Moravian Magazine, Jan/Feb 2017

J A N / F E B

Growing in Albania Youth in Cuba Opening doors ...and more!

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Get ready to start some

new family traditions.

Loving Hearts United

Moravian Guide for Family Living is a Christian resource developed by fellow Moravians to provide families with new ways to spend quality time together and nurture relationships with Christ and each other.

This workbook features activities organized for the 52 weeks of the year and includes a CD with hymns and interactive songs for the whole family. Begin using Loving Hearts United at any time during the year to start your own new Moravian family traditions!

For a limited time, order Loving Hearts United at a special price either alone or bundled with a 2017 Daily Texts and a Moravian Book of Worship.

To order Loving Hearts United or find other great Moravian publications, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591 Š 2017, 2 Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Church in America. For more information, visit store.moravian.org.

The Moravian

On the cover: One of the unique door handles on Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. Photo by Mike Riess

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18 Moravian Voices Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith

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

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Sharing gifts with a growing church in Albania

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Mission team connects with more than 100 Cuban youth and young adults

I hear you knocking

Moravians in Mission

In Our Congregations 12

Filling the freezer to feed those in need

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Fairview outreach offers appreciation for Winston-Salem police Department 7

Moravian Ministries Foundation 17

Morning Star Campaign Services: building cultures of generosity and gratitude

...And More

Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org.

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

Jan/Feb 2017

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Ponderings: Thanks for the prayers

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Moravian Daily Texts: 62 languages and counting

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Studying Moravian Doctrine: Ground of the Unity Part VIII

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Official Provincial Elders’ News

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Youth Convo heads to Washington, D.C.

Correction: In the “Gifts of Change” article on page 18 of the Nov./Dec. issue of The Moravian, under “Teaching Seminary for Honduras Province,” we mistakenly listed this as assistance for the Honduras Mission Province Bible Institute in Ahuas. This is actually for the Honduras Province, not the Mission Province. We apologize for any confusion this 3 may have caused.

PONDERINGS

Thanks for the prayers

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’ve often written in this space about how special working for the Moravian Church can be. Whether in joy or sorrow (or sometimes just on “regular” days), I continue to be heartened by the concern, caring and connectedness of my Moravian brothers and sisters.

Four days before Christmas, my sister texted with a serious concern about my mother. Something had occurred overnight that was causing Mom to fade quickly. We had seen times like this before—my mother had been declining for years—but I could sense by the tone of my sister’s messages that this was different. She called soon after and suggested I get ready to come see them; I knew this was one of those “drop everything, it’s time to go” moments.

I called my wife to let her know what was happening, then shared the news with my staff and began to get my things together. Before I could finish packing my book bag, Northern Province President Betsy Miller called the Church Center staff together in the shipping room. They expressed concern and laying hands on me, prayed for my mother, my family and me.

Within a few more minutes, I received the first messages of comfort and prayers from church friends and pastors. Then, just before I left the office, my sister called back to tell me that my mom was gone. I knew then it was going to be a long drive across Pennsylvania.

By noon that day, a message went out through the Northern Province email chain about what had happened. On the long drive on I-80, I got a call from my pastor; calls and texts soon followed from other church friends and IBOC members. When I stopped for gas, I found my e-mail was filling with prayers and sympathies. The outpouring of concern and prayers sped me on my way and made the long trip a little easier.

I wasn’t able to bring myself to post a Facebook message until the next day. Even though I’d already penned an obituary, I wanted to make sure I found just the right words and photos to celebrate Mom. But when I finally posted it, I was bowled over by the response; within a few hours, many more friends and family had shared condolences. Then, within a few days, sympathy cards began to arrive with more messages of comfort and hope.

Through all of these different channels, I heard from nearly a quarter of the pastorate and staff of the Moravian Church in America, along with many friends new and old. It convinced me once again that my job with the IBOC has benefits that go beyond the typical workplace plans. It was so comforting to my family and me to be this connected and to receive so many heartfelt wishes and prayers. My family and I want to thank all of those who reached out in this difficult time.

Peace,

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Mike Riess, Editor

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) Jan/Feb 2017, Vol. 48, No. 1 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: 17,000 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

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

Michael Riess, Editor Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Ginny Tobiassen, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Lance Fox, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Jill Westbrook, Design by Michael 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 © 2017, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

MORAVIAN VOICES

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I hear you knocking...

was driving home from South Carolina just as the heavy rains hit that state in October 2015, and a song came on the radio. A woman was singing in a “blues” sort of style, “I hear you knocking but you can’t come in.” She was referring to a lover of yesteryear who now wanted to come back.

When I got home, I looked up the words to this song: “You went away and left long time ago/Now you’re knocking on my door./I hear you knocking but you can’t come in./I hear you knocking/Go back where you been.

The song, recorded in 1955 by Smiley Lewis, was kind of catchy to me as I listened.

I thought to myself, “There’s a message in that song, in those words.” The message is about doors, how doors are a symbol of inclusion or exclusion. And they really are. We can open a door and invite someone in or we can keep it closed, as the woman singing the song said she would do, and break off a potential relationship.

I’ve been a student of the Bible for a long time, and I can even remember when I was a youngster looking for a lost golf ball, saying to myself, “Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.” Those words come from something Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door The Rev. Bill Gramley is a retired Moravian pastor living in Lewisville, N.C. This essay won first place the North Carolina Senior Games Literary Arts Essay Competition in 2016.

Jan/Feb 2017

will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) The thing about Jesus is that he opened the door wherever he went. There were plenty of people in his time who were excluded from the fellowship of the community of faith: lepers, prostitutes, winebibbers, tax collectors, men and women who had impurities, even a man sent out among the tombs at a distance, a man called “Legion” because he had so many demons. But Jesus invited all of these people to (Continued on next page) 5

Knocking

(Continued from previous page) become children of God, to become part of the new kingdom he had come to open.

The religious establishment at the time kept these “defective” people out. They regarded these people as sinful and unworthy of inclusion in the community of faith. The whole attitude of exclusion was described in a parable that Jesus told about a prodigal son who became one of those sinners by taking his father’s inheritance, or his share of it, and wasting it in a far country. The father loved his son and welcomed him back. He opened the door, had a feast and wanted everyone to celebrate this wonderful homecoming. But the

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The call for inclusion that Jesus made was a central theme of his ministry...

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elder brother would not join in the festivities, would not go in the open door and embrace his brother. It was this unwillingness to include anyone who had made a mess of his or her life that Jesus came to change. The elder brother could easily have written, “I Hear You Knocking.” “I hear you knocking, but you can’t come in, at least not to me,” he could have said.

The call for inclusion that Jesus made was a central theme of his ministry. Jesus said in the last few verses of Matthew 5 that God, the Father, loves everyone and sends sunshine on the evil and the good, sends rain on the just and on the unjust. He concludes by saying, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) By this he surely means by “perfect” God’s full inclusion 6

of one and all regardless of their condition and status. He means we are to be perfectly, totally inclusive in our care and love for one another.

Jesus tells us about his Father, our God, as being much more loving and forgiving than we may think. Because we so often are not willing to follow that insight and understanding, we end up with a very self-righteous and exclusive world. We allow our differences not only in terms of moral goodness or badness but also our differences in skin color, cultural or ethnic origins, and sexual orientation and religious or non-religious pursuits to divide us. It may be our human nature that makes us prefer to be around persons like ourselves, but that very preference is the thing that creates our animosity toward others and leads us to the many religious and cultural and ethnic wars that our world has chosen for as long as we can remember.

