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The Moravian
On the cover: Oranges and golds signal the arrival of autumn. Photo by Mike Riess, IBOC
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10 In our Communities
Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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A Measure of Success: Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast
In Our Congregations 8
Sole Purpose: a ministry providing shoes to students in need
12 From leftovers, a new ministry is born 15 12 Days of Service “connects” New Philadelphia to community
Moravian Fellowship 10 Palmetto Fellowship: “The” Moravians in South Carolina
Salem 250 13 Moravian Education: A necessity
Moravian Writers 18 Keeping Time shares Rev. Brian Dixon’s creative beat
Ministries Foundation 27 Moravian entities “Investing Where They Believe” Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@ mcnp.org.
Sept/Oct 2016
In every issue 4
Ponderings: Compiling the Daily Texts for the first time...
22 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Ground of the Unity VI 29 Official Provincial Elders’ News 30 Obituaries: Mrs. Charles Eichmann and the Rev. John David Christman 3
PONDERINGS Compiling the Daily Texts for the first time —Ed. Note: This month, I invited Sue Kiefner, the IBOC communication assistant who joined us in March, to share her thoughts on her first run through the process of developing the Moravian Daily Texts. Please join me in wishing Sue continued success in her work with the IBOC.
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od’s plan is bigger than what my mind can comprehend. I recently lost my job at a local church due to funding and I was on a quest to find my next venture. I believe God wants me to work in ministry, and following that “call” one night led me to the Moravian Theological Seminary website. The next morning I got a message from Mike Riess stating he was looking for a communications assistant at the IBOC. Coincidence? I think not. Now I know the Seminary and the IBOC are two separate entities, but just the idea that God is once again putting me in a place filled with His Word makes me feel like this is where I’m supposed to be. After going through the interview process, I began working at the IBOC on March 14, right in the heart (more like heat) of Moravian Daily Texts season. Although I have some publishing experience, I’ve never worked on a project like this. How hard can it be? Twelve writers choose the hymns and write the prayers, so all I have to do is put it in chronological order, right? Well—not quite. Prayers need to be edited for grammar and punctuation. Hymns need to be checked to see if any repeat within a few months of each other. If there is a repeat, the search is on for another hymn—preferably not copyrighted—to replace the duplicate one based on the bible verse and prayer for that day. There were 183 hymns that needed to be replaced this year. I then had compiled each month into a single document, which meant aligning the borders, prayers, hymn numbers, scripture readings, (Continued on page 8) Sue Kiefner, communication assistant
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) Sept./Oct. 2016, Vol. 47, 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 ten times per year 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: 17,000 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 Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, Kat Lehman Chair Amy Linville Terri Bischoff Dan Miller Peggy Carter Adam Pristas Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Paul Knouse Design by Mike Riess, IBOC. 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 © 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
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The Moravian
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
A Measure of Success: Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast
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f you lived in Winston-Salem this summer, you could hardly ignore the fact that Salem was celebrating its 250th Anniversary. With so much going on in “Old Salem,” the challenge for the Children and Family Ministry Team of the Board of Cooperative Ministries was to plan a unique provincial event for Moravian children—one that stayed true to the August 17, 1727 children’s spiritual renewal in Herrnhut, fulfilling our guiding congregational baptismal promise “to love and nurture the child in Christ” and honoring our heritage in a meaningful way.
Thus, the Third Annual Children’s Festival and Lovefeast took place on August 14, 2016 at Salem Square. The Salem Creek RCC congregations of Home, Trinity, St. Phillips and Messiah Moravian Churches along with Anthony’s Plot, a Moravian intentional community, sponsored this year’s event. Despite the brutal heat and humidity of a summer afternoon in North Carolina, families from 23 congregations gathered to explore our history, learn about our present, uplift our future and rejoice in our faith in new and creative ways.
Article and photos by Suzy Tucker, a member of Bethania Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. In photo above: a young festival-goer puts his thumbprint on a pottery piece that will be housed in the Moravian Archives.
Connecting with the past A stroll around the Square gave our children the opportunity to connect with the past as they donned traditional Moravian clothes and posed for a commemorative framed photo. (Continued on next page)
Sept/Oct 2016
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Festival (Continued from previous page) Attendees learned about the historic importance of trades in a Moravian community as they helped Salem potter Mike Fox prepare a platter that will be placed in the Moravian Archives. Through the creative voices of storyteller Joyce Carter and puppeteer the Rev. Tripp May the children heard the appeal of freed slave Anthony Ulrich to the community at Herrnhut that resulted in an enduring denominational call to missions. They then were able to experience contemporary community outreach as they planted seeds for Anthony’s Plot fall garden, and received pottery communion cups made by local inmates, presented by Rodney Stillwell, chaplain at Forsyth Prison Ministry. One of the most popular stops was the Bishops’ Birthday Party, where Moravian Bishops Graham Rights and Lane Sapp greeted each child, presenting them with a Moravian Birthday Book and sharing some cake to celebrate Salem’s birthday. The journey through past and present continued as participants ventured down Church
Street and were invited to explore the Single Sisters House and see the original mouse hole of its famed furry resident, Sister Maus. They visited St. Phillips Moravian and heard about the rich heritage of our African-American congregation and its important contributions to the original Salem community. A stop in front of Home Moravian was a musical feast as band members played traditional hymns, and children were invited to experiment with an instrument at the Instrument Zoo. Meeting today’s church Provincial Agencies rolled out the red carpet for these most important guests. Cedarhyrst, also known as the “castle” and home of the Provincial Elders Conference and Unity Women’s Desk, was open for tours. Tasty treats were provided by the Provincial Women’s Board and a tour of the Archives inspired awe in our young readers. Colorful displays, welcoming smiles, and personal attention was given to each child as they learned about the roles of these agencies in the contemporary Moravian Church, Southern Province: Board of Cooperative Ministries,
At left: Festival guests tour Cedarhyrst, the headquarters for the Southern Province. At right: making an offering in a shoe at the Children’s Lovefeast.
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The Moravian
Scenes from the 2016 Children’s Festival and Lovefeast in WInston-Salem this summer: receiving a Birthday Book, sharing camp songs, planting seeds and singing during the Lovefeast service.
