Moravian Magazine, July-August 2015

J U L Y / A U G U S T

2 0 1 5

12th Moravian Women’s Conference Moravian Theological Seminary Commencement Emerging Ministries And more!

Retirement for us means a wonderful residence and health care for life. We found this with Moravian Hall Square’s Life Care Contract. If we ever need personal care, nursing care or memory support, they are included as part of our contract.

Call today to learn more about Moravian Hall Square’s Life Care Contract.

Nazareth, PA

WWW.MORAVIAN.COM

610.746.1000

The world’s oldest daily devotional that’s new every morning!

The 2016 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a 286-year-long tradition of offering an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day.

Each entry in this beloved daily devotional includes “watchwords”—Old and New Testament verses to accompany readers throughout the day—combined with beautiful hymn texts and heartfelt prayers selected and written by Moravians across North America.

The Moravian Daily Texts 2016 begins shipping in October 2015, but you can preorder yours online now at store.moravian.org, or by calling 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

Learn more at www.moravian.org

On the cover: A Moravian star shines over downtown Lancaster, Pa. from the window of the new Moravian Center. Photo by Mike Riess

J U L Y / A U G U S T

2 0 1 5

12th Moravian Women’s Conference Moravian Theological Seminary Commencement

22

Emerging Ministries And more!

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

20

Emerging Ministries 12 Lancaster Moravian: Our mission to others is transforming us 15 “The trick will be…” Bringing the Tricklebee ministry to life Moravian Women 5 Conference offers spiritual renewal for women around the world A Moravian Education 8 Moravian Theological Seminary Commencement 2015: Historic institution embraces new traditions In Our Congregations 17 Sharon Moravian celebrates 200 years of service in Ohio Ministry to Older Adults

Member, Associated Church Press

20 Groundbreaking celebration marks start of a new phase at Marquardt Village Unity Women’s Desk 22 New Unity Women’s Desk Loan Fund named for caring Moravians Moravian History

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

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

July/August 2015

24 Moravian settlement in Denmark named to UNESCO World Heritage List In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: A Conversation with Ed 26 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, Part VI 29 Official Provincial Elders’ News 30 Obituary: The Rev. Lorenz W. Adam

3

PONDERINGS

A Conversation with Ed It was a quiet morning in the waiting room of the local tire store.

Except for the employees, an elderly man in a military baseball cap and I were the only ones in the room. I said hello to be polite but had fully expected to be reading e-mail, reviewing photos and checking Facebook during the hour it would take to install four new tires.

Instead, the old man struck up a conversation. He told me about his car and what repairs it was in for. He explained that his wife lived in a nursing home and didn’t want to get out of bed. He shared the frustration he and his daughter felt about his wife’s situation. He complained about nursing home costs. I listened with half an ear, made small talk, but kept thinking about the work I needed to get done.

But as he continued to talk, I grew more interested in the conversation. He was telling me his story, a story that deserved an ear. I closed my laptop and began to listen and ask questions.

He shared about his life as a younger man. He talked about his parents and how he lived in an orphanage until he was married. I thought it odd to have parents and be an orphan; he explained that his parents, a minister and a nurse, ran the orphanage.

He talked of serving in the Korean War; his upbringing in Emmaus and college life in Allentown; and how back then, men were expected to be far more polite to young women than they seem to be today.

As he continued to share his stories, I thought about my father and the stories he used to tell. I thought about the similarities between the two men—their age, their infirmed wives, their driving of older cars that they were proud to own.

While I wasn’t getting any of what I planned to work on finished, I didn’t feel I was wasting time. I was enjoying this conversation, listening to stories and interacting with someone with whom I’d never met and would likely never see again.

Before I knew it, my car was finished and it was time to go. I thanked my waiting room counterpart for this conversation, wished him well and drove off with a smile. I think on future waiting room visits, I’ll leave the screen at home and instead, seek out—and learn from—the stories of those around me. I invite you to do the same in your communities and congregations. Peace.

4

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) July/August Vol. 46, No. 6 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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

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 Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Terri Bischoff Ginny Tobiassen Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. 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 © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

MORAVIAN WOMEN

Conference offers spiritual renewal for women around the world Sandy Cove Christian Conference Center in Maryland provided the ideal, peaceful environment for 372 women from 15 different countries to be spiritually renewed. Under the theme, “Walk in the Light,” the 12th Moravian Women’s Conference, held June 25–27, brought together women from around the globe for fellowship, learning, spiritual development, worship and so much more.

Women traveled from the Caribbean, India, Nicaragua, Nepal, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Suriname, Tanzania, Honduras and both the Northern and Southern Provinces in the U.S. to be a part of this year’s event. Also attending were women from the new, emerging Moravian Churches in Albania and Cuba. To highlight

the international nature of the event, devotions were led by women from Nepal, Albania, India and Nicaragua.

Keynote speaker Jennifer Sands inspired attendees with her faith journey following her husband’s death in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, NYC, September 11, 2001. Jennifer learned to obey and trust God as she moved from anger to faith. Jennifer’s (continued on next page)

Priscilla Weidman from Lancaster Moravian, Barbara Styers from Raleigh Moravian and Nancy Chandler from Hope Moravian contributed to this article.

Photos by Myra Jones and Mike Riess July/August 2015

5

Moravian women from around the world gathered for learning, worship, music and fellowship at the 12th Moravian Women’s Conference.

(continued from previous page) humor was delightful and her life story was appreciated by participants, especially those who have lost a loved one (see sidebar).

Rev Dr. Craig Atwood, a professor at Moravian Theological Seminary, presented “Five Centuries of Women’s Leadership in the Moravian Church.” In his well-received talk, he spoke about the choir system, Moravian hymns and prayers referring to the Holy Spirit as Mother, and gave examples of women’s leadership and ministry.

“I think that it is time that the Moravian Church officially acknowledges that it first ordained women in the 1700s rather than 1957 or 1972,” he said, although the practice was ended and women excluded from official leadership positions in the years following the death of Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf in 1760. Copies of his presentation are available on the Women’s Conference website (https:// moravianwomen.wordpress.com/).

