Moravian Magazine Issue 6 2019

N o . 6 • S E P T / O C T 2 019

In this issue: Moravian Bishops’ Conference Justice Ministry Education The Daily Texts Camp Cuba ...and more!

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www.MORAVIAN.com The Moravian

On the cover: Fall presents its oranges and golds. Photo by Mike Riess

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18 Moravian Bishops Our Lamb has conquered; let us follow Him In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

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Conference brings North American Moravian bishops together...and closer to each other

Moravian Education 9 Moravian clergy group called to justice ministry education

Moravians in Mission 13 Youth continue to build bridges to Moravian

Christians in Cuba

Moravian Daily Texts 18 “A daily message from God that is new every morning”

In Our Congregations 23 Renovations enhance worship experience and

sanctuary flexibility

...And More 4 Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org.

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

Sept./Oct. 2019

Ponderings: Witnessing a Day of Service

26 Moravian Writings: Insights on World Communion Sunday 29 Southern Province Widows Society marks 100 years 30 Official Provincial Elders’ News

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PONDERINGS

Witnessing a Day of Service In many ways, every day is a Moravian day of service. Church members are constantly and consistently reaching out into their communities and their world to make them better places.

But this September 15, Moravians across the Northern and Southern Provinces added to our church’s legacy of mission with the first annual Moravian Day of Service—a single day when Moravian congregations across the U.S. and Canada focused on mission in their communities.

While reports are still coming in from many of our churches­—and we will be assembling them into a major feature in our November issue of The Moravian Magazine—I thought I’d share a little of what I experienced during this special day.

For Day of Service, I combined my roles as director of the Interprovincial Board of Communication, editor of The Moravian and member of Edgeboro Moravian Church. With camera and notebook in hand, I set out to capture the different activities that Edgeboro members undertook for the inaugural event.

Like many churches, Edgeboro began the Day of Service with a special worship service. Combining a Lovefeast with a liturgy written just for Day of Service, Edgeboro members “fueled up” for the tasks ahead. Hymns for the day were selected to highlight the mission work at hand, and several were new hymns written by Moravians especially for the day.

Following the special worship, church members split into groups to begin their Day of Service work. Edgeboro offered a number of different activities for members to participate in, engaging members where their abilities and interests lay.

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) Sept./Oct. 2019, Vol. 50, 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 eight times per year: Jan/ Feb, April, May, June/July, August, Sept./ Oct., November and December, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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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 Ginny Tobiassen, chair Terri Bischoff, Peggy Carter, Margaret Couch, Paul Knouse, Kat Lehman, Amy Linville, Dan Miller, Valerie Bean Wagner.

Design by Michael Riess, IBOC. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2019, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in America.

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The Moravian

I followed a group out into the neighborhood around the church to collect items donated by local residents (the church put out a call several weeks prior to Day of Service seeking donations). Neighbors donated school supplies, winter coats and other items that would be shared with community agencies.

I later joined another group of environmentally-minded members who spent their sunny Day of Service cleaning up litter at a local park’s walking trail.

Meanwhile, the church’s fellowship hall was buzzing with activity. Sunday School students packed donated items for a local foster care agency and made greeting cards to be used with cookie gift bags for the volunteers and employees of local non-profits. Still others worked on craft projects to thank community group volunteers or packed bags with toiletries and other necessities for use by local agencies.

On a long table in the center of the hall, a group made dozens of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a local soup kitchen. Another group did the same thing at the nearby Salvation Army, where an additional team prepared and served lunch for those in need.

As the church’s Day of Service activities wrapped up, I watched as congregations from across the provinces began posting their activities on Facebook and Instagram. The participation was extensive and heartwarming to see, and painted a picture of a living, active church.

Being a part of the Edgeboro activities and getting a birds-eye view of happenings around the American Moravian church highlighted for me just how central mission remains to the core of our Moravian identity. Everyone coming together for a single day, experiencing local mission in myriad ways and making a difference in our neighborhoods illustrated our call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

The church-wide Day of Service reminds

Sept./Oct. 2019

me of the Eastern District 2016 Synod, which was focused on mission. Over the course of the four-day Synod, delegates packed meals for Haiti, then split into teams and spread out into the community for a wide variety of local mission projects....another example of a large group of devoted church members putting their time and talent to work in service to others.

As I mentioned earlier, we are compiling Day of Service stories for a major feature in our November issue. Chris Giesler with the Board of World Mission and I have been receiving many photos, stories and reports that highlight the community mission work of our congregations.

I hope you enjoy this issue of The Moravian. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Peace,

Mike Riess, Editor

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MORAVIAN BISHOPS

Conference brings North American Moravian bishops together...and closer to each other

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very four years the bishops of both the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church are invited to gather for a retreat. Setting a date, finding a location and then making travel plans is what brings us together, but it is the time spent in fellowship, prayer, worship, and deliberation that brings us closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ and as servants of the Church.

From August 26 to 30, 2019, we gathered at Laurel Ridge, the Moravian Camp and Conference Center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Different from our past gatherings we decided to spend the entire first Thanks to the Rt. Rev. Chris Gielser and our Moravian bishops for this review. Photos by the Rt. Rev. Hopeton Clennon. In the photo above (l-to-r) the Rt. Revs. Sam Gray, Kay Ward, Lane Sapp, Blair Couch, Paul Graf, Carol Foltz, Graham Rights, Chris Giesler, Tom Shelton, Doug Kleintop, Hopeton Clennon and Wayne Burkette.

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day of our retreat in a time of group spiritual direction rather than to jump right into the busyness of business. We were grateful to have the Rev. Dr. Jane Williams (retired professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Moravian Theological Seminary) to guide us through the day. Under the theme of “Living in the Wilderness” her sessions were titled: “Looking for the Path,” “Finding Water in the Wilderness,” “I Will Make a Way,” and “You are My Witnesses.”

These were powerful moments that allowed us to focus on our personal spiritual journey and how that impacts the ministry that we share.

We ended this first day with each one of us being anointed with oil, and with the laying on of hands receiving a blessing. From our distant corners of the North American continent we were brought close in heart by the grace of God. On our second day, with our hearts still warmed, we began our discussion sessions.

The Moravian

We were privileged to be able to spend several hours with the Rev. David Guthrie, President of the Provincial Elders’ Conference in the Southern Province. He brought us up to date on matters of importance not only in the Southern Province but also the wider Moravian Unity.

These updates are invaluable as we seek to provide counsel on vital issues, but more importantly it helps us to know how to pray for them.

