Message from the Unity Board Meeting Kingston, Jamaica
February 14-21, 2001

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Unitas Fratrum,

We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Chief Elder, who calls us to follow him in faithful service wherever we are.

The Unity Board is comprised of the Chairpersons/Presidents of the 19 Provinces of the Moravian Church world wide. This board has responsibility for the functioning of the Unity during the inter-synodal period. This meeting of the Board was attended by 17 of the 19 Provinces-Alaska and Guyana, regrettably, could not attend.

We have received and discussed a variety of reports and Unity matters, including reports from the Provinces. As we review the work of our Church, among the joys for which we give God thanks are:

• the spiritual renewal within many Provinces;
• the growth in the Church in many regions in spite of their economic difficulties;
• the growing collaboration among many Provinces, especially in terms of personnel.

We must also see our diversity as a blessing and give to God the glory that there can be unity in such diversity.

Our prayers are therefore especially needed as we note the growing potential for the erosion of such unity. We observe also, with concern the impact of such social issues as AIDS, substance abuse, domestic abuse and moral degradation on our membership. These all re-enforce the need for a renewal of the missionary vision and zeal of our Church.

We therefore encourage your prayerful support for the leadership of our Church. We urge that, whilst you offer prayerful support and active concern for your sister Provinces, (especially in situations of crisis) no Province seeks to become practically involved in influencing the ministry of another Province without a specific invitation.

Let us all, sisters and brothers, continuously strive for a deeper spiritual fellowship with our Lord and Savior. Let us work towards relationships of reconciliation, peace and love among us. Let us move towards Unity synod 2002 truly as a Unity, praying continuously for its witness in our world.

May the Holy Spirit guide us and provide us with wisdom and love to fulfill the Great Commission to establish and extend God's kingdom everywhere.

May God Bless You All!

Provincial Potpourri
Published monthly by:
Provincial Elders’ Conference, Southern Prov.
336-725-5811 336-723-1029 FAX
http://www.geocities.com/mcsp.geo
Staff:
Robert E. Sawyer, President
Robert E. Hunter, Asst. To the President
Lynn Kale, Executive Asst.
Becky Honeycutt, Secretary

"The Lord blesses his people with peace."
Psalm 29:11
Our prayers are with...

Deaths

Ruth Black Geis, mother of Jack Geis, (President of the Mission Society) died March 4 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Owen M. Ernst, father of Mike Ernst (Chair, Provincial Financial Board), died March 8 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Arnice Fulton, wife of retired minister Dr. John W. Fulton, passed away on March 5 in Winston-Salem

We express our love and sympathy to their families and friends.

Illness

Nola Reed Knouse, Director of The Moravian Music Foundation, is at home and doing well after having surgery the end of February.

Jennie Littrell, wife of Jeff Littrell (Pastor of Peace Moravian), has had bilateral knee surgery and sinus surgery and is recovering at home.

Our prayers are with these.

Installations

Luke Bell has accepted the call to become Pastor at Mizpah Moravian Church in Rural Hall, NC. He will be installed on May 6. He has previously served in the Methodist denomination and is very enthusiastic about serving in the Moravian Church.

May God Bless you as you serve!

Sunrise Service

Salem Congregation's
229th Annual Easter Service
God's Acre in Salem
6:00 a.m.
John D. Rights Presiding

*many other Moravian Congregations also have sunrise services

The Provincial Elders' Conference met on February 27 and March 6. Each time the meeting began with a time of sharing and prayer. Call Processes for the following congregations were discussed: Enterprise, Prince of Peace, Christ Church, Oak Grove, Mizpah, and Enterprise. PEC noted that many in the province mistakenly believe PEC keeps a single "call list," and that every pastor is intentionally placed on or kept off the list. While at any given time some pastors' names are more likely to be presented to church boards than others, few, if any, names are absolutely ruled out. At least to some degree every pastor in both provinces (South and North) might be considered for a congregation in a call process.

The PEC also continued consideration of next steps in several congregations with special needs or in revitalization efforts.

Approval was voted for the following congregational acolytes: Scott Brent (Friedland) and Helen Davis and Jim Barnes (Olivet).

PEC received a report from the Synod 2002 Planning Committee and approved the theme, "Called by Christ to Serve Together." Minutes from the meeting include a rich variety of thought and concerns out of which the theme arose. PEC suggests that this background to the theme be kept in mind and communicated as synod preparation continues. Names weresuggested for Nominations and Elections Committee Chair. Bob Sawyer reported on items from the Feb. 26 meeting, including insurance issues and staffing in the Treasurer's Office.

