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SPECIAL FEATURE: Commemorating Jan Hus 2015 Southern Province Conversations Spiritual Formation Healthy Congregations And more!
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On the cover: The statue of Jan Hus in Prague’s Old Town Square honors his martyrdom and meaning to the Czech people. Photo by Mike Riess.
S E P T E M B E R
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SPECIAL FEATURE: Commemorating Jan Hus 2015 Southern Province Conversations Spiritual Formation
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Healthy Congregations And more!
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Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith
SPECIAL FEATURE: Jan Hus 2015
In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
23 Finding our Moravian roots: a Convo participant’s perspective
11 A tour to remember the life of Jan Hus
25 Churches commemorate Hus’ life and martyrdom in many ways 28 A service of celebration at Home In Our Congregations 5 Passion for God, compassion for people and a willingness to get out of God’s way Southern Province
Member, Associated Church Press
7 Fostering respectful conversation about homosexuality in the church Healthy Congregations 29 Building up congregational health In Every Issue
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 2015
4 Ponderings: An overwhelming sense of place 31 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, part VII 34 Official Provincial Elders’ News; Obituary: Mrs. Otto Dreydoppel 3
PONDERINGS
An overwhelming sense of place As you’ll read in this month’s Special Feature, I traveled to the Czech
Republic and Germany on the 2015 Jan Hus Memorial Tour with the Moravian Theological Seminary. Through the nine-day journey, I (and 50 others) experienced firsthand the landmarks of our church’s history up close and personal. Actually being in the places I’d only read about gave me a new appreciation for the foundations of our church. No longer are Herrnhut, Kunvald, Chalice Rocks or Prague just marks on a map or words in a book. Thanks to this trip, they’ve become part of my personal history AND spiritual journey. I still marvel that I stood in the town where Jan Hus was born, walked the streets of Prague he walked, prayed and sang in the chapel where he preached and experienced a city honoring him in so many ways on the 600th anniversary of his death. Being one of thousands taking part in the ecumenical service, watching the musical oratorio of Hus’ life and death and joining the candlelight walk from the Old Town Square to the Vtlava River, is something I’ll never forget. As we climbed through the Chalice Rocks, I understood why our persecuted ancestors used the remote rock formation to worship and pray in secret. As we walked and prayed in the little town of Kunwald, I gained a greater appreciation for those who started the Unity of the Brethren. When visiting the church and God’s Acre in Herrnhut, I was awed to be where our Moravian forefathers and mothers, supported and led by Count Zinzendorf, built our modern-day church. If I’d only seen photos of the small church in Berthelsdorf where the August 13th, 1727 renewal (and the original lovefeast) occurred I would likely be unimpressed. But actually sitting in the pews and singing hymns there offered an overwhelming sense of spirit. We learned many things about the places we visited from those on our trip. Our tour guide, our hosts and Seminary professors on the trip added education and insight everywhere we went. Part of my purpose in going was to bring back images and video for use by Moravian Seminary and the IBOC. But in many places along the way, I had to put the camera down to simply breathe in where I was and what I was doing. This trip added so much to my story, and I have many tales to tell. I hope that through the words and photos beginning on page 11, you too can experience a little of what this journey meant to us. 4 Peace,
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) September Vol. 46, No. 7 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Terri Bischoff Ginny Tobiassen Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Passion for God, compassion for people and willingness to get out of God’s way It
was during my years at seminary that I first heard of Spiritual Direction: the art of spiritual listening. The thought of becoming a spiritual director resonated from a place deep within me. To my surprise and disappointment, people with whom I shared this insight received it with reservation, and rightfully so. To accompany someone on their spiritual journey requires the kind of spiritual maturity that comes with age and experience. More than 20 years later, as Wendy and I began our pastoral ministry at Good Shepherd Moravian in Calgary, Alberta, I was approached by Rev. John Griffith, a former Moravian pastor and spiritual director, regarding a training program he helped lead. It was a two-year program that had a major influence on how I perceived ministry and worship. One result was the introduction of a spiritual direction group at Good Shepherd Moravian Church. This group, limited to no more than eight people, meets once each month for about an hour. Chairs surround a small table displaying a few items for spiritual focus while music plays in the background. Participants are invited to come as early as they like but to enter in silence and meditation. The session begins with the facilitator reading Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the
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meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” A topic may be raised to consider and respond to or the group may be invited to share how they experienced God at work in their lives since the last meeting. The goal of this experience is simple; to create a safe, sacred space where people can share their life journey and listen for God’s movement in their lives. It sounds simple enough until our humanness gets in the way. (continued on next page) Rick Beck is pastor of Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Calgary, Alberta
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(continued from previous page) The human tendency is to preach, teach, counsel, fix, advise or launch into a similar story from our own experience—none of which are a part of spiritual listening. Spiritual listening is about noticing God at work in people’s lives. It’s about listening with your heart. The challenge is holding in balance our passion for God, our compassion for people and our willingness to get out of God’s way. In short, it’s about trusting and living in God. Our culture values achievement. We are taught to be productive. The meaning we derive from our life is directly related to what we do rather than who God is within us. We have lost sight of who we already are and who we will always be: an expression of God’s love. In spiritual listening there is nothing that the listener has to accomplish because God is already accomplishing it. The listener’s job is to be present with an open heart. We listen to another’s story. We are aware of what feelings and thoughts arise as we listen. And when the speaker is finished the listener shares what they experienced in the deeper places of their heart. The voice of God is both hidden and revealed in life. When listening with the heart both the listener and the speaker are receptive to the presence of Holy Movement. Spiritual Direction can be traced to the first centuries of the Christian faith. The Moravian church shared an expression of this in the eighteenth-century Choir System when members of the community were grouped according to gender and marital status. In these groups spiritual needs were addressed. It should be no surprise that we might look to our heritage to claim a renewed expression of this practice. The Northern Province Synod of 2014 di 6
rected the Provincial Elders’ Conference to establish a Spiritual Formation Task Force to explore and share expressions of spiritual development already existing in our churches. The Task Force began by reviewing an idea developed by Lanie Yaswinski called “Experience of Twenty-first Century Choir Bands.” The goal of the task force is to provide a definition, guidelines and leadership training for listening groups in churches across the Northern Province. This is a huge task and the Task Force has only just begun, but the energy and excitement of members of the Task Force is palpable. Lay persons with moderate training and ongoing support provided by an experienced spiritual listener are able to facilitate such a group. Imagine what the Moravian Church could offer the world if its members intentionally explored God’s life movements together. Simply listening might not sound like much but there is a profound need for this kind of sharing and growth in the world today. People are hungry for a sounding board for their soul. This was very clear at Good Shepherd Moravian Church when the level of sharing became instantly deep at our first spiritual direction group meeting. This group has been meeting for six years and doesn’t break for summer. As lives in the congregation were spiritually enriched by these meetings, so also the church was enriched. There was a gentle deepening in the way people understand God at work in their lives and in the church. As a result, the need for a second group was expressed and started over a year ago. As we care for our own spiritual needs not only does our passion for God and compassion for people grow, but also our willingness to get out of God’s way reveals the greater things of Christ. ■ The Moravian
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Fostering respectful conversation about homosexuality in the church In the summer of 2014 the Southern Prov-
ince Provincial Elders’ Conference appointed the Rev. Robert Sawyer, the Rev. Nola Reed Knouse and the Rev. Craig Troutman to form the nucleus of a steering committee to fulfill the mandate of Synod Resolution #12. (For the complete resolution, see sidebar.) The three of us began meeting in September 2014 and this spring we welcomed five more members to the steering committee: lay members Joyce Carter and Greg Knouse, and the Rev. Jeff Carter, the Rev. Betty Helms and the Rev. Steve Wilson. This expanded committee has been busy! We began the process of conversation and discernment by identifying five “perspectives” or “viewpoints” regarding homosexuality and inviting those who wanted to participate in an initial phase of conversation to identify the perspective that most closely matched their own at that time. These five perspectives were:
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1. Some in our church who experience a homosexual orientation are not comfortable with their sexuality and have struggled with questions of self-worth and acceptance. 2. Some in our church who experience a homosexual orientation understand it as their natural sexuality and want to affirm it as normal and healthy for them. They wish to have committed same-sex unions recognized and honored by our church and desire to be accountable for living faithfully, lovingly and generously in faithful union with a partner. 3. Some in our church who have come into close contact—in family and in friendships— with people of homosexual orientation, who are Christians, come to (continued on next page) 7
Left: the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse. Below: Southern Province Synod 2014.
