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On the cover: Pastors lead the closing worship at the 2012 Eastern District Synod in Bethlehem, Pa.
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Eastern District Synod 2012 Moravian Music A Celebration at Trinity And more!
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10 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
Eastern District Synod 5 Eastern District Synod stimulates and strengthens the work of the Lord 9 Eastern District elects executive board for next four years In Our Congregations 10 A school helps a church “be the church” Monday through Friday 12 Learning for a Lifetime: The Comenius Forum at Central Moravian Church 13 A Century of Service: Trinity Moravian Church turns 100 Moravian Music 17 Dr. Nola Reed Knouse: Helping to keep Moravian music alive and well
Member, Associated Church Press
Moravian Heritage 21 Renovations preserve link to missionary past Milestones 24 Erwin Boettcher: Celebrating 60 years of ordination 28 Moravian Theological Seminary awards Wayne Burkette the 2012 John Hus Award Moravians in Mission
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.
September 2012
25 The Moravians in Mississippi: Seven years of service to repair Katrina’s damage In Every Issue 4 The recharging power of salt water and Synods 30 Upcoming Events: Fall events offer a wealth of Moravian culture and heritage 32 Official Provincial Elders’ News 34 Obituaries
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PONDERINGS
Reenergized by salt water & Synods
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) September 2012, Vol. 43, No. 7 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.
For many of us, July is a time to hit the beach and enjoy a day in the sun. While I don’t get to the seaside as often as I’d like (it’s been about two years), I find that when I do it recharges and re-energizes me unlike anything else. Fortunately, I had my day on the ocean this year. As I stood on that Rhode Island beach with the incoming tide washing over my toes, I felt the worries of work and home melting away. There was an inner peace and relaxation that lifted my heart. Watching family enjoy the same day made the experience all the more fulfilling. And I could feel my internal batteries charging up. We all look for opportunities like this to refresh and recharge to help manage our hectic lives. But when your job offers a chance to recharge, it’s even better! For example, while covering the Eastern District Synod held in Bethlehem in June (and the Western and Canadian ones in the spring) I found my soul refreshed, my faith renewed and my work spirit re-energized. Working with Moravians from across the northeast, worshipping together and witnessing Moravian polity in action all combined to strengthen my connection to God, the church and my way of approaching my work. (You can read more about the Eastern District Synod on next page.) And as editor of the Moravian Magazine, I see the many ways living and serving within our church community refreshes the spirit—and this month is no exception. That refreshment is apparent in the stories of helping in our communities, celebrating our traditions and history, highlighting achievements and working to uplift the Moravian Church. Now that I’m back in the office, with our busy season coming up, I can feel batteries draining a little. But I know that right around the corner lie plenty of opportunities—from events with fellow Moravians to weekly worship to time with family and friends—to plug in once again. If only I could have salt water rushing over my toes… Enjoy this month’s issue! 4
Mike
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 Siobhan Young, Communications Assistant Jodi Bortz, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Renee Schoeller, IBOC Intern 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 © 2012, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
eastern district synod
Eastern District Synod stimulates and strengthens the work of the Lord “Blessed
are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise.” With Psalm 84:4 as its theme and inspiration, the Eastern District of the Moravian Church, Northern Province came together in June for work and worship at the 2012 Eastern District Synod in Bethlehem, Pa. The Eastern District Synod, which convenes every four years, brings together delegates from more than 50 Moravian congregations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio,
Washington, D.C. and Ontario, Canada. More than 230 delegates attended, including District clergy and lay members from each congregation. A number of ecumenical partners from the Episcopal Church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Presbyterian Church USA and other denominations were also on hand as guests. While Synods focus on the work required to move the District through the coming four years, these gatherings also offer a unique opportunity for Moravian Christians from areas as diverse as metropolitan New York to rural Pennsylvania and Ohio to meet, renew and share. The first two purposes of a District Synod (as written in the Northern Province Book of Order) include “confirming and renewing Christian love and fellowship;” and “stimulating and strengthening the work of the Lord.” Throughout the 2012 Synod, delegates
The Rev. David Bennett, re-elected as Eastern District Executive Board president, addresses the Eastern District Synod.
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(continued from previous page) worshiped together, shared meals, enjoyed music from many different traditions, renewed friendships, made new acquaintances and formed new partnerships that have the potential to strengthen the work of the Moravian Church. A different Synod “The 2012 Synod Visioning Team made a number of changes that Synod evaluations later revealed had a significant impact upon the engagement of synod delegates, not only with each other, but also with God,” said Eastern District Executive Board president the Rev. David Bennett. “Through District sponsorship, more delegates were able to participate in the Synod experience and more voices were brought to the table in 2012,” continued Dave. “‘The table’ also looked different. Instead of having the plenary tables in rows facing the Synod officers, the plenary sessions were set up ‘in the round,’ with Synod officers being a part of a circle and which offered a cross as the central focal point. “Finally, all Synod delegates were seated by lot, which meant that when “prayer bands” (small group prayer and discussion groups) were utilized each day, new spiritual partnerships were formed that are being continued long after Synod was adjourned. These elements in particular have been held up in the synod evaluations as creating a ‘holy ground’ which Christ used to touch the lives of delegates and to mold the ministry of the Eastern District,” said Dave.
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Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference President Betsy Miller congratulates Rich Winans during the Eastern District Executive Board installation ceremony.
The work of Synod The 2012 Eastern District Synod affirmed the positive work happening in this part of the Moravian Church, while at the same time adThe Moravian
dressing issues and concerns. The work of Synod—discussions, elections, legislation, committee work, and resolutions—established work that will continue for the next four years. This Synod used a process called “Discerning Circles” to facilitate discussions on key issues within the Eastern District. The five Discerning Circles (fondly referred to by Synod Chairman Rick Santee as “Dircles”) established to assist the work of the 2012 Eastern District Synod included “In-reach/ Out-reach” (dealing with communication, mission development, worship ministry and more); Spiritual Formation; Christian Leadership Development; Complimentary Youth Ministry; and Stewardship. This year’s process offered a more focused approach to synod dialogue. Each Discerning Circle determined what was important under its “ministry umbrella” and then selected what it felt was worth further deliberation and possible advancement to the Synod plenary. Legislation and other Synod action based on the work of the Discerning Circles was acted upon by the entire Synod. Key resolutions addressed topics like fostering communication and best practice sharing; Spiritual Life Ministry and enhanced opportunities for learning and revitalization; building and sharing resources for Biblical literacy, Christian education and spiritual formation; evangelism and lay leadership. Additional legislation was passed calling for resources for care for pastors; awareness of career paths in ordained ministry and work of the Seminary; establishment of an Eastern District director of youth and young adult ministries and a continued effort to reach young people in the church; creation of a District Services Ministries Fund; encouragement of stewardship and training; September 2012
The Rev. Tammie Rinker of Trinity Moravian Church in New Carrollton, Md., raises a point during a Discerning Circle session.
and ongoing work on budgets and funding methodology. (Ed. note: full text of the adopted resolutions is available at http://www.mcnp.org/ edeb/legislation2012.htm) Important conversations In addition to the work of the Discerning Circles and the actions passed by Synod, delegates participated in several important discussions focused on preparations for the Northern Province Synod of 2014. Led by members of the Human Sexuality Task Force, delegates had an opportunity to continue the Holy Conversations on the topic begun in 2011. These discussions were also held at the 2012 Western District and Canadian District Synods earlier this spring. (continued on next page) Members of the Steel Ensemble from Grace Moravian Church in Queens, N.Y., perform during Synod.
