Moravian Magazine, Issue 1 2023

I S S U E 1 • 2 0 2 3

In this issue: Moravian connections A pastor for Albania World Heritage and more

6

119 Brookstown Ave., Suite 305, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 725-2589

mmfa.com

2023Ad2.indd 1

8th Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History & Music

Sing to the Lord

12/14/22 4:48 PM

A New Song!

August 17–19, 2023 HYBRID FORMAT

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY, BETHLEHEM, PA

Moravians and the World Moravian Heritage Moravian Sites The conference is sponsored by Moravian Archives, Moravian University, and Center for Moravian Studies, in partnership with Moravian Music Foundation, Moravian Theological Seminary, and Moravian Historical Society with additional funding generously provided

by Bethlehem Area Moravians and Penn State University Press.

MORAVIANCONFERENCES.ORG

610.866.3255

2

Celebrate the musical gifts of today’s Moravian Church in North America with Sing to the Lord a New Song, A New Moravian Songbook.

Eighty songs and hymns by 51 writers and composers offer a glimpse at the creativity that is alive and well in Moravian Music!

visit store.moravian.org The Moravian

6

19 Moravian History 6 Our Lamb has conquered.

Let us follow Him. In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

Moravian Church settlement sites nominated to UNESCO World Heritage List

In Our Congregations 9

Service highlights talents of Fry’s Valley Moravian women

22 Friedberg to celebrate its 250th anniversary

Moravian Writings 10 Hearing the Gospel

Moravians Around the World God Creates. God Redeems.

God Sustains.

12 German Finance Ministry honors Moravian star with commemorative coin

We Respond in Faith, Love and Hope.

Moravians in Mission

19 Moravian Seminary helps prepare Albanian Church’s first pastor 14 Looking back, looking ahead with the Board of World Mission

Moravian Theological Seminary 17 Lighting the Way for a new kind of pastor

In Our Communities 23 Moravian Open Door celebrates 35 years of service to older adults in NYC 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.

Issue 1 • 2023

Ecumenical Partners 25 A New Mexico church connection uncovers a Moravian heritage 27 Christians gathered for reconciliation and unity at WCC Assembly

In Every Issue 4

Ponderings

18, 29 Official Provincial Elders’ News 3

PONDERINGS

(ISSN 1041-0961) Issue 1 2022, Vol. 54, No. 1 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 41 Northern Stacks Drive, Suite 200 Fridley, MN 55421 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published 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. Non Profit postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 16,000

A Watchword to guide our year

T

he New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service — a tradition in many Moravian churches — is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Often times, an important part of that service is the drawing of a Bible verse from the upcoming year’s Daily Texts to serve as “watchword” for the next 12 months.

The Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) assembles a selection of verses from each year’s Daily Texts so congregations can create cards to draw watchwords for their churches and for individual members. I still keep cards from past services — I recently came across one from several years ago in my guitar case that speaks to me to this day.

This year, I decided to go beyond the personal watchword. Since we assemble the verses each year, wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a watchword drawn for the IBOC? So in January, I asked my pastor to draw one for our ministry.

Our watchword for 2023 is from the Daily Texts for Wednesday, Sept. 27: “In God’s hands are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.” I’ve spent some time thinking about how this verse, from Psalm 95, offers inspiration for the work of the IBOC in the coming year.

Our work seeks to share the story of the Moravian Church in America, and helps others to do the same. The watchword for the 4

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 Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Christy Clore, 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: 610.867.0593 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2023, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

year highlights the lengths we can go — the world in God’s hands — to spread the word of our church.

That verse also inspires us to take a broader view of the Moravian Unity. While our focus is mainly on the Northern and Southern Provinces here in North America, it’s important for us to keep in mind that our provinces represent just a small part of the Worldwide Unity.

And looking at more of the Psalm around the fourth verse, it refocuses what we’re in this for in the first place: to praise God: “O come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all Gods.

In his hands are the depths of the earth;

Northern Province 2023 Watchword: God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3.)

Southern Province 2023 Watchword: “Lord, in your great mercies, you did not make an end of your people or forsake them.” (Nehemiah 9:31) the heights of the mountains are his also.”

(Psalm 94:1-4) The idea of a watchword to accompany one through their day (or in this case, year) came from the renewal of the Moravian Church in Herrnhut, Germany, in the 1720s.

Settlers in the Herrnhut community on Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf ’s estate came together for morning and evening devotions each day. On May 3, 1728, during the evening service, the count gave the congregation a “watchword” for the Issue 1 • 2023

next day to accompany them through the whole day. Thereafter, a member of the congregation went to each of the 32 houses in Herrnhut to bring them the watchword for the day. This tradition grew to the Moravian Daily Texts we know today.

It’s not just on the an individual or congregational level that watchwords are drawn. Each year, the Provincial Board of the European Continental Province chooses watchwords for each Province, Mission Area and Unity Undertaking.

The Northern Province 2023 watchword is from August 20: God said, “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3). The Southern Province 2023 watchword is from April 13: “Lord, in your great mercies, you did not make an end of your people or forsake them.” (Nehemiah 9:31).

How do these verses speak to you as a member of either province? Do they offer inspiration and a focus for your faith? The annual watchwords can offer guidance for the year, but remember: the Daily Texts offers a “daily message from God that is new every morning.” As for us, I’ll be working our watchword into our work throughout the year.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Moravian Magazine. You may notice some minor changes in the look of the issue (we are exploring new typefaces and other design updates), and we have additional changes coming in 2023 that we hope you’ll find make this publication more relevant, useful and informative.

Peace, Mike Riess Editor 5

MORAVIAN HISTORY

Moravian Church settlement sites nominated to UNESCO World Heritage List

T

he effort to have Historic Moravian Bethlehem recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) took a major step forward as the United States Department of Interior submitted its first multi-country nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List that includes the Historic Moravian Church settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Herrnhut, Germany; and Gracehill, Northern Ireland/United Kingdom.

