In this issue: Interprovincial Collaboration A mission in the city Moravian travels and more!
Our Lamb has conquered. Let us follow Him. In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
God Creates. God Redeems. God Sustains.
We Respond in Faith, Love and Hope.
Visit our website at https://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the editorial staff at moravianmagazine@mcnp.org
On a warm day in September, the city of Bethlehem, Pa., turned out to celebrate the Moravian Church Settlements’ inscription as a World Heritage site. At City Hall, civic organizations celebrated from a city perspective, while down the street, local congregations and church agencies turned the Central Moravian Church green into a celebration of all things Moravian.
The day kicked off with the unveiling of the World Heritage plaque by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, accompanied by a vocal choir and a local high school fife and drum corps. City officials and dignitaries toured the Settlement area and visited a new mural painted in the tunnel connecting Main St. to the old Industrial Quarter.
To highlight the living Moravian Church, the six Bethlehem Area Moravian (BAM) churches were joined by local agencies like the Moravian Archives, Moravian University School of Theology, Moravian Historical Society, Moravian Music Foundation, Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the Northern Province and others. Each group’s table offered activities, treats and opportunities for conversation about today’s Moravian Church and related ministries.
Attendees could also learn about Moravian traditions, like how to trim Lovefeast candles, make paper Moravian stars, read the Daily Texts and take tours of Central’s sanctuary and Old Chapel. Meanwhile, in the church’s education center, judges tasted and graded entries in the Moravian sugarcake competition.
Throughout the day, a variety of performers filled the Central green with music, including a trombone choir, Moravian church praise bands, and local musicians. Inside the Central sanctuary, the Johnston Memorial Concert brought together a large choir and instrumental ensembles for a beautiful and rousing program of music.
And to round out the afternoon, the six pastors of the Bethlehem churches led an outdoor community Lovefeast. Attendees worshipped and sang together in lawn chairs and on blankets, while those same pastors served the Lovefeast.
As I strolled around the area with my camera, I witnessed a Moravian Church that is vibrant and alive. While the celebration heralded the area’s recognition as an important historical treasure, the real treasure to me was seeing the living church today. I hope that vibrancy was felt by all who joined in the celebration.
I’ve included a few of my photos from the event on page 34 of this issues. You can also learn more about Moravian Church Settlements at www.moravianchurchsettlements.org.
Peace,
Mike Riess, Editor
(ISSN 1041-0961)
Issue 2 2025, Vol. 56, No. 3
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Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces
Published by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.
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Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.
Michael Riess, Editor
Susan Kiefner, Communications Assistant
Jill Bruckart, Customer Relations/Business Assistant
Interprovincial Board of Communication
Amy Frantz Gross, chair. Dave Bennett, Christy Clore, Shana Angel, Peggy Carter, Austin Craver, Lynnette Delbridge, Bruce Nelson, Dominique Richards, John D. Rights
Design by Michael Riess, IBOC.
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Contents © 2025, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Moravian Church in America. All rights reserved
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
a “bold dream”
About half-way between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina—the headquarters of the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church—lies Harrisonburg, Virginia. This central location served as the ideal place to gather Moravian Church leadership from the Northern and Southern Provinces for two days of collaboration and envisioning a future for the church in North America.
The mid-August Ministry Roundtable brought together Provincial Elders Confer-
ence and District presidents with leaders and program staff from the Board of World Mission (BWM), Moravian Ministries Foundation in America (MMFA), Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC), Moravian Music Foundation (MMF), Moravian Theological Seminary (MTS), Moravian Archives from both provinces, Eastern District Christian Education Ministry, and the Commissions of Congregational Development (CCD) and Ministry (COM) from the Southern Province.
This session offered a rare in-person opportunity for church leaders to discuss shared challenges, issues and opportunities in their work. It helped strengthen trust and working relationships among ministries by building community and communication, while creating a space to generate ideas for building up the church.
“This gathering fostered renewed connection, collaboration, and shared purpose among church leadership across the Moravian Church in the Northern and Southern Provinces,” said the Rev. Dr. Neil Routh, president of the Southern Province PEC. “The time together affirmed a common vision for the Moravian Church in America and Canada, rooted in a statement by the 2011 Unity Commission on Theology, that anchors the church’s identity in four foundational areas:
• Christ-centered—focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus as the heart of faith and practice.
• Missional—actively engaging in God’s work in the world.
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• Relational—nurturing deep connections within congregations and communities.
• Ecumenical—embracing unity and collaboration across Christian traditions.”
Planning for the Roundtable began late last year, led by the Rev. Rebecca Craver from the Southern Province CCD, Laura Watson from MMFA and Justin Rabbach from BWM. Through surveys and one-onone interviews, the planning team gauged the participants’ hopes and expectations for the gathering, learned more about examples of collaboration (and the challenges and barriers to that collaboration) in the church, collected the backgrounds and expertise of the participants, and more.
This preparatory work helped shape the agenda for the meeting. The collected and summarized information was also cataloged to help all of the participants in their future understanding of how each agency works. The costs for the conference were underwritten by the Moravian Ministries Foundation.
Roundtable organizers enlisted the help of the Rev. Susan Nienaber, a ministry consultant and ordained Methodist clergyperson who has worked with a number of different Moravian agencies, to facilitate the session. Susan’s combination of familiarity with the Moravian Church and outside perspective proved invaluable in leading group discussions.
With Susan’s guidance, the gathered leaders worked through ideas to help deliver a “bold dream” for the Moravian Church in America: “To live fully into our identity as a Christ-centered, missional, relational and ecumenical church.”
With this idea guiding the conversations and generating ideas, the church leaders identified three strategic outcomes that could help meet that goal:
• Developing pathways for faith formation—equipping both lay and clergy leadership with tools for spiritual growth and leadership development.
• Increasing interprovincial partnership and collaboration—strengthening connections and shared initiatives across provincial leadership structures.
• Communicating the “big bold dream”— articulating a compelling and visionary future for the Moravian Church.
The participants identified teams of leaders from each of the participating ministries to work on these goals, and established specific milestones for what will come from this work. Through wide-ranging brainstorming during the gathering, participants generated more than 50 different ideas for new or enhanced activities, programs and resources that can help bring those goals to life.
In addition to working together to help deliver that “bold dream,” participants had opportunities to share their work with those gathered for the meeting. This sharing time demonstrated just how much solid work is going on in the church today to help keep the denomination strong, while at the same time illustrating some of the challenges facing each ministry.
“This roundtable gave all of us a rare opportunity to hear how each of our agencies are making a difference and the difficulties we’re facing,” said Mike Riess, executive director of the IBOC. “I think my counterparts around the table were just as amazed as I was at breadth of activity happening throughout the church, while at the same time recognizing that there are significant challenges all of us are dealing with today.”
“As one who is new to the Board of World of Mission, I was thrilled to be able to take part in this Ministry Roundtable,” said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luman, director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission. “This gathering of those in leadership at both agency and administrative levels was an expression of the Moravian core value of being in relationship. Being in one room, discussing who and how we are Christ-centered, relational, ecumenical and missional, was
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inspiring. I was impressed by the shared commitment to collaboration between our provinces.
“I am hopeful that knowing who we are as connected provinces in the United States and Canada will allow us to help each other, reduce redundancy and share energy and resources,” continued Amy. “There is a shared commitment to producing worship resources for our congregations and supporting them in mission endeavors. I am hopeful that gatherings such as the Round Table and regional collaborations will enhance our shared ministry.”
