Moravian Magazine, January/February 2016

The

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oravian JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Studying the Ground of the Unity A Chicago mission Moravian fiction And more!

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Special Lenten Discount on Readings for Holy Week Reflect on Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross and the journey that took him there with Readings for Holy Week. Scripture verses from the four Gospel accounts of Christ’s final days combined with inspirational hymn texts illustrate the full depth of God’s love.

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The Moravian

On the cover: Crunching footsteps in the snow mark the trail of earlier passersby. Photo by Mike Riess

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Moravian Seminary Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

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Rev. John D. Rights to receive Hus Award

Moravians in Mission 6

New mission book guides Moravians toward living in community

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On urban mission, Moravian youth immerse themselves among Chicago’s neediest

Healthy Congregations 7

Illustrating Healthier Congregations

In Our Congregations 11

Rudolph Moravian celebrates final service

Moravian History 13

Moravian Music and History Conference set for October

Studying Moravian Doctrine 16

The Ground of the Unity: A year-long study of what holds us together

On Being Moravian Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org.

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

January/February 2016

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Moravian traditions in a non-traditional setting

Moravian Media and Writings 25

New Hus documentary in development

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Two new works of fiction about Moravians

In every issue 4

Ponderings: God’s word in my e-mail

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Official Provincial Elders’ News

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PONDERINGS

M oravian (ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) January/February Vol. 47, No. 1

God’s word in my email

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s you probably know, compiling and publishing the North American Moravian Daily Texts represents a major part of the work of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Every year, we translate Bible verses from German to English, assign writers to select hymns and write prayers, compile all of their great work into a book, then ship thousands of copies around the world.

While I have a copy of the Daily Texts on my bedside bookcase (and another on the Kindle in my briefcase), my interaction with the daily watchwords typically starts with a buzzing on my iPhone a few minutes after 5:00 every morning.

To me, it’s a very comforting sound. First, it means “my daily message from God that’s new every morning” has arrived in my email inbox. By picking up my phone, I can read the two inspirational Bible verses and spirit-filled prayer without having to turn on the light. It’s an ideal way to come to the surface with the Word of God. Second, it’s my confirmation that the technology behind delivering the Daily Texts e-mail is working as it should. Nearly 15,000 subscribers greet the day with the Daily Texts in their inbox. Those Daily Texts subscribers come from all over the globe—and many aren’t Moravian. So when my phone buzzes, I know that those 15,000 people are getting the email they rely upon to start their day, too.

At the same time, our Daily Texts post on Facebook appears for the 8,700 people who’ve “Liked” our page so far. And those who “Like” the Board of Cooperative Ministries page on Facebook can see and share a graphic representation of one of the texts each day.

Later in the day, I will often pick up my printed copy to read the hymns that go with the daily watchwords. Those hymns, selected by faithful Moravians, add depth and meaning to the watchwords. (Unfortunately, copyright restrictions prevent us from including the hymns in the online versions.)

If you would like to start your day with the Daily Texts email, visit www.moravian.org and click on the “Receive daily by email” icon in the box in the upper right hand corner of the page. You can also like us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/MoravianDailyTexts.

Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries.

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The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.

Michael Riess, Editor Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen Gary Kniskern Interim Chair Paul Peucker Terri Bischoff Adam Pristas Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Design by Mike Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2016, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

Peace,

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Mike Riess, Editor

The Moravian

MORAVIAN SEMINARY

Rev. John D. Rights to receive Hus Award from Moravian Theological Seminary

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oravian Theological Seminary congratulates Rev. John D. Rights ‘85 (M.Div.) as the recipient of the 2016 John Hus Alumni Award.

Initiated in 1974, the John Hus Alumni Award gives special recognition to a graduate, who, through outstanding service & loyalty to ministry, has brought distinction to the work of the ministry and to Moravian Theological Seminary.

John serves with distinction as a Moravian minister. He grew up in the Clemmons, North Carolina Moravian congregation, and served as a pastor with the Calvary and Bethania Moravian congregations.

For the past 16 years, John has led the Konnoak Hills congregation in Winston-Salem as it lives its mission of “Called by Christto be a Neighbor.”

The congregation is known for strong outreach to neighborhood The Rev. schools, a John D. Rights shared ministry with residents of a nearby group home, an effective parish

January/February 2016

nursing ministry and an annual outdoor music festival. The church has a reputation for hospitality as it opens the doors of its fellowship hall to a diverse range of community groups.

John’s wider church and community ministries include: • Representative, North American Region of the Moravian Church, Unity Committee on Theology • Board of Directors, Laurel Ridge Moravian Conference Center (served on camp staff since 1977) • Board of Directors, Disability Advocates of Northwest N.C. • Ecumenical Pilgrimage Group to Israel and Palestine • Governing Board, North Carolina Council of Churches • Board of Directors, Yokefellow Prison Ministry of N.C. John continues a Rights family tradition as a proud graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary.

Any graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary is eligible to be nominated for the John Hus Award. It is appropriately named for John Hus, one of the great leaders of the Christian Church, who is revered as a pastor, preacher, scholar and martyr for his faith.

This year’s award will be presented at the All-Alumni Luncheon in Bethlehem on March 11, 2016. n

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

New mission book guides Moravians toward living in Common Unity

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hen the Interprovincial Women’s Board of the Moravian Church sought a writer for their annual mission study guide, they selected Justin Rabbach, director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission. And when they looked for assistance editing and producing the guide, they contracted with the Interprovincial Board of Communication.

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The partnership resulted in Common Unity: Community in Action, a nine-session study guide for women’s groups to use in their congregations. The finished book was so good, the IBOC decided to order additional copies to add to its catalog while meeting the needs of the Women’s Boards.

Living out the common unity “Since the Moravian Church worldwide is know as ‘the Unity,’ our faith is something we have in common,” says author Justin. “So, as we try to live out that ‘common unity,’ we are really seeking how to live and serve as a community in the world.”

Common Unity: Community in Action takes a look at the characteristics that define and guide Moravian communities. Using the language from the Ground of the Unity as “ground rules,” this nine-session study gives language to individuals and groups as they share what makes a community strong. It also offers questions for reflection, and a call to put the information that we all agree on about how to be a church together into action!

Common Unity was edited and designed by former IBOC Communications Assistant Renee Schoeller, with a cover design by Mike Riess. It is available through store.moravian. org for $5.95.

