Moravian Magazine Issue 4 2020

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In this issue: A hymn-writer’s efforts Hunting for Moravian history Responding to challenging times ...and more!

A CENTURY

OF GRANTING

LARGER

LIFE TO MORAVIAN

MINISTRIES

In 1920, a group of dedicated Moravians established an endowment fund for Northern Province Moravian congregations and agencies.

In its 100 years of service, the Larger Life Foundation has distributed more then $13 million to a broad range of Moravian ministries.

Your gift to the Larger Life Foundation helps many ministries and agencies. Through your generosity, we can have far-reaching impact on the life of the Moravian Church.

To learn more about our century of granting Larger Life to Moravian ministries, visit www.largerlifefoundation.org

Larger Life

Foundation

MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE

Moravian Crystal

© 2020 MCC

Moravian Crystal Company is pleased to present a collection of elegant renderings, highly detailed and produced in 3D laser engraved imaging into optical grade crystal.

These unique gifts, designed in Winston-Salem, N.C., celebrate Moravian history, heritage and traditions.

For more information or to order, visit www.moraviancrystal.com Moravian Crystal Company, Inc. 2150 Country Club Rd, Suite 248 • Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104 • (336) 306-5688

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The Moravian

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16 Create in Me 5 Making a Joyful Noise: a look at one hymn-writers’ efforts Our Lamb has conquered.

Let us follow Him.

In Our Communities

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

30 A new take on mission camp

10 Hope will not be cancelled...distributing food in

Lancaster City

Moravian Archives 12 Documenting and archiving these times

God Creates. God Redeems.

God Sustains.

We Respond in Faith, Love and Hope.

In Our Congregations 14 Hunting for Moravian history

Ministry to Older Adults 16 Moravian Open Door and COVID-19

Moravian Ministries Foundation 18 Count it all joy

Moravian Resources 21 Pandemic has us thinking differently about Christmas Visit our website at https://www.moravian.org.

Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp.org.

22 The Moravian Experience builds connection to faith 24 Services help illustrate how the church is everywhere

and anywhere

...and more 4 Ponderings 26 Reflections on Matthew 21:28-32 31 Official Provincial Elders’ News

Issue 4 2020

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PONDERINGS

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) Issue 4 2020, Vol. 51, No. 4 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

As we continue to live through the challenges brought on by this historic pandemic, it can be difficult to feel optimistic for the future of our country and our church. While I share that lack of optimism some days, one of the great things about my role as editor of The Moravian Magazine is that I’m constantly seeing signs of hope and strength.

In this issue, you’ll meet Moravians that are working to make a difference in their churches and communities during this difficult time. Like the members of Lancaster Moravian Church who are helping to feed their community…the staff at Moravian Open Door, working to ensure their residents are safe and cared for…the mission team at Hope Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, who found a way to bring their mission work closer to home…and the Ohio churches who reimagined Vacation Bible School this summer.

You’ll also see how ministries and agencies within the church continue to connect with Moravians who are physically distant. Like the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries and their collection of spiritual resources called The Moravian Experience…the Moravian Church Without Walls team and their weekly virtual services…and the Moravian Ministries Foundation’s efforts helping us think about responding to difficulty with joy.

You’ll learn more about efforts to record the past and prepare for the future, with articles from our Moravian Archives and their thoughts on collecting the history of today and the team of Moravians from across the church building plans for a very different Christmas.

And in the article starting at your right, you’ll read how one church member is bringing meaningful, inspirational new hymns to our Moravian worship.

Now I know there are many in our congregations, communities and the country as a whole who are really struggling during this extraordinary year.

These are difficult times that require caring, prayer, faith and action to overcome. I don’t want to sugarcoat the challenges we all face. But I’m hopeful that reading this and upcoming issues of the magazine will help you see the faith, love and hope that Moravians are displaying makes a difference in our world.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. I do want to thank those who commented on some of my design choices with the last issue. Feedback is helpful; after four years of handling the design of the magazine, I’m still trying new things – and occasionally missing the mark on a story or two – when creating an inviting, readable publication. Peace,

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Mike Riess, Editor

Published eight times per year: Jan/ Feb, April, May, June/July, August, Sept./ Oct., November and December, 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: 15,000 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Valerie Bean Wagner.

Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2020, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

CREATE IN ME

H

Making a Joyful Noise: a look at one hymn-writer’s efforts

ymn composition is in the very DNA of Moravians. We have always been a people who sing, express our faith musically and enjoy creating our songs. One of the great joys of Moravian hymnody is that creativity and faith often join forces to provide music of assurance for the moment. We have always had a hymn for just about anything, be it in celebration, sorrow or for specific occasions. Moravians are often (justly) accused of “singing our faith” because we always have a hymn or two to illustrate scripture or theology (Just look at the Daily Texts!). Our composers, then, are very important in our worship and daily life. Yet our hymn creators aren’t always whom you would expect!

June Edwards, a member at Trinity Moravian in Winston-Salem, started writing hymns about 12 years ago, when she shared some of her poetry with Pastor Polly Applefield. She insisted that June’s verses were hymns. June had no background in music, other than a love of singing, and no formal training. (In fact, she joined the choir at Trinity Moravian because she wanted to learn to read music!) As a result of this encourage-

Issue 4 2020

ment, the poem became the hymn “The Woman at the Well.”

Soon, another poem became a hymn and was sung in worship. More followed. Those early attempts led her to the back of the Moravian Book of Worship: the Metrical Index of Tunes.

Each chorale/hymn is broken down into syllables. She discovered that if she wrote a song with 4 syllables in 4 lines, she could find a corresponding tune with 4.4.4.4 meter. She would turn to one of those hymns and sing her words to that tune. If they worked, great! If not, there were plenty more from which to choose. She typically uses an existing tune, but she has also written original music.

June’s process is one of faith. She says, “I begin to write usually when something is bothering me, or I have strong feelings. Often it is something that is troubling me enough that I’m praying about it, so I’m having this conversation with God and the resulting hymn is the answer to my praying.”

When she goes to bed, those ideas often begin to percolate. In those moments with nothing distracting her, she begins to work out what the (Continued on next page)

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Our “Create in Me” series offers space for conversation about the ways people are shaping worship through writing songs and liturgies, using poetry and visual arts, and simply creating experiences in worship that encourage deepening faith.

Through articles, hymns and their backstories, and ideas for using worship resources in new ways, we are exploring, celebrating and sharing that diversity and including a variety of perspectives on worship, meaning and what inspires.