As our retreat unfolded several issues became the focus for our deliberations and prayers. We are increasingly concerned about the propensity for division among the members and congregations of our provinces. This seems to be following a pattern that we see pervasive in our society today. It is our hope and prayer that we in the Moravian Church can remain in community and committed to mission even while we might look at matters of theology or politics differently. We are very much aware that the pastors of our congregations are feeling stressed in this increasingly polarized environment. As a result, we composed and sent a pastoral letter to our pastors assuring them of our desire to be a resource for them, and our commitment to hold them in our fervent prayers.

One paragraph contained in the letter to pastors can also be characterized as our prayer for the entire church. It reads: We pray that the divisiveness in our society has not hindered the ministry of your congregation in serving Jesus Christ in your community and supporting the ministry of the larger church around the world. We pray that each of us will continue to heed the teachings and follow the example of our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ, and live as disciples in faith, love, and hope.

We also talked about the shortage of pastors that we are experiencing right now and pledged ourselves to work with our respective PEC’s to find ways of enabling our members to hear and respond to the call of God to ordained ministry in the church. We encourage anyone who feels called to serve the church to begin by having a conversation with their pastor who can help to begin the process of discernment that might include conversations with a bishop and/or a member of the PEC. We recognize that there are many ways in which one can serve (Continued on next page)

Bishops Ward, Kleintop, Shelton and Foltz during discussions at Laurel Ridge

Sept./Oct. 2019

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Bishops

(Continued from previous page)

the church and ordained ministry is but one of them. Helping individuals to discern this call is part of what we do as bishops.

These are but a small representation of our discussions, prayers, fellowship, and times of worship. We spent many hours in conversation about the various aspects of fulfilling our primary roles as bishops in the church which are to be a pastor to our pastors, to be a resource to our Provinces in spiritual and doctrinal matters, to pray for the Moravian Unity and its mission, and to represent the church in the act of ordination.

As a result of these days of being together we have been brought closer to each other as friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters in Christ, and servants of the Moravian Church. It is our deepest desire and prayer to see that we as Moravians can be an example for the world in modeling genuine community, unconditional love, and concern for our neighbors near and far. We truly celebrate that our Lamb has conquered, let us follow him. n 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.

Bishops offer a blessing for the Rev. Dr. Jane Williams, who led a spiritual formation session with the them.

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The Moravian

MORAVIAN EDUCATION

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Moravian clergy group called to justice ministry education

n a cold January day, seven Moravian clergy made their way over snowcovered roads to central Wisconsin’s Green Lake Conference Center. There, they began a six-month journey to explore God’s call to justice for each of us, and for the church we love, through Auburn Seminary’s Justice Ministry Education (JME) Program.

Led by the Rev. Canon Peg Chemberlin, we learned about the structure of the on-line class we were beginning, and were challenged to name where we wanted to be at the end of it.

“What is mine to do?” I had no clue.

At times I wondered why I was there. I only knew that our scriptures had frequently called out to me to work for justice—God’s vision for humanity in creating all in God’s image, equal in God’s sight; God’s intention is for shalom—

for the well-being, wholeness, abundance and peace of all of creation; the prophetic challenges of the Israelites to “let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:24) and “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Jesus’ own “job description” in Luke 4:18 was to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor—referencing the year of Jubilee for the Israelites which promoted a grand scheme of economic leveling by restoring land and releasing debt.

I sat there thinking of the growing economic divide in our world today between the rich and the poor, the depth of racism in (Continued on next page)

Justice Ministry Education participants include the Revs. Cynthia Geyer, Laura Gordon, Judy Ganz, Peg Chemberlin, Trina Holmberg, Marian Boyle Rohloff, Suzanne Parker Miller and Sue Koenig

Sept./Oct. 2019

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Justice Education (Continued from previous page)

our country and the increasing national fervor throughout the world to put self over other. I considered my own efforts over the years to address the poverty that we see for many of our global partners with the goal of helping them find ways to improve their sources of income and decrease dependency. There was some success in these efforts, but so much more to do.

And although our church is passionate about helping those in need, I recognized the reticence to “go upstream” to challenge the systems that keep people captive today and limit their ability to achieve the abundance that God desires for them. How do we begin to have a voice for those who are oppressed in our society? I had no answers. But I knew that I had to try to find some.

We’ve come a long way in six months. After that initial retreat we met twice a month using Zoom, a videoconferencing system. My cohort partners were Trina Holmberg, Marian Boyle Rohloff, Cynthia Rader Geyer, Sue Koenig, Laura Gordon, and Suzanne Miller, representing both provinces and all three Northern Prov-

With challenging readings and excellent speakers, we delved deeply into the theological underpinnings of justice... ince districts. Each brought different gifts to the group and over the six months together, God’s call on our hearts was evidenced in distinct passions around the issues of homelessness, prison reform, racism, youth development, immigration, education equity, and the spiritual foundations of our work.

With challenging readings and excellent speakers, we delved deeply into the theologi10

cal underpinnings of justice, the realities of injustice in our society, and were reminded how situations of injustice that we see today intersect with each other. We learned about strategies for promoting change and set our own goals and work plans by which to move toward them. Here are some observations from the cohort around what they have gained from this experience: “What a blessing it has been to walk alongside my justice sisters as together we deepened our understanding of the call to justice through the lens of our Christian faith! I have also learned the language of justice through introduction to various works and amazing justice workers who graciously shared their time and insights with our cohort. This has helped me to gain greater clarity about my own call to justice work and to better articulate this call and the theological grounding in which it is rooted. This process has also helped me to see my blind spots and challenged me to tend to those areas within my own being that stand in the way of the call to justice in our world. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in exploring further the call to seek justice.”

Laura A. Gordon “The JME Program has been invaluable to me and to my ministry. I have learned much, and I am excited to continue to reflect and draw on my experience as I pursue justice ministry in my church and community.

All of the components of the JME program are well-integrated and gave me opportunities to do hands-on, in-depth justice work in a selected The Moravian

context and in a variety of justice movements; to develop extensive skills and strategies for justice work that will lead to transformative change; to build relationships and coalitions for collaboration on justice ministry;

and to gain a clearer understanding and confirmation of my call to justice ministry...I now have a strong and well-articulated theological and biblical basis for justice ministry and the (Continued on next page)

Future Justice Ministry Education opportunities In response to the overwhelming ratings of the JME Cohort, the Justice Ministry Education Cohort will be offered again in 2021.

In 2020, The Justice Ministry Education Supplement Series is being offered. The Justice Ministry Education Supplement Series offers participants the opportunity to pursue more deeply a single, major component of the fundamental JME cohort at an lighter pace, working within each person’s own setting and developing a final project for that setting. The 2020 supplement is for Moravian clergy who want to increase their response to the Gospel call for justice.

The first in the series is The Justice Hermeneutic: Making the Connections in Preaching, Bible Study and Writing. Included in this cohort will be: • Examining the gift of scripture: Fact sheet, Midrash, or Living Revelation?