(continued from previous page) Delegates also spent time hearing from— and responding to—the committee working on Northern Province restructuring. Following a presentation by Restructuring Team member the Rev. Maggie Wellert, delegates worked together in their prayer bands to answer questions surrounding the restructure effort and provided their feedback for future use. “It was clear to the Synod Visioning Team that this Synod would be extraordinary, especially given the Holy Conversations on human sexuality and the dialogues related to Provincial restructure which were to take place,” said Dave. “By reviewing the purpose of a District Synod—that it is not meant to be a ‘mini-Provincial Synod’—the Visioning Team worked to ensure these important conversations were offered a healthy environment for thoughtful and prayerful dialogue. A concerted effort was made to create an environment whereby ministry dialogue could take place and where ministry partnerships could be formed.” Electing leaders Throughout the three-day event, more than 30 Moravians were elected to the many boards and commissions that help move the mission and ministry of the Eastern District forward. Rev. Bennett was elected to a second fouryear term as president of the Eastern District Executive Board, the administrative governing body for the District (see accompanying story on page 9). In addition, members of the Stewardship Commission, Christian Education Commission, Church and Society Commission, Evangelism Commission, the Lay Ministry Commission, Urban Ministries Commission 8
and board members for Hope Conference & Renewal Center, Moravian Manor, Moravian Hall Square, Moravian Manor and the Board of World Mission were elected during Synod. Visit www.moravian.org for the complete list of those elected. Coming together As Synod came to a close with the celebration of Holy Communion, the worship bands were invited to come forward and partake together. As they shared in the sacred experience of the Bread and Cup, formality was overtaken by authentic expression as bands embraced and shared in prayer together. “It was an amazing thing to see the miracle of Christ’s presence make strangers into kin in faith,” said Dave in a recent issue of District Developments, the Eastern District newsletter. “As I watched this moment take place and as I witnessed the re-forming of our Eastern District Synod by the hand of Christ, I began to realize how much we have underestimated the importance of gathering simply to explore Scripture…to talk….to pray….to differ…to laugh….to find common ground….and even at times to cry together. Isn’t it interesting that with everything else that happened at the 2012 Eastern District Synod, the most important thing seemed to be the authentic Christian fellowship which was shared simply because four people gathered into a ‘worship band.’ “I am thankful to the Synod Visioning Team, and most especially Brother John Wallace for in the midst of an all too complicated day, that “whenever two or more gather,” Christ will be there….and the simplicity of our fellowship can make an enormous difference.” Additional photos from the Eastern District Synod 2012 can be seen at www. moravian.org. ■ The Moravian
eastern district synod
Eastern District elects executive board for next four years At the 2012 Synod of the Moravian Church
Eastern District, delegates elected members of the Eastern District Executive Board (EDEB) to four-year terms. The EDEB provides administrative leadership and coordination for the Eastern District, Northern Province. On Wednesday, June 20, delegates elected the Rev. David Bennett to a second fouryear term as president of the EDEB. In this role, Dave will lead the Executive Board and serve as the administrative leader for the Eastern District. He will also serve as a member of the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church Northern Province. The EDEB also includes two clergy and six lay members. The Rev. Michael Johnson (at left in photo above), pastor of John Hus Moravian Church in Brooklyn, N.Y and The
September 2012
Rev. Darrell Johnson (third from right), pastor of John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church in Gnadenhutten, Ohio and were elected as the clergy representatives to the EDEB. Lay members elected include (l-to-r in photo above) Blondel Jones-Grant, United Moravian Church, New York City; Susan Dreydoppel, Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pa.; Richard Winans, First Moravian Church, Riverside, N.J.; Margaret Cromer Greiner, Lititz Moravian Church, Pa.; Jackie Pasquinelli, Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church, Ohio; and Ralph Wanamaker, West Side Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. Each of these members will serve a four year term through the next Eastern District Synod in 2016. ■ 9
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
A school helps a church “be the church” Monday through Friday Are you looking for a mission project at your
church in which members can plan and work together to serve a community need? If the answer is yes, a team at Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem suggests you try something they did—filling a need at a school. More than 200 members at Home Church have been involved in a wonderful partnership with a local elementary school.
Home Moravian Church members serve ice cream to students at Diggs-Latham Elementary School.
It began when Brother Walt Schorer, a retired church member, looked for some way he could become a part of one of our local public elementary schools when he no longer had an office to go to or a business trip to take. This past year, Walt found Diggs-Latham Elementary School, an Arts Based and Global Studies school. It has a large Latino population and a populace where 95% are on free lunch. It is a school in need of parent participation, leadership and resources; not just money, but people who can assist in every aspect of a school program. However, Diggs-Latham has a dedicated principal, Ms. Donna Cannon, and staff, both faculty and support personnel. Walt went to the school every day to assist with students in a second grade class this past year. He mentored, tutored, assisted the teacher and shared geography when he took trips. He soon got the rest of us involved and we all The Moravian
began to use our expertise and talents. This became an approved project of our Board of Elders and financing came through benevolent giving of a recent Capital Campaign. Members of our church have been blessed to do many things through this partnership with the school. Throughout the past school year, our volunteers have worked in each grade as tutors working on remedial studies, math and reading and providing media center assistance. We had treats for the teachers most months and shared Christmas candles with the staff. We assisted with a Kindergarten Assessment for next school year, a first for this school. We provided and served pizza to parents and students of the third grade for an after school math event. We even have a member who planned a school lawn design of trees and shrubs, which members planted when the season was right. We have worked together in assisting this school in becoming the best it can be. Plans are already underway to provide finances and people to strengthen the reading program at all levels as designated by Ms. Cannon and the School Improvement Team. This is a partnership of people helping people. The Diggs-Latham faculty and staff assisted Home Church Women’s Fellowship with the Candle Tea in December. They participated in serving a pancake breakfast for Home Church Volunteers and staff display Moravian beeswax candles.
Volunteers plant trees and shrubs at the school.
the Prodigals Community a few months back. We are all very happy to be “doing” together. Following this successful year, we will be continuing this partnership and have set goals for the next school year. The partnership is under the leadership of the Evangelism and Discipleship Committee but we plan to develop a separate committee to guide the project. For us, this is an experience where the church is being the church. John Amos Comenius believed and taught us to educate all. We are sharing ourselves with children and families who need, but who smile warmly and hug strongly each day of the week. To God be the Glory ! ■ Mallie Graham is a member of Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. She chairs the committee for the Diggs-Latham Project. Photos courtesy of Diggs-Latham principal Donna Cannon.
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Learning for a Lifetime The Comenius Forum at Central Moravian Church In addition to his role as one of the 17th cen-
tury bishops of the Moravian Church, John Amos Comenius was also a ground-breaking scholar and advocate in educational reform. In his important work on education, “The Great Didactic,” Comenius wrote, “If, in each hour, a man could learn a single fragment of some branch of knowledge, a single rule of some mechanical art, a single pleasing story or proverb (the acquisition of which would require no effort), what a vast stock of learning he might lay by. Seneca is therefore right when he says: ‘Life is long, if we know how to use it.’ It is consequently of importance that we understand the art of making the very best use of our lives.” After considering this call for life-long learning, lay leaders and members of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem worked with the church’s pastors to develop a way of helping others in this very Moravian quest for the expansion of the mind. Through their discussions, the team envisioned a fall and spring series of monthly discussion-based presentations by professors in various disciplines from the Moravian community, created to showcase our passion for education to the wider community. This vision became “The Comenius Forum.” The group at Central started by getting to know their congregation’s talents for education. From archivists to retired geologists to
active anthropologists, they invited those in higher education to engage us in subjects with which they were passionate. Since beginning the Forums in January of 2011 (and as they approach their fourth season), Central has held more than a dozen forums, with topics ranging from “Germs and the Public” to “Poetry and Memoir Writing — What Does It Mean to be Human?” to “Energy Explorations for Our Future.” During the past year and a half, we have been pleased with the variety of disciplines and the engaged discussions we have enjoyed with members and visitors following church on a Sunday in the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church. We are now working to attract more community members to participate and hope that the future will provide us with additional opportunities to engage our congregation and community in Comenius’ quest: “How do we make the very best use of our lives?” The next Comenius Forum series begins Sunday, Sept. 16 at 12:30 in the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. To learn more about the Comenius Forum, including dates and upcoming series topics, visit http://www.centralmoravianchurch. org/get-connected/adult-education/. ■ The Rev. Janel Rice is pastor at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa.
