The Moravian Magazine • Sept. 2011 by Mike Riess

The Moravian Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference Moravian Music in Labrador Eastern District Conference â&#x20AC;Śand more!

888.576.7788 â&#x20AC;˘ www.moravian.com

On the cover: Women sing during worship at the 11th Moravian Women’s Conference in June. Photo by Myra Jones

The Moravian Women’s Conference Moravian Music in Labrador Eastern District Conference

…and more!

Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith

Moravian Women

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

Moravian Women stepping out of the boat: Reflections of the 11th Moravian Women’s Conference Moravian Unity establishes resource to address women’s issues

Moravian Ministries 5

One-One connections help Moravian Open Door residents regain independence

Eastern District Conference 8

Moravians meet to reflect, renew and respond at Eastern District Conference

Moravian Music 23 Member, Associated Church Press

Celebrating the Moravian Music of the Labrador Inuit

In Our Congregations 27 31 34

Palmer Moravian Mission Camp teaches valuable lessons in community service Heimtal greets growing neighborhood with community cookout Inaugural Moravian Festival to offer “family fun, Moravian style”

Moravian Education Visit our website at <http://www.moravian.org>. 29 CROSSROADS…the intersection of your life Letters to the editor, address and God’s mission corrections, and other correspondence may be In Every Issue e-mailed to the magazine at 4 Ponderings: Seeing the veranda in our picnic table <pubs@mcnp.org>. September 2011

35 Official Provincial Elders’ News 38 Obituaries

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) September 2011, Vol. 42, No. 7

PONDERINGS

Seeing the veranda in our picnic table

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

Between the Moravian Church Center and the parking lot sits an old fiberglass picnic table, the kind of you often find outside a Mom and Pop hamburger place or in a community park. Just looking at it, there’s nothing special about this table. Its white top and benches are discolored from many seasons outside. Spots of rust appear on its metal frame. But when the office staff uses it for a shady lunch break, a midafternoon respite or even an impromptu staff meeting, it’s not just a picnic table. It’s “the veranda” where one can “dine al fresco.” Now these fancy names for our humble table don’t add to its luster. The table doesn’t gain an ocean view. It’s no bigger, no more comfortable, no more fashionable. But it’s the feeling your get when you say, “I’ll be on the veranda for lunch,” that makes it more special. The words help create an image of a better place. For some reason, the tuna sandwich or leftover pizza tastes better on “the veranda” than on the “picnic table on the side of the building.” Looking at the world through a lens of possibility improves our outlook on what’s possible. I got that same feeling at the recent Eastern District Conference (see article on page 8). In responding to a presentation that discussed dire statistics about mainline Christian denominations, speakers expressed their views in words that offered optimism and hope. By seeing “the veranda” where an old table stands, their outlook helped us see the possibilities that our faith and a deep understanding of who we are as Moravians can bring to building our church. That same outlook of hope and faith can be seen in this month’s articles about The Moravian Women’s Conference, Moravian music in Labrador and stories from our congregations. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the veranda for a peanut butter & jelly feast… 4

Mike Riess, Editor

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Deb Swanson, Advertising Coordinator Siobhan Young, Communications Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: <pubs@mcnp.org> <www.moravian.org> Contents © 2011, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved

The Moravian

MORAVIAN MINISTRIES

One-One connections help Moravian Open Door residents regain independence Moravian Open Door (MOD) is committed to providing transitional housing and supportive services to the homeless, distressed and underserved population of New York City. Its ministry serves those individuals who are fifty and older with the goal of helping them regain their independence and security, and assisting them in moving to appropriate, permanent facilities. In this issue of The Moravian, Doris Schattschneider, president of MOD’s board of directors, shares updates on this important ministry.

Moravian

Open Door’s One-One program, an effort that makes a one-to-one connection between an individual resident at MOD and a church group or individual, was revitalized this past year with every Moravian church in the Northern Province invited to participate. One-One sponsors receive the name and birthday of a resident and agree to send cards or notes to the resident on special occasions. Some sponsors have sent small gifts for birthdays, or sent notes on a regular baSeptember 2011

sis. In addition, sponsors agree to make an annual financial commitment of at least $250 to MOD’s Good Samaritan Fund. This Fund (continued on next page) Doris Schattschneider is President of the Board of Directors of Moravian Open Door. In photo above: Caseworker Desiree Barrett works with a resident at Moravian Open Door in New York City 5

Above and below: Volunteers work with MOD residents to learn computer skills

(continued from previous page) is maintained for the Director to have readily available support for residents who face emergency needs due to loss of job or other unexpected crisis. The One-One relationship means a great deal to those who are sponsored. Residents at MOD are homeless men and women; many have no relatives and no friends outside of the MOD community.

“The biggest fear that most men have is being old and alone,” wrote one sponsored resident recently. “You can handle the pain of old age but not the loneliness. The fact that there are people who care about you means a lot. So the cards and letters from the Moravian church members on birthdays, Christmas, etc. mean a lot to me. God bless all of you.” Another shared, “The cards and the gifts from [my sponsor] have brought joy to my heart. Thank you for your support, generosity, and compassion. They are all greatly appreciated.” The goal of the One-One program is to have every resident sponsored. Currently only half of MOD’s residents have sponsors. Sponsors include men’s fellowships from Sister Bay, St. Paul’s, Lake Mills and Advent; women’s fellowships from Veedum, West Side, Lancaster, Palmer, Lake Mills and Watertown; Sunday School classes from Egg Harbor; the youth group at Central; the Busy Bees group at United; the Board of Elders from Advent; the congregations at Downey and Morongo; and five individuals. To meet their financial commitment to the program, some sponsors hold special fundraisers, while others make it part of their budget. When a One-One sponsored resident leaves MOD for independent living, the sponsoring group is assigned another MOD resident to begin a new One-One connection. Sometimes the connection between the sponsor and former resident is continued at the request of the former resident. Expanding life skills The emphasis on expanding the life skills of residents has continued during the past year, with volunteers helping to teach residents how to use computers for email, internet searches, The Moravian

and to complete resumes and job applications. The Life Skills Center has four computers available for residents’ use on a daily basis. A structured class on Microsoft Word with an instructor who specializes in teaching Seniors began in August. Classes in financial literacy have been offered on site by a team from Wells Fargo bank. Plans for teaching about health and wellness are under way. During the past year, every member of Moravian Churches in the Northern Province received an informational brochure about MOD’s mission to the homeless in New York City, and was invited to give financial support to this mission. These donations are a large part of MOD’s operating budget supporting three full-time staff (Executive Director Darryl Williams, Caseworker Desiree Barrett, and Assistant to the Director Michael Ralling); maintaining a large 80-year old building with

Executive Director Darryl Williams

Michael Ralling, assistant to the Director, during a MOD cookout

single and double rooms for 41 adult men and women; and MOD’s program of life-skills education. MOD receives no government funds, and so these donations are essential to keep its mission alive. Helping residents “move on” The goal for every MOD resident is to “move on” to independent living in affordable housing. Support from staff, volunteers, and the many generous donors make that mission goal possible. One of the residents in a lengthy note of appreciation wrote, “I have no family members close to me here in New York, but the members of Moravian Open Door always made me feel like I have family around all the time. I really have to say thanks to the staff, Desiree for working so hard trying to find work for me, Mike for keeping everything in order, and also Mr. Williams. Ever since I’ve been here you have been like family to me. I’m very grateful to be here and for you giving me the chance to move on in life, being clean and out of trouble.” More information about MOD, volunteer opportunities, and visiting can be found on the web site www.moravianhouse.org. ■ 7

