around the world. If they’re any indication of what’s to come, I, for one, can’t wait! Peace, 4
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 Terri Bischoff Ginny Tobiassen Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter 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: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
FIT First event helps youth discern— and act on—their call to mission
Bishop Sam Gray discusses mission with youth at FIT First conference at Laurel Ridge.
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of backyard barbecues and family picnics, 30 young Moravians spent their Labor Day weekend answering the question, “How and where do we FIT in God’s mission?” The Board of World Mission’s FIT (Focused Intensity over Time) First event brought young adults and church leaders together at Laurel Ridge in North Carolina to learn about the biblical call to mission and to discern how God was calling them to take part in His work, be it next door or around the world. The 2015 FIT First event was modeled on similar events called “Feet First,” hosted in 2006–2009. Several of those who attended the earlier events went on to become members of the Board of World Mission (BWM), others went on to seminary to become pastors and most have taken part in mission experiences that have shaped life choices and career decisions. One of those was Justin Rabbach, who to-
October 2015
day serves as director of mission engagement for the BWM and was lead organizer for the event. “In 2007 I was, to put it nicely, ‘encouraged to attend’ or to put it more realistically, ‘dragged’ to Feet First at Laurel Ridge by Rev. Betsy Miller,” says Justin. “At a commitment service at that event I had a chance to take a mustard seed to symbolize my commitment to follow God’s path for me, and to be ready for everything that could grow from that weekend and that moment. To me, the FIT First event held this year represented the full bloom of the seed that was planted eight years earlier.” A weekend of learning Throughout the weekend, participants worked with a team of 20 BWM staffers, provincial youth/young adult leaders, pastors, adult volunteers and leaders from church (continued on next page) 5
(continued from previous page) agencies to learn about mission, discuss their own experiences and concerns, understand the faithful underpinnings of mission work and discover resources to help them take the next step in their mission service. Participants heard presentations on the “essentials� of the Church, practical information about doing mission work in the field, hearing and understanding God’s call to serve and more. In addition, young adults shared their own experiences in local and international mission and encouraged others to consider finding ways to serve. Workshops on fundraising and logistics, living in intentional communities, exploring a call to ministry and church service, sharing mission stories, interpreting scripture and available ministry opportunities offered opportunities for attendees to gain specific information and insights. Small group discussions with adult leaders gave participants a chance to discuss their thoughts on and concerns about mission. Of course, as with any weekend at Laurel Ridge, attendees worshiped together, enjoyed
Gregory Behrend, Moravian Seminary student from Wisconsin Rapids: I learned that there is a great deal that young Christians can be doing and LEADING in this world RIGHT NOW!!! activities and joined in evening campfires with favorite camp songs. “Time and again throughout the weekend I was blown away by the depth of faith the young adults demonstrated,” says Justin. “They came ready and eager to learn and to build relationships with one another. In three days’ time, they went from being strangers to inviting one another to visit mission areas they care deeply about and to encounter people they love and have connected with around the globe. “In a time of sharing on the final night we heard stories of growth through moments of vulnerability participants experienced in mission, and how simple conversations can teach you to look at words like “hope” in a whole new light,” continued Justin. “Each young adult returns home with a plan they worked on throughout the weekend to help them find their next step, and to seek out others to support and guide them along the way.” An “eye-opener” “Being a part of the FIT First event was really eye-opening for me,” said Johanna Dertinger of Waconia Moravian Church in Waconia, Minn. “I learned so much about mission work through the Moravian Church. We received many resources pointing us in the right direction to either lead a mission team of our own or join one. We also learned about how important it is to remember that faith is so crucial and essential for a successful mission trip. It is not about God being with us while we do mission work; it is about us going to do God’s work and spreading his love around the world. (continued on next page) October 2015
Ben Lippert, Moravian Seminary student: I have a much clearer understanding of the many awesome missions our youth and Board of World Missions are involved in. I also find I have a lot less anxiety towards local and global mission now that I have a better understanding that this is God’s mission. God isn’t asking us to save the world, just serve it! (continued from previous page) “I also learned that faith is the only essential you need to fulfill God’s work,” says Johanna. “It was awesome to see all these people come together with one common goal to help others. The leadership I saw this weekend was awesome. Seeing how many people my age are taking charge and wanting to take on the challenge of mission work was truly a blessing.” Awesome and inspiring “The FIT First event hosted at Laurel Ridge was an awesome and inspiring weekend,” agreed Alex Ford of Kernersville Moravian Church in Kernersville, N.C., who has served on mission trips to Africa and Central America. “I was surrounded by people of a range of ages who were being moved by the Spirit in all kinds of incredible ways. It was obvious that these pulls to “elsewhere” have shaped our lives at home as well and have really been a blessing. “I was reminded that responding to a call to mission requires surrender and usually changes who you are,” continued Alex. “We are challenged to give up things that hold us back to make room for Christ to fill our lives, and missions are one of the most direct ways we do this. Missions often drag us out of our comfort zones and demand that we abandon the former conveniences, views and even fears to which we have tightly clung. Missions often entail setting out, not knowing where we are going did. Thinking about how missions 8
transform us also reminded me that mission is part of each day and is not confined to designated trips or experiences. “FIT First reminded me that, especially in the Moravian community, we are surrounded by extremely supportive individuals who also know the difficulty of this task and want to help us on our way. During the weekend, I thought a lot about how I should focus my efforts to change the way I live to be a better servant for Christ in my everyday life and in any other mission experience I take part in, and I wound up with the personal challenge that I need to love vulnerably and fearlessly. In the coming days, weeks and years, I am excited to see how the awesome people whom I met and with whom I was reconnected act on their callings and spread love (and light!) into the world!” God works wonders “I agreed to go to FIT First without much knowledge about the event, because why not spend a weekend at Laurel Ridge with fellow Moravians?” said Hayley Geis of New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, who has been on mission trips to Alaska. “I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I drove up the mountain Friday afternoon, but my lack of Caitlyn Mischnick, Freedom Moravian Church: This weekend has allowed me to make more connections with Moravians from both the Northern and Southern provinces. I plan to keep in touch with them for future mission trips as we all walk together with Christ. I absolutely loved to see that there are other people who are willing to stand up and be the change that needs to be made in our world. I am very thankful I was able to go and strongly recommend others to attend.