Chris Ogburn, director for the Moravian Music Foundation, shared his thoughts on the gathering, too. “This past week was a reminder that we are truly one team working towards a common goal. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to feel isolated in your work, but these moments are a valuable opportunity to see that you are one part of a larger community. I am hopeful that we are able to embrace this moment and continue to enrich our organizations, communities, and the church. Whenever we are gathered, I’m reminded of the following lines of “Christian Hearts, in Love United”: “let our mutual love be glowing; thus the world will plainly see that we, as on one stem growing, living branches are in thee.”
“The conference affirmed that the leadership structures of the Moravian Church are intentionally designed for shared, missionoriented partnership,” said Neil. “This approach fosters mutual efforts to strengthen congregations and ministry expressions, while keeping the focus on bearing witness to the living Christ—both in our local neighborhoods and communities, and in global contexts.”
Now that the Ministry Roundtable is completed, the work on the identified areas of focus—developing pathways for faith formation, increasing interprovincial partnership, and communicating the “big bold dream”—really begins. The teams leading this work include members from both provinces and a variety of ministries to encourage a wide range of perspectives and help drive the spirit of collaboration across the church.
With synods for both the Northern and Southern Province scheduled for June of 2026, church members can expect to hear more about how this work will help the church realize its drive to “fully live into our identity as a Christ-centered, missional, relational and ecumenical church” in coming months. n
On the last Sunday in June, the people gathered for worship at New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. prayed together these words from the Liturgy of Adoration:
“Almighty God, for the opportunity to be used by you in the life of your church, For our use of your splendid gifts, For the joy of obedient service, We dedicate ourselves to you.”
(MBW p. 24)
We had spoken and prayed these words many times. Yet, on that Sunday, they seemed to take on a special meaning. About 18 of our youth and adults had spent the previous three days experiencing the “joy of obedient service”—using God’s “splendid gifts” and discovering a myriad of ways to be used by the Almighty God in the life of our church. We call it “Mission in the City.”
Every summer our youth ministry takes two wonderful mission trips, one to the Blue Ridge mountains, and the other to an urban city in another state. The beauty of stepping away from home is the intentionality behind every action and thought. The purpose of the trip is to serve—every single day—and come one step closer to getting to know God’s own heart that much better.
Even on the fun adventure days, our youth and adults are still expected to care for one another, pray for one another, and lift each other up. It is truly a holy experience in the mountains.
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But, Jesus never stayed away on that mountain for very long. Just as it is important to go up to experience holy service, it is important to take that holy fire we’re given on the mountaintop back down into the valley where home awaits your return.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, knows the cupped hands of need as well as most of the cities we’ve travelled to serve in. So, why not go up to reignite our flaming hearts and then with each step we take back down into our home city, take extra care to keep that flame burning bright?
This being our very first year at home in Winston-Salem, we decided to start out slow with three days full of service. Each day began with a breakfast provided by one of the congregants and a devotion; we then headed out to serve. At the end of the day, we would end with something fun like a movie, ice cream or a baseball game.
Day 1, Thursday
Winston-Salem Rescue Mission
Bright and early in the morning, we headed to Winston-Salem Rescue Mission. This ministry assists men who may be struggling with poverty, addiction, or something else that’s simply keeping them from being all that they can be. W-S Rescue Mission has an incredible program to help which includes community outreach (food pantry, clothing closet, medical clinic), addiction recovery, work therapy and spiritual development.
As a source of income and an introduction into the career world for the men in their program, the Mission has a thrift store which is where we met their volunteer coordinator, Jean-Luc Clark. It can often be
daunting to do something you haven’t really done before, and serving at a non-profit is no exception. However, at W-S Rescue Mission, Jean-Luc’s excitement and energy vibrated through every word he spoke; it was clear we had already made a good friend here. He gave us a quick tour, and we split up into two groups to do a good deal of sorting and organization. One group worked in the thrift store, while the other sorted clothing items that could be given to residents currently in the program. After about two hours of sorting to fun music and getting to know a couple staff members a little better, our hearts were incredibly full and beautifully prepared for the next adventure!
Grocery store challenge
After eating lunch, we had a challenge in mind for the youth. We drove to a nearby grocery store, Harris Teeter, and split the youth into two teams. Each team was given $20 and told they had to buy nonperishable items which could be used to make
dinners for a family of four. This is simply a creative way to purchase items for our church’s blessing box. By purchasing the items with this challenge, our youth were invited to step into another person’s shoes. Perhaps they’re the shoes of a mom whose hands are tired and sore from non-stop work to afford this grocery budget. Perhaps they’re the shoes of a dad who fears his kids may not be getting all the nutrition they really need. In the end, both teams were able to buy enough ingredients for two family meals with a few dimes and quarters leftover—they were so proud of themselves!
From the grocery store we appropriately drove to Second Harvest Food Bank. There we were checked in and taken to the kitchen where we prepared over 200 meals for the community. This was especially fun as it became rhythmic after a while and we were able to fall into the smooth groove of an assembly line.
Baking Healthy Treats for H.O.P.E.
This morning we stayed at the church and used recipes on https://hopews.org/bakers/ to properly bake healthy treats for H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem. H.O.P.E is another incredible organization working tirelessly to prevent health and food insecurity in children. It’s their firm belief that everyone deserves to eat well and their mission is to fill starving bellies. Using the recipes on the website is an incredibly easy way to serve from your own kitchen—not to mention the ingredients to their fabulously delicious brownies might surprise you! After we baked a batch of their brownies and muffins we froze them to be delivered later to H.O.P.E. This was especially lovely as several of our youth love to bake!
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warehouse, packing boxes for neighbors in the community to receive the next week.
Day 3, Saturday Community Meals for H.O.P.E.
This morning, we made our way over to H.O.P.E.’s facility to help package meals for the community. Here we were placed into an assembly line where sandwiches were made, bagged, then placed in a brown paper bag with a napkin and an apple. It was easy and fun, not to mention we were able to make new friends with our fellow volunteers.
Solus Christus
After lunch, we drove to Solus Christus, an in-between housing site for women who are waiting to enter a rehabilitation program. Here, we spread mulch around the flower bed and did some weeding.
Following our time together, some of our missioners shared their reflections of this Mission in the City:
Gemma:
“The Mission in the City project that New
Philadelphia Youth Ministry did was an amazing experience. All the people we worked with were absolutely amazing and kind people. Also, helping the community was just so much fun, especially doing it with my church family!”
Andy:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time during Mission in the City, whether I was doing yardwork or working at H.O.P.E. to make sandwiches and other bags of food. Although I only got to do one day of Mission In The City, I felt like we helped more people than we could imagine.”
Charlotte:
‘Mission in the City showed me how important it is to step up and serve others, even in simple ways. It made me more aware of the needs in my own community and how I can be a part of meeting them. I left feeling more connected to the people around me and motivated to keep making a difference.
‘This world can be so loud: everything seems to demand our attention. Everyone sees the need, but few stop to consider that God might be calling them to help fill it. Volunteering typically only takes two hours… who can’t give two hours of their month to make a sandwich that fills the hollow belly of a child? To volunteer, simply go to the website of each organization, most will have a sign-up link. If you can’t find a volunteer sign up link, find the contact page to email or call one of their staff and they will happily help you.