Moravians meet to reﬂect, renew and respond at Eastern District Conference In July, more than 170 Moravians arrived at Moravian College’s South Campus to “reflect, renew and respond” with fellow Eastern District clergy, staff, lay leaders and congregation members. The 2011 Eastern District Conference brought together Moravians from Ohio to New York City for a weekend of workshops, worship and spiritual development. “The goal of the Conference was to gather the church as outlined in the Book of Order: ‘to renew Christian love and fellowship…to strengthen those in the work of the Lord… and to strengthen the ongoing program of the Congregational treasurers learn new methods of tracking finances during an Eastern District Conference workshop

District,’” said Marie Couts, director of Christian Education for the Eastern District. “This three-day conference offered opportunities for personal spiritual renewal, participation in workshops to equip members for service to Christ and His church, and for sharing in fun and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. We had an overwhelming response; we expected about 100 participants, but more than 170 registered and attended!” Opportunities to learn The District Conference offered more than 40 workshops over two days. Topics included spiritual formation, worship practices, stewardship, Moravian history and music, communication, mission and ministry development, Christian education and more. The workshops, led by experts in many facets of Moravian spirituality, life, history and church workings, allowed participants to explore interests and learn ways to help strengthen their congregations. “These workshops were excellent,” says Phil Garrett, a trustee from Redeemer Moravian Church in Dublin, Ohio who attended the conference with his wife, Joyce. “They gave us opportunities to learn new things that we can bring back to our congregations.” “With the broad range of workshops offered, we hoped everyone would find the The Moravian

At right, Lanie Graf, assistant archivist at the Moravian Archives, speaks on the Moravian Choir System

Conference speaking to them whether they were currently involved in ministry in their congregation or exploring opportunities for the future,” says Marie. “I hope that all participants now feel equipped and empowered for ministry in Christ’s name, and that there is a better understanding of the support and assistance available from Eastern District commissions and staff.” Discussing change In addition to the workshops, participants heard three presentations by The Rev. Susan Nienaber, a senior consultant with the Alban Institute who has worked for several years with the Northern Province. In addition to authoring many publications through the Alban Institute, Susan’s leadership also includes research and teaching that promotes the strength and vitality of congregations. In her three addresses, Susan shared information on the current state of mainline denominations and ways congregations in a broad variety of denominations are adapting to a constantly changing religious landscape. In her first keynote address, Susan highlighted some of the trends and reasons behind the continued shrinking of mainline denominations in the U.S. Starting with the height of these churches (including the Moravian Church) in the 1940s and 50s, she traced the significant cultural and religious changes that contributed to today’s smaller denominations. According to Susan, the fastest growing religious group today are those who call themselves “none.” Across mainline denominations, there is a significant drop in church (continued on next page) September 2011

(continued from previous page) participation. Over the past 50 years, more than a third of those in mainline churches have left and 20 percent have stopped attending church altogether. Culture is forcing mainline denomination to adapt or die. While the statistics paint a somewhat gloomy picture, Susan offered reasons for hope for denominations like ours. A vast majority of Americans still believe in God and find God important in their lives. She highlighted efforts across the spectrum of Christian denominations that are helping churches remain vital. Churches that can get over the loss of who they “were,” understand where their strengths lie and adapt and change while remaining authentic to their beliefs and traditions have a future. Following Susan’s keynote presentations, Eastern District President David Bennett and Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference President Betsy Miller offered a Moravian take on Susan’s discussion. “The district board has dedicated itself Members of the Grace Moravian Steel Ensemble perform during the closing session

to the redevelopment of our congregations; some of our efforts are represented in such gatherings as this, where we can talk and pray over what it is to be a healthy church in this rapidly changing culture,” said Dave. “I am convinced that Jesus Christ has a plan for the Moravian Church in North America. Therein exists a call to ministry and service, a call that comes from the voice of God and in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Today’s world can be frustrating, and we are people not immune to frustration and dissatisfaction. But our Moravian history shows us that that frustration and dissatisfaction is actually present within our finest moments. We are a people moved by the firm confidence that God is not done with us yet,” said Dave. Betsy followed with a broader look for conference participants. “Who are we? Michael Kinnamon, executive director of the National Council of Churches, says we are a ‘both/and church in an either/or world,’” said Betsy. “We are people who continue to learn how to live together in unity even when we don’t agree on everything. We are people who trust that what binds us together is always stronger than anything that threatens to tear us apart. We are the people who feed others, who bring groups together that would otherwise not be in the same room at the same time. We are the people who keep giving ourselves away, for the sake of the world. “Surely, we need to continue to discern together our identity, our purpose, and our context,” said Betsy. “We are going to engage everyone in our congregations in exploring who we are, what God is calling us to be and do, and where God is sending us in the world as salt, as light, as good news.”

The Moravian

Bringing a Conference Together The 2011 Eastern District Conference was sponsored by the district’s Executive Board and Commission on Christian Education. Commission members — Zach Bailey, Dave Bennett, Marie Couts, Barbara Diettrich, Scott Harney, Sarah Hriniak, Denny Rohn and Linda Wisser, under the leadership of the Rev. Carol Dague — had primary responsibility for the Conference, but various Commissions also identified needed workshops based on their work throughout the District. The team also relied on a dedicated group of volunteers to make the conference work. The idea of bringing the 2011 conference to fruition arose during a 2009 Leadership Summit of Eastern District Executive Board members, chairpersons of the District Commissions, and District and Provincial staff. Based on the District’s A.I.D. redevelopment program for struggling congregations, the group discussed offering a revitalization opportunity for all District congregations. “We realized that we are in an era where much within our culture threatens us with division and encourages isolation,” says Dave. “Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ for fellowship, worship, and building up the Body suddenly seemed critical and necessary. With much prayer and a healthy sense of resolve, our District leaders decided to sponsor this District Conference and to focus the purpose of the conference upon revitalization and the nurture of healthy congregations.” “Past district conferences focused on a single topic,” said Marie. “We took a different direction this year by offering workshops and topics across a large September 2011

Conference participants listen to Susan Nienaber in Moravian’s Foy Hall

spectrum of ministry — a gathering where we could offer something for everyone.” At Moravian College The Eastern District Conference centered around Moravian College’s South campus. Thanks to Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM) and Moravian College, out-of-town participants experienced the HILL, the college’s newest facility with dorms, classrooms and (continued on next page)

Susan Nienaber of the Alban Institute speaks during the Eastern District Conference