This month, the Joyce Carter shares the hymn-writing process of June Edwards of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.

New Hymns

(Continued from previous page)

hymn will be about. She takes notes, often starting with a couplet, or a phrase that rhymes.

Shortly after the COVID-19 shut down, she was pondering all the events on her full calendar that now meant nothing. Images came to mind, and the following hymn was born: “Christian Hands in Love are Washing” (tune: Cassel 167 A) Christian hands in love are washing, we’re adorned with mask and glove.

Social distance is required, to proclaim the Savior’s love.

Learning Skype and Zoom and Morse Code, sharing blogs and twittered memes, help us all to feel connected while we COVID quarantine.

Separated, yet united, by faith in our risen Lord, may we learn God’s grace and bounty isn’t ours to take and hoard.

Whether it be food or favor, medicine or new vaccine, may we share what you provide us to survive COVID-19.

June’s hymns are both light-hearted and serious in nature, depending upon the occasion and her inspiration. She said, “There are so many hymns that are for the ages, like ‘Sing Hallelujah, Praise the Lord’ and ‘Jesus Still Lead On.’ But there is also a need for hymns written for the moment. They remind us that God is present both in eternity and in the trauma and drama of the present.”

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Sometimes the subjects (like Coronavirus) choose her, and other times she says things evolve because God won’t let her let the subject go. Often she is asked to compose hymns for special services. Recently Pastor John Jackman of Trinity asked her for a hymn about three parables. “He actually gave me a week that time,” she laughs. Sometimes she has a significant line running around in her head, and she waits until she feels led to use it.

Twelve years ago, Pastor Polly gave her a book entitled Every Bush is Burning by Brandon Clements. June knew she was going to write a hymn from that line, but it took 12 years for her to connect with what she wanted to say. She writes for specific events, as when she felt led to compose a hymn around the 2008 election and “King of Kings, You Reign Forever” was born. [see right] Her goals in hymn writing are to try and connect the message biblically, as it is presented in scripture. “I want people who are singing the hymn to find themselves in the story and then I want to challenge them.” A good hymn, she says, “challenges us not just with what we would do if we were there, but what we will do now.” She strives to connect faith to present circumstances.

She wants to give a voice to feelings that have a broad reach. She is keenly aware and deliberate in her writing, allowing God to speak through her, humbled in that responsibility.

June’s theology shines through her songs.

They have the recurrent themes of God knowing and calling our name; they emphasize the grace and love of Jesus; they challenge the singer to act kindly with love and generosity. She came to faith later in life and not through traditional means.

“When I first read the Gospels, I took them seriously - to give your coat, to love your neighbor.”

June not only writes about faith, she lives it.

The Moravian

Since her first hymn was sung, June has composed for several Women’s Conferences, Childrens’ Festivals, The Unity Women’s Desk and other special events. Her compositions have been sung in Moravian congregations all over North America, in South Africa, Denmark and in the United Church of Canada. Her creativity extends to many areas, but her ability to compose for the moment; this is one of her great, Spirit-filled gifts.

Her advice to those who want to write hymns is to “do it!” She suggests a good thesaurus and rhyming dictionary, along with the MBW. These are essential tools. But, she says, “Find someone, a pastor, worship leader, choir director, who is willing to let your hymns be heard! If I had not

had Pastor John saying, ‘Yes! We’ll do it,’ I’m not sure if I would have found my voice.”

Her first (and favorite) hymn “The Woman at the Well” applies to her as well. “I identify with her. She wasn’t expecting to find a Savior because she wasn’t one of the ‘chosen people.’ I feel much the same: I was surprised by the Savior when I went to the well.” We pray that she will continue going to visit, and that her cup will always overflow. n

The Woman at the Well (Tune: Eisenach 90 A)

King of Kings, You Reign Forever (tune: Jesus Calls Us)

I was not of the Chosen Tribe, not Pharisee or Priest or Scribe; it was not from your flock I strayed, but from the wild, lost and afraid.

But at the well you knew my name, and I will never be the same.

King of kings, you reign forever, through our quarrels you are sure.

Through the storms that would o’ertake us, you still reign forevermore!

My people came from foreign shore, we did not know your law and lore.

We saw your bounty and your grace; but knew a different name and face.

But at the well you knew my name, and I will never be the same.

The life I’d lived had brought me shame’ the men I chose left me to blame.

I came to drink at highest sun so others would not taunt and shun.

But at the well you knew my name, and I will never be the same.

You spoke to me, and bid me serve a God whose grace I don’t deserve.

You knew my choices at their worst, told me to drink and never thirst.

For at the well you knew my name, and I will never be the same.

Issue 4 2020

Thanks to Joyce Carter from Winston-Salem, N.C., for this article. Hymn lyrics throughout are © June Edwards. See next page for music and lyrics for June’s hymn, “There’s A Light.”

Lord we see each new disaster, leaders fail, our heroes fall.

Yet through fear and through the turmoil, you’re still reigning over all.

You rule worlds that know no borders, you, by laws, can’t be contained.

Even through our worst intentions, you are King and you remain.

Lord watch o’er this year’s election, may we true results obtain.

Heal the strife and the division, over all you still remain.

King of kings, you reign forever.

Work your people to restore.

You have raised us as your children, you are King forevermore!

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There's a Light Words and Music by June Edwards (2020) Arr. Nola Reed Knouse (2020)

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Hymn ©2020 by June Edwards. For a recording of this hymn, visit https://www.moravian.org/2020/07/hymns-for-congregational-use/ Moravian congregations may reproduce and perform this hymn with proper attribution.

The Moravian

© 2020 by June Edwards

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Issue 4 2020

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IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Hope will not be cancelled...

Distributing food in Lancaster City

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n Lancaster City, there is a network of churches and community agencies that make sure there are free options for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.

These meals are a blessing for those who are homeless and/or experiencing food insecurity, and many folks depend on those meals for their food each day.

When COVID hit, some churches were left scrambling to determine how and if they could continue to provide this important service. Sitdown meals were no longer an option, and many churches relied on older or at risk volunteers to prepare and serve. One congregation in particular could not find a way to make their distributions work, and had to shut down their meals on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Folks at Lancaster Moravian, along with some other community partners, immediately agreed to step into the gap and provide graband-go meal bags during this time. Beginning in mid-March, we have distributed, on average, 125 meals each Tuesday and Saturday to

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folks in the community. By the end of July, we reached 5,000 meals served.