After considering Comenius’ call for life-long learning, Central Moravian is offering a way of helping others in this very Moravian quest for the expansion of the mind
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
A Century of Service: Trinity Moravian Church turns 100 Trinity Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, in 1913
signing the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, the Trinity Centennial Celebration was an event that will be remembered for years to come. Trinity children in the 1930s.
It’s not often that a Moravian church turns 100. But it happened on July 15, 2012 when hundreds of members and friends of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem gathered to celebrate the congregation’s centennial. In a service that included the premiere of a newly-composed anthem, meditations by two bishops, and the entire congregation
Roots in the woods Actually, Trinity’s roots go back more than a hundred years, for it really started with the building of Centerville Chapel, a Sunday School chapel that was built “out in the woods” on the hill south of the rapidly-growing towns of Winston and Salem. With the installation of a new trolley car system that ran out South Main St., it became easier for city people to buy lots and build homes out in the “country.” Soon the neighborhoods of Wash(continued on next page)
Trinity’s band, conducted by Donna Rothrock, welcome members and guests to their Centennial celebration.
September 2012
The Rev. John Jackman is senior pastor of Trinity Moravian Church. Photos provided by Trinity. 13
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Rights, who would pastor there for 54 years. Two bishops of the Unity would be born in the brick parsonage next to the church: Graham and Burton Rights. During the leadership of Douglas Rights, the congregation grew rapidly to nearly 600 members. A large Sunday School building was added to the sanctuary, and Trinity helped to start two new congregations, New Eden and Pine Chapel. Following Dr. Right’s death, a memorial chapel was added to the church in his honor; and during the 1970s a large fellowship hall was added.
ington Park, Central Terrace, and Sunnyside had become exciting areas of new development, and the decision was made to purchase land at the corner of Sunnyside and Sprague Streets and build a new Moravian Church, to be called “Trinity.” With support from Home Church and other congregations, construction began in 1911, and the sanctuary was completed in early 1912. The first service was held in the new church on Sunday, May 12, 1912; but the charter was not closed and the church officially underway until July 14, 1912. The founding pastor, E. C. Stemple, got the congregation off to an excellent start and would be followed by the Rev. Douglas
Servant Leadership Over the last century, a marked characteristic of the Trinity congregation has been an unswerving dedication to a theology of servant leadership. Trinity has always been directly involved in ministry to the poor and the outcast; in our collection of archive pictures, we discovered a photo of the large Food and Clothing Distribution Group from 1939. Those in need have always found help at the door of either the parsonage or the church. During the 1970s, this ongoing ministry was organized into a food pantry and clothes closet that became Sunnyside Ministry. Today, Sunnyside is a separate ministry of the Southern Province that brings food to over
Youth on the lawn of Trinity Moravian following an anniversary celebration in 1969.
7,000 hungry people, clothing to over 3,000 people, and each year assists hundreds of families in financial crisis with energy and rent assistance. Today, the parsonage where Graham and Burton Rights were born is the home for Anthony’s Plot, a new intentional Christian Community. The congregation continues active involvement with Sunnyside Ministry, including hosting a free medical clinic twice a month. A children’s program called LOGOS is held each Wednesday night, and involves many children from the neighborhood that are otherwise unconnected to the church. This program, rather like Vacation Bible School except operated during the school year instead of in the summer, has touched hundreds of children over the years, and continues to reach children with the grace of Christ. A year-long celebration The Centennial Committee began work nearly a year in advance, and mapped out a series of events and commemorations leading up to the anniversary itself. A professional graphic artist designed a logo, which was then turned into massive canvas banners hung on the outside of the church. Former pastors and pastors who had grown up in the congregation were invited back to
speak, either during a Sunday worship service or at one of several Sunday lunches. Former pastors will continue to visit and preach throughout the year. A series of special Centennial concerts were held; a commemorative centennial throw rug was created; and a memorial brick prayer garden is being built, giving people in the congregation a chance to memorialize significant people in the congregation’s life. And a new pictorial directory is being published, with historic photos as well as photos of the Centennial event itself. A Centennial to remember On the celebration day itself, well over 350 packed the sanctuary, listening to a special prelude of band chorales, concluding with one conducted by Sam Fort, our director emeritus. The Board of Elders had determined that this anniversary would be an excellent time for members to reflect on the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, so the sermons throughout May focused on each section of the Covenant. At the end of the Centennial service, we planned to have each member come forward and voluntarily sign the docu(continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) ment recommitting themselves to living by its principles. The bell choir performed and the senior choir sang a special Call to Worship. A children’s sermon, led by members Joyce Carter and Tammy Bass, explained the Covenant in terms the children could understand, as a “thumbs up” to Christ, and invited them to either sign or place their thumbprint on a special children’s version of the document. One thing that is important at Trinity is that everyone is included, no exceptions! The liturgy, based on the Liturgy of Celebration in the 1994 Moravian Book of Worship, was written especially for the occasion. It concluded with “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” the same hymn that concludes our Christmas Eve service when we lift the candles. Without planning or prompting, people in the congregation began to lift their raised thumbs much as they would do their lit candles on Christmas Eve. It was a spontaneous moment of worship that will long be remembered by all who were there. Following the liturgy, the Right Rev. Graham Rights shared his remembrances of growing up in the Trinity parsonage and being nurtured by the congregation. His memories included many saints who have left an indelible impression on many lives, but also people who were with us that day. The service then proceeded with the premier performance of a new anthem, “Festival Anthem on Bechler,” commissioned for the occasion, by our music director Jonathan Sidden. This energetic anthem, based on the hymn “Sing Hallelujah, Praise the Lord,” was received with great enthusiasm. The Right Rev. Wayne Burkette, whose fa 16
ther David Burkette also served at Trinity, then shared a meditation based on Luke 24:36-43, the story of one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to the disciples. Br. Burkette detailed many ways in which the Trinity congregation has changed the neighborhood by its mere presence, and especially by its continued ministry and presence in the community when other congregations have decreased or moved away. At the close of the service, every person present was invited to come forward and sign the document reaffirming personal commitment to abiding by the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living; the resulting document with its hundreds of signatures will be on display in a case, and new members who join will have the opportunity to sign as well from now on. Every person attending received a Centennial commemorative Christmas tree ornament. Following the service, everyone gathered in front of the church to pose for a panoramic photo replicating one taken in the 1920s; they then enjoyed a potluck lunch, complete with special entertainment, including a parody “Trinity Song” written by Joyce Carter. Times change, styles change, the neighborhood changes, but through all the changes the congregation of Trinity Moravian Church has sought to serve the poor and needy, to find the needs of the area and fill those needs with the grace of our Savior. Trinity continues as strong and innovative ministry, looking forward to the next hundred years with anticipation for the work of God in the South side of Winston-Salem. ■ To see additional photos of the history and centennial at Trinity Moravian, visit their redesigned website at www.trinitymoravian.org. Sermons and music from the service are available online at their webcast archive, www.sermon.net/tmc.
