The Moravian Magazine • July/August 2011

J U L Y / A U G U S T

Moravian Theological Seminary Grads A “Pipe Dream” comes true A Letter from Northern & Southern Province PECs …and more!

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On the Cover: Moravian Theological Seminary graduates listen to speaker Angelene Harriet Swart during commencement ceremonies in May. Photo by Colleen Marsh.

J U L Y / A U G U S T

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Moravian Theological Seminary Grads A “Pipe Dream” comes true A Letter from Northern & Southern Province PECs

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…and more!

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

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Moravian Education 6

Moravian Theological Seminary concludes academic year

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Zinzendorf descendant graduates from Moravian College

In Our Congregations 11 Making a “Pipe Dream” come true Ministry of Camping 14

Capital campaign aims to help “Feed My Sheep”

Congregations in Mission 15

Looking for God on a Gulf Coast mission

Care for Clergy Member, Associated Church Press

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Eastern District Retreat offers silence and reflection

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Northern Province launches clergy assistance fund

Moravian Basics 21

The Ground of the Unity

Provincial Elders’ Conferences 24 A Message to the Moravian Church in America Visit our website at Congregational Resource <http://www.moravian.org>.

27 Online destination offers guide for ministers and leaders Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other In Every Issue correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at 4 Ponderings: A year’s worth of prayers in two days <pubs@mcnp.org>.

July/August 2011

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Obituaries

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Official Provincial Elders’ News

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PONDERINGS

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) July/August 2011, Vol. 42, No. 6 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Express Messenger International, PO Box 25058, London, Ontario N6C6A8, email: <emi@exmessenger.com> Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces

A year’s worth of prayers in two days Preparing the North American editions of the Moravian Daily Texts is one of the biggest jobs we at the Interprovincial Board of Communications undertake each year. Since November, we’ve worked with translators, selected contributors to write hymns and prayers and developed artwork for covers. Staffer Siobhan Young has worked diligently to compile and edit the 2012 texts; our designer is now turning that copy into the books we all know and cherish.

In May, I had an opportunity to read through the entire year’s texts.

Over the course of two days, I read 784 verses from the Old and New Testaments, 732 hymn stanzas and 366 prayers. It was a bit overwhelming to take in all of those words in such a short period of time, yet an experience I know I’ll be looking forward to every year from now on.

As I read through the texts, I was struck by the power of the verses selected. When you’re used to reading just one set a day, reading a whole year’s verses in one sitting offers a new appreciation of how much meaning they offer on a daily basis. And knowing that in 2012, millions of people around the world will be reading the same verses in dozens of different languages adds to the magnitude of those words.

A special characteristic of the North American versions of the Daily Texts lies in the hymn verses and prayers that accompany each day’s devotional texts. Selected and written by Moravians from many parts of the North American church, these contributions to the book bring enhanced meaning and inspiration to the Bible texts.

While we keep the names of each year’s Daily Texts writers confidential, I can tell you that we intentionally balance young and old, North and South, clergy and laity, and men and women within our corps of talented contributors. Their inspiration, love of the Word and faith was evident in every hymn selected and prayer written.

The hymns throughout the 2012 Daily Texts reflect Moravian fa4

Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Make checks payable in U.S. funds to The Moravian.

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: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

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

Michael Riess, Editor Deb Swanson, Advertising Coordinator Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Lance Fox Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern 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: <pubs@mcnp.org> <www.moravian.org> Contents © 2011, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

vorites and lesser-known works. Whether hundreds of years old or written just a few years ago, each hymn I read enhanced and strengthened the overall Daily Texts.

And the prayers… I must admit, after reading a whole year’s worth, I felt at peace and strengthened in faith, while being excited about the caliber of prayer writers in this year’s edition.

Some of the prayers are brief, like this one for May 30: “Holy One, we bow in silence before you. May we find in that quiet center the heart of our lives. Amen.”

Others were more elaborate, like the prayer for September 2: “Help us keep our eyes upon you, Lord Jesus, so nothing can come between us. Empower us to love one another and let your Spirit speak through us.

Your love is perfect and far above the idols of our own making. Come live in us, gracious God, for your glory and for the benefit of your people. Amen.”

Regardless of their length, I was awestruck at just how well these prayers captured the essence of each day’s Bible texts. It’s clear to me that our writers are gifted in providing words to help us connect with God. As I finished reviewing the texts for 2012, I was filled with a sense of just how special this book is. Maybe it’s because this is my first year reviewing the texts at this stage, or because it’s the first time I’ve read through a whole year in two brief sittings. But to me 2012 feels like it is going to be a special year for the Daily Texts.

While the words continue their 280-plus year tradition, the look of the Daily Texts will see a few enhancements for 2012. Our cover features a colorful stained-glass theme that will be used across all four of our main editions. In the past, the full-color cover was limited to the hardcover and journal editions.

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This year, we’re featuring it on the large print and paperback versions, too.

For 2012, we will be offering the international translations of the Spanish and German language editions. These are produced in Europe, where more than one million copies of the Daily Texts are printed each year. Unfortunately, due to its very high production cost, we will be discontinuing the Daily Texts flip calendar for 2012.

Inspired by what we’ve seen in other Daily Texts editions from around the globe, we are also making some minor modifications to the inside design to improve readability and update the look of the Daily Texts.

One thing that will stay the same for 2012: we will not be increasing prices. If you are interested in pre-ordering your Daily Texts for 2012, we offer special discounts for orders placed before July 31, 2011. For more information, visit <www.moravian.org/publications>. Before ordering individually, check with your congregation to see if they combine their orders.

As we continue working on Daily Texts production, I will have several more opportunities to pore over the verses, hymns and prayers that will make up the he 2012 edition. I’m m certain that each ch reading will conntinue to amazee and strengthenn my view of thiss inspirational little book!

Mike Riess, Editor

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Moravian Theological Seminary concludes 204th academic year Commencement

ceremonies marking the conclusion of the 204th academic year of Moravian Theological Seminary were held on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Fourteen students received degrees and certificates in front of

Angelene Harriet Swart, this year’s commencement speaker for Moravian Theological Seminary, with Frank Crouch, dean of the Seminary.

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several hundred of their friends and family at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa. Angelene Harriet Swart, a Moravian lay leader from South Africa, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree as part of the service. Bishop Kay Ward, former administrator and faculty member at MTS, recognized Sister Swart “for her exemplary service during decades of oppression, transition, and dramatic change, as a pioneer and leader in theological education and ecumenical relations on a local, national, and international level, and for the enduring value and impact of her life, faith, and work with so many individuals and communities of faith.”