Currently, our Tuesday meals are provided by the Commons Company, a small conglomerate of restaurants and cafes that work with the Parish Resource Center in Lancaster. These meals include a turkey or ham and cheese sandwich, applesauce, a bag of chips, a sweet snack and a bottle of water. Additionally, Nissin Foods has donated two pallets of Cup O’ Noodles for us to distribute. We always keep a few nonperishable bags on hand, which include tuna packets instead of sandwiches. Meals are distributed by Lancaster Moravian Church members from tables in front of our building.

Our Saturday meals are provided by donations of items and dollars, and are packed by church volunteers and staff each week. Early on in the distribution, we received a donation of 20 cases of institutional-sized cereal boxes from Kellogg’s; that carried us through several weeks of breakfast bags. We also received a small grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation to cover costs of food and paThe Moravian

Volunteers at Lancaster Moravian distribute food in front of their downtown Lancaster facility.

per products. The local food hub occasionally has items that we can use for our distributions as well, but most come through private donations that are often used to place orders picked up from various locations by Pastor Mandy or other volunteers.

Breakfast bags include a Ziploc bag of cereal, a bowl, spoon and napkin, a piece of fresh fruit or an applesauce cup, a granola bar and a breakfast cookie/biscuit. We also offer do-it-yourself PB&J bags that include two slices of bread, a pack of jelly, a pack of peanut butter, a napkin and a plastic knife. Drinks to go with breakfast include a juice box and milk.

We have had a few donations of hand sanitizer, one from a local distillery and one from a private donor, that we have been able to share with our folks. We have also received several donations of masks, so that we can make sure anyone who wants or needs a mask receives one.

We give out information sheets in both English and Spanish that alert folks to where the community meals are each day, and give the facts about the COVID-19 virus, testing and how to stay as safe as possible. We also have given out coloring sheets and crayons and, within the next couple of weeks, we will offer toiletry bags that include shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.

We have developed meaningful relationships with so many of the people who come and receive food as well as our volunteers. We have also worked with a few of the individuals on outside supports and resources; for example, we helped a person get his unemployment situation taken care of, which will allow him to get off the streets.

We have a core group of four volunteers who are at almost every distribution, and several others who come periodically. This has allowed us to connect more deeply and learn (Continued on page 13) Issue 4 2020

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photo by Moravian Archives Northern Province

MORAVIAN ARCHIVES

Documenting and archiving these times

W

hen you think of the term “historic,” do the events of the past six months come to mind?

Some eras and events stick out in our collective memories, and the world-altering pandemic in which we live is one that we will likely not forget. Ten or 50 or 100 years from now, what will we remember about the challenging year that is/was 2020?

Thanks to social media, online video, digital images, online reflections and more, we have an astonishing chronicle of specific, personal, detailed information about what this time is like.

How we save that information—and make it available for future generations —is a challenge for archivists and historians everywhere.

Our Moravian Archives in the Northern and Southern Provinces are no different. Both Archives are developing ways to collect the extraordinary efforts in our congregations.

In the Southern Province “We continue to pray for our churches in this stressful time,” says Eric Elliott, archivist for 12

the Southern Province. “We are grateful to be partners with our congregations for the longterm telling of their stories.

“We’ve noticed a marked decline in records received from churches right now because with all that’s happening, record-keeping is understandably low. Pastors are also quite aware of the different things being done to keep the church going, and many have told me they are putting aside memories of this time.

“We’re asking pastors and congregations to place photos and special remembrances of their programming during these unique days for future reference and reflection here at the Archives,” continues Eric. “We are glad to work with congregations on streamlining and making easier the submission of the records of the life of their churches.”

Contact the Southern Province Archives by phone (336) 722-1742 or by e-mail moravianarchives@mcsp.org

The Moravian

In the Northern Province The Moravian Archives in Bethlehem has begun to document its own response to the (COVID-19) pandemic via communications, images and other documents.

The are also seeking to collect and preserve documents from the greater Moravian Church community, and encourage congregations and agencies of the Moravian Church in the Northern Province to help them document this unique time in our history.

“As the official repository of the Moravian Church Northern Province, many documents that record reactions and repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, such as communications and minutes of the church, will eventually be materials that are to be archived at the Archives,” says Kaitlin Trainor, processing archivist, Moravian Archives in Bethlehem. “However, we encourage congregations and agencies to actively document how their community is addressing the coronavirus pandemic.”

Ways in which you can record your communities’ experience include: • Written reflections: letters, emails, diary entries, blog posts, etc.

• Visual materials: photographs, posters, sketches or drawings, or other creative projects • Any other materials which will help others in perhaps five, 50, or 150 years from now understand the moment we are currently living through.

The Archives wants to collect materials that document how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the greater Moravian Church community, not national news stories, media reports, or other types of materials that are best documented elsewhere.

To help facilitate the collection of these narratives, the Moravian Archives has created a brief survey that can be completed at any time that is accessible through our website, www.moravianchurcharchives.org.

The Moravian Archives is able to receive donations of physical materials by appointment.

To arrange an appointment, please contact processing archivist, Kaitlin Trainor, at kaitlin@moravianchurcharchives.org. n

Lancaster

helpful, and the monetary donations help us to purchase the other items needed.

We have been blessed immensely by this ministry and feel God’s “yes” and “amen” over and over to our faithfulness in it! I could tell you story after story about where we have seen God’s hope during this time, because, as you will see emblazoned on the shirts of our food distribution volunteers, HOPE WILL NOT BE CANCELLED. n

(Continued from page 11) persons’ names and stories. We are committed to continuing this ministry until COVID restrictions allow for folks to gather indoors for meals, or until the church we are standing in the gap for is ready to return. While people have been exceedingly generous, the longer we serve, the more of an expense the ministry becomes. We often place requests on Facebook for our most needed items: cereal, juice boxes, applesauce cups, bottled water, granola bars, hand sanitizer and the like. These are Issue 4 2020

The Rev. Mandy Mastros is pastor of Lancaster Moravian Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Hunting for Moravian history

W

hen members of the Christian Education Committee (CEC) of Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church met in June, the words Vacation Bible School came on the agenda and you could hear a pin drop in this normally social and upbeat committee. No one wanted to be the first one to suggest the word that has become synonymous with 2020…”cancel.”

The committee knew that doing VBS the way it had always been done was out of the question this year, but they did not find the Holy Spirit leading them in a direction to not do VBS at all. They were stuck.