Today we face challenges about allowing or not allowing refugees into the United States. We see the same desire to be exclusive that Jesus faced in his time. Whether it was the rich man who totally ignored the poor beggar at his door, a man named Lazarus, (see Luke 16:19-31) or the workers in the vineyard who didn’t want those who had barely worked at all to get the same payment at the end of the day (Matthew 20:1-16), we are called to consider compassion for those people who are hungry, hurting, and so often left behind. We do live in a world where there is a door and a great divide between the rich and the poor. The question is this: “Are we going to answer that knock on our door and open it or are we going to say as that woman sang it in her song, ‘I hear you knocking, but you can’t come in’?”

The answer depends not so much on your personal preferences and inclinations and your human nature as it does on whose standards you believe we must follow. n The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

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Sharing gifts with a growing church in Albania

hen the Rev. Patty Garner, Coordinator of the Unity Women’s Desk, first met Vjollca Mazi and Dena Fortuzi in 2013 at the European Women’s Conference in Albania, little did she realize what extensive friendships and connections would result. Nor did she imagine what gifts Home Moravian Church would receive from our brothers and sisters across the globe in Albania.

After hearing about the remarkable ministry of three women—Vjollca, Viola Grillo, and Merita Meko, who started five Moravian Churches in Albania—Patty met with the Rev. Rick Sides and the Mission and Evangelism Committee at Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. As a result, members of Home Church convened an Albanian Task Force to study the possibility of forming a partnership with Albanian Moravians. In November 2015,

Home Church’s Board of Elders approved the partnership, which the Rev. Sides aptly named “GIFTS”: Global Initiatives For The Savior. And thus the journey with our brothers and sisters in Albania began, resulting in manifold gifts given and received.

In the summer of 2015, after attending the American Moravian Women’s Conference in Maryland, Vjollca and Dena visited WinstonSalem and spent a week with Rev. Garner.

Members of Home Moravian Church met Vjollca and Dena and heard firsthand about their fledging ministry in Albania, a small country of about three million people located in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

From 1944 until 1991, a totalitarian communist regime isolated the country from the rest of the world, outlawing all religion. In fact, (Continued on next page)

Merita Meko left, describes learning skills to a team including Ann Radford and Betty Cole.

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Albania

(Continued from previous page) Albania was the first officially atheist country in the world, as defined in its constitution. With the fall of Communism, Albania underwent a period of deep and often dramatic social, political and economic change. Social conditions, unemployment levels and average incomes continue to be among the worst in Europe.

As members of HMC learned more about Albania and Vjollca’s and Dena’s commitment to minister and witness to the less fortunate in their country, they responded with a financial commitment to their ministry called The Bathore Project.

Outreach to Albania’s poor The Bathore Project, a three-pronged outreach ministry, serves one of the poorest areas in Albania and includes: • Economic Support (to provide food and to enhance both practical skills and education, with the goal of creating a way out of poverty) • Emancipation Project (to help victims of domestic violence) • Evangelization Project (to teach the Gospel) To encourage greater self-reliance, providing economic support means more than just monthly food supplies. The collapse of Communism meant the collapse of state-supported schools, creating an educational void for the poor for a decade. Because everyone needs the opportunity to learn and grow, the Bathore Project emphasizes learning and developing skills.

One of the women who initiated the Moravian ministry in Albania, Merita Meko, works with about 30 women of Bathore weekly, instructing them in cooking more nutritiously on a meager budget, while others have instructed these eager learners in geography and such basics as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Merita also encouraged them to share openly with one another, developing friendships.

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In the most recent report, leaders were thrilled to announce that 20 illiterate women can now write their names. Acquiring these skills of self-reliance and establishing supportive friendships will help women stand up to the threat of domestic violence, which occurs to one in three women in Albania.

As Sister Patty Garner explained, “With their daily needs being met, the third part of the Bathore Project of evangelizing the people will be realized. This method of evangelization is in the best tradition of the Moravian mission work.”

Sharing ministries In addition to financially supporting the Bathore Project, individuals, families and groups from Home Church began a Family-to-Family Initiative to offer monthly food supplements to 40 of the poorest families identified by the Bathore congregation.

During Vjollca’s and Dena’s time in the U.S. in the summer of 2015, Dena shared that as a result of prayer, the working of the Holy Spirit and the strengthening ties with Moravians throughout the world, she had begun to An Albanian woman helps deliver food aid.

The Moravian

Bishop Sam Gray serves communion.

feel a tug to serve her sisters and brothers in Albania as an ordained minister. Encouraged

by Rick, Patty and the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, Dena began distance learning classes with Moravian Theological Seminary in the fall of 2016. Dena’s gift of service will be a blessing to Albanian Moravians for generations to come.

In July 2016, two youth and an adult from the Albanian Moravian churches attended Senior High Camp at Laurel Ridge, while tentative plans are for two youth from Home Church to attend summer camp in Pogradec, Albania in 2017. Through emails, photo exchanges and visits, fast friendships continue to develop with our brothers and sisters in Albania.

A visit to Albania At the invitation of Vjollca Mazi, Dena Grillo and the Albanian Moravian churches, four members of our Home Moravian Task Force—Betty Cole, William Cranfill, Ann Radford and Charlie Stott—traveled to Albania in September 2016.

Even though he was not a member of the HMC Task Force, Bishop Sam Gray was available to accompany the group and eager to add another country to his list. “Having someone with Bishop Gray’s experience in visiting a variety of other cultures benefitted all of us,” said Betty. “He helped us expand our American perspective.”

Vjollca and Edi Mazi graciously welcomed and hosted our team as we visited and met the church leaders in Bathore, Burrel, Pogradec, Elbasan, and Tirana. Everywhere we traveled we were greeted with grateful smiles and lots of hugs! Although none in our group, not even Sam, could speak Albanian, language was never a barrier to express our appreciation and brotherly love for each other. In all of the churches visited, we experienced a feeling of “being one in the Spirit” with our brothers and sisters as we shared our Moravian faith. The trip to Albania served to cement our relationships and strengthen our commitment to the partnership.

Jan/Feb 2017

In Bathore, the poorest area in Albania and the focus of the Moravian mission, church members and their leaders, Haxhi Murati and his daughter, Etmonda, welcomed us warmly.

We shared worship and fellowship with the amazing sisters and brothers who carry out the ministry in Bathore. In addition, we met families being served by this ministry.

“We went to their homes to meet them and to allow them to extend hospitality…to us,” said Sam. “I think this was very important for them. Most of them offered us candy as a welcoming gesture. We had nothing to give them, but that’s what made it so important, I believe. It forced us into a situation where we understood, for a brief moment, what it’s like to receive something when there is nothing we can offer in return.”

Sam added, “So this was a way for people who are on the receiving end of a ministry to be able to be the givers. Besides the candy, they gave us their time. They opened up their homes. And these families seemed proud to be able to welcome visitors from another country (Continued on next page) 9

Albania

(Continued from previous page) into their humble homes. It gave them a sense of dignity.”

