Moravian Magazine • Jan/Feb 2019

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In this issue: Moravians in Peru Unity Youth visit U.S. Conferences and summits ...and more!

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June 20-23, 2019 Embassy Suites Winston-Salem, N.C.

Presented by the Interprovincial Women’s Board, Moravian Church in North America

Featuring best-selling author Rachel Held Evans

plus Bishop Kay Ward, the Rev. Dr. Heather Vacek and the Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons

Registration discounts available through Feb. 6, 2019

Questions? Call 336.893.4460 or email moravianwomen@gmail.com

Register today at www.moravianwomensconference.org

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1/3/19 12:17 PM The Moravian

On the cover: The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller with children in Bajo Canampa, Peru. Photo by Justin Rabbach, BWM.

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

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Moravian faith grows in the Amazon

18 A true labor of love 22 Summit offers Ohio Moravians a deeper tie to mission work

Unity Youth 11 Visitors from around the globe: youth reflect on Unity Tour.

Moravian Daily Texts 20 Hearing the Daily Texts...on your phone

Western District 24 Conference helps Western District to learn, empower, affirm and develop

Moravian Women 5

Conference invites women to “Unleash Your Power”

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.

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Ponderings: Drawing an encouraging Watchword

27 Official Provincial Elders’ News 28 Obituaries 30 Young Adult Convo 2019 to explore Moravian mission roots

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PONDERINGS

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) January/February 2019, Vol. 50, 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

Drawing an encouraging Watchword

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ike many Moravians, I drew a Watchword as the new year began.

This Watchword – a single verse from the 2019 Moravian Daily Texts – offers personal words of guidance for the coming year.

The one I drew is from 1 Thessalonians 5:9 – “God has destined us not for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…” – words that offer the comfort and hope that we will be saved through Jesus.

I’ve since read the whole chapter from which this verse comes.

While not a biblical scholar, my take on the fifth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is very encouraging. It tells us that we are “all children of light and children of the day,” and encourages us to “put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Then, a few verses later, Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

The hymn stanza that accompanies the Bible verse adds to the uplifting nature of my 2019 Watchword. I’m especially touched by the part of the stanza, from Hymn 528, that reads, “…blessed is our lot indeed/ in your ransomed congregation/here we on your merits feed/and the wellsprings of salvation/all the needy to revive and cheer…”

My 2019 Watchword card is now taped to the calendar on the wall of my office, right over my computer monitor. As I work throughout the year, it will serve as a constant reminder of God’s promise of salvation.

And I look forward to making March 9—the day on which this Daily Texts appears—a special one.

In this issue of The Moravian, we share a story of a new way the Daily Texts are being shared (and more stories will follow soon!). In addition, we highlight a powerful story of new work in Peru; the reflections of youth from around the world who visited the U.S.; stories of Moravians meeting to learn and grow; and more.

I hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Peace,

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Mike Riess, Editor

Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published eight times per year: Jan/ Feb, April, May, June/July, August, Sept./ Oct., November and December, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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

Individual copies available for $3.00 each.

The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 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, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Valerie Bean Wagner.

Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 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 © 2019, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

MORAVIAN WOMEN

Conference invites Moravian women to “Unleash the Power!”

“Does Jesus work here?”

The little girl’s question was an affirmation as well as a sincere inquiry. She had just seen, for the first time, a brilliant, 110-point Moravian star at a candle tea, and she thought Jesus was nearby.

“The prayer of the Moravian Women’s Conference committee is that when we leave our 13th Conference in June, each of us is refreshed, motivated and committed anew to being Christ’s hands and feet in our communities and beyond and that people will know Christ is nearby because we have unleashed his power

at work within us,” says Peggy Dodson of the conference committee.

The 13th Moravian Women’s conference in scheduled for June 20-23, 2019, in Winston-Salem, N.C. The conference site, Embassy Suites, is located in downtown Winston-Salem amid the arts district, shops, restaurants and other attractions which are just blocks from historic Moravian Old Salem.

“Participants in the 12th conference (in 2015) contributed many affirming comments about the warmth and purpose with which they (Continued on next page)

Keynote speakers for the 13th Moravian Women’s Conference include (l to r) author Rachel Held Evans, Bishop Kay Ward, the Rev. Dr. Heather Vacek and the Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons

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Conference

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returned home,” says Peggy. “They also gave the planning committee suggestions that are now incorporated into the 13th conference, so that this conference will also be one of promise and joy.”

Learning together The Conference offers an opportunity for Moravian women from many places to learn, worship, sing and share ideas that strengthen faith and ties to the Moravian Church. During general sessions and “Imagine Sessions” (workshops), keynote speakers and workshop leaders will inform and challenge each participant to confidently live into the plan God has for her.

Rachel Held Evans, a New York Times bestselling author of A Year of Biblical Womanhood, Searching for Sunday and Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again, will be the keynote speaker at the 13th Conference. She is also creator of a blog renown for conversation about Christianity and culture and is a popular speaker at churches, conferences and universities around the country.

Other women scheduled to speak include the Rt. Rev. Kay Ward, the first female bishop of the Moravian Unity; the Rev. Christie MelbyGibbons, executive director of Tricklebee Café, an emerging ministry in Milwaukee, Wis.; the Rev. Dr. Heather Hartung Vacek, vice president for academic affairs, dean of faculty and associate professor of church history at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; and Dena Grillo Fotuzi, a church leader and board member in the Moravian Church in Albania.

Registration Conference registration is now open at www.moravianwomensconference.org. The website provides additional details and lodging opportunities (note that lodging is reserved separately so registrants may choose accommodations that suit their needs). Early Bird registration is $350 through February 6, 2019, and $415 thereafter.

Don’t miss this occasion for personal reflection and commitment in support of the collective impact of Moravian sisters worldwide as we Unleash our Power! We will make disciples and feed his sheep! n

Participants at the 12th Moravian Women’s Conference in 2015 during a keynote address.

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The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Moravian faith grows in the Amazon

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hen the Board of World Mission helps train mission teams, we remind members that when they come home, one of the first questions they are sure to face is “how was it?” This question can be overwhelming when it brings flooding back a host of memories, still fresh and unprocessed, of the ways that God is at work in the world, and the powerful ways in which you can experience community the world over through a shared connection of faith.

The Moravian Church in Peru was founded in 2011 and established as a new Mission Area in the worldwide Moravian Unity. The Northern Province of the Moravian Church in North America accepted the responsibility to help guide the development of the Moravian Church in Peru, with much of the “leg work” being completed through the Board of World Mission.