It was at that moment when committee member Missy Martin mentioned that she had been geocaching with her husband Ron and

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her two daughters, Chloe and Paige. She said it was a lot of fun, and a great way for a family of four to get out of the house and pass the time during the pandemic.

Geocaching is an outdoor activity where participants use GPS tracking systems on their phones to hide and seek little trinkets and prizes in containers for other participants to find. You never know what you might find and where you might go.

She mentioned that Tuscarawas County has many historical Moravian sites, some of which even life-time residents of the county have not visited. She then said, “What if we assembled a scavenger hunt of historical landmarks and churches in the county?”

The energy of the committee was re-ignited, and they went to work on this new idea. For the first time in months, there was no longer an event to cancel, but an event to plan! Missy worked hard on assembling clues about the churches and landmarks. She contacted local pastors and long-time church members for assistance in her fact-finding clues and interesting factoids. Aimee Pasquinelli designed little lambs for the kids to carry and get pictures with when they found their scavenger clue.

The scavenger hunt took participants to six local Moravian churches (Dover, Fry’s Valley, Gnadenhutten, Sharon, Schoenbrunn, Uhrichsville) and four historical sites (The Gnadenhutten Massacre Memorial, Schoenbrunn Village, Zeisberger Memorial, and Trumpet in the Land).

“Many of us have lived here most of our lives. There have been places we haven’t been to, landmarks we haven’t seen. This just made it fun,” said Carolyn Menapace, Schoenbrunn CEC chair.

The Moravian

Families were given a packet of clues for each site and some interesting facts about the site or church. For example, Connie Kinsey, Fry’s Valley, submitted this interesting fact about her church.

There is a grave in the cemetery here of a former Moravian minister, educator, and preacher’s kid. The man’s father was a martyred missionary in Nicaragua. He, his sister, and his mother escaped the country, running for their lives. The man is Karl Bregenze. His wife was Fry’s Valley’s own Isabelle Everett.

In a normal VBS year, parents would simply drop off their children and pick them up when the program was done. However, the history hunt had parents assisting their kids and learning more about the rich Moravian history of Tuscarawas County.

All the other churches in Tuscarawas County heard about the idea and decided to join in on the fun. Different churches picked different weeks to hunt to encourage social distancing. It was awesome to see kids from all over the county stopping in church parking lots and looking over the grounds for clues.

Paige Martin, 10, from Schoenbrunn, said her favorite part of the scavenger hunt was exploring with her family and learning more about her church.

Issue 4 2020

Shelia Davis, Fry’s Valley, did the scavenger hunt with her grandson, Trenton. She said he learned a lot about Schoenbrunn Village.

She said, “Trenton learned a lot about David Zeisberger, Delaware indians and a primitive way of life. It was hard for him to imagine a schoolhouse and church without electricity, and that they had to make their own candles and clothes. He really liked the cabins.”

For many, the scavenger hunt was proof that fun and creative ministry ideas could happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Schoenbrunn CEC said they could see doing another scavenger hunt in a few years.

Moravians throughout their history have adapted their mission to the needs of the people; the COVID-19 pandemic does not have to be any different. We can continue to find new and uplifting ways to share the Gospel. The source of the joy in our hearts is not circumstantial and is one clue we will not have to search for. Our lamb has conquered: let us follow him. Let us follow him into a new age of ministry. Amen. n The Rev. Ben Lippert is pastor of Schoenbrunn Moravian Church. In photos, VBS students participate in the scavenger hunt at a variety of historical landmarks in Tuscawaras County, Ohio.

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MINISTRY TO OLDER ADULTS

Moravian Open Door and COVID-19

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ews about the impending Coronavirus pandemic reached Moravian Open Door (MOD) around the same time that the rest of the country was being made aware of it. Our first realization was that our clients fell into the “high risk” category that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were talking about.

The second was just how unprepared we were for this pandemic.

Within weeks of learning about this virus and its deadly potential, the MOD Board put together a policy which went into immediate effect, covering safety measures for all visitors, vendors, clients and staff. All clients were apprised of the policy at a community house meeting, and updated information on the virus and its spread was continuously being posted throughout the building. The program went into lockdown, with no visitors being allowed into the building, and only essential workers having access.

The earliest challenge that MOD faced was a lack of face masks, hand sanitizers and disinfectants, because these items were almost nonexistent in the local stores, online or from our

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regular supply vendors. The first donation of 50 disposable masks came from a client who works for the NYC Parks Department. Staff also brought in sanitizers and disinfectants from their homes to tide the building over until we could get a handle on the situation.

Once the word went out regarding the need for supplies, past and current MOD board members started sending whatever they could get their hands on to help us out. Moravian church members from various congregations made cloth masks for distribution to the clients. Castleton Hill Moravian Church brought in freshly made sandwiches twice weekly for our clients.

Church of the Incarnation, a long-time supporter of Moravian Open Door and our clients, dropped off supplies on a regular basis. They also started a card project whereby every week we would receive beautiful and uplifting cards from their members. The NYC Mayor’s office stepped in, as well as other local NYC organizations to assist with our needs.

Neighborhood residents would come over to the building, wave to whoever was on the desk, and leave supplies in front of our doors.

Many times, when we were down to the The Moravian

very last of our supplies, we would get a call from someone informing us they’d ordered supplies that would be arriving in a few days’ time.

As the pandemic progressed, MOD never went a single day without. Special mention must be made about the numerous calls and emails that we received from Moravians, individuals, board members and supporters who were very concerned and checked in on an ongoing basis to inform us that they were thinking about and praying for us.

In spite of all the precautions and our best efforts, MOD did not come away unscathed.

On April 7th, Arthur Berk, MOD’s most senior legacy client, was the first to succumb to the virus. Later in that same month, we mourned the loss of two other clients. There were others, including staff, who were afflicted but were able,

by God’s grace, to overcome the virus. Mike Ralling, MOD’s Facility Manager, has remained on site throughout the entire ordeal and worked through his own bout with the coronavirus.

Having lived through and experienced the ravages brought on by this pandemic, we cannot discount God’s bountiful care and blessings

as evidenced by: the many calls, prayers and expressions of love and concern; the strengthening of the MOD family; the tears that were shed; and the spirit of love that was ever present.

In part, it is because of each of you that we have been able to get through what could have been an absolute disaster. While the virus has made its impact on Moravian Open Door and on the thousands of persons in and around this world, we continue to move forward in this ministry of equipping and helping our homeless clients go on to live wholesome, worthwhile lives in the greater community.