The nomination proposes to have Bethlehem, Herrnhut and Gracehill join Christiansfeld, Denmark, designated a World Heritage Site in 2015, to be a single transnational Moravian Church settlement site that

6

represents world-wide Moravian Church settlements. As a World Heritage List candidate, along with Gracehill and Herrnhut, Bethlehem preserves and advances the ageless values of education, equality, industry, integrity and spirituality that have been part of the community since 1741.

In the release announcing their nomination, the National Park Service said, “The settlements illustrate the global dissemination of the Moravian Church’s distinct religious and social ideals in the 18th century, which are expressed in the towns’ plans and architecture with many buildings still used for their original purpose.”

“We are thrilled that the application for UNESCO World Heritage status has taken

The Moravian

this major step forward,” said the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, president of the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church in America – Northern Province. “The story of the Moravian Church around the world will be told through the four historic settlement congregations. Our hope is that by learning our history, people around the world will also learn about our current life and witness.”

The Bethlehem site, designated as the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Landmark District, is located in the heart of downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The site’s original architecture, along with its town planning across 10 acres, eight structures, four ruins, and a cemetery, stands today as a reflection of and tribute to the resilience of a community built on universal human ideals that are essential and relevant to this day. The Bethlehem Area Moravians, City of Bethlehem, and Moravian University are property owners in the District, and Central Moravian Church and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites are lessees of portions of the District.

The endeavor to seek World Heritage List recognition for Historic Moravian Bethlehem began in 2002 when Christiansfeld, Denmark, invited Bethlehem to join with representatives from other historic Moravian Church settlements in The Netherlands, South Africa, Germany and the UK. Since then, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, its predecessor organizations and others have provided decades- long leadership.

In 2017, former Mayor Robert Donchez established the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission to support and help with the actions necessary for Bethlehem to achieve World Heritage status. The Commission is composed of elected officials and leaders in education, business and non-profits.

Issue 1 • 2023

At left and above: buildings dating from the 1740s in the historic section of Bethlehem.

In 2012, Historic Moravian Bethlehem was designated a National Historic Landmark District, one of eight in Pennsylvania and about 200 in the United States.

Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Landmark District was added to the U.S. World Heritage Tentative List in 2017 as a potential “extension” to the 2015 inscription on the World Heritage List of the Moravian Church Settlement of Christiansfeld in Denmark.

A Transnational Working Group has been meeting monthly for several years preparing the necessary documentation for this transnational nomination, with representatives from Christiansfeld, Gracehill, (Continued on next page) 7

World Heritage

(Continued from previous page)

Herrnhut and Bethlehem. On September 14 and 15, 2021, representatives from these historic Moravian communities met in Bethlehem to work on the nomination. Last September, at Bethlehem’s City Hall, there was an official meeting of this Transnational Working Group to sign a Voluntary Association Agreement.

On February 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Interior authorized Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Landmark District to participate in the planned multicountry nomination to the World Heritage List of historic ‘Moravian Church Settlements’ in Europe and North America.

The World Heritage List, which recognizes cultural and natural sites of universal importance, was established in 1972 to “encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity.”

There are 1,154 sites in 167 countries. There are currently 1,154 sites on the World Heritage List, two examples of which are the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt. There are only 24 World Heritage Sites in the United States, two of which are Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The final decision on the inclusion on the World Heritage List will be made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the summer of 2024. n

Herrnhut, Germany (above) and Gracehill, Northern Ireland (below) join Bethlehem as part of the UNESCO nomination.

8

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Service highlights talents of Fry’s Valley Moravian women

I

had no idea how many talented women were in our little congregation, or the multiple gifts they had. That was before Moravian Women’s Sunday at Fry’s Valley Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio, where the women talked about the gifts they use in worship and in the community.

During this special service, Connie Kinsey, a member of the church board, led (and encouraged) a group of women to share about their many diverse talents to the congregation. The women’s roles included a first responder, community center service leader, homeless mat-maker, scarf project volunteer, church cleaner and hospitality leader during the church’s fellowship time.

We also discovered that the one thing all the women shared was their love of food!

Through sharing, we learned that several women quietly help in the community when they hear a need. One woman discussed her work as children’s book author and another who encouraged local children to get involved in Sunday School.

One member shared beautiful pictures of sunrises and sunsets and told stories of the sometimes-humorous ways her family gather on the farm where she lives.

What struck me about these women and their stories was the fact that, even though I have been surrounded by them for the last 40 years or so, some of these shared Issue 1 • 2023

Fry’s Valley members Connie Kinsey and Michele Richey leading the Women’s Sunday.

gifts of service were unknown to me. I was also amazed at their willingness to be open to sharing what they were doing. I believe that the sharing was to inspire others, not for any personal glory.

Our scripture for the day was Matthew 5, verse 6; “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” These women succeeded on following this instruction from our Savior, true examples of discipleship and evangelism.

Their work was also reflected in our hymns for that service—from the 1995 Moravian Book of Worship, “Take My Life, O Lord Renew” and from the Favorite Hymns of Faith, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”

It was amazing to feel the passion, commitment and selflessness of the wom(Continued on page 11) 9

MORAVIAN WRITINGS

F

Hearing the Gospel

or a great many of us, our first sounds were those of our hymns or chorales in Sunday worship services. I often think that my love for music came when I was laying on my mother’s lap at church, listening to the hymns and liturgies around me in worship. There is a richness, an environment of harmony, in the voices of those around us, blended with the accompaniment by the organ or piano.

Recently however, I have begun to experience an inability to find certain pitches, and an odd sensation of hearing “off-pitch” when certain sounds are played or sung.

For most people this would be slightly troublesome, but for me it was a shock to my core. Most of my life has been filled with playing, singing, listening and creating music as an expression of my life and faith. And

although I do not have perfect pitch, I have relative pitch.

And so, now when things are not as they should be, I retreat into a different version of myself. I am more hesitant, quiet and perhaps sad when I am singing hymns or anthems in choir. It is frustrating to say the least. And yet, even in the midst of all this, I have begun to think differently about music and even the activity of hearing. Now at times, music and lyrics are a bit like poetry, signs or messages in melodic form that tell a story – reveal the nature of God and our response.