Since the beginning of this relationship, the four original congregations in Peru have continued to grow and have also taken up the call to mission outreach themselves. In the last year, these missionary efforts have resulted in at least four new groups learning about the Moravian Church and working towards eventually being established as Moravian congregations.

The largest of these efforts is outreach to the Aguaruna people in the Amazon region of Peru. In April 2018, BWM Executive Director Justin Rabbach and Director of Mission Outreach Bishop Sam Gray joined leaders of the Peru Mission area in traveling to this area to host a church leadership workshop and explore the possibility of multiple congregations in this area joining as new district of the Moravian Church in Peru. In November, Justin, Sam and the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, president of the Provincial Elders Conference of the Northern Province, returned to learn more.

It would be simple to describe all the ways in which the context of the new Moravian congregations in the Amazon region of Peru are different, but what is most powerful to me are the ways in which we are the same; the ways in which the Essentials of the Moravian Church are just as applicable on the other side of the equator as they are here, and not dependent on language, custom or culture. In the paragraphs that follow, Betsy and Sam share their reflections on a powerful trip to welcome folks who are the newest Moravians in the world… for now.

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In photos above: At left, Christopher Valencia speaks with a new Moravian congregation member in Aguaruna region of Peru. At right, a new church built by the people of Bajo Canampa, Peru.

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Betsy Miller preaches while a local man translates in Bajo Canampa, Peru.

Peru

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This new development in Peru is one example of the powerful ways that God is working through the Moravian Church around the world, and the Board of World Mission feels lucky to represent the Moravian Church in North America as we help support and guide folks being led by the Spirit.

From Betsy Miller It has been said that Moravians go where no one else would go to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While that may be true, Moravians have never gone to a place where God was not already at work, preparing hearts, equipping the saints, and changing lives through our Lord’s amazing grace.

In November, I was privileged to travel to one of those places – Bajo Canampa, in the Amazon region of Peru. It is not easy to get to this remote village – a 12-hour plane to Lima, another twohour plane to Jaen, an overstuffed 90 minute taxi ride to Bagua Chica, a five hour minivan through incredibly winding, muddy roads to Santa Maria de Nieva, and a 45-minute ride up the Marañon River in an open, wooden boat. It was worth every minute to be greeted by children running down the river bank to meet our boat, swarming us with hugs as the adults offered embraces of welcome.

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While this was my second trip to the Moravian Church in Peru, this was my first trip to Bajo Canampa, which represented the fulfillment of a promise made by Brs. Rabbach and Gray who visited the village six months ago (the Northern Province has accepted the request of the Unity to act as supervising Province of the Mission Area of Peru). With four congregations formally received in 2015, leaders from these congregations have reached out to other villages, inviting them to join the Moravian Church. This visit was to determine if the Christians of Bajo Canampa and other Amazon villages wished to become the newest Moravians.

Bajo Canampa sits on the edge of a river that is the only means of travel and trade. Huts made of bamboo poles, thatched roofs and dirt floors serve as homes, Sunday School rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. We were served local food in abundance – fruits, plantains, eggs and rice, served on the ‘tablecloths’ of huge palm leaves.

While eating our breakfast, we heard the squawks of chickens being butchered for our dinner that night. ‘Farm to table’ took on new meaning.

Since Justin and Sam’s visit in April, the villagers had built a church – each adult was asked to bring lumber and, if possible, donate two roofing panels. What an act of faithful stewardship! Benches were built as needed to seat the growing congregation. We met in this new church that brought together pastors and leaders from The Moravian

congregations along the river.

After two days of teaching about Moravian theology and ecclesiology in oppressive heat and humidity, and after asking if they had any questions about the Book of Order that governs the Moravian Church in Peru, Br. Christopher Valencia, President of the Moravian Church in Peru, welcomed 19 groups (from 17 villages) as Moravian congregations. We also witnessed six baptisms and eleven weddings. I preached in Spanish, with translation into Awahun, the local language. I watched as the very first Awahun language Seal of the Moravian Church was placed in the church. That was an incredibly humbling testimony to the power of God’s never-ending mission and our faithful response.

The rest of our trip included meeting with another pastor who had prayed for three years to find a denomination so that he could be part of something bigger than his little band of six Christians, and be held accountable by a denomination. He told us that until he read the Ground of the Unity he thought no one else believed what he did. He felt at home with our theology and teaching. We also visited the ongoing work of the existing congregations in Chiclayo and Lima. They have all grown in numbers and faith since my visit three years ago. Thanks be to God! When I visit places very different from my own context, I discover God’s power and grace in

new ways. I am reminded of the gift that God gave the Moravian Church to share with the world, and I am humbled to be part of this worldwide witness.

From Sam Gray This was my second journey to the village of Bajo Canampa in the Amazon region of Peru. On the first trip, last April, I experienced all of the excitement of being in a new place, meeting new brothers and sisters, eating new foods, trying to say some words and phrases in a new (for me) language (Awahun), worshiping in new ways… the list goes on. It was a very moving and meaningful experience. I wondered what might excite me or impact me the second time around. Here are my top ten memorable moments from trip #2 (in November): 1. Seeing that the congregations in Lima and Chiclayo had collected large amounts of food, clothing and Sunday School materials for the new Moravians in the Amazon region, and watching the distribution of these items (along with some t-shirts donated by the cast of “Irene” and pillowcase dresses from New Philadelphia Moravian in Winston-Salem).

2. Discovering that the people in the village of Bajo Canampa (where our conference was held) had built a church building and a Sun(Continued on next page)

Christopher Valencia introduces pastors-in-training from the Aguaruna region.

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Peru

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day School shelter since we first visited in April.

3. Witnessing the election and installation of the Provisional Board for the developing Amazon Region District of the Moravian Church in Peru, and the official reception (by President Christopher Valencia) of 21 Aguaruna pastors and leaders into the membership of the Moravian Church.

4. Being present at the baptism of six new believers by the Rev. Christopher Valencia, in the muddy waters of the Marañon River.

5. Worshiping, singing and dancing with children, young adults and older adults in Bajo Canampa, Zaña, Chiclayo and Lima.