While in Albania, we saw the monthly food distribution to the 40 families that are a part of the Family-to-Family partnership. We witnessed women lifting and carrying 50-pound sacks of flour, large bottles of cooking oil and other items such as pasta and rice in smaller bags. One quick-thinking woman resourcefully found a wheelbarrow to carry the heavy bags of flour for her friends.

We felt the strong sense of community among the members of the Bathore congregation, and we experienced a feeling of mutual respect for each other. As Charlie Stott reflected later, “We, who knew nothing of lack or deprivation, were humbled and somewhat embarrassed by their gratitude.”

In Burrel, we met Eridona Gjestila and her mother, Shpresa, leader of the church in Burrel. Eridona had attended Senior High Camp at Laurel Ridge in July, so we were especially gratified to see her again. Like the other Moravian churches in Albania, Burrel has a thriving daycare program. Our hearts warmed to hear the voices of women and youth singing, “This Little Light of Mine” in English, even if they did substitute “bowl” for “bushel”!

Youth play an integral part in the Moravian churches in Albania. Their exuberant participation infused the church services in Pogradec with energy. Pogradec is the home of Ernis Bektasha, another one of the campers who attended Laurel Ridge this summer. Ernis’ parents are church leaders and also help maintain the beautiful camp facility in Pogradec.

While the church in Elbasan may have the smallest congregation of the Moravian churches in Albania, their leaders are very dedicated. With an eye to the future, they are mentoring a mature

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15-year-old girl to assist with the leadership. All of the church leaders in Albania exhibited tremendous commitment and dedication to meeting the needs of the people in their area.

On the last night of the trip, we shared communion with the church in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Bishop Sam Gray, the first Moravian bishop to lead a communion service in Albania, celebrated Holy Communion with all the Moravian congregations gathered in the church in Tirana. Voices, raised to sing “How Great Thou Art” in Albanian during the serving of the bread and wine, crystalized the shared spirit of worship for all of us, whether Albanian or American. In truth, we were “One in the Spirit” as we sang. As Sam said, “What was essential that night was that we were one in the Spirit and Christ was present in that place.”

Indeed, Sam summed up our trip the best when he said, “We went to Albania to observe a ministry that is a way in which we can give to them. But what sticks in my mind, and I’m sure what sticks in the hearts and minds of the others on the team, is what they gave us. Not just the beautiful tokens given to us in gift bags, but rather the gift of themselves, their friendship and love, their time, their commitment to this ministry and their partnership with us as together we serve God’s world and God’s people.

“So, as I reflect on our time with these sisters and brothers, how we do our part, and they do their part, I’m reminded of a verse in 1 Peter Chapter 4: ‘Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.’ ” n Betty Cole and Ann Radford are members of the Albanian Task Force from Home Moravian Church. Photos by the team who travelled to Albania.

The Moravian

MORAVIAN DAILY TEXTS

62 languages and counting

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or 2017, three new languages were added to the large number of editions of the Moravian Daily Texts: Syriac Aramaic, Tok Pisin (a language spoken in Papua New Guinea) and Vietnamese.

Local church groups, often working with partners in Germany, took the initiative to translate, publish and distribute their version of the Moravian Daily Texts. All three projects received a startup grant from the Moravian Church in Germany.

The Vietnamese Daily Text book is published in two biannual installments. The Daily Texts from Papua New Guinea are printed in a printrun of 500 copies under the title: “Givim Mipela Kaikai Bilong Dispela De� (Give Us Today Our Daily Bread). The Syriac Aramaic version is still in translation.

The Moravian Daily Texts currently appear in 62 languages worldwide.

Jan/Feb 2017

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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Filling the freezer to feed those in need

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n a November morning this fall, 23 people gathered in the kitchen of East Hills Moravian Church to cook together. Four hours later, 500 meals filled the church’s large freezer, all to be donated to anyone who needed a meal. This group was composed of members of four Moravian churches and Holy Infancy Catholic Church—five times as many churches as before!

A few people at East Hills had been “cooking for the freezer ministry” for about six years, sharing the fruits of their labor with anyone who would be helped by a warm, nourishing meal. Those helped included folks recently hospitalized, those who suffered the loss of a loved one, new parents or those who resided in nearby low-income housing or even under a bridge in a makeshift shelter.

Three times a year, cooking days kept the church freezer filled with soups and other comfort foods, including many portions of chicken, ham, pork and sausage, easy to reheat and enjoy. Some of the “cooks” who participated were not Moravians, and perhaps not

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Christians; they had been recipients of food from the Freezer Ministry during the past year when they fell on difficult times.

Expanding a Ministry The idea of expanding this ministry was the brain-child of Frank Shipman, Moravian Seminary student serving as student pastor at the time. Frank had the vision of spreading this ministry through all Bethlehem Area Moravian (BAM) churches and feeding more and more people. So, he invited all the BAM churches to our cooking day to watch, ask questions and participate.

Distributing the food would be the easy part. All a church needed was a freezer, a few folks to help on the cooking days at East Hills and hungry residents in their churches or communities. Four pastors were present, some to observe but most to participate, boning chickens, cleaning vegetables and filling quart containers. Others, members of local Moravian congregations, jumped right in to help. One member of Edgeboro said, “I came The Moravian

to see what this ministry was all about. Before I knew it, my coat was hung up, my hands were washed, I had put on an apron and was browning 20 pounds of hamburger in three huge frying pans! We had a great time!”

East Hills funded its Freezer Ministry by hosting a Harvest Dinner each year and accepting random contributions of cash and food.

Bob Wingrove oversees the freezer ministry cooking and says he has never had a problem getting church members and friends to help prep and cook the food or distribute it. He looks forward to having regular participants for the BAM churches and plans on quarterly cooking days for the Freezer Ministry.

“That should allow the Bethlehem churches to provide about 1500 quarts or 3,000 servings each year,” says Bob. “We hope to expand this ministry through other churches who are not part of BAM. For it is not just about providing food, but meeting others, touching their lives and letting them touch our lives.”

East Hills provided all the ingredients for the first cooking day in November. Going forward, BAM churches will provide some of the ingredients and share the cost of the food.

Helping the Freezer Ministry How can you help fund the Freezer Ministry?

Pastor Derek French suggests that you become part of the distribution network. The faster it is distributed, the more people we serve and the sooner we will schedule another cooking day. “ This is the area of the ministry that we hope to grow the fastest!” said Pastor French.

There are no special cooking skills necessary to participate in the prep or cook day so tell your pastor you would like to participate.

All are welcome to prep and cook the ingredients that will nourish bodies and souls and continue East Hills’ mission “to know Christ and make Him known.” The fellowship of serving alongside fellow Christians and Moravians is a priceless additional benefit. For information about the next cooking day in February, or to pick up food for distribution, contact Bob Wingrove or Jan Schanck at East Hills church or any BAM pastor. n Jan Schanck is a member of East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. www.easthillsmc.org

At left and below: East Hills members and other volunteers work to create 500 meals for the church’s Freezer Ministry.