expectations led to complete awe of the event planners, the Moravian Church and how God works wonders in our lives when we aren’t even asking Him to.” “Throughout the weekend, we were able to share our experiences on mission with one another, discern our own calls to mission and grow closer to each other and our Creator,” continued Hayley. “Growing up going to Laurel Ridge for summer camps, mission camps and retreats, I expected this weekend to be like any other, but I was wrong in thinking that. FIT First was the most intentional time I have ever spent on the mountain, and I couldn’t be more thankful that I made the decision to attend. I was able to do more than just learn about mission. I was also able to learn more about myself than I could have imagined.” Encouraged for the future “As I reflect on the weekend, it is not this group going out in the world to serve in God’s mission that encourages me most,” says Justin. “Rather, it is knowing the passion each of these people has to share their faith with FIT First participants
Holland Griffin, Waconia Moravian Church: I have made connections with people from all over the U.S. and Canada who are excited and passionate about missions. This weekend has given me the tools to create a meaningful and fulfilling mission experience, therefore, giving me the confidence I need to take on a leadership role one day in the future. those in their lives. If even one of the young adults present, at some point, has someone who thanks them for ‘encouraging’ or even ‘dragging’ them to be a part of God’s work in the world, this event would be a success. That will mean this experience did not stay on the mountain in North Carolina, that it reached beyond those present at the event and that there are a whole lot of talented, passionate and engaged individuals out there planting seeds as they go out as living examples of the fruits of the spirit. “As a representative of the BWM, let me ‘encourage’ all those reading this to not be afraid to ‘push, pull or drag’ those in your lives who God is calling you to help love into being the people they are called to be,” says Justin. “You never know what seeds your encouragement may plant in the lives of others.” ■
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Beth Hayes named Educator of the Year 2016 Moravians have valued education from the very beginning of our denomination. Having resources and knowledge in the hands of every member and making faith come alive for each one of us has been a standard we live by. There are pastors and teachers that stand out in our hearts and minds as we consider how we came to faith. One such teacher—Beth Hayes, director of the Moravian Resource Center in the Southern Province—will be honored as the Educator of the Year 2016 this January during the annual conference for the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE). This international recognition is the highest honor given to an educator by APCE. The Moravian Church is one of five member denominations in the APCE. Beth will receive
this award during the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago in January. Beth has served the Church through Christian education since 1979 when she graduated from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary). Her service in the Moravian Church began in 1985. The Educator of the Year Award recognizes Beth’s outstanding work on behalf of the Moravian Church and the APCE. In her career, Beth served on teams publishing Moravian resources for Holy Communion, family devotions, Moravian history and Moravian Godly Play curricula (see story on page X). She has worked on various ecumenical curriculum development teams including Bible Discovery, Bible Quest, and Present Word. Beth served on the Leadership Development Team in the development and promotion of Opening Doors to Discipleship, an online learning module available to members of the denominations in the APCE and beyond. She currently curates an online resource page for ecumenical Christian education. While serving on the Provincial Moravian Educators’ Committee in the Southern Province, she helped develop an educators’ manual to help churches employ educators and requirements for certification as associates or directors of Christian Education in the Moravian Church. (continued on page 12)
Beth Hayes
Joyce Vance is a member of the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference and is a Director of Christian Education.