• Studying the ways in which justice is an integral part of the Gospel witness - in integrity with the Hebrew scriptures • Grappling in-depth with many of the lectionary texts for the first six months of 2020 looking for their inherent justice base and justice call • Reviewing a theory of change approach relative to one’s own constituency work • Developing a justice project in preaching, Bible study, teaching, writing • Developing collegial support.

The cohort will meet via Zoom for 2-2.5 hours, twice a month from January through Sept./Oct. 2019

June with a break at Easter. The design is based on a cohort model with a convener. The convener provides the basic design and outline, facilitates the cohort meeting arrangements, identifies key learning tools (resources, study guides, texts, guest speakers). The cohort members each provide a case study, a lectionary study, a review of self -valued justice/ hermeneutics writings, and share worship and evaluation leadership. The convener for this session is the Rev. Canon Peg Chemberlin, former CEO Minnesota Council of Churches, former president National Council of Churches of Christ.

The cost is $225 (with a reduced rate for those who have previously participated in the Justice Ministry Education program). Partial scholarships are available for those with limited continuing education funds. Maximum participants: 6 Applications accepted through The Justice Connection Consultancy, LLC, until all positions are filled, no later than the end of day November 30, 2019. Contact: justice.connection. llc@gmail.com from or information and application form.

Future supplements to include: • Connecting Agency, Urgency, and Strategy • Knowing the Just Self in Justice Work: Trekking the Enneagram • Social Change: How Does it Happen and What is Mine to Do? Watch for information on the 2021 opportunities in future issues. n

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Justice Education (Continued from previous page)

ability to lead congregations in justice work that will transform lives, communities, the nation, and the world.”

Sue Koenig

Where does the Moravian Church see God calling us to address the issues of justice that imprison people today?

“The JME Class has given me a broad, intersectional view of justice while allowing me to focus on the issue closest to my heart. Combining the organizing and vision steps required for education justice work with theological grounding to do it from a faith perspective leaves me with a plan for action on behalf of all of God’s children to ensure each of them has access to a valuable, enriching public education. It also gives me a cohort of justice advocates who provide strength and support for this journey!”

Suzanne Miller In reflecting on her participation, Marian Boyle Roloff shared a quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “On the one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act.

One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway.”

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Justice incorporates more than going upstream. In an interview with Peter K. Greer, Christian activist Shane Claiborne commented: “And one of the things that Dr. [John M.] Perkins says when there’s all kinds of elements that we combat, the poverty and social ills of our world. ‘You know you’ve heard the old saying, “You give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; but if you teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” He says, ‘We’ve also got to ask, “Who owns the pond? And who polluted the pond? And who built the gates up… and why does a fishing license cost so stinkin’ much?”’ I know a lot of people that have a fishing rod, and they can’t get to the pond.”

Where does the Moravian Church see God calling us to address the issues of justice that imprison people today? Our justice cohort is available as a resource to individuals and congregations wishing to grow in this area. Also consider participating in the next justice class, or seeking out other learning opportunities.

I am convinced that the church carries a vital role to claim and live out the gospel values that Jesus taught us that include challenging the systems that limit the ability of people to provide for their basic needs and to grow into the fullness of all that God desires for them. We need to continue the wonderful charity that we provide, but move beyond charity to address the issues of justice that we see in every aspect of our society. I encourage each of us to explore the question posed to our class—“What is mine to do?” n The Rev. Judy Ganz is a retired Moravian pastor and former executive director of the Moravian Board of World Mission of North America.

The Moravian

MORAVIANS IN MISSION

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Youth continue to build bridges to Moravian Christians in Cuba

aludos a mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo! It was such a joy and privilege to be part of this year’s Camp Mission Experience to Camaguey, Cuba. Three young adults from the Eastern District and two from the Western District journeyed to Cuba to participate in this year’s Summer Youth Camp and Youth Ministries. Over the course of our mission experience, the team networked with and enhanced our relationships with more than 60 young people in Cuba. The Eastern District of the Moravian Church Northern Province, in partnership with the Board of World Mission, was involved in this cross-cultural, leadership training, camp ministry, and relational community ministry outreach.

This year’s camp was supposed to be planned and led by the youth leaders and clergy from Holgin which is located in the Eastern part of Cuba, but due to leadership issues and lack of scheduling the camp was held in Camaguey for the third time since 2017. The theme for this year’s camp was entitled ¡No Escondas Tu Luz! which means “Don’t Hide Your Light!” Matthew 5:14-16 was the base scrip-

Sept./Oct. 2019

ture text for the camp and from where the theme was derived. Once we landed in Camaguey, Cuba, we were greeted and welcomed by Pastor Barbara Gonzalez along with Pastor Aldo her dad and her family.

During the camp, we shared in worship, devotions, games, program and the Bible Olympics.

We were also given guidelines on how to become an effective servant leaders. Some of these traits include following Jesus, humility, satisfying the needs of yourself for others, enthusiasm and being able to delegate others to serve.

We were told that the church is just a building, but it takes the individuals within the church to have a yearning desire to share and proclaim the word of God and make disciples of all nations. Out of all the Bible passages that were discussed about being a servant leader, the scripture that resonated with me was taken from Luke 14:7-11 known as The Parable of the Wedding Feast.

Jesus informed a wealthy Pharisee about the importance of consuming meals not only with those (Continued on next page)

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Camp Cuba (Continued from previous page) who are in the same class as you but those who are less fortunate as well. Luke 14:11 says “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Regardless of your socioeconomic status or faith journey, everyone is on the same playing field in the eyes of Jesus Christ. Four members of our team shareD their experiences:

Kendra Browne – Trinity Moravian Church If I could summarize my Moravian Cuba experience in one word, it would be humility or humildad.

Over the nine-day mission, hearing the stories and observing the Cuban culture and way of life, gave me a new sense of being thankful for the life I have in the U.S. I was a stranger in a foreign land but the outpouring of love that I felt from the Cuban people is a testament of Christ’s love.

Secondly, the people that I met at Campamento Cuba are bold for Christ. This is evident in how they worship (we were always singing and clapping) and share testimonies of how God provides for them and continues to do so even when circumstances are not promising.

Because of this experience, I will never forget to say thank you by seizing the opportunities afforded to me and choosing joy because I have witnessed people living on a fraction of what I do and are truly happy.

Kyra Tessmann – BWM Intern The people of Cuba amazed me with their hospitality and positivity. Every person we came in contact 14

with, including everyone at the Moravian camp, our hosts, our driver, workers at various establishments, and especially our translator, welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like we belonged in Cuba. I never felt like an outsider, but rather, an honored guest. Whenever we arrived at camp for the day, we were greeted with smiles, hugs and kisses from the leaders and from a lot of the kids as well.