MORAVIAN MUSIC
Dr. Nola Reed Knouse: Helping to keep Moravian music alive and well The Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse celebrates her twentieth year of leadership of the Moravian Music Foundation in 2012. A life-long Winston-Salem, N.C., Moravian, Sister Knouse is a graduate of Wake Forest University (B.A.) and earned both an M.A. and Ph.D. in music theory from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. After teaching for a number of years, she joined the Music Foundation staff as Director of Research and Programs in 1992 and was appointed Director two years later. This summer, the Rev. Dr. David Schattschneider, president of the Moravian Music Foundation executive board, sat down to discuss her work with the Foundation and the state of Moravian Music today. David Schattschneider: In your studies at Wake Forest and Eastman you studied mathematics as well as music. Do you see a connection between the two and what finally tilted you in the direction of music? Nola Knouse: The connection, for me, is one of how the brain is used, rather than an immediate correlation between specific facts. In my experience higher math and music both use analytical skills and intuitive leaps, and you’re never quite sure which is going to get you where you want to go! My turn to music actually happened in a very different way. Like so many undergraduates I went to Wake Forest intending to study medicine and be a surgeon—but had the opportunity to study flute, and I realized halfway through the fall semester that I resented chemistry lab because it was keeping me away from playing flute! That’s not a very promising start for a pre-med career, so by the end of my first semester I knew I had to change majors, to music. But I also was skeptical—as were my parents—about the employability of September 2012
musicians, so I figured I’d better study math in the hopes of being employable someday. DS: What is your definition of “Moravian Music” and what is the future direction of ‘Moravian music’ in America? (continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) NK: “Moravian music” for me is music composed, arranged or widely borrowed/ adapted/adopted by Moravians. For instance, Tune 146 A, Nun danket (“Now Thank We All Our God”) wasn’t written by a Moravian; but it’s hard to imagine a Moravian Watch Night service without it. We also have our own “take” on the tune … a very different ending from other denominations’ hymnals! Moravian music in America is alive and well! We’re working on a collection of newlywritten Moravian songs (words and music). Not only have we received some wonderful congregational songs, I’ve been delighted to receive submissions that I’m putting into a “possible anthem publications” folder. Moravians are still writing and arranging music while finding ways to make music a living expression of their faith. DS: You spend your time researching, editing and performing Moravian music. Do you have a personal favorite among all the pieces you have worked with? NK: Yes—it’s whatever one I’m working on
right now! And if you’d asked that question five years ago you’d get the same answer! Whenever I’m working on a new edition, pulling something out of the vault, I’m always fascinated at the beauty and grace of the work. It becomes my favorite until it is replaced by the next one. But if I dig a little deeper, I find two anthems that have really “stuck” in my heart—“None Among Us,” by Johannes Herbst (None among us lives to self; none among us dies to self; if we live, we live unto the Lord…), and “By Your Meritorious Death,” by Christian Latrobe, which ends with that haunting longing to be at home with the Lord. DS: The book you edited in 2008, The Music of the Moravian Church in America (University of Rochester Press) has become the ‘go to’ source for serious study of that subject. You also contributed several chapters. What’s the story behind the book? NK: I have known ever since coming to the Music Foundation that we needed a general introductory book on the music of the Moravians; the last such study was Donald McCorkle’s 1954 dissertation, and there’s been so much research since then! I was daunted by the task until, at one of the Bethlehem Conferences on Moravian Music, I was struck by a “blinding flash of the obvious”—I didn’t have to write the whole book! Pauline Fox was already an expert in music education among the Moravians. Jewel Smith already knew far more about Moravian keyboard music than I ever will. Lou Carol Fix was certainly prepared to write about Moravian organs and organ music. So I came up with the concept of a book organized by topic, with the chapters written by all those already expert and knowledgeable on the topics. My task would be to The Moravian
introduce, summarize, draw cross-references between the chapters and pull the whole thing together. It was a great project, and the bulk of the editing work was completed during a six-month sabbatical in the first half of 2005. I approached the Eastman Studies in Music of the University of Rochester Press because of my connection with the school and their editor-in-chief, Ralph Locke, and the press was wonderful to work with. DS: What do you say when people complain that Moravian music is “too hard” to sing or perform? NK: I sympathize! A great many of our earlier publications really are high and difficult, especially some of the lovely works of John Antes who, it seems, really loved high A’s for the sopranos! Yet for at least some of our anthems, there are ways to adapt them to make them very singable by a smaller choir. For instance, in most Moravian anthems the voices all move together most of the time, and the harmonies are all in the organ or piano accompaniment—so very many can be sung in unison or with two parts. An instrument can easily be added to the soprano part to add some confidence and support. Most of the choirs I’ve ever worked with really do have at least one soprano who can sing high—she just doesn’t know it yet. When I’ve warmed choirs up, I always end up taking them higher than they think, and watch the look of shock when I say, “Sisters, that was a high B-flat you just nailed! Don’t tell me you can’t sing G’s!” One other thing I’m very proud of—with our new Moravian Star Anthem Series, we are publishing the anthems in their original keys, so that you can use the instrumental parts if you want; but we also have the keyboard accompaniment part available in a September 2012
lower key. And we’re making a special effort for next year’s Moravian Music Festival (July 14-20, 2013, in Bethlehem) to choose a variety of music. You’ll get the chance to sing some very challenging works that most church choirs don’t have the resources for; and you’ll also learn some much simpler ones that are very useful for the smaller choir. So yes, there is some Moravian music that really is “too hard” for a smaller choir; but there’s plenty that’s well within your reach, and we’ll be happy to help you find it! DS: After 17 years as a Foundation staff member, you went back to school and earned a Certificate in Theological Studies from Moravian Theological Seminary, followed by ordination as a Moravian minister in 2009. Has ordination changed your understanding of your work with the Foundation? NK: I found out, within a year of beginning at the Moravian Music Foundation, that I couldn’t talk about Moravian music without talking about Moravian faith; and I couldn’t talk about Moravian faith without quoting hymns and anthems. To try to separate them (continued on next page) 19
(continued from previous page) misrepresents them both. I first heard the call to ordained service—at least, I first recognized it as such—some seven years before taking the steps to move in that direction. I have always recognized my work as a ministry—in fact, my personal journal for my very first day at MMF, June 1, 1992, says, “This isn’t a job; it’s a calling, and my life will never be the same again.” So my seminary studies and ordination have better equipped me for this ministry. Music is one of the primary means of shaping and expressing our faith. What we sing, and what we pray in worship, influences what we believe; what we believe should influence what we choose to sing and how we worship. Since my ordination I feel more deeply rooted than ever in my faith and in my work as a servant of Christ through the Moravian Church, wherever I may be called; and for now that call is with the Moravian Music Foundation, thanks be to God! DS: What gives you the most satisfaction in your work as Director of the Moravian Music Foundation? NK: There had to be one really tough question, didn’t there? I could talk about our top-quality recordings, thinking especially of the Peter Quintets and Antes Trios; I could talk about the scholarly publications; I could think about the doctoral dissertations and master’s theses I’ve helped usher to completion; I could enumerate the many new editions I’ve done and supervised over the years, bringing lots and lots of lovely music out into today’s sanctuaries and concert halls; I could even talk about the Archie K. Davis Center, the “new 20
building” housing the Moravian Music Foundation’s main office and the Southern Province Archives, and the work Daniel Crews, Joe Lineberger and I put into it to make it the wonderful place it is. I could talk about cataloging, and microfilming, and Moramus Chorale and Unitas Chorale concerts, and the Rev. George L. Lloyd memorial concerts. Oh—and I could talk about Moravian Music Festivals too (remember those dates for 2013?). These are all worthwhile accomplishments, and things I continue to take pride in. But what gives me the most satisfaction has to be the people I get to work and make music with. The participants in anthem reading sessions, hymn-writing workshops, classes and tours; the 50-plus “amateur” musician members Moravian Lower Brass working on a recording (and remember that “amateur” really means “lover”!); the young scholar becoming more confident in her abilities to do independent research; members of the MMF Board of Trustees knowing that they are contributing to something worthwhile; the pastor who calls with a copyright question and goes away knowing he’s getting it right. I heard a wise musician once say, “I must never ever forget that the person is always more important than the music.” And I think that’s the source of satisfaction for me. The person in the choir, or band, or pew, for whom music is a means of worship, the expression of feelings beyond words—my interaction with that person brings the deepest satisfaction to my work. ■
The 24th Moravian Music Festival will be held in Bethlehem, Pa. July 14-20, 2013. More information about Moravian music and The Moravian Music Foundation can be found at www.moravianmusic.org.