Laurel Ridge Camp/Conference Center, Board of World Mission, Moravian Music Foundation, Salem Congregation, God’s Acre and Wachovia Garden. A children’s Lovefeast In traditional fashion, a band prelude called everyone to Lovefeast in the sanctuary of Home Moravian Church. The Rev. Ginny Tobiassen led an engaging and interactive service for the children, telling Suzanna’s story as her inspiring message. The Revs. Doug and John Rights took up their guitars with the Regional Youth Council and led the congregation of participants in the singing of much loved camp songs. New children’s shoes were passed as offering plates to take up a collection that would help provide shoes for the school children in Anthony’s Plot neighborhood. It was a high-energy celebration that touched the hearts of all who attended. According to the numbers, the Children’s Festival and Lovefeast was a success: 23 congregations were represented, with 260 participating in the Festival, and 247 served at Lovefeast, raising $602 for shoes for the children. Sometimes success is measured in less tangible ways: the rapt attention of a child listening to Anthony’s story; a small thumbprint preserved on a piece of pottery; a toddler’s tiny finger poking into a mouse hole; a child’s vow to return to the “library” to read all those books; a Bishop’s warm smile of welcome; enthusiastic voices belting out a camp song. No matter where you looked, success was visible in the smiles, the laughter, and the enthusiasm of the children. Ultimately, the secret to that success was trusting in our shared Moravian heritage: a passionate community can move mountains; strong traditions bind us together and survive the ages; children are relevant members of our congregations to be nurtured and encouraged; Sept/Oct 2016
generous spirits continue to touch lives both at home and abroad; and coming together in fellowship fills our hearts with well-being. Most fundamentally, when we place our faith in Jesus as our guide, we experience daily renewals that shape our lives. The Moravian Children’s Festival and Lovefeast is a unique tapestry of celebration: of the past that shaped us, of the future that will lead us, and of the faith that defines us. As a community, we look forward to our next celebration at Friedberg Moravian Church in 2017! n 7
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
Sole Purpose: a ministry providing shoes to students in need
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s a new school year approaches, so does the need to buy new clothes, supplies and shoes. However, many families are unable to afford new shoes for the start of classes each year. For more than 700 kindergartners through fifth-graders, new school shoes became a reality, thanks to a program developed at Dover First Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio. These students each received $20 vouchers to assist in buying new shoes before school starts, all purchased and donated by Dover First’s “Sole Purpose.” For the past five years, Sole Purpose has been dedicated to putting shoes on the feet of people in need. The ministry raises funds to provide vouchers for children so they can pick
the shoes they want – an experience that some children do not get every year or even at all. Since its founding, Sole Purpose has expanded to serving a range of 12 different school districts in Tuscarawas County. A step forward A group of six high school students from Dover started the program when they realized that many people did not have a decent pair of shoes, while they had old unused shoes sitting around in a closet. This spark drove them to form Sole Purpose, the only service in the county that strives to put shoes on children’s feet. During its first two years, Sole Purpose organized fundraisers to raise money to buy new
Elisabeth “Libby” Paden, a member of Dover First and Sole Purpose, helps children select shoes at a local Payless.
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shoes for children, but wanted to find a more effective way to distribute shoes to a large number of children. Therefore, in its third year, Sole Purpose decided to partner with Dress-a-Child and Payless Shoes to provide shoes to a greater number of children, taking over from another organization that had stopped years ago. When first partnering with Dress-a-Child, Sole Purpose started with just Dover students to make sure a good process was in place and that they had the funds to meet their needs. In that first year, Sole Purpose provided 95 shoe vouchers to Dover students in grades K-5. Based on this success, the Sole Purpose team decided to expand their network to Dover and New Philadelphia school districts. That year Sole Purpose raised enough money to hand out 283 vouchers to students, nearly tripling the number of students they reached from the previous year. In 2016, Sole Purpose expanded even further to the Twin City area; Last July, Sole Purpose ultimately handed out 714 vouchers across 12 different school districts totaling $14,280 which is much more than was expected. Sole Purpose has grown throughout the five years. It has gone from serving one school district to serving twelve districts with the ultimate goal of expanding to serve all children in grades K-5 in Tuscarawas County. Sole Purpose is definitely having an impact on children and families in need through the unduplicated service of shoe giving. This unique project’s influence resonates throughout the county, and is continuously growing to help as many in need as possible. n Zach Wilson is a member of the First Moravian Church of Dover, Ohio.
Sept/Oct 2016
Ponderings (Continued from page 4) etc. All of this formatting, copying and pasting gave me the opportunity to review and fix mistakes. I must have read the Daily Text 20 times from front to back, correcting errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. (If I missed any additional ones, please forgive me!) This project has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It is rewarding to work on a book that so many people read daily to enhance their spiritual journey. During this time I’ve learned a lot reading the many scriptures, prayers and hymns. I learned “out of the mouths of babes” is a quote from the bible (Matthew 21:16). My heart was touched by Hebrews 2:18, “because Christ himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested,” not only because Christ is able to help me with my pain, but that through my pain, I can help others. I also learned about true grace in reading John 21:17, “Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” Everything happens for a reason, even if it doesn’t make sense to us at the time. Mike and I have known each other for years, and I believe the reason we worked together before was to get us ready for now. I believe God wants me to learn something through His words and placed me here to do just that. His will is beyond my comprehension. This path continually unfolds before me and I look forward to finding out where the journey takes me next. n
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MORAVIAN FELLOWSHIP Palmetto Moravian Fellowship:
“The” Moravians in South Carolina
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bout six years ago I began searching for Moravians in and around Greenville, South Carolina. I was raised and confirmed in the Moravian faith in Wisconsin, attending the Freedom Moravian Church in Appleton with my parents, brother and two sisters. However, after graduating high school I left the area and lost touch with the Moravians. Many years passed before I felt the pull to return to what I still considered my faith. After having lived in various locations around the country and then settling in Mauldin, S.C. (not far from Greenville), I decided to begin my search for a Moravian church on the Internet which reaped the result of locating a “Moravian Fellowship” in Spartanburg, not far from Mauldin. One weekday afternoon, my daughter and I put the Fellowship’s address in my GPS and headed to Spartanburg. We found the Fellowship located in the Cannon Memorial Chapel of the Central United Methodist Church, Spartanburg’s oldest church. The Fellowship is the only organized group of Moravians in South Carolina. Central’s pastor warmly welcomed us in and showed us the chapel where the Fellowship worshiped each Sunday morning. We were graciously welcomed here too and have been attending ever since. A fellowship is born The history of the Palmetto Fellowship begins in the fall of 1990, when a group of Moravians
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in the upstate of South Carolina met for the first time to share a meal and fellowship. The group decided that it would meet one Sunday evening each month alternately in homes belonging to its members. The meeting locations were rotated so that each family had a feeling of belonging. The group met in Walhalla, Seneca, Greenville, Taylors, Inman, Cowpens, and Spartanburg, S.C, and as far away as Hendersonville, N.C. They would gather for supper and afterward have a time of prayer and worship. Not long after the meetings began, the Moravian Church recognized the group as an “official Fellowship.” It was then arranged for Rev. F. Herbert Weber, a retired Moravian minister, to travel from Charlotte, N.C., to Spartanburg, to lead worship at the monthly gatherings. A short time later, two services each month were held, and in 1993, worship services were held each Sunday morning. The Moravian