Sister Swart lived under the oppression of apartheid in South Africa for the early decades of her life, serving as an educator in schools, the Moravian Seminary and the Moravian Church. After the end of apartheid, she emerged as a theological and ecumeniThe Moravian

cal leader, paving the way for South African women in the church. In her retirement, she continues to serve the church in many capacities and travels the globe speaking on theological education, women and theology, and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and development. Sister Swart also enjoys life with her husband of 35 years, John, son Jonathan, son Evan and his wife Heidi, and granddaughter Sasha.

After receiving her recognition, Sister Swart delivered the Commencement Address to the graduates, which was met with a standing ovation.

Moravian graduates Among this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduates were two Moravians: Charles Harewood, a member of Grace Moravian Church in Queens, N.Y., completed his Certificate in Theological Studies. He received a Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary in 2009. Candidates for Moravian ministry who have earned their Master of Divinity at other seminaries are required to complete coursework at Moravian Theological Seminary specializing in Moravian theology, history, worship, and Charles Harewood

Jeff Jones

identity. Charles has been serving under appointment in pastoral leadership of First Moravian Church of New York City. He has accepted the call to serve as pastor of First Moravian and will be ordained on July 10, 2011 at Grace Moravian Church.

A candidate for ministry in the Southern Province and a member of Rural Hall Moravian Church in Rural Hall, N.C., Jeff Jones earned the Master of Divinity degree. Jeff returned to North Carolina and looks forward to serving a congregation in the Southern Province.

A broad range of denominations Students at Moravian Theological Seminary come from a broad range of denominations.

Graduates representing other denominations who received the Master of Divinity in preparation for work in professional ministry (continued on next page) Colleen Marsh is assistant to the director of administration for Moravian Theological Seminary. Photo opposite page top: The Seminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 graduating class lines up during commencement ceremonies. Photos by Colleen.

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Associate Professor of Doctrinal Theology Grace Ji-Sun Kim with Chair of Moravian College Board of Trustees Lyn Trodahl Chynoweth during commencement ceremonies.

(continued from previous page) included Susan Palos Bennetch (Presbyterian, Bethlehem, Pa.), Darryl A. Hamm (United Church of Christ, Kutztown, Pa.), Patricia A. Hoyt (United Church of Christ, Bethlehem,

Pa.), and Alfred William Jones III (Christian Methodist Episcopal, Whitehall, Pa.), who also delivered the graduate address.

Hugh Martin Vrablic (United Church of Christ, Bethlehem, Pa.) received the Master of Divinity with a Concentration in Formative Spirituality.

In preparation for work as professional pastoral counselors, the following students received the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling: Barry Lee Bowman (Bethlehem, Pa.), Jesus Grayson (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Cheryl A. Hilbert-Gonzalez, magna cum laude (Allentown, Pa.), Penny K. McPhaul (Bronx, N.Y.), Rachel Ann Taylor (Abingtown, Pa.), and Celeste Wadowski (Niagara Falls, N.Y.).

Lynn E. Webb (Washington, N.J.) received a Graduate Certificate in Formative Spirituality.

Please join Moravian Theological Seminary in congratulating the Class of 2011! â&#x2013;

Moravian Theological Seminary Class of 2011: Bottom Row, Left to Right: Patricia A. Hoyt, Lynn E. Webb, Penny K. McPhaul, Celeste Wadowski, Susan Palos Bennetch, Charles Harewood; Middle Row, Left to Right: Cheryl A. Hilbert-Gonzalez, Rachel Ann Taylor, Darryl A. Hamm, Barry Lee Bowman; Top Row, Left to Right: Alfred William Jones III, Hugh Martin Vrablic, Jeffrey Lee Jones; Not Pictured: Jesus Grayson

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Direct descendant of Zinzendorf graduates from Moravian College On May 4, 1742, when Countess Benigna, daughter of the Moravian leader Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, founded the first boarding school for young women in the thirteen original colonies, she couldn’t have imagined that her great, great, great, great, great, great granddaughter would graduate 269 years later from the institution the boarding school would become — Moravian College.

Marian Blair Gericke, a direct descendant of Benigna and daughter of the Rt. Rev. M. Blair Couch, an ordained pastor and bishop in the Moravian Church, graduated with a B.S. degree in Nursing in May. Zinzendorf’s direct descendant Blair can trace her ancestry directly to Count Zinzendorf and his daughter, the Countess Benigna von Watteville. Benigna’s founding of the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies July/August 2011

in 1742 is counted as the founding date of Moravian College.

Blair’s mother, a 1978 graduate of Moravian and a Moravian bishop in the Northern Province, serves as a teaching associate for Moravian Theological Seminary. Couch’s family has been involved in the other streams of tradition that have flowed together to make up the modern-day institution. Among those in her family tree are the Rev. Paul de Schweinitz, men’s college Class of 1884 and (continued on next page) Michael Wilson, director of public relations and marketing for Moravian College, wrote and photographed this article. Photo above: Marian Blair Gericke with a statue of her ancestor, Countess Benigna, daughter of Count Zinzendorf.

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(continued from previous page) a president of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church in America, and the Rev. Edmund de Schweinitz, who served as president of Moravian College and Theological Seminary from 1867 to 1885. In all, more than a dozen members of Couch’s family have attended Moravian. A bequest in 2008 from Gericke’s great uncle Charles D. Couch is the largest single gift in the College and Seminary’s history.

A review by Moravian History Professor Heikki Lempa resulted in a renewed appreciation of Benigna Zinzendorf as the true matriarch of Moravian College.

“Certainly we hold up John Amos Comenius, but the foundational spirit of the historical institution really is best credited to the Zinzendorfs, Benigna in particular,” noted David Bennett, president, Moravian Church, Eastern District, and former chaplain at Moravian.

A nontraditional student Gericke, a “nontraditional” student who never imagined that she would attend Moravian, received The St. Luke’s Hospital Award for Nursing Practice Excellence from the College.

The award recognizes clinical education and practice excellence in the Moravian College St. Luke’s Hospital partnership. The recipient selected by the nursing faculty is determined on the basis of the most outstanding student performance in demonstrating nursing practice excellence and professionalism. “Blair is truly a wonderful student, rock solid in every regard,” said Kerry Cheever, professor and chair of the Nursing Department at Moravian.

“The Zinzendorfs would be so proud of her!

She is one of our top students, receiving one of our two graduating senior awards.”

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Her story is more than one of genetic lineage; it is also one of hard work and determination. “When I graduated from William Allen High School in 2000, I had no intention of attending Moravian or any other traditional four-year college,” Gericke said. Instead she entered Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania and obtained an associate’s degree in culinary arts. After graduating, she worked for a time while also caring for her disabled younger sister, Rachel. After the birth of her son, Cameron, in 2004, “I decided to go back to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, which would allow me to obtain medical benefits,” she explained.