PEC has received correspondence regarding a recent statement in Onward's Pray Everyday. In it a reference was made to homosexuality as

one of the "host of horrors" in America. PEC noted the Southern Province statement on homosexuality from the Synod of 1995, which notes differing convictions in the province on issues related to homosexuality. The resolution quotes the Covenant for Christian Living as follows: "We will ever strive to manifest love towards all people, to treat them in a kind and friendly manner…" While we differ on the morality of homosexual behavior, the PEC believes that including homosexuality per se (orientation) as a "horror" is inconsistent with the spirit of our province's position.

PEC received a report from Br. Robert Wolfe and reaffirmed his call to specialized ministry. Plans were discussed for the April visit of pastors from the European Continental Province, and for the upcoming PEC retreat. The latter will be devoted to matters relating to candidacy for ordination and preparation for ministry.
(submitted by Bob Sawyer)

New Moravian Community in Huntersville

New Beginnings Moravian Community (Huntersville and North Mecklenburg County area) will begin Holy Week services starting on Palm Sunday with a Lovefeast in the evening at the Cavin-Cook Chapel. They will continue throughout the week meeting at five individual homes. All of this activity will culminate with the Huntersville folks gathering together and leaving as a group early Easter Morning (4:30 am) arriving at Salem for the Sunrise Service.

In the tradition of those earliest Moravians, New Beginnings strives for Christian intimacy and community in all they do. Please continue to keep Br. Chris Thore and this new community of Moravians in your prayers.
(submitted by Chris Thore)

Synod 2002 "Called By Christ to Serve Together"

What is Synod? Provincial Synod is the representative body of all the 20,000 people in the Southern Province. (Only Unity Synod has higher authority.) It is the primary governing body and its purpose is to adopt laws and govern in all matters pertaining to the province. It also sets goals and determines the future direction of the province.

Who is Synod?

• duly elected representatives from each congregation based on the communicant membership of that congregation,
• all ordained ministers serving under call or appointment in the Southern Province,
• all lay ministers who are in full charge of an organized congregation,
• all retired ordained ministers residing in the Southern Province or retired from the Southern Province,
• 3 full-time church educators elected to represent all church educators.

Can others attend Synod? PEC invites advisory delegates to attend synod. They participate in all activities except voting.

How often does Synod meet? every 4 years.

When is the next Synod? April 17-21, 2002

Where does Synod meet? in 2002 at Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mtn., NC

How will my church be represented? All ordained active and retired pastors who are members of your congregation may attend. In addition, each congregation is entitled to one delegate per 125 communicant members.

How and When should delegates be elected? Delegates (and alternates) must be elected by Church Council no later than December 1, 2001.

What are some things Synod does?

• examines the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations,
• adopts Rules and Regulations for congregations
• hears and redresses grievances,
• elects a governing board called the Provincial Elders' Conference who acts on behalf of synod during the period between synods,
• elects representatives to the following boards: Archives, Christian Education, Evangelism and Home Missions, Financial, Mission Society, Provincial Women, Salemtowne, World Mission, Salem College and Academy and Moravian Theological Seminary Trustees, and NC Council of Churches. These administer the church's government or manage its finances and institutions,
• elects delegates to Unity Synod,
• elects bishops,
• oversees and directs agencies, institutions and funds of the province,
• supervises church publications,
• regulates the organization of the congregations,
• exercises general supervision over all church activity in the province.

Has planning begun for Synod? Yes, the Planning Committee has been hard at work since January. They have visited Blue Ridge Assembly and chosen a theme. The Worship Committee and Nominations and Elections Committees are being formed and begin work soon.

In the coming months we will address various aspects of synod: how legislation may be submitted, the work of ministry groups before and during synod, how delegates can prepare for their experience, and the work of the Nominations & Elections Committee. If you have questions about synod, please e-mail them to us at lkale@mcsp.org and we will answer them in future issues of Provincial Ties. (submitted by Lynn Kale)

Getting to Know Our Agencies: The Moravian Music Foundation

The Moravian Music Foundation is busily working towards its move "to town" - preparing its holdings, office files, library, and everything else in this building for a new life in the new building.

What does the MMF do? Our mission, adopted by the Board of Trustees, is to preserve, share, and celebrate the musical culture of the Moravians. Not just the music written by the Moravians, for the Moravians have always used a lot of music written by others; not just the American Moravians, for so much in our collections was written by people who never even visited America; and certainly not the early Moravians, for we have a growing collection of music by 20th-century Moravian composers, and the beginnings of the 21st-century collection!