There in worship, I gather snippets of meaning in the activity around me. “Did I hear God say… Is that the right lyric…What is that word, that phrase?” The difference is not always happy, but as in all things,

The Rev. David Merritt, playing at the 2018 Southern Province Synod

10

The Moravian

God can use any and all experiences in life to give us insight into our daily living. We adapt and learn to hear the Gospel in different ways.

Hearing the Gospel (although differently) allows me to have another avenue into a world that is unsettled. For me, it is a learning curve, a different path that I’ve never been on before. And when I have better days, as we all do, I find a new appreciation for the musical intervals, pitch, and key signature in the music.

Perhaps, the same can be said of our world when we look at how many different sounds and melodies play out in the world around us. How do others hear the Gospel?

For some, it is a message of hope. For others, it is just some words that describe an ancient ritual. Are the melodies and music in our world helpful or harmful to others?

And what we hear around us – the sounds of traffic, loud voices, sirens and car horns – are sometimes in competition with the Gospel of Christ’s love and freedom.

Hearing the Gospel through music often takes more effort for me. It still has moments of frustration, but when clarity comes, I can still rejoice in the One who set the Music of Creation into motion. Now I am able to hear, not only with my ears, but with my eyes, my intellect and my being.

And so the Gospel comes to me, and perhaps you, in our deepest needs. Go in peace and with a song in your heart, Friend Traveler.

Peace be to you —David (with a horn and not a harp) The Rev. David Merritt is a retired pastor in North Carolina. This piece originally appeared in the Spotlight Blog from the Southern Province Commission on Congregational Development.

Volunteer organist Ruby Kinsey has made and donated more then 600 scarves since 2019.

Fry’s Valley

(Continued from previous page)

en that shared. The sighs of relief from those who stepped outside their comfort zone and spoke in front of the group were heard, but the excitement and recommitment of these women’s efforts were renewed and supported. After worship, while enjoying delicious cookies and coffee, many of the missions and ministries of these women were discussed.

Following the service, the members of Fry’s Valley have a greater awareness of the good work around them – and are getting more involved. Once we became aware of all of the outreach projects, some of us stepped forward with collecting our plastic bags to make plarn, while others donated material to our scarf-maker, Ruby (or created scarfs and hats themselves!) Some now offer exercise programs at the community center.

I feel like we are more apt to be aware of what other women are doing, encouraging them and helping out if they express a need.

And it all rose out of a single service at Fry’s Valley! n Michele Richey is a member of Fry’s Valley Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio

Issue 1 • 2023

11

MORAVIANS AROUND THE WORLD

German Finance Ministry honors Moravian star with commemorative coin

T

he Moravian star has been shining its warm and graceful light for 200 years. It may be the most widely known aspect of the Moravian Church.

We can be grateful that it is a symbol of light, love and learning. It has become a worldwide ecumenical tradition.

Now the Federal Republic of Germany is recognizing the Moravian star’s place in German history with a commemorative coin. Released at the end of 2022, this German 25 Euro collector coin recognizes the star, in German as a “Herrnhuter Stern,” and features the bell tower on the church in Herrnhut.

The coins are issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance in limited numbers; approximately 100,000 of the 2022 coins were minted. Münze Deutschland is the official sales agency for collector coins of the Federal Republic of Germany. Ger-

12

man coins are issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The new coin was designed by Czech artist Martin Dašek. One side combines the church tower with the star and the “Herrnhuter Sterne” text. The reverse side depicts a stylized eagle, partially surrounded by 12 five-pointed stars representing the European Union, combined with the text BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND – 2022 and the coin’s 25 Euro denomination. The “A” mintmark signifies that the coin was minted in Berlin. This is the Finance Ministry’s second Christmas-themed coin.

Herrnhut was the village which our Moravian refugee ancestors founded on Count von Zinzendorf ’s vast estate when he gave them shelter in 1722. The word “Herrnhut” means “the watchcare of the Lord.”

The Moravian

The Moravian community was inspired to found many schools. An early Moravian Bishop, John Amos Comenius, wrote a book, Orbis Sensualium Pictus (The Visible World in Pictures), which consisted of pictures illustrating Latin sentences.

An 1820 diary from a student at the Niesky Moravian boarding school for boys in Germany says that they “went to see the star in the Brethren’s House” It had 110 points and was used as a Christmas decoration. This diary detail was discovered in 2011 at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The star shape helped students understand geometry.

A traditional Moravian star has 26 points, but many variations and sizes and colors also exist. They can be found online in a dazzling variety. Stars are now produced in the Star Factory in the town of Herrnhut. Stars are sent worldwide.

A recent annual total was 800,000 stars per year. One of their stranger requests was for a large star to be packed in a waterproof red box. Their mail plane would drop the star into the snow by parachute.

The German coin became available in the U.S.A. in 2023.

The Moravian star continues to shine brightly worldwide to remind us—and those spending 25 Euros in Germany—of the Light of Christ. n Thanks to Al Reynolds, member of Graceham Moravian Church in Thurmont, Maryland.

Issue 1 • 2023

13

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

T

Looking back, looking ahead with the Board of World Mission

he beginning of a new year is a perfect time to look back in reflection and to look ahead in anticipation, and, in both of these directions, to evaluate how the day-to-day details of our life and work match our stated “big picture.”

At the Board of World Mission (BWM) our big picture is described by our purpose statement: “The BWM builds relationships through Mission Outreach and Mission Engagement to be faithful to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.”

That can seem like corporate jargon when it is just words on a page, but when lived out it tells the what, why and how of the BWM:

• Why do we do this work? The Great Commandment and the Great Commission are Christ’s call and direction for how we are to actively live our faith in the world. Each and everything we do stems from reminders to love God and our neighbors and to share Christ’s message the world over. Based on this call, we have placed an emphasis on supporting theological education to equip folks to share the gospel message, and then to engage in mission and outreach from their context – reaching indigenous people groups like the Sukuma and Maasai people in Tanzania or the Garifuna people in Honduras.

• What do we do at the BWM? We build relationships, such as the new work being explored in Brazil and Bolivia this year – areas that could become partners in the years ahead.

• How do we do our work at the BWM? Each of the Board of World Mission’s projects can be categorized as Mission Outreach or Mission Engagement. The former refers to our work with long-

Scenes of the Board of World Mission’s work around the globe.