I was amazed daily by the optimism and tenacity of the camp leaders because they handled everything with the grace and strength of God. Pastor Barbara and her father, Pastor Aldo, managed to secure a camp location at the last minute due to complications with the original location, and they found us lodging and transportation as well. Every day started with worship and devotions led by a different group, and all of the songs were sung with gusto and enthusiastic accompaniment. I loved seeing people run to grab tambourines whenever there was a hint of singing, and whoever didn’t have an instrument made do with their hands.

My favorite part of the mission experience was growing relationships with everyone at camp. It was beautiful to see the impact that we made on their lives just by being there and bringing some toiletries and other supplies from the U.S. The most memorable moment for me happened just after we competed in their annual Bible Olympics. Stress levels were high for everyone as we strained to remember details about biblical passages and wondered if our next question might have anything to do with what size shoe Jesus wore. With the help of the fabulous Lucy, our translator, our U.S. team managed The Moravian

to secure third place, but that meant that the super competitive group from Guantanamo got pushed to the fourth and last place. We decided to give our third place prize bags of toiletries to the Guantanamo group because, after all, we had brought the supplies to share and not to keep. I handed mine over to Talia, the tiniest and smartest ten-year-old girl you will ever meet, and she gave me the biggest hug ever. Seeing her gratitude for such a simple gift solidified our growing bond and will stay with me forever.

Coming back home to the U.S., I strive to emulate the Cuban people in their love for community and communion. I hope I can be as understanding as they are when roadblocks appear throughout the day, and I am thankful for all the memories I have now to remind me that God is every place I go and in every person I meet.

Nahum Pradhan – Moravian College Student – College Hill Moravian Church With the amount of resources we were given and with a small group of five people, I personally feel that we did a good job executing our mission in Cuba and plans for the Moravian Camp.

I had no idea what to expect when going to Cuba, or what it was even going to be like. I kept that mindset on purpose so that I would be prepared for anything that we were to encounter once we were in Cuba. To my surprise, when we stepped off the plane and looked around, it was as if I had returned back home to Nepal. I was so shocked to see how similar the roads, buildings, vehicles and the infrastructure was compared to Nepal. The peo-

ple also in terms of skin color looked the same, but as I saw more people I realized how much more diverse it was and started seeing the differences. It was very beautiful to see how everyone is so different in terms of genealogy and heritage. Cuba is a big melting pot of so many different cultures and there was something new we saw or learned every day.

From the moment we met Pastor Barbara, Kenny, Pastor Aldo and Arisbela, we were taken in with open arms and kisses on our cheeks, which I learned was a common greeting people in Latin American countries and in Europe. The dynamics of their family reminded me quite of bit of my own back home. Kenny and Barbara were just like my parents, and Aldo and his wife were like my grandparents, and they seemed so excited and happy to have us. Seeing them so happy made us want to put all of our time and efforts in to contributing however we could to this mission trip.

Being in a third-world country, we had to keep in mind that not everything will always follow the intended plan. The whole concept of time-sensitive plans is not something of relevance to the people there. Things will happen at an approximate time so we always need to be prepared with a plan B, C and sometimes even D. Our days started off with us playing in the pool with the kids for five hours and then eating a late lunch. We would then go back to the camp, rest or play games and socialize followed by dinner and bible study or activities.

One of the biggest problems I faced was the language barrier. The people were so loving and friendly that there was no sense of hostility or awkwardness. So many people would not hesitate to ask (Continued on next page)

Sept./Oct. 2019

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Camp Cuba (Continued from previous page) us questions and things about ourselves. There was so much that I wanted to say and do, but my inability to speak Spanish proficiently had me lost for words. So I had to use hand gestures and action to show what I wanted to say, or call our translator or Kyra and Kendra. But despite the barrier I was able to connect with the people there through playing the guitar, singing and playing sports. I found it quite amazing how, where words fail to communicate, music prevailed and worked as a common denominator in both contexts. During worship we would play and sing in English as they would sing in Spanish and it was so beautiful. Playing games like soccer, football and monkey in the middle also allowed us to open up a lot with campers, and they with us, too.

The word that I got out of this trip was “Gratitude.” One of the nights when we were at the beach at around midnight, I was leading devotion and talked from a verse in 2 Timothy. As I spoke, I felt led to speak about gratitude and realization of how the secret to happy living is simply being thankful for all that we have, have been through and are going through. I led some group activities with the six of us that were mentally powerful then finished with

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sending everyone off to have a moment of prayer and solitude with God. The atmosphere then was so amazing and we were all just so moved by the spirit. I’m most grateful for what happened there that night on the beach. I’m grateful for the happiness that we were able to bring to the children and people of Cuba and for the new Moravian brothers and sisters we formed relationships with.

Jill Kolodziej – Director of Mission Service for the Board of World Mission For a time, I have been hearing about relationships with Moravians from Cuba that have been fostered through the Board of World Mission, the Southern Province and Eastern District of the Moravian Church, as well as a number of friends in Cuba.

From August 5-14, I was afforded the opportunity to put names with the many faces that I had become familiar with from pictures and conversations about the Moravian church in Cuba. Camp Cuba was the connection.

Camp Cuba is offered to the young people of Cuba as part of their youth ministry activities. Pastor Cynthia Rader Geyer, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director of the Eastern District, has been accompanying young people from the United States to Cuba in order to develop relationships and partici-

The Moravian

pate with the Cuba Moravian leadership and young people from Camaguey, Guantanamo, and Holguin during the camp week. This year she was unable to travel so I served in her place.

The relationships that I initially developed as part of this visit were with the team that I accompanied to Cuba. They included Kendra Browne of Maryland, Nahum Pradhan of Nepal, Tory of Reid of New York, and Kyra Tessman of Indiana. I would describe these fine young people with the term “dream team.” They each brought their unique gifts, values, laughter, and personalities to the group during our online training and preparation prior to departure, during travel, and as they interacted with the wide variety of people we met. Aldo Gonzalez Pantoja, Pastor of the Camaguey Santayana Moravian Church and one of our hosts, recognized the spirit of our team. He described it as a “quimica” or chemistry between us. I agreed. The young people truly represent the way we are called to live together as followers of Christ.

We so enjoyed our time with the campers and staff. The leaders’ enthusiasm was infectious and set the tone for the week. Campers were actively involved with the variety of aspects of the camp. The main leaders—Barbara Gonzales Escalona, Keny Estrada Abreu, Arisbel Escalona Ramos, Pastor Aldo, and Pastor Yoennis Suarez Fernandez­—were filled with energy and passion as they led our program time, as we played interactive games, socialized while playing dominos, cards, baseball, and volleyball; swimming at the pool; or simply visiting together. Their leadership enabled our large group of about 40 campers and staff to become better acSept./Oct. 2019

quainted with each other. The theme for this year’s camp encouraged the campers, “Don’t hide your light.” Live boldly for Jesus.