Rev. Weber was known and well loved by many in the Fellowship due to their memberships in the congregations he had served over the years. A good number of the members knew him personally before he even started participating in the meetings. He was a strong supporter from the very start and made sure the group was kept updated about Moravian activities throughout the Southern Province. This was before the Internet, email, smartphones and even the common use of cell phones. Communication was achieved by writing letters! Many knew him as the most Christlike person they had ever met. A blessed place The Fellowship was blessed with a generous gift along the way that was given by Central United Methodist Church—the use of their beautifully decorated Cannon Memorial Chapel, made available anytime the Fellowship wished. The Fellowship was even allowed to hang a sign outside the building which is along a major thoroughfare. The Fellowship is thankful for Central’s generosity and continued support. Some of the ways the Fellowship reaches out to the local community is through the sharing of Moravian traditions. It hosts Lovefeasts in commemoration of Moravian events that are held in the chapel where the Fellowship still worships each Sunday morning. It takes part in local events such as the annual Spartanburg International Festival and shares the booth sponsored by the Czech Republic. The Fellowship supports the local community and ministries through charities and hands-on-events. It supports Moravian Church foundations and foreign Moravian Church missions. It works with its fellow Moravian brothers and sisters through its membership in the Salisbury Road Regional Conference of ChurchSept/Oct 2016
es (RCC), Southern Province. Although the member churches of the RCC are located in and around Charlotte, N.C., about an hour’s drive from Spartanburg, the Fellowship takes part in as many events as possible. Some Fellowship members frequently visit Home Moravia Church in Winston-Salem especially on Easter weekend to take part in its Easter morning sunrise. An invitation to visit The Palmetto Moravian Fellowship is located in the Cannon Memorial Chapel of Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, S.C., 29306 and worships each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. The Fellowship welcomes worshipers of all faiths. One of the Fellowship’s members, a retired Presbyterian minister, leads worship services two Sundays a month. The remaining Sunday services are presided over by local clergy or visiting Moravian clergy whenever they are available. The Fellowship extends an invitation to, and warmly welcomes, local clergy of all faiths and visiting Moravian clergy to lead their worship services. Holy Communion in the Moravian tradition is celebrated on a regular basis. The Fellowship can be contacted at 864582-7263 or through email at: palmettomoravianfellowship@gmail.com. You can also find Palmetto Fellowship online: palmettomoravianfellowship.org. n Pat Bald is coordinator for Palmetto Moravian Fellowship in Spartanburg, S.C.; Photos by Doug Hurlbert
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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
From leftovers, a new ministry is born
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t the Moravian Church of Lebanon, we designated a Sunday in April as “Take a Friend to Church Sunday” where members could invite their friends who were not associated with a church to come and worship with them. As part of the day, the evangelism committee thought it would be a good idea to have a luncheon after worship so that we could have a time of fellowship with those who took the time to come and worship with us. We had no idea how many people would attend, so we simply prepared a lot of food. Several members brought friends that day and we had a wonderful time of worship and fellowship. Even with big appetites, however, we had and a lot of food left over. Instead of having it go to waste, we decided we would offer this delicious food to the Lebanon Rescue Mission. As we gathered the leftover food to send to the Mission, the “The Parable of the Great Dinner” in Luke 14 came to mind. Not all the guests that the king invited to the banquet came, so he sent and called people from the street to come to the banquet so that none of his food would go to waste. Not all the friends we invited to come and worship and dine with us showed up that day, so we took that was left and fed those at the Rescue Mission so that nothing would go to waste. What we didn’t know is that sending the food to the rescue mission would give birth to a new ministry opportunity for our congregation. When the food was delivered we discovered that other churches in the area had signed up to help prepare and serve meals at the Rescue Mission every Sunday afternoon. There were still three Sundays remaining for this year
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that no church had signed up for, so we signed up for one of them. Going forward, we hope to sign up for two Sundays in 2017, and we already have members who are willing to be a part of this new ministry. As I try to discern the Lord’s message in this for us, I believe I heard God saying that we need to move beyond the comfort zone of our church building and go into our community and share the love of Christ with our neighbors. Our plan that Sunday was to celebrate our friends through worship and fellowship, and we did. But God also led us out to some other friends that probably had a greater need for the food we prepared. Feeding the hungry has been part of our ministry for several years. Lebanon has an elevated unemployment rate, placing a greater demand on the Lebanon County Christian Ministry (LCCM) Food Bank. At one of our elders’ meeting we decided that we needed to do something to help, and at the start of 2014 God led us as a congregation to start a food pantry to support the food bank. Members can donate non-perishable food that we then we deliver to the LCCM. In two and a half years since the pantry was launched, our congregation has donated approximately 2,500 pounds of food items to the LCCM food bank. Now we rejoice in the fact that God has pointed us to another need in our community, another way we can help feed the hungry. Where God will lead us next, we don’t know but we continue to discern. n Lloyd Gooden is pastor of Lebanon Moravian Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The Moravian
Moravian Education: a necessity Part of a series celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Salem
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ust imagine the Carolina Colony in 1753. In England, Bishop Spangenberg, Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians had purchased around 100,000 acres of land in the backwoods of the colony from Lord Granville, one of the Eight Lords Proprietors of the English Colony. On this land settlements would be built. First, there was Bethabara, then Bethania, then Salem in 1766. Salem was to become the core village for the Moravians with a good water supply and safe lands. A village would become a reality. There are many things I could write about in the development of the Salem community, but my assignment is to write thoughts on Education. At Home Church I volunteer as a church
Sept/Oct 2016
interpreter. We open our doors to the thousands of visitors to Old Salem. In my comments I often say that wherever the Moravians went they took the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they took education. That is exactly what they did in their Salem Village, where a Boys’ School and a Girls’ School were begun. It was important and necessary for the community to have a literate population. The girls learned domestic skills and the boys learned a trade, both groups also learned to read, write and do math. To the Moravians it was essential to become educated because you would be able to read and become well-versed in the Holy Scriptures. Records tell us how Sunday Schools were held. (Continued on next page)
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Salem education (Continued from previous page) I made a trip to the Southern Province Archives to discuss this topic with our archivist, Richard Starbuck. He shared information from documents pointing to these Sunday Schools. There were schools with African Americans until the law said that children of slaves could not be taught. There were Native American girls who attended Salem Academy. There was connection with the community through education. I want to go back to the Archives and actually study some of these people who ventured out to teach. The education culture that developed with the founding of Salem by the Moravians continues to exist. Salem Academy and College continues to live as a liberal arts institution. It is one of the longest existing girls’ school in the United States dating back to 1772. Several years ago Salem began a Continuing Education department where people from the community receive degrees improving their work status. Salem College is alive and well and it has created an environment for the whole community to strive for excellence in education. We have the expectation for learning opportunities for all. A major university (Wake Forest) and an arts school (University of North Carolina School of the Arts) chose to come to Winston-Salem. A predominately African American university (Winston-Salem State University) resides in our city. The activities at these institutions enhance the lives of all of us. Some of our churches are in partnerships with local public schools. Volunteers work as tutors, library clerks, test proctors, etc. One youth group donated several thousand books to the school so that every child could have a book or two to take home as their very own. Food projects also help the schools. This is living education: passing on to the next genera14
tion the necessity of knowledge, but also the joy of it. Most of us cannot imagine not being educated. It is our way of life and a freeing of it. But we cannot shirk our responsibility to the next generation. During a school year thousands of students visit the Village of Salem and Bethabara. There are no better places to study life in Colonial America. They also learn about “these Moravians” who came from Europe bringing their belief in Jesus Christ, outstanding music, survival in the backwoods…and education! n Mallie Beroth Graham is a member of Home Moravian Church, a retired public school teacher of 37 years, and a former Director of Christian Education.