(continued from previous page) share that positive view. When they share in the pain of censure that may be the experience of their family members or friends, they are often motivated to advocate full acceptance of homosexuality. 4. Some in our church struggle to come to grips with this issue, wrestling with their interpretation of scripture and their desire to include all persons within the embrace of Christ’s church. They are seeking help to understand differing perspectives in order to determine where they stand.
5. Some in our church have experienced homosexuality and homosexual activity as contrary to God’s will as they understand it—specifically that human sexuality has been designed and blessed by God as belonging to one man and one woman in marriage. For them, this experience upholds the authority of the Bible and the teaching of our church. Some within this group view those who have worked at reorientation or maintained celibacy as inspiring examples. Many who view homosexual behavior as sinful also believe scripture attests to the forgiveness of sin and the grace of God for all who have fallen short of God’s glory. We decided to begin our conversations with small groups of individuals holding a similar perspective, not to “strengthen a case” or encourage opposing “camps” that could create a more polarized situation, but rather to encourage more people to participate without fear of the discomfort that can come in talking with someone with a very different view. We sent out the invitation to participate in the form of a bulletin insert to all the Southern
Province congregations and reports in the monthly “Provincial Ties.” We have been deeply grateful for the participation of about fifty clergy and around 150 lay persons. As of this first week in July, we have held ten meetings with clergy, one with the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference, one with the bishops serving in the Southern Province and sixteen meetings with lay people, with several meetings still upcoming. We begin each of these meetings with a service of worship, taken partly from the Liturgy for Christian Unity and concluding with a Covenant for Christian Conversation. Then we move into the discussion of three questions: 1. What brought you to the perspective you now hold? (Or, in other words, what’s your story?) 2. What would you like to ask someone who holds a very different perspective? What can you learn from someone who thinks and feels very differently from yourself? 3. When we are together with people who think differently from one another, what will make those conversations fruitful? An extensive annotated reading list (including resources from a variety of perspectives and experiences, many of which are available through the Board of Cooperative Ministries Resource Center) and a copy of the Synod resolution are available for each participant. Two members of the steering committee are present at each of these conversations, and we have all found them deeply moving and wonderful expressions of our common Christian faith and love for Jesus Christ and for the Moravian Church. This fall we anticipate hosting one or more public forums, where there will be speakers who represent a variety of biblical and theological perspectives. Those attending these September 2015
events will have the opportunity to ask questions for clarification. These will not be debates, but rather opportunities to hear from persons who have done biblical and theological study of the scriptures that are cited in discussions of homosexuality and the church, and who have sometimes arrived at very different interpretive conclusions. We will make their presentations available in written form; we also plan to videotape the presentations and make them available online. Later, we will have conversations involving persons who do not share the same perspective. These “mixed group” conversations will be held in the context of a shared meal; participants will share a meal with those with whom they will discuss homosexuality and the church after the meal, with the goal of strengthening relationships between us as brothers and sisters before talking about the questions that are so deeply emotional for many people. Each table will also have a trained facilitator, who will help guide the conversation through specific questions and keep everything “on track.” Our fervent prayer and sincere hope is that we will all come out of these conversations strengthened in our commitment to remain “at the table” in (continued on next page) 9
The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province, passed the following resolution: Resolution #12 Study and Discernment Regarding Homosexuality WHEREAS the Unity Synod of 2002 and the Unity Board meeting of 2010 encouraged dialogue within the various provinces of our church about homosexuality in the church; and, WHEREAS during the 2010–2014 inter-synodal period, the Provincial Elders’ Conference has taken some steps, but has not fully implemented the call of the church expressed in 2010 Synod resolution #24: Homosexuality Study and Discernment; therefore be it RESOLVED That, the Synod of 2014 reaffirms the spirit and intent of the 2010 Synod resolution #24, specifically: to provide leadership, resources and a process for a conversation about homosexuality in the church that includes diverse viewpoints, and opportunities for open and honest discussion, study and discernment; and, RESOLVED That, this process of dialogue and discernment should take into account similar efforts made, and decisions that have been or may be reached by our sister provinces within the Unity, as well as any actions of the 2014 Unity Board and 2016 Unity Synod; and, RESOLVED That, the Provincial Elders’ Conference should fulfill what is stated in this resolution in a manner which it determines is best and prior to the Synod of 2018; and, RESOLVED That, the task force should be appointed by September 15, 2014 and begin its work by November 1, 2014.
