Moravian World Mission Conference

The European Continental Province hosted the second World Mission Conference in Herrnhut June 25 to July 2 with 105 registered participants. Unlike the 1994 conference, participation was limited to official delegates from the provinces and other specially invited guests.

Prior to arriving in Herrnhut, delegates stopped for team visits with congregations throughout the ECP. Each team was to discuss mission from the variety of perspectives represented and bring the experience of these discussions to Herrnhut, where opportunity was granted for some to share with the plenary.

Major addresses were given during the plenary sessions during the first three days. These sessions provided input for the committee sessions, which dominated the closing days of the conference. Devotions each morning, noon and evening were led by delegations from various provinces. Delegates met in small koinonia groups and Bible studies each morning. For many of us these two small group meetings were especially meaningful times of sharing, prayer and interaction with God's word. On several occasions, individual delegates were invited to make presentations in plenary and/or small groups about their experiences in mission. Special events were Holy Communion on two occasions, a lovefeast, a Bach cantata, and a reception by the mayor of the Herrnhut.

Five major plenary addresses or lectures were presented. Hesdie Zamuel (Suriname) gave the keynote address, "From Miami to Herrnhut…and Further." Otto Dreydoppel Jr. (USA, North/Moravian Theological Seminary) spoke on "The Church in Mission and as Mission: The Mission Theology of Zinzendorf." Brian Abrahams (South Africa) spoke on the mission history of his own province. He highlighted the early missionary effort from Herrnhut along with the early contribution of indigenous Christians in the spread of the gospel. Beom Seong Lee (Korea) shared his experiences as a Presbyterian missionary in Germany for the past 11 years. His address was entitled "A Different Mission Strategy." Finally, Hans-Beat Motel (Germany) presented an overview and evaluation of the New World Witness program of the Unity.

The major work of the conference took place in committees. The following eight committees met in session over several hours during the last three working days: Culture and Gospel, Justice, Urbanization, Renewal of the Congregation, Healing, Mission Organizations and Church Boards, New World Witness, and Mission and Paternalism. Two committees (Healing and Justice) were asked to consider the question of Palestine and Israel. Two members of the staff of Star Mountain, Ramallah were able to leave Palestine to attend the mission conference and were granted plenary time to speak about the situation faced by the institution and the Palestinian communities.

(Continued on Page 5)

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

"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God"
1 John 3:1
Our prayers are with...

Deaths

Horace Vance, father-in-law of Joe Lineberger (Betty), Provincial Property Manager, and Joyce Vance (Randy), DCE Raleigh Moravian, died July 2 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Richard O. Rainey, father of John Rainey (pastor of Mayodan Moravian) died on July 11 in La Luz, New Mexico.

Bruce Fischler, father of David Fischler (pastor of First Moravian Greensboro) died July 18 in San Jose, CA. We express our love and sympathy to their families and friends.

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

Congratulations and God Bless You!

Illnesses

Ray Troutman, retired Moravian Minister acting as Visitation Minister at New Philadelphia Moravian, has taken a leave of absence while dealing with a recent illness.

Bobbie Blackburn, who gave so many years of service to the PEC Office, was hospitalized in mid July with a blood clot in her leg but is now recovering at home.

Bob Iobst, retired Moravian Bishop, was hospitalized the end of July for tests and is now resting at home.

Our prayers are with these.

Pastoral Changes

Sister Judith Justice will be consecrated a presbyter at New Hope Moravian in Newton, NC on September 9 at 3:00 p.m.

Brother Chris Giesler has accepted the call to become Director of Youth Ministries for the Eastern Region of the District. He has served as chaplain at Moravian Theological Seminary for the past seven years. He will conclude his ministry at the college at the end of the fall semester and begin work with the District in early January, 2002. His office will be located in the Church Center in Bethlehem, PA. May God bless you as you serve!

Congratulations and God Bless You!

The July PEC report will be included with the August report in the September Provincial Ties.

Salemtowne Dedicates Amos Room

The Richard F. Amos Assembly Room was dedicated at Salemtowne on June 24. The Rev. Dr. Gerald Harris of Home Moravian Church and The Rt. Rev. Graham Rights, Vice Chairman of Salemtowne Board of Directors, led the service. This multi-use room in the new Phillips Health Care Center was provided by a gift made in 1999 from Home Moravian Church and its Board of Trustees in memory of The Rev. Dr. Richard Fearrington Amos. Dr. Amos served as pastor of Home Moravian Church as well as serving as a member of Salemtowne's Board of Directors. He lived at Salemtowne, where his wife Janet still resides.