The BWM builds relationships through Mission Outreach and Mission Engagement to be faithful to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

14

The Moravian

standing global partners and newer mission areas as we seek to assist in growing churches and strengthening communities, as well as developing leadership to help these areas begin their own mission outreach efforts. The latter refers to the ways in which the BWM engages folks in the mission work of the Moravian church through offering service and volunteer opportunities, educating congregations and individuals about our ongoing projects, and sharing opportunities for financial and prayerful support. Even as mission outreach and mission engagement efforts are distinct, they are also intertwined, each guiding and taking direction from the other… and we have been busy in both!

We cannot include all of our work in one update, but as we look back over the past year, I give thanks for the many ways in which the work of the Board of World Mission reflected hope, joy, peace and love.

We shared HOPE through our work in the Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) program. Natural disasters take no breaks, and areas in the La Mosquitia region of Hon-

duras and Nicaragua that were impacted by Hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020 were once again hit by a hurricane and tropical storm.

The BWM has responded to severe flooding of agricultural fields, which destroyed crops that were needed to feed many communities. We have partnered with Feed the Hungry to distribute emergency food packs in the region, and a project to clean out flooded wells and restore safe drinking water is soon to begin. Additionally, as these storms become ever more frequent, the BWM is in the early stages of helping to provide an agronomist to adapt planting and harvest patterns to reflect new floodplains, as well as constructing storage facilities for the safeguarding of food staples like rice and beans to prepare for times when crops are impacted by these types of disasters.

We witnessed JOY at the Moravian Resource Conference we held in Panama for all of our Spanish-speaking partners. This inaugural conference brought together Moravians who had never met before, but were deeply connected by the end of the week together. The group discussed history, theology, financial management and mis(Continued on next page)

h d t

nt

Issue 1 • 2023

15

Mission

(Continued from previous page)

sion planning… all in Spanish. The joy present in the worship services, side conversations and lasting relationships built will help to strengthen our worldwide Unity!

The BWM worked to offer PEACE as we responded to the war in Ukraine. Unprecedented donations were received to support refugee families fleeing this conflict. The BWM was able to support renovations on a hotel owned by Moravians in the Czech Republic, which became housing for refugee families. We provided a full year of salary and benefits for five teachers at a school that was forced to relocate from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Nová Paka, Czech Republic, due to the violence. Now, support continues for families that are resettling here in North America as well as for Moravian congregations in Europe who are providing shelter to the families arriving in their communities. The welcoming presence of Moravians around the world offers a safe haven, even as the conflict continues.

Finally, we experienced the LOVE of 16

God in so many settings. In this space I want to highlight the work of the BWM staff. Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler, Rev. Angelica Regalado Cieza, Brother Rex Knowlton, Sister Sue Adams, and Sister Sylvie Hauser from our current staff, with thanks to Brother Rick Nelson, Sister Jill Kolodziej, and Sister Elizabeth Thiele who were also part of our team this year. I can’t say enough about the tremendous contributions of these individuals who care deeply about our work and will always find a way to ensure we are not sidetracked by details or challenges – these folks are “on a mission”!

There is much more to share – I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on social media so you can continue to get updates on this work in real time. Thank you for your support and care for the work of the Board of World Mission in years past and years to come! n Justin Rabbach is executive director of the Moravian Board of World Mission in North America. More information on the Board’s work will also be shared in their annual report in an upcoming issue.

The Moravian

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Lighting the Way for a new kind of pastor

U

nder a canopy of twinkling Moravian stars and accompanied by the sparkle of an indoor fireworks display, Moravian Theological Seminary student Mikayla Sauerbrey described her faith journey this winter as Moravian Seminary and Moravian University launched the Lighting the Way campaign that, in part, supports student scholarships.

Thanks to scholarship support, Mikayla is preparing to graduate in May with a Master of Divinity as she pursues ordination in the Northern Province of the Moravian Church. Her ministry brings light and hope for those who struggle with their faith. “So that makes me a pastor for those who are questioning, doubting, reluctantly still believing,” she says.

Mikayla’s call to ministry began in elementary school when she would get up very early to go with her dad as he volunteered at their church.

By age 11, she was volunteering in the children’s ministry. “I was holding babies and doing anything I could do,” she says. “The church was everything to me. It was me getting everyone up on Sunday mornings.

I loved being there— the environment, the people, teaching Sunday school—and I was very spiritually engaged. Even though Issue 1 • 2023

my personal views and understanding have drastically changed since that age, church was very important to me, and I felt so connected to God. I felt this is where I belong.”

She loved the Baptist church of her youth, but it does not ordain women. She says, “I realized I was always going to be caring for people and walking beside them, and that helped make the decision” that ultimately led her to the Moravian Church, which welcomes women into ministry.

Today, Mikayla has a part-time internship as a student pastor at the Emmaus Moravian Church, in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, serving alongside Pastor Brian Dixon.

“They’re a church that has a long history in the Lehigh Valley. This year marks 275 years of being a congregation. It’s a church full of wonderful, welcoming individuals.”

Mikayla aspires to be a welcoming and

(Continued on next page)

17

New pastor

(Continued from previous page)

inclusive pastor. “I want to walk alongside you. I want to be there for the baptisms, confirmations, and weddings, for the highs and lows, and be a spiritual resource for you. When the world is falling apart, I want to be someone safe for you to turn to.

“A lot of us have similar upbringings and have experienced church hurt, whether that’s me—who was told by my church of origin that I, a woman, couldn’t go into the ministry—or my queer friends, who were told who they are is wrong. I want to be a pastor for people who still have a desire for

spirituality and connection to the Christian faith but feel so harmed by it.

“Many people my age have a desire for spirituality but don’t feel safe going to certain places, and for very good reasons. I can be the pastor that they needed growing up or they need now, someone who welcomes questions and doubts and is not at all scared if you don’t believe today or tomorrow. I am still here for you.” n Meg Graham is director, Joint Seminary Communication and Marketing for Moravian Theological/Lancaster Theological Seminary.