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(continued from previous page) honest and open conversation, always allowing room for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It’s important to note not only what we are doing, but also what we are not doing. As we have told each group meeting: • we are not providing for a “contest” or debate between those who hold different perspectives; • we are not offering opportunities for anyone to seek to change anyone else’s mind; and • we are not working towards the preparation of legislation for synod or any other kind of advocacy. What we are working toward is a shared experience of conversation, understanding, respect and Christian love, opening ourselves up to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of Christ, our Chief Elder. Recognizing that we hope to complete these conversations by the end of this year, there will still be more than two years before the next Southern Province synod, and thus time for further study and discernment as need and opportunity arise. There is still plenty of room and time for participation in this process! Every member of the Southern Province is welcome to participate in the next phase of conversations, and we will make every effort to hold these in locations convenient to our members—Florida and Georgia folks, we will come to you! As we begin to schedule these events we will make the dates and locations known as best we can. If you would like to be sure to be notified of these events, please send your name and contact information (telephone, email, and/or mailing address) to: Rev. Nola Reed Knouse, 457 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101; nrknouse@triad.rr.com. ■ The Moravian
JAN PAGE HUSHEAD 2015
A tour to remember the life of Jan Hus
In early 2014, a team at the Moravian Theologi-
cal Seminary began work on ways to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jan Hus. One result was the Jan Hus Memorial Tour, a nine-day adventure to the Czech Republic and Germany to trace the roots and branches of the early Unity of the Brethren and Moravian Church. More than 50 travelers—Moravian and non-Moravian alike—experienced the sights and sounds of the world where our present-day church began. The trip was timed to coincide with the
actual 600th anniversary—July 6, 2015— of Hus’ death at the Council of Constance. He burned at the stake for heresy and questioning the authority of the church. Hus felt strongly that Christians should follow the laws of Jesus, even if that meant disobeying the laws of the Church. In the Czech Republic, Hus is viewed more as a national hero than a religious martyr. The 6th of July is a holiday there and this (continued on next page)
Participants began their tour in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
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Top: A chalice flag flies above government offices at Prague Castle. Middle: Stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral. Bottom: a library at Strahov Monastery.
(continued from previous page) year saw major celebrations of his life and contributions. What follows is a tour in words and pictures of the 2015 Jan Hus Memorial Tour. Jane Weber, director of administration for the Moravian Theological Seminary, documented the trip in words, while Mike Riess, executive director of the Interprovincial Board of Communication, took more than 3,500 photos and nearly 1,000 video clips to capture this historic trip. More images are available at www.moravian.org. Day One: Following an overnight flight from New York City, the 50 travelers arrived in Prague, Czech Republic. Others would join the tour a day later from different parts of Europe. To acclimate to the six-hour time difference, tour participants headed out on a two-mile walk to Old Town Square, the historic center of Prague. Our tour guide, Irena Balcarova, led us down narrow cobblestone streets flanked by architecture that revived our weary senses—buildings adorned with sculptures and paintings, massive and intricately carved wooden doors with hand-forged ironwork, ornate monuments and breathtaking views of the city. We crossed the Charles Bridge (built in 1354) with its imposing stone and gilded statues honoring saints and heroes, and then wound our way towards Old Town Square. The statue of Jan Hus is the centerpiece of the Square and faces Our Lady Before Tyn Church where, after Hus’ death, Gregory the Patriarch was inspired to create the Unity of the Brethren. Across the square from Tyn Church is the Old Town Hall, where in 1627, 27 Czech noblemen and citizens, including members of the Hussite Church, were be 12
The Moravian
headed for their role in the religious rebellion against the Habsburgs that began in 1618. So began our introduction to the complex history that is Prague. Amid the absolute beauty and artistry is a past that is full of humanity at its best and worst—reformers, murderers, kind and vicious rulers, religious zealots, priests and leaders committed to all people receiving the chalice in communion and worshiping in the common language. Day Two: Our second day included visits to more historic sites in Prague: first to the Strahov Monastery, which today serves as a library for rare and old Czech literature; then to the massive Prague (Hradcany) Castle, the seat of government for the kingdom of Bohemia, where in 1618, Czech nobles insisted that the newly-crowned emperor Ferdinand of Habsburg respect the previous ruler’s edict of religious toleration. The emperor’s representatives were thrown from a castle window by Czech reformers when they communicated that religious toleration would no longer be the order of the day. During the Hus celebrations, a flag with a chalice representing Czech Protestantism flew
alongside the Czech national flag on the government buildings at the Castle site. Visitors also saw St. Vitus Cathedral, which stands impressively in the middle of the castle grounds, with its beautiful stained glass window of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, designed by the famous Czech artist Alphone Mucha. Later that day, travelers visited Bethlehem Chapel, the reconstructed chapel originally built in 1391 as part of the Czech Reformation. The chapel was named Bethlehem, or “House of Bread,” because the Bread of Life—the Gospel—was given to the worshipers in their own language. Jan Hus became the lead preacher there in 1402 and lived on the second floor. Hus encouraged hymn singing, and musical scores with lyrics in Czech were painted on the wall. Those words and notes, along with a number of other restored paintings, now grace the walls of the Chapel. While there, Seminary professor the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood gave a lecture on the importance of Hus’ reforming work. Participants sang ancient and current hymns, toured the chapel and the small museum above the (continued on next page)
Left: the chalice design in brick welcomes visitors the the Hussite Museum in Tabor; Center, right: Bethlehem Chapel in Prague.
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Top: Husinec, the birthplace of Hus Middle: Touring the tunnels below Tabor Bottom: Riddick Weber shares the Daily Texts at a linden tree in Bohemia.
(continued from previous page) chapel and heard a beautiful organ concert played by the Chapel’s current organist. Day Three: Following two days in Prague, tour participants traveled south into the countryside of Bohemia. After Hus was expelled from preaching in Prague for his radical views, he fled to South Bohemia where he preached in the countryside and, on occasion, under a large linden tree believed to be growing since 1209. The outer shell of the original tree still stands, with a large tree growing up inside of it. The tree is marked as a national landmark, although it is in the tiny village of Chlistov in a farmer’s back yard. At the tree, the Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber read the Daily Texts and spoke about the impact of Hus’ preaching on the Czechs. Once again, participants sang hymns, accompanied on guitar. The tour then proceeded to the small town of Husinec, the birthplace of Jan Hus. While there, the group toured the tiny, humble apartment where Jan Hus lived as a child. It is part of a brand new museum commemorating his life, which features interactive multimedia screens, paintings and sculptures and informational displays on the life of Hus and the Czech Reformation. In Husinec, the group prayed in Czech and English with a local pastor. The third day continued with a visit to Tabor, a small town that became the center of the radical Hussite movement after Hus’ death. Under the priest Nicholas, the Taborites established the first truly independent church in Europe in 1421. Nicholas was elected bishop, and his liturgical and theological works became the origin of the Unity’s liturgy and doctrine—including communion on a plain 14
The Moravian
Top: The church at Mlada Boleslav. Middle: the pastor and members of the congregation at Zelezny Brod.
table with ordinary vessels, with liturgy spoken in Czech emphasizing obedience to Christ rather than secular authorities. Initially the Taborites were pacifists and practiced communal living, but during the Hussite Wars they became feared warriors led by Jan Zizka, the blind Hussite general. The group toured the impressive Hussite Museum in Tabor, which featured displays commemorating Hus, the Hussites and the reformation and churches that resulted from their presence. The visit to the museum included touring the tunnels under the town square that were used for food storage, incarceration, indigent housing and safe passage. Day Four: Early in the morning the group began the journey to Herrnhut, Germany. En route, the group stopped in Mlada Boleslav to see the largest house of worship built by the Unity in the Czech lands. Constructed in the 1500s, it now serves as a museum and performance space. Mlada Boleslav was also an important center for the Unity and was home to the printing office and other church activities in the 16th Century. (continued on next page) At Chalice Rocks.