Jan/Feb 2017

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IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

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Fairview outreach offers appreciation for Winston-Salem police

esus said, “Greater love hath no one than providing the expertise and people-power to to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The get this project into action. Rod and Candice love shown by our police in facing danger jumped in, preparing, posting and distributing everyday as they risk their lives to protect our signs, press releases and posters announcing community exemplifies that love described by the event. Candice contacted more than 50 loJesus Christ. In fact, since 1895, 18 Winston cal businesses to request gifts of appreciation Salem’s police officers gave their lives in the to the police to be awarded to our officers line of duty. We at Fairview Moravian Church based on a random drawing of names. Without felt that it was high time for somebody to say hesitation, everyone she asked eagerly made a thank you! thank you gift for our police. This generosity In September, the Outreach Committee at and enthusiasm to participate speaks to the Fairview, chaired by Shirley Byerly, invited pohigh regard that all our neighbors have for our lice officers and their families from our local local police. division to a Police Appreciation Day to celPreparing a celebration ebrate and show our appreciation and love for We contacted Police Chief Barry Rountree and these men and women who put their lives on his staff to get police approval and to select the the line for us every day. date. Fairview’s Outreach Committee organized The idea of having a police appreciation the seating arrangement, furnished the food, day had originally been suggested several years including hamburgers, hotdogs and the trimearlier, but finally at the urging of Fairview’s mings. Cooks like Matt Hubbard and Ken Hauser, Danny Fariview member Judy Byerly Danny Ferguson, Flowers and Everwelcomes officers to Fairview’s joint Appreciation Day. ett Freeman grilled board gave its and cooked. approval to move Church members forward with the and neighbors project this year. brought more deli Neighbors cious dishes, along Candice and Rod with wonderful Back were redesserts.

Soon cruited to prepare we had a feast big a top-notch celeenough to feed the bration for its pomultitudes. lice heroes, with At about 11:30 the church’s Outa.m. on the big reach Committee

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The Moravian

Fairview members share a laugh with officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department.

day, the Fairview parking lot began filling up with police cars. If you had not known better, you might have thought an emergency was taking place. It was a wonderful sight to see these police officers exit their cruisers and walk into a grateful crowd of people who were anxious to tell them thank you.

Soon the “Little Rockers,” a three-man band including the Rev. Brad Bennett, Steve Hodge, and Dale West, began to play everything from rock and roll to country music. Many of the audience began tapping their feet and singing along as the fun time became even more jubilant. As the officers continued to file in— some with their families, others on duty, some in uniform, some in civilian clothes—they were immediately welcomed and asked to go to the front of the food line.

What a great moment it was for us to be up close and personal with these great men and women. The officers wore wide smiles as they told us how grateful they were to be recognized

by Fairview and the neighborhood. They were kind, respectful and gracious yet remained very professional and on semi-alert status, some with their earphones in to monitor police calls. Occasionally, an officer would have to rush out to his patrol car and speed away to Jan/Feb 2017

answer a call. It appeared to me that each and every one of these officers was the cream of the crop of our young adult generation. They made me feel safe, protected and proud to be from Winston-Salem.

Thanking our officers Fairview’s pastor, the Rev. Scott Venable, served as master of ceremonies, welcoming our valued guests and sharing how much our police department means to us. After everyone joined in the Moravian Blessing, Pastor Scott announced that several months earlier at Fairview’s Fourth of July celebration, Alden Dull, a long-time Fairview member, career police officer, and formerly the interim chief of police, had been the church’s “God and Country Award” recipient for his great service to both our community and to our church.

“Today,” Pastor Scott said, “we recognize another great police officer, Winston-Salem’s oldest retired officer, Officer Bailey Brown, Sr.” Officer Brown was seated in the audience with his wife and family, including his son Bailey Brown, Jr., also a retired police officer.

A plaque was presented to the elder Bailey Brown for his dedication to law enforcement.

(Continued on next page) 15

Winston-Salem Chief of Police Barry Rountree

Fairview

(Continued from previous page) Pastor Scott also presented a plaque to Division One of the Winston-Salem Police Department in recognition of everything they do for us, and another plaque was presented to the entire police department for their dedication to the safety of the community. In accepting the plaque, Chief Rountree gave a brief speech, noting solemnly that they seldom receive invites like this. He was truly grateful.

Candace Back, with the help of Betty Ferguson, drew names from a police-only box and called out the winners. The gifts ranged from fuel cards, to a free wheel alignment, to numerous free dinners at a variety of restaurants.

One wonderful gift came from local television news anchor, Cameron Kent, who gave a round of golf for three to play with him at Maple Chase Country Club, with everything, including lunch, furnished.

Next, Betty Ferguson, accompanied by the Fairview Choir, sang, “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” One tough old retired officer told me 16

that when Betty got to the part of the song that crooned, “You are my hero . . .,” he began to tear up. (Actually, many others of us did also.)

Finally, by mid-afternoon, after many words of appreciation, after a few more tears of happiness, and after extending an open invitation for our heroes to come back to visit us, the great Division One of the Winston Salem Police Force departed, all with full stomachs and all knowing that Fairview Moravian Church, as well as the Hope Valley and Ashley Forrest neighborhoods loved and appreciated them.

The event was very successful. It was a satisfying opportunity to honor our dedicated men and women in blue and tell these heroes how much we appreciate them and how they are the essence of God’s love. n Danny Ferguson is a member of Fairview Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Candice and Rod Back and a grateful officer

The Moravian

MINISTRIES FOUNDATION

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Morning Star Campaign Services: building cultures of generosity and gratitude

he Moravian Ministries Foundation helps Moravian individuals, churches and agencies grow and sustain the ministries that are central to our faith. We do this through investment management, gift planning, and assisting with stewardship development and capital fundraising.

Since its inception more than 16 years ago, Morning Star, our campaign service, has helped churches and agencies build cultures of generosity and gratitude as well as raise over $7 million for capital projects and change the conversation about money and ministry.

If you would like to learn more about Morning Star Campaign Service or our work, please visit our website at www.mmfa.info or call us at 888-722-7923. We look forward to serving you.

We would like to thank the churches and agencies who have chosen to Invest Where They Believe and strengthen their ministries, as well as our shared Moravian values, by using Morning Star Campaign Service. We are pleased to present this “Honor Roll” of clients and express our gratitude for their participation and commitment. n

Moravian Ministries Foundation “Honor Roll” MMFA Morning Star Campaign Services Clients

Auburn Villages, Waconia, Wis. Calvary Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Christ Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Christ’s Community Church, Maple Grove, Minn.

Christian Faith Moravian Church, DeForest, Wis. Covenant Moravian Church, Wilmington, N.C. Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pa. Grace Moravian Church, Mt. Airy, N.C. Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Hope Conference and Renewal Center Kernersville Moravian Church, Kernersville, N.C. King Moravian Church, King, N.C. Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Laurel Ridge Camp & Conf. Center, N.C. Marquardt Foundation, Watertown, Wis. Jan/Feb 2017

Mayodan Moravian Church, Mayodan, N.C. Ministers’ Pension Endowment, Northern Province Mizpah Moravian Church, Rural Hall, N.C. New Beginnings Moravian Church, Huntersville, N.C. Oak Grove Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Peace Moravian Church, Charlotte, N.C. Schoenbrunn Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth, Pa. Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church, Fargo, N.D. Sunnyside Ministry, Winston-Salem, N.C. Union Cross Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Unity Women’s Desk Veedum Moravian Church, Pittsville, Wis. 17

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Mission Team connects with more than 100 Cuban youth and young adults

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ast summer, the 2016 Camp Cuba Mission Team of six youth and young adults and two adults traveled to Cuba to participate in Camping and Youth Ministries. Over the course of their mission experience the team connected and built relationships with more than 100 young people in Cuba!