MMF is an Interprovincial agency, and it's a separately-incorporated not-for-profit corporation. Each year about 20% of our annual operating funds come from the provincial assessments in Northern and Southern Provinces; about 60% come from individual donations, and the rest comes from our small endowment, sales and royalties, and some miscellaneous gifts. Our Board of Trustees contains 12 people appointed by agencies of the Moravian Church in America (Northern and Southern PEC's, Salem Congregation, Bethlehem Area Moravians) and up to 16 other members elected by the Board itself (these don't have to be Moravians, but they can, and a number of them are).

We've been focusing on preservation for a number of years now. The manuscripts in our vault (and the music in the Northern Province Archives) make up a collection of 18th and 19th century music unequalled in America. Much of this music does not exist in manuscript form anywhere else in the world. There are a number of works by well-known European

composers (J. C. F. Bach, for example), which exist here in manuscript and nowhere else! To preserve the contents of this material, we've microfilmed the archival music collections, and user copies of that film are in Bethlehem, Winston-Salem, and Herrnhut. Also the focus on strength, waterproofing, fire protection, and security in the new building are designed for preservation of MMF holdings and the Archives holdings—which are irreplaceable!

Sharing is our next emphasis. This involves publishing music and issuing recordings; working with church musicians looking for recommendations and managing the Southern Province Music Lending Library (some 300 anthems in multiple copies, available for loan to congregations and other groups); doing workshops for congregations, Sunday school classes, Wednesday evening fellowships, civic groups, college classes, etc.; assisting scholars and students in their research; preparing odes for special worship services; and responding to whatever questions of music and worship come our way. Sometimes we feel we're the subject of a "Stump the MMF" game—and we love it!

Some of the services we're proudest of are:

• The "Chorale of the Month Club": for a small subscription fee, your band can receive a newly-arranged hymn tune each month. These are taken from the large group of hymns in our hymnal which are not in the band "green books". So far we're just using public-domain works so as not to have to deal with copyright issues and royalties. Call or e-mail for more information!
• Preparing easier arrangements of Moravian anthems for choirs. We've heard that so much Moravian music is too high and hard, so we're responding by making 3-part arrangements in lower keys. We've only done a couple so far (e-mail Kevin Brown-kevinbrown@ols.net- for a copy for your choir), but we see a lot more of these in the future.
• Maintaining a calendar of Moravian-related musical events. This is printed in our quarterly Newsletter and maintained on our web site as well.

(continued on page 8)

New Church Development in Holly Springs, NC

A tract of land on Holly Springs Road has been purchased now for the new Moravian Church in Holly Springs, NC. The excitement about this purchase has enhanced the desire of those committed to this new work. The number of people considering this new church continues to grow-through evening Bible Studies in Holly Springs, worship at Raleigh Moravian and other means. On May 20, the charter for the new church will be officially opened at a service held on the new property. (More information on this service will follow next month in Provincial Ties.)

Many have given us names of families and individuals in this area who might be interested in hearing more about our development, and we thank you. Please continue to send us these contacts and also continue to keep our efforts in your prayers.

Hal Atkins
401 Wild Holly Ln
Holly Springs, NC 27540
919-577-2116
Email: hal@moravianchurch.org

The Great Sabbath Service

The annual Great Sabbath Service of music will be at Home Church on Saturday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. This year's presentation will be THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST by Theodore Dubois, conducted by Richard Cook with organist Max Smith. Soloists are Melanie Collins, soprano; Brian Carter, tenor; Brett Pryor, bass. This service has been sponsored by Salem Congregation for more than 50 years. All congregations and guests are invited to this service of worship, providing an opportunity for reflection between Holy Week and Easter. (submitted by Mallie Graham)

Moravian Ministerial Association

May 3rd, 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Moravian

Morning Program-The Rev. Tracy Pryor will present the first part of the program, sharing her six-week experiences in Suriname last fall. The second part of the program will be presented by Dr. Julia Simmons, Program Director of the Stokes Co. Suicide Prevention Alliance. She has also been a member of King Moravian Church since 1977. Her theme will be: Ministry When Hope Seems Lost-Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and After Care.

1. Learn about the scope of the problem of suicide throughout the nation, including risk factors.
2. Signs and symptoms of suicidal thought.
3. Basics about getting people to help.
4. Resources available to help ministers and church staff assist those in suicidal crisis and their families.
5. To briefly share your own stories of ministering to suicide related crisis.

Lunch will be catered to Fairview, but it is necessary to sign up by April 26-Bill Campbell 336-643-5037.