Rev Mary Katagile, Moravian pastor and university lecturer in Tanzania, spoke on “Gospel of Light: The Essence of Moravian Church Mission,” and led the worship service and Lovefeast Thursday evening, while Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Northern Province PEC President, led the Saturday evening communion and candlelight worship service which ended with enthusiastic dancing and singing in the Sandy Cove halls.

The Women’s Conference offered more than twenty workshops on a wide variety of topics. Highlights included a talk about “Simply Moravian: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Essentials” by Ruth Cole Burcaw; a workshop on “the Unnamed Women of Jesus’ Ministry”

by Christian Educator and Southern Province PEC member Joyce Vance; and a presentation 6

The Moravian

JENNIFER SANDS INSPIRES AND CHALLENGES WITH STORIES FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Christian author Jennifer Sands inspired and

by Vjollca Mazi, a Moravian leader from Albania, on the lives and witness of Moravian women in Albania.

Other workshops included hymn-writing, Moravian women composers, dealing with conflict in a positive way, transformative giving, prayer, aging, missions and more. Free time activities allowed the women to pursue music, exercise, games and plants of the bible.

Worship and music played a central role in this year’s conference. The conference worship team provided the perfect environment and was led by the Rev. Margaret Wellert and the Rev. Cynthia Geyer. Phyllis Ronald provided beautiful piano music throughout the conference’s general sessions and worship services, while Moravian Music Foundation’s Nola Knouse and Gwyn Michel led band and choir.

Add to all those great speakers a beautiful setting on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, good food, the fellowship and encouragement from being with other Christians, laughter, prayer and music and you have the recipe for a meaningful retreat. The entire conference was joyful, uplifting and glorified God. The next Moravian Women’s conference will take place in 2019 and Sister Peggy Dodson from North Carolina will be chairing the event.

Plan to attend! You will be greatly blessed. ■ July/August 2015

challenged listeners with deep conviction, humble sincerity and a delightful sense of humor during her messages to the attendees at the 12th Moravian Women’s Conference in Maryland. Lancaster Moravian’s Priscilla Weidman offers her thoughts on Jennifer’s talks: “In her first talk, titled ‘From Darkness to Light: Jennifer’s Journey,’ Jennifer related how her walk with Christ grew out of the tragic loss of her husband on September 11, 2001…and how her struggle with God finally turned to triumph. In it she reminded us that trials can be used to purify us; to glorify God, and/or to correct us. Through the trials, we are enabled to comfort others, prove God’s faithfulness to us and prove our faithfulness to God. “Her second message was called, ‘Walking in the Light: Our Journey with Jesus.’ In it, she offered a ‘How to’ on walking in the light (the theme of the conference): stay close to God’s word, to God’s Son, and to God’s people. She also reminded us that that prayer is the world’s greatest wireless connection; helped us understand that God understands pain; and challenged us to walk in obedience, with patience and with confidence in God.” Additional information on Jennifer Sands can be found at www.jennifer sands.com.

7

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

Moravian Theological Seminary Commencement 2015: Historic institution embraces new traditions Moravian Theological Seminary, the only denominational seminary in North America for the Moravian Church, marked the conclusion of its 208th academic year on Saturday, May 16, 2015. This year’s Commencement activi-

8

ties, rooted in the historical traditions of academia, also included new and updated events.

To kick off the weekend’s festivities, Seminary students participated in developing a community Lovefeast with Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, Seminary Chaplain. This event was created as an inclusive response to the evergrowing diversity of faith traditions and heritages represented in the student body at the Seminary. The gathering was held immediately prior to the Senior Banquet and focused on gratitude for all those who supported the students in their seminary journeys.

Another twist on tradition was the location of the Commencement service. For the first year in recent history, the Seminary’s graduation ceremony was not held at Bethlehem’s Central Moravian Church. Instead, it was held The Moravian

Sanette Francis

Seminary faculty members Frank Crouch and Craig Atwood serve during a community Lovefeast on commencement weekend.

at College Hill Moravian Church, a charming location within sight of MTS’s main building, the Bahnson Center. The change in venue addressed parking and logistical considerations for Seminary guests on this occasion.

The Commencement service itself also saw a refreshed program, including a new processional, “For All These Students,” featuring lyrics by Chaplain Weber. The Commencement Address was presented by Rev. David Bennett, President of the Eastern District of the Moravian Church and Chair of the Board of Trustees for Moravian Theological Seminary.

His address focused on the theme, “Measuring Up …” and motivated the graduates for the future they face serving their communities in the “Google Age.” Moravian Graduates and Award Recipients Members of the Moravian Church were well represented among this year’s graduates and award recipients.

Elected by her fellow graduates, Sanette Francis, a Moravian M.Div. graduate, delivered the Commencement Address to her class. During the ceremony, she was also awarded the Henry Gerdsen Book Prize in recognition of intellectual, personal and professional growth, as well as a commitment to involvement in the Seminary community, including serving on the Student Elder’s Council (SEC). Raised in Manchester, Jamaica, Sanette moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. as a teenager where she was nurtured by the John Hus Moravian congregation. Sanette earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Bible/Theology from Laurel University in High Point, N.C. She also holds an Associate’s

Garritt Fleming

(continued on next page) July/August 2015

9

(continued from previous page) degree in Theatre from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Sanette recently moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where she begins her call as a pastor at Ebenezer Moravian Church.

Another Moravian, Garritt Fleming, was also celebrated as an M.Div. graduate, Magna cum Laude. Garritt grew up in the Palmer Moravian congregation in Easton, Pa., and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During his time at MTS, he served on the SEC and was highly involved with the Seminary’s musical groups, including The Moravian Seals band, worship band and choir. In recognition of his superior record in scholarship, development of personality suited to the requirements of the Christian ministry and effective participation in Seminary activities, Garritt also won The John David Bishop Memorial Prize. Garritt has accepted the call to serve as pastor of the Freedom Moravian Church in Appleton, Wis 10

consin and was ordained Aug. 1.

Fran Saylor, a member of the Raleigh (N.C.) Moravian congregation, earned her Graduate Certificate in Moravian Studies. Fran holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salem College and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School. She plans to complete CPE at Duke Raleigh Hospital and await call and ordination in the Moravian Church Southern Province. Fran received the Rev. Elmer Bender Memorial Award, awarded to a candidate preparing for the ministry of the Moravian Church and exemplifying the qualities of leadership and integrity reflected in the life of Rev. Bender.