The 2016 Camp Cuba Mission Team is the third interprovincial youth and young adult team to serve the Camping Ministry in The Moravian Church in Cuba. Sponsored by the Eastern District of the Moravian Church Northern Province in cooperation with the Board of World Mission, the team was involved in cross-cultural and leadership training, camp ministry, relational community ministry, preaching and teaching in local churches, and home visits.

Cuba is a beautiful country with beautiful people, beautiful inside and out. Our 2016 Camp experience connected us with 70 youth and young adults from all over Cuba. We shared in devotions, games, program, Bible Olympics, cross-cultural small group events and worship.

Following our time at Camp in Havana we traveled to Jaguey Grande where we met 30 additional young people. Church and community members welcomed us warmly everywhere we went and on several occasions our group was welcomed into homes of those we served.

On our last two days, we stayed in Havana at a Casa Particular, a private home licensed to welcome overnight guests for a small fee.

While in Havana we moved about freely, traveling from our Casa to downtown historic Havana to experience the history, culture, and food of

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Cuba. As we walked the city squares we found ourselves immersed among Cuban people. No matter where we went, we were surrounded by friendly and welcoming Cubans.

Four members of our team share details of our experiences: Zachary Oatis – Palmer Moravian Church A Moravian missionary? Who me? HA, no way!

When I first heard about the opportunity to travel to Cuba as part of a mission, I was interested, yet felt unqualified. I’m 23. I don’t know enough of the Bible to teach. What could I possibly offer? I soon learned that the team I would be a part of was full of different skills and knowledge, and that I actually would be of some use.

The goal of this mission was to develop Christian relationships with the people of the Moravian Church in Cuba. Our primary focus: to immerse ourselves in unbiased cross-cultural learning and foster pre-existing cooperation with local congregations.

Our travels included Havana and the Matanzas Region. In Havana we participated in a weeklong summer bible camp and cultural immersion. In the Matanzas Region we strengthened personal relationships and worshiped. This mission was filled with eye-opening moments and amazing experiences; it has forever broadened my sense of the Moravian Community. Moreover, it has helped me to better define my own faith.

The Cubans wanted to make sure that we were treated with the utmost respect and shown every hospitality, because we were their guests.

The Moravian

They cooked, served, and cleaned up after us for each meal. This was directly counter to our goal to be seen as equals and integrate into their church community. It was uncomfortable but with time, effort, and honest discussion we made progress and better understood each other’s cultures.

While communication presented a minor challenge at first, the language barrier became less and less apparent as camp progressed. We played soccer, volleyball, and even some harmless pranks amongst the entire camp. One night the Americans introduced the Cubans to the game of Twister. However, we played a “camp” version. Instead of Twister game mats, we used plastic shower curtains and washable paint. At first, the Cubans were hesitant to participate for fear of ruining their clothes. We explained the rules and that the paint wasn’t permanent.

As soon as the game began, everyone was very excited and having a good time.

The game itself became less and less important. We no longer needed language. A simple game brought down barriers and filled the hall with international fun and laughter.

As the game came to a close, paint covered the ground, walls, handrails, stairs and everywhere else. The American contingent cleaned, scrubbed, and washed away all evidence of the game. This game and the clean-up became a significant moment in the mission because everyone was able to see and feel the culture and language barriers melt away.

Once Bible Camp ended, we were able to spend time in a smaller group with the youth leaders of the Cuban congregation. We invited them to come to a popular beach across the island for a day of relaxation and cultural experiences such as shopping, dinner and sightseeing. This created an environment for personal interaction and discussion about topics like culture, politics and social issues. The group was relaxed and we were able to explore what Jan/Feb 2017

it meant to be people from different nations bonded by a common faith.

The mission was a personal and overall success on many levels. I feel very fortunate to have experienced how receptive and openhearted the Cuban community is. Despite being poor, they generously opened their homes and lives to us.

Being exposed to a foreign culture is always exciting; I was especially interested to learn more about Cuba and its historic role in the Cold War. While answers varied when I asked what it felt like to be a Cuban during such tumultuous times, national pride and a feeling of responsibility to improve one’s country was a common theme. The Russian influence was pervasive. Russian housing projects were commonplace yet many were left unfinished. The Russian Embassy was located apart from others and was clearly designed to project a sense of power. I was amazed to see how generally untouched the Cuban culture was. Americanmade cars from the 1950s dominated the roads with only a few modern imports from Europe or China.

The Cuban Moravian Church is established but struggling financially. One of the congregations we visited worships in the pastor’s garage.

The space is cramped but it is the best option they have. They are working and saving money so that someday they will be able to purchase the building across the street.

We brought sixteen suitcases full of items usually unavailable to our Cuban Church family. Simple things like paper and printer ink that are used in worship are in extremely high demand and difficult for them to acquire.

We also brought soccer balls, Twister games, toothbrushes, medicine, bug spray, pens and lots of other supplies.

Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer and the Moravian Board of World Mission are an impressive (Continued on next page) 19 19

Heidi Faber and Sashamarie Long serve the Cuban campers first Lovefeast.

(Continued from previous page) group. Together they continue to affect positive change in the lives of our American youth and even more so, the lives of those whom they have been called to serve abroad. The mission was enlightening both culturally and spiritually; I feel as though I have taken a big step in defining my own faith and developing my relationship with God. The experience was incredibly grounding and will no doubt have a lasting impact on my life. While my experience growing up in the Palmer Moravian Church was wonderful, this trip allowed me to see the much broader community of faith and the global reach of the Moravian Church.

Now as I look back, my doubts about being unqualified were ridiculous. Each of us shared our gifts, skills and knowledge, creating a small team able to accomplish something special: the development of Christian relationships with the people of the Moravian Church of Cuba. While I was deeply moved by the assistance we were able to give the Cuban congregation, I firmly believe that the personal growth I experienced was just as significant.

Sashamarie Long – Life Church, introduced to the Moravian Church by members of Calvary Moravian Church This my second experience in Cuba and each time I visit, I change for the better. My eyes are 20

opened to the natural, raw beauty of everyone and everything around me. The streets in Cuba are filled with diligent, hardworking people, fighting day by day to survive and support their families. Most do not know what the next day will bring, if they will even have food to feed their family, if they will be able to work, if the government-owned stores will have goods needed for daily survival. They struggle daily and smile. That is what I have learned. Despite what you are going through, despite what you are feeling, you must smile and be joyful not for your own sake but for the sake of others.

As one of the girls at camp told me, “It’s okay to not be okay, but you must be happy and smile for others, so that you can be okay for someone else. Someone else will see that you are happy and filled with love and they will be changed.”

I am amazed at how people living in a country that has gone through so much pain and struggle can still be filled with so many genuine smiles—smiles that changed my view on my own emotions and smiles that fill me with nothing but happiness and love.