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The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning! The 2017 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 287-year-long tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day. The 2017 Moravian Daily Texts will be in stock in late October. Order yours today at http://store.moravian.org or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.
The Moravian
IN OUR CONGREGATIONS
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12 Days of Service “Connects” New Philadelphia to community
hen most folks were planning their summer vacations earlier this year, the Connections Ministry members at New Philadelphia Moravian Church were making plans of a different sort. The second year of 12 Days of Service, a December project that would touch hundreds of lives in the Winston Salem area, was being plotted even though the Christmas season was a half a year away. It all began in the late summer of 2015 when the Connections group first proposed an idea to its congregation. A YouTube video from Clyde Manning is pastoral assistant at New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. In photo above Doris Phillips, Anita Abernathy and Maggie Estes ready to deliver food to a Winston-Salem winter overflow shelter. Sept/Oct 2016
a Texas congregation provided the inspiration for a new version of “The 12 Days of Christmas”—one without swimming swans, milking maids and turtledoves. The Texas project was all about service, all about “shining the light.” This was right in line with the purpose of the Connections Ministry, an effort to discover and create ways for our congregation to connect more effectively with visitors, with each other and with the community. This suggested initiative would coalesce our energy and our missional focus in a novel way. Initially, I was skeptical. After all, December is already jam-packed as we hang greens and stars, decorate trees, attend pageants, host Lovefeasts, shop for gifts, gather with family and colleagues and put in extra time serving our community. We’re over-extended, over(Continued on next page) 15
12 Days (Continued from previous page) committed, and out of time! How would the New Philadelphia congregation respond to the suggestion that we take on 12 new projects, over and beyond what we’re already doing, to serve non-profit organizations throughout WinstonSalem, in the busiest month of the year? All we could do was try. We created 12 opportunities to serve our neighbors during the first 12 days of December. We called it “12 Days of Service.” And it worked. The congregation said “yes” as individuals and families began adding their names to sign-up sheets presented in November. During those 12 days in December, we chose to help some organizations with which we already had relationships. For example, Anita and Maggie pack lunch bags as part of 12 Days of Service
we fed the homeless at one local emergency shelter, took a Lovefeast to homeless men at another, and had a special drive for Sunnyside Ministry, which serves struggling families in our city. There were new relationships established, too. There was an afternoon party for the residents of a skilled nursing facility, and snacks prepared for those staying at our Ronald McDonald House. We also collected personal care items for abused women. But it was not only about the good work. There were benefits that we didn’t see coming. There was the Saturday morning that three women, clearly representing three generations, met in the church kitchen to make sandwiches and pack lunch bags for homeless men and women. None of the three had ever met, but as they discussed how they might complete the task most efficiently, they became a well-oiled machine, working alongside each other and becoming friends. Now, we’re in the final planning stages for 12 Days of Service 2016. And we hope other churches may join us in some of our projects or create their own 12 Days of Service. Here’s an overview of the activities we’ve tentatively planned: Thursday, December 1: The Boy Scout Troop we sponsor will deliver food from the Thanksgiving Lovefeast collection and from their own food drive. Friday, December 2: Eighty fourthgraders from South Fork Elementary School, our neighborhood school, are invited to attend a Lovefeast here at New Philadelphia. Following the Lovefeast, we’ll guide the students in creating a putz of our community 100
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years ago. (Value is added to this project through the work of a retired teacher from our congregation who is developing a teaching module to share with teachers, incorporating Social Studies state requirements). Saturday, December 3: We’re providing snacks for Ronald McDonald House. Sunday, December 4: Our youth will coordinate a drive to collect stocking stuffers for Salvation Army in conjunction with our Children’s Lovefeast. DeDe Bush, Sterling Aaron and Marla Sparks join Rob Lemon of the Ronald McDonald House during New Philadelphia’s 2015 12 Days of Service
Monday, December 5: We will highlight the Angel Tree, a project of our preschool, benefitting needy families identified through Forsyth County Public Schools.
Tuesday, December 6: Dinner followed by a Lovefeast will be served at Samaritan Inn, a homeless shelter for men. Wednesday, December 7: Breakfast and/ or dinner will be served at the SECU House, a facility offering low-cost housing to friends and family members of patients receiving care at local hospitals. Thursday, December 8: We are collecting over-the-counter medication for the Crisis Control pharmacy. Friday, December 9: A Lovefeast and Lunch will be served at the Winston Salem Street School, an alternative high school for struggling students in our city.
time overnight shelter. Sunday, December 11: We will offer specific prayers for specific inmates of the Forsyth County Jail and Prison. Monday, December 12: Thousands of rolls of toilet paper—yes, THOUSANDS (at least, that’s our goal!)—will be delivered to Sunnyside Ministry which distributes about 900 rolls monthly to families they serve. On the 13th day, we’ll breathe a sigh of relief, and kid ourselves into thinking that we can relax for a moment. We’ll wonder how we did it, we’ll be relieved that it’s over and glad that we’re all still good friends. And when we look at the photos documenting each day, the work we accomplished, the people we served, we’ll notice that all of us are smiling. n
Saturday, December 10: Lunch bags are being packed for City with Dwellings, a winterSept/Oct 2016
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MORAVIAN WRITERS
Keeping Time shares Rev. Brian Dixon’s creative beat A review by Deborah Appler, Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and Director of MATS Program at Moravian Theological Seminary
me
Those who follow Brian’s “crumby” prayers on twitter (#crumbyprayers), created to drop markers to lead the way home like in Hansel and Gretel, will now find dances filled with graceful and grace-filled cadences n Keeping Time, Dances to the Beat of a to guide them through the many movements of Different Drummer, Brian Dixon’s comfort Christian life. with the spiritual dance floor is reflected in Brian’s use of imagery accomplishes what the deep wisdom and faithful love that pours he sets out to do—to illustrate how “imaginaout through the songs, poems, parables and tion can be our spiritual discipline.” He divides prayers within these pages. his book into six distinct movements. The first he labels “Two to Tango” that metaphorically links the often-complicated relationships between humans and God to the abrupt pauses that take place between two dancers, often while in difficult positions. For example, Dixon’s parable about the Candle-Maker’s gifts and the poem “Covenant” allow readers to ponder how they gratefully receive God’s gifts, yet sometimes sell them for personal gain. His parable catches readers off guard and causes them, like in a tango, to pause midair in, perhaps, a moDances ment of confrontation and confession. at e B to the Soon, however, the dance movement of a Different r elegantly resumes as we are reminded Drumme that God is faithful: “Losing and finding, as we give ourselves to you, that you have given yourself to us.” In the next movement entitled “Like a Polaroid Picture,” Brian presents snapshots of faithful people. The powerful illustrations of how day-to-day struggles can be spiritually centered are found in the Brian Dixon stories of a little girl whose hand