Two other Moravians, both current MTS M.Div. students, were honored with awards at the commencement ceremony. The J. Taylor Hamilton Biblical Language Prize is awarded annually to the student who has done the best work in either Hebrew or Greek. This year, Dan Miller received this award for accomplishment in Hebrew language studies. Dan is a member of the Lake Mills congregation in The Moravian

The Moravian Theological Seminary class of 2015.

Wisconsin. The Herman T. Frueauff Memorial Prize was awarded to Frank Shipman, from the Central Moravian congregation in Bethlehem, in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of Moravian Church history, both in class work and research.

Please join us in congratulating the Moravian Theological Seminary Class of 2015 and welcoming these fine graduates as leaders in your communities!

As the final event of the celebratory weekend, the Seminary’s lay leadership program, CROSSROADS, held a graduation ceremony on May 17. This year was unique in that, while the program is first and foremost a leadership training program for lay people who are active in their congregations, all three of the individuals professionally lead congregations in various capacities. Linda Wisser, the Director of Growth and Outreach at Emmaus Moravian Church, was among the graduates. She is involved in many creative community minis-

Fran Saylor

July/August 2015

Linda Wisser

tries, including an ecumenical project to address homelessness in the community. Linda will be entering the Seminary as a graduate student this fall.

The 2015 Graduating Class In addition to Sanette, Garritt and Fran, 2015 graduates of Moravian Theological Seminary included Robert K. Magill of Easton, Pa., who received a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling degree; Tammy G. Werron of Pennsauken, N.J., who received a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling degree with a concentration in Formative Spirituality; Russel C. Blair of Bethlehem, Pa.; Patrice Kathleen Wiehler of Downingtown, Pa.; and Regina Maria Yeske of Asbury, N.J. who received Master of Theological Studies degrees; Susan D. Crawson-Brizzolara of Hallstead, N.Y.; Carolynn Holmes Search of Mt. Arlington, N.J. (with a concentration in Formative Spirituality); and Eric John Luczak of Scranton, Pa., who received Master of Divinity degrees; and: Jennifer Ann Scaia of Simsbury, Conn., who received a Graduate Certificate in Formative Spirituality.

Please join us in congratulating the Moravian Theological Seminary Class of 2015 and welcoming these fine graduates as leaders in your communities! â– 11

EMERGING MINISTRIES

Lancaster Moravian: Our mission to others is transforming us People constantly remark, “So what is happening in Lancaster? How is your project coming? It is so good what you are doing for others!”

It is exciting to be used by God as part of a divine plan to enrich the lives of 56 seniors and their families with day care. Yet as we walk the walk of this process, we are learning something far more surprising—what we are doing is life-changing for us, too.

An earlier article about Lancaster Moravian in the Moravian Magazine shared with you some of our long process in determining our mission, and also the mix of joy and pain regarding our exodus. In a future article, we hope to share with you how our ministry is doing in the ‘Promised Land.’ However, right now I want to share with you how the Wilderness Experience is transforming our people from within.

Anticipation combined with Uncertainty invites Transformation We are so excited and full of hope! Our building is almost done! It has turned out even better than we imagined! (The Lancaster congregation has transformed 8,259 sq. feet of an office building into a combination Adult Day Services facility and worship/fellowship space.

The open, bright, modern space in downtown Lancaster, Pa., is multi-functional, with more than 6,000 sq. feet of the facility shared between the congregation and ADS operation.)

Our primary staff is already in place, including Zoe Bracci, executive director, Lynn Lueders, program director and Ivan Huertas, 12

Nurse. I serve as chaplain, while my wife Janis will handle accounting. We are diverse individuals forming ourselves around a common regard for seniors and love of this community.

The congregation is spiritually preparing itself to do new forms and styles of ministry in an exciting new place within a largely unknown community. (The congregation’s ministry focus has shifted to providing day care services for elderly adults in the Lancaster area). We, not they, will be the “strangers.”

But the key concept here is that while totally focusing ourselves upon our mission, we have opened ourselves to be changed from the inside out … “transformed” as Paul would say.

What Transformation Looks Like Certainly our direction and purpose have changed. As members shared during a recent worship service, our whole perspective has Eastern District President David Bennett looks over blueprints with Lancaster Pastor Dean Easton.

The Moravian

Top: construction nears an end at Lancaster Moravian’s new facility. Middle and bottom: Lancaster members worship in their new space in early July.

changed. Our very culture, especially in our decision-making, is completely different from how we used to do it.

Fundamental was the decision to spiritually surrender our congregation’s property and future to the Spirit of God, and instead focus all that we have and are on serving those around us. However, this monumental change has also opened doors for many other lifegiving changes.

We now make decisions together—often in unanimity, but always by consensus. We now accomplish more in a 20-minute Joint Board meeting after worship than in a year of three-hour Joint Board meetings before! We can sing “Join We All with One Accord” as a congregation and mean it!

The 268-year-long history of Lancaster Moravian is filled with examples in which decisions were reached only after long and bitter political struggles in which an individual or small group felt threatened and, therefore, raised great contention. Unfortunately, the vast majority responded by backing down to avoid confrontation or split. Human concerns (or fears) won out over Spirit-led change.

Over time, this process came to be understood and accepted as Lancaster’s form of “Moravian Unity.”

By our actions, we have redefined our process in a way that makes all things new! (continued on next page) The Rev. Dean Easton is pastor of Lancaster Moravian Congregation.

The congregation opened The Moravian Center Adult Day Services in late July.

For more information, visit www.lancastermoravian.org.

July/August 2015

13

(continued from previous page) Votes of Church Council, Joint Board or any group are no longer seen as seeking personal preference or political expediency. When we discuss, as well as when we vote, we are seeking the voice of the Spirit speaking through our people.

Many perspectives are expressed—as many or more than ever before. Sometimes the emotional levels feel electrically charged, almost unbearable. But rather than drawing lines in the sand, we now explore the differences together, face-to-face. We speak our peace and, just as important, we listen to the peace of others. No decision is made until all voices have been heard and all possibilities explored.