(continued from previous page) other facilities. Workshops were held in the historic buildings of South Campus, along with the Christian Education Center at Central Moravian Church. While the conference focused on nurturing churches, congregational revitalization, spiritual growth and learning, event planners ensured time for fellowship and fun for good measure. A dinner hosted at East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem featured gourmet food and a performance by the Unitas Chorale. Following the final keynote address on Saturday evening, the Steel Ensemble from Grace Moravian Church in Queens, N.Y. provided a lively musical performance that had normally staid Moravians dancing and clapping. Despite temperatures topping 100 degrees for two of the days — in fact, it was the second hottest weekend on record for Bethlehem — participants found ways to keep cool and enjoy being in Bethlehem. The Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler led worship serClergy and lay leaders discuss worship practices during a Conference workshop

vices in Foy Hall, the college’s premier performance space. Guitars and piano accompanied traditional and contemporary hymns that filled the space with beautiful music and worship. “An amazing experience” “The mix of those who have attended many such gatherings and those attending for the first time brought a new energy to the event and vibrancy to the ministry discussions,” said Marie. “New friendships and partnerships developed: person to person, church to church and local congregation to District.” “As a first time participant in any church activity outside of Sunday, this was amazing,” said Paulette Moll, a member of Edgeboro Moravian in Bethlehem. “While the weather was very hot, the setting could not have been better. The seminars I attended were well thought through and thought provoking. Susan Nienaber gave us a lot to consider and put into action to help the church grow. The people were great and friendly. For I first timer I can’t wait to go again. It made a huge difference in my life and way of thinking.” “This weekend gave me a better understanding of the district and how it works,” said Rebecca Schoeneberger, a student at Moravian Theological Seminary and student pastor at East Hills Moravian in Bethlehem. “In my future ministry, I want to work on helping lay members get more involved in building joint ministry. This weekend’s workshops and discussions have been fantastic in helping me learn more.” “At the Worship Service Thursday night you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit,” said Diane Schroeder, a member of Riverside Moravian Church in New Jersey. “The music (continued on page 37) The Moravian

MORAVIAN WOMEN

Moravian women stepping out of the boat Reﬂections of the 11th Moravian Women’s Conference Every four years, Moravian women from around the country (and the world) gather at the Moravian Women’s Conference. This year, more than 400 women came to Charlotte, N.C. to learn, worship, pray and be together at their eleventh gathering June 23-26. Nancy Chandler from Hope Moravian Church in Indiana brought together more than a dozen conference attendees to offer their thoughts on the spirit of this year’s gathering.

tries being called by Christ to come. Sisters in Christ, working for His Kingdom, coming together to sing, pray, worship, laugh and fellowship together. What a powerful message. What a powerful directive. What a powerful (continued on next page)

Stepping Out of the Boat was the theme of the 11th Moravian Women’s Conference and the Lord’s message for all who attended. To get a sense of what it was all about, Sarah Mathias of Gnadenhutten, Ohio, suggests we imagine 414 sisters in Christ from 17 counSeptember 2011

Moravians lift their voices in song during worship at the 11th Women’s Conference

(continued from previous page) opportunity: hear God’s call, step out of the boat and serve Him. Cara Gordon of Grace Moravian Church in Mt. Airy, N.C. wrote, “‘A celebration of being a Moravian woman’ begins to describe my experience at the Moravian Women’s Conference. It was evident from the beginning how excited former conference attendees were to be back with old friends and how eager they were to make new friends with those who were there for the first time.” Stepping out of the boat Attendees were challenged by Moravian sisters who had stepped out of the boat themselves: Sister Angelene Swart, former President of the Provincial Elders’ Conference in her province of South Africa; award-winning author Liz Curtis Higgs; the Rev. Peg Chemberlin, currently serving as president of the National Council of Churches; the Rev. Patty Garner; the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, president of the Northern Province PEC; the Rev. Jane Wegner; and two women Moravian Bishops, the Rt. Rev. Blair Couch and the Rt. Rev. Kay Ward. 14

“‘Stepping Out of the Boat’ intrigued me from the first time I had heard the title of the 11th Moravian Women’s Conference,” said Marty Karow of Christian Faith Moravian Church in DeForest, Wis., “and I was looking forward to attending it no matter what. (It had me hooked in that I gave up a trip to Hawaii for it.) This was the fifth Conference I have attended and all of them have been well put together. This one really hit the spot for me from the speakers to the breakout sessions; this conference had one of the best speaker formats that I have ever experienced at a conference.” Worship and song set the tone Often our inspiration comes from the hymns we share and certainly the Holy Spirit was the guide as conference singing brought inspiration and joy. The tone of the conference was set by the blending of attendee’s voices singing the Moravian Blessing for our first meal on Thursday evening. What a beautiful sound! The music moved from the front to the back of the room in waves… like the waves made when Peter got out of the boat. The Moravian

Thursday evening’s special music by the Unity Moravian Choral Ensemble was beautiful and the message brought by Sister Angelene Swart challenged us to get out of our boats, to leave our comfort zones and work in service for our Lord. She reminded us of other women who left their boats and did great things for God — a theme that continued throughout the conference. Friday morning communion was served by Moravian clergywomen from around the world. “A conference highlight for me was to have a part in honoring Sister Mary Kategile from Tanzania with a communion set presentation,” said Dianne Zimmerman, the current Northern Province PWB president from Lititz, Pa. “Sister Mary felt called to ordained ministry and after 16 years of struggle (because of the legal and cultural barriers in her country) her ordination was validated.” Compelling speakers It is said that tears can cleanse the soul and that laughter can heal. Sharron Harker from Hope, Ind., experienced this firsthand while

Photos above and below: Moravian ministers from around the world during a Communion service

keynote speaker Liz Curtis Higgs shared hilarious and deeply spiritual scenes from her life. Sharron laughed until she cried and then the “scales were washed from my eyes, and I could again see myself as a very much-loved child of God.” Sister Liz, who grew up in the Moravian Church in Lititz, Pa., put her special humor on Hagar/Sarai and Leah/Rachel who stepped (continued on next page)

Nola Reed Knouse leads an all-women ensemble

(continued from previous page) out of their boats and put familiar Bible stories into a modern context. Once a Moravian, Always a Moravian! The Rev. Peg Chemberlin, currently serving on President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, encouraged us to work diligently for our Savior and have concern for the poor, the weak and the disabled. Sister Peg spoke Conference-goers share coffee and buns during a special Lovefeast

on Jesus’ words to Peter, ”Do you Love Me? (then) Feed My Sheep” and she encouraged us to make sure all of God’s children are fed both physically and spiritually. We live in a culture of fear and scarcity, but in a world of abundance. Sister Peg went on to say that this is not a political agenda, but God’s agenda. Many felt that Justice and Equality were underlying themes throughout the conference for women around the world. Our female pastors encouraged us, inspired us, communed with us and prayed with us. They are certainly excellent examples of what can happen when we answer God’s call and get out of the boat. The Rev. Patty Garner from North Carolina introduced us to a new venture that is the result of the First Women’s Consultation in 1995. Sister Patty is currently the Director of the Unity Women’s Desk, which addresses issues around the Unity such as violence against women, poverty, employment and justice for all women (for more on the Unity Women’s Desk, see story on page 20). Meetings and Interactions Emma Gordon, a member of Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., who has atThe Moravian

tended many conferences and chaired the 2003 conference at Wake Forest, wrote that the highlight of the conference, the most spiritually rewarding, was the interaction with the women who were there. Elizabeth Robinette, also from Home Moravian, wrote that she had looked forward to the conference with the same excitement that she used to have looking forward to Laurel Ridge camp. Elizabeth shared a suite at the conference with her sister and mother, giving them time to share their experiences after workshops and worship and reflect. This was the first conference attended by all three of them and it was very special to them. Elizabeth was also able to reconnect with an old friend from Laurel Ridge. The conference was a rich international experience, allowing attendees to meet and interact with sisters from across the globe. There was time to laugh, dance, sing and just enjoy being together. “The worship services were joyful and uplifiting,” said Cara Gordon, Emma’s daughter and first-time conference attendee. “I connected spiritually with Moravians from all over the world and will bring that spirit back to my congregation in Mount Airy.” Sharron Harker rejoiced with new and old friends about their successes and was drawn into prayer when sharing concerns. “I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the achievements of so many Moravian sisters, inspired by their gentleness, and encouraged by shared interests of love for their families and friends,” said Sharron. “On a personal note, I went to the conference grieving the loss of a close personal friend just a few weeks earlier,” wrote one attendee who wished to remain anonymous. “In a small group situation I met a woman September 2011

whose situation was similar to mine and I talked with her, enlisted two more women to pray with her and to agree to pray for her. While I am still pondering if God sent me to her, or her to me, I do know that some of the depression that I felt is no longer with me.” Exhibits and workshops The core of the conference featured 23 workshop options focused on helping attendees understand that there are many places and opportunities to step out of the boat: Step out and keep the Sabbath holy, step out and see the miracles around us, step out and help those less fortunate, step out and join a mission team, step out and share the Good News as did our sisters before, step out and…. Bishop Kay Ward led a motivational workshop on writing, Walking on Water, and writing’s special way to mark an important occasion. Our memories may not always be strong so if we write and record these memories we can read them and remember again. (continued on next page) Speaker Liz Curtis Higgs