A sample chapter is available at www. moravian.org. n

The Moravian

HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS

Illustrating Healthier Congregations In the September 2015 issue of the Moravian Magazine, we highlighted the Northern Province’s Healthy Congregations Task Force. In this issue, we continue to share examples and ideas of how putting the “Seven Characteristics of Healthy Congregations” to work have enhanced the mission and ministry of local churches, while providing illustrations of each of the characteristics.

This month, Task Force members discuss “Stewardship,” “Purpose” and “Leadership.”

Stewardship

One of the 7 Characteristics of a Healthy Congregation is Stewardship: A healthy congregation understands the reality that God has provided all it needs to fulfill, with excellence, the ministries to which it is called. The people of God respond generously to God’s abundance with joy and thanksgiving.

January/February 2016

This description points to the foundational understanding that we engage in healthy stewardship when we believe that God has provided abundantly for all our needs.

What does healthy stewardship look like in practice in our congregations and communities?

• One congregation provides 55 local kindergartners and their families a can of soup per week as part of an ecumenical effort in the community. When this congregation counted their donated cans, they discovered they had enough for TWO cans for each kindergartner. That’s healthy stewardship.

• A congregation that struggled to pay all their common ministries in the past has now paid them two years in a row. That’s healthy stewardship.

• Another congregation has planted, tended and harvested a garden for three years, with all of the produce going to a local (Continued on next page) 7

Stewardship (Continued from previous page) food shelf. That’s healthy stewardship.

• One little girl in a Moravian congregation colored and cut out a pocket for her bedroom door and wrote on it, “My Offering.” That’s healthy stewardship.

• A group of Sunday School children ages 2-12 packed and prayed over 100 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. They participated in everything from shopping for items to send to assembling the actual boxes. One of the children asked if they could do this all year long so kids could get birthday presents, too. That’s healthy stewardship.

None of these congregations or individuals did these things because they worried whether or not they had “enough” money.

Instead, they focused on their abundance; faithfully and generously responded out of gratitude for God’s blessings in their lives; then shared God’s gifts with others.

That’s what healthy stewardship is about: responding generously to God’s abundance by sharing that abundance with others with a spirit of joy and thanksgiving.

God provides us with all we need to answer his call. Praise God! n The Rev. Jenny Moran is pastor of Christ’s Community Moravian Church in Maple Grove, Minn.

Purpose

Imagine that an intelligent creature from outer space visits and tours North America to learn about some of the places where people gather. She visits a football stadium and asks, “Why do people come here? What do they do?

Why do they do that?”

She visits a school and asks the same questions. She visits a concert hall, a Lioness Club meeting, and finally, a church. “Why do people come here? What do they do? Why do they do that?”

Purpose…every institution exists for a reason. The holy institution of the church is no exception. There are certainly many things that make our churches different from any other place where people gather. Yet, like a football stadium, a school, a concert hall, or social and civic clubs, every congregation exists for a specific purpose. When 8

The Moravian

Leadership

In my office, I have my “top shelf” books (and they are literally on the top shelf). These are my “go-to” books. These are the books that are filled with highlighter highlights, notes scribbled in margins, paper clips to hold the important stuff together. These are the books I have used and found useful, not just once or twice, but books I come back to repeatedly.

Like old friends, they never disappoint.

For all of the go-to books, for all of the wisdom compiled, for all of the pithy quotes to fuel a conversation, none of them have captured the true essence of leadership. They (Continued on next page)

that purpose is identified (discerned in the church setting), it can then be communicated well and activity can be aligned to purpose.

One of the Seven Characteristics of Healthier Congregations is “purpose.” A healthy congregation has a clear understanding of its identity, purpose and vision as a Moravian congregation. Members have a shared ownership of how “who we are” and “what we do” gives life and direction to every facet of ministry in and around the congregation.

Author Craig Groeschel writes about vision and purpose in the church. In his book, It, Groeschel compares a church without a vision and purpose to a car with misaligned tires. He writes, “even though you try to keep the car in the middle of the road, it pulls to one side. It’s a constant struggle to keep traveling in the intended direction. Over time, it can cause major problems. The tires wear out…. People in a visionless church are like that. Without vision alignment, the people January/February 2016

are busy doing something. They are driving along, doing church, but without any direction they are easily pulled off center. They’re moving with no destination in mind. Without compelling vision, people, just like tires, quickly wear themselves out.”

A healthy congregation has a clear understanding of its identity, purpose and vision...

Our congregations become healthier as we discern our purpose and vision. What might be the specific purpose God has for your congregation? How might you begin to bring people together to talk about it? n Linda Wisser is director of Growth and Development for Emmaus Moravian Church in Emmaus, Pa. 9

Leadership (Continued from previous page) each have hints and glimpses and insights of what leadership is, how leadership works and what kind of leadership works better in given situations, but none of them have the totality of what leadership is.

Leadership, as a concept, is more than we can describe or define. Yet we all know good leadership when we see it. Without words, without definitions, we intuitively know good leadership. We respond to that leadership by following.

Leadership always need followers. Followers always need leadership. They cannot be separated. Ed Stetzer has said famously, “If you want to know if you’re a leader, look behind you; if you’re alone, you’re just out for a walk.”

Congregations continue to hunger and thirst for leadership. Misguidedly we desire

So much of our congregational health lies in identifying those who are willing to exercise leadership. “leaders” instead of “leadership.” So much of this concept is tied to the personalities, passions, strengths and weaknesses of the ones who exercise leadership. We have made leadership about the person or the people who attempt to lead.

Leadership is an exercise. It requires practice. Leadership requires making a fair share of leadership mistakes and learning from them. I do not believe that there are natural-born leaders. There are some who ex-

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ercise their ability to lead better than others.

There are some who have more experience in leadership than others. There are some who have trained hard and well for the tasks needed to lead. But there are no natural-born leaders.

I do, however, believe that God calls some to exercise their gifts of leadership. I think of Moses—a wandering shepherd boy with a pocketful of excuses becomes the one to lead God’s children out of slavery. I think of Christian David—a wandering, out of work carpenter called to lead the hidden seed of the Unitas Fratrum to good soil. I think of my grandmother, Mae—a Pennsylvania Dutch widow called to lead the Kings’ Daughters International. Moses, Christian David and Mae—all of them could have said, “No, thank you. I decline your polite invitation to lead your people.” But they didn’t. They saw in themselves what God saw all along.

So much of our congregational health lies in identifying those who are willing to exercise leadership. I can think of nothing more difficult for the modern church to discern.