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is caught in a gumit means to be Chris“Brian Dixon’s comfort with ball machine (“The tian (“What’s in a Hardest Part”) and the spiritual dance floor is Name?”), if our hard in the risk of a perwork for truth brings reflected in the deep wisdom son who chooses peace (“Said and compassion and reDone”), if one can and faithful love that pours lationship building speak of God’s will out through the songs, with the local eccenwithout considering tric rather than to Love, Law, Justice poems, parables and prayers shun him (“Man on and Mercy (“Hitting the Street”). the Notes”), and how within these pages.” Among the powmuch do we really erful tales and poknow? (“We Do Not ems in his third Know”). movement “Hold Me Closer,” focused on diffi One of the strengths of Brian’s work is cult times and suffering, is Brian’s “Psalm from his ability to weave biblical texts together with the Rearview Mirror.” Masterfully, he takes this prose and poetry in such a way that illuminates most beloved song and flips its meaning verse meaning and allows biblical texts to be heard by verse until it now conveys pure hopelessin unchartered ways. This is most evident as he ness (e.g., “I currently reside in the valley of brings his book to a close. the shadow of death, and I’m afraid of my The last movement, “A Thousand Dances,” neighbors because they know I live alone. The provides retellings of several biblical narratives rod is broken and my staff leaves me comfortthat open up deep reflection. For example, less…”) This stark contrast helps illuminate Dixon chillingly creates the story of a disfigfor me the pure joy and comfort of the Psalm ured man, presumably from Jesus’ hometown that is often lost as its words are frequently (Matthew 13:54-58) who chooses to keep his read but not heard. withered hand rather than allow Jesus to heal “Dance the Night Away,” the fourth movehim due to the man’s fear of unknown responment of the dance, provides multiple resources sibilities and faith challenges that a healing for use in worship that “celebrate the Light of the might incur (“The Mystery of Unbelief”). world.” Nestled in this section are new resourc The insightful musings in Keeping Time es as well as two he wrote for Sing to the Lord offer a space for each reader to reflect on his a New Song. While the entire book has nuggets or her faith and to dance to his or her own for all aspects of worship, here Brian shares rerhythm. It is a book that will enrich the faith sources that strengthen the dance moves with community as readers accept the invitation to a foci on prayer, love, hands, sacred time, Spirit, new dance. n eschatology, and community service. Brian’s fifth movement, “That’s What It’s Keeping Time (Paperback, 108 pagAll About,” calls us more fully to explore our es) is available from the IBOC Bookstore at “wonderings” and “wanderings” as people store.moravian.org. For more on Keeping of faith. His questions get to the heart of who Time, see next page. we are as people of God as he ponders what 19
With Keeping Time, IBOC steps out and tries something new
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hen the Rev. Brian Dixon first approached me with his idea for this book, I must admit, I wasn’t quite certain how to approach it. I had experienced Brian’s knack for stringing words together in ways that make one think, feel and wonder in our publications before. His prayers and liturgies are included in Sing to the Lord a New Song: A New Moravian Songbook; he’s written for the Moravian Magazine; and he has contributed to the weekly bulletin message shared with Moravians around North America. And his creativity isn’t limited to words: his photographs—many taken in the moment on his mobile phone— also have spiritual, reflective qualities that go beyond the images you see. I was excited to receive Brian’s collection of spiritual, reflective, thought-provoking words, but my first reaction was to dismiss its dancethemed title and section headings as simply a way to organize the pieces within. While song and dance enliven and deepen our worship of God in many parts of the Moravian world, dance rarely pops into one’s head when praying, reading the Bible or meditating on God’s word. After a second and third reading, however, I began to recognize this collection as an expression of the fluid movements of God in our lives. Brian’s collection of stories, poems, prayers and parables struck a new chord in me. I came to understand how Brian’s ideas and expressions about God, love, struggle, spirit, hope and peace have the ability to produce a different beat in each individual who reads them. This is a new endeavor for us at the Interprovincial Board of Communication of the Moravian Church. With it, we’re stepping out, trying something new, and offering a collection that highlights the talent and spirit alive in our 20
church today. I thank Brian for his willingness to share his words, and Renee Schoeller for bringing this volume to fruition. While you may not pull out your boogie shoes while reading Keeping Time, I’m certain you will be moved and hear a beat of your own. Let’s dance. Reprinted from Mike Riess’ foreword to Keeping Time: Dances to the Beat of a Different Drummer. From Brian Dixon’s Introduction to Keeping Time It started when I first read Pär Lagerkvist’s Barabbas, a fictional account of the life and death of the man who could claim, quite literally, that Jesus died for him. Reading Barabbas as a God-fearing seeker—hoping at least to stumble and fall forward in faith—what The Rev. Brian Dixon
impressed me most was the feeling I got that the Bible not only contained light and truth, but also life and breath. In addition to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the gospels bear witness to everyday people whose living, dying, and hoping for something more are lifted up as the Christ of God walked and wept at their sides. What started when I found that there were books like this, stories rooted deeply both in the scriptures and in the hearts for whom these words were meant, was my belief that imagination could be a spiritual discipline. I have come to trust the great capacity of Truth to bear our wildest wonderings. And, I also believe that Truth shines patiently and undimmed with each step, or stumble, we take out of darkness.
These writings are fruits of my earnest attempts to practice imagination in a disciplined, reverent way. More than that, I pray that they are fruits of the Spirit’s leading in Truth. Of course, I am happy to share these stories, poems, and prayers. I hope that they serve you well as worship resources, devotional materials, studies, reflections, etc. One thing I would ask—let this book be the start of something: a growing awareness that you can trust the Truth to be true; an understanding that you are indeed free to speak, to raise your questions, to write and to wrestle with unbelief; and an unreserved leading to chase sparrows through fields of lilies and wild mustard until you fall laughing and exhausted at the feet of Jesus. n
Excerpts from Keeping Time...
Show of Hands
Respiration
Worship is a show of hands— folded, upturned, raised, offered— subtle and open gestures of Grace.
The Church breathes in, filling herself with new life. An exchange of Spirit takes place, a gathering of rhythm, a quickening pulse, a change of heart freely offered—letting go of sin and self.