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Director, Commission on Ministry The Rt. Rev. Lane Sapp has accepted the call to be the new Director of Commission on Ministry and began his new role within the PEC staff on January 30, 2023. Lane concluded his ministry of 27 years as pastor of Calvary Moravian, Winston-Salem, NC on January 8, 2023. His new office is located at 459 South Church St, WinstonSalem, NC.

Union Cross, Winston-Salem The Rev. Adam Goodrich has accepted the call to be the Pastor of Union Cross Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC. He concluded his ministry as the Co-Pastor at

Friedland Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. in December 2022 and began his new role at Union Cross January 29, 2023.

Obituary The Rev. Adam Spaugh, 40, son of Richard and Jean Spaugh entered the more immediate presence of his Savior, February 19, 2023.

A memorial service for Adam will be held in South Carolina later this spring. Adam was ordained a Deacon of the Moravian Church on July 20, 2008 at First Moravian Church, Ga. Adam served as pastor of New Hope Moravian, Newton, N.C. and Palmyra Moravian, Cinnaminson, N.J. (Official PEC News continued on page 29)

18

The Moravian

MORAVIANS AROUND THE WORLD

Moravian Seminary helps prepare Albanian Moravian Church’s first pastor

A

worship service that lasted nearly two and a half hours became part of the history of the Albanian Moravian Church. While the service set a record for its length, the actual historical significance was that Sister Dena Fortuzi was ordained as the first pastor of the Moravian Church in her country - male or female. For the first time in the 29 years of the Moravian Church’s existence in Albania, a member of the church has been given the job of administering the sacraments and proclaiming the Word.

That makes many things easier. In past years, Danish Pastor Jørgen Bøytler (also Unity Board administrator) traveled to Albania three times a year to baptize, to perform weddings and to celebrate Holy Communion. He was also the liturgist for Dena’s moving ordination worship service.

The service took place in the middle of

Albania’s capital city Tirana, where a large office similar to a multilevel apartment, located at a busy intersection, serves as the center of congregational life there. Brother Theodor Clemens from Herrnhut was the ordaining bishop and Brother Sam Gray, a bishop from North Carolina, assisted him.

As is customary in the Moravian Church, the liturgist asked Dena if she felt ready to enter the service of Christ and his church.

He also asked if she accepted the Holy Scriptures and would teach them. Then he asked if she promised to work faithfully with the brothers and sisters.

After she affirmed this, the congregation was asked, “Will you accept her as your pastor? Will you accept her with all her strengths and weaknesses? Will you support her with your prayers?” After they (Continued on next page) Dena Grillo Fortuzi was recently ordained as the first pastor of the Moravian Church in Albania.

Issue 1 • 2023

19

Bishops Theodor Clemens and Samuel Gray ordain Dena Fortuzzi as a deacon in the Moravian Church.

Albania

(Continued from previous page)

affirmed this, a member of the congregation solemnly gave her the Bible and symbolically sent Dena Fortuzi into the world as a messenger of Christ.

Before the Bible was handed to her, however, Dena, who is 41, received her blessing verse from Bishop Clemens: “Jesus said: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit. Take courage. I have conquered the world. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Sister Dena was visibly moved by the ceremony, during which her husband and their young daughter sat in the first row.

Dena’s road to ordination was supported by many around the world, especially in the U.S. She studied for six years at Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA/ USA via distance learning in preparation to become a pastor, earning her Master of Arts in Theological Studies in summer 2022.

Moravian Theological Seminary, the Unity Women’s Desk, and Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem supported her studies.

20

Pastor Jørgen Bøytler from Denmark served as her mentor during her studies.

This close relationship can be understood in historical context—the Danish Moravian Church and its Mission Society were the first to support the Albanian brothers and sisters on the road to living out their Christian faith in the Moravian Church.

A long road to service Dena had walked this road since her childhood. Her mother was one of the three founding members of the Moravian Church in Albania. Dena belonged to the first Bible Study group in the church. She still remembers the three principles: “Read the Bible, learn how to pray, sing songs.”

For many years, Dena has served the Moravian Church as a lay pastor. She brings extensive international experience to her work as a pastor. As a high school student, she spent one year as an exchange student in Denmark. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Communication in Perugia, Italy, and an MA in International Relations in Tirana, Albania. Dena also has experience working with government and The Moravian

non-government organizations, including working as a communication trainer for a UNICEF program addressing violence against children in schools and working as head of staff for the Albanian Inspectorate of Education.

In 2016, she started her theological studies through distance education and was able to fulfill her great desire to serve God and to make this service part of her daily work. This was a great task, especially since, while most members of the Albanian Moravian Church are women and children, public opinion in the country is often critical of women serving as pastors. In a conversation with the Unity Women’s Desk, she said, “It would be rare for other religious groups in Albania to accept a woman pastor. But it’s not a problem. It’s a challenge, and I will manage by God’s grace.”

Among the approximately 80 guests at the ordination was her professor Craig Atwood, of Moravian Theological Seminary. In a very touching greeting, he explained that he had met many students in his many years of working at the university. But Dena was the student he most admired. “She was not only a brilliant student. She was working full-time, took many courses late at night,

Issue 1 • 2023

was caring for her parents, and English is not her native language. She overcame all this with her trust and faith in God.” Klas Lindberg, Pastor of the Moravian Church in Stockholm, shared a very witty greeting. He spelled the first name of the ordained pastor using key words that he also combined with best wishes: D as in “divine ministry,” E as in “Evangelical” and “Encouragement,” N and A as in “Never alone”.

The Albanian Moravian Church is one of eight countries that belong to the European Continental Province of the Moravian Church and consists of around 320 members in six congregations. After the ordination, an announcement was made to the guests that the church will no longer be known by the name Lutheran and Moravian Church in Albania. It would now be called “Moravian Church of Albania”.

On the same day, a few hours after the main event, Dena Fortuzi served as liturgist, together with Jørgen Bøytler, in a Holy Communion celebration in her congregation in Tirana—the first time as ordained pastor. n Original German Text: Ulrike Keller, Herrnhut, Translation: Julie Tomberlin, Winston-Salem, Unity Women’s Desk. Below: photos from Dena’s ordination service.