A window featuring Comeius at Zelezny Brod.
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(continued from previous page) From there, the group traveled to Chalice Rocks, the sandstone mountain refuge where members of the Unity hid among the huge stones and worshiped in secret to avoid persecution. Craig Atwood led the group through the rocky terrain to a worship space where Scripture verses are painted on the rocks. There, the group worshiped and sang in a service led by Riddick Weber. The delight of the day came when the group visited a modern Moravian Church in Zelezny Brod, and met the pastor, his wife and several church leaders who conveyed an all too familiar story of outreach and commitment… and shrinking church membership. Following a talk by the pastor and a question and answer session about their church, the congregation members welcomed the travelers with hospitality and conversation. The travelers arrived in Herrnhut around dinnertime on Friday. For many, arriving in Herrnhut felt like “coming home.” An unexpected surprise greeted the travelers: leaders from Moravian schools across the Unity were also meeting in Herrnhut working on worldwide Moravian theological curriculum, among them recent Moravian Theological 16
Seminary graduates Michael Persaud (Suriname), Tuntufye Mwenisongole and Revocatus Meza (Tanzania), and Erdmute Frank (Herrnhut). Our evening concluded with Craig Atwood giving a stage-setting lecture on the events that led to the founding of Herrnhut. Day Five: The group woke to roosters crowing at 7 a.m. and the realization that central Europe was experiencing a heat wave of 34°C—in the upper 90s! With no air conditioning or ceiling fans we were surprised at how well we could handle the heat due to buildings with three-foot-thick walls and cross ventilation. Erdmute Frank, who works in Herrnhut and does the English translation of the Moravian Daily Texts, guided us to the Herrnhut Church and God’s Acre. These landmarks demonstrate Moravian building traditions used throughout Europe and America—simple churches with little ornamentation and the arched entry gate leading into a cemetery of flat gravestones. While touring God’s Acre, participants walked past the gravestones of so many early leaders, including Leonard Dober, Christian Gregor and the Zinzendorf family. We climbed the tower at the pinnacle of God’s Acre called the Hutberg, which offers a 360-degree panThe Moravian
Scenes from Herrnhut and Berthlesdorf in Saxony, a spiritual center of the Moravian Church.
orama of the rolling countryside, including views of small towns, and three energy sources—fields of solar panels, wind farms and a nuclear power plant. It also provides a beautiful view of Herrnhut itself, and visitors can see Poland and the Czech Republic from there. A trip to Herrnhut wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Herrnhuter Sterne (Moravian Star) factory at the edge of town. From this small, modern factory, Moravian stars in paper or plastic are made and shipped throughout the world. In the lobby of the factory, visitors watched women silently working to create paper stars; the group also toured the factory where parts for the plastic stars are molded and assembled. The group then had an amazing lunch right in the Star Factory Cafeteria and almost bought out the entire stock of stars in the store! After lunch, the group traveled about a mile from Herrnhut to Berthelsdorf, the central village of the estate that Zinzendorf purchased from his grandmother in 1722. Visitors toured the newly restored Manor House, originally built by Zinzendorf after marrying Countess Erdmuth Dorothea von Reuss. The (continued on next page)
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Top: the silver bowl used to draw the Moravian Daily Texts in Herrnhut Middle: At the Moravian Star factory Bototm: The largest paper Moravian star is in Nisky, Germany.
(continued from previous page) manor house includes exhibits about Moravian Church history and is now used for cultural events and special occasions. A major highlight of the entire tour was the visit to the Lutheran Church of Berthelsdorf, where the early Moravian settlers first worshiped with local Lutherans and other persecuted groups seeking religious freedom. The small, unadorned, remote church holds great significance for Moravians, as it was there that the “August 13th, 1727 Experience” occurred—a service that healed years of religious doctrinal tension, marked the renewal of the Unitas Fratrum, and gave us the tradition of the Lovefeast. The group then traveled a few miles further to GrosHennersdorf to the ruins of the manor house of Zinzendorf’s grandmother, Baronness Henrietta Katherina von Gersdorf. Until the age of 10 when he left for boarding school, Zinzendorf lived here with his grandmother after his mother remarried and moved away with her new husband. Recently a path has been built between Herrnhut and GrosHennersdorf incorporating a sculpture garden that artistically depicts the experience of the early Moravians. The final sculpture is one of Zinzendorf joyously talking to young children. The day ended with a bilingual singstunde with members of the Herrnhut congregation who hosted an outdoor barbecue picnic with our group, in part to celebrate the Fourth of July. Day Six: On Sunday morning, the group participated in a bilingual worship service in Herrnhut where Craig Atwood preached on the significance of Jan Hus; the Rev. Petr Vogt, 18
The Moravian
Top: Revs. Peter Vogt and Craig Atwood in Herrnhut Middle: Sharing the story of Kleinwelka
pastor of the Herrnhut Church translated. During the service Craig presented the congregation with a Moravian Seminary bicentennial commemorative chalice and, for his library, gave the pastor a copy of the recently released book, A Time of Sifting, by Paul Peucker, Northern Province Archivist. After worship, the group traveled to another Moravian settlement town, Niesky, to tour the church and learn about the hospital founded by the Moravians there. Also in Niesky, visitors saw the largest paper indoor Moravian star in the world that is displayed each Christmas in the church. (The Moravian star was invented in Niesky in 1830 as a geometry project for students.) The 100-plus degree temperature in this part of Germany limited some of the walking initially planned for this part of the trip. The group drove past the Mission School where many missionaries to Africa and the Caribbean were educated in the 19th century and continued on to the small town of Kleinwelka, where the visitors were warmly greeted at the Moravian Church by the pastor and his wife. (continued on next page) Serving communion in Herrnhut.