But God continues to call people—especially the wandering. God continues to equip servants with the gifts of leadership—even the wondering. Perhaps, if we believe that God is still doing God’s part in this equation, then that makes our part just a little bit easier. n Kerry Krauss is pastor of Sister Bay Moravian Church in Sister Bay, Wis.

Series illustrations by Andrew David Cox. ©2015 Andrew David Cox.

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Rudolph Moravian celebrates final service

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fter 120 years of faithful ministry and mission, Rudolph Moravian Church officially closed on October 31, 2015. On Sunday October 25, on the site of the former church building, Rudolph members and guests held a closing service of worship and of thanksgiving that God has walked with them throughout their history.

The Rudolph church building had been destroyed by fire in August of 2014. The small and elderly congregation (23 members) was not given permission to rebuild and thus it was a bittersweet day for them.

The Rev. Jim Hicks, president of the Western District of the Moravian Church, was present to participate in a liturgy that included the official declaration of the closing of the congregation and turning over of the property to the Northern Province of the Moravian Church. Current minister Rev. Christine Stack led the worship with Rev. Aden Ward, a former pastor of the church, bringing the message for the day.

Several other former pastors were either present to share special memories or sent letters of remembrance which were read aloud.

Lorrayne Voight, long-time member, church January/February 2016

treasurer and historian, prepared an enormous scrapbook of the church’s history for members to enjoy.

Bonnie Nuber, vice chair of the Rudolph joint board, began the day with a word of welcome and a note of thanksgiving to the more

...these former members can walk into this new chapter of their individual faith journeys, knowing God will walk with them and encourage them to continue to bless others richly. than 100 people attending the service. Attendees were greeted by the Trombone Choir from the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church who also shared additional music during the wor(Continued on next page) The Rev. Christine Stack was pastor for Rudolph and Kellner Moravian Churches in Wisconsin. Photos courtesy of Lorrayne Voight.

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Rudolph (Continued from previous page) ship. The Voight Family Singers and Trinia Nuber offered their vocal gifts. During the offertory, greetings were received from other churches within the Village of Rudolph as well as numerous other congregations throughout the state.

The members know that God has blessed them richly over the past 120 years. Although very few items were salvaged from the church building after the fire, the congregation agreed that they wanted to pass those items that did survive on to other ministries and missions. So during the time of offering gifts during their closing service, the members

Kellner Moravian shares blessings as it closes On Dec. 31, the Kellner Moravian Church in Wisconsin Rapids also closed. And like their brothers and sisters at Rudolph, they passed on their legacy of faithfulness to other Moravian missions and ministry.

According to the Rev. Christine Stack, who served both Rudolph and Kellner, church members presented 75 pew chairs to Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center; several large candelabras and other items to Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church; and a variety of items to the new inner-city emerging ministry of Tricklebee Café in Milwaukee, including the communion table, 2 large pulpit chairs, the pulpit, several small wooden tables, Moravian Hymnals, NRSV bibles and kitchen items including flatware for about 75 people.

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of the Joint Board of Rudolph symbolically presented gifts to members of the Western District Board of the Moravian Church to be passed on to: • the Moravian Clinic and Hospital in Ahuas, Honduras who will receive the communion set; • the Tricklebee Cafe, the emerging Moravian mission in center city Milwaukee, who will receive the offering plates and the communion cross and vessels; • Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church who received special Moravian Lenten musical worship books.

In addition, when the Rudolph Moravian Church closed its financial books on Octobter 31, the congregation also wanted to pass on its blessings. They disbursed the last of their monies, which totaled more than $19,000, to various missions and ministries that they had helped to support for many years including Moravian children in Tanzania (Adopt-a-Village), the Moravian Church Camp in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin, and the Ahuas, Honduras clinic and hospital.

The afternoon ended with a catered chili dinner served at the Rudolph Legion Hall. The Rudolph Moravian Church was known for its twice-a-year chili dinners and it seemed an appropriate way to end our time together! The members will now disperse to other faith communities both in the village of Rudolph, the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian church and beyond.

Knowing that God has blessed them richly, these former members can walk into this new chapter of their individual faith journeys, knowing God will walk with them and encourage them to continue to bless others richly. n

The Moravian

MORAVIAN HISTORY

Moravian History and Music Conference set for October

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he fifth Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History and Music will take place Oct. 27-29, 2016, on the campus of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary.

Scholars, musicians, historians and Moravian enthusiasts will convene in Bethlehem to explore the latest research on a wide range of Moravian topics. The weekend will be filled with events for anyone interested in Moravian culture and heritage.

Activities will begin on Thursday, Oct. 27 with lectures and a meeting of Moravian archivists from Europe and America, followed by the Walter Vivian Moses Lecture. The conference will continue with lectures, concerts and recitals, and tours of museums and historic buildings in Bethlehem and Nazareth throughout the weekend. The conference will conclude with a banquet Saturday evening. The annual meeting and lecture of the Moravian Historical Society will also take place during the weekend.

The program committee is now welcoming proposals for individual papers, panels, lecture recitals and reports on current research projects regarding any topic related to

January/February 2016

Moravian music and history from the fifteenth to twenty-first centuries. Special consideration will be given to the following: • 275 years of the City of Bethlehem, its music and history (Bethlehem celebrates its 275th anniversary in 2016). • Moravian encounters with friends and strangers.

The full call for papers can be found at www.moravianconferences.org. Proposals can be submitted until March 31, 2016 through that conference website.

The program committee will notify accepted applicants by May 1. A limited number of grants for housing and travel costs is available.

We encourage submissions from undergraduate students for whom there will be special panels and poster sessions.

The conference is sponsored by the Moravian Archives, Moravian College, and the Center for Moravian Studies, in partnership with the Moravian Music Foundation, Moravian Historical Society, Moravian Theological Seminary, and Historic Bethlehem Partnership. n

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

On urban mission, Moravian youth immerse themselves among Chicago’s neediest

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hen Moravians think of “mission,” we typically envision working in different countries and strange cultures. But for a group of 14 Moravians, their mission took them not across the ocean but to the “distant” streets of Chicago, Illinois.

In late December the team of young people and adults met in the Windy City and dedicated their time to serving those in need through the Chicago Urban Immersion opportunity, an outreach of the Board of World Mission.

This is the second year for the Urban Immersion effort in Chicago. Participants arrived from North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois and were housed at the Lutheran Youth Center on the campus of the Lutheran School of Theology.