The Moravian
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Becoming “New to the Pew”! Being young and having to be a part of an
adult world can be pretty intimidating, especially when transitioning from being in Children’s Church—where it is okay to wiggle, talk and even be silly—to sitting through a worship service where you have to be still, be quiet and probably have no idea what all is going on around you! At Friedberg Moravian Church, we have a “New to the Pew” program where we meet with children who just completed second grade to teach them about what they are going to be doing once they become active participants during worship. I offer a class about what it is going to be like when they actually go to “big church”! Parents are a part of this class as well so they can learn some things their child may be thinking, and sometimes even fearing, will happen within the service. Here is what we cover:
• Different Parts — Where do we listen, talk, give or pray during worship? I teach them to take little stickers that are provided and mark their bulletins at the different times we do each of these. • Different Service Types — Communions, Lovefeasts, Baptisms, special occasions and even liturgy readings. We talk about the set-up of the service and where we listen, talk, sing and pray. • Service Expectations — Participation throughout the first part of the service is (continued on next page) Heidi Everhart is director of Children’s Ministry at Friedberg Moravian Church. For more information on “New to the Pew,” contact Heidi at heverhart@ friedbergmoravian.org
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Beth Hayes
(continued from page 10)
(continued from previous page) a must! Once the sermon begins, the children have a worship bag containing activities they can do. They will still need to listen to the sermon because several of the activities have to do with certain words being said or even specific prayers mentioned throughout the sermon. • Miss church? No problem! — We brainstorm ideas of ways for the children to take Jesus with them on the road: play/sing Christian music, play the ABC game and look for church-related objects, take the Moravian Daily Texts along and read it as a family and remember to pray! • Familiar Passages — We look at the words for the Moravian Table Blessing (said and sung), the doxology, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed and the Old Testament Benediction so they will be able to recognize certain passages within worship. Before we are done with the “New to the Pew” class, I give each child a copy of The Story for Kids and parents receive Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman. These hopefully will help guide them through questions or trials that may come up while they transition from “new to the pew” to being active participants in worship. ■ 12
Through Beth’s leadership the Moravian Resource Center incorporated the Salem Presbytery Resource Center to become a regional ecumenical resource center housed at the Moravian Church offices in WinstonSalem funded by both denominations. Beth helps provide valuable resources and expert advice for the Moravian Church throughout both provinces in North America. The Resource Center is open to every Sunday School teacher, educator, pastor or member of the Church. She is available to conduct educational training in both provinces. And to better serve the church, Beth set up an online borrowing system that can be found at www.moravianbcm.org . Many educators see Beth as their lifeline to current, quality resources. It has been said, “All one has to do is describe the group requiring curriculum and what kind of event they are having for Beth to give appropriate suggestions and helpful hints!” Congratulations to Beth Hayes as the Educator of the Year 2016! ■
Moravian-themed Items for Christmas and Other Times 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 The Moravian
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Jump into Bible stories with Godly Play So what if you could hold your breath and jump, landing right in the middle of the Bible? Look to the left, there are Old Testament stories; to the right, New Testament. Also within view are the parables, Jesus’ stories within the Bible stories and the stories of the liturgical year—Advent transitioning into Christmas, Lent advancing to Easter. Turn around, and there are Moravian stories: Hus, Comenius, Zinzendorf, Jesus as Chief Elder, the Moravian star, along with Christian practices like The Lord’s Prayer, baptism and communion. What type of world have we jumped into? It is the world of Godly Play, a method of teaching young children also known as “Catechesis of The Good Shepherd” and “Young Children and Worship.” Step into this world, and you are literally Beh Mochnick leads a Godly Play lesson at Home Moravian Church.
surrounded by these biblical stories. They each have a space on a shelf, tucked in a basket. Spread out the underlay, put the wooden figures in place, move them as the story is told, and have the adventure unfold before you. Walk Abram and Sarai across the desert. Have Jesus wake up in the rocking boat and calm the seas. Follow the sower to the space with thorns… the trodden path… the rocky soil… and the rich earth. Using their eyes (visual learners), ears (continued on page 15) Margaret A. Norris, Director of Christian Education at Home Moravian Church, also taught using the Montessori Method. She has been consulting in Godly Play/Young Children and Worship for 15 years.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Centenarian continues to educate about God and the Bible Mrs. Mary Etta Gentry turns 100 years old on October 6, 2015. Remarkably, this centenarian is still a fixture in the Cornelia Pulliam Sunday School Class at King Moravian Church in King, N.C.! Each Sunday morning Mary Etta greets her class, a cheerful group of older adults, with a smile, catches up on the week’s happenings, offers prayer, then opens up her David C. Cook leader’s guide and begins her Sunday School lesson just like she has done every week now for more than 65 years. As she crosses the century mark, she will most likely be in the same seat greeting her students for Sundays to come. Mary Etta first came to King as a young first grade teacher in the 1930s. She and husband, Holton, who both grew up Methodist, visited several churches both in King and in WinstonSalem, but settled on King Moravian Church because “everyone was so nice and we wanted a good church to raise children in.” They joined in 1946. Mary Etta, who had been active at Ardmore Methodist Church teaching Sunday School and leading children, soon began teaching a Sunday School Class at King Moravian for young adults and couples around her age. As her family grew to include children, Hughes, Mary Ann and Joseph, she never wavered from her teaching responsibilities both at the elementary school and at church. She even served as the substitute pianist for many years! When asked what those early Sunday School classes were like, Mary Etta smiles. 14
“Well I had to be sure my petticoat wasn’t showing and that I didn’t have a run in my hose because everybody was looking at me,” she replies with a chuckle. Everyone first gathered in the church sanctuary each week, sang a few hymns and prayed, then departed for their respective classes. Each class collected an offering during Sunday School that was given to the church. According to Mary Etta, everyone attended regularly. “Back then you were not asked if you wanted to go to Sunday School. You just went. It was expected of all of us.” A local doctor who regularly attended her class asked her one Sunday why she repeated Mary Etta Gentry at King Moravian Church.