MORAVIAN HERITAGE
Renovations preserve link to missionary past One of the treasures of the Moravian Museum in Bethlehem, Pa. is the Nain-Schober House. It is the only surviving structure from an important, but little known, chapter in American history. And this month, recent renovations to help restore its original appearance will be unveiled, helping the building continue to tell its story.
The Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood is director of the Center for Moravian Studies and a professor at Moravian Theological Seminary. Below: the Nain-Schober House in Bethlehem following renovations this year.
A link to the past The Nain-Schober House in Bethlehem is a direct link to the heroic and tragic history of the Moravian mission to Native Americans and serves as a reminder of a fleeting glimpse of a different possible outcome for the relationship between Native Americans and European settlers in American history. One of the major reasons the Moravians came to America in the 1700s was to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Native Americans. This was dangerous work. Not only were many of the native peoples justifiably suspicious of all white people, especially preachers, but also colonists were upset (continued on next page)
(continued from previous page) that Moravians were impeding their efforts to take land from the native inhabitants. Moravian missionaries were different from other Protestants because they did not insist that the Native Americans adopt European clothing, language and lifestyle before they could be baptized. Instead, Moravian evangelists learned the languages and the customs of the tribes of the Six Nations of the Iroquois. John Christopher Pyrlaeus opened a language school in the Brethren’s House in Bethlehem in 1744 where David Zeisberger and others learned to communicate with the first people in America. Missionaries were sent out from Bethlehem to live among and minister to “brown Brethren” in several villages in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York. Hundreds of indigenous people joined the Moravian Church and were welcomed as brothers and sisters through baptism and the Kiss of Peace. Caught in cross-fire Although the Moravians and their converts were pacifists, they were often caught in the cross-fire between colonists and natives, especially during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). In 1755 a war party attacked the Moravian mission at Gnadenhütten on the 22
Mahoning Valley north of Bethlehem, killing all but three of the residents. The Moravians feared for the safety of their “brown Brethren” and tried to protect them from retaliation by white settlers. Zeisberger and other missionaries roamed the forests to gather the scattered flock and first brought them to Nazareth for safety. Because Nazareth was overcrowded, the Moravian elders provided for a new settlement to be built close enough to Bethlehem for safety but far enough away for the inhabitants to live by hunting and fishing. Moravian Indians built the village of Nain about a mile west of Bethlehem in 1758 in hope of Native Americans and Europeans living side-by-side in peace and friendship. The settlement was located in the area now known as West Bethlehem, roughly between 10th and 14th Avenues, on land purchased by the Moravians. Nain had a square with houses on three sides, and on October 18, 1758 the Moravians dedicated the chapel to the village. Before long, the population grew to over a hundred people, almost a quarter of the size of Bethlehem itself. Most of the residents were members of the Delaware (Lenape) and Mahican tribes. The village was so well-organized that even though over 40 people caught smallpox during an epidemic, none of them died from the disease. Sadly, violence between Europeans and Native Americans escalated in the 1760s. In the wake of Pontiac’s War, settlers in Pennsylvania grew increasingly hostile to indigenous peoples. In December 1763 a mob called the Paxton Boys murdered an entire village of Conestoga Indians, including seven children. Less than a decade after Nain was settled, the colonial authorities in Pennsylvania forced the The Moravian
Native Americans to abandon their thriving village and move away from the white people. The government instructed the Moravians to bring their Indian brothers and sisters to Philadelphia for their protection. The residents of Nain walked for days to Philadelphia where they were protected from violence but subjected to miserable conditions and disease. When the crisis was over, the Moravians decided to build a new village for their Native American brothers and sisters on the banks of the Susquehanna River near the present-day town of Wyalusing. They named it FriedenshĂźtten, or Houses of Peace, but they were not safe for long. Soon Zeisberger was forced to lead his flock out of Pennsylvania completely. They settled along the Tuscarawas River in eastern Ohio and named their new village GnadenhĂźtten in memory of the earlier mission. Moved to Bethlehem Eventually the buildings in Nain were taken down, but some of the houses were moved to Bethlehem. One of these became a home for Andreas Schober and his family. In 1906 the Nain-Schober House was saved from demolition and moved to its present site on Heckewelder Place near the Moravian Museum. The house was a residence until 1992 when the Moravian Museum purchased it as a way to preserve and interpret the history of Nain. Over the years, the house has been renovated and remodeled to keep up with the needs of the time, but much of the original Indian structure remains underneath these later changes. In 2012, architect Jeffrey Long supervised the renovation of the Nain-Schober House exterior to make it look the way it did in the 1780s after it was moved to Bethlehem. The September 2012
exterior walls were given historically-appropriate parging, a clay tile roof was installed and the doors were replaced with new ones with an authentic herringbone pattern. The house still has some of the original white oak logs with dovetail joints hewn by Native American builders, making it a rare historical artifact. Not only is the Nain-Schober house beautiful, but also it connects modern visitors to those Moravians who lived in Nain over two and a half centuries ago. The Moravian Museum will celebrate the renovation and rededication of the NainSchober House on September 17, 2012. â– Original plan for the Nain-Schober house from the 1750s, courtesy of the Moravian Archives.
MILESTONES
Erwin Boettcher: Celebrating 60 years of ordination The
Rev. Erwin E. Boettcher led the Holy Communion service at Lancaster Moravian Church in celebration of the John Hus Festival on Sunday, July 8th. The date was also a celebration of another sort, as it was exactly 60 years and two days after his ordination as a pastor! Rev. Boettcher was ordained July 6, 1952 at Camp Van-Es, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Camp Van-Es is significant to Rev. Boettcher because, in his teens, he helped to build the camp and spent several summers camping there. These experiences accompanied by the prayers of his very devout Moravian mother, greatly influenced his spiritual journey. Born in Bruderheim, Alberta, he is the son of the late Emil and Martha Boettcher. Following graduation from Walker High School in Bruderheim, Rev. Boettcher spent three years at the University of Alberta pursuing an Engineering degree before recognizing God’s call to the ministry and transferring to Moravian College. After receiving his B.A., he went on to Moravian Theological Seminary for his M.Div. The Rev. Erwin Boettcher celebrated his 60th year of ordination at Lancaster (Pa.) Moravian Church in July.