Serving the homeless The first day was devoted to assisting at the Pacific Garden Mission, the largest homeless shelter in Chicago, which operates seven days a week, year ‘round. The shelter can accommodate approximately 2000 men, women, and children per night, with some units available for long-term residents.

The team helped prepare over 600 bunk beds, sometimes stacked three high, to be used that night by male overnight guests.

They also set, cleaned up and reset the dining room for lunch and some of the team assisted serving lunch to about 800 male guests.

Following the work at the Mission, the team toured the Pacific Garden facility which once housed a greenhouse. While the Mission has not always operated from this site, the organization has been serving the needs of the community for 138 years.

Food stamps are no SNAP On the second day members participated in the “SNAP challenge,” a simulation that helps participants learn what it is like to purchase food with food stamps. Each person was given $1.50 to purchase his or her lunch at a local grocery store. They were able to collaborate with another person or spend their money individually. Some very creative meals resulted, but each participant gained a better understanding for the challenges facing poorer citizens.

In the afternoon the team worked together to prepare chicken and rice casserole, brownies, and salad for the 40 residents of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter for their evening meal.

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The Moravian

Between preparation and serving at the shelter, the team visited the Lincoln Park Zoo and enjoyed a dazzling light display that is accompanied by music. This exhibit is free to the public. When the team arrived back at the Community Shelter, they received a greeting and facility information from the evening coordinator, and then served the meal.

While the residents ate there was also an opportunity for the team members to sit and visit at the tables. This was an especially meaningful experience to be able to learn people’s names and share stories from the variety of life perspectives.

“It was an eye opening experience,” said Johanna Dertinger of Waconia, Minn. “It was amazing to see how faith works in places where people are experiencing low points in their lives. Everyone was so grateful that we were there and it felt great knowing we made a difference even just for one day.”

“It was definitely a trip that I would do again in a heartbeat,” said Morgan Seitz of Appleton, Wis. “It was so great knowing that we made a difference in even one person’s life.”

Alexis Srenaski of Green Bay, Wis., agreed. “As one of my first experiences with missionary work outside of Green Bay, I felt that it was an experience that allowed me to learn a lot. It was a great feeling to know that I could help people and see how others live that may not have the help and opportunities that I do. It is definitely an experience I would recommend to others.”

With a greater awareness of needs that exist, this team of youth and young adults were eager to return home and make a difference in their own communities. n Jill Kolodjiez, who directs the Antioch Program for the Board of World Missions, and Caitlyn Mischnick of Ohio contributed to this article.

Regrouping and sharing Following the experiences at each of the shelters, the team regrouped at the youth center to debrief and discuss what they encountered.

Discussion topics included pre-service perceptions, post-service reflections, the variety of people they served and served alongside, the environment of the facilities and the ways in which God may use this new found information to influence and direct their lives.

January/February 2016

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STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

The Ground of the Unity:

a year-long study of what holds us together Editor’s Note: When you ask Moravians, “what does it mean to be part of the Moravian faith?,” you’ll likely get many different answers about what our church is and what we believe.

While the Moravian Church is known (and respected) for not being overly doctrinal or adhering to strict dogma or rules—thus the many ideas of what it means to be Moravian—at its core, the worldwide Unitas Fratrum/Moravian Church has two important documents that do a good job spelling out who we are and what we believe: The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and The Ground of the Unity.

Since these two statements are so important to understanding what makes Moravian Christianity unique, we began sharing these two documents in The Moravian Magazine.

While both documents are readily available from www.moravian.org—and I encourage you to download them—a constant reminder and review in our denominational publica16

tion’s pages should prove helpful in continuing the study of our core faith.

Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, we cover different aspects of these two important documents each month.

In 2015, we discussed The Covenant for Christian Living; with this issue and throughout 2016, we’ll continue with the Ground of the Unity.

This month, we’ll discuss the history of the Ground of the Unity. In subsequent months, we will share different aspects of the Ground of the Unity, along with commentary and thought-provoking questions.

Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org.

—Mike Riess, editor The Moravian Magazine The Moravian

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Part I: Introduction

The Ground of the Unity is the official doctrinal statement for the worldwide Moravian Church. The first draft was written in the mid1950s in Germany, and it was officially adopted as the doctrinal statement of the Moravian Church in 1957 by the Unity Synod. This was the first Unity (or General) Synod to be held in the United States (Bethlehem, Pa.) and in the English language. Although it was first written in German, the official version adopted by the Synod was in English. Much of the discussion of the Unity Synod was about the Ground of the Unity, but very few changes were made by the Synod before it was adopted. Although written as a single document, it was officially adopted paragraph by paragraph so that the Synod could carefully discuss the wording of each section. The title was a translation of the German word Grundsätze, which means “basic principles.” In English, “Ground” also brings to mind the idea of a fertile field. Thus, the Ground means the basis for our spiritual growth.

of the Holy Spirit. These were seen as the essential features of Zinzendorf’s preaching, but the language used to express them was taken from Protestant theology. Moravians later became uncomfortable with the idea that Christ rather than the Father is the Creator, and by 1898 that statement was altered. A summary of the four chief doctrines was given in a hymn verse: That whoe’er believeth in Christ’s redemption May find free grace, and a complete exemption From serving sin.

As the Moravians moved away from using the Augsburg Confession of Faith, there was a growing desire to expand the chief doctrines to be more of a creedal statement. In 1818, a statement on the Fruits of Faith (willing obedience and love for Savior) was added. That was followed in 1857, (at the time when the (Continued on next page)

The Eight Chief Doctrines The Ground of the Unity replaced the older statement of eight chief doctrines of the Moravian Church. The eight chief doctrines grew from the four chief doctrines that the church identified in 1775 as part of its reorganization following the death of Count Zinzendorf.

In the 1700 and 1800s the church accepted the Augsburg Confession of the Lutheran Church as its official confession of faith, but it also highlighted four doctrines that were most important to the Moravian Church.

They were 1) the Atonement of Christ, 2) the Divinity of Christ as Creator, 3) Universal Human Depravity, and 4) the Gracious Work January/February 2016

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STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

(Continued from previous page)

for a person who desires to be saved to know and believe are fully contained therein.”

British and American provinces of the MoraA portion of this statement appeared in the vian Church were granted independence original Ground of the Unity. It was revised from German control) in 1995.