6. Praying for healing (from cancer) for our Lima taxi driver’s 5-year old son.

7. Listening to the powerful testimony of three children at Somos Uno, two of whom are recipients of scholarships from the Unity Women’s Desk. One young boy came up with the idea of setting aside one of his toys each week until Christmas, when he will give those toys to others who have none. He challenged other children in the church to do the same.

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Sharing food and fellowship with Pastor Ana Maria and families gathered at Rey de Gloria Moravian church in Lima, and listening to children from her English Academy singing songs in several languages.

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Meeting with two pastors, one from Tacna and the other from Zaña, who have now been received into the fellowship and leadership of the Peru Moravian Church.

10. Spending time in conversation and fellowship with Betsy Miller, Justin Rabbach, Manuel Verástegui (pastor from Lima who began the Amazon outreach efforts) and Christopher Valencia (President of the Peru Mission Area) and sharing in the excitement of what God continues to do among the people of Peru. n Thanks to Justin Rabbach, executive director of the Board of World Mission, for coordinating this article and providing photos. For more information on the Moravian Church’s work in Peru, visit www.moravianmission.org. In photos above: Sam Gray and Justin travel upriver; Betsy Miller with children of Bajo Canampa; and a Moravian Seal translated into Awahun.

The Moravian

MORAVIAN UNITY

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Visitors from around the globe: youth reflect on Unity Tour

ast August, 22 young people from across the Moravian Unity participated in the Unity Youth Tour, visiting congregations, cultural sites and historical locations throughout the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church in America.

The tour included youth representing Czech Republic, Great Britain, Jamaica, South Africa, Suriname, Peru, Tanzania, USA, Germany and the Netherlands. The two-week tour traveled from New York to North Carolina, visiting more than 20 Moravian congregations and learning more about the rich diversity of Moravian history, customs and traditions.

The theme, “Empowered to Engage”, served as a call to action for youth and young adults within congregations and provinces to

take up leadership positions in the church and to inform church members of the pivotal role that youth and young adults play in the church today and forever.

Here, six of the tours’ participants share their reflections on this once-in-a-lifetime event. These young adults represent an important part of the future of the Moravian Unity.

Victor Tory Reid Northern Province First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this opportunity of having the honor and privilege to represent the Northern Province of the Moravian Church at this year’s Unity Youth Heritage Tour.

Throughout the tour, each province gave (Continued on next page)

Thomas McCullough shares artifacts in the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem with participants in the Unity Youth Tour.

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Tory Reid, with the Rev. Victoria Lasley in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Unity Youth

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presentations on the work they are doing to promote youth involvement our congregation, along with the capacities in which they serve their congregations/provinces both locally and globally. One of the recurring topics that arose during each presentation and each congregation we toured was the decrease of youth and young adults who are actively involved in church. As we began to work on the problem of why young people are not fully engaged in church, we spoke with several clergy and church members. One of the reasons we found is that many congregations are fixated on the preservation of planning worship services around traditions and customs, rather than rearranging worship styles to cater to the spiritual development of our young people. As a result of this, many young people decided to leave the church for good and not come back.

This is saddening to hear because if youth and young adults aren’t welcome or accepted in our churches, then our churches get older and older, and eventually close completely.

After discussing, we came up with some solutions on how congregations can best reach out to the youth in their communities to come back and to be involved in church. One way was to create a survey to figure out the needs of 12

the youth – things like after-school programs, music lessons, etc. Second, youth along with the elders and other church members need to have frank discussions about changes we want to see in the church. Third, incorporate a more contemporary style of worship in our congregations instead of having an organ -- integrate some drums, keyboard, hand bells, electric guitars, and some steel pans. Lastly create a Facebook account with the church’s name to connect with them, so when they leave church to begin college, military or other careers their church family will always be there to support and guide them from afar.

My hopes and aspirations for our Unity are that we’ll continue to support one another in any way possible through prayer, finances and mission involvement. My goal is to remain in contact with every representative on the Unity Youth Tour as we strive to advocate for youth being engaged with church affairs.

I would like us all to be more attentive to the needs of the world, instead of being selfish and egocentric. Let’s continue to utilize the example of Zinzendorf in being a part of our community instead of being closed-minded. I Gaby Vela presents about the Moravian Church in Peru.

The Moravian

Unity Youth Tour members worship at Advent Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with the Rev. Dan Miller

would also like every province to continue to promote how, with youthful energy and the wisdom of the elders, we can accomplish anything that life throws our way if we all learn to listen and work with each other.

To conclude, this idea sums up my take on the importance of youth involvement: “Although everyone knows that youth are the leaders of tomorrow, too few people recognize that they can be – and in many cases, already are – the leaders of today.”

Ana Gabriela (Gaby) Vela Peru Mission Area Being part of the tour was one of the best experiences of my life. Traveling with Moravians from other parts of the world meant a lot to me. I see life differently after sharing two weeks with different cultures and different perspectives on life. It was very beautiful that in the middle of our daily activities we gathered to pray for our churches, the churches we would visit during the course of the day and our countries. I am convinced that each of the delegates will continue working for their churches and that they will do great things in their lives.

We received a lot of information about the Moravian Church in North America and about the first Moravians who established the church Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

from scratch. Knowing everything they had to endure made me feel proud of being Moravian and I also learned about the provinces of the North and South.

When I was on my way to the tour, I was scared. I was afraid that I would not be understood since I have an intermediate level in English, but there was no impediment when we praised God, we could be singing hymns in English, praising in the native language of Suriname and also in Swahili, the native language of Tanzania, in German and Spanish, even when making jokes about what happened in the week. As I write this I can hear ourselves singing on the bus and I have to contain my tears. Those on the tour have been a great blessing to me, they have inspired me so much and I am happy to keep in touch with them.

When we visited congregations in the Northern and Southern Provinces, I felt that I was at home; all the churches we visited received us with a lot of love. For me it was very nice to see how the members of each church organized themselves to receive us, to talk about the history of their congregations and about the projects they have. Everyone was happy to have us; they asked us about our congregations and how we were doing on this (Continued on next page) 13

Unity Youth

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trip. It was a great blessing to have them on the tour and to be interested in our congregations. Throughout the tour, Moravians received us with a smile and with food because I do not know if you have noticed but the Moravians love to eat.

Being part of the tour has made me a new person. I used to stress a lot for the future, I was very shy and I had forgotten that I should leave everything in God’s hands. The tour gave me the security to be myself and not be afraid. In these weeks I am organizing a camp for my congregation to be held in February, I am also thinking of a women’s retreat, I have many ideas to continue working for my church and I know that there will always be someone praying for me. I want to thank the delegates; they created a great impact in my life and in my ministry.