‘God gifted us with full bellies, able hands, soft pillows, and warm homes, why not us?’ n
Abby Dwiggins is director of youth ministries at New Philadelphia Moravian Church in WinstonSalem, N.C.
“ Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” — Psalm 119:73
What a sacred joy it was to gather with over 200 Moravian women from around the world for the 14th Moravian Women’s Conference aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, June 20–28, 2025. This long-awaited gathering was more than a conference. It was a testimony to faithfulness, perseverance, and the unshakable truth that God’s timing is perfect, even when our lives are disrupted.
Traditionally held every four years, the Moravian Women’s Conference invites women to “relax their bodies, refresh their spirits, and renew their commitment to God and to one another.” But the 2023 conference, like so many events worldwide, was postponed due to the global pandemic. Through disappointment and delay, the team regrouped and prayed—restructured and prayed—refocused and prayed—and in God’s grace, the women’s conference was led to something entirely new: the first-ever Moravian Women’s Conference at sea.
Paula White, Provincial Women’s Board
President, said this about her experience: “The best part of the conference were the Moravian women that I met. Their laughter, prayers, music and diversity was absolutely wonderful. Our traditions, no matter how they are presented, all carry the same message. God is so good!”
From the moment the women stepped aboard, it was clear that this would be a Spirit-filled journey. Whether this was an attendee’s first conference or their fourteenth, their presence was no accident. God called each woman for a reason. The conference was especially blessed to welcome sisters from eight countries, 26 U.S. states, and 124 churches—a powerful reflection of the global Moravian community and the unity we share in Christ.
“Three attendees were over 90 years of age,” said Cindy Lamb, Fries Memorial Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. “One attendee had attended all 14 of the Conferences and our youngest Southern Province attendee was 16 years old, from Hickory, N.C.”
“When I decided to attend the Wom-
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en’s conference cruise, I had to decide on a roommate,” said Pam Prevatte, New Hope Moravian Church, Newton, NC. “I asked my 16-year-old granddaughter, Paige Prevatte, if she would be interested in going with me. She immediately said yes.”
Pam continued, “My granddaughter loved being on the ship. She took more pictures than anyone else in my group; she even took pictures of her meals!. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to share this experience with her. I know it will be always a pleasant memory, and it will always be a special time for me.”
The theme—Fashioned, Focused, Faithful—anchored everything for the conference. Attendees were reminded that everyone is intentionally created by God, called to fix their hearts on God, and are invited
to walk faithfully in God’s purpose. With that purpose in mind, the women leaned into every opportunity to worship, learn, celebrate, and serve.
“The conference was great,” said Lisa Jackson of Friedberg Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. “We learned that we are Fashioned by God’s design and hand for a specific purpose; we are called to be Focused on God and not things of this world; and we are called to be Faithful to His word. It was great to meet and worship with so many ladies from different places.”
Each day began and ended with time together with deeply moving worship services, centering their hearts on the One who fashioned them. The Holy Communion service reminded the participants that no matter where they come from, in Christ they are one body—broken and blessed together. Workshops throughout the week equipped the women to return home with
renewed purpose, offering insights into Scripture, service, leadership, spiritual care, creativity, and cross-cultural ministry.
The fellowship overflowed from every space: at devotions during sunrise, over meals filled with laughter, through conversations on the ship’s promenade, and in moments of prayer and praise. Even aboard a cruise ship, with its many distractions, the women of the Moravian Church showed up with purpose. They gathered with full hearts and open hands, and God met each person in every moment.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was the group’s time in Jamaica, where the women’s conference attendees were welcomed with extraordinary warmth and grace by the ladies of New Irwin Moravian Church in St. James Parish and the Moravian Women’s Fellowship of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The group worshiped together, shared in a sacred “Ultimate Oasis” lovefeast, and enjoyed a meal on the church grounds.
“The Lovefeast was served with ginger beer or lemonade and a very heavy bun with spices and nuts,” said Cindy. “We were encouraged to practice the tradition of sharing our bun with neighbors. A grand time was had by all as we moved around the sanctuary sharing the bun.”
Back on board, the women celebrated the unique gifts of their global community with a vibrant cultural celebration honoring the traditions, voices, and stories of their sisters from around the world. It was a beautiful glimpse of Revelation’s vision of every nation and tribe worshiping together. n
Thanks to Judy Albert, Mizpah Moravian Church, for this article and photos.
A message from the Women’s Conference Planning Committee
We are grateful for the tangible support that uplifted our time together at the Women’s Conference. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the Women’s Fellowship of New Hope Moravian Church in Newton, N.C., for their generous donation of a handmade quilt to help support conference and scholarship funds. Their offering, stitched with care and prayer, reminded us that we are covered— not only in fabric but in community and in grace.
Through it all, one truth stood above the rest: God was with us. In every hymn sung, every story shared, every tear shed, and every burst of laughter, we felt the Spirit at work. We left this conference not just with souvenirs or photos, but with renewed hearts, strengthened faith, and a deeper commitment to walk boldly in the path God has laid before us.
This was not just a conference. It was a divine appointment, a sacred gathering and a holy celebration.
And now, as we return to our homes, churches, and communities, may we continue to live as women who are Fashioned by God, Focused on Christ, and Faithful to our call. May what we experienced together carry forward as testimony and transformation until we meet again.
With love, faith, and hope, The 14th Moravian Women’s Conference Planning Committee
With the blessing of the Provincial Elders’ Conferences of the Northern and Southern Provinces, the Board of World Mission (BWM) planned and hosted the Moravian Youth Convo for the first time.
The 23rd Youth Convo took place in Miami, Florida, July 2–7, 2025, under the theme “Mission In Action.” Twenty high school-aged youth and 13 adult staff from Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Thomas, and Jamaica—representing four Unity provinces—gathered on the campus of Florida International University for fellowship, learning, worship, and fun.
With gratitude for those who had led and participated in previous Convos, this
group embraced the inherited purposes for Convo:
• To give young people of the denomination from all over the world an opportunity to meet.
• To give young people a wider vision of our denomination, not just as the little church on the corner, but as a church serving the world.
• To encourage young people to consider their life’s work in Christian service.
• To provide a pilgrimage for young adult Moravians.
• To examine the spiritual motivations that empowered our Moravian foremothers and fathers to start the Mora-
vian Church, withstand adversity, and to take the Gospel message to all the world.
• To experience this pilgrimage in a group, to share it with others treating each person with respect and care.
• To build community as we share the spiritual pilgrimage, experience Moravians in a different culture, and serve the community we find ourselves in through mission and outreach.
Throughout the week, nearly every experience connected to these purposes. Outings like Everglades airboat tours and a Major League baseball game, along with time at Dolphin Mall, Miami Beach and on campus, fostered relationships. Singing together, teaching each other regional prayers and songs, and worshiping with New Hope (Fla.) and Prince of Peace Moravian Churches, built community. Learning Moravian history with Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, improvisation and spiritual listening with Rev. Brian Dixon, and leadership development with BWM staff deepened participants’ understanding of their gifts and how God might be calling them to serve back home.
What follows are some of the voices of Convo—participants and staff sharing what the week meant to them.
“Convo 2025 presented an out-of-this-world experience as we participated under the theme “Mission in Action.” Our spiritual, social, and personal interactions provided meaningful opportunities for us to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ — the very purpose for which we gathered. It was truly amazing how well we bonded, forming healthy relationships that will remain etched in our hearts and (Continued on next page)
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minds. Both small and large group discussions were enlightening, offering valuable insights into the global impact of the Moravian Church.