(continued from previous page) Nancy Krail, former Northern Province PWB member now living in Delaware, attended workshops with Moravian emphasis. “I enjoyed again hearing about Countess von Zinzendorf and learning more about Moravian Women in America and how these women dedicated their lives to the church,” said Nancy. “Our ancestors certainly ‘stepped out of boat’ as they listened to God’s call. Their lives continue to inspire and encourage us as we continue our spiritual journeys.” Other popular workshops were Tai Chi and Beading the Gospel. In the beading workshop, participants made bracelets representing the life of Christ. Each bead represented a significant event from God creating the earth until Christ’s great commission. This was a clever way to remember various Biblical events. The leader also told great stories and used hymns to tell illustrate stories of faith. The Share and Sell room was as popular as ever and a good opportunity to purchase items from our Moravian sisters, the Moravian Book and Gift Shop and the Moravian Music Foundation. A moving Lovefeast Have you ever attended a Lovefeast that your whole entire candle melted away? Well, Cindy Lamb, a member of Fries Memorial Church and the Southern Province PWB administrative assistant, wrote that’s just what happened at the Conference. Participants prepared themselves for Lovefeast by praying for faithfulness, hope, the love of learning, encouragement and renewal to be able to “get out of the boat” and serve the Lord. Attendees listened to the first two women bishops of the North America Province, Kay Ward and Blair Couch. 18

“We drank our coffee and shared our Moravian buns with our sisters from all around the world,” recalls Cindy “Then, as the sky over North Carolina darkened we heard the call from the Lord of Sea and Sky to go and carry his light out into the world, so we went outside. “More than four hundred women made a circle so large that not everyone could be seen around the entire circle. With our candles lit, we held them out in front of us instead of up in the air, to signify that we will step forward and “out of the boat” to do what He has called us to do.” “The candles at this point were growing short,” said Cindy. “Some of the women started to head back inside to the comfort of the air conditioned hotel, but then just as I had remembered from the ninth Moravian Women’s Conference, some of the dear sisters from the Caribbean island started to sing and dance. You could look into these candlelit faces and see that they were singing to the Lord with all their hearts and all their spirit. You could feel the warmth of the love that flowed in that crowd. We stood there for well over an hour after the official service was over. My candle had melted away by then but the spirit of the love that was shared there that night will always be a treasured memory for me.” Taking the challenge home During the Sunday morning worship service, attendees were challenged to make a plan of how each would “step out of the boat” when they arrived home. Plans were written on worksheets and everyone was further challenged to keep this plan in sight rather than forget about it as each goes back into our daily lives. The Moravian

Looking ahead to 12 A Moravian Women’s Conference is held every four years. In 2015 it will be held in the Northern Province. A committee of five women (Nancy Chandler, chair, JoAnn Kouts and Priscilla Weidman, Northern Province, and Ruth Burcaw and Janice Wilson, Southern Province) together with the 2015 Treasurer (Sharon Saewert, ND) and Registrar (Sarah Mathias, Ohio) are seeking the Holy Spirit to lead in the planning. Some congregations are already planning fund-raising events to help with expenses for their women who will attend the 2015 conference. Spiritual renewal is that important! Moravian Women are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead each of you to the next conference. It will be the 12th conference, the number of the original apostles, Christ’s first called ones. Be one of those called by Christ to come and be inspired. We all need a nudge, a mountain top experience that brings us into the trenches of life, that gets us out of our boat. Focus on Jesus, turn your eyes on Him, get out of your boat and you will be blessed. ■

Thanks to contributors Cindy Lamb (Fries Memorial, N.C., current Southern Province PWB Administrative Assistant); Dianne Zimmerman (Lititz, Pa. and current Northern Province PWB President); Emma Gordon (Home, N.C.); Cara Gordon (Grace, N.C.); Jo Ann Kouts (Hope, Ind., member of the 2015 MW conference committee); Linda Hayman (Dover, Ohio); Marty Karow (Christian Faith Moravian, Wis.), Nancy Krail (formerly from Emmaus Moravian, Pa.); Sarah Mathias (Gnadenhutten, Ohio, 2015 MW conference registrar); Sharron Harker (Hope, Ind.); Liz Venable (Fairview, N.C., and member of 2011 MW conference committee) and Elizabeth Robinette (Home, N.C., who wrote with input from her sister and mother who also attended conference). Nancy Chandler, 2007 conference committee member and 2015 conference chair from Hope (Indiana) congregation, combined the contributors’ write-ups into this article. All photos by Myra Jones of Edgeboro Moravian in Bethlehem, Pa.

Jean Batt from Pennsylvania and June LaBorde from the U.S. Virgin Islands light beeswax candles during an outdoor service

MORAVIAN WOMEN

Moravian Unity establishes resource to address women’s issues lowing issues: health of women and children; violence against women; education; employment and overcoming poverty; parenting for justice; Biblical imperatives for justice for women; and women in ministry. Although other issues may be brought to the attention of the Unity Women’s Desk, these issues have surfaced as being of prime importance at all three of the Women’s Consultations.

Moravian women around the world now have a new resource to help affect global change beginning at the congregational level. Following more than 15 years of consultations, discussions, planning and praying, the Office of the Worldwide Unity approved a proposal by the Rev. Patricia Garner, an ordained Moravian minister from the Southern Province to begin work on the Unity Women’s Desk. “The purpose of the Unity Women’s Desk is the coordination of the resources of Moravian women (spiritual, financial, intellectual, and material) around the world at the congregational level to affect global change by bringing the objectives of women to the attention of the world-wide Unity and by celebrating women’s successes,” explains Patty, who will serve as coordinator for the Unity Women’s Desk. The Unity Women’s Desk will focus on disseminating information and finding and implementing resources to work on the fol20

Drawn from Consultations In the summer of 1995, a group of women from around the Moravian Unity participated in the first (albeit “unofficial”) Women’s Consultation held at Kernersville Moravian Church, in Kernersville, N.C. under the auspices of the American Board of World Mission. Women from nearly fifteen countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, India, South Africa, Tanzania and the Caribbean, met to discuss issues that affect women. Although there was some discussion of equality in the workplace and “glass ceilings,” it soon became obvious that for most of the women the issues were much more basic: How to obtain clean drinking water; the effects of widespread illiteracy among women; the horrors of violence against women in the form of domestic abuse, rape, and female circumcision; the rampant spread of HIVAIDS in sub-Saharan Africa; and the resultant growth of orphaned children. The group knew that one consultation was not going to be sufficient to deal with all the issues that women face around the world. The Unity Synod of 1995 approved another The Moravian