Arlene Ricketts Northern Province The Moravian Unity Youth Heritage Tour was an intense 13-day trip, where we visited at least 18 churches amongst the Northern and Southern Provinces of North America. I had the privilege of meeting various individuals from 12 prov-

Arlene Ricketts at Central Moravian Church

inces (and 1 mission area) at one time, and it was an opportunity I’ll never forget. I was able to partake in Lovefeast on August 12 with the diverse group, and we had multiple opportunities to pray and sing in each of our languages.

It was such a spiritual moment, one I’d never trade for the world. Traveling from New York to North Carolina, going from church to church, and fellowshiping with one another was a true blessing and I pray the next generation gets to experience it as well.

Being from North America, there were quite a few things I already knew about the history of the denomination. I came to understand the church as a very accepting one, a place

Unity Youth Tour participants helping out at Sunnyside Ministry in Winston-Salem.

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The Moravian

Dorothy Earhart describes early Moravian life in Lititz, Pennsylvania to Unity Youth Tour participants.

where the dejected and rejected could find solace. Once we touched down in Old Salem, we had the opportunity to tour and explore the first location for St. Philips’ Moravian Church, one of the oldest African-American churches in the country. We also learned about the land being a burial ground, since in the 1800s, black people were recognized as “strangers” and were not allowed to be buried in God’s Acre. The adoption of worldly practices and racist fears led to the segregation of the races, something that was swept under the rug in the present day, though they officially apologized in 2006.

Altogether, the trip was full of spiritual support and encouraging words. We had the opportunity to share information on the state of our youth groups in each province, and give advice on how to improve and grow.

similarities that make us a very special union.

We talked about our own youth work and found that, even in our struggles, we shared that special unity. This gave us a chance to help each other find ways to take action and overcome these struggles. It gave us courage and even newfound respect and love for the work that we are doing as youth leaders and Moravian Christians.

In non-essentials liberty (freedom)…ee (Continued on next page)

Surinamese participants Gideon Wielingen and Cheryl Van Eer displays clothing from their country.

Cheryl van Eer Youth Leader Moravian Church Suriname At first, I was not sure if I was the right person to partake in the tour. But I am very thankful and glad I was the one chosen to experience all of this.

In Essentials Unity…we are youngsters from different parts of the world. We all have our own culture, lifestyles and even ways of worshipping, but it was very awesome to see that when we came together, there are so many Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

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Unity Youth

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learned about the values of the Moravian history. So much history…and the fact that we are part of this great culture and denomination is a blessing. The traditions are amazing and have a great meaning to them. But as we experienced throughout the tour, we found that these traditions do belong to the non-essentials and that they do create a barrier for young people to join our amazing Moravian church.

In all things Love …we should go back to the basics—to the love that was expressed in the beginning by Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf. He did not look at gender, race, ethnicity, income or even age. He wanted to carry out God’s purpose for mankind: be kind and give love.

Throughout the whole tour and with all the very nice and warm people that we met, I really did experience that there is a reason why we belong to the Moravian church and that is the fact that it does not matter where we are from or even where we are going. If you meet a fellow Moravian you feel the love.

It was an amazing experience, and I pray blessings above blessings to every soul we met

Stan Pohunek from the Czech Province at the Southern Province Archives in Winston-Salem.

throughout the tour, everyone who made the tour possible and everyone that prayed (and is still praying) for us. God bless.

Stanislav Pohunek Czech Province Greetings from the Czech province!

My name is Stan, and my wife Lenka and I were delegates on the Youth Heritage Tour.

We were glad that we could spend two weeks in U.S. provinces and see the church life there.

We have seen and met many people who will always stay in our hearts and prayers!

We thank First Moravian (New York) for delicious Caribbean chicken, the best one ever. Thank you to every congregation; we felt

The 2018 Unity Youth Tour participants.

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The Moravian

welcome everywhere we came. Thank you all for the cooking, waking up early to feed us, enabling us to gain some energy to continue.

Big thanks to our host family in Lititz, Tom and Tami. Greetings to hardworking people in the archives who uncover our Moravian history.

We are sure there were many people there we didn’t have a chance to meet, but you worked hard to make this tour happen - and thanks go to you, as well! We are truly blessed to be part of worldwide Moravian Church.

In addition to that, the most touching and deepest moment of all was when we visited one of the congregations in Winston-Salem. Local members were talking about the struggle with no people coming into the church; thus, they have no young generation to continue in the work of the congregation. We were truly grateful for this moment, even though it was very hard emotionally, yet truthful and sincere. It helped all of us to realize that people are not much interested in God anymore and rather fill their lives with things this world offers. They have no hunger for God in this era of materialism and consumption, especially our young generation.

It touched us a lot and we realized that it is our own responsibility to be humble every day, not to dodge to admit our sins, not to hide and pretend, not to live dual lives, but be real and open, so thus the young can see our authentic lives in Christ with all strengths and weaknesses.” n Thanks to all those who contributed to this article. Photos throughout by Andrew David Cox, who represented the Southern Province on the Unity Youth Tour.

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

A true labor of love

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ometimes being a servant of Christ can be exhausting work. So how does one explain the indescribable joy we felt at the end of long days of toil when our bodies were filthy, aching and famished? One of God’s more brilliant designs, I dare say… a grace bestowed on us by God when we abide in him.

The Facebook post read “Work Crews Needed for Hurricane Florence Relief in Both Wilmington and Lumberton, N.C.” The timing was impeccable as we’d just begun seeking opportunities for mission work, not fully sure of what that meant. But an unmistakable sense of being ‘called’ led us to inquire within.

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”

And so, it began…a faithful group of Moravians from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina spent time over two weeks in early November helping neighbors ravaged by hurricanes Florence and Michael begin the rebuilding process. Thankfully, we had an experienced

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leader in Weldon Harris, a familiar face to Board of World Mission (BWM) disaster relief efforts.

Our hosts were Covenant Moravian Church in Wilmington, N.C., where we slept, ate, prayed, showered, socialized, and most importantly, became good friends. Our work teams included two dedicated cooks each week who lovingly prepared delicious meals each day. Many thanks to our cooks Brenda Watson, Marcia Tabram Philips (aka Chocolate), Rev. Chuck Harmon and Janet Beck. The members of Covenant Moravian were wonderful hosts, taking care of our every need.