21

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Friedberg to celebrate 250th Anniversary

F

riedberg Moravian Church is celebrating the congregation’s 250th Anniversary in 2023. Special services and activities will be held throughout the year, including a Singstunde April 23, Anniversary Lovefeast May 7, Walk to Adam Spach’s homesite September 23, Praise and Worship Conference October 20-22, a commissioned choral anthem and historical reflections.

Our activities will be guided by scripture, Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” We are praising God for all the blessings and comfort He has provided for us over the years. We have so much to celebrate! God has surely been the rock of our salvation from generation to generation.

Our history began in August 1754 when Adam and Maria Spach came to what is now the Arcadia Township in Davidson County.

While living in Maryland, Adam came to know the Moravians and helped found the

Graceham Church. Based on his association with Moravians, he wanted to live near the new settlement in the Wachovia tract. Adam first visited Bethabara in September 1754.

He and his family visited frequently, seeking safety in the settlement during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).

Within a few years, Spach and his neighbors had established a new community south of the Ens Creek. They continued to request that Moravians hold worship services there. Finally on November 24, 1759, Ludolph Gottlieb Bachhof held the first public service in Spach’s home.

On May 6, 1766, Brother Peter Frey, Sr. became the first person laid to rest in “God’s Acre”. During 1770, a Moravian Society was organized, Bachhof became the first minister, Sunday services began, and a school was started. The first lovefeast, Easter service and Christmas lovefeast were also held.

In 1771, the name “Friedberg” (Hill of Peace) was approved by the congregation.

In 1772, the Society was consecrated as a Moravian Brethren’s Congregation. On April 4, 1773, Friedberg officially became a congregation of the World Wide Unity of the Brethren after action by Synod in Herrnhut. This is our anniversary date.

Friedberg has always been grounded in Biblical Truth. We honor our heritage and deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by proclaiming the Gospel openly through worship, witness, Bible study, missions, fellowship, and community service. Though we are certainly thankful for our past, we are most focused on our future. Please join us in celebrating 250 years! n For more, visit www.friedberg.church

22

The Moravian

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Moravian Open Door celebrates 35 years of service to older adults in NYC

O

n Saturday November 5th, 2022, Moravians, friends, supporters, board members, staff and clients gathered at United Moravian Church in New York City to celebrate the 35th anniversary milestone of Moravian Open Door (MOD).

MOD is a ministry of the Moravian Church, Eastern District in New York. The ministry has evolved over the years, but remains a safe haven for older adults in Manhattan.

It’s mission statement says it all: “The Moravian Open Door, Inc., a not-for-profit organization located at 347 East 18th Street, New York, N.Y. is acting as a ministry of the Moravian Church. Our purpose is to provide supportive services to the homeless, distressed and underserved population of New York City. Our ministry will serve those individuals who are fifty years and older with the goal of helping them regain their independence and security, and assisting them in

moving to appropriate permanent facilities.”

Over the years, MOD has helped many older individuals through difficult periods in their lives. The staff and volunteers, led

by Executive Director Susan Attzs-Mendoza, provide transitional housing and supportive services to help homeless individuals help themselves, with the goal of each client moving to affordable housing and a fully independent life.

To celebrate three and a half decades of service to New York, celebrations began with a rousing service of worship that was put together by the Rev. Desna Henry Goulbourne during which the Rev. Charles Harewood, Pastor of First Moravian Church (NYC) served as the worship leader.

Everyone was blessed by the ministry of music, provided by the choir and the Youth Steel Band orchestra. The sermon was delivered by the MOD Board President Sis. Blondel Jones-Grant, while MOD client Ms. (Continued on next page)

Worshipers during a service of celebration for Moravian Open Door’s 35th anniversary.

Issue 1 • 2023

23

Open Door

(Continued from previous page)

Deborah H. read one of the assigned scriptures during the service. The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, President of the Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference, and Sis. Naomi Solomon, Eastern District Executive Board representative brought greetings and congratulations.

Following the service, guests proceeded to the church’s social hall for a lavish reception. Former Board member John Egerton served as the Master of Ceremonies for the ongoing celebrations, during which awards were given to previous Board President Sis. Doris Schattschneider, Michael Ralling, MOD Facility Manager, and Perry Garcia for their many years of service and dedication.

Some of the MOD clients took the opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to be at MOD. Overall, it was a wonderful and fitting celebration of 35 years of working with and serving our homeless brothers and sisters.

MOD could never have achieved this milestone in its history had it not been for your continuous prayers, for our many volunteers and for the financial support that we have received over these years from individual Moravians, churches and other Moravian entities who believe in, and are committed to this work and ministry to our homeless brothers and sisters.

24

Special recognition and thanks are also extended to the members of the 35th anniversary committee for their work, time, and efforts. The committee included Sis. Blondel Jones-Grant - President of the MOD Board of Directors, Sis. Tricia Clay – Board member, Rev. Desna Henry Goulbourne – Board member and Pastor of United Moravian Church, Sis. Patricia Martin – former Board member and Sis. Susan Mendoza – Executive Director. Although not a member of the committee, Rev. Lance Fox – Pastor of Castleton Moravian church is also recognized and appreciated for all of the work that he did on the design and creation of the anniversary invitation and marketing materials.

We thank God for all of you.

This article originally appeared in the Eastern District’s District Developments newsletter. To learn more about Moravian Open Door, visit www.moravianhouse.org

Moravian Open Door Executive Director Susan AttzsMendoza presents an award to Dr. Doris Schattschneider during 35th Anniversary festivities.

The Moravian

ECUMENICAL PARTNERS

A New Mexico church connection uncovers a Moravian Church heritage

W

hile opening one of the dozens of envelopes that were arriving with donations in support of Ukrainian refugees, the Board of World Mission’s the Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler noticed something a little out of the ordinary. A $3,000 check from a church in New Mexico earmarked $2,000 for mission work and $1,000 for “assessments.” While the BWM received donations from many not connected to the Moravian Church, they don’t receive “assessments” from anyone.