The Moravian
the scripture and lessons so much. “I told him that I teach first graders every day and that’s how they learn best, so I just repeated everything, and guess what? They learned every lesson!” said Mary Etta with a big smile. A lot has changed since the 1930s, but her Sunday School lessons are very much like they were many years ago. She did not save all of those Bible stories just for Sunday mornings. In recent months, as word of her upcoming birthday spread around town, many former students have paused to say thank you and recount how Mrs. Gentry made first grade special for them. Most surprising to her was that so many of them remembered her reading Bible stories to them each day of the school week. Mary Etta could not remember a time when she had considered not teaching, quitting or simply asking someone else to teach her class at church. “Somebody out there thought I would be a good Sunday School teacher and they asked me to do it. I just felt that if you were asked to do it, then well, you do it…. That’s just part of being a Christian. You serve the Lord.” This centenarian is still teaching the Bible in Sunday School and beyond. Just ask her family, the youth at church or even the volunteers she works with every Tuesday at King Outreach Ministry. They will all agree that she is quite a convincing teacher of many things, but her love of God and living out His words are truly her greatest passion. Yes, as Mary Etta Gentry approaches her 100th birthday, she has indeed served the Lord well! ■ Paula Hall serves as the Director of Christian Education at King Moravian Church in King, N.C. October 2015
Godly Play (continued from page 13) (auditory learners) and bodies (kinesthetic learners), participants are making the Bible story their Bible story. These stories, like the seed that has fallen onto the rich earth, can grow in children as they mature, providing meaning and richness to their lives according to their developmental and personal twists and turns. With Godly Play, there is no need to go into all of that background on experiential learning. We just sit in the Bible and hear and tell these stories to ourselves, to each other and to God. The Godly Play program is available for Sunday School and Bible studies classes for young children. Beth Hayes at the Southern Province’s Board of Cooperative Ministries’ Resource Center has both printed and DVD resources on the topic You can also learn more about this process of Montessori-based learning, by visiting the following websites: • www.godlyplayfoundation.org • www.childrenandworship.org • www.cgsusa.org ■
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast On
Bethania prior to the festival. As the festival began, children enjoyed an array of activities including learning “Jesus Makes My Heart Rejoice” and receiving a blessing with the bishops; trimming two lovefeast candles (one to take home and one to share during the lovefeast); playing colonial games and dressing as early Moravians; touring historic Bethania on a shuttle; making two quilt squares for quilts that will go to the Archives and to King Outreach Ministry; enjoying pony rides; choosing a favorite Moravian design to be painted on their faces; taking a hayride to God’s
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The Moravian
August 16, the Southern Province celebrated its second annual Children’s Festival and Lovefeast at Bethania Moravian Church, a day of prayer and covenanting for children commemorating the children’s spiritual renewal in Herrnhut on August 17, 1727. The annual celebration has two key components: a festival filled with fellowship, fun and learning and a lovefeast celebrating and lifting up the children of our churches. Learning was tucked in and around the activities of the festival and within the lovefeast. On that Sunday afternoon following their morning services, families picnicked at
Acre to learn about Moravian burial customs; hearing the story of Bethania and learning about the settling the of Bethania with a special guest, Bishop Spangenberg (played by (whom?). At 3:45, a provincial band called all to worship. About 250 Moravians from 27 congregations (infants to great-grandparents) filled Bethania’s sanctuary. The service, designed for children and the young in spirit, lifted all our hearts. The hymns and songs were chosen so all could join in heartily: “I Love to Tell the Story,” “Jesus makes My Heart Rejoice,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “Pass It On,” “They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love,” “Morning Star,” “Jude Benediction” and many more. An interactive Creation story scripture, puppets sharing the message of “Growing up, Growing Old Together,” lemonade and little lovefeast buns, an offering for King Outreach Ministry, beeswax candles and provincial youth leading our singing filled our worship time.
sought fresh ideas that were authentic to our Moravian faith. The team’s purpose gave us direction: to celebrate and encourage children in the life of the church and support faith communities as we strive to fulfill the promise congregations make at baptism to “love and nurture the child in Christ.” Renewing the celebration of August 17, 1727, on a provincial scale fit our vision well. Churches host the celebration each year in the order of their founding, and the activities reflect the unique heritage and gifts of that church. Bethania is the second settlement in North Carolina, and churches in the North Branch Regional Conference of Churches (Bethania, King, Olivet, Rural Hall and Mizpah) formed a willing, creative and enthusiastic team to plan and present the event. Yes, we lifted up our children and, in so doing, we lifted up all, for our children are our here and now! ■
Opportunity to serve youth and families Two years ago, the Children and Family Ministry Team under the Board of Cooperative Ministries envisioned opportunities to serve children and their families. Team members
Peggy Dodson is a member of Home Moravian Church and a member of the Children and Family Ministry team of the BCM. Photos by David Holsten and Paula Hall.
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MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Notes from Nepal: Preschool overcomes quake-related obstacles The Rev. Trina and Ken Holmberg continue their one-year Antioch mission to Nepal, where they are working with the preschool and church in Nepal. This month, they share how the major earthquake in April has slowed—but not deterred—the continued work of helping to educate young Nepali children.