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Archivist Olaf Nippe with an original Daily Texts.
Praying the Easter Liturgy in 19 Acre. God’s
A memento from the 500th anniversary of Hus’ death
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A statue of Comenius at Kunwald
Instead of a walking tour of the town, he shared a presentation of the founding of this Moravian settlement and the important role it played with a school for the children of missionaries in the cool, very Moravian sanctuary. After returning to Herrnhut, the group participated in a bilingual communion service with members of the Herrnhut congregation and the visiting theological representatives. Day Seven: The seventh day of the tour was July 6th—the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jan Hus. The day started in Herrnhut with a visit the Archives of the Unitas Fratrum, where Archivist Olaf Nippe shared treasures of the Unity, including the first Daily Text, Zinzendorf’s bishop’s cap, a land deed from Catherine the Great, Anna Nitschmann’s
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Left: Church of Our Lady of the Snows, Prague
The Moravian
At left: The Hus Festival in Prague on July 6.
lot and a book of Zinzendorf’s sermons that he personally bound for his wife Erdmuth Dorothea. The group then concluded their stay in Herrnhut by praying the Easter Liturgy in God’s Acre. Following the two-hour bus ride back to Prague, the group arrived in time to participate in the city’s community-sponsored Jan Hus Festival. The Old Town Square was alive with people, horse-drawn carriages, vendors and stages. Many of the group witnessed an ecumenical worship service attended by thousands, watched a musical production of Hus’s trial at Constance, and joined the candlelight procession through the streets that ended at the Vltava River where participants floated candles on the water. It was truly an honor and inspiring experience to be part of the crowd commemorating this historic event.
Praying in Kunwald’s Prayer Valley
St. Martin in the Wall
Day Eight: The final day trip out of Prague was to Kunwald where the Unity of the Brethren began in 1457. We toured the small museum in the restored meeting house where the Unity was formed. Exhibits there included a Kralice Bible, the first complete Bible to be published in the Czech language; a chalice from the 1500s; and banners commemorating all of the provinces of the Unity. The visitors gathered on the yard of the Kunwald museum and sang hymns, then walked to the Valley of Prayer where the Brethren worshiped in secret during times of persecution. We visited another linden tree that was planted in 1547–48 by the Brethren when they fled in hopes that they would return. When they returned it had three boughs—Faith, Hope and Love—the essentials of faith. The tree is still growing though (continued on next page) September 2015
At right: Celebrating the end of the tour in Prague.
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(continued from previous page) one bough broke in 1930. Wood from that bough was made into a chalice that was given to the Czech Bishop who passed it on to Bishop Kay Ward, who in turn has given it to the Moravian Theological Seminary collection. On the return to Prague, we stopped in Kutna Hora to witness an unusual site—the Sedlec Ossuary. A small Catholic chapel, the ossuary is estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel.
“I would definitely recommend this trip to other Moravians. I found it fascinating to be with Moravians, exploring the roots and origins of our faith.” —Margaret Couch, North Carolina Day Nine: The final day in Prague began at the Church of St. Martin in the Wall, where Hus’ student and successor, Jakoubek of Stribro gave the chalice to the laity for the first time in October 1414. Craig Atwood lectured
from the pulpit about the significance of the chalice and the long struggle for all to worship equally. This was the group’s final opportunity to sing hymns in a space with wonderful acoustics—by the end of the trip, the harmonies were beautiful! The group then walked a few blocks to the Church of our Lady of the Snows. Today it is an ornate baroque Catholic Church, but in 1419 it was a Hussite Church pastored by Jan Zelivsky. In that year, all Hussite priests were removed from their pulpits because they were no longer allowed to serve the chalice to the laity. Zelivsky led a popular uprising to New Town Hall where the mob ejected the councilmen from the windows which began the Hussite Wars. The complex and complicated history of religious freedom... The trip came to a close with a banquet in the Brevnov Cloister, a Benedictine Abbey founded in 993. The group honored Irena, our tour guide, with a Moravian Theological Seminary chalice, a copy of Craig Atwood’s book on the early Unity and a gift offering. The participants also wrote and performed a song in appreciation of the leadership of Craig Atwood and Riddick and Jane Weber. Good cheer overflowed! Additional photos from the Hus Memorial Tour are available at www.moravian.org. ■
Jan Hus Memorial Tour 2015 travelers at Kunwald, Czech Republic
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The Moravian
JAN HUS 2015
Finding our Moravian roots: a Convo participant’s perspective Moravian Young Adult Convo 2015, held in the Czech Republic and Germany, was a great opportunity to live and learn about our roots and heritage as a church family with Moravians from all over the world. Our trip began in Prague in the Czech Republic. We explored several historic places within the city including a monastery, a cathedral and the oldest church in Prague. It was great to learn general Czech history and culture in preparation for the next few days when we visited places where Jan Hus, Zinzendorf and other important founders of our church spent a significant amount of time. While the tour of the city was great, it was equally rewarding to spend time in small group sessions with Moravians from the Czech Republic, Cuba, Wisconsin, Canada, Peru, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio. In our small group, we shared part of our Lebenslauf—the story of our faith journey— with each other and continued to learn more about one another as the week went on. September 2015
We visited the Bohemian town of Kunvald to explore the birthplace of the Unity of the Brethren. We toured the original building where it all began, as well as the “prayer valley,” a secluded spot where early Moravians went to pray during times of persecution. In this part of the country, we also had the opportunity to worship with Czech Moravians. It was a wonderful service and a great chance to hear songs and scripture in multiple languages. In visiting Chalice Rocks, a remote mountain area where early Moravians would share communion with one another in secret, we were encouraged to stay together and stick to the path as much as possible, as it was very easy to become lost due to how much the trail split off. Given the rough terrain, it was easy to see why our Moravian forebears chose this (continued on next page) Adam Goodrich is a student at Moravian Theological Seminary. Photos by Adam. 23
(continued from previous page) place as a hiding spot. Just as our ancestors did, we shared communion together at the Chalice Rocks. A major part of this Convo experience was exploring the wonderful town of Herrnhut in Germany. It is amazing how much this place felt so much like home. In comparison to the hustle and bustle of Prague with all of the extravagant buildings and golden ornamented churches it was refreshing to see just how simple Herrnhut was. The town itself was very quiet and serene even during the middle of the day. We toured the Moravian Star factory in the morning and in the afternoon we went on a scavenger hunt throughout Herrnhut that brought us through God’s Acre, the Herrnhut Moravian Church, the Unity Archives and several museums. Overlooking God’s Acre is a tower that Zinzendorf built for his wife after the two lovers witnessed a magnificent rainbow there. We were able to climb to the top of this tower and see a beautiful view of the town below. At night the town has few lights, and so you can see so many stars that it feels