It is being said that life as we once knew it will change for all of us. Although this may be so, the essential services that MOD provides for our clients will not change. Our need for continued prayers for our board, staff and clients will not change. Our need for ongoing volunteer services, financial donations and inkind gifts from those who support what we do at MOD will not change. n Susan Attsz-Mendoza is executive director of Moravian Open Door in New York City.

Distributing masks and other supplies at Moravian Open Door in NYC.

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MORAVIAN MINISTRIES FOUNDATION

joy

COUNT IT ALL

“C

ount it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And let that steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” -- James 1:2-4 As the clock turned midnight and the new year began, many of us had no idea what 2020 had in store. From a pandemic to unrest to continued division, cancellations and upheaval, this year has been unlike any in our lifetimes. These are heavy days for sure.

The book of James has advice for us when we are going through trying times: “Count it all joy.” But what exactly does that mean and what does it possibly have to do with stewardship?

James tells us that even in the face of difficulty, we can respond with joy as we rest in

This doesn’t mean we won’t feel overwhelmed, sad, helpless or even lost.

But, in spite of these feelings,

we can find joy.

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the knowledge that God is producing something good. This doesn’t mean we won’t feel overwhelmed, sad, helpless or even lost. But, in spite of these feelings, we can find joy. Our steadfast faith makes us complete, even though COVID-19 has upended our familiar lives. God is with us always and we can trust God will provide what we need for whatever comes our way as individuals, families and communities of faith.

Count it all joy. When we view life through a lens of gratitude, even if it’s just identifying one thing from the day for which we are thankful, we become more like the stewards God created us to be. Again, this doesn’t mean we won’t feel grief in the face of all that’s happening; rather, it means: • Focusing on how God is at work in both the good and the bad • Recognizing the abundant ways God is blessing us through it all • Responding with joy and generosity of our own (Pause for a moment and say a quick “thank you” to God for something you’re thankful for today.)

The Moravian

Learning & growing, together Your Moravian Ministries Foundation (MMFA) helps individuals experience the joy of stewardship in a variety of ways. One of the main ways we’ve been doing this in 2020 is through online workshops for small groups, such as Sunday School classes, men’s or women’s groups, or even boards. Workshop topics include: • Identifying your spiritual gifts: What does the Bible say about spiritual gifts, which ones do you have, and how can you use them for God’s work in the world?

• Writing your giving autobiography: Who taught you what it means to be generous?

What are some stewardship practices you remember from your childhood? What gifts that you’ve made or received have meant the most to you and why? Through questions like these, the giving autobiography is a meaningful way to reflect on how you learned about generosity and how you’ve experienced the joy of stewardship.

• Exploring how your values impact your spending: I can say I value my health, but if my bank account reveals charges at McDonalds and Krispy Kreme, and my car is full of candy bar wrappers and empty milkshake cups, then what I do with my money doesn’t line up with what matters to me.

The values-based spending workshop is a great way to identify steps to ensure your treasure goes towards what’s important to you.

Acting on faith MMFA also helps you experience the joy of stewardship by working with you to discover and clarify your goals and create a plan to achieve them. Your gift could be something as simple as a bequest, or it could be one made during your lifetime, such as a Donor Advised Issue 4 2020

Who taught you what it means to be

generous?

What gifts that you’ve made or received

meant the most to you and why?

Fund or Perpetual Fund. It is a real blessing to know your financial stewardship can continue to bless others, even beyond your lifetime.

Some plans can provide income for you or others, or a tax benefit.

Would you like to make a gift in your will to preserve what matters to you, your family, your church and your Moravian community?

MMFA would be happy to help make your goals a reality.

Have you set up your financial pledge as a recurring gift? Once you decide on the amount of your commitment, it is easy to put your plan into action as a recurring, scheduled monthly gift on the Moravian Giving Portal. Or, you can use your bank’s online services to schedule recurring gifts, just like you pay bills. Scheduling a recurring gift can provide the joy of knowing you are always giving from the first fruits of God’s blessings.

Experiencing joy & gratitude Count it all joy. What else can you do now, in the midst of the trials, to be steadfast in your faith and experience the joy of being God’ steward? Here are four steps: • Look upward. The Bible gives us many joyful role models to follow, from Sarah to Ruth to Paul and Barnabas. The Bible is full of examples of people who endured unimaginable hardships but found joy none(Continued on next page) 19

Count it all joy (Continued from previous page) theless. Spend some time reading their stories. Then, remember our joy is complete when it is shared and experienced in community, not when it is kept to ourselves.

How can joy flow through you to others?

• Look inward. Make a list of the ways you’ve given of your time, talent and treasure over the last several months. Which gifts meant the most to you? If you’ve been struggling to reimagine your stewardship as in-person opportunities remain limited, spend some time in prayer. How is God calling you to serve and to give back?

• Look outward. Contact MMFA to lead an online workshop with a group in your congregation. Consider who shares your “stewardship joys” and how you might be

able to work with that person to do new things. Look at the needs in your church, your neighborhood and your community.

Where can your gifts make a difference and bring you joy?

• Set goals. Set three stewardship goals to accomplish or specific actions we’ve mentioned to take before the end of 2020. We encourage one of those to be taking a look at your budget and then taking the faithful step of making a financial commitment to your community of faith for 2021.

Count it all joy. Perhaps easier read than done, but as people of faith, we will try, knowing God is with us every step of the way. n Laura Watson is director of stewardship services for the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. www.mmfa.info

Count it all joy!

Responding to God’s love through stewardship is a life-long, joyful journey.

Trials of every kind only make us stronger. Your Moravian Ministries Foundation in America can help you make the most of your gifts. Ask about our Stewardship Services for congregations, online workshops, and gift planning services for individuals and groups.

Call Laura Watson, Director of Stewardship Services 336-725-2589 lwatson@mmfa.info www.mmfa.info 119 Brookstown Avenue, Suite 305 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-725-2589 2020September.indd 1

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The Moravian

Pandemic has us thinking differently about Christmas

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or many Moravians, celebrating Christmas means a packed church, beautiful music, joyous singing, beeswax candles, sharing a Lovefeast and more – all things that are difficult, if not impossible, in this very challenging year.

This year offers an opportunity to re-think and re-imagine many of our long-standing Christmas traditions. On one hand, we share a strong desire to continue the Christmas traditions we know and love. On the other, we can create new approaches to celebrating these holidays rising from our pandemic-caused limitations. Developing ways to meet both needs will help make this year special.