Liturgy is a show of hands— waving, shaking, holding, turning, taking, serving, passing, placing, blessing, breaking, binding, loosing— mercy in motion. A language, in sign, of invitation, reception, and commitment. All our services, gatherings, and sacred assemblies are a show of hands in loving favor of Peace. © 2016 Brian Dixon
The Church breathes out—filling the world with new life. There is singing and sowing and sharing of light. An exchange of Spirit takes place. There is a changed heart, and fruit that abides, taking up the cross in Love. The Church breathes in . . . ad infinitum
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STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE
Ground of the Unity, Part VI Following the outline established by the 2005 Jesus Still Lead On study guide, we are sharing different aspects of The Ground of the Unity, one of the worldwide Moravian Church’s key doctrinal statement, in each 2016 issue of The Moravian. This month, we’ll discuss Continual Search for Sound Doctrine and Divine Mysteries. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n for this material.—Mike Riess, editor, the Moravian magazine
Creeds and Confessions The Unitas Fratrum recognizes in the creeds of the Church the thankful acclaim of the Body of Christ. These creeds aid the Church in formulating a Scriptural confession, in marking the boundary of heresies, and in exhorting believers to an obedient and fearless testimony in every age. The Unitas Fratrum maintains that all creeds formulated by the Christian Church stand in need of constant testing in the light of the Holy Scriptures. Commentary: The Moravian Church has an unusual approach to formal creeds and confessions. Some Protestant churches reject all creeds and claim that they hold to “scripture alone.” Other Protestant churches use only the ancient creeds of the universal Church, especially the Apostles’ Creed. Some Protestant churches, especially those born during the Reformation, define themselves by having a confession of faith that distinguishes their beliefs from other churches. The Moravian Church teaches that creeds and confessions of faith are very useful, but that they are also all imperfect. Interestingly, the Ground of the Unity is not a creed or a confession. It is a statement of foundational principles that leaves much room for personal 22
The Unitas Fratrum maintains that all creeds formulated by the Christian Church stand in need of constant testing in the light of the Holy Scriptures.
and congregational development. The Ground of the Unity assumes that Moravians will study and learn from the creeds of the early Church as well as from our own heritage. Creeds are an important teaching tool in the Church because they summarize the most important aspects of Christian belief. It is sometimes very helpful to respond to the question “what do you believe” by reciting the Apostles’ Creed which speaks of central issues and leaves other matters open. The ancient creeds were short and used mainly at baptism. Later confessions of faith were much longer and more intelThe Moravian
lectual. It is important to remember that many times when the Church (narrowly) defined its dogma, it actually created heretics by excluding people who had been active members of the community of faith but who could not affirm the new dogma. The statement about the need constantly to test creeds and confessions confuses many people. This is in part because we forget that doctrine means “teaching.” The Ground of the Unity is doctrine, but it does not claim to be infallible or eternal teaching. In fact, the Moravian Church has always recognized that all systems of doctrine or dogmatic statements are subject to error because they are all written by human beings and expressed in human language. The Christian Church has made many dogmatic claims that were later rejected, as Jan Hus pointed out to the Council of Constance. Our ancestors were often persecuted by authorities who claimed to possess divine truth; therefore we have been suspicious of theological arrogance for centuries. We have traditionally held to a principle of self-criticism that includes a continual search for truth. Discussion: • What creeds does your congregation use in worship? Are any of them important to you? • Do you think that everyone who joins the Moravian Church or who confirms their faith should profess adherence to a particular creed? • Is what is left out of creeds also significant? • How is it helpful to understand the historical circumstances of creeds and confessions? • What do you think should be in a creedal statement? • How do we constantly test creeds and confessions of faith? Does this involve questioning?
Sept/Oct 2016
It acknowledges as such true professions of faith the early Christian witness: “Jesus Christ is Lord!”
Creeds of the Churches It acknowledges as such true professions of faith the early Christian witness: “Jesus Christ is Lord!” and also especially the ancient Christian creeds and the fundamental creeds of the Reformation. (Note: In the various Provinces of the Renewed Unitas Fratrum the following creeds in particular gained special importance, because in them the main doctrines of the Christian faith find clear and simple expression: The Apostles’ Creed, The Athanasian Creed, The Nicene Creed, The Confession of the Unity of the Bohemian Brethren (1535), The TwentyOne Articles of the unaltered Augsburg Confession, The Shorter Catechism of Martin Luther, The Synod of Berne of 1532, The Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England, The Theological Declaration of Barmen of 1934, The Heidelberg Catechism.) (Continued on next page)
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Commentary: Moravians may not realize it, but this is one of the most surprising statements in the Ground of the Unity. It clearly reflects the work of the ecumenical movement and the desire to focus on what unites churches rather than what divides them. It also expresses the traditional Moravian understanding that God works in different ways in different churches. During Zinzendorf’s time, this was called the “tropus” idea. We affirm many different confessions of faith as being important to different communities of faith without being overly concerned about their different details. Notice, though, that we do not include all confessions of faith in this list. The principle of selection is not rigid, but basically the Moravian Church affirms the classic creeds of the early church and the confessions of faith of churches most like our own. For instance, the Synod of Berne statement and the Heidelberg Catechism are confessions of the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition that are closer in spirit to the Moravian emphasis on Christian experience (“heart religion”) than some of the more famous Reformed and Presbyterian statements. The Ground of the Unity point us to these creeds for our continual theological education and spiritual growth, but this statement also means that these doctrinal statements are already approved as orthodox statements of Christian faith from a Moravian perspective. In other words, when we engage in ecumenical dialogue with churches in the Anglican, Lutheran, and German or Swiss Reform tradition we have the advantage of having already affirmed their doctrine as consistent with our own. Discussion: • Which of these creeds or confessions have you read? • If you were confirmed in a non-Moravian congregation, did you use any of these creeds or confessions? 24
• Do you think it would be better for the church to simply get rid of creeds altogether? Why or why not? • What does the Moravian approval of so many creeds and confessions mean to you?
The Unitas Fratrum As a
The Unitas Fratrum espoused such unity when it took over the name of the Old Bohemian Brethren’s Church, “Unitas Fratrum” (Unity of Brethren).
Unity/The Church As a Fellowship We believe in and confess the Unity of the Church given in the one Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior. He died that He might unite the scattered children of God. As the living Lord and Shepherd, He is leading His flock toward such unity. The Unitas Fratrum espoused such unity when it took over the name of the Old Bohemian Brethren’s Church, “Unitas Fratrum” (Unity of Brethren). Nor can we ever forget the powerful unifying experience granted by the crucified and risen Lord to our ancestors in Herrnhut on the occasion of the Holy Communion of August 13, 1727, in Bethelsdorf.
The Moravian
Commentary: There is no denying that unity in Christ is one of the deepest values of the Moravian Church. The Ground of the Unity reminds us that the famous experience on August 13, 1727, was one of the formative moments in the development of the modern Moravian Church. We sometimes call this the Moravian Pentecost, but it is important to recognize that this means something different than modern Pentecostalism. The experience of August 13 was indeed emotional and many tears were shed, but it was not about receiving dramatic or supernatural gifts. The worshippers did not start praying incoherently, prophesying, healing diseases, or manifesting similar signs of the Spirit. What they did experience was an almost inexpressible joy that was the result of reconciliation to one another and to Christ. The gifts of the Holy Spirit were unity, love, gentleness, courage, and a sense of divine mission. For Moravians, evangelism and world mission has always been connected to reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity in love. For Moravians, one of the signs of disease in the church is division and fruitless conflict. Our proclamation of the Gospel at home and abroad, in word and deed, should result in an increase of love and unity among the brothers and sisters. We do not believe that it is helpful to sow division or promote narrow interpretations of Christian doctrine that merely serve to divide and breed conflict. We used to pray that God would save us from “untimely projects,” which meant in part that some decisions and actions need to be put off until there is greater consensus. Unity, for Moravians, is not achieved through enforcing certain canons of doctrine, but is a visible sign of our devotion to Jesus Christ and sincere effort to live as brothers and sisters. Unity in the church is like the marriage bond. Our confidence in our unity gives us the freedom to discuss our differences and work toward better understanding. Sept/Oct 2016
Discussion: • What does “unity” mean to you? • Do you feel that there is unity in your congregation? In the Moravian Church? • How would you propose that the Church could make unity a reality? • Are there times when the Church should be willing to face division rather than compromise something essential? What would be such a time?