Although tension sometimes becomes palpable, withdrawing from the process is never discussed or threatened as this has become a safe place where everyone is valued.

An Openness to Change can offer New Life This intellectually simple but relationally powerful culture change has offered us two life giving realities: • We are free to try new things for God, and • Church is fun again! Even joyous and exciting!

We still look the same. Our membership remains small and older, but just as the Lord

used Gideon’s small force to defeat a mighty army, the Spirit is using our new understanding of unity in God to do great things through us anyway.

As we have witnessed time and again, with the direction and provision of God we are getting better and better at leaving our personal agendas at home. Our ability to flex and adapt to possibilities in each moment are off the chart. All we have to do is be willing to follow, ask for help when needed and wait with patience. We know that in some way we will be shown how to proceed.

Never Going Back We are not the same people who left Eden Road a year ago. We are a people open to new ideas, able to respond to unexpected circumstances with hope, willing to take necessary risks for God and openly accepting and joyful regarding each other.

We do not have this Life in the Spirit totally figured out yet (maybe we never will) but you can see in the faces and hear in the voices of my people that this is a very special time for us. Yes, we will be helping others, but in the process of following the Lord we are being changed too! ■

Lancaster ADS staff members Zoe Bracci, executive director; Lynn Lueders, program director; and Ivan Huertas, nurse.

EMERGING MINISTRIES

“The trick will be…”

Bringing the Tricklebee ministry to life Earlier this year, the Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference selected Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the location for a new emerging ministry under the leadership of The Rev. Christie-Melby Gibbons. After a thorough process of inquiry, research, onthe-ground exploration, prayer and conversation with area colleagues in Minneapolis/ St. Paul and Milwaukee, both Christie and the PEC sensed God calling us to Milwaukee.

Since then, Christie has been working in Milwaukee to develop this emerging ministry. Here, she shares progress to date…

Our neighborhood is considered a food des-

ert, with corner stores offering more cigars and pre-packaged “food” than nutritious sustenance. Many local buildings (businesses and homes) are boarded up. We’re only halfway through the year, and in our city homicides are already up 175 percent from last year, with 86 percent of perpetrators being African American, 82 percent of victims being African American, and 65 percent of victims being males aged 17–29.

At worst, mobilized improvement of our neighborhood seems impossible—at best, tricky. The trick’ll be making healthy, affordable food more accessible in our neighborhood. The trick’ll be revitalizing our

boarded-up business districts. The trick’ll be dismantling systems of inherited privilege for those of European descent and reconciling systems of inherited oppression for those of African descent. The trick’ll be opening a cafe in our neighborhood centering on cheerful hearts, continual feasts and a cozy chapel.

That’s what neighbors and I are aiming to do!

As an approved emerging ministry of the Moravian Church Northern Province, Tricklebee Cafe is being birthed in Milwaukee, Wis. Tricklebee Cafe is a member of One World Everybody Eats (OWEE), a nationwide network of cafe start-ups that adhere to a pay-whatyou-will model. This model allows patrons to set their own price for their meal. (We’ll have suggested prices.) Or they could volunteer in the cafe in exchange for a meal. Apparently, cafe volunteers may work without a food handlers license, so long as they don’t work with knives or fire. So, we’ll have lots of volunteer opportunities for vegetable washers, smoothie (continued on next page)

Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons is the emerging ministry developer overseeing the formation and implementation of Tricklebee Cafe.

July/August 2015

15

(continued from previous page) makers, dish scrubbers and plate garnishers.

One of our aims will be to train and employ neighbors in our cafe who are difficult to employ due to criminal histories. With adequate training, cafe volunteers and staff* can achieve future employment in food service elsewhere. We’ll accept volunteers any time, even those who can afford to pay for a meal but who simply want to join our attempts to bring healthier food to our community. (*Our paid staff will earn a living wage!)

We also plan to have small, medium and large plates, so patrons can be more mindful of portion sizes, lessening food waste and curbing overeating. Our menu will include healthy, seasonal, vegetarian food grown and harvested as locally, organically and sustainably as possible. Our aim is to partner with neighbors who are urban gardeners and farmers, bee and chicken keepers and herbalists to purchase or barter for vegetables, fruit, dairy products, nuts, beans, grains, honey, eggs and herbs.

Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger God’s kin(g)dom is revealed when we give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty and welcome to the stranger (Matthew 25:35). At Tricklebee Cafe, we will strive to promote such kinship through continual feasts, frequent celebration and communion with God and neighbors. We’ll have larger tables available so that individuals and small groups can sit with others, forming a larger group that can cross social, ethnic and economic boundaries. Our prayer is that Tricklebee Cafe will be a delightful, safe, colorful place to gather in our neighborhood. We’ll feature dishes from around the Moravian world each month, as well as offer a chapel space for meditation 16

and prayer. You’ll even be able to “order” a (free) spoken blessing off the menu.

A scripture text that guides us as we work toward making this endeavor a reality is: “God created food to be received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:3). It’s something we hope all will be reminded of in our cafe.

In this era of post-church sentiments, Tricklebee Cafe will strive to bring church to the people through homegrown, home-cooked, healthful victuals and spirited, wholesome, encouraging conversations and encounters with the divine.

In the coming months, I will be finalizing a board of directors, filing articles of incorporation, getting an EIN, opening a Tricklebee Cafe bank account, etc. I will be working closely with the Emerging Ministries Task Force and PEC to scope out and decide on a space to rent. We’ll then begin renovations.

We’ll need experts in electricity, plumbing, carpentry, painting and earthy decorating.

Thank you in advance for forming work teams in your congregations to come help renovate the space. Our local full communion partners at Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church have an Urban Retreat Center just waiting to house you in its bunk beds. We are able to accommodate (feed/house) work teams from ANYWHERE! More details forthcoming.