In doing a little research, Chris discovered that this church – the United Church of Los Alamos, New Mexico – had been sending the BWM donations regularly for more than 70 years. He reached out to the pastor of the United Church, and began learning more about their history.

The United Church of Los Alamos is a multi-denominational church founded in 1947.

The congregation grew out of the “desire of diverse Christians to continue worshiping together after World War II.” Los Alamos hosted personnel from across the U.S. for The Manhattan Project, the project to create an atomic bomb during Issue 1 • 2023

World War II. Rather than be aligned with a single denomination, the church, with the help of the Federal Council of Churches (now National Council of Churches), aligned with the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), United Church of Christ (UCC), Reformed Church in America, American Baptist Church, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ…and the Moravian Church in North America. Chris notes that this church sends regular donations to all of its affiliated denominations.

This display at United Church of Los Alamos illustrates their alignment with the PCUSA, the UCC, American Baptist, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ the Moravian Church and the Reformed Church in America

An affiliation mystery So how did the Moravian Church become one of the denominations affiliated with the United Church?

“We really don’t know,” says Chris. “At their founding, a Moravian must have somehow been in the mix. It may have been a Moravian stationed in Los Alamos; their founding pastor, who was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and served a Methodist congregation Allentown, may have known Moravians in Eastern Pennsylvania.

The connection, over time, had been forgotten by our church, but had remained part of United Church’s giving.”

(Continued on next page) 25

At left: the Revs. David Elton and Keith Lewis with the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller and Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler during a service in Los Alamos. At right: Betsy demonstrates beeswax candle trimming; the candles were used in a Moravian candle services.

Los Alamos

(Continued from previous page)

Since re-discovering this connection, Chris struck up a friendship with the Rev. David Elton, senior pastor of United Church.

Last summer, Chris visited Los Alamos and presented the congregation with a Moravian Book of Worship, a Moravian Daily Texts and a Moravian star (you can see the star in the photo above). Then, in December, Chris and Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference President, the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, were invited to visit and worship with the New Mexico congregation.

During their visit, they helped lead worship, met with the congregation, discussed the Moravian Church Northern Province and Board of World Mission and more. They also brought along beeswax candles and taught United Church parishioners how to trim the candles for Christmas. Those trimmed candles were used the next morning, turning their Second Sunday in Advent into a Moravian Candle Service.

Looking a little deeper Since his visit, Chris has dug a little deeper to help answer the question of how this church in New Mexico came to share a Moravian heritage. He learned that in the 1960s, two members of United Church congregation 26

served in Honduras as agricultural missionaries with the Moravian Board of World Missions. He also found correspondence in the Moravian Archives that reveals Bishop Ed Kortz visited the United Church in 1969 or 1970.

Chris and the Board of World Mission would like to continue to deepen the renewed connection with United Church to increase cooperation, awareness and appreciation for each other. Potential options include inviting them to take part in BWM mission endeavors and to send Moravians to their congregation to participate in their mission efforts, including building homes in Mexico. In addition, the Northern Province may consider finding a way to identify United Church as an affiliate or fellowship with the Moravian Church.

So if you ever find yourself in Los Alamos, New Mexico and are looking for a Moravian connection, be sure to seek out United Church of Los Alamos.

And if you have any recollections or insights into the Los Alamos- Moravian connection—that is, information or research that would reveal how the Moravian Church became a part of the United Church heritage—reach out to Chris! (chris@moravianmission.org). n The Moravian

ECUMENICAL PARTNERS

Christians gathered for reconciliation and unity at WCC Assembly

W

hen the World Council of Churches (WCC), the largest ecumenical organization in the world, held its 11th assembly in Germany in 2022, the Rev. Andrew Heil represented the Moravian Church of North America.

More than 350 churches from 120 counties around the world make up this Christian fellowship. It meets every eight years to discuss common issues around the world as well as create a time of renewal for its members. The latest assembly was held in Karlsruhe, Germany with the theme “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.”

More than 6,000 people attended this assembly. Moravians from around the Unity were in attendance, including representatives from Antigua, Denmark, England, Germany, Jamaica, Nicaragua, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania and the United States.

The Moravian Church is a founding member of WCC, and in North America, work in partnership with Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA) and The Episcopal Church. As stated in the Moravian Ground of the Unity: “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.” The Moravian Church is committed to working and learning with others for the betterment of the world.

Issue 1 • 2023

Regional meetings were held, and Andrew attended one for the United States and Canada. One task was to choose a president to represent the region. In conversations about the primary concerns of the churches in the US and Canada, attendees were nearly unanimous in identifying the areas of systemic racism, mistreatment of indigenous people, economic injustices and the mistreatment of the land. The group discussed how vital this conversation was for where the region is at in this time, that people are suffering and the need to address these issues.

During one of the central business sessions, the Rev. Amilcar Padilla Curbelo from Nicaragua was elected as the Moravian representative to the WCC’s Central Committee.

The assembly prioritized the issues of greatest concern. “Indigenous churches spoke openly about churches like the ones in North America, and how they are sowing hardship for other parts of the world,” said Andrew. “It was discussed as to what we need to do to address these global inequalities, including economic justice and stewardship…there is a need for followers of Jesus to do more.”

The assembly issued a written acknowledgements of human suffering and violations of human dignity—some being named publicly for the first time. Many marginalized people spoke up about what injustices the people in their country face.

This assembly was a platform to share this (Continued on next page) 27

Ecumenism of the Heart

“Christlike love moves us to walk honestly and wholeheartedly beside one another, to try to see the world through the eyes of others and to have compassion for one another, to build the trust that is such a vital part of our ecumenical journey.

“This love goes beyond every level of restriction and restraint; it is not abstract, sentimental, soft, or romantic, but is embodied and whole, witnessed in the visible and the practical, in the passionate and the truly challenging, able to address the deepest evil and injustice.”

— World Council of Churches Unity Statement

WCC Assembly

(Continued from previous page)

with others. One of Andrew’s key takeaways from the assembly was that listening is a practice for reconciliation and unity. It is important to make space for someone’s voice to be heard.

Moravians have many gifts in the ecumenical movement. A steward from Jamaica shared with Andrew that, “Moravian ministers stand out as approachable.”