The opportunity to be part of Camp Cuba was such a gift in so many ways, especially with regard to the relationships that developed. With the use of WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Translate, and email we can continue to connect with each other, share memories of our time together as well as maintain contact as our lives go forward. Even though our daily routines vary it was a privilege to experience the greater Moravian Church through our shared faith and ministries. One of the posts on Facebook sums up my sentiments, “Gracias Dios por esta linda oportunidad.” Thank God for this beautiful opportunity.

Ultimately, if your presence doesn’t make an impact to those around you, then your absence won’t make a difference, either. The great and effective leader Nelson Mandela’s quote sums up our main purpose for building healthy relationships with our Cuban brothers and sisters: “If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important - and you do that by being genuine and humble.”

I encourage all of us to let our light shine so that they would be able to glorify our Father in heaven. ¡No Escondas Tu Luz! n Thanks to Tory Reid, John Hus Moravian Church, for compiling this article. Photos by the Camp Cuba 2019 team

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MORAVIAN DAILY TEXTS

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“A daily message from God that is new every morning...”

s the IBOC gears up to unload pallets of boxes from a truck and haul the many cases into the basement of the Moravian Church Center, it’s the perfect time to once again tell the story of the Daily Texts.

These devotionals have been around since 1731—and just imagine—one million people across the world crack open their new book at the start of the year, reading the same words, opening their Christian hearts and minds to the word of God. About the Daily Texts The Daily Texts is the oldest continuous devotional of its kind. The American version includes a bible reading plan with scripture listed at the top of each page, that when followed, will allow individuals to complete a full reading 18

of the Bible in two years and finish the Psalms in one. Sundays and special days do not follow plan, but instead follows the church year in the Moravian Revised Common Lectionary.

All Daily Texts have an Old Testament verse called a watchword, followed by the doctrinal text, which is taken from the New Testament. The doctrinal text usually expands on the theme of the watchword for the day.

The American version includes hymns that follow each scriptural text. The hymn verses are devotional responses to the text for the day, followed by a prayer that is written as a response to God in light of the texts and hymn verses. The purpose of the Daily Texts is to help the reader move closer to God in prayer and meditation.

The Moravian

In the German version of the Texts, called Die Losungen, formatting is slightly different.

They still have the reading plan, the watchword, and the doctrinal text; but they don’t have hymns after each verse, rather, a third text follows, which can either be a hymn or a prayer.

The history of the Texts Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf got the idea for what became the Daily Texts in 1728.

In the early years of Herrnhut, the congregation gathered daily in the church for singing, praying, and informational meetings.

Zinzendorf and his staff were looking for ideas to strengthen relationships and bring peace to Herrnhut. On May 3, 1728, Zinzendorf gave his first Daily Texts to the those attending the service. Shortly thereafter, Zinzendorf decided to print them so that travelers and missionaries had the chance to participate in the Daily Texts while away from the village.

This meant he had to look for good words a year in advance. Since the first one was printed in 1731, it has been printed continuously and is now printed in over 51 languages and dialects with an annual press run of more than a million!

After Zinzendorf’s death, the staff continued drawing the words out his compiled collection, with the belief that the Savior himself

This silver bowl is used in the drawing of Watchwords.

determines the special word for each day, and that the people only assist his will.

Beginnings in Germany Drawing by lot: Since its inception in 1728, every edition of the Daily Texts begins in Herrnhut Germany. In order to manage the elaborate process, the Old Testament verses are drawn three years in advance; the watchwords for 2020 were drawn in April 2017.

The day begins in the Vogtshof in Herrnhut, with worship and prayer followed by the elaborate drawing by lot. In the middle of a large oval table is an ornate bowl containing small cards numbered 1 through 1829. Each number is a code and coincides with a list of numbers and corresponding Bible text kept in a special book. Germany’s provincial board assigns four individuals responsible for drawing (Continued on next page)

The numbers on these cards correspond to a list of Bible verses. These are drawn to select the daily Watchwords.

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A reprint of the “Losungen” from 1729.

Daily Texts (Continued from previous page)

each day of the year. One takes a card and the other reads the texts aloud. Two clerks record the minutes, to ensure that there will be no mistakes.

After the drawing is done—it takes approximately four hours—the drawn numbers are separated in a small box where they stay for two years. This means these cards cannot be drawn again before three years, which will ensure a variety of Bible verses and give readers the experience of the great abundance of God’s word.

The Editorial Officer’s Job: Once the Old Testament readings have been selected by lot, the editorial officer looks for an appropriate New Testament text (and a hymn or prayer for the German edition) that works with the chosen watchword. The doctrinal text is always taken from the New Testament and is meant to interpret the Old Testament text from a Christian point of view. There are two rules for this task: only use a New Testament passage once a year and pay attention to the liturgical church year.

The Review Committee: A review committee consisting of clergy and lay sisters and 20

brothers, read all of the editorial officer’s texts and make their recommendations for modification or better text suggestions. Together they share the great responsibility with the editorial officer to choose appropriate texts.

Confirming the Definite Text: One year after the drawing, the editorial officer meets with two ministers on the board. Together they confirm the definite text and give the “good for print.”

Printing and Translation: In Germany, printing begins at once, but that’s not where the work ends. They have to translate both Bible texts—the Old and New Testaments— into English to get it ready for translators around the world.

Producing the North American Daily Texts The Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) has the task of producing the Moravian Daily Texts in a variety of sizes and formats in English. After the IBOC receives the German Losungen in late summer, it gets sent to a translator. Erdmute Frank is the IBOC’s current translator and she works hard to keep as true to the original German text as possible.

The IBOC requires an actual translation of the text because of the differences in Bible verses in each translation. For example, the The Moravian

wording of a watchword drawn from Daniel 3:33 in the German Bible will not exist in the English Bible in Daniel 3:33, instead the wording will be found in Daniel 4:10.

Once the translation comes back to the IBOC, the initial manuscript is assembled, including the bible reading plan, watchwords and doctrinal texts for each day of the year. After it has been verified and proofed by the IBOC team, it is then sent to translators around the Moravian Unity, molding the IBOC’s framework into the 51 plus languages of which the Daily Texts is printed every year.

While translating and initial editing are underway across the world, writers from North America are identified to assume responsibility for one month of the North American edition of The Daily Texts. Using the translated daily watchwords and doctrinal texts as their themes, the writers choose hymn stanzas and compose prayers appropriate for each day of their month. Writers, both clergy and lay The Daily Texts are available in more than 50 languages.