“Since that time, other considerations have prevented the Unity Board from moving forward with any substantive plans,” said Patty. “In the fall of 2010, however, the Lord put it upon my heart to volunteer to begin this work. In January 2011, the Office of the Worldwide Unity approved my proposal to begin this work.”

such consultation be held to continue the discussion of these issues and ways to deal with them, but provided little funding to make it happen. Nevertheless, a second Consultation was held in 2001 in South Africa, with representatives invited from all the Provinces with equal representation given to each Province. At the 2001 Consultation, a resolution was written for the 2002 Unity Synod, continuing the practice of holding Consultations every five years and initiating an international Unity Women’s Desk to address the issues that continued to plague women around the world. The 2002 Unity Synod approved the idea of continuing the Consultations and initiating the Unity Women’s Desk, but no funds were approved for either of these endeavors and no definitive plans were outlined for establishing the Unity Women’s Desk. Fortunately, the women remained undaunted and a third Women’s Consultation was held in 2008. Once again, an appeal was made to the Unity Synod of 2009 to establish the Unity Women’s Desk and to continue to hold the Consultations every five years. Once again the Unity Synod acknowledged the severity of the plight of women in the world and approved the resolutions along with $500 to move the initiatives forward. September 2011

Establishing the Unity Women’s Desk The Unity Women’s Desk will work from Cedarhyrst, the headquarters of the Southern Province in Winston-Salem. A website has been developed to assist in disseminating information about the Women’s Desk and the work it supports. On the website, <www.unitywomensdesk. org>, visitors can find articles about the issues of the women of our Unity, how these issues affect women in the various areas of the Unity, and ways to support this work. “Through our website, we hope to inform women (and men) throughout the Unity of the needs of women in all of our Unity Provinces and how they may be able to help with (continued on next page)

The Rev. Patty Garner from the Southern Province serves as the volunteer director of the Unity Women’s Desk.

(continued from previous page) their prayers, their financial assistance, and with their support of the projects listed on the website,” says Patty. “We want all of our women to be involved with their sisters in other countries as we work together for the good of women everywhere.” Seeking funds and volunteers The team behind the Unity Women’s Desk are undertaking a fund-raising effort to raise money for maintaining their website and publicizing their work. “Any funds raised in this effort will be used solely to maintain the Unity Women’s Desk, to fund projects that benefit women in the various Provinces of our Moravian Unity, and to provide scholarship assistance to women and girls of our Unity,” says Patty. “At the present time, the director’s position is voluntary, but in time, we will need to fund that position as well as provide small stipends for the women in each Province who will report on the work in each Province and the needs of the provinces as well. We hope to establish additional funds to which women can apply for educational scholarships as well as small business loans.” 22

Gifts made to the Women’s Desk should be sent to the Board of World Mission, and stipulated for the “Unity Women’s Desk.” We have received a challenge gift of $10,000 to be met with an additional $10,000 from the Southern Province, the Northern Province, and the worldwide Unity. Donations should be made to the Board of World Mission at P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016, which is acting as the fiscal agent of the Women’s Desk. The Women’s Desk is also looking for volunteers to do research, to help coordinate efforts to address these problems, and to help with clerical work. A Prayer Team is in place; if you would like to be part of the Prayer Team, the Women’s Desk can supply you with a monthly list of prayer concerns. To help in any way or if you have questions about the Unity Women’s Desk, contact Patty Garner at pfgarner@triad.rr.com. Those interested can also contact the Unity Women’s Desk at 459 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. or by calling 336.725.6413. Patty is usually in the office on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ■

The Moravian

MORAVIAN MUSIC

Celebrating the Moravian Music of the Labrador Inuit The image is an iconic one: a small church profiled on the vast Arctic landscape. From that church emanates the sound of a wheezy organ and a congregation singing hymns, perhaps in native Inuktitut. It’s a common representation of one aspect of the assimilation of western ways by the Inuit of Canada’s north. However, in the Inuit territory on the North coast of Labrador, the early and persistent contact with Moravian missionaries laid the foundations of a unique musical culture. Although the sacred music of the Labrador Inuit was introduced by Moraivan missionaries, the stewardship of music in the territory now known as Nunatsiavut had shifted to the Inuit organists, choirmasters and band leaders by the mid-nineteenth century. Dynasties of musician families assumed responsibility for the vital practice of music in the community. And with the Inuit hand on the music came also a distinctive Inuit voice. September 2011

In 2003 I began a digitization project which would eventually copy and catalogue some 12,500 pages of music manuscript encompassing the repertoire of the Labrador Moravian congregations, an impressive collection of meticulously notated scores of choral and orchestral music from over two hundred years of spiritual practice. (continued on next page) Dr. Tom Gordon is a professor of Music History at Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Thanks to Loren Jendro, a director of the Moravian Board of World Mission, for suggesting this story. Photo above: Members of the Labrador Choral Traditions Tour from Memorial University during their visit to the Labrador coast. 23

(continued from previous page) What began as an archival project gradually evolved into an engagement with the community. I soon came to realize that Moravian Inuit music had become a domain limited to Elders and a touchstone for memory rather than a vital practice. Organists shared their concerns about diminishing choirs; Elders worried aloud about the ability to sustain the complex liturgies. Mid-generation leaders looked for the resources to restart brass bands. Youth leaders and teachers sought material that could engage youth with these traditions. A disconnect between the tradition-bearers and younger generations — due in no small part to the simultaneous loss of Inuktitut — A Moravian Brass quintet in native Inuit garb plays in Makkovik…

was impeding both transmission and the evolution of these traditions. This divide followed the same fault lines as other divisions of language and lifeways in the community. Still, the fact that nearly a third of the requests on the Inuktitut radio phone-in show are for items from the Moravian Inuit repertoire is a testament to the importance of this music in cultural memory. A 2008 brass band tour along the coast, organized through Memorial University it St. John’s and highlighting Moravian traditions, was extremely popular in the Inuit communities. The tour also brought national attention to the Labrador Inuit traditions through a radio documentary heard on CBC’s national music feature “Inside the Music.” The tour’s

…and a choral group sings during Easter week in Labrador

success emboldened us to pursue a larger project which would seek both to support community goals to preserve its music traditions and to document those traditions in their context. A project team was assembled which included myself and Tim Borlase as co-leads; choral conductor Kellie Walsh; filmmaker Nigel Markham and radio producer Francesca Swann. With support from the Public Outreach program of the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the team visited Labrador Inuit communities in the fall of 2010. We outlined our resources and sought direction on how we might best engage these resources to support the communities’ needs. With the guidance from Elders and other community leaders, we formulated a project to return for the spring of 2011 with a small choir, string quartet and and brass quintet to participate with them in the ten-day-long Easter cycle of liturgies and celebrations. In January 2011 the Innismara Vocal Ensemble began rehearsals of the Inukitut Easter season anthem repertoire. In March, John Jararuse, one of the Nain organists and the choir’s lead tenor, Karrie Obed, flew to St. John’s to lead the St. John’s singers and instrumentalists across an intensive rehearsal September 2011

week-end. In mid-April we arrived on the coast, spending Palm Sunday week-end in Nain, singing services and rehearsing with church and school choirs for a concert. We shared Holy Thursday and Good Friday services with the community in Makkovik, as well as offering school workshops and a session on choir rehearsal techniques with the adult choir. And then we moved on to Hopedale for Easter. On Easter Monday, members of the Nain choir joined us in Hopedale where we had a mass choral rally of sorts on the occasion of the Easter Monday Lovefeast. We finished the tour with concerts in Happy Valley/Goose Bay, both at the Moravian Church and at the Seniors’ home which houses many Inuit who yearned to hear this music once more. Nigel Markham’s film crew, augmented by technicians from the local OKalaKatiget Society Broadcaster captured rehearsals, workshops, concerts and sung liturgies. Following the Newfoundland and Labrador tradition of employing documentary film as both witness and catharsis, Nigel captured not only the activities of our ten days on the coast, but also recorded reflections of participants, Inuit and visitor alike. (continued on next page) 25