Afternoon Session-Julia Simmons has agreed to remain for an afternoon session. The session will provide a more in-depth opportunity through discussion and small group work to:

1. Share your wisdom and concerns about this topic with your fellow Ministers/DCE's/Provincial employees
2. Explore the impact of our attitude on reaching out to those in suicidal crisis, and
3. Discuss how church staff persons can best provide loving support in your community before, during, and after suicide related crisis.

(submitted by Bill Campbell)

European Continental Province Pastors in Southern Province

Eleven pastors from the European Continental Province will visit the United States and Winston-Salem from April 26-30. They will be arriving Thursday evening, April 26 and leaving early Monday, April 30. The pastors include:

Karin Beckmann
Eberhard Clemens
Karin Clemens
Elisabeth Langerfeld
Joachim Kreusel
Christian Menzel
Hans-Beat Motel
Chrstine Pietsch
Dorothea Rohde
Christian Theile
Frieder Vollprecht

On Friday morning, April 27, the PEC will host an informal dialogue among the ECP pastors and Moravian pastors and DCE's from the area at Christ Moravian Church, Fellowship Building from 9:00 am-noon. We plan to conclude with a complimentary lunch. Reservations can be made by calling the PEC Office at 336-725-5811.

Everyone is invited to a reception to meet our guests on Saturday, April 28, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Christ Moravian Church, Fellowship Building. (submitted by Bob Hunter)

The Moramus Chorale Huntersville Concert

The Moramus Chorale under the direction of James Bates and accompanied by Susan Bates will present a concert of Moravian music in Huntersville, NC at Huntersville United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. Brother Chris Thore (Pastor of the new Huntersville community) sees this as an opportunity to share our Moravian musical heritage in an ecumenical setting.

The Chorale is made up of 35 singers from the Winston-Salem area Moravian Churches, as well as Charlotte and the Huntersville new community. The purpose of the group is to learn and sing Moravian music in churches and the community.

Everyone is invited! For additional information, call Mallie Graham, 336-924-9409.
(submitted by Mallie Graham)

Classified Potpourri

Clemmons Moravian Church is seeking a full-time DCE. Submit resumes to PO Box 326, Clemmons, NC 27012.

"Trumpet In The Land"

The Ohio Moravian Ministry Commission cordially invites all US and Canadian Moravians and their friends to a Moravian Night at Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Paul Green's "Trumpet In The Land." In a spacious 1200 seat amphitheater witness the exploits of missionary David Zeisberger as he ministers to the Delaware Indians and establishes the first Christian settlement in Ohio.

Also in the area— Schoenbrunn Village State Memorial, site of the first Christian settlement in Ohio founded by Moravians and Amish country. For more information on lodging , etc., contact the PEC Office 336-725-5811.

• Publishing the Newsletter of the Moravian Music Foundation quarterly, containing the calendar, publications list, and articles about Moravian musical activities. (We do accept news items submitted from the congregations, and we really do want to list your musical events in our calendar!)

Celebration implies that there's something really good here. Our celebrations mostly take the form of concerts, and we do provide the music for the Moravian Music Festivals which are sponsored by the two American provinces. Our 2001-2002 season will feature a series of concerts and events marking the opening of the Archie K. Davis Center, beginning with the dedicatory events on September 29, 2001 (Please mark your calendars! Look for a schedule of events in upcoming Provincial Ties).

While music isn't really one of the "essentials" of our Moravian faith, it is the way in which we communicate those essentials to and with one another. Many people come to the Moravian Church by their interest in our music. Help us to serve as the musical arm of the Moravian Church in America—first by knowing what we're up to, second by letting us know what we should be up to, third by asking for our help if there's anything we can do for you. Come visit our Cascade Avenue home while we're still here, and then do come see us when we've settled in "uptown"!
(submitted by Nola Knouse)

Gemeinschaft August Leader Training

The annual training retreat for August Leaders of the Gemeinschaft Program will be held at Higgins Lodge at Laurel Ridge on Thursday, June 21 through Sunday, June 24. Training for leaders for all three levels of Gemeinschaft is provided. Congregation members who plan to lead a Gemeinschaft group this fall must attend this training event. All ministers will receive a registration form in the mail, and are asked to forward to interested individuals within their congregations. The fee for the weekend is $130, which includes lodging, meals and training materials. For further information or additional registration forms, call Judy Knopf at the Board of Christian Education 336-722-8126.
(submitted by Judy Knopf)

One Man's Story of Life in South Africa

Chris Wessels, Moravian pastor and seminary lecturer from Capetown, South Africa, shares a profound story. As an anti-apartheid activist, he was arrested and imprisoned twice without trial, and finally expelled from his native province. He has worked tirelessly to unify the Moravian provinces separated by race. His life's work has also gained him perspective on the AIDS epidemic ravaging Africa. Chris will share his story in three presentations.