The cover selected for the 2020 Daily Texts in North America

people, reflect many ages and backgrounds, representing the diversity within the Moravian Church.

When these writers finish their task and return their work to the IBOC, the compilation process continues, adding the work of each writer to the Daily Texts manuscript. The IBOC reviews the hymns to be sure they match the scripture, (i.e. no mention of Christ in a hymn paired with an Old Testament verse), research copyrights and layout each hymn with its appropriate meter. The prayers are given a small amount of editing for content, inclusive language and consistency but for the most part, are run intact to preserve the thought and emotion of the writer.

Steeped in tradition and serving as a devotional staple for many, maintaining the accuracy of the Daily Texts is an essential part of the IBOC’s job in producing the Daily Texts.

This process takes months, as the IBOC ensure the book meets the high standards the readers are accustomed to.

In spring, the cover art for the Texts is chosen from a wide array of options. The IBOC then sends the complete manuscript of the Daily Texts and the cover art to the designer

(Continued on next page)

Sept./Oct. 2019

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Today, the North American version of the Daily Texts is available in print and electonic media, including a daily e-mail, an app for mobile devices, as a eBook and evan a daily podcast.

who sets each day on a page and formats it to its proper layout. After several more months of proofing and editing, the final files are sent to the printer in August.

The IBOC gets one more look once the printer sends the final proof before printing the full volume of books. The entire process culminates with the autumn delivery of thousands of Daily Texts to the IBOC’s small office in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Several weeks are then devoted to shipping the books to preorder customers. The shipping process can be hectic, but provides great fun and excitement for the IBOC. Once the books are shipped, the IBOC gets back to formatting the following year’s Daily Texts.

The mission of the Daily Texts Through the Daily Texts we are united with sisters and brothers around the world, all reading the same word of God for the day. That is special. Some of those sisters and brothers are from different denominations and different churches, so when we read the Daily Texts we can say we are truly connected with the larger body of Christ. The small mustard seed—the idea of Zinzendorf in 1728—has grown into a huge tree. Today it provides spiritual food for 22

many who hunger for God’s words of guidance, assurance, admonition, and comfort.

Ways to receive and read the Texts There are many ways to receive and read the Daily Texts. Print editions, including paperback, large print, hardcover and journal versions, are available from the IBOC by calling 800-732-0591 ext. 38, or ordering online at store.moravian.org.

If technology is your thing, a Daily Texts app can be purchased through iTunes and Google Play. This app allows users to schedule reminders, take notes, save favorite days and hear a Daily Texts podcast from Moravian Church Without Walls. Kindle and iBook versions of the full Daily Texts are also available from Amazon and Apple.

The Daily Texts is also available as a daily email and on Facebook. Sign-up through the Moravian Church of North America’s website or through the Daily Texts pages on Facebook.

Note that the app and online versions of the Daily Texts do not include hymns. n Thanks to IBOC intern Anna French who compiled this article from previously prublsihed works. Photos courtesy of Evang. Brüder-Unitat, Herrnhut/Germany (www.losungen.de) and IBOC.

The Moravian

IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

Renovations enhance worship experience and sanctuary flexibility

E

xchanging the old for the new always leaves a mix of bittersweet feelings and excitement. The congregation of East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., was no different as they renovated their sanctuary over the past two years. But in fixing the things that needed fixing—tearing out old carpet, removing pews, repairing the roof, changing the light fixtures and switching up the color palette—they’ve also enhanced the worship experience of many in the congregation.

East Hills made the decision to start a capital campaign and renovate their sanctuary in December 2017. It was a decision, like many others, made out of necessity. The main problem that led to the decision was the state of the roof. Every time it rained the roof leaked in the sanctuary, causing water damage on the carpet and the pews and leading to concerns about mold under the communion table. More worrisome, however, was that whenever there were

Sept./Oct. 2019

heavy rains or storms, the water actually started to come through the light fixtures in the sanctuary with water collecting in the light bulbs. Additionally, the water damage on the pews was so bad that people were worried about the pews breaking when people sat on them.

A secondary concern was the lack of an air conditioning system in the sanctuary for summer worship. When temperatures rose too high for comfort and safety levels, the congregation worshiped in the church’s air conditioned Family Center. However, to many, the situation was not ideal; they wished to worship in a sanctuary rather than set up a temporary worship space each Sunday in what is basically a gym.

When the decision to renovate was made, design questions began. Capital campaign and construction committees were organized and work soon began in earnest. Having spent hours on the smallest details of things people (Continued on next page)

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Sanctuary (Continued from previous page)

may not even notice, the committees gave progress reports to the congregation as decisions were made so that the whole church felt involved in renovating the sanctuary.

A renewed sanctuary Following the decisions and design work, construction on the renewed sanctuary began. East Hills now has new, dark grey-purple carpet and red oak pews, as well as chairs that look identical to the pews but can connect and disconnect to be moved around as needed. These chairs allow for the front of the sanctuary to easily be set up for VBS skits, handbell performances or additional seating space.

A new roof is on the sanctuary and new light fixtures hang from the ceiling, giving off a soft yet bright light. The new windows also bring in more natural light and prevent temperature fluctuations, while the air conditioning and heating system keeps the sanctuary at a comfortable temperature.

At the front of the sanctuary is a wall of dark grey stone, upon which hangs the cross from the original sanctuary. The cross is backlit by colored LED lights, which can correspond to the liturgical colors for the week. The pulpit and communion table are new as well, and on the pulpit an intricate Moravian star is etched on its surface, the different layers denoted by minute color differentiation.

Another new addition is the multimedia system, which allows for projection off of any handheld device that is connected to it. Thus, as services progress, the pastor can project hymn lyrics, prayer texts and images on the wall, adding to the overall worship experience. The projection allows people who have difficulty reading the smaller print in, or cannot pick up, the Moravian Book of Worship an alternate way of participating in the service and gives the pastor a 24

chance to refer to an illustration over the course of his sermon or the service itself.

Member reactions When asked what they enjoy most about the new sanctuary, members had this to say: Nancy Costa replied that she liked “everything except the carpet” and that “The sanctuary is very warm and inviting. I love the stone wall and the fact we still have the cross from the old sanctuary.”

Mike Taylor said he liked “the rock behind Pastor Derek when he gives his message” and the “projection on the wall for when lay readers are reading the Bible.”

Jay Larson answered, “It is a much more comfortable, inviting, accessible and flexible space, but the old sanctuary is still evident in the basic architecture and general layout of the space and the wonderful memories are still there.”