(continued from previous page) Diaries by participants from the South highlighted a new sensitivity to cultural difference and a new awareness of the societal function for music. Soprano Deirdre Costello, found the experience challenged her to step beyond her world of professional music-making: “The specific effect of certain songs such as Hailig, Ernik, and the Brass Band hymns are especially sacred memories. As a musician, an experience like this reminds me of why I love making music,” said Diedre. “I tend to forget that it is not always about perfect tuning, having the best technique, or blend. Music is an expression of spirit, hope, love, and community; an act that brings people together in unity.” Although the congregations in each community appeared to be deeply affected at the church services and performances, the outcomes for the community in Labrador are still to be seen. First of all, the project is midstream. The film is currently being edited and will be ready for release in the fall. Premiere Visitors sing with local Inuit during Easter services in Hopedale

showings are planned within the Nunatsiavut communities before broadcast on our national network, CBC. At these screenings there will be opportunities to encourage community reflection. Preliminary responses suggest that the project may have renewed an understanding that this music has been and remains a deep expression of Inuit culture with powerful connection to the whole community. Whatever the origins of this music, its practice became, over time, an intrinsically Inuit form of expression. And that process of transformation represents a degree of cultural agency on the part of generations of Inuit organists, choirmasters, musicians and singers. The questions that remain focus on what further transformations might be possible within this tradition as the culture undergoes yet more radical transition. Johannes Lampe, Minister of Culture in the Nunatsiavut Government and a lay reader in the Nain Moravian Church, summarizes for his community. “I do believe that this is something that people have been praying for and have been hoping for because Nain and the other communities suffer different kinds of challenges, especially youth suicide and accidents and addictions,” says Johannes. “So something like this people are even saying that it is quite powerful. And it is encouraging the young people, and the older people also. And I also believe that it is empowering people like myself as a lay reader and a chapel servant in the Moravian Church. I do believe that something like this can help the church, [the school] and the Nunatsiavut Government build a relationship. Something like this could connect organizations and communities so that we can build on the hope that we have.” ■ The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Palmer Moravian Mission Camp teaches valuable lessons in community service “They looked like regular people.” This was the observation of one of our youth after the first day of “Mission Camp” at Palmer Moravian Church in Easton, Pa., following a tour and volunteering at Safe Harbor, a local homeless shelter. Young “mission campers” from Palmer made lunch in their church kitchen and then went to serve about 65 people in need from the Easton area. The last week in June marked the third summer Mission Camp developed by the Mission Committee at Palmer Moravian Church. Seven young people grades 5 through 8 came five mornings to learn about and volunteer at five different community service organizations in the Easton area. Campers began each day with a brief orientation of where we were going and a time to connect a scripture verse from the Bible of how Jesus taught us to reach out to care for neighbors. After praying together for God’s blessing on the work we would do, the youth set out to a different location each day. The Salvation Army in Easton offers a wide September 2011

variety of services to families, children, and adults. Our kids helped in their Food Pantry on Tuesday stocking shelves and helping neighbors find food items, as well as sorting supplies in their Clothing Bank. Our group also observed the intake process of people who arrived that day for assistance. The group was impressed with the Salvation Army’s very structured and organized program with a strong Christian-based mission. This summer we added a different type of community service as we visited Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Wind Gap on a beautiful cool crisp morning. Our tour guide reminded us of how the earth is God’s gift to us and it is our Christian responsibility (continued on next page) Ruth Gonzalez is director of Christian Education for Palmer Moravian Church in Easton, Pa. Photo above: Palmer Moravian “Mission Campers” help at the Safe Harbor shelter in Easton, Pa. 27

(continued from previous page) to care for it. We closed unwanted trails in the wooded areas by dragging dead wood across the trail. Many lessons in nature helped the group realize how easy it is to feel close to God outdoors. The Palmer team also visited its first Moravian facility, touring the Moravian Hall Square retirement community in Nazareth. The kids enjoyed outdoor recreation activities as well as Wii games with some of the residents, learning the value of sharing our attention and time with older adults in the community. What does church have to do with trash? A question both the kids and adults stopped to wonder as they set out to the Chrin landfill on our last morning together. We not only witnessed the overwhelming process of the landfill being prepared for use but also saw how our trash is being safely disposed of and transformed into usable energy (Chrin announced a new power project using methane gas from the landfill). A way to care for our environment came through again as our Christian responsibility. Mission Camp over the past two summers

found us delivering Meals on Wheels, cleaning a playroom at a women and children’s shelter, unpacking food at a Food Bank, serving lunch at a Habitat for Humanity building site, assisting in activities in an Adult Care Center and a Senior Citizens center, doing needed chores at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, putting together Kids Kits for St. Lukes Hospital clown ministry, and shopping for homebound neighbors in Meals on Wheels, Food Line program. Finding adults to volunteer is often a challenge for children’s programs. This wasn’t the case for us, as ten adults came forward on their own to learn about and volunteer in the community — so much so that an “Adult Mission Camp” is probably not far down the road for us at Palmer Moravian. The teachings of Jesus call us to love and care fore one another. In James 2:18 we read, “But someone will say, ‘One person has faith, another has actions.’ My answer is, ‘Show me how anyone can have faith without actions, I will show you my faith by my actions.’” These words from James were an appropriate guide to us throughout the week. Mission Camp at Palmer Moravian was an opportunity for youth to act out their faith. As each day ended we asked the kids to remember some things they saw and how they felt about what they did. We all enjoyed our time together and all of the agencies we visited were very appreciative of our bringing young people to volunteer. I was most impressed by how our youth were very compassionate and caring. It was wonderful to see them reach out and get to know their neighbors in very new settings. When the homeless look like “regular people” to a 12-year-old maybe we all need to stop and think how we look at our neighbors. ■ The Moravian

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

CROSSROADSâ&#x20AC;Ś the intersection of your life and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission. If, as a layperson, you have a sense that God is calling you to education in order to discover and fulfill your ministry passions more completely, consider participating in CROSSROADS, the Lay Leadership Program through the Continuing Education at Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem Pa.. Entering its third year, CROSSROADS consists of sixteen courses and a Community Missional Experience. Participants are encouraged to take courses that enhance their sense of call or ministry in their congregation or in the community. Participants are usually active lay people from a variety of Christian denominational backgrounds. They come together in a safe and encouraging atmosphere to explore where God wants them, to gain a deeper understanding of scripture, to be challenged September 2011

and to have their spiritual life deepened. Occasionally pastors, church planters, employed lay assistants, lay licensed pastors and those who are seeking lay licensure in various denominations have also attended CROSSROADS courses. Courses offered through the CROSSROADS program include Old and New Testament, Theology, Creative Worship, Contextual Evan(continued on next page)

Jill Peters is missional leadership developer at Moravian Theological Seminary. She directs the CROSSROADS program. Photo above: CROSSROADS students at the Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem 29