The Amos Room provides the Phillips Center with its own assembly room, and during the next 18 months of construction, will be the main meeting room for all of Salemtowne. Once the Community Center is completed in late 2002 with a fellowship hall able to seat 200 people, it will become the center of many activities for Salemtowne. However, the Amos Room will remain a special place for residents to worship, enjoy music and gather together for many occasions. Guests are welcome to visit the Amos Assembly Room at Salemtowne.

(submitted by Kay Phillips)

SALEM TROMBONE CHOIR ATTENDS BLÄSERTAG 2001

On June 1-4, 2001, members of the Salem Trombone Choir, joined by four trombonists from the Bethlehem Trombone Choir, three non-trombone brass players, and numerous friends, participated in Bläsertag 2001, a brass festival sponsored by the European Moravian Province. This year's festival, directed by Br. Ben van den Bosch of the Zeist congregation, was held at the Neukölln church, located in the former West Berlin. Over 350 musicians were in attendance at the biennial gathering which has been held since 1924. Each festival is hosted by a different European congregation, the 1999 the festival having been held in Zeist. The 2003 festival is scheduled for Herrnhut. Photos of this event may be viewed at this year's web site: http://www.blaesertag.de. This was a wonderful experience for all who attended, and the 2003 festival already is much anticipated.

After the festival, the choir and friends headed south with stops in Leipzig and Dresden. After leaving Dresden, the group was given a tour of the Moravian Church and cemetery at Kleinwelka before proceeding to Niesky. In Niesky, a tour of the community was followed by short concerts for the residents of the "old folks home," the patients at the hospital, and, perhaps most rewarding, the Moravian Sisters, or Deaconesses. From Niesky, the group went to Herrnhut, playing at Saturday evening Singstunde and with the Herrnhut brass choir during Sunday morning worship. While in Herrnhut, a side trip was taken to Berthelsdorf where the trombone choir was allowed to play in the Lutheran Church that Zinzendorf attended.

The musicians and friends who made this trip to Germany were well received in every respect. Numerous individuals in the communities stated that this was the first time an American

instrumental ensemble had ever visited and played for them. Without a doubt, it will not be the last!

(Submitted by Donna K. Rothrock, Director, Salem Trombone Choir)

Classified

Director of Young Adult Ministries-Kernersville Moravian is taking applications for this new full-time ministry staff position. For more information and a job description, call 336-993-3620.

Trinity Moravian Church is seeking a part-time Music Director. This person will be responsible for directing the adult choirs. Formal musical training and familiarity with the Moravian worship service, liturgical year, and music are preferred. Send resume and names, addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references to: Music Search Committee, Trinity Moravian Church, 220 E. Sprague St., Winston-Salem, NC 27127.

Fairview Moravian Church is accepting resumes for an Adult Choir Director-part time, 35 hours per month. Degree in music or equivalent experience preferred. Send resume to: Personnel Committee, Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC or email-fmchurch@bellsouth.net.

Bethania Moravian Church is seeking a part-time Christian Education facilitator. The main emphasis will be working with the youth and youth leaders. For more information, contact Wilma Harvey (V-C Elders) 336-924-9246 (wk) or 336-924-2660 (h); or Bethania office 336-922-1284.

Alpha Course Celebration Dinner
Thursday, August 23
Ardmore Moravian Church
6:30-8:30 pm

Please join us for this exciting course that will encourage your faith and give you a new passion for the Lord as you learn about the basic beliefs of Christianity. At the celebration dinner you will find out just what Alpha is about and have all your questions answered. We invite you to come check out Alpha to see if it's for you. There will be a donation basket for dinner with a maximum donation of $5. For more information, call Caroline Woo-336-723-3444. Please bring your friends!

(submitted by Caroline Woo)

(continued from page 1)

Twenty youth delegates quickly discovered each other and set about to make their voices known. The chemistry among the youth was exciting as they gathered for spontaneous singing, hung out with each other and even joined several adults for early morning prayer meetings in the graveyard. Their report to the plenary was engagingly presented and calls for a youth mission conference in Jamaica in 2004.

Albanian "Moravian," Vjollca Mazi, addressed the plenary at least twice. First, she gave the capsulated political and religious history of Albania, emphasizing in particular the cruel oppression of the communist years and how an entire population was turned into atheists. In her second address, she shared the testimony of her own journey to Christ and his journey to her. It was a beautiful story of the power of the gospel that moved everyone. Also, the delegates from the Czech Province were engaging witnesses to what the Holy Spirit has been doing in the Czech Republic. They impressed me with their understanding and articulation of the church and its mission today.

The team visit in Neugnadenfeld impressed on me the similarity of the mission challenge facing the church in Germany and the church in North America. Meeting delegates from Albania, Cuba, Latvia, Nepal, and Grand Cayman reminded me that our witness worldwide is extending.