“We were reminded that the Moravian Church is not just a “little church around the corner,” but one with a rich history and a mission being carried out with deep intentionality.”
Michelle Flemming-Daley (Counselor, Covenant Moravian Church, Jamaica Province)
“I was deeply honored and humbled to have been selected as the chaperone for the Moravian Church Eastern West Indies Province at Convo 2025. As I reflect on that incredible week spent with my newfound family in Christ, I am reminded that we are Moravians in Action—Moravians on a mission, not Moravians missing in action.
“Looking back on the history, struggles,
and hardships faced by our early pioneers, I am compelled to examine my own walk with Christ. We are blessed with the freedom to worship openly, and yet, at times, we take that freedom for granted. This experience reminded me to never lose sight of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ.
“One powerful moment for me was during the airboat tour in the Everglades. Surrounded by alligators and navigating unfamiliar terrain, we had no choice but to trust our captain to guide us safely. It was a vivid reminder that no matter the situation or how uncertain the path may seem, our faith in God will always carry us through.
“As believers, we can rejoice and have fun while still giving God the glory. I left Convo 2025 encouraged, uplifted, and more committed than ever. I’m not afraid to say it wherever I go, I am a Christian on Mission for [the] Moravian[s]. “
Alcia Browne-Weston (Counselor, Grace Bay Moravian Church, Antigua, Eastern West Indies Province)
“Throughout the week, we were able to enjoy several wonderful activities. We went shopping at the mall, spent some time at the beach, attended a Marlins baseball game, and even explored the Everglades, where we saw alligators. We also worshipped together at Prince of Peace and New Hope [Moravian] churches. These experiences brought us closer as a group, but more importantly, they reminded us of the joy that comes from fellowship.
“The heart of Convo, however, was focused on spiritual growth. We learned new and creative ways to share the gospel in ways that are both fun and meaningful. In our small groups, we had the chance to dive deeper into these topics. This gave us the opportunity to open up, to reflect on our faith, and to encourage one another in our walk with Christ.
“I would like to sincerely thank the church for your prayers and support, which made it possible for us to attend. This may have been my only opportunity to attend [a Convo], and that makes this experience even more meaningful to me, and I will always carry the lessons and memories from this Convo with me. Thank you.”
Marsha Peart (Participant, Margate Moravian Church, Lauderhill, Florida)
“I was honored to represent Barbados at the Moravian Youth Convo 2025 in Miami, an enriching and unforgettable experience. I explored global Moravian worship through songs and learned about influential figures like Count Zinzendorf and Rebecca Protten. We visited New Hope and Prince of Peace Moravian churches, where mean-
ingful discussions and sermons deepened my faith. I connected with amazing people from across the Caribbean and the U.S., sharing fun activities and cultural experiences. The trip also broadened my understanding of Christian leadership and the impactful global mission work of the Moravian Church.”
Keshana Bartlett (Participant, Grace Hill Moravian Church, Barbados, EWI Province)
“My time at Convo 2025 was absolutely phenomenal! We were able to engage in various activities such as going on an airboat ride, attending a baseball game and even just a fun day at the beach/pool. In addition, I learned a lot about the different Moravian provinces, a few of the Moravian missions taking place around the world, and even history about the Moravian Church, all while still having fun. But most importantly, Convo was the place where lifetime friendships were created and where long-lasting memories were formed. If only I could go back to the past, I would surely attend Convo 2025 again!”
Rihanna Roberts (Participant, Grace Bay Moravian Church, Antigua, EWI Province)
The Board of World Mission is deeply grateful to everyone who supported this event by planning, traveling, attending, hosting, and welcoming us! n
Written by Rev. Dan Miller, Director of Mission Service (BWM). Photos by Sylvie Hauser, Director of Communications and Development (BWM).
In my research on Jan Hus, the Hussite Wars, and the early Unitas Fratrum, I kept running into references to a spiritual guide for women that Hus had written during his period of exile. It was titled Dcerka, the Czech word for “daughter” (pronounced “tzerka”). Intrigued, I went to find it – only to discover that, like so many documents of the early Bohemian Brethren, the piece had never been translated into English. I shrugged my shoulders and dropped the issue, especially since some of the (white male) scholars of the past dismissed it as not very important, just a “standard Medieval devotional,” which it is in many ways.
But then I read an article by Dr. Michèle Miller Sigg at Boston University, Trinity In A Woman’s Soul: Recovering A Women’s Spirituality For Mission In Jan Hus’s Dcerka, 1 which made a powerful case for how uniquely special this forgotten little book was. While there had been other spiritual guides for women, they had all been written by women, for women. Meditations by Hildegard of Bingen or Julian of Norwich were certainly significant and powerful. But never before had a prominent male theologian written a guide for women that took women’s spirituality so seriously – at a time when most church leaders viewed women with disdain and derision.
Dr. Sigg writes: The uniqueness of The Daughter first lies in the fact that Jan Hus, a leading male Reformer, was writing exclusively to a female audience, to educate them. Furthermore, the text does not instruct women along the lines of their traditional gender roles in family or church, but instead functions as a spiri-
tual instructional manual to equip them for an active public role, alongside their male counterparts.1
Add to this the fact that Hus’ Dcerka was written before Thomas a Kempis’ great and respected spiritual classic The Imitation of Christ, (to which Dcerka has often been compared), and its significance increases. I became interested in making Hus’ wisdom available to a modern, English-speaking audience.
Seeking translation
Now, I have done a lot of work with artificial intelligence, particularly for graphics and animation, but also for rudimentary, non-critical translations. A quick survey suggested this was not a viable route for translation of Bo-
hemian (medieval Czech) because most AI translation engines, if they did Czech at all, were only trained on modern business Czech. However, I found that a respected German AI translation engine, DeepL, had included a large amount of early Bohemian literature in the training of its Large Language Model. I decided to give it a test – intending initially only to have DeepL do the rough translation, to be carefully cleaned up by a real human translator.
So, we obtained an academic copy of Dcerka in Czech and uploaded it to the AI translation engine. In a matter of minutes, we had a translation – but not quite what I was looking for! The DeepL engine, recognizing that Dcerka was medieval Czech, translated into Shakespearean English, filled with “thees” and “thous” and “verilies.” But—the result was clear and understandable to anyone who could read the King James Version of the Bible!
I took the Elizabethan-sounding rough DeepL translation to my friend and colleague, the Rev. Dr. Daniel Crews, former archivist of the Southern Province. Dr. Crews has had extensive experience translating documents from the early Unity, and is a respected expert on Hus. Expecting him to be working on the translation for weeks, I was astonished a few days later when he called me and said, “You don’t really need me. This translation is basically solid.”
There were some odd breaks and skips and a few places that the AI engine had chosen the wrong simile—but it was workable. There was only one serious problem spot, where Hus had quoted Aristotle from memory and didn’t quite get the quote right. A bit of human research turned up the likely original citation. So we had a translation—in archaic KJV English. Not what I wanted to use to make Dcerka available to modern readers. I spent several weeks reading and rewriting the text in modern English, in some cases checking back to the Bohemian to clarify the mean-
ing. Just as with Biblical translation, this is a far more tedious process than it might seem on the surface; and in every case, I wanted to make sure that the original meaning was properly conveyed to the modern reader. It was important for the text to read smoothly and clearly, but accurately represent Hus’ actual thoughts.