Eventually Blair decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and, after reviewing the available programs in the area, decided on Moravian. “Moravian had the best program, and scholarship support, so I enrolled in 2007,” she explains. Gericke attended fulltime, while also working part-time and raising her son.

“I am really thankful for those who give to Moravian to make it possible for students like me to get a great education,” Gericke said. “I received significant financial aid and scholarship support which made Moravian affordable for me.”

The family celebrated Blair’s graduation with a party — several of the attendees, including her grandmother, came from Winston-Salem, N.C. Gericke says she never had much interest in ancestry, but does think her family history is “neat” and looks forward to telling her son about it, one day.

Gericke will prepare to take the board exams to become a registered nurse. In the meantime she will participate in a graduate nursing internship at Lehigh Valley Hospital, beginning in June. ■ The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Making A “Pipe Dream” come true It’s been years in the making. It has waxed and waned. But at King Moravian Church in King, N.C., the dream of a new pipe organ has come true and is being celebrated.

In 1993 a new sanctuary was built at King and a space was left behind the choir loft for the pipes of a future pipe organ. Members of King cite a beloved doctor, J.R. Jones, as the source of inspiration for the pipe organ. Dr. Jones, a King Moravian member who took care of people all over the county, sang in the choir as often as he could. When he died, his family decided to start a pipe organ fund in his memory and for more than 26 years people have contributed to this fund. His daughter, Dottie, said she knew it would be an emotional time to hear the new organ for the first time.

Chi-Chi Messick, from the Moravian Minis-

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tries Foundation, was asked to do a feasibility study throughout the congregation. Research on the actual cost of a new pipe organ was also done. The committee became discouraged when they found out the cost would be nearly a million dollars. Chi-Chi’s research determined that most people thought the church simply could not afford such a large investment. Being in a recession had made everyone ask if the time was right. There was (continued on next page) Terri Burton is a member of King Moravian Church; Susan Smith and Kevin Sudol, also members of King Moravian Church, supplied pictures of the new organ’s arrival at the church in April.

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Construction of a new Wicks pipe organ underway…

(continued from previous page) disappointment throughout the church. But that didn’t last long.

Kevin Sudol, a member of the choir and pipe organ committee, began researching alternatives and discovered the Wicks Organ Company. Congregation members traveled from our church to hear a Wicks organ at Davidson College in Davidson N.C. several times.

The committee members liked the sound.

A group then visited the Wicks Company, in business for over 100 years, in Highland, Ill., for a first hand look. They liked what they saw and heard there, too. And the best news? This organ could be built for less than $450,000!

Announcements were made; people were contacted for gifts and pledges. Hope came alive once again for this dream.

We asked ourselves if it really was the right time since there was still a recession going on and our deeply loved pastor, Jim Newsom, 12

was retiring. Didn’t we have too much going on to tackle such a big challenge? Jim had taught us well over the years about dreaming big and stepping forward to bring dreams to fruition. The congregation voted with a resounding “Yes!” Untold hours have been given freely by members of the pipe organ committee and members of the church. Drive-in movie nights were hosted in a field close to the church and the community was invited. Pledges were encouraged and promised, a chicken pie dinner was served in the fellowship hall and an old fashioned BBQ was held on the grounds.

Our choir produced a CD, sales of which have topped $9,500. Most recently items and time were donated to hold an auction. We have all pulled together to make the dream come true.

The balance we owe at this time is $111,000; $85,000 of that has been pledged over the next two years. So pledges aside, the balance is only $26,000. We are getting there.

The Moravian

Many hearts were sad in our church as Jim stepped down as our pastor. Somehow I think without any of us really knowing it, the pipe organ quest is part of the glue that held our hearts together as we went through this transition period. Jim had helped start the ball rolling and it gave us a concrete goal to work for as we faced our uncertain future.

One of my favorite things about the process is that the pipe organ committee, led by Doug Thomas, kept us informed all along the way.

There were verbal reports nearly every week and a newsletter called “The Pipeline” was tucked into our bulletins from time to time.

Hearing our progress kept our hopes high and kept us involved.

The organ arrived in pieces and was installed the week before Easter. People from the church showed up in large numbers to help the factory representatives unload the …and nearly complete in King Moravian’s renovated sanctuary.

parts and carry them into the sanctuary.

You should have seen our congregation on Easter morning. The church was full to overflowing. The air was alive with our enthusiasm and the buzz of everyone talking could be heard from outside the building. Easter is always like that as we celebrate our risen Savior but this day had even more joy in it.

We celebrated a long dream and were able to hear our beautiful choir accompanied by Jennifer Dunn playing our brand new organ.

We had done it together! And with God’s help our new minister, Neil Routh, was with us, as the dream became a reality.

The new Wicks pipe organ at King Moravian will be dedicated later this summer.

To read about how King’s former organ has been given new life at Mount Bethel Moravian Church in Virginia, see the May issue of The Moravian. ■

MINISTRY OF CAMPING

Capital campaign aims to help “Feed My Sheep”

In need of a new kitchen after more than 50 years as the Southern Province’s “mountain of faith,” Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center in North Carolina recently kicked off a three-year capital campaign to help fund required renovations and reduce debt.

Called “Feed My Sheep,” the campaign seeks to raise $900,000 to help preserve Laurel Ridge and ensure its future.

Meeting needs The “Feed My Sheep” campaign is driven by two factors. The first is new state regulations for summer camp kitchens. The Health Department of the State of North Carolina issued new regulations that require camp kitchens throughout the state to meet certain standards; Laurel Ridge must make these changes to meet these new standards to continue operating a kitchen at summer camp.

The second factor is reducing debt. Although the Growing for a Lifetime Campaign for the expansion of Higgins Lodge (Laurel Ridge’s year-round conference retreat facil14

ity) exceeded its goal, the actual costs of the project came in far higher. Thus, debt for the Higgins Lodge expansion was incurred. The campaign will raise funds to help lower the overall debt level as much as possible. This is vital to reduce financial pressures on Higgins and on Laurel Ridge.

The Laurel Ridge Board of Directors presented a resolution to the 2010 Southern Province Synod seeking permission to establish and execute the capital campaign. The resolution was approved by Synod in September; plans for the campaign began immediately.

A new kitchen The Feed My Sheep Campaign will enable Laurel Ridge to continue serving delicious meals to campers of all ages in the Leinbach Dining Hall. The $460,000 in Summer Camp Kitchen renovations will include: • A separate dishwashing area • New serving line inside the kitchen that will increase dining room capacity • Updated storage areas • Upgraded kitchen equipment • New restrooms The NC Health Department requires that the renovations be completed before the 2012 summer camp season. The design is complete, the construction company has committed, and work will begin in late August 2011.