(Master of Divinity) degree. Starting as a “church planter” in Edmonton, Erwin went on to serve other Moravian churches in St. Charles, Minn.; Freedom, Wis.; Northfield, Minn. (along with two smaller United Methodist congregations); and Madison, Wis. before being called to Lancaster County, Pa. in 1981 to serve as Chaplain at Moravian Manor in Lititz. He retired July 1, 1992 after serving as pastor for the United Methodist Church in Brunnerville, Pa. Reflecting on his ministry, Rev. Boettcher realized that during his early years in the pastorate he was very active with youth and camping and then in his later years, became drawn to caring for the elderly. “Now,” he says, “I am elderly!” Yet he remains an active member at Lancaster Moravian and represents the church at Lancaster County Council of Churches and at Brethren Village where he currently resides and leads a Bible study group. Rev. Boettcher was married to (the late) Dorothy Mae Wright in March 1951. They raised three daughters Wendy Hardiman married to Bill; Jill Bruckart married to Rev. Richard Bruckart (now pastor at First Moravian Church in Riverside, N.J.); and Rebecca Jones married to Kelly and have three grandchildren. A celebration of Rev. Boettcher’s 60 years as a pastor was held following the service at Lancaster Moravian Church. ■ Priscilla Weidman is a member of Lancaster Moravian Church in Lancaster, Pa.
The Moravian
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
The Moravians in Mississippi: Seven years of service to repair Katrina’s damage How can we forget the wrenching media images of people on rooftops in their flooded neighborhoods in New Orleans waiting for rescue? The chaos and confusion in the emergency rescue efforts of local, state and federal officials? The waste and destruction in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast communities between the Texas coast and Pensacola, Fla.? Devastated homes and businesses rotting and molding in the hot sun? That was Hurricane Katrina, the most devastating natural disaster ever to occur in the United States, reaching the U.S. on August 29, 2005. The storm attacked a geographic area the size of Great Britain, killed over 1,800 people, caused billions of dollars of damage and displaced millions of households. Christians from all parts of the United States and Canada, including Moravians, responded to this disaster by sending volunteers to bring repairs and restoration to homes and com-
munities throughout the Gulf Coast area. In fact, the slow, steady response of Christians throughout the world over the past seven years is a story about Hurricane Katrina commonly overlooked by the media. One set of statistics reveals that over 900,000 Christian volunteers have traveled to Mississippi and Louisiana and contributed millions of dollars in labor, services and substance. Initially, Moravian volunteers worked with Lutheran and Episcopalian Disaster Relief groups based at Camp Victor, a staging facility housed in an old warehouse in Ocean Springs, Miss. Through this Spring, Camp Victor housed, fed and equipped volunteers who offered assistance in the form of willing hands, hearts and feet for the hard labor of cleaning up. Although the city of New Orleans received (continued on next page)
Photos from IBOC and Board of World Mission files.
(continued from previous page) most of the media coverage in the immediate aftermath, the suffering was severe and intense in most of the cities and towns on the northern Gulf coasts of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. In fact some of the smaller towns, like Waveland and Bay St. Louis, were totally destroyed. Most Moravian teams focused their efforts in Mississippi and Louisiana. Mark Ebert, Director of Moravian Volunteer Resources for the North American Board of World Mission, had a vision of establishing a permanent residence for volunteer teams. A home base would simplify housing arrangements and other logistics involved in bringing outside volunteer groups into the disaster areas to provide aid. A modest home in Ocean Springs Miss., much in need of repair after flooding, was purchased by the Board of World Mission and repaired by volunteers, and became the Mississippi Mission House. Equipped with two sets of bunk beds in the garage and each bedroom as well as heavyduty plumbing, it was readied for group living. To date, more than 65 Moravian congregations from the Northern and Southern Provinces have sent more than 300 volunteer teams to work on Katrina projects in the Ocean Springs area. Many of the congregations became repeat participants, with an average group size of eight people. The house has also served as lodging for volunteer groups of other denominations working in 26
the area. It was opened in January of 2006 and served until July of this year. Under the recent management of Weldon and Joannie Harris who have lived in the house as servant leaders, this anchor of ministry has served many neighbors in Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Gautier and Moss Point in countless restoration projects. Based at the Mississippi Mission House, three complete homes were built by Moravians with Habitat for Humanity. Some of these homes belong to what Jesus would describe as “the least of these” folks who had no insurance and no resources to fund the repair of their homes. About $500,000 was raised and spent for Katrina Relief. Moravians were and are just one group of Christians that responded in the name of Jesus to the suffering in the Gulf area. How thankful and grateful we can be to be among those who can declare with confidence that the Spirit of God called us and we responded. In Luke 17:10, Jesus says,“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Yes, Moravians have responded in large numbers to help those in need, and yes, we can feel good about what we have done; however, as brothers and sisters in Christ we have only done what we should have done. We can be thankful that we have been instruments of His love, and perhaps, brought some of those we helped to the knowledge of Jesus as Savior. ■ The Moravian
Moravians on a Missionippi Trip
In mid-May of 2012, 11 intrepid Moravians from
the Friedland and Friedberg congregations in Winston-Salem, N.C. traveled to Ocean Springs, Miss. for an assignment as a work-service team. For the leaders, Jerry and Sherry Edwards, it was their third trip to assist in aiding those damaged by Hurricane Katrina. We were a group of skilled and unskilled laborers called by faith and driven by desire to assist those in need. As most work-service teams have discovered, what we learned seemed far greater than the help we offered. Along with our labor skills, we carried three quilts from the Friedberg Prayers and Squares quilting group, and a box of window treatment choices from the Raleigh Moravian sewing group. Folks at Friedland Moravian had raised funds for this particular trip and its special needs. For those who are wondering, “what exactly do these volunteers really do?”a short list includes: sanding, caulking, painting, installing, digging, fastening, plumbing, hammering, stapling, leveling, sawing, mitering, measuring, chopping, drilling, grouting, laughing, cleaning, calculating, praying, and loving! One of the homes that we worked on was the same one that a group of young people from Friedberg had labored in during the summer of 2011. The homeowner remembers these teenagers as those who went from room to room praying in each one for God’s protection for him, his mother and his home. At the end of each day, we were exhausted by the labor and effort, but strengthened in our faith. Of course, professionals could have done the work faster and more efficiently, but under the circumstances of limited resources, such a situation is unfeasible. What we did was done in the name of Jesus walking the walk. “Be not hearers of the Word, but doers.” ■ Lillian Britt Shelton is a member of Friedberg Moravian Church and is married to its pastor, the Rev. Tom Shelton. At right, members of Friedland and Friedberg Moravian Churches at work in Mississippi.