Dcerka was written in 1413 during a period when Jan Hus was in exile. This was also the period when he wrote his most significant work, De Ecclesia, “The Church.” When Hus was excommunicated, the entire city of Prague was placed under interdict as well, so long as they protected him. Rather than allow his beloved followers to suffer, Hus voluntarily left the city and lived in hiding – under the protection of a wealthy supporter. During this period, Hus wrote and also preached often in the outdoors – famously under a Linden tree at Kozi Hradek.
Hus had a long-standing relationship with a group of lay religious communities in Prague known as the Beguines, many of whom attended regularly at Bethlehem Chapel. Apparently, their leaders asked Hus if he would write a spiritual guide for their members.
The Beguines were an order of lay women who voluntarily embraced the Vita Evangelica, the practice of the early church. They voluntarily lived a life of simplicity and chastity in service to the poor. While early on they did not have formal vows, by Hus’ time they did have a promise that while part of the Beguine community, they would remain celibate and would not marry. This was not a permanent vow, as it would be for a nun or priest. One thing that is intriguing (but impossible to document) is the suggestion that some of the Beguines in the Prague communities were in fact reformed prostitutes. This is in keeping with Catholic theology, that virginity could be restored by a true act of confession and con-
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trition. But it is interesting to think that some of the Beguines Hus was addressing as “the virgins” might have formerly been reformed prostitutes from the very church-owned brothel in Prague that Hus condemned!
Hus’ attitudes about sexuality are typical of the time—any pursuit of sexual pleasure outside of the act of procreation was a sin. He had himself taken a vow of chastity that he took very seriously, and it is clear in Dcerka that he regards virginity and chastity to be important parts of a pure spiritual life. The piece is directed to “the virgins” and references to their virginity, and the value of virginity, are scattered throughout.
Interestingly, there is today a renewed interest in the idea of virginity and chastity as a spiritual discipline among some young people and asexuals, and some of these might find great value in Hus’ writings.
One thing that strikes me about Dcerka was how very countercultural it was for its day. Most theologians of the day contended that women were not made in the image of God—after all, they were only created from a rib!—and hence they had a subordinate role in all things. Only men could be spiritual leaders. Women were regarded as a temptation to sin and distraction for men. They were viewed as inherently weak and extremely prone to sexual sin as a result of Eve’s Original Sin. It was their temptation that weakened men and caused them to sin. While they were necessary for procreation and certainly had a role in homemaking and child rearing, they had little business – or even capacity – for spiritual pursuits. Does this sound familiar? There are still denominations teaching this appalling theology in modern times.
But Hus appears to have had a radically different view of women, particularly of women’s spiritual lives. Dr. Thomas Fudge says that Hus had written to these pious women
“because of his conviction that women were sometimes more ardent proponents of religious truth than the theologians of Prague in the early fifteenth century.”2 His positive view of women may trace back to the love and respect he had for his mother, whom he frequently consulted for advice. But it may represent a generally more positive view among Bohemians of the day, as well.
Whatever the case, Dcerka clearly treats the women of the Beguine community with a respect uncommon in the era. Though speaking as a spiritual advisor, Hus is also treating them as equals in many ways. He reminds them that they are the walking and breathing images of God, due all the respect and awe that comes with that. He goes out of his way to remind them of this divinity, the Imagio Dei. And he holds them to the same spiritual standards and demands as men. He assumes their capacity for profound spiritual and theological awareness, and does not ever “talk down” to them. Instead, Dcerka addresses the women of the Beguine communities as worthwhile people made in the image of God, persons of spiritual agency and profound worth.
How much better would our world be if we all, men, women, all races, looked at one another and saw first the Imagio Dei, the image of God? Such is the ideal that Hus holds forth in Dcerka.
Dcerka is available from Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) at store.moravian.org and on Amazon.com. n
The Rev. John Jackman is the Executive Director of Comenius Foundation. He serves as pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Fetter Lane Books, an imprint of Comenius Foundation, focuses on publishing books that will enhance understanding of the Moravian Church’s teachings and traditions.
Footnotes:
1. Published in Sixteenth-Century Mission: Explorations in Protestant and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice by Robert L. Gallagher; Edward L. Smither Publisher: Lexham Press, 2021
2. Thomas A. Fudge, Jan Hus Between Time and Eternity: Reconsidering a Medieval Heretic. (Lanham: Lexington Books, 2015), 6
“I lift up my eyes to the hills from which comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” -Psalm 121:1-2
About twenty miles from our beloved Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center, there is a small riverside town called Lansing. Relying on small businesses—the local market, barbershop, diner, mercantile—the little community was unexpectedly devastated on September 26, 2024, when Hurricane Helene tore through the mountains of North Carolina and drowned their township. The Category 4 storm caused nearly $80 billion in damage throughout the southeastern US; over $55 billion of the destruction was in our state alone. In addition to flooding and water damage, the area sustained winds of up to 140mph. The residents and businesses suffered tremendous loss due to damaged and lost property, as well as lost revenue. Recovery is ongoing.
In mid-October, like so many others, I reached out to the Rt. Rev. Chris Geisler through the Board of World Mission. I had recently retired, and with a professional background in fire-rescue, a successful interest in construction, a knack for logistics, and a deep love for the mountains of Ashe County, I volunteered to serve on a team to assist however I was needed. Bishop Chris indeed saw
a greater vision for my skills, and I was asked to consider taking on the new role of Project Coordinator for the BWM. I was humbled to be asked, and I have been blessed since our concentrated efforts began.
Soon after the storm, a group from Clemmons Moravian Church “adopted” a house in the town of Lansing. The Rev. Chris Thore had already started to raise funds and recruit volunteers to assist with rebuilding the structure, which had been filled with over four feet of water during the hurricane. It would be necessary to gut the whole house, tearing out walls and flooring. We had more than one conversation about whether the house could be repaired, but after much discussion and effort, we developed a workable plan. We knew it would be a tremendous challenge, but we were all willing to take on the task.
From October until May (through one of the coldest winters in North Carolina history), faithful servants offered their time, talent and treasure to not just restore a house, but to restore a home, and to restore faith. About 120 folks from 22 congregations – from North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Virginia – came together to serve, pray, and grow. We saw neighbor helping neighbor, young helping old, a limited
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skillset being used for the greater good. We are especially grateful for the core group of volunteers that sacrificed much of their free time and many Saturdays to clear brush or swing a ham mer, or to sit and talk with the homeowner/ resident about their memories and their hopes. When the project was completed, a house blessing was held (followed by a delicious pot luck!), and Mrs. Phyllis, the home’s resident, was moved to tears as she walked across all new floor joists and subflooring; flipped a switch to welcome new and safe wiring; saw new dry wall, fresh paint, and cabinets; ap preciated new pipes in a restored bathroom; and finally relaxed in comfortable heating and air.
Thankfully, in addition to the funds raised by the Clemmons congregation and those in their community, the Board of World Mission offered their generosity to assist with the rebuilding of the home, as well as other needs in North Carolina. Many local businesses “down the mountain” helped by donating products, and/or offering goods at a considerable discount. Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center served as a distribution hub for water, food and other supplies, as well as offering housing for some displaced
residents in the area. Laurel Ridge also offered their facilities and assistance for room and board as volunteers came to help in the community. We definitely saw a “village” at work!