It is the Lord’s will that Christendom should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love.
Unity with other Christians It is the Lord’s will that Christendom should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. In our own midst we see how such unity has been promised us and laid upon us as a charge. We recognize that through the grace of Christ the different churches have received many gifts. It is our desire that we may learn from each other and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God. We confess our share in the guilt which is (Continued on next page) 25
manifest in the severed and divided state of Christendom. By means of such divisions we ourselves hinder the message and power of the Gospel. We recognize the danger of self-righteousness and judging others without love. Commentary: The Moravian Church has always understood that it is a portion of the Body of Christ, not the entire Body of Christ. Part of our Christian mission and calling is to seek good relations with our brothers and sisters in other communities of faith. During the days of the Reformation and the Wars of Religion, the Unity of the Brethren signed two of the most significant early ecumenical statements: the Confessio Bohemica and the Consensus of Sandomier in the 1500s. Bishop Comenius worked closely with Anglicans, Lutherans, and Reformed leaders and wrote some of the earliest works on ecumenical theology. Zinzendorf is often identified as an “ecumenical pioneer” whose vision of the church included Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and even Coptic churches as part of the mystical body of Christ. The Moravian Church in the 20th century participated actively in the ecumenical effort to restore some of the visible unity of the Church. A Moravian even once served as President of the National Council of the Churches of Christ. One of the reasons that we are ecumenical is because we have suffered at the hands of Christians who did not see us as brothers and sisters in faith. Through the ages we have refused to persecute others because their understanding of the Gospel differs from ours. We also recognize that it is spiritually damaging to us when we stand in judgment on other churches. Such judgments lead to self-righteousness and arrogance. Instead we embrace
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an understanding that Christ works in different ways through different churches. Just as we are enriched when we examine the rich history of Christianity, we can also be enriched by our contact with other believers. Moravians acknowledge that no single church has the complete understanding of God, but we discover from each other what may be missing in our worship and our service. The hardest part of this statement in the Ground of the Unity, though, may be the call to confess where we have contributed to the divisions in Christianity. But confession is the first step to improvement. It can seem difficult to be true to yourself while learning from others, but we are best able to establish a loving and close relationship with someone else when we are sure of who we are. It is important that Moravians enter into ecumenical relationships with a clear sense of our identity and the gifts that God has given to us as well as with a sense of humility and sincere desire to learn from others. Discussion: • What does it feel like to be a member of a small denomination when you deal with people in much bigger churches? • Do you think that the Moravians can benefit from discussions with other Christian churches? • What gifts can the Moravian Church bring to other churches? • In what ways does the Moravian Church or your congregation contribute to divisions and misunderstandings among Christians? How can we change this? • Does seeking greater unity among the scattered followers of Christ mean that the Moravian Church should lose its identify or even cease to exist?
The Moravian
MINISTRIES FOUNDATION
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Moravian entities “Investing Where They Believe”
he Moravian Ministries Foundation helps Moravian individuals, churches and agencies grow and sustain the ministries that are central to our faith. We do this through investments, gift planning and stewardship development. As an agency of the Moravian Church in America, our sole purpose is to help grow funds for Moravian ministries. We do not raise money for our own operations; instead, we help Moravians identify the work and values they most want to support and provide proven, sensible options for achieving their goals. In 1998 we began offering churches and agencies a way to invest together to strengthen their ministries. The Moravian Common Fund is a pooled investment and endowment management vehicle managed by Kaspick & Company, a subsidiary of TIAA-CREF Trust Company, FSB. As of August 31, 2016, the Common Fund stood at just over $150 million invested by almost 100 churches and agencies. For the Sept/Oct 2016
fourth consecutive year, the Common Fund’s growth portfolio performance ranked number one in our peer group study of faith-based and community foundation investment returns. In particular, our growth portfolio ranked number one during the past year, five and ten-year periods ending June 30, 2016. The complete study is available on our website at www. mmfa.info/endowment_management. We would like to thank the churches, agencies and both Provinces who have chosen to Invest Where They Believe and strengthen their ministries, as well as our shared Moravian values, by investing in the Common Fund. We are pleased to present this “Honor Roll” of investors and express our gratitude for their participation and commitment. If you would like to learn more about the Common Fund or our work, please visit our website at www.mmfa.info or call us at 888722-7923. We look forward to serving you. (Continued on next page) 27
Moravian Ministries Foundation “Honor Roll” Moravian Entities Investing with MMFA
Ardmore Moravian Church Bethabara Moravian Church Bethania Moravian Church Board of World Mission Calvary Moravian Church (NC) Calvary Moravian Church (PA) Canaan Moravian Church Canadensis Moravian Church Castleton Hill Moravian Church Castleton Hill Moravian Church Preschool Chaska Moravian Church Christ Moravian Church Christian Action for Renewal & Development Ebenezer Moravian Church Edgeboro Moravian Church Emmaus Moravian Church Enterprise Moravian Church Ephraim Moravian Church First Moravian Church (NJ) First Moravian Church (OH) Freedom Moravian Church Friedland Moravian Church Fries Moravian Church Fry’s Valley Moravian Church Grace Moravian Church (NC) Graceham Moravian Church Graceham Cemetery Association Home Moravian Church Hope Conference & Renewal Center Hope Moravian Church (IN) Hope Moravian Church (NC Immanuel New Eden Moravian Church Interprovincial Board of Communications Kellner Moravian Church Kernersville Moravian Church Preschool King Moravian Church Lake Mills Moravian Church Lancaster Moravian Church Larger Life Foundation Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp, Conference & Retreat Center Lititz Moravian Church
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Little Church on the Lane Moravian Church London Moravian Church Macedonia Moravian Church Main Street Moravian Church Marquardt Foundation, Inc. Mayodan Moravian Church Mission Society Mizpah Moravian Church Moravian Church, Alaska Province Moravian Church, Eastern District Moravian Church, Northern Province Moravian Church, Southern Province Moravian Church, Western District Moravian Church of Lake Auburn Moravian Hall Square, Inc. Moravian Ministries Foundation in America Moravian Music Foundation Moravian Open Door, Inc. Mt. Morris Camp & Conference Center Mountainview Moravian Church Nazareth Moravian Church New Dorp Moravian Church Northern Province Moravian Archives Olivet Moravian Church Peace Moravian Church Raleigh Moravian Church Rural Hall Moravian Church Salem Congregation Schoeneck Moravian Church Sharon Moravian Church Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church Sister Bay Moravian Church Society for Promoting the Gospel Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries Southern Province Moravian Archives Southern Province Provincial Women’s Board Southern Wisconsin Moravians for Mission Sunnyside Ministries Twenty Minute Society Trinity Moravian Church (NC) United Brethrens Church on Staten Island