And a special thanks to Don and Kathy Britt and Crystal Baron from Covenant, our “go-to” team.

On Monday of each week, we partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, who supplied us with our work-sites. Samaritan’s Purse was well organized and equipped to support our effort. We performed projects such as tarping roofs, cutting trees, and cleaning up yard debris. Each project began with a prayer circle and ended with the presentation of a special edition Billy Graham Bible signed by the work crew and prayer with the homeowner.

On the other days, we partnered with Lifepoint Church of Wilmington, N.C., for projects that were much larger in scale and tended to be further out into the countryside where the destruction was significant. On one project, we spent four days completely stripping a home down to the studs and joists. This family saw more than six feet of flood water ravage their home. It was heartbreaking to see them trying to salvage whatever they could of their belongings…their memories. The conditions were deplorable, but I think this drove us even harder to help strip away the ugliness (everything moldy, smelly, waterlogged…ruined) and help the homeowners begin to see a vision of the future.

At that point in time, two months post-hurricane, there was still no electricity or running water. The homeowners were living out of an The Moravian

old rusty school bus parked in their front yard.

Our team assisted more than a dozen ‘neighbors’ during our two weeks in the Wilmington area performing a variety of jobs including drywall/ flooring removal, shed roof replacement, fence repair, siding reinstallation and yard clean-up.

We also distributed items like food, clothing and kids’ backpacks that had been collected by Covenant Moravian; Lowes Gift Cards provided by friends and coworkers of one of our team members, Curt Nicholas; and several child sized quilts that were handmade by team member Brenda Watson.

All throughout our time spent in the mission field, our top priority was always the homeowner.

We listened to their stories; together we laughed, cried, hugged. The reason we were there was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

physical labor and an outpouring of love. In doing so we proclaim the hope of the Gospel.

There had been so much suffering, but the people we met were very gracious and appreciative of the work our team performed. For anyone feeling drawn to get involved in some way, big or small, take a leap of faith. There are many tasks for a wide range of ages, gifts and abilities. I guarantee it will change your life. God doesn’t choose the equipped, God equips the chosen.

Remember…”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” n

Brian and Janet Diehl are members of Mountainview Moravian Church, Hellertown, Pa.

The Board of World Mission is organizing another work crew to be hosted by the Covenant Moravian Church March 24-30, 2019. This crew will be working specifically on house restoration and installing a new roof on a home that was severely damaged by flooding. Work crews are also being organized for Lumberton, N.C. on weekends early in 2019 by the Rev. Chris Thore pastor of the Clemmons Moravian Church.

If you are interested in extending God’s love by joining a mission crew to Wilmington or Lumberton, register on the Board of World Mission website at MoravianMission. org/MDR. Questions can be directed to the Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler by email at chris@moravianmission.org, or by calling 610-868-1732.

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MORAVIAN DAILY TEXTS

Hearing the Daily Texts...on your phone

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y definition a “text” is some written and printed work. So, maybe there is a bit of an oxymoron in the latest project of Moravian Church Without Walls (MCWW), the “Daily Text Podcast.” Then again, the idea of a church without any walls may sound like a strange idea to many as well…

MCWW practices a stewardship of technology to form relationships so that connected individuals can be bold in faith, be strong together and continue claiming Christ’s mission as their mission wherever they reside. However, it took some practice to get to that point.

MCWW began in 2009 after some college students returned from a mission trip to Nicaragua. They were hoping to stay connected to their faith and each other, even as their time away at school meant they were often separated from their home-church families.

After some fits and starts experimenting with technology, things took root when Dan Miller and Justin Rabbach began hosting weekly “hangouts” online. For more than a year, these gatherings were opportunities for people

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across several time zones to join together in Bible studies, books studies, prayer meetings, and sometimes just fun and games. As varying schedules prevented these groups from meeting online regularly, other ideas emerged.

Most recently came the idea to offer a new way to experience the long-standing tradition of the Moravian Daily Texts. The idea was to provide opportunities for many people to share their own reflections on the Daily Texts with others, much like many Moravians who have gone before us did. The struggle was finding a way to do this easily and regularly. Enter the idea of a podcast!

Now, MCWW would like to have you believe that the MCWW Daily Text Podcast Series was the result of strategic planning and careful development. However, this could not be farther from the truth. The idea of the podcast was born on February 28, 2018 when Justin was updating some applications on his phone and saw an advertisement for a podcasting application. Out of curiosity, Dan and Justin decided to test it out and on March 1, 2018, the first The Moravian

episode entitled “Happy Birthday to the Moravian Church” was published. Seeing how easy it was to record a single episode, they decided to continue recording with the Moravian Daily Text as the primary focus.

Now, the MCWW Daily Text Podcast Series has more than 100 daily listeners, more than 200 published episodes, and over 20,000 total listens. Each podcast episode is short, simple, and to the point. Each day, a new episode comes out, which contains a short introduction, a reading of the Bible verses, a short reflection (60 seconds), and the assigned prayer.

If you would like to begin listening to the podcast, the MCWW Daily Text Podcast Series can be found nearly anywhere you can listen to podcasts, or at dailytextpodcast.org.

Not only does MCWW hope that you will subscribe and listen to the podcast, but they also hope you will consider lending your voice to the podcast as a guest reader. You can appear on a podcast episode to read and reflect on the Daily Texts for all to hear! It’s very similar to leaving a voicemail - all you need is a smartphone and a copy of the Moravian Daily Texts.

At dailytextpodcast.org, there are instructions and guidelines on how to sign up to appear on a podcast episode, what to record, and how to submit your recordings. MCWW takes your recordings and creates each episode, so once you submit your recordings, all you have to do is listen to yourself on the podcast sharing God’s word in your words.

Over 50 guest readers have appeared on the podcast already. Most are regular listeners to the podcast, but some have been from special groups like the Board of World Mission, the (Northern) Provincial Women’s Board, and the Moravian Unity Youth Heritage Tour.

If you might be nervous about being a guest reader, don’t be! The Daily Texts is meant to be a resource shared and discussed in comIssue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

munity. It is not something delegated to a few, but offered to all, and what you have to say may be exactly what someone else hopes to hear!

To learn more about this and other MCWW ideas, projects and ministries, visit www. moraviancww.org, dailytextpodcast.org, or the Moravian Church Without Walls Facebook page. n Justin Rabbach, now executive director of the Board of World Mission and Dan Miller, now pastor of Edgeboro Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., created Moravian Church Without Walls and the Daily Texts Podcast. Watch the Moravian for more new ways to experience the Moravian Daily Texts.