Of course, people enjoyed the old sanctuary as well, and certain things will be missed (Continued on next page) The Moravian

but they are, for the most part, less tangible than the new additions and are centered in memories. Mike Taylor said he liked the praise time before Sunday School classes and the messages delivered by the pastors; Jay Larson said he enjoyed the memories the old sanctuary held like the baptisms of both his children and the funerals of close friends, as well as other meaningful events and services; and Nancy Costa said she enjoyed the old sanctuary’s cross the most.

She says, “it was always a focal point during the doxology and prayer. I always felt a closeness to Jesus Christ and God when I looked at it. During the last big capital campaign I fought that the cross would remain if the sanctuary was remodeled. I am grateful that was not an issue this time.”

Technical additions As mentioned above, the new sanctuary has some technological additions as well as new heating and cooling systems. When asked whether or not the additions have enhanced their worship experience, the three respondents had this to say: From Jay Larson: “I am much less distracted by the old sanctuary’s deficiencies and am able to engage in worship. The air quality and temperature/humidity are much more comfortable, as are the pews. The use of the projection system is helping us more fully engage. The versatility of the new space has been proven for a variety of purposes, including worship, funerals, baptisms, Bible studies, VBS and other special events/gatherings.”

From Nancy Costa: “Although I am very proud of the new sanctuary and it takes my breath away still when I enter it, it has not enhanced my worship experience. The pastor’s sermons and the hymns are what are important to me not the space.”

Sept./Oct. 2019

However, she also added, “It is much easier to have the handbells set up as this is a very enjoyable addition to any service. It is a big job to set them up but the ability to remove some row of ‘pews’ [referring to the movable chairs] and make the space less crowded is definitely a major plus. The choir has the appearance of being less crowded and more comfortable. Being able to remove the chairs there for more instruments to play is also an asset.”

Mike Taylor added, “The new sanctuary moved me, especially with my dad’s memorial service this past June.” Mr. Taylor’s memorial service is a good example of how versatile the new sanctuary has become. In the morning, the sanctuary was set up for Vacation Bible School, a full set and props on the platform where the pulpit normally sits. As soon as the kids were dismissed for the day, church members came to take down the set, move the props and reset the sanctuary for Mr. Taylor’s memorial service. It only took fifteen minutes to move everything and put in a row of chairs to serve as an additional pew on both sides of the sanctuary.

The next morning the VBS crew came in and spent fifteen to twenty minutes setting up the stage again, and the kids were greeted with the same set they had seen the day before. Because there were moveable pews and a moveable pulpit, the sanctuary easily transformed from one space to the next.

East Hills Moravian Church is very happy with its new look and though some may think everything has changed, at its core East Hills is the same. As Jay Larson said, it’s like “a longtime friend who goes to a spa for a weekend and comes back looking a little different and is somewhat rejuvenated, but you know is still you long-time friend on the inside.” n Anna French is a member of East Hills Moravian Church and served as IBOC summer intern.

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MORAVIAN WRITINGS

Insights on World Communion Sunday Each week, Moravians across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean share a common message through their Sunday bulletins.

This month, we share insights written for

World Communion Sunday. Thanks to writers past and present for their contributions to the Moravian Bulletin series.

Faith Provides Potential

will be amazed at what takes place. The little becomes great, the weak becomes strong, the fearful becomes bold, the divided are unified, and the daunting challenges are diminished and overcome.

As I write this in preparation for World Communion Sunday, I am also reading about the struggle of the United Methodist Church, at its 2019 General Conference, in making decisions regarding the church and LGBT issues.

Their struggle is also our struggle.

At the same time, I read of the way Japan created, in the midst of the sea, an island, on

George Richmond, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, retired pastor • October 6, 2019

The object lesson of the mustard seed (Luke 17:5-6) is about potential. The King James Version gets it right by translating the Greek to read “faith as a mustard seed.” Words such as “small” or “big” or “size” do not appear in the Greek original.

Jesus is saying that if we have faith like a mustard seed, that is, with the potential such as demonstrated by the mustard seed, then we

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The Moravian

which they built the Kansai International Airport. The engineers undertook what seemed to be a ridiculous proposal and made it happen.

They literally scooped up a mountain and cast it into the sea.

The object lesson is saying to us that with a mustard seed–like faith, challenges can be faced successfully and dreams become reality. The teaching is that faith provides potential to make things happen or come into being. If ever that which faces us seems overwhelming, we are called to meditate again on the lesson of the mustard seed and to pray to our Lord, the prayer of the disciples, “Lord, increase our faith.”

Worldwide Communion Sunday Unknown/Anonymous • October 4, 1987

The celebration of the Lord’s Supper on this day by Christians around the world dramatizes again the “trueness” of God’s people—our unity in Christ. Whether in a small chapel or large cathedral, whether Pentecostal or Lutheran, Baptist or Moravian—when each person receives the sacrament, the words are the same, “This is my body…take eat…in remembrance of me.” “This is my blood…as often as you drink…in remembrance of me.”

Speaking at a forum held at the World Council of Churches Center on “What Is the Church?” its former General Secretary, Phillip Potter, said: “As a child I belonged to a little Methodist church that was next door to a huge Catholic cathedral, that seemed very excluding.

My family itself was divided between Catholic and Protestant. But each Sunday I would say a creed that affirmed the belief in ‘one holy, catholic apostolic Church’.” Potter went on to point out how he has struggled with that contradiction throughout his entire life.

Sept./Oct. 2019

As contemporaries of Potter we can identify with him. The struggle to which he refers is not only personal but also the corporate experience of the Church. “The issue now is,” says Potter, “can the Church today continue the ministry of Christ? Can we show his power in powerlessness?”

Hans Küng spoke the word of hope, “The spirit of Christ has always been alive and present in a hurting, divided world.” “The Church is the community of believers—followers of Christ.”

Worldwide Communion Sunday provides us with the opportunity, as followers of Christ, to affirm our identity with clarity and purpose.

Writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, Peter in his First Epistle reminded these pilgrims of that identity: “You are a chosen people”…“a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV). Peter is reminding all Christians— pilgrims everywhere— of our spiritual unity that transcends all national, political, and doctrinal differences. In the words of Potter, “We are a pilgrim people being led by the Spirit.

Come to the Table

Gary L. Harke, executive director, Pennsylvania Council of Churches • October 7, 2007

The promise of World Communion Sunday stands in contrast to today’s Gospel. I don’t know about you, but I’ve not met the movingmulberry-tree test, so my faith is smaller than a mustard seed. And it’s depressing to be told that, no matter what I’ve done, I’m still only a worthless slave who has merely done what was expected. I need that dose of humility, that reminder of the inadequacy of my faith and my service.