In August, a group began imagining what a Moravian Christmas might look like in this age of physical distancing, virtual worship and limited singing options. Their goal? To ensure that Christmas 2020 is a spiritual, memorable, surprising and Moravian experience.

This group is already hard at work developing a variety of Advent and Christmas resources and experiences. Some of the main focus areas include: • Music, liturgies, images, video and other resources for congregations in developing their worship and fellowship opportunities • Family at-home resources for spiritual formation, development and fun • Streaming video and online events for celebration and reflection • “Offline” resources to reach out to those who cannot join online services • Resources for possible outdoor events • Materials for “Blue Christmas” worship to care for those struggling during the Christmas season Issue 4 2020

These resources will be shared interprovincially beginning in November; virtual events and other resources will be available throughout Advent and Christmas.

The current group includes contributors from the Moravian Music Foundation, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Cooperative Ministries, Moravian Theological Seminary and Moravian Church Without Walls, along with pastors, Christian educators, musicians, writers, technical support and others from across the North American church.

We also recognize that there are many interesting and creative ideas being developed in our churches. As the Advent and Christmas seasons draw closer, we invite you to share your ideas, best practices and resources to help others to create a memorable – and holy -- Advent and Christmas season.

To learn more about what will be available and how you can join in the conversation, visit www.moravian.org. n 21

MORAVIAN RESOURCES

The Moravian Experience builds connections to faith

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic began last winter and spring, it threatened to disconnect us from each other.

For many a Moravian, that disconnection manifested itself in no longer being able to be in church, missing fellowship and worship time together, singing and praying as a group… many of the things that make being a part of the Moravian Christian faith special to us.

But we are fortunate that the distance didn’t disconnect us. Thanks to virtual worship, new ways of gathering and different ways of following our faith, in some ways, Moravians are more connected today than ever before.

One exciting new way those connections have been strengthened is the development of “The Moravian Experience,” an online collection of resources and materials to help Moravians continue their spiritual formation.

Developed and coordinated by the Southern Province’s Board of Cooperative Ministries (BCM), the Moravian Experience can provide something for everyone seeking to strengthen their Moravian faith.

The online collection, which can be found 22

at www.themoravianexperience.org, brings together resources from many different areas of the Moravian church. Organized into areas such as spiritual growth, community, mission, Moravian doctrine, Moravian history and spiritual disciplines, The Moravian Experience shares publications, videos, doctrinal statements, historical studies, individual and group activities and much more—all to assist Moravians in staying connected to their faith.

The resources within can be used both by individuals on their own journey or in community as a small group experience.”

“As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, BCM went to work providing technical support and resources for our Moravian faith communities,” wrote Ruth Cole Burcaw, BCM executive director.

“We soon realized that additional useful Moravian content would be very helpful to faith leaders as they considered online ministry options.

“We appreciate the tireless work of Michael Terry, BCM convener and member of Rural Hall Moravian Church. Michael carefully reviewed and adapted some of the most appropriate elements of Gemeinschaft, an inThe Moravian

tensive small group spiritual growth initiative of the Southern Province that began in the 1970s. Heather Stevenson transcribed many of these resources, as there were no digital copies available. We then began to search our sizeable library of Moravian resources to see what could be adapted for online use. We are grateful to the Rev. Tim Byerly who spent time adapting Living Faith, a small group experience developed in 2016 and based on the prayer bands of the early Moravians.”

BCM also worked with the Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Theological Seminary, Board of World Mission, Moravian Music Foundation and others to pull together materials for The Moravian Experience.

They pulled from an extensive collection of recorded sessions from their Comenius Learning Series and Leadership Focus seminars, along with webinars and Zoom calls recorded since the pandemic began. BCM staffers Beth Hayes, Hanna Cheek Jackson and Austin Craver worked throughout the spring and early summer to bring these resources into one place.

“Our lives have been transformed during this global pandemic,” writes Ruth in the introduction to The Moravian Experience. “There is no road map for our journey as we adapt and discern new ways forward together in these uncertain times. But we do have some tools at our disposal which are steeped in our Moravian heritage.

Our early Moravian brothers and sisters found opportunity Issue 4 2020

in challenge. These bold followers of Jesus blazed forward as they grew in relationship with Christ, expressed spirituality in community, and sacrificed nearly everything for their mission.”

“Likewise, our current challenge provides modern-day Moravians opportunities to share faith, love and hope with the world in new and different ways,” continued Ruth. “Amid an overwhelming amount of online content, this collection of resources assembled for The Moravian Experience provides inspiration and challenge for our journey as Moravian Christians. We hope these resources will guide you on your inward journey to deepen your relationship with Christ, as well as your outward journey to live with each other like Christ – being relational and loving as we reach out to the world.”

To access the BCM’s The Moravian Experience collection or learn more, visit www.themoravianexperience.org. Although developed by and for Moravians in Southern Province congregations, it is available to everyone in the Northern Province, too. When you visit the site, be sure to watch the video hosted

by Michael Terry explaining what the collection offers and how to use it.

“We hope The Moravian Experience is just the beginning of your meaningful journey into what it means to be a Moravian Christian today,” says Ruth, “and that your work reaps significant rewards for you, your siblings in Christ, the larger Church and the world.” n 23

MORAVIAN RESOURCES

Services help illustrate how the church is everywhere and anywhere

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rom March through September, Moravian Church Without Walls (MCWW) lived up to its name, providing virtual worship experiences for Moravians across the U.S. and Canada.

Through their efforts, Moravians were able to worship—virtually—with churches and leaders from New York to Alberta, Florida to North Dakota, even other parts of the globe.

What started with a response to the sudden pandemic-caused closing of many Moravian churches became a 28-week journey. Each Sunday, MCWW hosts Justin Rabbach, executive director of the Board of World Mission and the Rev. Dan Miller, pastor of Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offered a service from a different ministry, congregation or group.

“We began thinking we should plan a worship service just in case,” says Dan. “We didn’t expect to go on the six-month online journey that we did until we saw just how many people were worshiping with us on a weekly basis. Thankfully our existing connections and prior knowledge gave us a really good place to start.”

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“MCWW was formed out of the hope to bring people together even though they were not able to be together physically,” says Justin. “When we started, it was more about reaching people from different geographic areas who wanted to grow in their faith together. When we saw in midMarch that many congregations were going to close rather suddenly, we began conversations with provincial leadership to offer up our virtual space, which was already in place.