In Cuba I have the chance to see a whole new side to happiness. In our culture here at home we often focus on what we should be or have, we think about what we don’t have and how we may never be able to get it, or on how we are different from everyone else. In caring The Moravian

too much about the physical things, we forget about the importance of our emotional being, staying in tune with who we are as individuals and precious children of God. In Cuba I find myself, feel loved, experience happiness and I am very grateful.

I think I feel more love in Cuba because it is a country of people that have every reason to be filled with resentment, fear and loneliness and yet choose to fill themselves with love.

They choose to focus on what they have and who they are and find the joy in their lives.

They choose to be happy. They choose to put their daily struggle and pain aside. As one of my fellow Cuban campers said, “I choose to be happy because if I don’t, I won’t be able to take on the day.” While I am in Cuba, their happiness pours onto me and I find that I see myself as a reflection of who they choose to be. I find that I am truly happy within myself, with my faith and with what I am accomplishing.

Slowly the everyday struggles of home and the desire for material things don’t matter; all that matters is my relationship with God and the people I love. When I returned home I told my friends that during my 12 days in Cuba, I had no phone, no car, no Internet, etc. My friends and family seemed amazed and asked how I survived. My response was that it was actually easy. When you put all the non-important things aside you become more aware of what is going on around you. You see God working within you and others as well. Instead of texting at the dinner table, you have no service so you talk with people. Laughter fills the room instead of buzzing phones. Smiles fill the streets instead of heads glaring down at bright screens. Love and happiness begin to grow inside you instead of an emptiness you can’t fill with the physical things.

The definition of happiness I’ve come to know has changed me as a person. Before experiencing the people in Cuba I thought happiJan/Feb 2017

ness was a reflection of what you had. When I was in Cuba I realized that happiness comes from sharing love as you build relationships.

Now I know that happiness is based upon things much greater. Happiness is not created by physical things, but by people. The memories you make with the people you love, the laughs, tears and smiles will stay with you forever. Surround yourself with people who love you, the love will consume you and fulfill any emptiness you have.

Victor Tory Reid, John Hus Moravian Church First and foremost, I would like to give all praise and thanks to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior for blessing me with my third opportunity to participate in Campamento de Jovenes de Morava de Iglesia. I was excited and over(Continued on next page) Cuban campers prepare for a “camp” version of “Twister”

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(Continued from previous page) joyed to reconnect with old friends and eager to create new relationships. We had a great time in the Lord through the Bible competition, having devotions each morning and evening, and traveling with the entire camp to historical landmarks of Havana.

After the camp concluded on Friday, we traveled to Jaguey – Grande, Matanzas to interact more with the Cuban campers from that area along with their families. During our time in Jaguey – Grande we stayed with Pastor Obed and his lovely wife, Alay. They, along with our Cuban friends, were so warm, gracious, generous and hospitable towards our mission team by sharing their food, laughter, and opening up their homes with us and treating us like family.

Throughout this mission experience my faith was enriched, revived and reenergized to higher heights. I was reminded to Trust and focus your faith on God, not your struggles.

The storm will end. Don’t let your situation break you; instead let it build you up. I was also reminded that it’s not money or material wealth that produce manners, morals, respect, trust, patience, class, integrity, love, character and common sense. The time I spent in Cuba reminded me of what Dr. King said: “Faith is

taking the first step even when you don’t see the full staircase.”

From the theme of this year’s Eastern District Synod To Us, To Us The Task is Given To Spread God’s Word Amen, I would like to encourage all children and young people within our communities and Moravian congregations to lend a helping hand by getting involved in mission experiences and trips whether locally or globally. Giving is better than receiving and if we all do this our world would be a safer, greener and healthier place to live, work and play for both you and me.

Lastly I would leave you with my confirmation text which guides me in fulfilling my call to participate on mission trips which is “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:13 Courtney Heist, Egg Harbor City Moravian Church If I could use three words to describe Cuba I would use community, love and faith. Cuba is a beautiful country filled with a most gracious and loving people. Although they lack tangible possessions, their faith, love and community outreach far exceeds the worth of superficial Tory Reid and Zach Oatis serve Lovefeast

Pastor Rhonda Robinson leads worship in Cuba

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The Moravian

From l-to-r: Heidi Faber, Sasha Long, Tory Reid, Courtney Heist, Zach Oatis and Andrew Mengel

items we in the States view as essential. What they have in their hearts and souls matters more than what is in their hands.

During this mission trip I took away the act of forgiveness. While relations between Cuba and the United States have warmed recently, our history is filled with turmoil. Despite opposing political views and clashing histories, our mission team was welcomed in Cuba as the loving arms of our sisters and brothers surrounded us and encouraged us to share and grow in our faith. Yes, there were some Cubans that were skeptical of us, but most were willing to engage us in conversation and seemed willing to forgive us for the difficulties our countries’ policies have caused in their lives.

While in Cuba, the idea of forgiveness touched me deeply. I began to think of my own personal battles with forgiveness. For some time now I have been struggling to forgive someone for taking something very precious from me. If my Cuban brothers and sisters can find the courage and the faith to forgive people that have engaged with them in military conflict and whose government has sanctioned economically for more than 50 years, then I can work harder to find the faith to forgive the things in my life that I find unfair, that I resent and/or regret.

This year our mission team was invited to lead morning devotions and we elected to Jan/Feb 2017

share a Moravian Lovefeast which none of the participants had experienced. This would be a big step in sharing the way we worship in the U.S. with the emerging church in Cuba.

Our mission team took this responsibility very seriously. We spent hours planning the Lovefeast with a PowerPoint presentation that included a variety of hymns and praise tunes. Just as we were starting worship, the power went out. As Pastora Rhonda [Robinson] would say “God laughed at our plan, ’cause God had something else in mind.” With no power, we couldn’t use the PowerPoint or music to sing our songs…how were we to proceed with worship? There wouldn’t be English to Spanish translation, music would need to be sung as a capella, and no one would know the words.

But, the Holy Spirit stepped in and we experienced a “God moment.” A Cuban camper ran and got his guitar so he could play songs, three girls stood up and said that they were willing to sing, and somehow they were led to select hymns and praise tunes that the entire congregation knew so that we could all sing in our own languages, English and Spanish.

The Lovefeast went on. It was an amazing moment, everyone working together to introduce a dear Moravian tradition of worship. In that one (Continued on next page) 23

(Continued from previous page) moment when we looked at each other thinking that all was lost we felt the Holy Spirt take over, leading each and every one of us—Cuban and American—to come together in God’s name to praise and worship our Lord in a very special way.

This year we stayed at the home of Pastor Obed Martinez and Pastor Alay Martinez.

They opened the doors to their casa as well as their hearts to us, providing us with food, shelter, activities, a view of every day life…and most importantly, love.

On Sunday we went to church with Obed and Alay. The congregation of 50 worships in Obed’s very small, very hot one-car garage. It’s not the best of circumstances but it is still a place where the people are able to gather to worship and praise God. The congregation does hope to purchase a larger gathering space. The new building fundraising is going very slowly. However, in typical Cuban spirits, they are making the best of what they have and are hopeful that God will bless them with a new church home soon.

Seeing the congregation together in that garage and being welcomed into their worship changed me. Even with the heat and stagnant air, not understanding everything that was said, or try-

ing to sing unfamiliar songs, the love and joy on their faces as they praised God and invited me to do the same truly changed me. It changed the way I look at love and faith.