This article was going to be written the beginning of May, shortly after the preschool opened in its new location. Unfortunately, April 25—the day of the first major earthquake to hit Nepal in 80 years—came two days before the beginning of the new school year. Life was shattered for everyone and even if a school could open it would be a while before parents would trust their children to caregivers in buildings that were not their own. The night of the first earthquake, we joined the Pradhans and many of their family members sleeping in the building. It was the safest place any of us had and it wasn’t out in
the open of an unusually cold April. Tension ran high as temblors continued to shake for hours, so we locked the doors and moved to open ground. Eventually we returned and began sorting, organizing and getting ready for school to start. Engineers (many) checked our building and deemed it safe and strong. No “green sticker” of approval was to be given as we had thought, but we were told we could open and didn’t need it for preschool. We met with teachers and talked about how different the beginning of the year would look. School would open shortly. On May 12 we met with the toddler and nursery parents in the morning. It was a good discussion and some parents who were engineers praised the soundness of our building. That afternoon, Trina went off to “earthquake training” and learned how to help the children in our school. At the same time, the parents of the four-year-olds would be meeting for the same discussion. Before each meeting began, the earth would again shake in a major way. However, the parents at the school felt quite safe. They even decided to have the birthday party for one young lady as it had been planned. The Pradhans had to ask a few to leave after an hour or so because they needed to go home. The school again sat empty, waiting for the children to come and play and learn. On June 1, we held our last two orientations for parents and school began on June 2. Most of our children came; a few were out of country and one had moved farther south, The Moravian
away from the quake areas and would be leaving our school. Parents and children were nervous about the separation and a few parents stayed for the entire three hours the school was open. The children adjusted well that week and so we opened for full days (9–3) the following week, letting parents know that they could pick children up early if they were not ready to leave the children all day. The four- and five-year-olds’ classrooms are on the second floor and so we made space for them on the first where it was safer. They played, they talked and they adjusted to being back at school. One of the parents had purchased an earthquake detector for the school and so we began drills to prepare. Eventually Trina set off the alarm, some cried a little, but all did quite well following their teachers’ directions. Life is almost back to normal. The three-, four- and five-year-olds have homework and they are learning their ABCs and their Ka, kha, ga (Nepali). They are misbehaving, laughing, running and being normal children. They love their new school and they enjoy being with their friends. There is health and security in this place. God has prepared it for such a time as this. God has brought these children to the school and we all believe God is growing them to make the future of Nepal brighter, happier and healthier. It is an awesome responsibility but one which the Moravian Church in Nepal is struggling to grow. There remains a desire for a grade school. People surrounding us are talking of renting us their good, strong buildings. There is hope that where God has placed us we can grow. There is also the desire to have our own land and build to suit our needs instead of October 2015
adapting the best we can to an existing building. This is a distant dream as there is little money anywhere in this country. But what God desires will come to be. God is working mightily in Nepal and loves this nation of people. We must all pray and act accordingly. Thank you for your prayers and to those who have given to help feed and rebuild this amazing nation and people. Pray for wisdom as we grow, pray that the doors will open for the school registration (license) and pray for teachers and places to all come together at the right time. God is in control. ■ Trina and Ken Holmberg are Antioch servants from the Board of World Mission serving a year in Nepal.
NORTHERN PROVINCE
Healthy Congregations: A story from the field In the September issue of The Moravian Magazine, we highlighted the Northern Province’s Healthy Congregations Task Force. In this and coming issues, we will be sharing examples and ideas of how putting the “Seven Characteristics of Healthy Congregations” to work have enhanced the mission and ministry of a local church. This month, we hear from the Rev. Jenny Moran, pastor of Christ’s Community Moravian Church and a member of the Task Force.