For those who want to support this emerging ministry but cannot physically help, please pray for a solid, compassionate, wise board of directors, as well as smoothness in filing appropriate paperwork and obtaining necessary licenses. To contribute financially, you may send a check to The Moravian Church Northern Province, 1021 Center St. PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245, made out to “Moravian Church Northern Province” with the “Tricklebee Cafe” in the memo line. Or go to: http:// www.gofundme.com/tricklebeecafe. ■ The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Sharon Moravian celebrates 200 years of service in Ohio

On January 1, 1815, a group of Moravians in

what is now New Philadelphia, Ohio, gathered together for the first service as a new congregation. They worshiped together in a secondfloor room of the home of Brother and Sister George Blickensderfer, officially dedicating the Sharon Moravian Congregation. These brothers and sisters who gathered together dedicated their lives to the service and the fulfillment of Christ’s word and mission on this earth.

The growing congregation soon moved past the second-floor room of the Blickensderfer home to a small church building that became the frame of the building which now stands on the land given to the Moravians by Brother John G. Cunow of Bethlehem. Brother Cunow gave the Moravians this land to grow the congregation and expand Christ’s message of Christian service in the area.

Two hundred years later, the Sharon Moravian Congregation continues to worship on the same land where they began. Brothers and sisters come together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise the name of our Lord and Savior.

In 2014, members of the Sharon Congregation decided that we needed to commemorate the bicentennial of the church by holding special events. In January, the congregation (continued on next page)

The Rev. Rebecca Sisley is pastor of Sharon Moravian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Photos share some of the community service Sharon members are performing for the 200th anniversary.

July/August 2015

17

(continued from previous page) began its yearlong celebration by gathering together on New Year’s Eve for Communion, a pork and sauerkraut dinner and an evening of games and festivities. At midnight, those gathered together took turns ringing the church bell 200 times to “ring in” the next 200 years of service. The celebration continued throughout January with a Reaffirmation of Faith worship service, a history Sunday and a birthday bash following worship— complete with cake!

The 200 for 200 Campaign The celebration has not just been about recounting the past 200 years of service, but also encouraging the members to reach out into the community to expand our service circles. Out of this want to be a part of the community, the idea for the 200 for 200 campaign was born.

We split 2015 into four quarters, and Elders selected four local and global ministries.

The idea was to have the congregation members and the community pair with each other in order to collect 200 items for these causes.

The four causes were: January–March: The Twin City Christian Service Center in Uhrichsville, Ohio; April–June: The Tuscarawas County Humane Society; July–September: Operation Christmas Child Boxes and October– December: The Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

It was quickly apparent that the congregation members were standing behind these causes as donations started pouring into the 18

church! In just a few weeks, Sharon Moravian Church and its friends were able to collect over 400 items for the Christian Service Center! The donations included everything from pasta and canned beans and meats, to boxes of cereal and paper products. The Twin City Christian Service Center made a special request for boxed baked good mixes, and the congregation answered that call joyfully. At the end of March, the items were packed into 27 boxes and delivered to the grateful coordinators of the service center.

Soon after the boxes were delivered, a dog kennel took its place at the front of the sanctuary at Sharon, and the next drive was well underway. Cans of dog and cat food, kitty litter, toys and bowls all began to fill the kennel as the members answered the call again to serve all of God’s creatures—even those who have four legs and fur. A group of women at Sharon, known as the Monday Quilters, began to put together blankets from donated material in order to keep God’s furry creatures warm and comfortable.

The support even flowed into a worship service! On May 31, during the 10:30 worship service, the congregation gathered with each other in the fellowship hall—but they weren’t alone! Members brought their dogs on leashes, and pictures of their cats, and even one brave turkey, in order to be blessed in a special worship service. The joy and smiles of the congregation members were seen throughout the entire fellowship hall as those gathered laughed, giggled and presented their four legged family members to all those around them and declared their continued support all of God’s creation.

On June 15, the Adventure Group—youth in grades 6–12, who dedicate a week of their summer vacation to ministry causes—delivThe Moravian

ered all the donations to the Tuscarawas Humane Society and helped this local ministry in its task of finding homes for dogs and cats in the area.

The next 200 for 200 drive began in July as the members brought items to fill Operation Christmas Child boxes. The new donations will be placed under a Christmas tree in the front of the church as we strive to send 100 boxes to a global cause. Pens, pencils, hair ties, socks and of course, toys, will fill the red and green boxes and be prepared to be sent off around the world to bring joy to the faces of people who need some Christmas cheer. In early July, the congregation held a Christmas in July celebration complete with carols and lessons we may only hear once a year at the birth of our Savior.

Never too old Who said that 200 is too old to continue to do service in the world? Not us! We have continued to find new ways to reach into the community and support those who need God’s love.

The Sharon Moravian Church is excited to see what the next 200 years have in store for us as faithful followers of Christ’s mission in the world. We continue to celebrate the fact that Christ has led us through the past 200 years of life in this world and that we will continue to find new ways to faithfully follow the Lamb. This yearlong celebration will conclude on November 1 during the 10:30 worship service as we celebrate all the past and present saints as well as the ongoing mission of the congregation. ■

MINISTRY TO OLDER ADULTS

Groundbreaking celebration marks start of a new phase at Marquardt Village Marquardt Village, a full-service retirement community sponsored by the Western District of the Moravian Church, kicked off a second phase of all-new construction with a groundbreaking ceremony in April.

Residents, family members, friends, staff and local dignitaries gathered on the Marquardt Village campus for a groundbreaking ceremony and reception celebrating the start of construction for this phase.

Two new structures are part of this construction phase. First is a state-of-the-art residential care center to be called Park Terrace that will offer 44 private suites for residents who need assisted living support or memory care.

The second, called Towne Centre, is designed to become the new hub of campus life for residents and their guests. The community chapel will be relocated here, and Towne Centre will function like a classic village square, with restaurant-style and casual dining options, gathering and entertaining spaces, the chapel, wellness/fitness center, salon/spa and 20

other amenities and conveniences.

“April 14th—groundbreaking day for phase two—was a beautiful day of celebration and blessings,” said Matthew Mauthe, Chief Executive Officer. “After three years of research, planning and renovation phases

Matthew Mauthe, chief executive officer of Marquardt Village.

The Moravian

leading up to this day, to see new construction beginning to bring the total vision to life is tremendously exciting.

“While Marquardt Village has made many changes over the years since opening in 1965, the master plan underway for our community advances a vision that will position Marquardt Village for the future,” says Matthew.