The remaining funds from the campaign will go towards retiring Higgins Lodge (continued on page 31) The Moravian

CONGREGATIONS IN MISSION

Looking for God on a Gulf Coast mission Be on the lookout for those moments in which God can be seen! That was the suggestion made by Pastor Chris Thore of New Beginnings Moravian Church to his mission team on their trip to the Gulf Coast.

What is “seeing God?” It’s a moment, sometimes fleeting, sometimes sustained, where one can recognize/witness God’s handiwork.

If we spied one, we were to make a mental note of it and share it with the group during evening devotions. Over the course of the next six days, all of us kept our eyes peeled for God-sightings and we were not disappointed.

In the early morning hours of April 30, nine members of New Beginnings packed a car and the Moravian Disaster Response truck and started the 10-plus hour drive to Ocean Springs, Miss. for our first churchwide mission trip. Our accommodations? The Moravian Mission House, with hosts Weldon & Joanie Harris.

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Located in the Pinehurst subdivision, this was one of 100 houses flooded by the storm surge of Katrina. It’s a comfortable ranch house with plenty of sleeping space, and a great area for unwinding as a group after a productive day.

Our first day in Ocean Springs dawned (continued on next page) Janet Kaufmann is administrative assistant at New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, N.C. Photos courtesy of Janet. Photo above: Mission participants from New Beginnings included (left, back to front): Don Mason, John Wigney, Paddy Wigney, Paul Bradley, Janet Kaufmann Right (right, back to front): Pastor Chris Thore, Joanie Harris (Moravian Mission House), Tom Tucker, Melissa Newsome, Randy Newsome.

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(continued from previous page) bright and beautiful. It was suggested that we have our own worship service — great idea!

On the beach? Outstanding! We chose a quiet section of Front Beach and each of us took a part of the Liturgy. It even included a couple of hymns, sans-musical accompaniment; our Choir would have been so proud! What a wonderful way to begin a day — and anticipate the week ahead. Following worship, we worked together picking up debris that had washed up on the shore. We definitely left the beach better than we found it.

After an early lunch, we decided to stay in town and join in the Heritage Celebration — the re-enactment of the arrival of the first Europeans to the area in 1699. While awaiting the start of the program, some of us walked Front Beach, meeting locals and listening to their stories of life before and since “the storm.” Others took a nap on the grassy hillside overlooking the beach; still others enjoyed icees while listening to the local singing talent. It was hard to believe that where we were sitting had been under 35 feet of water.

Monday morning dawned overcast, but we were up and out early and headed to Camp Victor. Built by volunteers, for volunteers (following Katrina), it has the ability to house 220 people, and to-date, over 60,000 16

have been hosted! The walls and tee-shirts shout out the story of all the different people/churches/organizations that have come together to help rebuild. After a delicious breakfast, the assembling of our lunches, and orientation, we gathered the necessary tools and materials and headed off to the nearby town of Moss Point.

Meeting the homeowners and witnessing their resiliency really hit home. They were examples for me of how I need to live my life.

Three houses were on the agenda. One was near completion; in fact, we were able to finish up the punch list so that a Certificate of Occupancy could be issued. Renovations to the second home were underway; the third house was at the very start of the rebuild. The next three days included carpentry work, spackling, painting, carpet laying, tiling, cabinet assembly, roof repair, and window replacement.

We were very fortunate to meet the homeowners and hear their individual stories. Although the neighborhood has its problems and they have been displaced since 2005, they spoke of their blessings and their gratitude.

“I’ve always felt considerable personal satisfaction when I have actively assisted The Moravian

Mission participants from New Beginnings work to rehabilitate a Gulf Coast home.

someone with needs,” said Don Mason, a New Beginnings member and seasoned mission work volunteer. “It becomes even more satisfying when the person for whom you are working reflects on her thankfulness, and offers the story behind her plight. Sending a donation cannot personalize, measure, or mirror the appreciation that was offered to us for our effort.”

Team member Paddy Wigney added: “The people need to know that we care about them. It’s not about the buildings, or the neighborhood, or the mundane tasks we are asked to do. Putting a face and story with the home brought that to the forefront.”

At the end of each day, we would either enjoy dinner out and experience the delicious local Cajun and creole fare, or relax at “home” and enjoy a homecooked meal, like Moravian chicken pies (made by our own Women’s Fellowship) and Moravian slaw (made by one of the mission team members).

And, other than succumbing to frozen custard one evening, we enjoyed delicious desserts provided by our congregation, including the biggest pound cake I’ve ever seen, compliments of church member, Hazel Jaro.

In addition to keeping us well-fed, they lifted us in prayer. Pastor Chris kept our congregation at home in the loop with his nightly blog. After a bit of down time, we’d gather July/August 2011

and share our God-sightings for the day, and team members took turns leading the evening devotions. It was a perfect way to end the day — in prayer, reflection and sharing.

The team accomplished a lot on this trip, and truth be told, we were the ones truly blessed by the experience. We came together in love and worked hard in His name, and lessons were learned along the way.

“Meeting the homeowners and witnessing their resiliency really hit home,” said New Beginnings’ Vice-Chair, Tom Tucker. “They were examples for me of how I need to live my life. They were very grateful for what they have, and more focused on the relationships in their lives than things. I have much still to learn on my journey.”

We were given the opportunity to get to know each other beyond the church walls; and believe me, nine people to one bathroom? You really get to know each other! We were privy to the details of other peoples’ struggles, and reminded of how truly God has graced us. We learned that it’s not whom or how you help, but that you help. Don Mason said it best: “…truly God was at work within us: speaking, listening and directing.”

We took away wonderful memories and a greater appreciation of all of our blessings.

And, we are now ever mindful of looking for God’s handiwork all around us! ■ 17

CARE FOR CLERGY

Eastern District Retreat offers silence and reflection for clergy and staff Sometimes, a little peace and quiet can make the many duties of a pastor a little easier to handle. That’s what more than 30 clergy and staff members of the Eastern District, Northern Province discovered at their clergy retreat in May. Held at the beautiful Wernersville Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth in Wernersville, Pa., the event provided attendees opportunities for group prayer and worship experiences, guided programming and silent time for reflection. The event was hosted by Kairos School of Spiritual Formation, which offers programs of Christian formation and prayer that help deepen relationships with God. In describing the retreat, sponsors wrote, “Parker Palmer, in his book, A Hidden Wholeness, says that we live in a culture that discourages us from paying attention to the soul or true self, which he describes as ‘like a wild animal, tough, resilient, resource18

ful, savvy and self-sufficient: it knows how to survive in hard places.’ In this time apart, through prayer, conversation and worship, we will cultivate our capacity to be attentive to our soul and experience the gifts of what it offers us.”