Imagine a beautiful late summer day. There’s a cool breeze, a warm, bright sun shining and green grass all around. The wonderful smell of hotdogs on the grill mingles with freshly popped popcorn. Children squirt syrup into SnoCones and adults chat with friends. The lawn is covered with games: Kub, Corn Hole and a colorful parachute filled with balls. The children and adults alike are enjoying their time together in anticipation of another year of spiritual formation. It’s Rally Sunday at its best! Now imagine the next Sunday, another beautiful late summer day. These same children and adults are happily meeting in newly
decorated Sunday School rooms, learning that they are “God’s stars,” created and beloved, called with a purpose by Jesus Christ. There is energy, excitement and a sense of commitment to the spiritual growth of our church family. Songs are sung, prayers are said, Scripture is read and God’s presence is clear. This word picture is a simple one and paints a scene that most of us experience in our churches every autumn. It seems to be an unremarkable, although enjoyable, fellowship opportunity. But for Christ’s Community Church, this picture is all that and much more. This picture highlights God’s grace in our lives when we as a congregation made the decision to focus on the spiritual health of our family of faith. You see, Christ’s Community has not always had a thriving and healthy Sunday School program (although sometimes is certainly has). There were a few years where we struggled even to host a Rally Day program. So what changed? How did we go from having a struggling Sunday School program to this beautiful picnic on the church lawn? Put simply, we decided to focus on increasing
our congregational health, specifically in terms of spiritual formation. This process began when the Northern Province 2010 Synod made available the “Seven Characteristics of a Healthy Congregation” worksheet. Around that same time, I took a continuing education seminar at the University of St. Thomas focused on church business administration and the importance of mission, values, vision and goals in the administration of a church. Using these resources, I put together an annual goal-setting retreat. Through this adaptable retreat, the Christ’s Community leadership teams review our overall health in each of the seven Characteristics every year. We set short-term, attainable, measurable goals in each of those characteristics and determine which ONE characteristic we will focus on in the upcoming year. In 2012, that single focus was spiritual formation. Through the retreat process, we discerned that God was calling us to focus on the spiritual formation of our church family and on the health of our Christian education program. The specific annual goal we set to bring about greater health in our spiritual formation was to form a new Christian Education Team. The Christian Education Team’s focus was to determine how God was calling us to be healthier in our congregational life when it comes to learning and teaching about our faith. They were called to take the “big picture” and put it into action. The Christian Education Team did this both carefully and creatively. We asked people with the gift of teaching to consider if God was calling them to commit to teaching Sunday School and paired them up to teach in teams. We spent an “experimental” year where we tested different Sunday October 2015
School and worship times. We surveyed the congregation. We spent time in prayer and discernment. We spent a full year implementing this goal to improve the spiritual formation health of our congregation. It wasn’t an easy or fast process. We ended up completely changing our morning worship and education schedule, which required a lot of give and take from everyone. But the result of our efforts to answer God’s call to become healthier disciples can be seen in the pictures of that beautiful Rally Day Sunday and in the many Sundays of spiritual formation since, where our children and adults alike glow with health. Our stories of “success” (which really are stories of God’s grace) have continued year after year as we’ve worked to increase the health of our congregation. One year, we focused on increasing our stewardship health and found we were able to end the year with a balanced budget, including some extra. Another year we focused on outreach, which led to more than 2,000 meals going home with children at a local school that year. In some (continued on page 23) Jenny Moran is pastor of Christ’s Community Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. 21
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Taking our heritage to the street As part of our conscious effort to leave the
confines of the four walls at 153 Ocean Avenue and connect with our community, we feel that a celebration of our diverse culture and heritage provides a fitting context for us not just to hand out gospel tracts and information about our church but also to put on full display and share some elements of the heritage. The John Hus Heritage Fair, a project of our Outreach Committee chaired by Garilyn Martin, puts that celebration on the streets. For this year’s festival on Saturday, July 18, tents were set up on the sidewalk in front of Brooklyn’s John Hus Moravian Church sanctuary, adorned with the flags and colors of countries represented in our church and with context-appropriate music rocking in the background. Baskets were opened, foil pans unveiled, secret bundles unwrapped and coolers propped open proudly display-
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ing their contents of food and drink free to anyone who desired to partake. It was a lot of tasty, spicy, flavorful and ‘seconds-inducing’ food in a very festive and welcoming setting. Dukuna, pig heel souse, ackee and saltfish, fried bakes, bus up shot, rice and peas, rice pilaf, callaloo, hamburgers, hot dogs, curried, stewed, fried, barbecued and baked chicken, oxtail, fried fish, baked shark, puddings, pepper pot, hard dough bread, sweet bread were just a few of the culinary delights offered. This array represented the different cultures that make up our congregation from the United States, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua, Nicaragua and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As part of the celebration, we also shared articles of clothing and shoes free of cost to the community. Even though this is the tenth year, there are
The Moravian
always those who are hesitant to partake because they think there is a catch when we say just take a plate and stand wherever you see something that you like. “How could all this food be free?” they ask. While not said, one could deduce from the facial expressions the question: “Does this mean we have to come to church?” The response is simple; No, you do not have to come to church and it is free because that’s how we want it to be. Sure it cost those who contribute, especially at a time when so many of our members have lost their jobs but those costs are offset by the combined joy and sense of reward that comes from seeing us connecting with the community in another meaningful way. We have never done a serious evaluation of the effectiveness of the heritage fair because all we have ever wanted to do is to share with our community. That is always achieved, with this year being no less so. Michael Johnson is pastor of John Hus Moravian Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Healthy (continued from page 21) of the Seven Characteristics, we were already pretty healthy and we’ve maintained our health in those areas. God continues to make his grace evident to us over and over again. Christ’s Community Church’s health isn’t perfect, any more than anyone’s individual physical health can be perfect. But through our process of goal-setting with the “Seven Characteristics of a Healthy Congregation,” we are undeniably healthier than we were. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to that kind of journey of transformation, ever striving to be more like Him in all areas of our lives. ■