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like you are on top of a mountain. While in Herrnhut, we learned that residents continued to conduct life within the choir system up until World War II. The long amount of time spent in communal living is reflected today by the sense of peace felt within the town. We worshiped with the Herrnhut Moravians at church in the morning. That afternoon we walked about a mile from Herrnhut to Berthelsdorf, where the very first Moravian love feast and renewal of the Moravian Church occurred on August 13th, 1727. We visited Count Zinzendorf’s mansion and toured the building, then had a lovefeast outside the building with German lovefeast buns. This trip was amazing. It strengthened my understanding of the worldwide Moravian unity while further increasing my strong desire to connect with other Moravians to provide opportunities for mission and further learning. While we are halfway around the world from one another we are still a family in Christ. The history I have studied has been made real, and by experiencing the “Homeland” firsthand I have gained a greater understanding of how the Ancient Unity relates to the Moravian Church we know today. ■
The Moravian
JAN HUS 2015
Churches commemorate Hus’ life and martyrdom in many ways For many Moravian congregations across the U.S. and Canada, the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jan Hus was cause for special commemorations and services. Here are just a few of those events marking this important occasion in the life of the church…
Metro New York John Hus Festival 2015 The Metro New York John Hus Festival was Rev. Leon Matthias’ idea. Being a professional archivist, he had a passion for preserving history (and just about everything else, including some of his shoes) and he was even more passionate when history merges with our faith and traditions. Rev. Matthias felt that with John Hus being such a prominent historical figure in our church, there were enough reasons for all the churches to have an annual, common gathering to celebrate the anniversary of his Martyrdom. The idea was unanimously embraced by the serving and retired pastors. It was commonly agreed that on the second Sunday of July of each year, a special worship service would be held during regular worSeptember 2015
ship time at a venue that was agreed upon. Some churches closed their doors for that day while others held an abbreviated service to facilitate those who would not be attending the special event. The first John Hus festival was held at United Moravian Church in Harlem in 2006. The attendance was so overwhelming that the auditorium of the Springfield High School in Queens was rented to facilitate the larger crowd we had in 2007. The attendance levels have fluctuated over the years but the enthusiasm has remained. United Moravian Church in Harlem was again our host for the 600th anniversary gathering on July 12, 2015. Most pastors were in attendance and all New York metro Moravian churches were represented in a three-hour service where the Rev. Elizabeth Miller, president of the PEC Northern Province was the preacher. Host pastor Rev. Nigel Powell led an upbeat worship experience that showcased the many talents from the different churches as we celebrated the memory of John Hus and were encouraged to apply his unswerving commitment to the gospel in our daily lives. At the end of the service it is reasonable to extrapolate a consensus that though a bit long, even by Caribbean standards, it was a blessed experience. We thank God for the fellowship and for the life and witness of John Hus. ■ Michael Johnson, pastor, John Hus Moravian Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. (continued on next page) 25
(continued from previous page) Lititz Moravian, Lititz, Pa. On Sunday, July 5, after praying the liturgy for All Saints and before celebrating Holy Communion, congregants at Lititz Moravian Church heard Jan Hus tell his own story, as Pastor Dean Jurgen took on his character and portrayed Hus. As Hus said in that message, “I hope that as I share how God worked in my life, you might be encouraged to be obedient to God’s will in your life, even if it might be very costly. Although the world in which I lived was very different than your world, it was still filled with the darkness and brokenness of sin, as is yours. “In some small way, my taking a stand for Christ made a difference in my world… and I hope that I can encourage you to take a stand and make a difference today. Nothing matters more than the cause of Christ and His Kingdom. Nothing; not even life itself.” Then on Monday, July 6, the congregation held a prayer and song service, put together by congregation member Marian Shatto, to commemorate Hus and some of those influenced by him over the centuries. Gathering in the outdoor pavilion adjacent to Lititz’s historic God’s Acre, participants remembered the saints and martyrs in six segments, with the worship leader praying for a person or group of people and including a brief biographical 26
statement. The prayer concluded with the leader saying “For the witness of _____” and the congregation responded: “Gracious Lord, we give you thanks.” We then sang a hymn response accompanied by the Trombone Choir. The group first remembered Jan Hus, then remembered early church leaders who continued the witness of Hus against corruption in the church and formed the Unitas Fratrum: Peter Chelcˇický, Gregory of Prague, Michael Bradacius. In succeeding segments, participants remembered John Amos Commenius, Count Zinzendorf and Benigna Zinzendorf von Watteville, John George Klein and Anna Bender Klein who donated land to form the town of Lititz and early pastors of the Lititz Moravian Congregation, Mattheaus Hehl, Bernard Adam Grube, Johannes Herbst. After singing the hymn response which included the lyrics “showers of blessing, showers of blessing from the Lord proceed,” the Trombone Choir led a procession to God’s Acre. Participants were then invited to speak the names of those saints and martyrs who have personally influenced them on their Christian journeys, then uplifted them all in prayerful thanks and concluded with the singing of For All the Saints. God brought a unique gathering together where about one-third were not members of the Lititz congregation. There were some members of some area Moravian churches, as well as some Amish, some of Czech background and the new director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. We were fortunate to have had a featured article in the Lancaster newspaper to publicize the event. ■ Dean R. Jurgen, Pastor, Lititz Moravian Congregation, Lititz, Pa. The Moravian
Nazareth Moravian Church The Nazareth and Schoeneck Moravian congregations celebrated the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jon Hus on the historic grounds of the Whitefield House, where it all began for the Moravians in Nazareth, Pa. The Rev. Jeffrey Gehris of Nazareth Moravian, the Rev. Terry Folk of Schoeneck Moravian and the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood of Moravian Seminary, professor and president of the Moravian Historical Society, participated during an outdoor communion service on July 12. The combined Brass Choirs of Nazareth and Schoeneck Moravian provided music, along with Nazareth Moravian Organist, Mr. Gabe Toth. Participants prayed the Liturgy of All Saints and a Service of Holy Communion crafted by Rev. Gehris; all three Moravian pastors in attendance served Communion. A time of fellowship on the lawn of the Whitefield House took place after the service and the Whitefield House was open for tours. Dr. Atwood delivered the message and spoke about Jon Hus.” ■ The Rev. Jeff Gehris, pastor, Nazareth Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pa. London Moravian Hus Celebration As the London Moravian Church (located between Cambridge and Lake Mills, Wisconsin) continues to mark its 125th anniversary year, members decided July would be a month in which the congregation would remember the saints who had gone before them. Tying this Sunday with the remembrance of John Hus, the July 12 worship service was held at Kroghville Lutheran Moravian Cemetery, the place where the congregation also watches the sunrise on Easter morning. The cemetery is located one mile north of the London church. The service on July 12 began with a liturgy remembering the life and sacrifice of John Hus, along with the foundation that was September 2015