United Moravian Church Unity Women’s Desk Watertown Moravian Church West Salem Moravian Church West Side Moravian Church (PA) West Side Moravian Church (WI) Widows Society Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church
Funds Benefitting Ministries
Mina M. Adamson Innovation Fund Richard & Janet Amos Charitable Fund Anonymous Scholarship Fund Robert O. & Lois Jane Beroth Mission & Ministry Fund Broadbay Mission & Ministry Fund Kelly & Anne Chadwick Benevolent Fund Kelly A. Chadwick Memorial Fund Stephanie Davis Laurel Ridge Scholarship Fund Maxine G. Garrett Mission & Ministry Fund Gene Harris & Elizabeth Martin Greene Mission & Ministry Fund Greenfield Family Fund Jared Fund for Laurel Ridge Frederick A. & Betty P. Masten Mission & Ministry Fund Ruth Nelson Scholarship Fund Sylvia Scott Scholarship & Special Needs Fund Jerry L. & Ruby Lea K. Simmons Mission & Ministry Fund Bishop W. Herbert Spaugh Ministerial & Children’s Education Fund Joe & Jessie Stone Fund Harry & Nora Voight Scholarship Fund Velma & Howard Weidman Mission & Ministry Fund Wimmer Unity Graveyard Maintenance Fund Yarbrough Family Mission & Ministry Fund
The Moravian
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Children On a Sunday in October, congregations of the Northern and Southern Provinces are invited to join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the national observance of Children’s Sabbath. Endorsement of the Children’s Sabbath was made by the Provincial Elders’ Conferences in January 1994. Prayer Day for World Mission, October 9, 2016 The second Sunday in October has been designated as a special Day of Prayer for World Mission. Pray for the ministries in our Partner Provinces, our mission areas, and for wisdom and guidance for our Worldwide Unity. May God hold us together in celebration of our wonderful diversity, and may God persist in revealing to us where the church in North America and throughout the world is called to mission, both locally and globally, that God’s love may be known by all. For specific information for your prayers about these and other new and continuing ministries, please see the BWM website, www.moravianmission.org. SOUTHERN PROVINCE Mt. Airy, N.C. The Rev. Dr. Neil Routh has accepted a call to become pastor of Grace Moravian Church, Mt. Airy, N.C., and was installed during morning worship on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Neil most recently served as pastor of King Moravian Church, in, King, N.C. Winston-Salem, N.C. The Rev. Joe Moore has accepted a call to become associate pastor of New Philadelphia Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. and was installed during morning worship on SunSept/Oct 2016
day, October 9, 2016. Joe served as co-pastor at Fries Memorial, Winston-Salem, N.C. prior to his call to New Philadelphia. Retirements The Rev. Richard Sides, pastor at Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., has requested and been granted permission to retire October 31, 2016 after 41 years of service. Prior to serving as pastor of Home Moravian, Rick served as director of Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp and Conference Center, Laurel Springs, N.C.; pastor of Christ Moravian, Winston-Salem; associate pastor of Home Moravian, Winston-Salem; Executive Director of the Board of Christian Education, and of the Board of Cooperative Ministries. The Rev. John Rainey, pastor of Mizpah Moravian Church, Rural Hall, N.C., has requested and been granted permission to retire January 31, 2017, after 24 years of service. Prior to serving at Mizpah, John was associate pastor of Clemmons Moravian, Clemmons, N.C., pastor of Olivet Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C., associate pastor of New Philadelphia, Winston-Salem, and pastor at Mayodan, Mayodan, N.C., at New Hope, Newton, N.C. and at First Moravian, Greensboro, N.C. David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 16, 2016 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference 29
OBITUARIES Mrs. Charles Eichman Sister Geraldine (Paules) Eichman died at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, September 20, 2016 at age 90. She was born March 12, 1926 at Vera Cruz, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Curtis and Miriam (Miller) Paules. Sister Eichman graduated from Emmaus High School, Emmaus, Pa., in 1944. She was united in marriage to Brother Charles W. Eichman on June 5, 1948 at Old Chapel, Bethlehem, Pa. She served alongside her husband in pastorates in New Jersey (Palmyra), Pennsylvania (Canadensis, Nazareth, Coopersburg) Alaska (Bethel), Indiana (Hope) and New York (Castleton Hill). Sons, David and Kurt; daughters, Beth and Ingrid, seven grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren survive Sister Eichman. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, April 15, 2008. Memorial services were held September 24, 2016 at College Hill Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with burial at Nazareth Moravian Cemetery, Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Memorial gifts were welcomed for College Hill Moravian Church. n 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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The Rev. John David Christman Brother John David Christman, died Sunday, August 14, 2016 at the Brian Center of Eden, in Eden, N.C. He was 71 years old. John was born in Easton, Pa. on June 9, 1945, a son of John Lincoln and Dorothy Sandt Christman. He graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1967 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1970. While a student, he served at the following churches in Pennsylvania: Paxton Methodist Church, St. Marks UCC and Calvary Baptist Church. He accepted a call to be pastor of the Leaksville Moravian Church, Eden, N.C. Brother Christman was ordained June 21, 1970 at Nazareth Moravian Church, Nazareth PA, by the Rt. Rev. Allen Schattschneider, and installed at Leaksville later that month. Along with his wife, Arlean, he faithfully served as pastor there for 32 years, until his retirement in 2002. He was consecrated a presbyter on June 20, 1976 at the Leaksville church, by the Rt. Rev. George Higgins. John was very involved in the community, serving in the Eden YMCA Men’s Club, the Eden Lion’s Club and the Eden and Leaksville Fire Departments, and as the Secretary on the Executive Board of the Eden Boys and Girls Club for many years. He was one of the founding members of the Eden Ministerial Association and the Cooperative Christian Ministry, which is still housed in the Leaksville Moravian Church. He is survived by his wife, three sons and seven grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted August 17, 2016 at Leaksville Moravian Church, with burial at Ridge View Memorial Gardens, Eden, N.C. n
We work together for GOD’S PURPOSES.
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HERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. That’s as true for investments as it is for congregations. The Moravian Ministries Foundation gives Moravian churches and agencies a way to invest together to leverage the power that larger investment funds enjoy. The Moravian Common Fund offers multiple portfolio options with minimal fees. For the fourth consecutive year, the Common Fund’s growth portfolio’s performance ranked number one in a peer group study of faith-based and community foundation investment returns. In particular, our growth portfolio ranked number one during the past year, five and ten-year periods ending June 30, 2016. The Moravian Common Fund combines professional investment management with a commitment to our common faith - and that’s a great way to work together. JOIN US ON
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