(continued from previous page) gelism, Missional Leadership, Discipleship, Culture & Change, Congregational Ethics, Congregational Care, Spiritual Formation, Teaching, Preaching, History, Traditions, and Compass which is our intro course that helps participants explore their sense of call and teaches some basic writing and presenting skills. Each course is eight sessions long and requires two assignments including papers, presentations or group projects. Extra assistance is given to those who need help in building these skills. Since the program’s inception, almost fifty people have taken at least one course, four have graduated and another five expect to graduate in Spring 2012. Many others are working at their own pace with projected graduations over the next several years. New people join CROSSROADS every semester. The CROSSROADS community is an extended group of motivated adult learners who encourage, support and pray for each other. It’s not unusual for them to attend events at other churches when another participant is leading. “I can honestly say that there has not been a course yet that I haven’t fully enjoyed and view as completely worthwhile,” said a CROSSROADS participant. “So far, I think that all of the courses have been thought provoking, faith provoking and challenging. Thank you to CROSSROADS and Moravian Seminary for supporting such a wonderful program that enables, encourage and inspires me to grow in knowledge and faith “ If you have a sense that God is calling you to education in order to discover and fulfill your ministry passions more completely, contact Jill Peters <jpeters@moravian.edu>, Missional 30

Leadership Developer at Moravian Theological Seminary who directs this program. The CROSSROADS web page <www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads> lists all the courses offered for 2011/2012 with course descriptions, dates, instructors and much more information about the program in general. Our expert instructors combine strong academic backgrounds with the ability to make each subject practical for immediate application to local ministry situations. While at the website, be sure to check out other Continuing Education events for the next year. Note that most classes start in September, so there should still be time to enroll if you’re interested. Join us and learn more about CROSSROADS and what God has in store for you! ■

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Heimtal greets growing neighborhood with community cookout Each month in The Moravian, we work to include ideas for helping build congregations and spreading the word about The Moravian Church. This month, the Rev. Matt Gillard shares how Heimtal Church in Alberta, Canada, connected with neighbors over soccer.

Heimtal is a small country church located just south of the city of Edmonton. We operate on a bare bones budget and have been serving the local farming families for 115 years. Yet, the city of Edmonton is growing by leaps and bounds, and the farmland surrounding our country church is being bought up by suburban developers who are putting up cookie cutter developments as fast as they can. The scenery on the drive to Heimtal changes each week, as new homes pop up. From the outside, it might seem that we do not have the resources to minister to this emerging community, but we have found that with a little planning and September 2011

A LOT of prayer, God is helping us create new relationships with our new neighbors. When I first arrived at Heimtal, the congregation was taking a leap of faith in calling me. They barely met their yearly budget with a half time, retired Lutheran pastorâ&#x20AC;Ś and in calling a new, young pastor, they would begin to eat away at the nest egg saved for emergencies. Yet, the joint board had faith that God was calling them to grow alongside this new community of people, and so seeds were (continued on next page) Matt Gillard is pastor at Heimtal Moravian Church in South Edmonton, Alberta.

(continued from previous page) planted, a new pastor was called, and we set out on the journey together. As I said, we run on a bare bones budget. To be successful, we knew we were going to need to begin setting aside some money for a future mission (which had yet to be determined.) And so all the people of Heimtal began bringing in their recycling which has a deposit paid. Soda cans, milk jugs, wine bottles, Ensure cans and anything else was brought to the church to be put in a fund we now call “Mission in Community.” Every month we’d add another $20 or $30 into the pot. Then as our hopes grew, so did our fund, eventually creating a second offering envelope in order to expand the fund,

though we had no idea what we’d use it for. As time passed, God showed us a unique event that we could host. This past May and June, I coached (and was assisted by Shonari Wudel, a 14 year old congregation member) a U8 (under 8) soccer team in my local community league. After a successful season, we learned that the tournament where the players received medals was going to be canceled, so I brought an idea to the church joint board. Heimtal would use our Mission in Community fund, now at $750, to buy medals for the players and host a end of season cookout for the players and their families on our property surrounding the church. We secured a few donations from members of the congregation, and gifts and discounts

from local businesses. We borrowed a “fun bag” from the city of Edmonton (a fun bag holds a large parachute, a tug of war rope, potato sacks for races, numerous kickballs and sponges for those who want to play water games). We held our normal 10 a.m. worship service, then got ready for our guests, who were planning to arrive at noon. We set up our tables and chairs, prepared a table for face painting, set up the grill, and were ready to go. By 12:05, no one had shown up yet, and I was beginning to get nervous… what if everyone decided they had better things to do? But by quarter after, more and more cars came with bunches of smiling people ready for a fun afternoon. Halfway through the cookout, we took time to recognize the coaches

for their hard work, congratulated all the U8 players for a well played season, and presented everyone with medals and pictures. All in all, we had 45 of 96 players at our event, and with their families, had well over 150 people in attendance. By 2 p.m., we had lots of fun, let the community know we existed and were welcoming and hospitable. Overall, we found this event to be an overwhelming success. Slowly but surely, we are introducing ourselves to the new suburban community which has been developed over the farms which many of our parishioner’s families used to own. God has big, yet to be seen, opportunities for Heimtal to serve these people, we just hope we are ready for the challenge. May God bless us as we seek to bless others. ■

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Inaugural Moravian Festival to offer “family fun, Moravian style” It has been said that in Winston-Salem, everyone is a Moravian on Christmas Eve or Easter Morning. Many residents are familiar with or have attended a Moravian Christmas Lovefeast or Easter Sunrise service, but there are many more who have not yet been introduced to the rich Moravian heritage with the community. To reach out and share who they are and Whom they serve with their community, New Philadelphia Moravian Church will host the Southern Province’s first-ever Moravian Festival on Saturday, Sept. 10 on the church’s campus in Winston-Salem, N.C. “The Festival will be a family-oriented celebration of ‘all things Moravian,’ from our faith and values, to our history and our traditions,” says Frank Beck, a member of the festival’s planning committee. “This is an opportunity for us to introduce or reacquaint ourselves to the community.” The Moravian Festival will feature food, music, children’s activities, Moravian traditions and history, crafts and merchandise, outreach and the Moravian Festival 5K challenge. Visitors can sample chicken pie plates and

other great food. Brass bands, organs, choirs, contemporary musicians, and handbells will all perform. Moravian traditions like candlepouring, star-making, and ginger cookie-baking will be on display. Visitors can also learn about (and taste) a Lovefeast, while enactors will be sharing Moravian history throughout the day. And the festival will kick off with a Moravian-themed 5k run to benefit Sunnyside Ministry. With outreach a central element to the Moravian Festival, more than 40 churches from the Southern Province, along with 20 Moravian agencies will also be on hand to share information about their congregations, programs and events. “We hope members of our community will have fun, learn something and leave with a better understanding of our faith and how our Moravian legacy has helped shape this community,” said Frank. As of Aug. 1, more than 4,500 tickets had been sold. For more information about the festival, visit <www.moravianfestival.org>. Watch the November issue for follow-up and photos from the event. ■

The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 11, 2011 The second Sunday in September is designated as a day of prayer for Christian education. The nurture of Christians of all ages in their faith is the responsibility of each congregation. Pray for your congregation’s Christian education program and for the personal growth in faith of each member.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Church Development, September 18, 2011 The third Sunday in September is the prayer day for church development in the Northern Province. Pray for the new congregations established in our province in recent years as they develop their unity and mission. Support the ongoing development of these new congregations. Pray also for those congregations in the redevelopment process. Prayer Day for the Church’s Ministry to Older Adults, September 25, 2011 The 2002 Synod reaffirmed the fourth Sunday in September as a time to recognize older generations and to pray for our mutual ministry. Each congregation can make ministry to and with older generations in their midst a special cause for prayer. Ordinations Brother Michael Eder was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on July 17, 2011 at Chaska Moravian Church, Chaska, Minnesota. Bishop Kay Ward officiated at the ordination service. September 2011