Following the retreat, several of the attendees offered their thoughts about what they experienced.

Michael Johnson, pastor, John Hus Moravian Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. It was then that I realized just how connected I am to ministry — the order of service to be submitted, the new boiler being installed and issues with certain elements of the contract that were yet to be fulfilled, a pressing financial matter, a personnel issue, how to make sure that the upcoming community complaints review board forum benefited the The Moravian

Photo left: Michael Johnson shares a light moment with fellow Moravian clergy during a group session at the Eastern District Clergy Retreat in May. Photo right: Darryl Bell contemplates on the grounds of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Wernersville, Pa.

wider community, a concern about a close friend in the congregation who in response to a voice mail I left for her reminded me that I was at a retreat. It was my time. In other words, I needed to disconnect somewhat so that the circuit would not become overloaded. But that was hard — really hard — so much to fix.

But it has started to happen. The days at our retreat afforded an opportunity to just slow down and think, meditate, pray, be still.

The deafening silence contrasted so remarkably with the cacophony of life in New York City but it was the best sound I never heard.

For in those hours of silence and stillness I experienced God in a new and refreshing way that provided a new energy and appreciation for ministry yet a simultaneous understanding of the need to cultivate a ministry to the self and most of all to just slow down.

Darryl Bell, pastor, The Promise, Lewis Center, Ohio In our fast-paced world how can we hear God? Do we expect God to shout to us to get our attention as we run from one busy activity to the next? Are we looking for signs from God as we change lanes and try to beat that yellow light? Do we think we’ll get closer to God by staying up later and getting up earlier to pack more activity into our sleep-starved day? I’ve lived by some of those delusions, and I believe many other pastors also try to do better by doing more.

But our Eastern District Board blessed (continued on next page) July/August 2011

Maggie Wellert and her husband, Keith Harke, in a moment of reflection during the Eastern District Clergy Retreat.

(continued from previous page) us with a great gift at the recent pastors’ retreat. It was the gift of slowing down, the opportunity for attentiveness to God. It was extended times of silence and listening. As Elijah learned, we don’t find God in the dramatic earthquake, wind, or fire. We hear God in the still, gentle whisper that is so easily drowned out in our flurry of activity. I think it was sometime on the second day that my inner RPMs got down to an idle, and I could begin to engage with God at a deeper level. I was reminded that God loves me not for my doing, but in my being. It’s not about me; it’s all about God and God’s grace.

We hear God in the still, gentle whisper that is so easily drowned out in our flurry of activity.

Days apart in spiritual retreat are a wonderful way to refuel, and I’m grateful for them. But I also know as I reengage with daily life that the times of quiet engagement with God can continue. I don’t have to be holed up in a monastery to meet with God. The Lord longs to meet with me every day in the “holy places” of my normal routine. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

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Maggie Wellert, pastor, Great Kills Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y. A dozen years ago or so, I attended a workshop in a Catholic Retreat House with a group of students. My roommate commented that she loved being in a Catholic center because Protestants filled the walls with words, and Roman Catholics fill the walls with art.

Not only is the Jesuit Retreat Center in Wernersville filled with beautiful art, its campus setting is beautiful art, a masterpiece of the Creator. The absence of the noise of metro NYC reminded me how noisy my daily life is. It was a joy to move into the “silence” of nature — catbirds, robins, cardinals, the breeze rustling leaves, and croaking frogs!

It was a deeper joy to move into simple silence: as an introvert I was grateful to be relieved of the need to constantly make conversation! I love time for conversation and connection with my colleagues and friends; however, I need time when I can simply listen to the movement of God in my own heart. Many days, I realized, my own being is “noisy” and I forget to take the time to sit simply in God’s presence, to soak up the delight of God’s love, and listen with my heart.

This gift from the Eastern District Executive Board renewed my soul and restored my balance. ■ The Moravian

MORAVIAN BASICS

The Ground of the Unity The Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church are a small but very important part of a larger whole — the Unitas Fratrum, a worldwide church whose roots trace back to the mid 1400s. One of the Moravian Church’s central underpinnings is the Ground of the Unity, a doctrinal statement that was adopted by the Unity Synod of the Unitas Fratrum in 1995.

In this issue of the Moravian, we’re reprinting this cornerstone of the Moravian Church. This document is a revision of a similar statement prepared and approved by the Unity Synod of 1957, which marked the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Unitas Fratrum, and is based on earlier statements about the beliefs and practices of the Moravian Church.

The Ground of the Unity A doctrinal statement adopted by the Unity Synod of the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravian Church, held at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, August 13 to 25, 1995.

The Lord Jesus Christ calls His Church into being so that it may serve Him on earth until He comes. The Unitas Fratrum is, therefore, aware of its being called in faith to serve humanity by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It recognizes this call to be the source of its being and the inspiration of its service.

As is the source, so is the aim and end of its being based upon the will of its Lord.

The Belief of the Church With the whole of Christendom we share faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe and confess that God has July/August 2011

revealed Himself once and for all in His Son Jesus Christ; that our Lord has redeemed us with the whole of humanity by His death and His resurrection; and that there is no salvation apart from Him. We believe that He is present with us in the Word and the Sacrament; that He directs and unites us through His Spirit and thus forms us into a Church. We hear Him summoning us to follow Him, and pray Him to use us in His service. He joins us together mutually, so that knowing ourselves to be members of His body we become willing to serve each other.

In the light of divine grace, we recognize ourselves to be a Church of sinners. We require forgiveness daily, and live only through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He (continued on next page) 21

(continued from previous page) redeems us from our isolation and unites us into a living Church of Jesus Christ.

Personal Belief The belief of the Church is effected and preserved through the testimony of Jesus Christ and through the work of the Holy Spirit.

This testimony calls each individual personally, and leads each one to the recognition of sin and to the acceptance of the redemption achieved by Christ. In fellowship with Him the love of Christ becomes more and more the power of the new life, power which penetrates and shapes the entire person. As God’s Spirit so effects living belief in the hearts of individuals, He grants them the privilege to share in the fruits of Christ’s salvation and membership in His body.

God’s Word and Doctrine The Triune God as revealed in the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments is the only source of our life and salvation; and this Scripture is the sole standard of the doctrine and faith of the Unitas Fratrum and therefore shapes our life.

The Unitas Fratrum recognizes the Word of the Cross as the center of Holy Scripture and of all preaching of the Gospel, and it sees its primary mission, and its reason for being, to consist in bearing witness to this joyful message. We ask our Lord for power never to stray from this.