“We are so fortunate that our strong financial standing and our forward-thinking board of directors are making it possible to enhance the lifestyle and care services for current and future residents.”

Marquardt Village began a master plan for redevelopment and expansion nearly three years ago. The plan enhances residential options, lifestyle amenities and health services for the more-than-500 older adults Marquardt serves on its 50-acre campus in Watertown, Wis. Last fall a first phase of construction was completed, which focused on renovations to existing independent living apartment buildings. During this phase renovations also began of the community’s Parkside Garden Homes for independent living—improvements that will continue for some time. The second phase of construction is underway and projected to be complete in summer 2016.

“Our mission, which calls us to care for people, is our strength: ‘guided in faith, we promote the health and well-being of each July/August 2015

individual we serve,’” says Matthew. “Above all, our master plan will prepare Marquardt Village to continue our strong tradition of service to older adults of this area for many years to come.”

Marquardt Village offers apartments and garden homes for independent living and a full range of residential health services, including assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. Marquardt at Home, a licensed agency, brings medical home health and hospice care beyond the community’s campus to individuals and families living in an eight-county region of southeast Wisconsin.

Marquardt Village is a faith-based, nonprofit organization sponsored by the Western District of the Moravian Church and open to all. For more information, call 920.206.4663 or visit MarquardtVillage.org. ■ Morgan Demaree of Agnell Marketing provided this article and photos.

Below: Jim Hicks and Anne and John Fritts break ground.

21

UNITY WOMEN’S DESK

New Unity Women’s Desk Loan Fund named for caring Moravians The Unity Women’s Desk (UWD) of the Moravian Church is launching a new loan fund to help women in Moravian areas around the globe. And to honor the memory and legacy of selfless giving of two generous Moravians, the Advisory Board of the UWD has named the new loan fund the “Gretta Gene and Irvin Leinbach Loan Fund.”

The Gretta Gene and Irvin Leinbach Loan Fund will continue and expand the work of the UWD in providing low- and no-interest loans to women in Moravian areas around the world. These loans will be made to women who submit a business plan, agree to tithe their profits to their churches and make timely repayment of their loans so that the money may be loaned to other women to help them become self-sustaining with the Lord’s help.

The UWD has already provided loans to start a sewing school and retail business in the Lake Tanganyika Province of Tanzania; to 22

purchase a hammermill and enclosure building for a milling business in Zambia; to start a fishing business, a grocery business and farming business in Zambia; to start a school uniform business in Honduras; and to and to expand a transportation business in Honduras. Two other loans are in process in Tanzania to start a retail business and a tailoring, embroidery and knitting shop in the Western Tanzania Province.

Gretta Gene Leinbach passed away in 2003, followed by Irvin Leinbach in 2005. The Advisory Board believes that in so naming this fund, we will be carrying on the promise that Irvin made to “relieve pain in this world” and to allow women to live and work with dignity and equality. It is our prayer that in contribThe Rev. Patty Garner is director of the Unity Women’s Desk, based in WinstonSalem, N.C. The Moravian

uting to this fund, others will remember the Leinbachs and their unselfish work in the Lord’s name.

About the Leinbachs Gretta Gene and Irvin were unassuming, humble servants of the Lord serving at Bethania Moravian Church. Because Irvin was a successful businessman and owner of Leinbach Machinery, they were able to be very generous givers to the church. They found numerous ways to serve the church, including purchasing the Oehman House in Bethania across the street from the church to be used as a guest house for visiting missionaries and families of long-term patients at the local hospitals in Winston-Salem. Their good fortune enabled them to fulfill Irvin’s promise “to relieve pain in this world.”

According to minutes and records of mission board meetings of Bethania Moravian church, “In 1967, Irvin and Gretta Gene, along with other Moravians, toured Moravian churches in Czechoslovakia, Germany and Denmark. In Denmark, [Irvin] saw a small shop run by Moravian volunteers selling crafts from around the world (some of which were made by Moravians). The shop was then sending what little profit they made to Moravian missions. He was intrigued by the idea. He talked for years about how [he might] go about starting [something like] this in Bethania. He felt that as missionminded as Bethania was, they would embrace this mission, too.” He continued to seek out other such projects to learn how they were accomplished.

As their interest in missions grew, the Leinbachs made a trip to the Rajpur Institute in India in 1989. While there, they visited the Kashmir area to see the rug factory. Seeing the lovely rugs being made there and the difficult July/August 2015

working conditions of their workers led them to buy a large quantity of the Tibetan rugs.

They brought them back to the U.S. to be sold and to raise awareness of the rug industry and to help create a larger market for their rug products.

The India trip, coupled with a trip to Tanzania in 1990 (where they met two Danish missionaries, Jørgen and Ellen Bøytler), changed their lives and their search for ways to serve the Lord. They would combine the rug business with selling crafts from Tanzania—drums, carvings, baskets and fabrics.

(Ed. Note: The Rev. Jørgen Bøytler is now Unity Business Manager for the Worldwide Moravian Church.)

Upon returning to the U.S., the Leinbachs were instrumental in establishing the World Mission Gift Shop in Winston-Salem, N.C. From October 1989 to December 2004 the Mission Gift Shop was able to contribute nearly a quarter million dollars to a variety of Moravian mission causes, including: funding church buildings, schools, hospitals, literature and instruments for Moravians in Africa, (continued on page 30)

Gretta Gene and Irvin Leinbach

23

MORAVIAN HISTORY

Moravian settlement in Denmark named to UNESCO World Heritage List In

early July, a Moravian settlement joined “places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America” as a place that “makes up our world’s heritage.”

On July 5, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the cultural and historic significance of the Moravian Church in Denmark by naming the settlement at Christiansfeld to its list of World Heritage sites.

Christiansfeld was cited on two key Heritage Site criteria—a “unique evidence of a cultural tradition still existing,” and “an example of architecture illustrating a specific time in human history.”

In its listing, UNESCO describes the Christiansfeld settlement as “an example of a planned settlement of the Moravian Church, a Lutheran free congregation centred in Herrnhut, Saxony. The town was planned to represent the Protestant urban ideal, constructed around a central Church square. The architecture is homogenous and unadorned, with one and two-story buildings in yellow brick with red tile roofs.