Sister Jennifer Moran was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on August 7, 2011 at Christ’s Community Moravian Church, Maple Grove, Minnesota. Bishop Kay Ward officiated at the ordination service. Specialized Ministry Brother Otto Dreydoppel, Jr. has accepted a call to specialized ministry as chaplain for Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Brother Dreydoppel will begin his new work September 19, 2011. Calls and Appointments Washington, D.C. Brother Keith Harke has accepted an appointment to serve as Intentional Interim Pastor of Faith Moravian Church of the Nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C. Brother Harke will begin his work September 1, 2011 with installation scheduled for September 11, 2011. Chaska, Minnesota Brother Michael Eder has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Chaska Moravian Church, Chaska, Minnesota where he has been serving under appointment. Brother Eder began his work under call effective July 17, 2011. Maple Grove, Minnesota Sister Jennifer Moran has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Christ’s Community Moravian Church, Maple Grove, Minnesota where she has been serving under appointment. Sister Moran began her work under call effective August 7, 2011. (continued on next page) 35

Calls and Appointments (continued from previous page)

Easton, Pennsylvania Sister Patricia Honszer, who has been serving Fryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Valley Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio, has accepted the call to serve as pastor of First Moravian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania. Sister Honszer will be installed into her new work October 23, 2011. Lebanon, Pennsylvania Brother Reed Acheson has accepted a part-time appointment to serve as pastor of Lebanon Moravian Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Brother Acheson was installed July 17, 2011. Retirements Glenn F. Heintzelman Brother Glenn F. Heintzelman requested and was granted permission to retire from the Moravian Church effective June 30, 2011. Brother Heintzelman was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church January 4, 1976 and has served the church in pastorates in Wisconsin (London, Mamre, Kellner, Saratoga) California (Morongo), Maryland (Trinity), Pennsylvania (Reading, Canadensis), and Michigan (Unionville). He also served under call to specialized ministry as chaplain in several locations in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania). The church is grateful for his 35 years of faithful service. 36

Terry W. Weavil Brother Terry W. Weavil requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective February 1, 2012. Brother Weavil was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church January 18, 1976 and has served the church in pastorates in the Southern Province; Virginia (Mt. Bethel), North Carolina (Providence and New Eden), and Northern Province; Michigan (Unionville) and Illinois (West Salem). The church is grateful for his 36 years of faithful service.

Peg Chemberlin Sister Peg Chemberlin requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective October 1, 2011. Sister Chemberlin was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church September 5, 1982 and has served the church under call to specialized ministry as Campus Minister at St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, Minnesota), Director of Minnesota FoodShare, and Executive Director of Minnesota Council of Churches. The church is grateful for her 29 years of faithful service.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Eldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conference The Moravian

Eastern District SOUTHERN PROVINCE Retirement Hampton Morgan, Jr. Brother Hampton Morgan, Jr. has requested and been given permission to retire from the ministry of the Moravian Church effective August 4, 2011. Brother Morgan was ordained a deacon on June 22, 1975 at New Philadelphia Moravian Church. He was consecrated a presbyter on March 6, 1983 at Macedonia Moravian Church. Brother Morgan graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971. He earned the Master of Divinity degree at Moravian Theological Seminary in 1975 after taking a year off to serve the two Moravian congregations on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brother Morgan and his wife, Ginny, also served pastorates at New Herrnhut Moravian Church in St. Thomas and at Macedonia Moravian Church in Advance, N.C. For eight years Brother Morgan served as Executive Director of the Board of World Mission. We express deep appreciation to Hampton and Ginny for their faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish them a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

(continued from page 12) was uplifting and Chris’s sermon really hit home for me. “I truly had an amazing experience; it felt like old home week,” continued Diane. “I felt so blessed. The term ‘Family Reunion’ was used during the Conference; I truly felt like I was part of a very large family. I would like to thank everyone in charge for a wonderful experience and the love I felt this weekend.” ■ Ed. Note: To help share information from the Eastern District Conference with Moravians across the country, future issues of The Moravian will feature articles based on workshop presentations.

T H E T W E N T Y- F O U RT H

M O R AV I A N F E S T I V A L

July ly 144-20, 2013 • Bethleh ehem eh e , Pa. em John Jo hn V. Si Sinc inc ncla lair la ir

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chh ral condu cho ndu duccto ctor ctor

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Don Kemmererr Do

A daily message from God that is new every morning! Following a 280-year tradition, the Moravian Daily Texts continue to inspire readers around the world with a devotional guide for every day.

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MORAVIAN

DA I LY T E XTS 2 012

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To order your 2012 Moravian Daily Texts visit www.moravian.org/publications or call 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38 September 2011

Save the dates! Regiiststrra ratiion information will be avaailab able lee by September 2012

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OBITUARIES

Sarah Dunivant Crews Sister Sarah Dunivant Crews, 62, wife of The Rev. Dr. Daniel Crews, Southern Province Archivist, passed away in Winston-Salem, N.C. on June 26, 2011. Sister Crews was born Nov 14, 1948 in Leaksville, N.C. She graduated with a BS in Nursing from UNC-Greensboro and worked at Morehead Hospital in Eden, N.C. and Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. as a nurse in various cardiac units. She also worked at the Moravian Music Foundation and served along with her husband in several Moravian churches. She shared her love of music in Moravian churches by singing in choirs, playing the organ and handbells, and participating in church bands. Sister Crews is survived by her husband, a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren. A memorial service honoring Sister Crews’ life was conducted at Home Moravian Church on June 29, 2011 with burial in God’s Acre in Salem. ■

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The Rev. Gwyned Williams Brother Gwyned Williams passed away in Bethlehem, Pa., April 12, 2011 at age 78. Born May 1, 1932 in Bethlehem, Pa., “Ned” was the son of Harold C. and Helen (Gogel) Williams. Brother Williams attended public schools in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Moravian College in 1957 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1960 and received a Masters of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1973. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry September 25, 1960 and consecrated a Presbyter May 8, 1966. He was united in marriage to Emma Demuth on July 15, 1962 at Gnadenhutten, Ohio. Together they served pastorates in Ohio (Schoenbrunn and Dover South), New Jersey (Riverside) and Pennsylvania (West Side and Newfoundland). He entered into retirement October 1, 1999. Brother Williams is survived by his wife, Emma, and sons Allen and Jonathan. Funeral services were held April 16, 2011 at the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with the Rev. Carol Reifinger officiating. ■

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The Moravian

3FUJSFNFOU MJWJOH JO IJTUPSJD -JUJU[ KVTU HPU CFUUFS In addition to its small town charm and big offerings in the way of shopping, dining and more, Lititz now features the new luxury Townhomes at Moravian Manor with: s

Three spacious ﬂoor plans (2,600 – 2,830 sq. ft.)

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Two-story living (all necessary amenities on the 1st ﬂoor) Two bedrooms, den and bonus room; optional sunroom

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Two-car garage Gas ﬁreplace

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Hardwood ﬂooring And much more!

Now accepting reservations! Call 717-626-0214 for more information or to schedule your personal introduction to the townhomes. Or visit us online at moravianmanor.org for a virtual tour of our community.

A Community within a CommunityTM

300 W. Lemon Street | Lititz, PA 17543 | www.moravianmanor.org

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

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