The Unitas Fratrum takes part in the continual search for sound doctrine. In interpreting Scripture and in the communication of doctrine in the Church, we look to two millennia of ecumenical Christian tradition and the wisdom of our Moravian forebears in the faith to 22

guide us as we pray for fuller understanding and ever clearer proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But just as the Holy Scripture does not contain any doctrinal system, so the Unitas Fratrum also has not developed any of its own because it knows that the mystery of Jesus Christ, which is attested to in the Bible, cannot be comprehended completely by any human mind or expressed completely in any human statement. Also it is true that through the Holy Spirit the recognition of God’s will for salvation in the Bible is revealed completely and clearly.

Creeds and Confessions The Unitas Fratrum recognizes in the creeds of the Church the thankful acclaim of the Body of Christ. These creeds aid the Church in formulating a Scriptural confession, in marking the boundary of heresies, and in exhorting believers to an obedient and fearless testimony in every age. The Unitas Fratrum maintains that all creeds formulated by the Christian Church stand in need of constant testing in the light of the Holy Scriptures. It acknowledges as such true professions of faith the early Christian witness: “Jesus Christ is Lord!” and also especially the ancient Christian creeds and the fundamental creeds of the Reformation. In the various Provinces of the Renewed Unites Fratrum the following creeds in particular gained special importance, because in them the main doctrines of the Christian faith find clear and simple expression: The Apostles’ Creed; The Athanasian Creed; The Nicene Creed; The Confession of the Unity of the Bohemian Brethren of 1535; The Twenty-one Articles of the unaltered Augsburg Confession; The Shorter Catechism of Martin Luther; The Synod of Berne of 1532; The The Moravian

Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England; The Theological Declaration of Barmen of 1934; and The Heidelberg Catechism

leads the Church toward that union which He has promised. By means of His presence in the Holy Communion He makes our unity in Him evident and certain even today.

The Unitas Fratrum as a Unity We believe in and confess the Unity of the Church given in the one Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior. He died that He might unite the scattered children of God. As the living Lord and Shepherd, He is leading His flock toward such unity.

The Unitas Fratrum espoused such unity when it took over the name of the Old Bohemian Brethren’s Church, “Unitas Fratrum” (Unity of Brethren). Nor can we ever forget the powerful unifying experience granted by the crucified and risen Lord to our ancestors in Herrnhut on the occasion of the Holy Communion of August 13, 1727, in Bethelsdorf.

It is the Lord’s will that Christendom should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. In our own midst we see how such unity has been promised us and laid upon us as a charge. We recognize that through the grace of Christ the different churches have received many gifts. It is our desire that we may learn from each other and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God. We confess our share in the guilt which is manifest in the severed and divided state of Christendom. By means of such divisions we ourselves hinder the message and power of the Gospel. We recognize the danger of selfrighteousness and judging others without love.

Since we together with all Christendom are pilgrims on the way to meet our coming Lord, we welcome every step that brings us nearer the goal of unity in Him. He himself invites us to communion in His supper. Through it He

The Church as a Fellowship The Church of Jesus Christ, despite all the distinctions between male and female, Jew and non-Jew, white and colored, poor and rich, is one in its Lord. The Unitas Fratrum recognizes no distinction between those who are one in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to testify that God in Jesus Christ brings His people out of “every race, kindred and tongue” into one body, pardons sinners beneath the cross and brings them together. We oppose any discrimination in our midst because of race or standing, and we regard it as a commandment of the Lord to bear public witness to this and to demonstrate by word and deed that we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

July/August 2011

The Church as a Community of Service Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve. From this, His Church receives its mission and its power for its service, to which each of its members is called. We believe that the Lord has called us particularly to mission service among the peoples of the world. In this, and in all other forms of service both at home and abroad, to which the Lord commits us, He expects us to confess Him and witness to His love in unselfish service.

Serving Our Neighbor Our Lord Jesus entered into this world’s misery to bear it and to overcome it. We seek to follow Him in serving His people. Like the love of Jesus, this service knows no bounds.

Therefore we pray the Lord ever anew to (continued on page 26) 23

PEC LETTER

A Message to the Moravian Church in America Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.”

If there were a theme to the Provincial Elders’ Conferences, South and North meeting jointly in May, this hymn would capture the spirit

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Betsy Bombick, Gary Kniskern and Jill Westbrook during the PECs’ joint meeting.

of our time together. As we prayed together, learned from one another, and explored topics of mutual interest for building up the Body of Christ, we celebrated that what binds us together as brothers and sisters is always stronger than anything that separates us.

Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the Moravian Ministries Foundation, all eight members of the Northern Province PEC and six members of the Southern Province PEC met in Chaska, Minn. in conjunction with the Adamson Innovation Forum. Items on our agenda included issues surrounding theological education, credentialing, reception of ordained clergy from other Moravian Provinces and other denominations, health care, funding our common ministries, developments within the worldwide Unity, and ecumenical partnerships in which we both participate.

In the case of credentialing clergy, we identified the benefits of having consistent policies that transcend provincial boundaries. We shared best practices and explored ways we The Moravian

Photo left: Moravians from across the U.S. and Canada join in a blessing of the Northern and Southern Province Provincial Eldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conferences during their joint meeting in April.

could better honor God and serve our congregations and members by cooperating and sharing resources.

We celebrated the many ways we already cooperate through interprovincial ministries and agencies: Board of World Mission, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Theological Seminary, Faith and Order Commission, Moravian Ministries Foundation, Moravian Music Foundation, and the Interprovincial Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board. We noted that we share in planning youth convocations, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conferences and clergy conferences.

We wondered how cooperating in other areas would strengthen our witness and service.

Some outcomes of our shared time include: 1. Naming two representatives from both PECs to work with Moravian Theological Seminary in its curriculum revision. This group will also address the challenge of providing distance learning opportunities for those individuals who seek an excellent theological education at Moravian but live at a distance from Bethlehem, Pa. We will explore what is gained and lost by requiring residence in Bethlehem, and what are possible benefits and hindrances by not requiring residency. We acknowledge that the theological education landscape has changed considerably since the last review of our requirements, and wish to review many options, including those from our ecumenical partners.

2. The Northern Province invited an observer from the South to its newly formed Human Resources and Benefits Commission (HRBC) to learn about health care options.

July/August 2011

Southern Province PEC member Joyce Vance makes a point as Northern Province PEC member Wilton Grannum listens.

3. The Southern Province will share its audit procedures for congregations to help the north provide resources that will help all congregations conduct an annual financial review. (continued on next page) David Guthrie, Southern Province PEC president and Betsy Miller, Northern Province PEC president, address a gathering of Moravians in Minnesota.