The Rev. Dan Miller records the Rev. Ginny Tobiassen reading the Daily Texts for Moravian Church Without Walls’ podcast.

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Summit offers Ohio Moravians a deeper tie to mission work

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unday, October 21, 2018 dawned in Dover, Ohio with an air of expectation—it was the day of the Moravian Mission Summit at the First Moravian Church. Members and friends, young and old, were tasked to come and learn more about the history of missions in the Moravian Church, the role that missionaries play today, and the essential ways that members at home serve the local community and support Moravian brothers and sisters working in the field.

Pastor John Wallace and church elders provided the call to action that facilitated the planning and implementation of the Moravian Mission Summit. The purpose of the day was simple and succinct: a day of learning and understand-

The purpose of the day was simple and succinct: a day of learning and understanding of our role as missionminded Moravians for Jesus Christ. ing of our role as mission-minded Moravians for Jesus Christ. Summit leadership came from within the local church, the Tuscarawas Valley and the expertise of leaders of the Northern Moravian Province.

The leadership team worked diligently to provide opportunities to learn more about local missions supported by the local church, explore emerging missions within our community and better understand the work of missionaries abroad.

The day was structured to provide times for worship and fellowship, times for learning and service as well as opportunities for refreshment and sustenance. Participants were reminded that 22

there are many ways to serve and encouraged to challenge themselves to serve. Bishop Doug Kleintop reminded us that we all have gifts to share and challenged us to think outside the box.

Confirmation Class members served as dieners for the Lovefeast that began the day. Worshipers were graced by special music chosen by Brother G. Randall Gibbs and introduced to the music ministry of Pastor Chris Mulpas.

Upon conclusion of the Lovefeast, members were directed to attend one of several workshops during the “Mission Outpost” time in the morning. Workshops included overviews of local missions (Sole Purpose – Putting Shoes on Kids’ Feet and Harbor House, the local domestic violence shelter).

As Dover First member Debbie Yager put it, “The summit was informative as it highlighted community ministries I was not aware of and informed and challenged me to find ways to support them.”

We also experienced teachings that explored the purpose of our existence as we strive to be faithful to God’s call in our lives. Local Moravians joined Bishop Chris Giesler, director of mission engagement, and Bishop Sam Gray, director of intercultural ministries, as workshop leaders.

Also during this time, the children of the church joined Christian Education Director Kimberly Yackey as she created a Honduran Sunday School experience.

Dover First is blessed and proud to call Dr. Scott and Lorrigan Booth members and support their ongoing work at Clinica Evangelica Morava in Ahuas, Honduras. Scott and Lorrigan prepared a special noon mission meal that illustrated the food and culture of the people to whome they serve and minister. Photos of the people of Ahuas The Moravian

were placed at each place setting. Lorrigan asked folks to take the photos home and place them on their refrigerators so that when they opened the refrigerator door, they would be prompted to say a prayer for the people of Ahuas.

The afternoon Mission Outpost time explored stories from the Ray of Hope Orphanage in Africa, Dover First’s adopted mission; introduced members to the local ministry Off the Wall, that trains disciples committed to follow Jesus Christ; and provided a musical journey around the world led by Sister Gwyneth Michel of the Moravian Music Foundation and Bishop Sam Gray. Edith Santee facilitated a hands-on mission moment where participants wrote notes of grace and prepared care packages for some of our missionaries in the field. As another member recalled, “The Summit provided an understanding to realize our small area (of Ohio) is not the hub of the Moravian world.” There is much more to the Moravian experience than the landscape we traverse daily.

The Moravian Mission Summit closed with a Missionary Prayer Service. Bishop Kleintop asked participants to share “a-ha” moments from the day that ranged from appreciation of the universal beauty of faith expressed via music to sincere prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving for quick thinking pastors’ wives who can fix broken zippers.

Participants of the Moravian Mission Summit left the church that afternoon proud of the missions that they support, but more importantly, empowered to be a missionary both locally and globally.

Rev. John Wallace shares this final thought: “I appreciated the willingness and support of the Board of World Mission in helping us develop this project and support it with their means to make this happen. I would encourage other Moravian congregations to consider exploring this same format.” n Fran Gerbig is a member of the First Moravian Church of Dover, Ohio.

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

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WESTERN DISTRICT

Conference helps Western District to learn, empower, affirm and develop

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n a beautiful fall weekend in November, more than 70 lay and clergy leaders gathered at Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center for a Lay Ministry Conference hosted by the Western District Executive Board.

The theme, Learn • Empower • Affirm • Develop was taken from Ephesians 4:11-12 “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

“We identified a need for strengthening lay leadership in our churches through listening sessions with clergy and congregations, and joint board check-ins with both the previous and current District board,” explains Megan Smock, a member of the current (WDEB).

After much discussion about ways to facilitate this process, the current district board decided to hold a lay leadership ministry conference.

The idea was to offer workshops that would give attendees specific “tools for their toolbox“ to use in identifying encouraging and empowering lay leaders in our district and province. The WDEB brainstormed ideas for possible workshops focusing on various aspects of congregational life,

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with an emphasis on those sessions being led by lay members, or lay with clergy whenever possible.

Among the sessions offered were “Mission Down the Street and Around the World” with Justin Rabbach, Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler, and Jill Kolodziej from the Board of World Mission; Joint Board Leadership, Rules and Responsibilities with Rev. Kerry Krauss, pastor of Sister Bay Moravian Church; Identifying, Claiming and Nurturing Gifts and Inviting, Supporting, and Elevating the Call to Lay Ministry, with Marie Couts, director of Christian Education, Eastern District; Spiritual Companioning with Rev. Mary Lou Plummer and Amy Andersen; Functioning as Lay-Led Congregation with members from Main Street Moravian Church; Discerning the Needs of Your Community with Julie Rucks and Eric Voight from Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church; Crossroads Lay Ministry Classes with Jill Peters and Jon Gehler; and a panel discussion on layled worship with Rev. Bruce Nelson and Megan Smock.

“Bruce and I chose to use a “Best Practice” format for the workshop on lay-led worship,” said Megan. “We encouraged attendees to share what had worked well in their congregations, and shared some of our own experiences: myself The Moravian

as the worship coordinator in a lay led church, and Bruce as clergy working with lay on worship planning. Our goal was to promote creativity and skills development for worship leaders.”