“The first Sunday was a true team effort, with MCWW, the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC), a Provincial Elders’ Conference president and a bishop working to put together a relevant worship and get it online.

We had our hiccups getting up and running, but that’s okay, because MCWW has always been about being a creative, collaborative community that experiments and grows and learns together.”

Each Sunday, hosts Justin and Dan were joined by Mike Riess of the IBOC in presenting the online services. They helped produce services offered by the Southern Province PEC, the Board

The Moravian

of World Mission, a group of Moravian bishops, the Moravian Music Foundation, teams of pastors from Canada and Pennsylvania, and many more.

Over the course of their 28 services, more than 55 congregations and agencies were represented. Early services were presented live; as more Moravian congregations began producing their own online worship, MCWW’s services featured worship produced by individual congregations. For their final service of the summer, presented September 6, the MCWW team presented the service themselves, featuring some of the new music and liturgies that had been created during the earlier services.

And in addition to the Sunday services, MCWW teamed up with the IBOC, the Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries and readers from both provinces to produce online Readings for Holy Week services.

These services provided a dramatic reading of the Passion Week story, including music, reaching hundreds of Moravians each night.

Average online attendance for the MCWW live services (including both Zoom and Facebook live) was 211; later viewings of the recordings of those services averaged 1,300. The largest live audience for an MCWW service included more than 400 viewers on March 29.

“It was incredible knowing that we were facilitating configurations of worship gatherings that probably wouldn’t otherwise have hap-

Moravian Church Without Walls Sunday services featured Issue 4 2020 worship leaders from many parts of the church.

pened,” says Dan. “We had worshipers from over a dozen states and worship leaders from all sorts of Moravian congregations and entities—sometimes entire boards would lead a service. When else do we get to see Moravians from that many locations worship together? In that sense, it felt like a synod each week.”

“It was a few weeks in before I think I realized how amazing it was to be even a small part of this ministry,” says Justin. “Each week we had so much support from worship leaders across the Northern and Southern Provinces offering their gifts to put together worshipful content to meet the extraordinary circumstances we were facing. Then, I would scroll through the lists of participants during the service, and see names from around the Moravian Unity; one service had eight Provinces represented. While we were doing ‘Sunday morning’ worship, it was Sunday afternoon, or evening worship for some of our Eastern Hemisphere participants!”

In September, MCWW ceased their weekly services to focus efforts on preparing for Advent and Christmas. “We invite those who followed the MCWW services each week to virtually visit other congregations over the next several months,” says Mike. “This is a rare opportunity to observe the many styles and traditions of Moravian worship throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

MCWW services are archived on moravian. org and the group’s Facebook page. n

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MORAVIAN WRITINGS

“Son, go and work in the vineyard today...”

Reflections on Matthew 21:28-32 Yes or No

Cheryl Cottingham, pastor, Immanuel-New Eden Moravian Church Winston-Salem, North Carolina • September 27, 2020

When asked to do something by someone you have a relationship with, if you are able to do it, it is natural to respond yes. So when my friend Hermann asked me to write a bulletin back for the upcoming year, I naturally said yes. But now, during all the pandemic chaos, as the bulletin deadline looms, I find myself fallen behind. Perhaps I just won’t do it. Perhaps he can figure something else out. Perhaps he can write it himself.

Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins.

This month, we share insights written on Matthew 21:28. Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions to the Moravian bulletin series.

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If, after I have said yes to Hermann, I do not do what I’ve said I would do, I disrespect Hermann, demonstrate insincerity in my word, and ultimately live into a lower standard of being.

In our text today two sons are asked, “Will you . . . ?” One says no, but does. The other says yes, but doesn’t. The one who says no but does, respects his father, demonstrates sincerity in his efforts, and ultimately lives into a higher standard of being, thus producing an effective witness.

Living into the highest standard of being is what Jesus calls his disciples to do every day.

Don’t say you will, but then you don’t. Neither say you will, but then do it in less than the highest standard you can accomplish. As Jesus’ disciple, any regard to witnessing at a lower standard than is possible is not an option.

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus fully reveals God’s truth of grace and redemption. His disciples are instructed that living at the lowest standard of witness and declaration The Moravian

of the truth, that is, witnessing to that truth in a less than complete manner, is not an option.

There is no righteousness simply responding, “Yes.” The righteous deed is doing what is right, and doing it comprehensively, even when it is uncomfortable.

Living the faith

Valerie Lehman, pastor, Berea Moravian Church, St. Charles, Minnesota • September 28, 2008

“Go work in the vineyard.” One son says, “Sure!” The other says, “Not today.” The one never gets there. The other changes his mind and goes. “Which one does the father’s will?”

Not a tough question to answer. But as in all parables, it’s not an easy answer to hear. It

The Parable of the Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

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Issue 4 2020

is the age-old controversy of words and works, of saying or doing.

When it comes to working in the vineyard, we can get pretty lax, especially when it involves sharing the gospel. We have heard it over and over so often that we are afraid of the E word, “evangelism.” But working in the vineyard, and living the faith, is not something that’s supposed to be separate from the rest of our lives. It is to be the very foundation of who we are as Christians. Living the faith, living as if the faith is true and real in my own life, is as powerful as any words.

The son who said he would work and didn’t isn’t any less a son, of course. Neither is the son who changed his mind and worked any more of a son. Rather, it is whether they or we do what we say we are going to do.

We are all challenged at our baptism to “live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave his life for you” (Liturgy for Baptism, Moravian Book of Worship, page 168). As we grow and live, we turn those words into the action as we work in the vineyard of our daily lives.

“Bring the body, the mind will follow,” is a statement heard around 12-step meetings. Let’s adapt that a little: Live the faith, and you will develop even more faith. Put the words of faith into action, and you will find more words–and deeper faith–than you ever thought possible.

Doing a 180-degree turn

Thomas J. Haupert, pastor, Winston-Salem, N.C. • September 25, 2011

In today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus tells of a father who asks each of two sons to do something.

When the first son hears what his father asks, he refuses outright, but later he repents, and does what was asked. The other son politely (Continued on next page) 27

In the vineyard (Continued from previous page) agrees to do what is asked, but subsequently doesn’t do it.

Jesus then applies this story by saying that the tax collectors and prostitutes of his day, the most disreputable people around him, have believed John the Baptist, implying that they have also repented of their ways. And then ,Jesus tells the chief priests and elders of the people, who are standing around him, “Even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe [John the Baptist].”