"Mixing Politics and Religion; The Price for Speaking Out Against Apartheid in South Africa"

• Tuesday, April 17 Noon-2:00 p.m. Home Church, Fellowship Hall Free lunch provided, reservations required, 336-722-6171 by noon on Monday, April 16th.
• Wednesday, April 18 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kernersville Moravian Church
• Thursday, April 19 6:30-8:30 p.m. Clemmons Moravian Church

This event is sponsored by the Herbert A. Pfohl Endowment Fund, the Center for Moravian Studies and the Mission Society (Southern Province). (submitted by Bob Hunter)

Continuing Education

NEW 2001 National Evangelism Workshop July 11-13, 2001, Kansas City, Missouri

"Cutting-Edge Methods and Inspiration"

Major Addresses by: Tony Campolo, Susan Smith, Scott Colglazier

Plus ten world-class workshop leaders will provide practical ideas fro small, midsize and large churches on a wide range of evangelism and church-vitality issues. For a registration form, contact the PEC Office 336-725-5811.

Teen Coffeehouse in Kernersville, NC

Common Grounds is not a new coffeehouse for teens in Kernersville; it began two and a half years ago at Kernersville Moravian Church. This coffeehouse has been described as an environment that has virtually no peer pressure- the kind of atmosphere where kids feel comfortable not having to put on fronts.

Jeremiah Smith, a Kernersville Moravian teen, with the help of his family and Pastor Don Winters solicited the assistance of the Kernersville Jaycees, who agreed to sponsor Common Grounds. The success of the coffeehouse at KMC led to a search for a building with more space and visibility.

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen agreed to lease a former bank building at 212 East Mountain Street to house Common Grounds for $1 a year to provide a safe place for young people to meet. The grand opening of its new location is expected April 28 with a local Christian group "Beloved" playing live as well as introducing their newest CD which will hit the market on that day.

Teens from throughout the Moravian Church are always invited to come. Attendance now averages 47 teens, but it is expected to grow in its new location. There is no admission and teens who come will be asked to sign a covenant agreeing not to use cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or profanity. Snacks, drinks, games and music will be provided.

Mother's Day Offering For Salemtowne

Everyone is encouraged to participate in this year's annual Mother's Day Offering on May 13th. Please encourage your congregations to give generously to support the Residents' Assistance Fund. Pat and George Johnson are chairing this year's offering, and join Salemtowne in thanking all Moravians for their support. (submitted by Kay Phillips)

Help Combat World Hunger

In sub-Saharan Africa, 291 million people (more than the entire US population) live on less than $1 a day, and one person in three is chronically undernourished. In all, more than 186 million Africans are malnourished. HIV/AIDS is causing widespread sickness and death. Other problems include civil wars, poor infrastructure, and foreign debt.

Despite these obstacles, Africa is showing signs of renewal—more democratic governments, new businesses, more equality for women, and dealing with HIV/AIDS. Bread for the World Institute advocates a long-term US aid partnership to reduce hunger and strengthen Africa's capacity to solve its own problems. Projects would be planned and run by Africans, with technical assistance from US and international agricultural and business advisors.

A 174-page, illustrated book is available free of charge at the Mission Office, 336-773-1732, if you would like more information regarding these and other issues to help combat world hunger. (submitted by Gail Walker )

National Day of Prayer
"One Nation Under God"

On May 3rd, our country will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. The theme is "One Nation Under God," based on Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Dr. Billy Graham, Honorary Chairman for this year, has written a "Prayer for the Nation" (attached) to be read simultaneously across the country on May 3rd, beginning in Washington, DC, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

For Your Calendar: April

Moravian Church in America, South
Provincial Elders’ Conference
Drawer O, Salem Station
Winston-Salem, NC 27108

Address Correction Requested

Address Book

Laurel Ridge toll free # 888-831-5922

Edwin & Betty Sawyer
800 Hausman Rd
Allentown, PA 18104
610-530-7594
E-mail: morningstar1@mymailstation.com

Wally & Linda Yarbrough
PO Box 10200
Winston-Salem, NC 27108
336-784-2041
E-mail: wallinda@csrlink.net

King Moravian Church
(effective April 1-changing to a street address) 228 West Dalton Rd
King, NC 27021

Deadline for the May issue of Provincial Ties is April 26.