(continued from previous page)

The Ground of the Unity

4. Each Province will share strategies and ideas about how funding of Provincial ministries is allocated to and requested from congregations.

5. We will name a joint task force to explore issues of credentialing, such as licensing laity to serve the sacraments and clergy serving under appointment. We are seeking input from the Faith and Order Commission and the Bishops living in both provinces.

6. We will invite congregations to develop “sister” churches in the other province — particularly encouraging those congregations that share the same name to pilot those relationships. Some of these relationships were forming spontaneously at the Adamson Forum.

7. We will name a joint task force to plan for the next Interprovincial Minister’s Convocation (Massanetta), with a possible date in 2013.

We will live into the hope of the hymn, that in Christ there is no north or south, but simply one great fellowship of servants seeking to participate in what God is doing in North America and the world. We invite all of you to do the same, as together we follow our Lamb who has conquered!

(continued from page 23)

In Christ, Northern and Southern Province PEC members David Bennett, Betsy Bombick, Ray Burke, Steve Gohdes, Wilton Grannum, David Guthrie, James Hicks, Judy Kaaua, Gary Kniskern, Betsy Miller, Neil Routh, Chris Thore, Joyce Vance, Jill Westbrook and Tom Zimmer 26

point out to us the way to reach our neighbors, opening our heart and hand to them in their need.

Serving the World 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.

Conclusion 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.

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.

In a future issue of the Moravian, we will share “The Essential Features of the Unity” ■ The Moravian

CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCE

Online destination offers free resource guide for ministers and leaders

The Internet is chock full of information and opportunities for ministers and congregational leaders — some useful, others a waste of electrons. To help find the “good stuff,” The Congregational Resource Guide (CRG) <www.congregationalresrouces.org> identifies, sifts and shares some of the most useful information for congregational work.

The CRG was recently relaunched after a decade to improve its usefulness as a free, online resource guide for America’s ministers and congregational leaders. It is fully funded by the Lilly Endowment and affiliated with the Alban Institute.

The new CRG includes podcast interviews with ministers and congregational leaders, Q&As that draw upon years of phone calls from ministers seeking resourcing information, and in-depth pieces that examine issues in more detail and provide extensive resources related to that topic.

In addition, the CRG features a blog authored by the six advisors who are guiding the site along with the staff of the Alban Institute July/August 2011

and the Indianapolis Center for Congregations.

“Our advisors come from a range of denominations and regions of the U.S.,” says Marty Davis, director of the CRG. “All are either practicing ministers or have served as ministers in the past. They have firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities before today’s faith leaders.”

The CRG is organized into six key topic areas, including “Care,” “Discover,” “Engage,” “Manage,” “Lead,” and “Worship.” Each section offers a variety of in-depth articles, reviews of books and videos and links to a broad variety of resources and opportunities. The site also features answers to often-asked questions received at the Alban Institute or CRG. Recent in-depth articles covered topics such as children escaping poverty; how congregations can respond to youth and technology; congregational action plans; handling clergy retirement; presenting scripture in worship; community engagement and more.

CRG is a free resource. To access, visit <www.congregationalresources.org>. ■

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CARE FOR CLERGY

Northern Province launches Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund After several months, multiple time-zone conference calls, revisions and prayers, the Northern Province Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund (CEAF) is ready to receive applications.

Resulting from a 2010 Northern Province Synod resolution, this fund has been established for “clergy who find themselves in emergency situations and who need assistance providing for their food, shelter and/ or safety.” (From Resolved 6, Third Partial report, Mission to and with our Shepherds, 2010 Northern Province Synod legislation.) …this fund has been established for “clergy who find themselves in emergency situations and who need assistance providing for their food, shelter and/or safety.”

The resolution stems from provincial recognition that clergy who experience a disabling illness or injury may have many financial, practical and emotional needs that call for a compassionate response from the church. Synod delegates discussed how disability insurance had not always provided seamless coverage for disabled pastors, and how other denominations have emergency assistance fund to help clergy in need.

An advisory board was appointed by the Provincial Elders’ Conference to administer 28

the fund and to create guidelines and application procedures for it. Those guidelines and procedures have now been approved by the PEC. The CEAF advisory board consists of the Rev. Keith Harke, chair; Alexander Macdonald, Western District lay representative; Joachim Schubert, Canadian District lay representative; Gary Bailey, Eastern District lay representative; the Rev. Tammie Rinker, member-at-large; and MaryAnn Hanas, Provincial director of human resources and benefits.

The policy and application form of the CEAF can be obtained from the Rev. Keith K. Harke, CEAF Chair, 74 Hillside Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10308 or by email <kharke@ si.rr.com>. Be assured that all confidentiality regulations for both the United States and Canada will be observed.

Contributions to the fund are also encouraged, and may be sent to Tina Giesler, Provincial Controller, 1021 Center St., PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016. Checks should be made out to the ‘Moravian Church Northern Province’, with ‘Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund’ on the memo line.

Your continued prayers are requested as the advisory board moves forward in the administration of the CEAF in ministry to our shepherds. ■

Gary Bailey is a member of Lititz Moravian Church and serves on the CEAF Advisory Board.

The Moravian

OBITUARIES

Lewis B. Swaim

Raymond T. Troutman

Brother Lewis B. Swaim passed away on May 10, 2011 in Winston-Salem, N.C. at the age of 81. He was born January 5, 1930.

Brother Swaim attended Moravian College and Moravian Seminary from 1948-1955 in Bethlehem, Pa. He married Eleanor Ruth on June 6, 1953. He was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on June 5, 1955 at Friedberg Moravian and consecrated a presbyter on August 26, 1962 at First Moravian in Greensboro, N.C..

In 1955 he became pastor of his first congregation, Union Cross Moravian, followed by service at Providence Moravian in WinstonSalem, N.C.. He then served First Moravian, Greensboro, N.C. and Immanuel Moravian in Winston-Salem, N.C..

In 1970 Brother Swaim became the first director of the Board of Homeland Missions. In 1978 he returned to pastoral service and was the founding pastor of Covenant Moravian in Wilmington, N.C. He also served Rolling Hills in Longwood, Fla. and Kernersville Moravian in Kernersville, N.C. before retiring in 1995 after 40 years of active service.

Brother Swaim continued to serve after retirement and was visiting pastor at Trinity Moravian in Winston-Salem and did special preaching at many churches. He was active in the wider Moravian Church and in the community as well. In 1984 he received a Certificate of Appreciation from then North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, for volunteer work done in the prison system of North Carolina.