Other denominations view the Moravians as unique. Although the church is small in number, their presence is profound, where others seemed to take seriously what Moravians say. “They see that we want to learn from other churches and that we are hospitable to different expressions and experiences of Christ and the gospel,” said Andrew. “How Moravians contribute is breaking through barriers. We need to continue to evaluate if we are modeling and living up to what others see in us.”

Andrew reflected on this perception, looking at what the theology is behind this belief. “It’s our vision for service, acting with humility and compassion for other people that define how others see Moravians,” 28

continued Andrew. “The authority we have been given is the authority of Christ. If there is power, it’s the power of the cross, not to the individual.”

The assembly also looked at the impact of the pandemic on church and society and they realize that that story is still being written. It is very clear how churches responded, but it was difficult for any church to articulate far into the future what this is going to mean to the church. What is the impact on ministry? How we practice in community? How we respond to injustices?

It’s too early to tell.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the beautiful opportunity to connect with Moravians around the world…and to listen and carry forwarded what God is doing,” said Andrew. “I was able to give attention to new ways we can work together in the hopes that God will use us.” n Sue Kiefner, IBOC, developed this summary from a special presentation made by the Rev. Andrew Heil. For Andrew’s full presentation, visit www. moravian.org

The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

Carol Foltz, first woman ordained in Southern Province, retires after 42 years

T

he Rt. Rev. Carol Foltz requested and was given permission to retire from active ministry of the Moravian Church effective December 31, 2022 as pastor of Moravia Moravian Church, in Oak Ridge, N.C., concluding her service of 42 years of active pastoral ministry.

A lifelong Moravian and daughter of the Trinity Moravian Congregation in WinstonSalem, Carol first discerned her calling to ministry during her college years at UNCGreensboro where she secured a bachelor of science degree in Physical Education.

She continued her studies at Moravian Theological Seminary where the discernment of her call to serve in parish ministry became clear and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1978.

Sister Foltz was the first woman to be ordained a deacon in the Southern Province on June 11, 1978, at Trinity Moravian Church, with The Rt. Rev. Edward Mickey presiding, and in September of that year was installed as the Associate Pastor of Calvary Moravian in Winston-Salem. In March 1981, she became the Director of Educational and Youth Ministries of the Board of Christian Education and Evangelism for the Southern Province. In this role, her ministry to generations of youth and future clergy became a great gift to the many.

Sister Foltz was consecrated a presbyter on September 23, 1984, at Calvary Moravian Church with The Rt. Rev. J.C. Hughes officiating. She began a new ministry role Issue 1 • 2023

Angelica Regalado Cieza, right, congratulates Carol Foltz on her election as bishop at the 2018 Southern Province Synod.

as interim pastor of Rural Hall Moravian Church (Winston-Salem) and served the same role for Redeemer Moravian Church (Richmond, VA) and Covenant Moravian (Wilmington, NC). She was installed as Covenant’s pastor in March 1990, where she served until August 1996. Sister Carol also served pastoral roles at Trinity (N.C.), Friedland and Moravia Moravian Churches and through the years she has been a mentor for fellow sisters in ordained ministry.

Sister Foltz became the first woman to be consecrated a bishop in the Southern Province on June 10, 2018. In retirement, she will continue her role as a Bishop of the Unity.

We express deep appreciation to Carol for her faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish her many blessings in retirement. n The Rev. Dr. Neil Routh is president of the Southern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference.

29

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE

Weaknecht Retirement Br. Bruce Weaknecht, pastor of the Egg Harbor Moravian Church in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective June 18. Bruce was ordained in 1981 and has served faithfully in both the Western and Eastern Districts.

Please hold Bruce, his family, and the Egg Harbor congregation in your prayers at this time of transition.

Harewood Retirement Br. Charles Harewood, pastor of the First Moravian Church in New York City, has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective June 30, 2023. Charles was ordained

in 2011 and has served faithfully at First since 2009. I invite your prayers for Charles, his family, and First Moravian at this time of transition.

York, Pennsylvania Br. Garritt Fleming and Sr. Sanette Fleming, who are serving in team ministry at the Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, PA, have accepted the call to serve as pastors of the Covenant Moravian Church and First Moravian Church, both in York, PA. Their final Sunday at Schoeneck will be on May 21 and be installed in York on June 18 .

Please be in prayer for Garritt, Sanette, their families, and all three congregations in this time of transition.

ONL I N E Did you know The Moravian Magazine is also published online?

You can view issues as they appear in print and revisit issues of The Moravian going back to 2010 in our online archive.

Plus, individual articles in the magazine are posted to the denominational website Find us under “Moravian Resources” on www.moravian.org.

30

Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.

The Moravian

A CENTURY

OF GRANTING

LARGER

LIFE TO MORAVIAN

For 100 years, the Larger Life Foundation has offered financial support to core ministries of the Moravian Church Northern Province. Today, 20 agencies in the Province receive assistance to help meet social, educational, ministerial, welfare and provincial needs.

Your gift to the Larger Life Foundation helps make this support possible. 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

MINISTRIES

Larger Life

Foundation

MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE

Moravian Music Foundation

Serenades concert series In Winston-Salem, NC

Celebration of the Tannenberg Organ (Moramus Chorale) May 12, 2023; 7:00pm, Gray, Old Salem Visitor Ctr

T I C K E T S

American Roots, July 1, 2023; all-day event, Old Salem An Evening of Songs from the Heart Sept. 15, 2023, 7:00pm, Calvary Moravian Church

The Long Eighteenth Century (Moramus Chorale) Oct. 27, 2023, 7:00pm, Gray, Old Salem Visitor Ctr

Night of Light Concert, (special VIP event)

Dec. 16, 2023, 7:00pm, Archie K Davis Center (MMF)

In Bethlehem, PA I N F O

Issue 1 • 2023

Celebrating 300 Years of Herrnhut, Christian Gregor, and Beyond (Unitas Chorale) May 7, 2023 4:00pm, Advent Moravian Church

All the details and ticket info at www.moravianmusic.org order tickets online at bit.ly/MMFserenades

31

The Moravian/Moravian Church Northern Province, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit 473