24

“The democratic organization of the Moravian Church, with its pioneering egalitarian philosophy, is expressed in its humanistic town planning. The settlement’s plan opens onto agricultural land and includes important buildings for the common welfare such as large communal houses for the congregation’s widows and unmarried men and women. The buildings are still used by an influential community of the Moravian Church.”

The Christiansfeld Settlement Christiansfeld was founded in 1773. The Moravian Community was invited to settle in the fields of Tyrstrupgård, as King Christian VII wanted the area to grow. In Zeist, Holland the King had seen how the Moravians were able to create growth and prosperity due to their fine craftsmanship traditions.

The architecture of the settlement in Christiansfeld will appear familiar to Moravians in Europe and North America. The Church Square is shaped like a cross—with the fountain well and its life-giving water—placed in the middle. Around the square you find linden trees and the most important buildings of the town.

The Moravian

The town is divided into one section for Sisters and one for Brothers. Towards the North you find the Sisters’ House, Widows’ House and the Girls’ Boarding School. Towards the South you find the Brothers’ House and the Boys’ Boarding School.

The well-preserved town and church buildings are home to a Moravian congregation of 150 members. It is also where the Rev. Jørgen Bøytler, Business Administrator for the Worldwide Moravian Unity, serves as pastor.

The Moravian Church counts 400 total members in Denmark.

“Being named to the UNESCO World Heritage list is a strong recognition of the Moravian building design and architecture and the Moravian way of living,” said Jørgen in a letter to church leaders. “Christiansfeld is among the best maintained of our settlements and we hope that an inscription on the World Heritage List will benefit not only Christiansfeld, but also give recognition to the more than 20 other Moravian Church settlements around the world.”

The Moravian settlement is one of five World Heritage Sites in Denmark. UNESCO currently lists about 1,000 sites around the world as World Heritage sites. UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. An international treaty adopted by UNESCO in 1972, the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, embodies these ideals.

According to UNESCO, “What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.” ■ July/August 2015

25

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part VI

In our January issue of the Moravian Maga-

zine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month. In 2015, we are working through the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL); in 2016, we’ll cover the Ground of the Unity.

This month will cover the parts of the MCCL dealing with Relations with Other Churches and The Witness of a Christian Home and Raising Children.

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

The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www.moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC. Relations with Other Churches Paragraphs 19 and 20: We will have fellowship, in all sincerity, with children of God in other Christian churches, and will carefully avoid all disputes respecting opinions and ceremonies peculiar to one or another church. In this fellowship we will cooperate with other churches in the support of public charities or

26

Christian enterprises, which have a just claim upon us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We realize that it is the Lord’s will that the Church of Jesus Christ should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. 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 denominations have received many gifts and that the Church of Christ may be enriched by these many and varied contributions. It is our desire that we may learn from one another and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God. We welcome every step that brings us nearer the goal of unity in Him. Commentary: One of the most important passages of Scripture to Moravians is Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17, sometimes called his Last Will and Testament. In that prayer, Jesus prays that all of his followers will be one, just as he is one with the Father. However, since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have separated from each other over matters of doctrine, practice, politics, language, and many other things. Some of these divisions have marred the Body of Christ. The Moravian Church is unusual in the history of Christianity in that our church has always understood itself as a fellowship of believers within the Body of The Moravian

Christ rather than being the only true church.

We have also been unusual in our attitude toward theological controversies that have divided the Body of Christ. We believe that all Christian churches serve Christ in the world and that the Holy Spirit grants differing gifts to churches. Rather than being threatened by the different practices of the churches, Moravians have traditionally seen this as an enriching of the Body of Christ. On controversial matters, such as Holy Communion, Moravians have found that the simple teaching of Scripture and tolerance for differing interpretations have been a blessing to us spiritually and have benefited our work in the world.

Questions: • What opinions or ceremonies are peculiar to Moravians?

• What is the danger in religious disputes?

• Why do we need to be tolerant of other churches in order to better serve Christ?

• What are the advantages of engaging in cooperative ministries and public charities rather than trying to do all things alone?

• What do you think the Moravian Church could learn from contact with other Christian bodies?

• What unique gifts does the Moravian Church offer the Body of Christ?

• Is this statement calling us to create a new church that unites all Christian churches or to an increased appreciation for the distinctiveness of the different churches?

The Witness of the Christian Home Paragraphs 21, 22 and 23: We regard it as a sacred obligation to hold to the ideal of Christian marriage as a lifelong commitment given by our Lord in His teaching. We consider it essential, therefore, that all persons contemplating marriage should receive premarital counseling and that our young people should be instructed, beginning in adolescence, in the meaning and obligation of Christian marriage. This instruction should be given through the Church and home.

We regard Christian marriage as a lifelong covenant before God (an indissoluble union) which requires the continuous loyalty of the man and the woman toward each other. Any breaking of the marriage bond is a result of sin (involves sin against God) and causes human suffering; therefore it is the duty of husband and wife to meet all frictions, offenses, and disagreements with a humble, forgiving spirit that persistently works for reconciliation. If at any time the stability of their marriage is threatened, the couple is to seek the counsel of a pas(continued on next page)

July/August 2015

27

(continued from previous page) tor, of other spiritual leaders in the Church, or of other professional Christian counselors as soon as possible before any other action is taken.

Following the example and teaching of our Lord, we acknowledge the responsibility to deal compassionately and redemptively with human frailty and sin in every area of life, including the failure of marriage. As ambassadors of Christ we are called to be agents of reconciliation, we recognize that persons of sincere faith and with good counsel may still decide or be forced to divorce. We believe it our Christian responsibility to pray for, support, and encourage those who have divorced, the children of the divorced, and all who are wounded by divorce.

Commentary: This is one of the longer sections of the Covenant, and it is the one that has been changed the most through the years. In the Moravian communities of the 18th century, marriages were arranged by the church rather than the couple or their parents. At that time the church stressed the idea that marriage is a serious and sacred matter. As the community system dissolved, Moravian young people adopted the modern practice of arranging their marriages on the basis of love and romance; however, the church continues to expect couples to think seriously about their marriages and how marriage is part of their Christian life.