In Europe, there was a sense that by a statement on the

There was growlove of God the Father the Chief Doctrines were not the ing dissatisfaction with because of concerns the statement of Chief best expressions of Moravian that the Moravians Doctrines in the 19th were not seen as Trinicentury. In the Amerifaith and practice. tarian. Finally, in 1879 can Provinces, the statements were added Easter Litany was inon the fellowship of believers with each other creasingly seen as a Moravian Confession of and the Second Coming of the Lord, making Faith instead of the Augsburg Confession. It is the chief doctrines correspond better to the instructive that the Easter Litany rather than Apostles’ Creed. the Chief Doctrines was included in Philip As an introduction to the Chief Doctrines, Schaff’s Creeds of the Churches in 1877. a statement on Scripture was added in1825 In Europe, there was a sense that the and revised in 1836. “The Holy Scripture of Chief Doctrines were not the best expressions the Old and New Testament is and remains of Moravian faith and practice. The language the only rule of our faith and life. We revere was seen as archaic and there was a sense that it as God’s word, which He spoke to humanthe ideas did not capture what was most vital ity in former times through the prophets, in Christianity. Many theologically educated and in these last days through the Son and persons also felt that the older statement was His apostles, to instruct people in the way of not consistent with modern theological desalvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We are velopments. This led to vigorous discussions convinced that all truths which are necessary within the European provinces of the church, but there were no changes to the doctrinal statement at the 1914 General Synod (now called Unity Synod).

Because of war and the economic crisis in Germany, there was not another meeting of the General Synod until 1931. At that time, the British delegation presented a new statement on the faith and order of the Moravian Church which was more narrative than the Chief Doctrines. In light of the economic crisis that was threatening the very existence of the Moravian Church and its mission work, the synod did not adopt any doctrinal changes. However, much of what was presented in the British 18

The Moravian

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

proposal was later included in the statement Essential Features of a Living Church. Despite the synod’s inaction, there was a growing sense in Europe and America that the older doctrinal statement was no longer adequate.

There would not be another General Synod, though, until after the Second World War. Historical Situation in 1957 In order to understand the Ground of the Unity, it is helpful to have an awareness of the significance of the Unity Synod of 1957 that adopted the Ground of the Unity. This synod marked the greatest changes in the Moravian Church since its renewal in 1727, and it is had proclaimed himself a savior of the Gernot accidental that a new doctrinal statement man people. Most Christians in Germany had was adopted at that time. Many of the decigiven at least partial support to Hitler and his sions made at the Unity Synod reflected the program for Germany. Many Christians had changes the world experienced as a result of even supported his anti-Jewish policies; howthe Nazi era and the world war. Bishop H. G. ever, it was only after the war that Germans Steinberg, in The Moravian Messenger (Dec. and the rest of the world were confronted by 1957, p. 3) expressed the situation this way: the true horrors of the Final Solution. The “The strongly-felt need to attempt to give exawareness that Christians could be seduced pression to its basic coninto following Hitler had victions arose in a large a profound effect on all The strongly-felt need to measure from the storm, German churches and earthquake, and fire attempt to give expression to theology in Germany. The through which some of “banality of evil” seen in its basic convictions arose the Provinces of the Unity, the Nazi era profoundly particularly Germany, had in a large measure from the affected our understandpassed since 1931.” ing of good and evil. storm, earthquake, and fire Here are just some of 2. Because of Hitler’s war, the major changes which through which some of the much of Germany had help explain the nature of been destroyed and many Provinces of the Unity, the Ground of the Unity of its citizens, especially and the modern Moravian particularly Germany, had young men, were dead.

Unity.

One of the actions of Unity

passed since 1931.

1. German Moravians in particular had to deal with the experience of their country having fallen under the sway of Adolph Hitler who January/February 2016

Synod was to approve the ordination of women in (Continued on next page) 19

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

ic center of the church, Herrnhut, was behind the Iron Curtain. Communication and the flow of currency were restricted. Christians in East Germany had to learn to live under a Communist regime that was at times hostile to religion. It was not clear in 1957 that the Moravian Church could remain a single institution.

5. In 1947 India’s independence from British colonial authority was recognized by Parliament. This was the most dramatic episode in the rapid dismantling of the European colonial system. Nation after nation achieved (Continued from previous page) independence from the colonial powers and assumed their places on the world stage, the Moravian Church, in part as a response to sometimes in the midst of turmoil and viothe shortage of ministers. The Ground of the lence. The delegates at Unity Synod recogUnity was written in the awareness of great nized that this would affect Moravian missions human suffering, but also as part of the larger in a number of ways. One, as countries gained task of rebuilding a devastated Germany. independence, the church would need to be 3. Germany and England both lost their leadflexible in dealing with new political and soing roles in world affairs and the balance of cial realities. Two, church members in former power shifted to the United States. It was clear colonies would naturally share the desire for to the delegates of the Unity Synod that North more self-determination. Three, foreign misAmerican Moravians were sionaries may not be welgoing to have to assume Christians in East Germany comed in the newly indegreater responsibility for pendent nations. Four, the had to learn to live under a the world-wide Moravian new model for the world work. This is why it was Communist regime that was was the United Nations: a decided to hold the synod cooperative body of indeat times hostile to religion. pendent states. in the United States and make English, rather than It was not clear in 1957 that 6. In 1945 the United German, the official lanStates became the only nathe Moravian Church could tion to use nuclear weapguage for the first time.

4. Moravians also experi- remain a single institution. ons in war. In the 1950s, enced the Cold War that other nations joined in developed between the the race to produce more United States and the Soviet Union immediand larger nuclear bombs. By 1957 it was ately after WWII. Germany itself was divided evident that the United States and the Soviet between the two superpowers, and the histor20

The Moravian

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Union had the capacity to destroy all life on ger. At various points the church had boldly the planet. This was the first time in world hisre-organized itself in order to pursue its tory that humans had such awesome and tercalling. Certainly the church had suffered rible ability. It was clear to most people that tribulation in World War II and was facing old standards of war and peace would need to unprecedented challenges. Drawing courage be rethought if the world were to survive. The from the past, the church’s leaders made the threat of nuclear holocaust fueled apocalyptic decision to reorganize the Moravian Church speculations for many completely in 1957.