In addition to the house project, we have had teams to assist with clean up efforts: clearing brush and debris from yards, from parks, and from the river. We have split lots of firewood. We have replaced doors and rebuilt decks. We have been called upon to help get some of the Lansing businesses back in their storefronts, so that the economic benefits may return to their quiet community. The needs here and throughout the state continue, and we are still being called to be the hands and feet of Christ. If you feel led to join us, either as an individual or as an organized team, please contact us at mdr@moravianmission. org. Your help would be appreciated, and the reward will be great! n
Butch Sawtelle faithfully served as Disaster Response Project Coordinator with the Board of World Mission until August 2025. A member of Friedland Moravian Church, he concluded his formal role to spend more time with family. The BWM gives thanks for his leadership as Hurricane Helene relief work moves forward.
Each Sunday, Moravians across North America share a common message based on the week’s lectionary reading on the backs of their church bulletins. The reflections, written by Moravian clergy and lay leaders, help bring meaning and inspiration to the readings for that week.
For Advent this year, those “bulletin backs” will offer something extra. The Rev. Brian Dixon, pastor of Emmaus Moravian Church in Emmaus, Pa., teamed up with David Melby-Gibbons of Tricklebee Café in Milwaukee, Wis. (together known as “The Broke Kings”) to create songs that put Brian’s poetic written message into songs.
“For each week of Advent, David and I took an inspirational look at the Bible passage for the week through the lens of song,” says Brian. “Working together like cooks in a kitchen, we brought text and tune, and
poetry and play, to life, creating four new songs that bring the weekly message to the table in a whole new way.”
“These songs are very much a collaboration, with one poetic or musical idea being built upon, shaped, and informed through a creative back and forth,” says David. “Looking back through our text messages and voice memos that we sent back and forth at the beginning of each new song, it’s neat to see how the songs evolved gradually. I’m excited to see how they keep evolving as folks enter the process, interacting with the ideas from the sheet music or learned by ear and building on them!”
The text of each of these songs, along with a reflection that describes the thought behind each, will appear on the back of the church bulletin covers for the four weeks of
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Advent. On each print is a QR code linking to pages on Moravian.org that include the messages, song sheets and videos of the new songs.
David recorded each of the new songs in two ways—one which is a performance of the song, and a second that teaches potential players how to play each song. “We encourage congregations to use this music and interpret it in a way that works for them,” explains Brian. “Church musicians can play them live, or the performance videos can be shown during worship.” Alternatively, church-goers can view the videos and hear the songs after worship.
Brian and David worked with Hermann Weinlick, who edits the weekly mes-
Despite Jesus’ words to the contrary in the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, many claim to know the hour and the day. And, in Christ’s words about being found working when the day comes, many Christians seem preoccupied with not getting “left behind.” What if we worried less about that and worked more diligently and with greater care for the work at hand? What if this motivated us to love the work and to love those we work alongside? This song, based on Matthew 24:36–44, is a song of trust and confident assurance. The day or the hour are known to none. Not the angels. Not the Son. We will wait, and all will see. As it was, so shall it be. Days of feasting and holy nights. Silent prayer and shrouded light. Time of Noah. Days of our lives. From the waters, let us rise. Through the waters, let us rise
sages, and Mike Riess of the IBOC, to bring this new way of experiencing the bulletin backs.
“This is the first time we’ve tried something like this, where we link the printed bulletin to online material,” says Mike. “It’s always exciting to try new things, and we hope that our bulletin back subscribers— and all other churches—find a way to use these new resources.”
To learn more and see the material for this year’s Advent bulletins, visit www.moravian.org/advent-2025-weeklymessage-resources/. The IBOC also posts each week’s message on Moravian.org.
For more information on subscribing to the weekly bulletin service, e-mail Jill Bruckart at jill@mcnp.org. n
“Still
The Gospel stories in which John the Baptist appears are often unsettling and confrontational. John is wild-eyed and coarse. He speaks to what makes us most uncomfortable, what demands more rigorous commitment from us. But John’s news is good news, too! That change is possible. That there is a loving and faithful God to turn back to. That the Communion of Saints is also a communion of sinners on whom Jesus never gives up. How can we keep from singing? Should we not for gladness leap?
In the nativity narratives of Matthew and Luke, Joseph is always present, but he’s quiet. What was Joseph feeling, and what was Joseph’s prayer at this time of personal crisis and confusion, followed by a reassuring visit by an angel . . . in a dream?! Suddenly, his engagement to Mary is still on! Suddenly, he has become the father to Emmanuel, God is with us, the infant child they are to name Jesus. This is no small sudden reversal, and no small responsibility, honor, and joy. Perhaps in all of this Joseph felt like most new parents do, “Who am I to take on this privilege, when I don’t feel like I’ve fully grown up?”
We are not playing “Whisper Down the Lane,” a children’s game of passing along a message that gets less accurate with each telling. The word Jesus uses is “witnesses.” What have been our encounters with the works of God in our world? What have been our experiences of Jesus? Do these match up with our hopes and expectations? Do they align with our understanding of the Spirit’s power? This Third Sunday of Advent raises many questions. What are you hoping to see? What are you waiting for?
Down by the river, way out of town, in the desert wild, “Change your heart! Here comes your life! You are heaven’s child!”
The voice of one, “Kingdom come!” Roll the carpet out, For Love to find its way to you. For ev’ry heart to shout!
A note from prison, “Is it you?” We’ve been waiting, “Is it true?”
John was an ember, fiery and bright, strap around his waist. Honey sweet. “The water’s fine!” Goodness you can taste. Chorus
A sweeping away, starting again. Losing ourselves, found a Friend. Hand of God, O hold us near. Teach us Love. Free us from fear. Chorus
Please go and ask, “Can it be?” All I’ve heard, I long to see! All I’ve heard, I long to see! Go tell John to make up his mind. Of all who seek and all they find. Of all the fallen. All who stand. Everyone rising from holy land. Everyone rises from holy land!
Everyone, gather ‘round / The infant child with kisses crown When the morning came / Somehow we had made Him smile Placed my hands, like a baby bird / The hope of God’s own love secured As the morning sang / Still I am a child I don’t know any angel songs / But what I bring is my hope to belong Lonely one, lost and found / Silent night, a joyful sound When the morning came / Somehow you have made them smile
They came from afar, sorry and sad, burdens to lay down. Broken hearts. “What must we do?” Let our sorrows drown. Chorus
For work in the field, who is at hand? At the milling, will you stand? Will you serve, and faithful be? Watching, waiting prayerfully. Chorus
In my heart, little lamb / The light of God’s own loving plan
A note from Jesus, “Did you go?” To see reeds break; hear wind blow?
As the morning sang / Still I am a child I don’t know any angel psalms / But what I bring is my hope to belong
Strong Mary sleep, heavy eyes / The child you hold now holds our lives
Not all who gathered wanted to bring hearts ready to hear. Foolish pride. “We’re justified!” Hiding from our fear. Chorus
Listen and hear, when I say: You have walked with God today! You have walked with God today.
As the morning came / Somehow he will make us smile
Chorus
On my lips, Word of life / The sound of peace, end our strife
A note for ages, sent to all. Make us ready, none shall fall.
From these stones, children; branches and vine, knowing God can raise; Holy ones. “Spirit and fire!” Everlasting praise! Chorus
One who is great. One alone. One to break this heart of stone! One to break this heart of stone!