But I also need the joyous promise of the Lord’s Table. I need the gracious invitation to (Continued on next page) 27

World Communion (Continued from previous page)

the Table where Christ is the host. I need the fellowship of the human family, gathered from every corner of the world and from all time and place. I need the re-presentation of supreme sacrifice and unbounded love. I need the reminder to be thankful, to “make eucharist” in recalling all of God’s gracious acts toward humankind. I need the power of the Spirit to make holy both the gifts of bread and wine and those gathered together, that we may serve God “in unity, constancy, and peace.” I need the tantalizing foretaste of the heavenly banquet, the longing of “till he come.”

So, regardless of the size of your faith and the quality of your service, join me—and all those countless others—around the Lord’s Table. There’s room for all. There’s food for all, and all are welcome!

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 234)

We Are All Servants

Joe Nicholas, pastor, Prince of Peace Moravian Church, Miami, Florida • October 2, 2016

...as part of the worldwide family of believers, we are all involved in representing and defining the gospel that we carry... the servant should take of our needs and then have his or her meal. It is always going to be that our needs will take priority over how the servant may feel.

However, the seemingly simple question of Jesus haunts us, especially on a day like today, as we focus on the one family that we have worldwide in Jesus Christ. It is where our Sunday family can be in conflict with our weekday family; and where, when the role is reversed, we are not so sure after all.

Nevertheless, as part of the worldwide family of believers, we are all involved in representing and defining the gospel that we carry.

We are all instruments in carrying this gospel of Jesus Christ; and thus, we are all servants.

Therefore, it matters what kind of account we give of that gospel. It does not matter whether or not we like the role offered to us. We are being counted on to be faithful.

This one thing is clear from the Gospel: the blessing is in our effort to carry out faithfully whatever task is assigned to us. We are still required to do our duty. Therein is the blessing for the servant at whatever level. When we are more aware of this, everyone becomes friend and family—not just on World Communion Sunday, but at all times.

May God bless all of you! n

It is clear that the immediate hearers are not the servants mentioned in this passage. Thus, there is something about the truth of today’s Gospel, Luke 17:5-10, that makes us a little uncomfortable. Surely, we would rather that 28

The Moravian

MINISTRY TO OLDER ADULTS

Southern Province Widows Society marks 100 years Shortly after World War I ended in 1919, several men from the Southern Province assembled and formed the Southern Province Widows Society. It was patterned after the Widows Society of the Northern Province which had been in existence for more than 100 years.

This year we are observing our one-hundreth anniversary. We celebrated by giving the present recipients an extra $100.00 in the September check. In March, 2019, 56 widows received $500.00. Therefore, their total for 2019 is $1,100.00 At the present time, there are 284 men who are members of the Society.

The good news is that the society is open to any Southern Province Moravian married male who is under age 61, and in good health.

Or he may be married to a Moravian Church member. Membership is also open to anyone in any Province anywhere in the world (see

below for contact information for the Northern Province Widows Society) There is a onetime charge of $250.00 to join. For those who are between 50 and 60, there is an additional $10.00 for each year. For example, a 57-yearold person would pay $320.00 to join.

Across the years, hundreds of widows have received thousands of dollars. One woman has been receiving checks for over 38 years. Some might say, “Well, a thousand dollars is not a lot of money.” The interesting thing is, however, that no widow has ever returned the check saying “I don’t need it. Give it to somebody else.”

Listen to this comment by one of the women who just received her check. “Today I got the wonderful semi-annual Widow Society check and do appreciate the bonus in celebration of 100 years! This is the only extra income I ever get and I really look forward to it. I usually plan ahead and have fun figuring out how I will spend it! For this fall’s check, I decided to use it to take a badly needed trip to visit my family! It’s been fun to anticipate the trip, knowing I was going to get the money to pay for it. I am so glad my husband was thoughtful enough to join and I hope all Moravian men will take advantage of this opportunity.”

For more information and an application, contact the Rev. Dr. Bill Campbell at masonjarr@aol.com or or 336-403 -3209. n The Rev. Dr. Bill Campbell, is a retired Moravian Minister and longtime fiduciary and Widows’ Society Board member. For Northern Province information, write Widows Society of Bethlehem, 561 E. Market St., Suite #1, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6323

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OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS Prayer Day for Christian Education, September 8, 2019 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.

Prayer Day for Children On a Sunday in October, congregations of the Northern and Southern Provinces are invited to join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the national observance of Children’s Sabbath. Endorsement of the Children’s Sabbath was made by the Provincial Elders’ Conferences in January 1994.

Prayer Day for World Mission, October 13, 2019 The second Sunday in October has been designated as a special Day of Prayer for World Mission. Pray for the ministries in our Partner Provinces, our mission areas, and for wisdom and guidance for our Worldwide Unity. May God hold us together in celebration of our wonderful diversity, and may God persist in revealing to us where the church in North America and throughout the world is called to mission, both locally and globally, that God’s love may be known by all.

For specific information for your prayers about these and other new and continuing ministries, please see the BWM website, www.moravianmission.org.

NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for Church Development, September 15, 2019 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.

Prayer Day for the Church’s Ministry to Older Adults, September 22, 2019 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.

Prayer Day for Peace with Justice and Freedom, October 20, 2019 The third Sunday in October is designated as a Day of Prayer for Peace with Justice and Freedom.

Prayer Day to Raise Awareness about Violence Against Women, October 27, 2019 By action of the 2018 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, the Provincial Elders’ Conference has designated the 4th Sunday in October as a Prayer Day to raise awareness of Violence against Women. Synod called for Moravians to establish resources for victims of violence, form study groups to provide discussions and support to victims of such violence, pressure governments to pass legislation penalizing violence against women and children and address excessive violence in the media. Resources may be forthcoming from the Unity Women’s Desk.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

Your Foundation makes giving easy.

The new Moravian Giving Portal makes it easy to give online. Any time.

Day or night. Make a one-time gift in lieu of flowers to remember a friend.

Or, schedule your monthly gift -- just like you schedule your bill payments.

This year, make your favorite Moravian ministry or church your social media birthday fundraiser recipient. It’s simple, safe, and smart!

mmfa.info/giving-portal/

www.mmfa.info 119 Brookstown Avenue, Suite 305 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 888-722-7923

Periodicals Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Providing quality transitional rehabilitative care to the greater Triad area Specializing in short stay after surgery or illness, our rehabilitation program provides guests the intensive treatment they need to achieve a quicker return home.

We offer a warm, upscale setting with graciously appointed private accommodations and a large therapy gym, providing the ideal location for guests to recover their strength and regain their independence.

Contact us to help you achieve your recovery goals.

336.705.4236 transitionalrehab@salemtowne.org

Salemtowne is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community reflecting the Moravian values of respect for the individual, hospitality, life-long learning and love of the arts.

Sept./Oct. 2019