MILESTONES
Moravian Theological Seminary awards Wayne Burkette the 2012 John Hus Award Since 1974, Moravian Theological Seminary
has recognized a graduate, who, through outstanding service has brought distinction to the work of ministry, by presenting him or her with The John Hus Award. During its annual Alumni Reunion Luncheon on March 8, 2012, the Seminary honored The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Wayne Burkette as the 38th recipient of The John Hus Award. The award is named for John Hus, one of the great leaders of the Christian Church and is regarded a founding father of the Moravian Church. From a modest beginning, Wayne became a scholar, discerned a call to ministry, became a pastor, and developed a highly communicative and scholarly style of preaching. In mid-career, he moved to Salem Academy and College in 1990 where he served as chaplain and administrator. In 2002 he was called to the episcopal ministry of the church by being elected Bishop. He was then elected president of the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference in 2006. A Morehead Scholarship recipient and graduate of the University of North Carolina 28
at Chapel Hill, Wayne received his master of Divinity from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1969. Later that year he was consecrated a deacon of the Moravian Church and became pastor of Olivet Moravian Church in Pfafftown, North Carolina. In 1972 he became associate pastor of Home Moravian Church in WinstonSalem and in 1974 became Home Church’s Senior Pastor. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia in 1978. While serving as the Chaplain at Salem Academy and College, his skill in administration was recognized and he was appointed Chief Planning Officer in 1992. In 1994 he became the Head of Salem Academy and then in 1997, he was appointed Vice President of Salem Academy and College and Head of the Academy. Wayne’s service as an educator at Salem was interrupted by his election as president John Williams is director of Seminary Advancement at Moravian Theological Seminary. The Moravian
Past John Hus Award Recipients of the Southern Province PEC. Here the call of the church and the Savior compelled him to make a change in service. Wayne’s leadership during this time of restructure in the Moravian Church has been described by many as the hallmark of his ministry; leadership with clarity of mind and keen communication skills. “Wayne is best known as an inspirational preacher, a motivational educator, a compassionate counselor, and a skilled and effective administrator,” said the Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch, dean of the Moravian Theological Seminary. “He truly exemplifies the qualities and passion for God and the church of our ancient forerunner, John Hus.” Nominations for future awards John Hus Award winners are nominated by Seminary alums. The award gives special recognition to a graduate, who, through outstanding service has brought distinction to the work of ministry. Any graduate of the Seminary is eligible to be nominated for the John Hus Award. Graduates of the Seminary are invited to nominate their fellow alumni for this prestigious award by submitting their nomination by October 31st to MTS Recognition Committee, Alumni House, Moravian Seminary, 1200 Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa. 18018. Nominations can also be submitted via e-mail to or online at: www.moravianseminary. edu/alumni/awards.html. Nominations for the Alumni Awards are accepted and reviewed each fall by the Recognition Committee of the Alumni/ae Board of Governors. Completed nomination forms are required in order for the committee to review standard information on each of the nominees. Nominees who are considered but not selected for the award are re-evaluated in future years. ■ September 2012
1974 Rev. Dr. Frederick P. Stocker ‘23 1975 Rev. Dr. Vernon W. Couillard ‘24 1976 Rev. Gordon A. Stoltz ‘38 1977 Rt. Rev. George G. Higgins ‘34 1978 Rt. Rev. Robert A. Iobst ‘39 1979 Rev. David M. Henkelmann ‘57 1980 Rt. Rev. Milo A. Loppnow ‘40 1981 Rev. Elmer R. Stelter ‘44 1982 Rt. Rev. Wilbur Behrend ‘49 1983 Rev. Ann Deppen Lutz ‘70 1984 Rev. Dr. William H. McElveen ‘58 1985 Lt. Col. Thomas N. Christianson ‘65 1986 Rev. Dr. Mervin C. Weidner ‘40 1987 Rev. Joseph H. Gray, Jr. ‘45 1988 Rev. Dr. William W. Matz ‘53 1989 Rt. Rev. Edwin W. Kortz ‘34 1990 Rev. William E. Gramley 62 1991 Rev. Dr. Earl R. Shay ‘44 1992 Rev. Dr. Henry E. May ‘63 1993 Rt. Rev. Warren A. Sautebin ‘45 1994 Rev. George L. Lloyd ‘62 1995 Rev. Dr. Mary D. Matz ‘75 1996 Rt. Rev. Dr. Arthur J. Freeman ‘52 1997 Rt. Rev. Dr. Allen W. Schattschneider ‘23 1998 Rev. John H. Giesler ‘58 1999 Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Sawyer ‘38 2000 Rev. Dr. Gordon L. Sommers ‘61 2001 Rev. Robyn J. Szoke ‘89 2002 Rev. James L. Johnson ‘59 2003 Rev. Dr. Gene E. Handwerk ‘77 2004 Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Marx ‘42 2005 Rev. Charles W. Eichman ‘51 2006 Rev. Richard L. Sides ‘75 2007 Rt. Rev. Dr. Kay K. Ward ‘80 2008 Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Caldwell ’69 2009 Rev. Dr. Robert E. Sawyer ‘67 2010 Rt. Rev. Douglas H. Kleintop ‘75 2011 Rev. Dorothy Osterhout Burcaw ’85, ‘91 Photo above left: Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne Burkette, winner of the 2012 John Hus Award, with Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch (Dean of the Seminary), Dr. Kathy Thomforde, Dr. Chris Thomforde (President of Moravian College and Theological Seminary), and Mrs. Nancy Burkette.
29
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall events offer a wealth of Moravian culture and heritage This fall, Winston-Salem and Bethlehem will play host to two large gatherings, each designed to offer both Moravians and nonMoravians alike a taste of Moravian culture and heritage. On September 8, New Philadelphia Moravian Church will host the second Moravian Festival, with traditions, food and fun. Last year’s event drew more than 5,000 people and representatives from many Southern Province congregations. Then, October 11-14, a variety of sites in Bethlehem will host the third Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History and Music. The conference will explore Moravian history in worldwide contexts from the fifteenth through the twenty-first centuries. The Moravian Festival, Winston-Salem, N.C. Sept. 8 Last September, more than 5,000 people in Winston-Salem took part in the new Moravian Festival, a festival celebrating the deep roots of Moravian faith, history and culture. While still far from a long-standing Moravian tradition, the second Moravian Festival invites all to celebrate Moravian heritage, enjoy Moravian food and take time in fellowship with one another on Saturday, September 8, 2012. New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., will once again host the one-day Festival. The day will begin, rain or shine, with the Moravian Festival 5k Challenge, at 8:00 a.m. The route will feature 30
Moravian music along the way, and will conclude with Moravian carbs at the finish line to re-energize participants for the rest of the scheduled festivities. The proceeds for the run will benefit Sunnyside Ministries. Last year, the 5k event raised nearly $9,000. The festival itself will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the festival is $1 per person, and proceeds will benefit programs run by the Board of Cooperative Ministries of the Southern Province of the Moravian Church. Last year, 5,000 people attended and about $14,000 was raised. Numerous activities will be offered to entertain and teach attendees. Music will be playing all day long, performed by brass bands, choirs and vocal and instrumental groups. An abundance of Moravian foods will be availableď‚žincluding chicken pie, sugar cake, ginger cookies and much more. For children, there will be heritage games, crafts, pony rides and a petting zoo; and parents, all Musicians at the 2011 Moravian Festival in Winston-Salem
children’s activities are free. Attendees can participate in the traditions of making beeswax candles and Moravian stars as well as baking Moravian cookies. In addition, more than 45 congregations and many church agencies will be at the festival with representatives sharing opportunities for worship, service, mission and fellowship. Many will also be offering Moravian-themed items and provide information on what makes their congregations unique. To learn more about the festival, visit www.moravianfestival.org. Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History & Music, Oct. 11-14 Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pa. will host the third annual Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History and Music, from October 11-14, 2012. The Conference includes lectures, discussions, musical performances, a film presentation and historic beer tasting. Presenters from around the world will discuss topics like Moravian identity, race relations, archaeology, the history of Moravian publishing, women, education, Moravian music in Labrador, Pennsylvania and Maryland, Moravian composer Johannes Herbst, missionary children, a “marriage revolt” in Suriname and the work and life of John Amos Comenius. Activities begin on Thursday, Oct. 11, with student papers and a meeting of Unity archivists, followed by the Walter Vivian Moses lecture presented in the evening by Rev. Dr. Peter Vogt on the topic of “Moravian Identity.” Additional conference lectures and recitals, including the keynote presentation by Leland G. Ferguson (sponsored by the Center for MoraSeptember 2012
Nola Knouse and C. Daniel Crews present at the 2010 Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History and Music.