planted by his courageous faith. Worshipers then entered into a liturgy of resurrection, celebrating the lives of those who faithfully continued to build and serve the London Moravian Church and the surrounding community. Moravian traditions were shared including: the history of God’s Acre, being buried in “choirs,” and preparing the cemetery for Easter morning. Midway through the service, those gathered divided into small groups, walking the cemetery to lay a single flower at the graves of family and church members. At each grave visited, names were read, along with the year of birth and the year of death, followed by the prayer, “In gratitude for your life and your love, we remember you today and give thanks to God. May eternal peace be yours.” As the groups walked the aisles of graves, stories were told about those who baked special desserts for church dinners, provided music for worship, signed a deed for church property and were long-time Sunday school teachers and choir members. Family connections were made, stories were shared about special friends and neighbors, graves were discovered of persons known long ago, tears were shed as love was expressed for family members and longtime friends, an area of baby graves was found and family connections were made from generation to generation. Longtime members shared with more recent members about the lives of those who served London Church over the years. The spelling of family names were noted… two spellings, one family. It was a meaningful time to remember the saints who loved and were loved and to learn about Moravian history and traditions. ■ Jane Follmer Zekoff, pastor, London Moravian Church, Cambridge, Wis. 27
JAN HUS 2015
A service of celebration at Home On July 19, the Southern Province hosted a special celebration called “The Truth Prevails: Celebrating the Legacy of Jan Hus� at Home Church in Winston-Salem. The full church joined in liturgy, song and Holy Communion to honor the life of Hus, including choir hymns, music written by senior high campers and a sermon by Bishop Wayne Burkette. Following the service, participants in the Jan Hus Moravian Tour and Youth Convo spoke on their experiences in the Czech republic and Germany this summer.
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
Building up congregational health Congregations, just like human beings, are
living entities. As congregations, we proclaim and seek to live as the Body of Christ in the ministry we share with the communities around us. And like any “body” there are times when we are in better condition than others. However, unlike for our human bodies, workout facilities with all the weights, machines and amenities to exercise our congregations don’t exist... we have to work out at home. Every congregation has tools and gifts for healthy living but most of us still need resources from outside our single congregation in order to become all that God calls us to be. In 2010, the Northern Province Synod adopted seven characteristics of healthy congregations. These characteristics—Stewardship, Mission and Service, Worship, Leadership, Community, Spiritual Formation and Purpose—serve to focus our attention to access areas of strength and struggle. Congregations across the Northern Province thrive in some areas and find growing edges in others. Part of the continued search for greater health is reflected in the diligence with which we seek renewal and develop energy around God’s movement as a community.
The characteristics of healthy congregations can focus our efforts by helping us review and evaluate how our congregations are doing. We can then use that evaluation to direct our energy and focus so that our “body” can become more whole and healthy. On the whole, we in North America seem much better prepared to deal with problems only after the blow up in our faces. A better approach would be to adopt ways of living that promote good practices that avoid those issues before the problems arise. A Healthy Congregations Task Force (HCTF) was created at the Northern Province Synod in 2014 out of desire to support congregations in their work of developing healthy practices. The intention was to develop better access to—and a greater ability to share—worthwhile resources, ideas and stories about their own congregational journeys toward healthier practices of faith. Task Force members (continued on next page) Rebecca Craver is pastor of Edmonton Moravian Church and chair of the Healthy Congregations Task Force for the Northern Province.
Below, Task Force members Linda Wisser, Jenny Moran, Kerry Krauss, Rebecca Craver and Nicole Fowles.
(continued from previous page) include Nicole Fowles (Ohio), Linda Wisser (Pennsylvania), the Rev. Jenny Moran (Minnesota), the Rev. Kerry Krauss (Wisconsin) and the Rev. Rebecca Craver (Alberta). Since forming in October 2014, the Task Force has developed projects and plans intended to help more congregations to share resources and wisdom directly with one another. The HCTF also hopes to learn how the denomination can support and encourage this work in all Northern Province congregations in the future. Here are just a few goals coming to a congregation near you: • Healthy Congregations Planning Retreat for Joint Boards—The task force plans to work with five congregations throughout the Northern Province on a pilot project to introduce a Healthy Congregations Retreat format for use with Joint Board leaders. Using the Healthy Congregations characteristics to evaluate and set goals, the retreat allows for congregational leaders to direct attention to areas of strength and difficulty. After evaluation the leaders can use what they learn to set goals for the coming year. This retreat also gives the Task Force direction for what resources might be most helpful to share and develop over time. This retreat was originally created by Rev. Jenny Moran and has been a helpful tool at Christ Community Church in St.Paul, Minnesota. • A series of articles in the Moravian Magazine that highlight stories of our congregations and the ways they are seeking to live out these healthy characteristics in their own contexts and the resources they use. We all love stories and though many 30
congregations are doing amazing work and experiencing God’s redemptive grace in the life of their communities we do not always have a way to share that with the larger Moravian Church. The Task Force hopes to encourage more sharing of stories of both struggle and success so that we might all be built up for the work of ministry. • Social Networking—The Task Force is working to connect people and resources throughout our province through social media. We are seeking ways to strengthen the networks that are already in place and make further connections so that more congregations can gain access to support and ideas directly from one another. We will produce an e-newsletter highlighting stories and resources and using Facebook to share what congregations are learning throughout the province. Imagine what it would be like if we had a strong network of lay leaders and clergy throughout the province who were invested in sharing resources with one another for the development of more holistic and healthier practices in our congregations. It would grow from the already committed core of leadership who invest themselves in the life of the church, to a spiritual embracing of one another for the sake of the Gospel mandate we share. It would spread through our congregations and communities to shape Christians for the dynamic life of faith that called out to fishermen all those years ago. Every “body” can become healthier. The HCTF hopes you will join us as we share stories of God’s work among us and share your own stories of Jesus’ love. This is the story of all of us… of daring, courage and a vision of God’s dream for the wholeness of all creation! ■ The Moravian
HEAD DOCTRINE STUDYING PAGE MORAVIAN
Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part VII
In our January issue of the Moravian Maga-
zine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month. In 2015, we are working through the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL); in 2016, we’ll cover the Ground of the Unity. This month will cover the parts of the MCCL dealing with Raising Children and The Witness of a Christian Citizen. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org. The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www.moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC.
setting an example for our children. We will give faithful attention to the spiritual development of our children, both in the home and in the church. We will endeavor to conduct regular family devotions. Commentary: At one time the Moravian Church reserved the right to raise children for people if it was deemed that the parents were not raising them in a proper Christian fashion or were (continued on next page)
…children should be raised in such a way that they know that they are children of God and that they should value their relationship to God.