In the 20th century, people began to live longer and the pressures on marriage increased as society changed. In the decades following World War II, it became evident to 28

the church that the new social reality included divorce. Marriages were increasingly likely to end in divorce, and the church gradually recognized that the earlier practice of not blessing remarriages was driving many people out of the church, including many people who were sincere in their faith and commitment.

The church gradually recognized that divorce is rarely a simple matter where one party is guilty and one is innocent. The church also realized that the practice of telling women suffering in abusive marriages that they should remain with their husbands merely added to the abuse. Eventually, the Covenant was altered to reflect the reality that many Christians have suffered from divorce. The Covenant sets out the contemporary Moravian understanding that marriage is indeed a sacred bond that is sometimes broken, but that God’s covenant never is.

Questions: • Why do we teach that marriage should last “as long as you both shall live” instead of “as long as your love shall last”?

• What do you think are the most important things in marriage?

• What advice would you give two people thinking of uniting in marriage?

• What makes a marriage a Christian marriage?

• Do you think that the church was right to change the Covenant or should the Moravian Church forbid remarriage?

• Is divorce ever the right thing to do?

• How should the church minister to people who have suffered from divorce, including children?

Next month: Raising Children and Witness of the Christian Citizen ■ The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 13, 2015 The second Sunday in September is designated as a day of prayer for Christian education.

The nurture of Christians of all ages in their faith is the responsibility of each congregation. Pray for your congregation’s Christian education program and for the personal growth in faith of each member.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Public Education August 30, 2015 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.

Prayer Day for Church Development, September 20, 2015 The third Sunday in September is the prayer day for church development in the Northern Province. Pray for the new congregations established in our province in recent years as they develop their unity and mission. Support the ongoing development of these new ministries. Pray also for those congregations in the redevelopment process.

July/August 2015

Prayer Day for the Church’s Ministry to Older Adults, September 27, 2015 The 2002 Synod reaffirmed the fourth Sunday in September as a time to recognize older generations and to pray for our mutual ministry. Each congregation can make ministry to and with older generations in their midst a special cause for prayer.

Ordination Brother Garritt Fleming, a May graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on August 1, 2015. Bishop Douglas H. Kleintop officiated at the service, which was held at Palmer Township Community Moravian Church, Easton, Pa. Allentown, Pennsylvania Sister Janel Rice, who has been serving on the pastoral team at Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa., has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Calvary Moravian Church, Allentown, Pa. Sister Rice will be installed into her new work September 20, 2015.

Appleton, Wisconsin Brother Garritt Fleming has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Freedom Moravian Church, Appleton, Wis. Brother Fleming will be installed August 30, 2015.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference 29

OBITUARY

The Rev. Lorenz W. Adam Brother Lorenz W. Adam died in Waconia,

Minnesota on June 20, 2015. He was 90 years old.

Born February 20, 1925 in Edmonton, Alberta, he was the son of William and Juliana (Klapstein) Adam. Brother Adam graduated from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1949, attended St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1952. He was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian ministry July 6, 1952 and consecrated a Presbyter March 31, 1957.

He was united in marriage to Nora Irene Moffatt August 29, 1952 and together they served in the mission field (Nicaragua and Honduras) and pastorates in Minnesota (Northfield) and Wisconsin (Ebenezer). He entered into retirement August 1, 1990.

Brother Adam is survived by his wife, Nora; son, Murray; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Brian.

A memorial service was held July 12, 2015 at Lake Auburn Moravian Church, Victoria, Minnesota with the Rev. Brian Dixon officiating. Memorials 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.

30

Unity Women’s Desk (continued from page 23)

Asia and Central America; pay for Nicaraguan pastors; support for mission work crews; funds for leadership development in Labrador and the Second Unity Women’s Consultation in 2002; and support of local ministries such as Sunnyside Ministry, King Outreach Ministry and a reserve for future hurricane relief. In addition there was an undetermined amount of farming equipment sent from Leinbach Machinery to help “fill up” five cargoloads of supplies.

In 2009, the name of the store was changed to “World Villages,” and it became affiliated with the Ten Thousand Villages organization, which provides outlets for crafts people in developing countries around the world, and the shop began selling their products exclusively.

In late 2013, the decision was made by the Board of the World Villages store to close the shop. A going-out-of-business sale was held with the intention of distributing the proceeds to some worthy charity. The Unity Women’s Desk was chosen to be the major beneficiary of these proceeds.

The Unity Women’s Desk is pleased to be able to carry on this wonderful work through the Gretta Gene and Irvin Leinbach Loan Fund as we seek to serve our Lord and Savior in this world. The announcement and formal beginning of the Fund was announced at Bethania Moravian Church on Sunday, May 10, 2015.

The UWD plans to build the fund so that $5,000 can be made available to every Province, Mission Province and Mission Area of the Moravian Unity. Thus, we will continue the Leinbachs’ legacy of helping people develop business enterprises to sustain themselves, their families and their communities. ■ The Moravian

God has a PERFECT plan.

Doing His work requires a

f inancial one.

F

AITH-BASED AND WHOLLY COMMITTED to the highest financial integrity, the Moravian Ministries Foundation is a one-of-a-kind resource for connecting Moravian values to charitable giving and investing. Serving church administrations, agencies, and any individual who wants to support the health and growth of Moravian ministry, the Moravian Ministries Foundation offers an array of professional services—including consultation, education, and access to quality investment vehicles for long-term financial planning. Whether managing the savings of a small church, helping steer the capital campaign of a congregation in transition, or advising an individual about the various benefits of a planned gift, the Moravian Ministries Foundation is an extraordinary and trusted steward of Moravian aspirations.

JOIN US ON

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

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

Periodicals

You can change the lives of people you care about…

Naming MTS in your will enables students to meet the educational requirements of their calls.

Through your legacy, they can impact the lives of others, serving as ministers, chaplains, counselors, & leaders in your congregation & community.

All it takes is a simple “I bequeath to Moravian Theological Seminary...”

MORAVIANSEMINARY.PLANNEDGIVING.ORG Contact Rev. Dr. Chris Nelson Director of Seminary Advancement 610.625.7908 • nelsonc@moravian.edu