By examining Moravian Christians, but the Previously there had been Moravians’ response four provinces in Europe history, many of the was the Ground of the and America with numerous Unity. church’s leaders recognized mission fields governed by the Mission Board. Follow7. The Ecumenical that the church had gone ing World War I, the AmeriMovement was at its cans and British had taken through periods of trial and peak in the two deover greater responsibility cades following WWII emerged stronger. for the work of the Mission in Europe and AmeriBoard, but it was clear that ca. The first assembly the post-WWII church would need a differof the World Council of Churches was held ent structure.

There was a strong desire for in 1947, and Moravians were involved in its the mission areas to become financially selfwork. In many countries, there were imporsufficient. The number of missionaries would tant church mergers that produced new nahave to be reduced as well. It was also unclear tional churches, such as the United Church of (Continued on next page) Canada and the Church of South India. In the United States there were several mergers or reunions of Protestant churches, such as the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

Unity Synod 1957 1957 marked the five hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Moravian Church.

Despite the turmoil of recent world history, there was a feeling of optimism and pride in the church. Moravians took a new look at their history and resolved to continue the mission of their forebears in faith. By examining Moravian history, many of the church’s leaders recognized that the church had gone through periods of trial and emerged stronJanuary/February 2016

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STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

(Continued from previous page) whether the mission fields would be able to remain a part of the Moravian Church when the former colonies gained independence.

Some of the new nations adopted Marxist governments or nationalized many businesses. Some restricted the flow of currency in and out the country. The highly profitable Kirsten Co. in Surinam, which was owned by the church, was threatened with nationalization.

Moreover, there was a drive for independence and self-determination in the various mission areas that corresponded with the anti-colonial sentiment. There was a real danger that the Moravian Church would splinter into a dozen or more independent national churches. There was also the possibility that local Moravian churches might unite with other churches in that country.

Unity Synod made the bold move of granting independence to many of the mission areas, giving them the same status in the Unity as the American, British and Continental Provinces. A procedure was established so that any former mission area could achieve status as an independent province of the Unity in the future. The northern hemisphere provinces assumed responsibility for financial and administrative assistance during the transitional period, but the goal was eventual equality among the provinces. Those provinces that chose to stay in the Unity would have equal representation at Unity Synod which would establish the constitution for the world-wide Moravian Church.

Later changes in the Ground of the Unity The Ground of the Unity was written as the doctrinal statement for the reorganized 22

Moravian Church. It was intended to provide the foundation for the various provinces to build their own churches as well as a common statement that united Moravians in many countries. Changes in the Ground of the Unity must be approved by Unity Synod. Other than some updating of language, there have been two significant changes in the Ground of the Unity since it was adopted. One was the inclusion of a paragraph discussing personal faith in 1981. The other was a rewording of the statement on Scripture in 1995. The Unity Synod of 2002 reaffirmed the Ground of the Unity as the doctrinal statement for the entire Moravian Church.

Discussion:

Think for a moment about the situation in the world in 1957 when the Unity Synod met. What is your understanding of that time? Since Americans tend to view the 1950s as a time of peace and prosperity, consider the reality in the rest of the world in the wake of World War II using the section Historical Situation in 1957.

• What challenges did these events present to Christians around the world?

• In what ways might churches have responded to such major social changes?

• Is it important to have a statement that is common to all provinces of the worldwide Moravian church?

Re-read the summary of the Eight Chief Doctrines.

• Does this sound like traditional Moravian theology?

• Why do you think that so many people wanted to change it?

The Moravian

ON BEING MORAVIAN

Moravian traditions in a non-traditional setting Right after Christmas, we received a new, perspective on Christmas Eve services from Michele Sevacko, who attends Come & Worship, an emerging ministry in WinstonSalem, N.C.

“W

hat is Moravian?” is a question I asked my friend, when she suggested that we try out a new “church” that met in a coffee house in the Arts District in Winston-Salem, N.C., more than seven years ago.

Since moving to the area a few years before, I had seen quite a few Moravian churches but other than taking a walk around Old Salem, I was never curious enough to research what Moravian was. And the idea of a church that met in a coffee house intrigued me.

I’m not sure how I would describe Come & Worship but I certainly wouldn’t use the term “traditional” although there are many (if not all) of the components found in a traditional church service. The Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Service is no exception.

January/February 2016

Fast-forward to this year. We now meet in an Arts Center. When you enter, it takes a second to get oriented because the minister (Rev. Brad Bennett) is constantly rearranging the chairs in order to try to take full advantage of the space and make everyone comfortable.

I enjoy the different arrangements because I think with each change it gives the opportunity to see things—and people—from different perspectives.

Arriving 20 minutes early for the lovefeast, I’m surprised at how many people are already there. As I look around, there are many faces that I know, and some that I don’t that have come as guests, but the one constant is that “come as you are” isn’t just about what you’re wearing (although you’ll see everything from shorts and jeans to suits).

During this time of year there is a lot of focus on gifts and I can’t help but be grateful for the gift of five senses that we’ve been given, as there is so much to experience through (Continued on next page)

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Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Service at Come and Worship

(Continued from previous page) our senses. First, there’s the smell of the coffee for the lovefeast.

There are the sounds of traffic going by on the street, people chatting and the brass band warming up for a prelude of several traditional hymns. The Come & Worship band will play traditional carols, with special guests the “Rockers” weaving their more contemporary folk Christmas songs throughout. We enjoyed the instrumental and vocal beauty of some of the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray’s (our other minister) family as we enjoyed our buns and coffee.

There’s the taste of the Moravian buns and coffee that we share in fellowship, and touch, as we shake hands and/or hug in greeting and as a sign of peace.

And, lastly, there’s sight. A sight that might bring tears to your eyes as we share our light, lighting our candles from each other’s, raising them as we sing “Joy to the World” in celebration of the child who is The Light.

The best part of all is that if something doesn’t go exactly as planned (yes, it happens) it is okay! No one gets all flustered be24

cause we each have a sense that it’s a mistakefree zone, where no one is judging you—and, most importantly—the Holy Spirit guides.

So, if this blending of non-traditional with traditional resonates with you—as it has with me, for more than seven years—I hope when you’re in the Winston-Salem area you’ll join us and experience Come and Worship as WE come and worship. n

Visit The Moravian Magazine online! Each month’s issue can be viewed from anywhere in the world at www.moravian.org. We also offer back issues, additional content and ways to interact with The Moravian’s editorial staff. Join us online today!