The Widow’s Society of Bethlehem Annual Report • June 30, 2015
ASSETS Cash in Banks $ 3,814 Investments at Cost 342,693 Total Assets $346,507 Investments at market: $1,064,825 EQUITY Membership Fees $ 84,704 Accumulated Capital Gains and Losses 180,091 Accumulated Interest 3,000 Legacies and Bequests 76,143 Unexpended Income 2,569 Total Equity $ 346,507 Distributions Paid: 12/15/14 75@ $287 $ 21,525 06/25/15 71@ $320 22,720 Total $607 $ 44,245 Members as of June 30, 2015: Ministers: 102; Laymen: 118; Total: 220 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
October 2015
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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Peace Moravian Church on the move In late July, Peace Moravian Church in Char-
lotte, N.C. sold their facility and property to Hope Community Church. But the sale of a building isn’t the end of a congregation; instead, it is an opportunity to move in a new direction and drive toward a new future that God is preparing. Peace Moravian, by the grace of God, has been given this opportunity of a new chance. The important task now is to discover and place a mission in our windshield, and place the building and past in the rearview mirror. The congregation has already begun this turn around. For three Sundays after Easter, Peace members gathered for worship around tables to have conversation about who we are in Christ, not in the building. In the fall members will be having conversation about who or what the congregation wants to influence and how. This will lead to small group gatherings for members to imagine a future that accomplishes Peace Moravian Church’s identified purpose. The Peace Board will then use these stories and reflections to complete the mission statement and establish a process of discovering a new direction plan and course. The congregation will be centered in what was the former parsonage on the property,
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which Hope Community has leased to Peace. After some extensive upgrades, Peace moved offices and furniture into the house in July with tremendous help from the Regional Conference of Churches congregations. We still have use of the main building for worship and other activities as approved through Hope Community, but the parsonage is the officially dedicated space for the congregation through mid July of 2017. On August 23, the Peace Moravian House was dedicated to the glory of God. The dedication service began with a celebration of music and a special prayer of thanksgiving for the organ, because the organ was packed up and stored the day after the dedication. David Guthrie, president of the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference, brought a message of encouragement. A liturgy of movement included Peace Moravian giving Hope Community a special book with pictures and stories related to the building and Hope Community offering a special blessing to Peace for our continuing journey. The congregation carried items of meaning, including the Moravian Seal, to the house where the band greeted us. Following the dedication and prayer, the congregation enjoyed a covered-dish lunch and fellowship. The Moravian
At left: The disassembled organ at Peace Moravian. At right: Peace Moravian members commemorate their new beginnings.
A history of movement Peace Moravian was formerly Park Road Moravian Church, founded in 1962 in South Charlotte. Over time the congregation saw many changes in Charlotte. Even Park Road, from which they drew their name, moved in a different direction and the church found itself with the name but no longer the address. The facility began to age and the congregation declined even as the property values rose. Unable to manage the rising costs, the congregation found itself in debt and bound to a building that was directing its mission and not supporting it. Park Road Moravian voted to change their name to Peace and move to a new location 15 years ago with a desire to build a building that could be used by the community. This vision has been fully realized. The building is fully utilized throughout the week by community groups and two congregations from other denominations. A preschool started on site has thrived, having developed a great reputation. One of those congregations prospered so well in the facility that they made an offer to purchase it. Why would Peace Moravian sell the buildings and facility if this vision had been fully realized? While the vision for the building was fully realized, there was no vision for reaching out as a congregation. Just as the declining building at Park Road dictated the mission of Park Road Moravian, the new building dictated and limited the mission and ministry of Peace Moravian Church. As the community organizations and the other congregations thrived and (continued on next page) The Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland is Interim Pastor at Peace Moravian Church. Photos courtesy of Peace Moravian Church. October 2015
(continued from previous page) grew, Peace Moravian Church lost members and resources. The debt burden of the building and its maintenance led the congregation into a focus on survival. Everything was about getting enough money to get through. They had a new building, but the same problem. The key to turning around the vision for a congregation is what you put in the windshield and what goes in the rearview mirror. Whatever is in the rearview mirror is glanced at for reference; the vision you place in the windshield is what you drive into. In moving from Park Road to Rea Road in Charlotte, the congregation kept the building and facility in the windshield and ended up driving into it. There was no vision for moving out into mission and relationship beyond the house. The community knew the facility and turned out for the bazaar, BBQ, yard sales and Christmas Eve lovefeast, but never connected with the community. The congregation talked about building and maintenance but had little energy for engaging those who used the building, including the preschool, which is a ministry of Peace Moravian Church. They built the building. People came to the building. But what they did not do, was join the congregation. Driving into the future Peace Moravian is getting ready to drive into a future that God is preparing. It is a congregation that is blessed by a rich tradition in the Moravian heritage and a faith tradition that knows that the Lamb has conquered. Finding the path and imagining the future that God is preparing, we will follow the Lamb into that future, whatever it may be. Knowing that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses makes all the difference in the world. We pray there will be Peace in the world and that it begins with us. â–
The Moravian
STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part VIII