Brother Swaim is survived by his wife, Eleanor, two sons, and a grandson. His memorial service was held at Fairview Moravian Church on May 15, 2011 with burial in God’s Acre in Salem.

Brother Raymond T. Troutman, Jr. passed away on May 27, 2011 in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was born in Forsyth County, N.C. on June 25, 1928.

Brother Troutman graduated from Moravian College in 1950 and Moravian Theological Seminary in 1953. He married Marion Bender in 1952. He was predeceased by his wife Marion and a son, Ben. In 1992 he married Betty Fordham.

Brother Troutman was ordained a deacon on June 21, 1953 and consecrated a presbyter on May 31, 1959. He served as an active Moravian pastor for 37 years in both the Southern and Northern Provinces. He served congregations at Messiah/ W. Arbor, WinstonSalem, N.C.; Moravia, Oak Ridge, N.C.; Grace, Mt. Airy, N.C.; Gnadenhutten, Ohio; Calvary (associate), Winston-Salem, N.C.; Kernersville, N.C.; Redeemer, Winter Springs, Fla.; Grace, Westland, Mich.; and Advent, Bethlehem, Pa. After retirement in 1990 he continued to serve for 12 years as minister of visitation at New Philadelphia, Winston-Salem, N.C..

Brother Troutman is survived by his wife, Betty, two sons; a step-son and step-daughter; four grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held on June 4, 2011 at Calvary Moravian Church where he was a member with burial in God’s Acre in Salem.

July/August 2011

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 are available by contacting Siobhan Young at the Communication Office.

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for World Peace and Nuclear Disarmament August 7, 2011 In accordance with legislation enacted at the 1982 Synod of the Northern Province and affirmed by the 1990 Synod, the first Sunday in August has been designated as a day of prayer for world peace and nuclear disarmament.

Prayer Day for Public Education August 28, 2011 Congregations of the Northern Province are asked to observe Public Education Awareness Day on the last Sunday in August. Prepared liturgies, intercessory prayers for students and all who teach in and administer public schools and sermons at worship may call attention to our responsibility for public education and seek the blessing of God upon these endeavors.

Ordination Brother Charles C. Harewood will be ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church July 10, 2011 at Grace Moravian Church, Queens, N.Y. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon will officiate at the ordination service.

New York, New York Brother Harewood, a graduate of New York Theological Seminary with a Certificate in Theological Studies from Moravian Theological Seminary, has accepted the call to serve as full time pastor for First Moravian Church, New York, N.Y., where he has been serving under part-time appointment. Brother Harewood will be installed July 31, 2011.

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Waconia, Minnesota Sister Amy Gohdes-Luhman, who has been serving the Northfield (Main Street) Moravian Church, Northfield, Minnesota, has accepted the call to serve as pastor of the Waconia Moravian Church, Waconia, Minn.

Sister Gohdes-Luhman will begin her new work August 23, 2011.

Sister Cindy Mueller, who had been serving the Waconia Moravian Church, concluded her work June 7, 2011.

Queens, New York Brother Earl St. Claver Goulbourne, a pastor from the Jamaica Province, has accepted an appointment to serve as pastor of Grace Moravian Church, Queens, N.Y. Br. Goulbourne was installed June 5, 2011.

VISIT THE MORAVIAN MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK! The Moravian Magazine is now on Facebook!

Visit <www.facebook.com/MoravianMagazine> to learn more about what’s happening with the magazine, view current and back issues online and interact with The Moravian editorial staff.

We’ll be providing updates, posting themes for upcoming issues, looking for story ideas and taking your comments about The Moravian Magazine.

So next time you’re on Facebook, check out The Moravian Magazine and hit the “Like” button to become a fan! And while you’re there, let us know what you think.

You can also get the weekly Watchwords through Facebook by visiting the Moravian Daily Texts on Facebook.

The Moravian

“Feed My Sheep” Lewis Center, Ohio/Moravian Church Northern Province Brother Darryl C. Bell, who has been serving as full time pastor of The Promise Moravian Church, Lewis Center, Ohio, has accepted a call to continue as pastor of The Promise on a three-quarter time basis effective May 22, 2011.

Brother Bell has also accepted an appointment to serve as Interim Church Planters’ Resource Advisor on a one-quarter time basis effective May 22, 2011.

Specialized Ministry Sister Mary Bielke, who has been serving as pastor of Canaan Moravian Church, Davenport, N.D., has accepted a call to specialized ministry as a chaplain for Heartland Hospice Services, Rockford, Illinois.

Sister Bielke began her new work May 31, 2011.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

is seeking to fill the part-time position of Young Adult/Family Program Co-ordinator For information or to send a resumé, please contact: Personnel Committee Lititz Moravian Congregation 8 Church Square, Lititz, PA 17543.

For a job description, visit www.lititzmoravian.org

July/August 2011

(continued from page 14) expansion debt which was a result of increased construction costs and septic/water system issues that were not anticipated.

Province-wide campaign “Feed My Sheep” is a Southern Provincewide campaign. For more than 50 years Laurel Ridge has offered individuals, families, churches, and other groups an incredible mountain location for relaxation, recreation, spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal in North Carolina. Its mission of being a “mountain place set apart for forming disciples of Jesus Christ who live and learn in community to serve in the world” is vital to the Southern Province.

The campaign was planned and is managed by Chi-Chi Messick of the Moravian Ministries Foundation through Morning Star Campaign Services. Thanks to the lead gifts solicitation portion of the campaign, “Feed My Sheep” is off to a strong start, with more than $340,000 in pledged donations. Information was mailed to all Southern Province Moravian households in early June.

The “Feed my Sheep” campaign will also hold a variety of events this summer and fall, including a Bowl-a-Thon, a drive-in movie night, a golf tournament and a special Laurel Ridge dinner.

While this campaign is focused on the Southern Province, all Moravians can support Laurel Ridge. To learn more about Feed My Sheep and Laurel Ridge, visit www.laurelridge.org or call 1-888-831-5922 for details about the special events or for additional information about the campaign. ■ 31

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

WELCOME TO SALEMTOWNE ...

a shining example of the way life should be.

Enter the gates of our 114-acre campus and you’ll see it. Walk along a wooded path, and you’ll feel it. Talk with an engaging resident, and you’ll hear it. You’ll sense it in the mutual respect that residents have for one another and in the caring they extend as part of a unique community. Such a community could only develop over time; the product of people coming together through a common spirit.

Salemtowne is a non-profit continuing care retirement community in Winston-Salem, NC offering independent cottage and apartment living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care that ref lects the Moravian values of individual respect, life-long learning, and love of the arts.

We invite you to learn more about becoming a part of the Salemtowne community today.

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