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The Moravian

MORAVIAN MEDIA

New Hus documentary in development

C

omenius Foundation and the Interprovincial Board of Communications are developing a high-quality documentary about John Hus. Titled Apostle of Truth, the documentary will tell the factual story of Hus in an interesting manner accessible to average viewers. The program will be broken into three segments, about 20 minutes each, to allow easy use in adult Sunday School classes, and will come with a class discussion guide.

Apostle of Truth is built on extensive interviews with recognized scholars, including Dr. Thomas Fudge (University of New England, Australia), Dr. Craig Atwood (Moravian Theological Seminary), Dr. Riddick Weber (Moravian Theological Seminary), Moravian Church archivists, and others. Interviews with historians will be amplified with the thoughts of theologians and pastors who reflect on the impact of Hus’ heritage.

Last year, Mike Riess (Executive Director of the IBOC) collected high quality HD video and stills of the locations of Hus’ life and ministry and the early days of the Unity in Bohemia and Moravia. The Rev. John Jackman, executive director of Comenius Foundation, has been collecting the interviews of scholars that will serve as the backbone of the documentary script, and assembling a wide variety of early artwork related to Hus. We are in negotiations to use portions of the excellent dramatic Czech language miniseries produced by Ceská Televize last year. These elements will be woven together into a format somewhat similar to Jackman’s earlier documentary series, Zinzendorf.

January/February 2016

Comenius Foundation is also developing a related website, www.johnhus.org, which will be a standing resource of informative articles about Hus, similar to the website developed along with the Zinzendorf documentary, www.zinzendorf.com. The short, understandable articles on the zinzendorf.com site are accessed thousands of times each year by viewers all around the world.

John Jackman, who serves as pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in North Carolina, has produced numerous faith-related documentaries and feature films in addition to Zinzendorf, including Hymns of Faith (2003), An Uncommon Union (2004), Wesley (2009), and the new feature film Newton’s Grace (2016). He is the author of Lighting for Digital Film & Television.

Visit www.johnhus.org for more information on the documentary. n

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MORAVIAN WRITINGS

New fiction invites readers into the life of a Moravian pastor “Jaime, there will be time for that later.” So begins Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s first work of fiction, Earning Innocence.

From that very first line of the novel, the reader is warmly invited into the life of Moravian pastor Rev. James Wheeler, his wife Bonnie, and their sons Nathaniel and Philip. The story is set in fictional Talmage a small, picturesque community in eastern Pennsylvania. Through Wheeler’s voice, TaylorTroutman paints a beautiful and honest picture of the pastor’s life, the tension between home life and church life, the holiness of the ordinary and the everyday gifts of grace.

Written in the form of a journal, this novel quickly draws one into the rhythm of the life of a pastor. Reading Rev. Wheeler’s daily journal entries allows the reader an intimate view of his thoughts. It is as if we are invited to overhear his most honest confession of his joys and his challenges, his hopes and his fears.

Throughout the story, Rev. Wheeler deals with some rather challenging situations both in the congregation and in his own family. Although many of the situations are ones that we all face in life, some have become ones that we are uncomfortable discussing in the Church. However, through the folksy style and caring voices with which his characters 26

speak, Taylor-Troutman invites us all into a world where vulnerability and uncertainty are welcomed and embraced by the faith community. His characters display courage in dealing with the hard things in life and they, in turn, invite us to do the same.

Although Andrew TaylorTroutman is the pastor of New Dublin Presbyterian Church in Dublin, Va., the seeds of Taylor-Troutman’s faith were sown in the Moravian Church.

Growing up in the church as the son of a Moravian minister (the Rev. Craig Troutman, pastor of Raleigh Moravian Church in North Carolina) and the grandson of another (the Rev. Ray Troutman), his roots run deep in the soil of Moravian history and tradition. He likens his years of faith formation as the “clay” for this story; just as clay can be molded and reshaped, TaylorTroutman molds and reshapes his early experiences in the Moravian Church into new stories with new characters.

Drawing upon his own knowledge and experience, Taylor-Troutman weaves factual information about Moravian history and tradition throughout his story. He includes this information in such a way that it not only provides background information for the reader but also serves as a backdrop for the lives and faith of his characters.

Each of the characters in Earning InnoThe Moravian

cence has a distinct voice and story of their own. All of the characters in this story are relatable, making it easy to find our own lives mirrored in the lives of the characters. Each is dealing with his or her own joys and challenges. Their lives are ordinary in the most extraordinary of ways, illustrating for us, the readers, that while life at times can be hard and messy it is also holy and upheld by the grace that is freely extended to us from God and through one another.

On the afternoon that I began reading Earning Innocence, I quickly discovered that I would not be doing anything else that afternoon other than reading this wonderful story. It is a quick read. Yet, I found myself trying to slow down toward the last few chapters because I did not want the story to

end! I had the feeling throughout the story that I knew the people of Talmage Moravian Church and that I had walked the land where they live. Reading the final pages of this lovely book felt somewhat like I was saying goodbye to beloved friends.

Fortunately, Taylor-Troutman has plans to revisit the lives of these amazing characters in future novels. I look forward to reading more of this talented writer’s words.

Fran Saylor of Raleigh, N.C. is a recent graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary. Earning Innocence is available on Amazon or through Resource Publications: http://wipfandstock.com/imprint/resource-2

Mystery and history meet face to face in The Body in the Vat: Tales from the Tannery A letter from a young soldier in the Union Army to his wife, and a locket, pocket watch and some coins become the keys to a mystery locked inside the foreboding stone walls of the old Bethlehem Tannery for over 150 years.

When we decided to write our book, Charlene Donchez Mowers and I had no idea that the fictional story that we created in The Body in the Vat: Tales from the Tannery, would come to life so vividly in the people and in the settings in which we ourselves lived and worked for close to 30 years. Our characters, of course, were composites of the people we January/February 2016

knew. Mitzi and Adele are two modern day leaders in the community who find themselves drawn into a tangled web of secrets stretching across generations. As they investigate the family history of the great-great grandson of the murdered young soldier, they find themselves face to face with danger.

What led us to write our book? Charlene says it best: “We live with so much history here in Bethlehem. But sometimes people are put off by the word ‘history.’ By writing a fictional story, and by including some helpful appen(Continued on page 30) 27

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Watchwords At the close of 2015, members of the Provincial Board of the European Continental Province met in Herrnhut, the birthplace of our renewed Moravian Church, and drew watchwords for the Unity Board, Unity Provinces, Mission Provinces and Unity Undertakings.