A house on the Rock is made secure. Of God’s mercy, may be sure. It shall stand, and ready be. Precious Lord, we fly to thee. Chorus
The Broke Kings (David Melby-Gibbons & Brian Dixon) Tricklebee Café, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Emmaus Moravian Church, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
As the morning sang / Jesus is his name, beautiful child As we wake this day / With every time and place To hold this child / Mmm, we smile Mmmm
Chorus
Dust of the Saints (David Melby-Gibbons & Brian Dixon) Tricklebee Café, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Emmaus
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21, 2025
The Moravian Church
First Sunday of Advent November 30, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent December 7, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent December 14, 2025
For each week of Advent, 2025, the message on the back of the Sunday bulletins features a reflection with a link to sheet music and videos for the songs shared.
The Moravian Ministries Foundation (MMFA) envisions thriving ministries that glorify God. Our grant program helps us achieve this vision by providing financial assistance to organizations who are seeking to make a difference in many areas of need.
History and purpose:
To expand our grant program, MMFA established our first field of interest (FOI) fund in March 2019. What’s a field of interest fund? Simply put, it’s a charitable fund that awards grants to a particular cause or purpose, such as alleviating hunger, providing clothing, caring for Creation, and more.
Our FOI funds align with our Lord’s familiar words in Matthew 25:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
MMFA’s first field of interest fund, the Hunger and Thirst Fund, began making awards in January 2020. We now have eight FOI funds:
• Hunger and Thirst
• Clothing
• Racial Awareness, Equity and Repair
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healing and Health
• Prison Ministry
• Housing
• Prevention of Violence Against Women
Approach:
We accept applications from Moravian ministries in North American countries as well as 501(c)(3)s in the United States, with preference given to U.S. Moravian congregations, fellowships, agencies, missions, and emerging ministries.
MMFA’s Grant Advisory Committee evaluates grant applications and recom-
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Now, more than ever, the world is in need and God is calling us
to respond. The Moravian Ministries Foundation is grateful for the ministries who seek to answer that call and to offer grants to support their vital work.
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mends which applications should receive funding to our Board of Trustees. The Committee is comprised of at least one MMFA trustee, one MMFA staff person, and no fewer than five additional members.
MMFA is excited to share that since 2020, we’ve awarded 179 grant awards totaling $1,374,644.24! Sixty-five of those awards have gone to ministries in the Northern Province and 76 to ministries in the Southern Province. We’ve also made awards to global ministries such as the Moravian Board of World Mission and Unity Women’s Desk, as well as a Moravian church in the Eastern West Indies and non-profits around the U.S. as well. What kind of ministry has this money made possible?
• $50,000 helped establish Essentials Café, a pay-as-you-can café, in Bethlehem, Pa.
• $2,324.55 supported Clemmons Moravian Church’s work to plant a pollinator garden for the church preschool and community to enjoy in North Carolina
• $2,000 enabled Southern Province Friends of Moravian Prison Ministry to purchase Bibles and other resources for inmates
• $2,600 enhanced You Belong’s respite care program for people with disabilities and their families in Green Bay, Wis.
These are just four out of 179 grant awards! To read more about the impact MMFA’s grant program is having, visit our website using the QR code below.
MMFA’s next grant cycle will begin in May 2026. Please contact Laura Watson, Vice President/Director of Programs, for more information or if you might be interested in applying.
Our field of interest fund grantmaking is made possible by generous people who donate to the funds, as well as a portion of MMFA’s net income. We could not do this important work without you! If you’d like to learn more about the various funds and how to make a gift, visit our website at www.mmfa.com. As of September 2025, more $1,466,000 has been donated! n
Hanna Jackson is director of marketing and communications for the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. Use this QR Code for more information about the MMFA’s grant programs.
Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins. This month, we share insights which expound on Luke 18:9-14. Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions to the Moravian bulletin series.
Bob Peterson, retired pastor, Reidsville, North Carolina • October 23, 2022
In today’s Gospel reading Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector, both of whom went to the temple to pray. Jesus shocked his original Jewish audience with this teaching. They expected that the Pharisee, a prominent leader in their community, would be lifted up by Jesus as the hero—the one they should strive to emulate. Likewise, they were sure that the tax collector, who betrayed his fellow Jews by working with the hated Roman conquerors, would be the villain and fall short of God’s approval.
But Jesus has a way of turning common conventions upside down: the last shall be first, the humble shall be exalted. In this parable the Pharisee was blinded by pride, believing his accomplishments and his social standing made him right with God. He did not understand that a true worshiper must humble himself before God, relying only on God’s great mercy. The tax collector knew himself to be a sinner and that his only hope of salvation was to prostrate himself at God’s feet.
How often today do we fall into the same trap as the Pharisee? We believe we are justified by our good works and neglect to search our hearts, acknowledge our sins, and plead for God’s forgiveness.
The psalmist wrote: I have sinned against you—only against
you—and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; You are justified in condemning me. . . . Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. . . .
Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
(Psalm 51:4, 10, 12)
The tax collector understood this. May we, like him, experience the joy of God’s forgiveness.
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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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Martha E. Griffis, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania • October 27, 2019
Today’s passage has Jesus telling the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, full of his own perceived goodness in the sight of the law, was shown at a great disadvantage. The tax collector, understanding the level of his sin, prayed for mercy. Jesus cautioned that all who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
One Sunday, after the congregation had just finished saying a prayer of confession, a young man sitting next to me in choir asked, “Why is this prayer so awful? I don’t think I’m that bad.” I suggested that the prayer may seem to be a bit over the top because sin is so insidious. He asked what that meant. I said that we cannot avoid sin, “For example: do you know where your blue shirt was made? Are you sure it was not made in some sweatshop in Asia? What about driving five or more miles faster than the posted speed
limit because you didn’t want to be late for Sunday school?”
He asked incredulously, “You know about that?” “I’ve done it myself. We think it’s okay because it seems like a good reason. This is the slippery slope into sin, usually when we provide our own understanding to our thoughts and actions. We ask for God’s forgiveness because we cannot avoid sin completely.” Every time we say a prayer of confession, I think of this person and his question.
Jesus wants us to be genuinely humble, understanding that without Jesus’ death and resurrection, without the grace of God, we would be totally lost to sin. My personal pattern for prayer is this: Praise God, thanksgiving, confession, request, and praise God again.
Stephen Gohdes, pastor, Christ Moravian Church, Calgary, Alberta • October 23, 2016
Over the years at various times in life I’ve wanted to come to grips with why I’m attracted to the message of Jesus. I’ve come to find that I like the home-spun stories and parables that resonate with my life story and the learning parables I’ve experienced. I
gravitate to the healing events, the mystery events, and the teaching moments that captivate my attention and speak to my inner curiosity in life. However, time and again I find myself drawn into the journey of Jesus because he rubs shoulders with the most broken, fragile, undone, messy people in his path. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is kind and grace-filled and compassionate enough to want to reach out to some who were “confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else.” Why would he waste his time with them? And then I ask myself, “Why would he waste his time with me?”