Raising Children Paragraph 24: As parents, remembering that our children are the property of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 1:19), we will bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and take all possible care to preserve them from every evil influence. For this reason we will seek to approve ourselves as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, September 2015
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(continued from previous page) abusing them. That is no longer the practice, but the church continues to offer guidance and counsel to parents. The Moravian Church in every province of the Unity and in every congregation (since the earliest days of the church) baptizes infants as a witness to our conviction that children share in the redemptive work of Christ. We have always taught that children should be raised in such a way that they know that they are children of God and that they should value their relationship to God. Not every church shares this conviction, and we do not judge others, but infant baptism has been precious to Moravians for centuries and it influences our Christian education efforts. The Moravian Church also condemns all forms of child abuse, even if conducted in the guise of Christian discipline. We understand that it takes work and prayer to build strong families where Christian values are evident. Questions: • Would it change our treatment of children if we recognize that they are the property of the Lord instead of belonging to us? • What responsibility does this place on parents? • How do we preserve children from evil influences without withdrawing from society? • What is the difference between discipline, punishment, and abuse in families? • Why does the Covenant call parents to set an example of Christian behavior for children? • How can you assist in the spiritual development of the children in your congregation? 32
The Witness of the Christian Citizen Paragraphs 25, 26, and 27: We will be subject to the civil authorities as the powers ordained of God, in accordance with the admonitions of Scripture (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13– 14) and will in nowise evade the taxes and other obligations which are lawfully required of us (Romans 13:7). Considering it a special privilege to live in a democratic society, we will faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of our citizenship, among which are intelligent and well-informed voting, a willingness to assume public office, guiding the decisions of government by the expression of our opinions, and supporting good government by our personal efforts. Though giving our loyalty to the state of which we are citizens, we do recognize a higher loyalty to God and conscience (Acts 5:29). Commentary: Romans 13 has a long and sometimes painful history in the Christian Church. This passage caused problems for our ancestors when they violated the laws of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire by separating themselves from the worship of the Catholic Church. Many were persecuted by the state and told they must be obedient because of Romans 13. At times, our church has simply withdrawn from governments and established separate communities where we would not have to face difficult decisions. There have been many occasions when Moravians refused to take up arms even in defense of their nation. It took a long time for Moravians to adjust to life in a democratic society that The Moravian
guarantees freedom of religion. Through the years we came to realize that there is a special opportunity and even calling for Christians to influence the laws of the land so that they may reflect Christian values without violating the separation of church and state. Even so, we recognize the right to resist evil laws. We endorse the Barmen Declaration that was written in 1934 in Germany in opposition to the actions of the Nazi government. The Barmen Declaration reaffirmed the Christian conviction that God rather than the State is sovereign. Moravians have sometimes refused to cooperate with laws that we have seen as a violation of the most basic aspects of justice. However, the Moravian church has not preached violence or rebellion. Moravians who live in America enjoy the blessings of a government based on the idea of a social contract, and the Covenant reminds us that we need to fulfill our part of the contract. Many Moravians now serve in public office as part of their Christian vocation. Questions: • Why is it a duty for Christians to pay what is justly required of them by their governments? • How does this statement in the Covenant reflect the understanding of a social contract as part of God’s design for human society? • What are your responsibilities as a citizen in a free society? • Do you think Moravian ministers and Sunday School teachers should try to influence people’s votes before elections? • Should the church as a whole express its views to elected officials through letters and other means? September 2015
• What do you think it means to be loyal to the state or the nation? Does this mean not criticizing the government’s actions or attitudes? • Can you think of times in world history when it would have been good if Christians had resisted the laws or actions of their governments? Next month: Peace and Our Witness to the World. ■
It took a long time for Moravians to adjust to life in a democratic society that guarantees freedom of religion.
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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS SOUTHERN PROVINCE First Moravian, Greensboro, N.C. The Rev. Tony Hayworth has accepted a call to become pastor of First Moravian Church, Greensboro, N.C. and will be installed on Sunday, August 30. Tony was ordained on July 27, 2008 at Friedland Moravian Church, Winston Salem, N.C. and served as pastor at Grace Moravian prior to his call to First Moravian. Union Cross Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. Russell Williams, pastor of the Moravia congregation, Oak Ridge, N.C., since December, 2010, has accepted the call to become pastor of the Union Cross congregation. Russ will conclude his ministry at Moravia Oct. 4. A service of installation is planned for Nov. 1 at Union Cross. David Guthrie, president Provincial Elders’ Conference, Southern Province
The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning! The 2016 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 286-year-long tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day. The 2016 Moravian Daily Texts begin shipping in October 2015, but you can preorder yours online now at store.moravian.org or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.
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OBITUARY
Mrs. Otto Dreydoppel Sister Jean E. (Jackson) Dreydoppel died in Nazareth, Pa., June 25, 2015 at age 87. She was born January 13, 1928 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a daughter of George and Myrtle (Free) Jackson. Sister Dreydoppel graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem in 1945. She was united in marriage to Brother Otto Dreydoppel on June 3, 1950 at Old Moravian Chapel in Bethlehem. She served alongside her husband in the mission fields of Alaska and Labrador, and congregations in Ohio (Uhrichsville), Indiana (Haverford), New Jersey (Egg Harbor City) and Pennsylvania (Calvary, Midway Manor). Daughters, Carol and Susan; sons, Otto Jr. and David; nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren survive Sister Dreydoppel. She was predeceased by her husband, Otto, July 13, 2013. Memorial services were held August 7, 2015 at West Side Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and August 8, 2015 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, Pennsylvania with the Rev. Keith K. Harke officiating. Burial was in Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Memorials were welcomed for the Good Samaritan Fund at Moravian Hall Square. ■ 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.
The Moravian
QUESTIONS OF FAITH
aren’t always easy to answer. Questions about finances can be.
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OW CAN YOU HELP THE MINISTRIES you care about most? How can you tap into potential support for your church or agency? How can you make your financial investments work harder to support our shared faith? These are all good questions, and the Moravian Ministries Foundation has answers. From education, to gift planning, to fundraising help, to investment management, we have answers that are rooted in wisdom, experience and — most importantly — unwavering faith and values. Simply put, our goal is to generate more money to support Moravian ministries. Visit us online at www.mmfa.info and explore what we can do together. JOIN US ON
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