I went to Cuba thinking about myself, what would happen to me, how would I eat, where would I stay, how would I fit in, and did I have everything I would need. Since my time in Cuba—experiencing a new culture, sharing what little we had together, enjoying the world around me, finding ways to name how God is at work in my life and the lives of others, and putting others first in my daily life—my faith is growing stronger. I am appreciating the little things so much more, and I am experiencing a love for others and the world around me in new ways daily. For me, traveling to Cuba was about sharing in the love of Jesus and making new relationships with others, with myself and with my faith. This experience has been life changing and I plan to return next year, to continue to grow in faith with my brothers and sisters in Cuba. n The Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer coordinated this article and provided photos. Additional photos by Tory Reid, Zach Oatis and Rhonda Robinson.

An invitation to develop Christian relationships To be a part of the movement developing Christian relationships with the people of Cuba, consider joining our 2017 Camp Cuba Mission Team. This summer there will be two Camp Cuba’s, one in the western area and one in eastern area of Cuba. Tentative dates for the Western Camp Cuba are July 27-30; Eastern Camp Cuba dates will be announced at a later time and will likely happen the week before or the week after the Western Camp dates. Our Camp Cuba mission experience will encompass both camps giving us an opportunity to visit both sides of the island over a two-week period. Applications for partici24

pants ages 16 to 30 and interpreters of any age from the Northern or Southern Provinces will be accepted starting March 2017.

Immerse yourself in a cross-cultural mission opportunity making a difference in the lives of those you serve as you engage one-on-one with the people of Cuba and grow a heart for servant leadership and a deeper relationship with God. For more information contact Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Northern Province, Eastern District at cynthia@mcnp.org.

The Moravian

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Ground of the Unity, Part VIII Following the outline established by the 2005 Jesus Still Lead On study guide, we are sharing different aspects of The Ground of the Unity, one of the worldwide Moravian Church’s key doctrinal statements, in The Moravian. In our final installment, we’ll discuss Serving the World, Authority of Christ and the Conclusion of the Ground of the Unity. Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead 0n for this material.

—Mike Riess, editor, The Moravian Magazine

Serving the World

in our communities that we have withdrawn from the world. The horrors of the 20th century demonstrated that Christians cannot leave the world to go its own way. Unless people of faith are engaged actively in promoting the message of God’s love for his creation and for all of his children, humans will destroy themselves and their environment. We have the technology and the hatred to destroy all things, but Christians know that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” Moravians do not give credence to the apocalyptic fantasies that are peddled on newsstands, nor do we appeal to people’s fears and anxieties in order to increase our membership. In following Jesus Christ as ...we must remain concerned for Lord and Savior, we this world. We may not withdraw commit ourselves from it through indifference, pride to the world that or fear. he has redeemed.

Pride and fear often seem to rule the world and even the Church, but the Christian message is that we can be filled with faith, love and hope. We can challenge the world with the message of

Jesus Christ maintains in love and faithfulness His commitment to this fallen world.

Therefore we must remain concerned for this world. We may not withdraw from it through indifference, pride or fear. Together with the universal Christian Church, the Unitas Fratrum challenges all with the message of the love of God, striving to promote the peace of the world and seeking to attain what is best for all people. For the sake of this world, the Unitas Fratrum hopes for and looks to the day when the victory of Christ will be manifest over sin and death and the new world will appear.

Commentary: We love the world because Christ loves the world.

This has been something that the Moravian Church has struggled with through the centuries. There have been many times when we were so concerned with our own spiritual development and purity Jan/Feb 2017

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Ground of the Unity (Continued from previous page) peace and reconciliation even in the midst of war and terror because the Prince of Peace strengthens us. We know that violence and evil do not have the final word. We know that we can fight with the weapons of faith rather than huddling behind the weapons of war. We do not need to be afraid because we know that “perfect love casts out fear.”

This message of peace is most needed when it is the least welcome. The Ground of the Unity makes it clear that we are called to seek what is best for all people rather than using people for our own benefit or making enemies. We stand opposed to the exploitation of the weakest people of the world and are called

to raise our voices in their defense. We do not need to make others conform to our way of doing things. Rather, we are called to help them seek what is best for them. We do this because we look forward to the day when Christ’s kingdom is manifest on earth. Until that day, though, we are called to do what we can to make this world a reflection of heaven’s perfection.

Discussion: • How can Christians work for peace and justice in the world? Is this separate from or related to the task of evangelism?

• What is the danger if Christians withdraw from the world and build their own protected communities divorced from others?

• Why is it hard to be a peacemaker in the midst of conflict?

• What does it mean to “seek to attain what is best for all people?” How do we know what is best for others?

Authority of Christ Jesus Christ is the one Lord and Head of His body, the Church. Because of this, the Church owes no allegiance to any authority whatsoever which opposes His dominion. The Unitas Fratrum treasures in its history the vital experience of the Headship of Christ of September 16 and November 13, 1741.

Jesus Christ is the one Lord and Head of His body, the Church...

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Commentary: Moravians celebrate the election of Christ as Chief Elder of our Church every year, but we do not always take this idea seriously enough.

It is important for us to realize that Christ is head of the entire body of Christ, not just our community of faith. We are grateful that this truth was experienced in a particularly significant way in our own history, but it is even more important that we make this a constant

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reality in our lives and in our community. This paragraph of the Ground of the Unity clearly reflects the Theological Declaration of Barmen (1934) by which some German Christians took a stand against Adolph Hitler and his messianic pretensions.

Christians owe their ultimate allegiance to God alone, and we know the will of God through the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is important for the sake of our own souls and for the good of the world that Christ loves that we never oppose his kingdom. This takes some discernment, but in general it is clear to most Christians when governments and other organizations stand opposed to the most fundamental Christian values. It is not as hard to recognize genuine evil as one might think.

What is hard is having the courage to resist evil in the name of Christ. It is hard to stand opposed to genocide, wanton destruction of creation, abuse of women, children, and men when our opposition may be costly. This is when we most need our faith in Christ. When we are doubting and wavering, we need to ask, “where Christ would be?” Would he be with the victims or the victimizers? If Christ is our Head and Lord, then we cannot let any lesser authority make us oppose Christ and his peaceable kingdom.

Discussion: • Why is it vital that all Christians recognize that there are times when human authorities have become so corrupted by sin that it would be evil to obey their orders?

• What does the doctrine of Christ as Chief Elder mean to you?

• How do you know what would be opposed to Christ’s kingdom?

• What are ways in which authorities might ask you to oppose the Kingdom of Christ?

Jan/Feb 2017

In this spirit, [the Unitas Fratrum] awaits the appearing of Jesus Christ, goes forward to meet its Lord with joy, and prays to be found ready when He comes.

Conclusion The Unitas Fratrum recognizes that it is called into being and has been sustained hitherto only by the incomprehensible grace of God. Thanksgiving and praise for this grace remain the keynote of its life and ministry. In this spirit it awaits the appearing of Jesus Christ, goes forward to meet its Lord with joy, and prays to be found ready when He comes.

Commentary: One of the hallmarks of the Moravian Church through the centuries has been a sense of joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ and serving Christ. Contrary to the opinion of many in the world, it is in following Christ that we (Continued on page 29)

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2017

West Salem, Illinois

The Moravian Church is privileged to join with Christians throughout the world in prayers for the unity of the Church during the week of January 18-25. The theme for this year is “Reconciliation – The Love of Christ Compels Us”, based on 2 Corinthians 5:14-20.