zine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month. In 2015, we are working through the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL); in 2016, we’ll cover the Ground of the Unity. This month will cover the parts of the MCCL dealing with Peace, Our Witness in the World. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org. The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www.moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC. Peace For the sake of the peace which we have with God, we earnestly desire to live peaceably with all people and to seek the peace of the places where we dwell. Commentary: The Moravian Church has an ancient and respected commitment to peace. At times this has meant that the church required pacifism, but today we leave the question of
October 2015
military service up to the conscience of each individual. Even for members of the military, however, we encourage them not to embrace a culture of violence and oppression but at all times to seek to mitigate suffering even in the midst of armed conflict. The Moravian commitment to peace goes beyond military issues, though. It is one of our core convic(continued on next page)
We have traditionally taught that we should not stir up trouble with our neighbors and that we should pray for the peace of the lands in which we minister. Photo credit: DesignPics
In our January issue of the Moravian Maga-
(continued from previous page) tions. We believe and teach that God intends for all people to live in peace and avoid harming other people. Though conflicts are inevitable and are sometimes required by our Christian witness, our goal is always one of reconciliation and the promotion of a higher justice. We have traditionally taught that we should not stir up trouble with our neighbors and that we should pray for the peace of the lands in which we minister. Questions: • Do you think that the world values peace or does it encourage conflict and destruction? Why do you think that? • What are the advantages of a peaceful way of life? How is this consistent with the Gospel’s teaching? • Can there be peace without justice? • Are there times when Moravians must create conflict with our neighbors? • How can your congregation be a peacemaker in the world? How can you? • How should we teach this Christian commitment to children as part of their moral and spiritual development? Our Witness in the World Paragraph 29: We will not hate, despise, slander, or otherwise injure anyone. We will ever strive to manifest love towards all people, to treat them in a kind and friendly manner, and in our dealings with them to approve ourselves upright, honest, and conscientious, as becomes children of God. Together with the universal Christian Church, we have a concern for this world, opening our heart and hand to our neighbors with the message of 28
the love of God, and being ever ready to minister of our substance to their necessities (Matthew 25:40). Commentary: In many ways this paragraph is a summary of the entire Covenant for Christian Living. Here we see the Moravian understanding that doctrine is meaningless without practical application in our lives. We also see the Moravian understanding that our ethics flow from the inner disposition of our hearts. Because we have been redeemed and brought into a loving relationship with the Father through our Lord and Savior, we are able to give others the same grace we have received. We understand that the entire biblical law is summed up in the commandment to “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” This applies to our way of doing business, pursuing our careers, living in our communities, and spreading the Gospel. Questions: • Why is it wrong for Christians to “hate, despise, slander or injure” anyone? • Should we make a distinction between our behavior toward righteous people and sinners? Why or why not? • If all Moravians took this paragraph seriously, how would it affect our preaching, teaching, fellowship, and actions in the world? • Why should children of God be “upright, honest, and conscientious”? • What does this mean in practical terms? • Is it legitimate to use deception to further the cause of Christ? • How do you show concern for the world as a follower of Jesus Christ? Next month: Witnessing to our Faith and temperance ■ The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Alaskans welcome the arrival of Bibles in the Yup’ik language On August 13, 1727, the Holy Spirit of God
fell on a group of people who were following the teaching of John Hus who believed that all people should be able to read the scriptures in their own language. On August 13, 2015, the word of God became available to Yup’ik speakers with the arrival in Alaska of the complete Bible in their own language. The excitement escalated as word spread through the village that the long anticipated shipment had arrived. People began showing up at the Moravian Bookstore asking to purchase or even to just see one of the new Bibles. A reporter from the local newspaper came to do a story about it. When the announcement was made in church on Sunday morning, a murmur of excitement went through the congregation. It was about 25 years ago when I was in Nome, Alaska with a group called the Chutkoka Native Christian Ministry, when the Old Testament and several other books of the Bible were being translated in Yup’ik. It was such a blessing for me to have been on site when the newly translated Bibles were delivered.
Pure joy filled my heart as I watched one person after another come in and touch the Bible with reverence and awe. They gently would run their fingers across the page and leave the bookstore clutching it to their breast as if it were a newborn child. I could not help thinking of how many copies and translations of God’s word I have in my home and tried without success to imagine what it would be like not to be able to read God’s word. How blessed we are! Praise God for our forefathers who fought and gave their all because they realized the value of having the scriptures in one’s own language. Pray for the Yup’ik people and that many more will come to know Jesus and spread the gospel. ■ Helen Gulledge is a member of Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte, N.C. and a member of the Board of Directors of the Mission Society of the Southern Province. Helen was in Alaska this summer.
Below: Helen Gulledge and Barb Weide with new Yup’ik bibles; Bishop Peter Green; Dean Ed Dehnert unpacks the new bibles.
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 11, 2015 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.
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NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 18, 2015 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom. Moravian Women’s Sunday, November 1, 2015 The first Sunday in November has been designated to especially recognize the work of the Moravian Women in local congregations throughout the Northern Province. Some congregations may choose a different Sunday for this observance if there are conflicts in scheduling. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
SOUTHERN PROVINCE The following deacons have accepted invitations from the PEC to be consecrated presbyters: James Demby will be consecrated a presbyter on October 18 at 3 p.m. at Pine Chapel Moravian Church with Bishop Lane Sapp officiating. Russell Williams will be consecrated a presbyter on October 25 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Moravian Church with Bishop Sam Gray officiating. Cheryl Cottingham will be consecrated a presbyter on November 15 at 3 p.m. at Immanuel New Eden Moravian Church with Bishop Graham Rights officiating. Riddick Weber will be consecrated a presbyter on November 22 at 3 p.m. at Fairview Moravian Church with Bishop Lane Sapp officiating. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference The Moravian
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