vian Studies) will be held Friday and Saturday. Throughout the weekend, conference participants will have the opportunity, through Historic Bethlehem Partnerships, to take tours of museums and historic buildings in the area. The conference will conclude on Saturday evening with Lititz Moravian Church Choir and Unitas Chorale performing a concert focusing on the music of Moravian composer, Johannes Herbst, followed by a banquet and an award presentation ceremony. On Sunday, the Moravian Historical Society will hold their annual meeting and the annual lecture on Moravian history, to be given by Scott Paul Gordon. The conference is sponsored by Moravian College, the Moravian Archives and the Center for Moravian Studies in partnership with the Moravian Music Foundation, the Moravian Historical Society and Historical Bethlehem Partnership. Registration is required for the conference. The online registration form is available on www.moravianconferences.org. The website also includes detailed information about the programs offered, the schedule, and information on travel, accommodations, dining, attractions and more. ■ 31
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 9, 2012 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 16, 2012 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 23, 2012 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. Ordination Brother Lloyd Gooden was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on July 22, 2012 at John Hus Moravian Church, Brooklyn, New York. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon officiated at the ordination service. 32
Presbyterial Consecration Brother F. Jeffrey Van Orden, presently serving as pastor of the Hope Moravian Church, Hope, Indiana, will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on November 4, 2012. Bishop Kay Ward will officiate at the service, which will be held at Hope Moravian Church. Lebanon, Pennsylvania Brother Lloyd Gooden, a May graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, has accepted the call to serve as pastor of the Lebanon Moravian Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Brother Gooden was installed August 5, 2012. Western District Sister Sandra Crase concluded her work at Morongo Moravian Church, Banning, California, on June 30, 2012 and accepted a call to temporary service within the Western District effective July 1, 2012. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Friedland Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC Brother David Merritt has accepted the call to become pastor of Friedland Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. He has served as pastor of Hope Moravian Church in WinstonSalem, N.C. for the past 10 years. Brother Merritt was installed on August 12, 2012. The Moravian
Retirement Brother Don Winters has been given permission to officially retire from the active Moravian ministry. He concluded his service at Kernersville Moravian on August 31, 2012. Before entering the ministry Brother Winters served in the US Army in Vietnam/Southeast Asia and also worked as a supervisor of retail advertising for the Winston-Salem Journal and Sentinel Newspapers. In 1985 he earned his M.Div. at Moravian Theological Seminary. He was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on June 23, 1985 at Calvary Moravian Church and consecrated a presbyter on August 12, 1990 at Olivet Moravian Church. Brother Winters served pastorates at Olivet Moravian and Fairview Moravian Churches in Winston-Salem, N.C. and concluded his ministry service at Kernersville Moravian in Kernersville, N.C. We express deep appreciation to Don and Mary for their faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church over the past 27 years and wish them many blessings for the future. Board of Cooperative Ministries The Board of Cooperative Ministries is pleased to announce that Ruth Cole Burcaw will begin work as Executive Director of that board on July 2, 2012. Ruth is a management professional with over 25 years of experience in administration, communications and project management in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Ruth, a native of WinstonSalem, grew up attending many Moravian churches, including Konnoak Hills, Grace, Advent and Kernersville, while her parents, Hal and Joy Cole, served in parish ministry. After graduating in 1987 from Moravian College, Ruth served as Assistant to Mayor Martha S. Wood in Winston-Salem. She earned September 2012
her Master’s in Public Affairs from UNCGreensboro before starting Quantum Events, an event and association management firm, in 1998. She has spent the past 14 years helping clients build more effective relationships with their employees and customers. Ruth and her husband, Chris, live in Lewisville, N.C., where they and their children, Jessy (19) and Jake (15), are active members of Unity Moravian Church. Ruth will provide leadership as the Board of Cooperative Ministries works to support the life and ministry of congregations and Regional Conferences of Churches throughout the Province. Specialized Ministry Sister Heather Vacek has accepted the call to Specialized Ministry to serve as Assistant Professor of Church History at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. Sister Vacek is a member of Raleigh Moravian Church in Raleigh, N.C. She holds an M.Div. from Duke Divinity and a graduate business degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. In 2012 she was awarded her Th.D. from Duke Divinity where her work was both theological and historical. Sister Vacek was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on July 15, 2012 at Raleigh Moravian Church. Bishop Wayne Burkette presided. Sister Vacek is married to Gary Vacek and they are the parents of Luke. The Rev. David Guthrie President, Provincial Elders’ Conference 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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OBITUARIES
The Rev. William O. Gilbert III The
Rev. William O. Gilbert III of Fergus Falls, Minn. passed away on April 15, 2012 at the age of 69. Brother Gilbert was born in Winston-Salem, N.C. He graduated from Moravian College in 1964 and entered Moravian Theological Seminary. While attending seminary, he served Moravian churches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Friedensfeld & Fredriksted Congregations; Memorial Congregation, St. Thomas and in Bethel, Alaska as a student intern. He graduated from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1969 and was ordained at Advent Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was consecrated a presbyter in 1975 at Hopewell Moravian Church. Brother Gilbert married Kathryn Skoglund of Kensington, Minn. in 1969 and after graduation accepted his first pastoral call to Willow Hill Moravian Church in Ararat, Va. and Mount Bethel Moravian Church in Cana, Va. They also served the Dillingham Moravian
Church in Dillingham, Alaska and Hopewell Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. In 1977 he was released from the active service of the Moravian Church and began an internship in Clinical Pastoral Education in Rochester, Minn. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Dubuque Seminary and an MA in Psychology from the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He then worked at hospitals in Coon Rapids, Minneapolis, and Fergus Falls, Minn. For the last 15 years of his life he returned to the pastorate and served in the Presbyterian Church which he loved but never forgot his heritage in the Moravian Church. Some of his favorite memories were staying up all night with the church band playing on street corners to wake people on Easter Morning. Brother Gilbert is survived by his wife, Kathy, a son and two grandchildren. His memorial service was held at Federated Church in Fergus Falls, Minn. â–
The Rev. Richard E. Michel Brother
Richard E. Michel died June 16, 2012 in Chaska, Minn. at the age of 92. Born August 5, 1919 at Bluefields, Nicaragua, Rev. Michel was the son of Eugene L. and Anna (Wiggle) Michel. Brother Michel attended schools in Illinois and Minnesota and attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. from 1938-1940. He graduated from Moravian College in 1942 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1945. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry May 27, 1945 and consecrated a Presbyter September 5, 1950. He was united in marriage to Winifred N.
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Strahler on February 3, 1945 at First Moravian Church (now Advent), Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Together they served pastorates in Michigan (Daggett and Unionville), Ohio (Sharon and Dover First), Pennsylvania (Palmer Township) and Illinois (West Salem). He entered into retirement July 31, 1984. His wife, Winifred; son, Richard; daughter, Sharon; two granddaughters and three greatgrandchildren survive Brother Michel. A memorial service was held June 29, 2012 at the First Moravian Church, Dover, Ohio with the Rev. John Wallace officiating. Burial was in the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery. â– The Moravian
The Rev. John F. Morman Brother John F. Morman died June 26, 2012
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nia. Together they served pastorates in Ohio (Uhrichsville and Gnadenhutten), Pennsylvania (First, now Advent, and Coopersburg) and Maryland (Trinity). He also served the Eastern West Indies Province as pastor of the Gracehill and Cana congregations in Antigua, as well as serving as Headmaster of Linden Hall in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He entered into retirement September 15, 1987. His wife, Marie; daughter, Ruth; and two grandchildren survive Brother Morman. A memorial service was held June 30, 2012 at the Lititz Moravian Church, Lititz, Pennsylvania with the Rev. Dean Jurgen officiating. Burial was in the Lititz Moravian Church Cemetery. ■ 358322 GuideOne Moravian Ad:Layout 1
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in Lancaster, Pa. at the age of 89. Born September 15, 1922 in Philadelphia, he was the son of John F. and Ethel (Meyer) Morman. Brother Morman attended public schools in Philadelphia, graduated from Moravian College in 1943 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1945. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry October 21, 1945 and consecrated a Presbyter September 5, 1950. He received a Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) in 1952. He was united in marriage to Marie Sarah Bittner on August 3, 1946 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Allentown, Pennsylva-
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Moravian Studies
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