Brother Reid Lauderman, who has been serving as pastor for Bethel Moravian Church, Leonard, North Dakota, and Goshen Moravian Church, Durbin, North Dakota, has accepted the call to serve as pastor for West Salem Moravian Church, West Salem, Illinois. Brother Lauderman will be installed March 5, 2017.

Ecumenical Sunday, January 29, 2017

Downey, California

The Provincial Elders’ Conferences request that congregations observe our ecumenical witness in the worship services on Sunday, January 29, 2017. In addition to prayers and themes for preaching, our ecumenical witness is expressed in our participation in local and regional ecumenical service ministries and in councils of churches. Our church supports financially this ecumenical witness with congregational pledges for local and state councils of churches and with support for the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and the World Council of Churches.

Prayer Day for Retired Ministers, January 29, 2017

The last Sunday in January has been designated as a day of prayer for retired ministers. This is an opportunity to recognize with gratitude the service our retired ministers and their spouses have rendered to the Church over the years.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Cinnaminson, New Jersey

Brother F. Jeffrey Van Orden has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Brother Van Orden will begin this new work March 1, 2017.

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Due to declining membership and in accordance with ¶1019 of The Book of Order, Downey Moravian Church, Downey, California will close with a final service of worship and thanksgiving on June 4, 2017.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference SOUTHERN PROVINCE Retirement

The Rev. Ray Burke will retire February 28, 2017, after more than 40 years of ministry. Ray served the New Philadelphia, Konnoak Hills, and Clemmons congregation and as an Army Chaplain. Please keep Ray, his wife, Kay, and their family, and also the Clemmons congregation and boards in prayer.

Home Moravian Church

The Rev. Virginia Tobiassen has accepted a call to become pastor of Home Moravian Church after serving as associate pastor since 2013. A service of installation is planned for January 29. Remember Ginny, her husband, Bill, and the members and leadership at Home Church during this time of transition.

The Moravian

Ministry Transition

Bob Peterson has requested and been granted permission to retire from active service under call, effective June 30. Bob will have served more than 40 years, including ministry in the Northern Province (First, Riverside, NJ; Lancaster, PA; East Hills, Bethlehem, PA), and Southern Province (First, Greensboro, Leaksville, and interim pastorates at Grace, Mt. Airy, and Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte.)

Please be in prayer for Bob and his wife, Sara, and the Leaksville congregation during the coming months.

Ground of the Unity (Continued from page 27) find our true happiness. This joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep awareness that nothing, not even our own failings, can separate us from the love of God. We do not presume to understand why God loves us or calls us into relationship with him. Rather, we simply rejoice in our experience of grace and look for ways in which to show our love for the Lord through humble and courageous service in the world.

The Ground of the Unity reminds us that we do not serve Christ under compulsion, like hired hands. We serve as dearly beloved children and friends of Jesus who strive to do what is pleasing to God. There is no division between our worship and our work, our praise of God and our love for one another. All is united in our joyful anticipation of the day when all things are restored. Therefore in the Moravian Church we stress that Christians look toward the return of Jesus or our going home to God with eager anticipation rather than fear and trepidation. We do not need or even desire

Jan/Feb 2017

2017 Watchwords For The Southern Province

The Watchwords for our Province this year are taken from the Daily Texts for August 6: • “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” Psalm 105:3 • “On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them.” Acts 20:7

The Rev. David Guthrie President, Southern Province PEC

to know the day or the hour of Christ’s return because we strive each day to be doing what the Lord requires of us: “to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” Discussion: • Why is it important for us to remember that our church exists because of the grace of God rather than because of our own endeavors?

• Why are thanksgiving, praise, and joy essential features of the Christian life?

• What does it mean to be ready when the Lord returns?

• Having studied the entire Ground of the Unity, is there anything that you think needs to be changed?

• Has the study of Moravian doctrine changed your attitude toward the Moravian Church or your understanding of your faith? How? The full text of the Ground of the Unity and Covenant for Christian Living are available on www.moravian.org. The Jesus Still Lead On study guide is available from the Interprovincial Board of Communication. n

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MORAVIAN CONVO 2017

Youth Convo heads to Washington D.C.

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uly 1-6, 2017, youth from all over North America will gather in Washington, D.C. for the 20th Moravian Youth Convocation.

This year, after entertaining multiple requests from youth, the planning team has elected to open Convo 2017 registration to youth who have completed grades 8-12.

This Moravian Youth Convo program will be led by the Rev. Dr. Deb Appler and Ms. Sharon Brown. Worship will be coordinated and led by the Rev. Brian Dixon and the Rev. Bevon White. While in the metro area, participants will he housed at The University of Maryland and travel to The Washington Mall for a variety of events including but not limited to program, visits to museums and memorials and Independence Day fireworks. In addition, Convo 2017 will worship with D.C.-area Moravian congregations, participate in Bible study and small group sessions that deal with the issues of today, and serve in mission as they reach out to the local community and beyond. Youth Convo offers an opportunity to create powerful friendships, affirm Christian principles and build life-long memories.

The cost of Convo is $800 and includes the program itself called ‘Witness,” a look at race, today’s reality, and the Bible; July 4th Fireworks on the Mall; Convo 2017 T-Shirt; a service mission opportunity; worship; travel once you arrive in the Washington, D.C. area; housing from

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July 1-6; and meals beginning with dinner on July 1 through breakfast on July 6.

Due to the interest in this event, the deadline to register for the 20th Moravian Youth Convo has been extended to February 15. For more information and registration forms go to http://www.moravian. org/?p=9031. Or contact your local 2017 Convo Planning Team representative: • Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer – (DYYAM, ED) Cynthia@mcnp.org • Rev. Doug Rights (Southern Province) Drights@mcsp.org • Rev. Brian Dixon (Western District) dixonflock@msn.com • Rev. Matt Gillard (Canada District) mattgillard791@gmail.com • Rev. Tammie Rinker (Eastern District) Tammierinker@gmail.com • Rev. Bevon White (Eastern District) Bevon.White@hotmail.com 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

GROWING FAITH takes inspiration.

Growing funds takes expertise.

L

EADING THE WORK OF MORAVIAN MINISTRY is a divine gift — but it requires financial gifts as well. Fortunately, Morning Star Campaign Services is here to help. As a program of the Moravian Ministries Foundation, Morning Star provides full-service advice and support for capital campaign fundraising, stewardship education and development, and long-range planning to help you build a solid financial platform for doing the work of faith.

From understanding the possibilities to capturing their full potential, Morning Star can help you grow the resources needed to continue growing our faith.

JOIN US ON

Invest Where You Believe Jan/Feb 2017| 119 Brookstown Avenue, Suite 305 | Winston-Salem, NC 27101 | 888.722.7923 31 www.mmfa.info

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

In this issue: ❖❖Moravians working to build the Church in Albania ❖❖Youth serving, learning and praying together in Cuba ❖❖Congregations feeding the hungry and appreciating those who serve and protect ❖❖Studying the Ground of the Unity ❖❖and more!

Jan/Feb 2017