Jesus began his own earthly ministry by proclaiming, “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:1415). Repenting is making an about-face, turning 180 degrees. The first son in Jesus’ story made his 180-degree turn, first refusing to do what was asked, and then going to do it. The tax collectors and prostitutes Jesus referred to made this 180-degree turn in repenting of the wrongs in their way of life, and they believed.

Is repenting and responding in belief something that needs to happen only when we

become a Christian? How can we rightly seek the kingdom of God first, in our life, daily, unless we repent of our wrongs, and reaffirm our faith, daily?

Lord, give us the grace to seek your kingdom as our first priority. You assure us that when we do this, what we truly need, which is not much, will come to us. We give thanks that you are there for us to ask this. Amen.

Which of the Two

Author Unknown • October 10, 1993

Jesus’ story of the two sons and their response to their father recalls the story we all know, the parable of the prodigal son. Both are told in the context of controversy with leaders of the society in which Jesus lived, whom Matthew calls “the chief priests and elders of the people” (Matthew 21:23).

This story reminds us of the need to change: “[The first son] changed his mind and went” (v. 29). Jesus said to the chief priests and elders, “John came to you…you did not change your minds and believe him” (v. 32).

The chief priests and elders resist Jesus, not

“For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”

— Matthew 21:32

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The Moravian

because they are Jews, as some Christians might have us believe, but because they are secure in their positions as leaders. The more secure we are in our positions, the less likely we are to be open to the change Jesus asks of us. This story invites us to faith that is less about changelessness than about growth.

One brother says yes and then does not go.

Perhaps he says yes just to please his father, or because this is what people want him to say. Do we profess our faith too soon? Do we expect people to say yes before they know what Jesus asks? Do we ask people to say yes to joining a church, when Jesus invites us to a whole new way of life? Do some of us drop out of church because we find that Jesus is expecting more than we have bargained for? Or perhaps because we take Jesus seriously but find that few other people in the church do?

This story challenges us to promise less and do more…to be more thoughtful and serious about what we do promise…to think about what we expect of confirmands, or how we pressure people to join the church.

Jesus welcomed tax collectors and prostitutes because they were ready to follow him.

He will welcome us.

More Than Foresight Author unknown • September 28, 1975

Foresight is universally hailed as a virtue and rightly so. Planning ahead, on both the personal and the group level, is essential to what we call civilization. Foresight and the will to act upon it have built great lives, great fortunes, great institutions, great nations. How often we hear the lament: “If only I had planned ahead more wisely, my life would have been quite different.”

Issue 4 2020

Yet there is something to be said on the other side of the matter. The world also owes much to courageous souls who acted without benefit of foresight and plan. The Christian Church came into being because there were dedicated souls who followed the Spirit’s leading on a day to day basis. God surely has a long-range plan for the Church, but often, as Christians we must act without knowing how a particular situation fits into that plan.

As with so many of our God-given endowments, we misuse our capacity to plan ahead.

Afraid of poverty, we pay undue attention to our own security. Eager for status, we look ahead and follow a course which we think will win the acclaim of others. Ambitious, we advance our own interests in thoughtless disregard of the needs and feelings of others. Far-sighted in secular things, we remain near-sighted in spiritual things.

What has all of our self-centered planning accomplished? It may have brought some of us to the plight of the rich farmer in the biblical parable who prided himself on his security.

God said to him, “Fool, this night your soul is required of you.” Collectively, it has brought wide-spread tragedy. Everywhere today there hangs over us anxious uncertainty.

To the Christian, this is a day of opportunity. It is a time as never before when the door is open to unselfish planning in the sharing of world resources. The period of mass unemployment calls for effective demonstration of brotherhood. The call for long-range planning is urgent. Just as urgent is the perennial need for unselfish, short-term responses to the Spirit’s leading.

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

A new take on mission camp

W

hen it was evident that Laurel Ridge Mission Camp would not resume this summer, Hope Moravian Mission team came up with a plan. Why not do a socially distanced, safe, local alternative this year? As an idea, it needed to grow and develop… and it did!

During the first week of August, we were able to work with a local ministry in WinstonSalem called City Lights. This ministry focuses on bringing food, clothing, school supplies, VBS alternatives and the Good News to people where they are. Instead of children and youth coming to them, they bring the resources to them. In addition, they provide beds, complete with mattresses and bed clothes, to children who need a safe harbor in their homes.

Hope’s Mission Team tackled several tasks during a two day blitz. Local team leader, Bradd Craver, along with Bishop Sam Gray and Pastor David, provided the theme of “Reconciliation and Being One in Christ, Our Peace and Our Unity.” We cleaned, arranged shelving, moved supplies, organized the kitchen area, mowed and provided much needed energy to this vital ministry. We also assisted staff in the delivery 30

The Hope Moravian Mission Team working at City Lights in Winston-Salem, N.C.

of food and furniture in Winston-Salem, where needs often outweigh resources.

We spent one morning purchasing over 300 pounds of food for Sunnyside Ministry in Winston-Salem. Over the spring and summer, we have donated close to 4,000 pounds of food items along with fresh produce and household items.

Even though we were unable to travel to our Mission Camp at Laurel Ridge, we brought a little of that mountain spirit to Winston-Salem.

This is our eleventh year of sharing the love of Christ through our love in action, as those who see service as more than a catch phrase.

Even though these are extraordinary times we find hope in bridging the gap between people by our acts of charity, a listening ear and through the simple truth of living one’s faith.

Thanks to the support of our church, our families and our community, Hope Moravian Mission Team looks forward to our ongoing mission either at Laurel Ridge or at home here in the Piedmont of North Carolina. n The Rev. David Merritt is interim pastor of Hope Moravian Church in Winston-Salem.

The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Ordination Sister Linda Wisser, a May 2020 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on September 12, 2020. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon officiated at the service, held at Emmaus Moravian Church, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. For the health and safety of the community during these COVID19 times, the service was a private, outdoor service by invitation only in order to limit the size of the gathering.

Cinnaminson, New Jersey Brother Darrell Johnson, who has been serving as pastor for Palmer Township Moravian Church, Easton, Pennsylvania, has accepted

the call to serve as part-time pastor for Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

Brother Johnson will be installed into this new work October 18, 2020.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Sister Linda Wisser, who has been serving as appointed part-time pastor at East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has accepted the call to serve as the full-time pastor. Sister Wisser was installed September 27, 2020.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

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Issue 4 2020

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Issue 4 2020

The Moravian

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