Along with the learning opportunities of the workshops, the Western District Ministry Conference offered participants worship and fellowship. The lay members of the District board each led a worship time featuring scripture, readings, prayers and a Cup of Covenant. The Lake Mills Moravian Church Praise Band provided music and gave a wonderful concert on Saturday evening. There was also time for fun including a Saturday evening campfire, a Mt. Morris tradition, a skit by the District board, visiting with old friends and making new ones.

“Many of those who attended said they left with a renewed sense of ministry and some practical skills to assist them as leaders in their

congregations, and as followers of Christ,” said Megan. “It is our hope that everyone left the conference with a renewed sense of the vitality and the importance of lay leaders in the Moravian church, and a commitment to identifying, encouraging, and mentoring the varied and valuable skills and gifts they have to offer.”

The District Board is planning another conference for 2019. Some future topics suggested by attendees during our wrap-up on Sunday morning include conflict resolution, how to lead a joint board meeting, more on Spiritual Companioning, identifying spiritual gifts, and more on mission development in congregations. n Megan Smock is a member of the Western District Executive Board. Photos by the Rev. Jason Andersen

Main Street Church: Functioning as a lay-led congregation As part of the Western District’s Lay Ministry Conference in November, members and friends from Main Street Moravian Church in Northfield, Minn., presented a session entitled “Functioning as a Lay-Led Congregation.” Judy Anderson, a part of the Main Street congregation, offered this insight on the work of their church.

During our session, eight brave souls each shared their own stories about experiences that brought them to Main Street and what they have done since. As lay people, I don’t think any of us anticipated where our journey was going to take us.

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

Main Street Church has been lay-led since August 2011 when their full time pastor took a call to serve another church in the District.

Pastor Amy Gohdes-Luhman had been with Main Street for 15 years or more; those were big shoes for any pastor to fill. But the size of the membership and the finances brought a sharp reality check. There would not be the ability to call another pastor. What were their options? One was to close the doors, but this was not something we were willing to do.

The Northfield Moravian Church was formed in 1869 by 11 German immigrant farmers. German was the language used in (Continued on next page)

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Members of Main St. (Northfield) Moravian Church discuss their congregation during the Lay Ministry Conference

Lay-led (Continued from previous page)

this church until 1934. The present church was built in 1952, and is located on the edge of the downtown business district. Thus it has come to be known as Main Street Moravian Church.

As a church, it has gone through many changes including being yoked from 1966 to 1996 with two Methodist churches. One pastor served all three of these churches. That yoke was broken with an intentional restart of Main Street Church when Pastor Amy was brought on board.

The deep roots and past experiences were what gave this congregation the courage to ask the difficult questions needed in 2011.

With the departure of Pastor Amy, many people left the church. This is especially true of the younger families with children and those that could not see themselves in a church without their own full-time pastor.

Those remaining looked outward to identify needs in the community that were not being served. Were there needs they could still meet? We chose to build on what Pastor Amy started in 2009 with Town Hall Meetings held at the church to focus on the drug and addiction problems of our youth.

This was not a popular choice for all the members. With much prayer and meetings between members of the recovery commu-

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nity and church members, that outreach resulted in the first Recovery Welcoming Faith Community service at the end of October 2012. This first service was jointly led by the interim pastor of the Recovery Church in St. Paul, Minn. and Moravian pastor Mike Eder of the Chaska Moravian Church, Chaska, Minn.

There was, and is, incredible growth and transformation of those “gems in the pews” as we each chose to move from “spectator” to “participant” in the life of their church.

And while we each are on an individual spiritual journey, we have a collective impact in the Northfield community.

We are serious about the “all are welcome” ideal and we find ways to put a focus on fellowship, food and fun. We also find ways for Main Street to be a safe sanctuary, where one can come as they are and be accepted as they show up. We aren’t perfect!

“You may not like all of us, but you will come to love us in a special way, the way we already love you” is lived out here.

Prayer, faith and community outreach is what God calls Main Street church to do. We may be small in number and aging, but we have big loving hearts.

It’s a “God” Thing! n Judy Anderson is a member of Main Street (Northfield) Moravian Church in Northfield, Minn.

The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2019 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, “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue” (cf.

Deuteronomy 16:20).

Ecumenical Sunday, January 27, 2019 The Provincial Elders’ Conferences request that congregations observe our ecumenical witness in the worship services on Sunday, January 27, 2019. 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 27, 2019 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 Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Sister Judy Ganz, who has been serving as appointed pastor for Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, concluded her work December 31, 2018.

Sherwood Park, Alberta Sister Eileen Edwards, who has been serving as part-time pastor for Good News Moravian Church, Sherwood Park, Alberta, and serving the emerging ministry of Common Ground on a part-time basis, has accepted a call to Canadian District service effective January 1, 2019.

Brother Ian Edwards, who has been serving as part-time pastor for Good News Moravian Church, Sherwood Park, Alberta, and serving the emerging ministry of Common Ground on a part-time basis, has accepted a call to fulltime service as pastor at Good News effective January 1, 2019.

Edmonton, Alberta Sister Trina Holmberg has accepted an appointment to serve as part-time pastor for Edmonton Moravian Church, Edmonton, Alberta, effective December 1, 2018.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS SOUTHERN PROVINCE Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry The Rev. Jeff Carter has accepted a call to specialized ministry as a chaplain with Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry, filling the position held by Robert Wolfe until his retirement earlier this year. Jeff concluded ministry at Little Church

on the Lane December 31, 2018 and will begin work with FJPM January 13. Please remember in prayer Jeff and his wife, Tracy, and the board and members of Little Church on the Lane.

David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference

OBITUARIES

The Rev. George A. Chiddie The Rev. George Amos Chiddie, 90, of Asheville, N.C., went to be with the Lord September 12, 2018.

He was born in Forsyth County to the late Dewey Fleat and Flossie Myers Chiddie. His family attended Advent Moravian, where as a teenager he felt called to ministry. He graduated from Moravian College and Theological Seminary in 1953, was ordained a deacon April 12, 1953 at Advent Moravian Church

by Bishop J. Kenneth Pfohl, and consecrated a presbyter in 1959 at Providence Moravian Church by Bishop Edmund Schwartze.