I find myself drawn to both of the characters who are central to the parable. How many times has my ego pressed me to want to exult in myself, my accomplishment, my success…only to feel as the text suggests. The Pharisee seems so alone, so empty, so distant from others. The text doesn’t have to elaborate on the Pharisee’s experience. I know only too well how lonely he really must be. On the other hand, how many times have I wanted to sit next to this tax collector as he slides into the church pew. No blustering, no pompous fanfare, no moral superiority; simply an open soul willing to face his own issues, his own shame, his own guilt, and his own need. His words offered in prayer shower over me, and I want to make them my own: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
As a boy, my heroes were the sports stars who commanded attention through their athletic abilities. I’ve changed as I’ve aged. My heroes now are the humble, those I’ve met or known who have served, loved, taught, healed, prayed, visited, cooked, sewed, sweated, and more—with no fanfare, applause, crowds, or notice—only an exalted place before God.
Gary Straughan, pastor, Daggett Moravian Church, Daggett, Michigan • October 27, 2013
Did you hear the one about the publican and the Pharisee?” asks Jesus. Today, it might be, “Did you hear the one about the theologian known as the pillar of the community and the drug pusher on the corner?” Or “the person who is seen as a moral leader in the community and the person who is the largest shareholder in the big-box store that is responsible for driving the local shopkeeper out of business?” Name your own pair of hypothetical opposites: those who stand for purity and those who seem to be a part of a godless culture; those obviously righteous folks (just ask them and they will tell you) and those who are far from righteous (whether they admit it or not).
The Pharisees: those distinctively religious folks, those hard-working leaders who have plugged away teaching the truth, distinct in their dress and speech, showing integrity in their dealings with people, all in such a way that it testifies to the faith they hold so dear. The publicans: those who give in so easily to the demands of the culture, those who make money off of the misery of others, those whose actions bring about a life devoid of all meaning.
Where do you find yourself in this story? Jesus simply says that one man went home justified and one man didn’t. The key? It can be nothing other than that one of them (the publican) acknowledges his own sin, and the other (the Pharisee) thanks God that he has not sunk to the level of his adversary. The adversarial positions have nothing to with the degree of sin in each principal. Both, like us, are sinners. What sets them apart is the recognition and confession of their own sin. “All who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Hope Moravian Church, Indiana
Rev. Eric Renner has accepted the call to serve at Hope Moravian Church, Hope, Ind. and will be installed at Hope Moravian Church on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Rev. Renner is currently serving half-time at the Shepherd of the Prairie Church in Fargo, N.D. and half-time at the Canaan Moravian Church in Davenport, N.D. He will conclude his ministry at Shepherd of the Prairie and Canaan on October 19, 2025. Please keep Rev. Renner, his wife Kristine, son Billy and the Shepherd of the Prairie, Canaan and Hope Congregations in your prayers during this time of transition.
You Belong/Freedom Moravian Church, Wisconsin
Rev. Greg Behrend, pastor, and administrative director at You Belong in Green Bay Wis., has accepted the change to serve in a quarter time call to You Belong and has accepted a three-quarter call to Freedom Moravian Church in Appleton Wis. This change was effective July 1, 2025. This decision comes with the blessing and support of the leadership teams at both Freedom and You Belong, as well as the District Board, PEC, and Emerging Ministries Committee. Please hold the Behrend family and the saints at Freedom and You Belong in your prayers as these ministry transitions take place.
Waconia Moravian Church, Minnesota
Sister Catherine Kolwey has accepted an appointment to serve as the full-time pastor at Waconia Moravian Church, Waco-
nia, Minn. Sister Kolwey was installed on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Prior to the appointment, Sister Catherine had served as the Director of Spiritual Care at Auburn Homes Senior Living. Please be in prayer for the members of Waconia Moravian and for Sister Kolwey and her family as they transition together in this ministry.
The Gate – A Faith Community, Bethlehem, Pa.
After a year of prayer and conversations, the Northern Provincial Elders’ Conference, in consultation with the Eastern District Executive Board, is thrilled to announce the approval and acceptance of The Gate – A Faith Community of Bethlehem, Pa., as a new member congregation of the Moravian Church, Northern Province. These conversations began following an expressed interest by The Gate leadership to join the Moravian Church as a ministry partner and as a participating member of an inclusive and vibrant Moravian mission community.
The Gate began their ministry with us by residing in our church facility in South Bethlehem and are working in collaboration with the Eastern District Executive Board to complete their charter and constitution in accordance with the Book of Order. Additional information can be found about The Gate Community Church at: https://www.thegatecc.com
Photos of activities at The Gate, along with a message of thanks from pastor Eric Schwartz, is available at www.moravian. org/northern.
Rev. Lloyd Gooden has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective October 31, 2025. Brother Gooden was ordained on July 22, 2012, at John Hus Moravian Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. and consecrated a Presbyter on November 2, 2017, at Sharon Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio. Brother Gooden has served at Calvary Moravian in Allentown, Pa., Lebanon Moravian in Lebanon, Pa., and at Sharon Moravian in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Please hold Brother Gooden and his family in your prayers through this transition.
The Provincial Elders’ Conference has granted the Rev. Margaret Norris, pastor of Hope Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., a leave of absence from active call. Please keep Margaret and the Hope Congregation in your prayers during this time of discernment and transition.
The Rev. Floyd Peterson, father of the Revs. Robert and Jon Peterson, entered the immediate presence of the Lord on September 15, 2025. Brother Floyd served congregations in both the Northern and Southern provinces including Palmer Township in Easton, Pa. and Downey Moravian in Calif. Floyd was also the founding pastor of St. Paul’s Moravian in Upper Marlboro, Md. and Redeemer Moravian in Winter Park, Fla. After service in the Moravian Church, Floyd served the Presbyterian Church USA. A funeral service for Brother Peterson was held at Macedonia Moravian Church, Ad-
vance, N.C. on Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 pm. Interment followed at Bixby Presbyterian Church in Advance.
Obituary: Mrs. Donna Hooker (Ensley) Yarbrough
Sister Donna Hooker (Ensley) Yarbrough, wife of The Rev. Wally Yarbrough, entered into the more immediate presence of her Savior on Friday, September 12, 2025, at her home in Shallotte, N.C. She was born on June 28, 1948, in Forsyth County to the late Charles Dewey Hooker and Agnes Mozelle Helsabeck Hooker. Donna retired as a nurse after 41 years of service. She enjoyed photography, birdwatching, and scrapbooking. She also enjoyed crafting and cooking and had a witty sense of humor. Donna is survived by her husband of 15 years, Walter “Wally” Yarbrough, three sons, eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, King, N.C. Burial followed at Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Obituary Correction: The Rev. Dr. Frank Barker
The obituary of the Rev. Dr. Frank Barker in Issue 2 of the Moravian mistakenly listed Frank’s place of birth as St. Thomas, Antigua. It was St. Thomas, Barbados. We apologize for this error.
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On Sept. 6, Moravian congregations and agencies joined Bethlehem, Pa. residents and civic organizations in a Community Celebration honoring the city’s World Heritage designation. Opportunities to learn about today’s Moravian church at church and agency tables, along with trombones, sugar cake tasting, handmade stars, an inspiring choir and instrumental concert and an outdoor Lovefeast, were just a few of the activities marking the day. See Ponderings, pg. 4, for more.
Moravian Crystal Company is pleased to present a collection of elegant renderings, highly detailed and produced in 3D laser engraved imaging into optical grade crystal. These unique gifts, designed in Winston-Salem, N.C., celebrate Moravian history, heritage and traditions. For more information or to order, visit www.moraviancrystal.com
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The 2026 edition of The Moravian Daily Texts continues a nearly 300-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 2026 hardcover, paperback, large print and journal editions, along with German, Spanish and French translations, will begin shipping in early November. Place your preorder today!