The common watchword for the year 2016 is taken from Isaiah 66:13 - “God says: As one whom his mother comforts so I will comfort you.”

The Northern Province watchword from February 22 is: “For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.” 1 Chronicles 29:15 The 2016 watchword drawn for the Southern Province is from September 4: “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” Psalm 68:20 NORTHERN PROVINCE Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Sister M. Lynnette Delbridge, who has been serving as pastor in team ministry at Castleton Hill Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y., has accepted a call to serve on the pastoral team at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Sister Delbridge will be installed February 7, 2016.

Dublin, Ohio Sister Trina Holmberg has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Church of the Redeemer Moravian Church, Dublin, Ohio. Sister Holmberg was installed November 29, 2015.

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Cambridge, Wisconsin Sister Jane Follmer Zekoff, who has been serving as appointed pastor at London Moravian Church, Cambridge, Wisconsin, concluded her work with the congregation effective December 31, 2015.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

OBITUARIES

Mrs. Martha Henkelman Sister Martha (Roth) Henkelman died at Nanaimo Regional District, British Columbia, October 29, 2015 at the age of. She was born January 14, 1919 at Marlin, Wash., a daughter of Adam and Lydia (Miller) Roth.

Sister Henkelman attended schools in Marlin, Wash., and Western Baptist Theological Seminary, Portland, Ore. She was united in marriage to Brother Percival Henkelman on June 25, 1948 at Bruderheim Moravian Church, Bruderheim, Alberta.

She served alongside her husband in pastorates in Canada (Edmonton, Rio Terrace) and the United States (Downey, California).

Sister Henkleman is survived by daughter, Cheryl, and sons, Justin and Julian. She was predeceased by her husband, Percy, July 14, 2007.

Burial will take place in the Bruderheim Moravian Church cemetery.

The Moravian

OBITUARIES

Mrs. Donald Cottom

Mrs. F. Jeffrey Van Orden

Sister Zoya T. (Zingale) Cottom died at Norman, Oklahoma, December 27, 2015 at the age of 81. She was born June 28, 1934 at Hancock, Wis., a daughter of Santos and Olga (Cogan) Zingale.

Sister Cottom was united in marriage to Brother Donald Cottom on June 21, 1952 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, Madison, Wis. She served alongside her husband in pastorates in Michigan (Grace), Wisconsin (Kellner-Saratoga, Lakeview) and Minnesota (Chaska).

Daughter, Kristine; sons Daniel, George, Michael, and Jonathan and five grandchildren survive Sister Cottom. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, February 7, 2008, and their son, James.

Memorial services were held January 4, 2016 at Gunderson East Funeral Home, Madison, Wisconsin. Memorial gifts were welcomed for Porchlight in Madison, Wisconsin, an organization that provides support for the homeless.

Sister Kristen Anna (Harberg) Van Orden died at Scotch Plains, N.J., November 7, 2015 at the age of 70. She was born January 27, 1945 at Marinette, Wis., a daughter of Thorlief and Elsie (Johnson) Harberg.

Sister Van Orden attended schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin and graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa. in 1969. She was united in marriage to Brother F. Jeffrey Van Orden on August 16, 1969 at Borhek Chapel of Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

She served alongside her husband in pastorates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Third); Riverside, New Jersey (First); Dublin, Ohio (Church of the Redeemer); and Indiana (Hope).

Sister Van Orden is survived by her husband, Jeff; son, Keith; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service was held November 14, 2015 at First Moravian Church, Riverside, New Jersey with the Rev. Richard Bruckart officiating.

Memorials were welcomed for the Travis Roy Foundation or the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry at First Moravian Church.

January/February 2016

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Mystery and history (Continued from page 27) dices describing our historical institutions, we hoped both to engage our readers and to give a sense of place to our writing. The 1761 Tannery is real, as is the 1869 Mill and the buildings along Church Street.”

As we discovered when we began the process, there were some challenges to writing a book together. Presenting a story with “one voice” throughout was our goal. We wanted the plot to flow naturally and the writing style to be cohesive. Another challenge was just the sheer amount of time needed to prepare a final copy for printing.

Will there be a sequel? Because we dubbed the book, “An Old Bethlehem Mystery,” we left ourselves open to the continuing adventures of Mitzi and Adele. We are con-

sidering another book that will contain some “Old Bethlehem Christmas Mysteries.”

The Body in the Vat: Tales from the Tannery is available at the Visitor Center on Main Street in Bethlehem, at all of the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the Moravian Book Shop, the Moravian Archives and at the Moravian Historical Society at the Whitefield House in Nazareth. The book is also available digitally on Amazon Kindle, iBooks, Goodreads and Barnes and Noble. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to two causes: the 275th Anniversary Committee of Moravians in Bethlehem and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. n The Rev. Carol A. Reifinger is the retired Senior Pastor of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. Charlene Donchez Mowers is president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, www.historicbethlehem.org.

Go beyond the Daily Texts with books, music and Moravian gifts from the IBOC! While best-known for the Moravian Daily Texts, the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) offers an ever-growing variety of historical, inspirational, educational and spiritual books, each with a special connection to the Moravian Church.

From this outstanding collection, you can understand more about the history and practices of our Church, be inspired, teach your family, grow in your connection to God and renew what it means

to belong to the Moravian Church.

The IBOC also offers CDs that celebrate the rich tradition of Moravian music, along with a selection of gifts ideal for both Moravians and nonMoravians alike!

And, of course, the IBOC is your source for the 2016 Moravian Daily Texts, available in paperback, hardcover, journal and large print editions.

Learn and grow with resources from IBOC!

For a complete listing of Moravian resources from the IBOC, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

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The Moravian

QUESTIONS OF FAITH

aren’t always easy to answer.

Questions about finances can be.

H

OW CAN YOU HELP THE MINISTRIES you care about most? How can you tap into potential support for your church or agency? How can you make your financial investments work harder to support our shared faith? These are all good questions, and the Moravian Ministries Foundation has answers. From education, to gift planning, to fundraising help, to investment management, we have answers that are rooted in wisdom, experience and — most importantly — unwavering faith and values. Simply put, our goal is to generate more money to support Moravian ministries. Visit us online at www.mmfa.info and explore what we can do together.

JOIN US ON

Invest Where You Believe January/February 2016 31 www.mmfa.info | 119 Brookstown Avenue, Suite 305 | Winston-Salem, NC 27101 | 888.722.7923

Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245

Periodicals

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The Moravian

January/February 2016

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