In the fall of 1952, he met Jean Oehman at Moravian Youth Camp in Brevard, N.C. They were married on April 18, 1953. Together they served pastorates in North Carolina, at Providence, King-Mizpah, Leaksville, Bethesda and New Philadelphia (Associate).

George was active in the camp and conference ministry of the Southern Province at Camp Hanes, and later at Laurel Ridge, serving as a dean for junior camps. In 1976, the Chid28

dies began service in the Eastern West Indies Province at the Christiansted and New Herrnhut congregations. He is remembered there for founding brass choirs, including the Trombone Choir at New Herrnhut, which continues today; and for mentoring four men as they became ordained pastors.

In 1988, they returned to North Carolina and George was pastor at Pine Chapel, Winston-Salem until retiring in 1997. In retirement, George taught computer science at Forsyth Community College, and was interim pastor for a number of congregations, notably St. Phillips, Bethabara and Friedland.

In 2008, George and Jean moved to the Asheville area to be close to their children. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Jean Oehman Chiddie; three daughters; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and a sister. A memorial service was conducted Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the BrooksHowell Home, Asheville N.C, with George’s son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. David Winkle, officiating, and the Rev. Sherwin Alleyne.

The Moravian

The Rev. Warren D. Wenger Brother Warren D. Wenger died while traveling in Ohio, December 23, 2018, at the age of 96.

Born December 27, 1921 in Louisville, Ohio, he was the son of Frederick and Evangeline (Price) Wenger. Brother Wenger graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1943 and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1945. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry September 30, 1945 and consecrated a Presbyter June 10, 1951.

He was united in marriage to Doris Roberts October 20, 1945 in Westminster, Maryland. Together they served in the mission fields of Nicaragua (1946-1961 and 1976-1979) as well as pastorates in Ohio (Fry’s Valley), New York (Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach), New Jersey (Egg Harbor City), and Pennsylvania (Midway Manor, Canadensis). Br. Wenger entered into retirement July 1, 1986.

Brother Wenger is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters, Lola , Miriam and Rebecca; son, Warren, six grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

A funeral service was held December 29, 2018 at Graceham Moravian Church, Thurmont, Maryland, with the Rev. Sue Koenig officiating. Memorial gifts were welcomed for the Board of World Mission.

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.

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

Mrs. Henrietta Stout Green Henrietta Stout Green, the wife of the late Rev. W. Norwood Green, Sr. was promoted into the higher service of her Lord, Monday, September 10, 2018, three hours short of her 95th birthday.

Henrietta was the first of six children born to Edgar Lee and Lucille Henderson Stout, and loved her younger sisters and brothers as if they belonged to her. A child of the Great Depression, Henrietta selflessly served others, and never complained of anything, except perhaps, her husband’s perpetual tardiness at mealtimes.

Henrietta was a member of the Moravian church from childhood, and she was a graduate of James A. Gray High School in WinstonSalem, N.C., where she was valedictorian of her class. On December 26, 1946 Henrietta married Norwood Green; Norwood was ordained to the ministry of the Moravian Church in 1951, and for most of her marriage Henrietta used her skills as a typist to serve as his “home” secretary, maintaining a record of Norwood’s pastoral service. Henrietta and Norwood had one son, the Rev. Dr. Worth Norwood Green, Jr. Unlike her husband, Norwood, who never met a stranger, Henrietta was quiet and retiring and her life was one of constant prayer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norwood, by two brothers, and a sister. She is survived by her son, Worth N. Green, Jr. and his wife, Elayne; by two grandchildren; by four great-grandchildren; and by two sisters. After a private interment at Friedberg Moravian Church, a memorial service was conducted by the Rev. C. Scott Venable at Fairview Moravian Church, at 2:00 p.m., September 21.

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CONVO 2019

Young Adult Convo 2019 to explore Moravian mission roots This summer, young adults from across the Northern and Southern Provinces will have an opportunity to explore Moravian mission roots as part of the 2019 Moravian Young Adult Convo.

Scheduled for June 25-July 2, 2019, this year’s Convo, “Exploring Moravian Mission Roots,” will take place on St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During Convo 2019, young adults ages 18-26 years will walk in the steps of the first Moravian missionaries and explore our “roots”; spend time in hands-on mission work; visit Moravian congregations; and enjoy island hospitality. The Convo program will be led by Bishop Chris Giesler, director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission.

Cost for this year’s Convo is $1850 and includes most meals, housing, travel in St. Thomas, a variety of activities and tours and

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Convo 2019 T-shirt. A non-refundable deposit of $700 (US) and completed registration form is due by January 27, 2019. Find the form at http://moravian.online/ConvoRegistration.

Note that travel to and from St. Thomas is the responsibility of the individual and not covered in the cost of Convo 2019.

For more information, contact Rev. Cynthia Rader Geyer, DYYAM, ED, NP at cynthia@mcnp.org or 484-554-0102; or any member of the Convo 2019 planning team: • Matt Gillard (mattgillard791@ gmail.com) • Carmen Gesinger (cgesinger@ destinationwaconia.org) • Amy Gardin (amygardin@gmail.com) • Hanna Jackson (hanna@ moravianbcm.org) • Danielle Chambers (chambersdanielle@ hotmail.com)

The Moravian

Give yourself a WINTER BREAK Recharge your batteries during the winter months while we take care of your loved one.

An all-inclusive short-term stay at Moravian Hall Square with personalized attention and superior care:

Private Accommodation

3 Chef-Prepared Meals per Day

Help with Bathing, Social Events that are Dressing & Medication Fun, Entertaining and Management Engaging

Learn how you can plan a short-term stay for your loved one at Moravian Hall Square by calling 610.746.1000.

610.746.1000 Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019

www.MORAVIAN.com 31

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

Are you considering a joint replacement?

If the answer is YES, consider preregistering for your rehab stay with Salemtowne. Our Home in Just 10 Days™ program is uniquely positioned to help you recover faster, with our therapists delivering the exact protocols that your physician recommends seven days a week.

Physical and occupational therapists, as well as speech-language pathologists are able to provide highly personalized care that translates to a quicker return home for you.

Whether you have a planned surgery or you need rehab a eranunexpected injury or illness, we can help. Preregistration is encouraged.

Take the first step on your road to recovery by calling 866.955.9346 or emailing transitionalrehab@salemtowne.org Salemtowne is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community reflecting the Moravian values of respect for the individual, hospitality, lifelong learning and love of the arts.

Issue 1 • Jan/Feb 2019