(submitted by Hampton Morgan, Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church)

South Africa Province Elects Bishops & Members

During the Provincial Synod of the South African Province, Brother Eagle Ndabambi and Ben C. Lottring were elected bishop. Also elected were three full-time members of the Provincial Board-Sister Angeline Swart (chair), Brother Frazer Dube, and Brother Derrick Meyer. (submitted by Hans B. Motel)

Synod 2002: "Called By Christ to Serve Together"

Writing a Proposed Resolution

Synod 2002 will determine much of the future direction and actions of the Southern Province. In our May column we addressed how a proposed resolution passes through a ministry group or committee at synod, comes to the floor of a business session for discussion and vote, and upon approval is added to the Book of Order. In this month's column we will share guidelines for writing a proposed resolution. We invite any Moravian who has an idea or concern to submit a proposed resolution to synod.

What to Write

Your first step is to meditate on the question, "What does God want the Moravian Church to do in the next 4 years?" Meditate on the theme of synod, "Called By Christ to Serve Together" and ask for God's guidance. Then, identify the vision, goal, or problem to be addressed. Don't stop with what needs change but continue on to how change might be accomplished. Think through whether it involves a new program, adoption of a new policy, or change in procedure. Don't forget to consider what requirements might be necessary in personnel, resources, material, space, or finances. This exercise will help you clarify your own thoughts and prepare to state them clearly in a proposed resolution.

Writing your proposed resolution is a matter of concisely stating the issue to be addressed and making recommendations.

How? The Format

The background or reasons for the resolution are stated in one or more preambles. The preamble to a resolution is a clause beginning with the word "Whereas." It is not necessary to use more than one preamble but more than one may be used. These should only be used to provide little-known information that relate directly to the point of the resolution. Do not state facts or positions that are already common knowledge. The recommendation statements begin with "Resolved" and each one states an action. Again one or more such statements may be made.

The proper format would be:
Whereas, …(Text of the clause);
Whereas, …(Text of the next to the last preamble clause); and
Whereas, …(Text of the last preamble clause); therefore, be it

Resolved, That …(state action to be taken);
Resolved, That …(state further action if appropriate); and
Resolved, That …(state still further action).

Who May Write a Resolution

Any individual, agency, or board who wishes may write a proposed resolution and submit it to the PEC Office before synod. (We will be glad to help you with the format if you wish.) Please prayerfully consider any input you might want to give to synod because even though everyone reading this won't be attending synod, your ideas are valuable and God uses all of us in His purposes. (submitted by Lynn Kale)

Vacation Bible School 2002: "Come Build a Holy Place"

A few years ago Friedberg Moravian constructed an awesome building for VBS. It comes from the Marketplace bible schools which are experiential bible schools and has been passed around by several Moravian churches. By the end of the week the children have built the tabernacle and the Bible has come to life. Currently the tabernacle is put together behind Ardmore's parking lot but it is looking for a winter home. If your church is interested in being the children of Israel and following Moses and Aaron in the building of the tabernacle, contact Caroline Woo 336-723-3444. (submitted by Caroline Woo)

Called by Christ to Serve Together, Provincial Stewardship Dinner
September 20th 6:30 p.m.

Friedberg Moravian Church
2178 Friedberg Church Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27127
336.764.1830

Pastors and congregational leaders are cordially invited to a time of fellowship and worship at the Provincial Stewardship Dinner. As in past years, we ask you to appoint at least three representatives to attend, pastor(s), elder, and trustee. You may invite other congregational members, as well. The cost of the meal is $10.00. Look for more information in your mail in the next few weeks. (submitted by Judy Knopf)

Day of Prayer for Public Education and Moravian Educational Institutions

Sunday, August 26 is designated as Prayer Day for Public Education and Moravian Educational Institutions in the Southern Province. As the only Moravian educational institution in the Southern Province, Salem Academy and College cherishes its heritage. Salem's first teacher, Elizabeth Oesterlein, the daughter of Moravian missionaries, walked most of the way from Bethlehem to Wachovia in 1766 along with more than a dozen young women. Answering the church's call, she began holding classes in Salem in 1772, making Salem the thirteenth oldest college in the US. There were African American students at Salem as early as 1785 and Native Americans in the 1820s. Through wars and political upheavals, Salem has remained committed to Moravian ideals of inclusiveness and the education of women. The Moravian heritage of Salem is seen in more than lovefeasts, the Christmas Candlelight service, and the use of the Moravian blessing before family-style dinners. It is found in Salem's commitment to sisterhood, the quest for a meaningful life, and service to the community. Both the Academy and College adhere to a strong Honor Code administered by student representatives.

Bulletin inserts are available from Craig Atwood, Chaplain of Salem Academy and College-336-721-2708 or atwood@salem.edu. (submitted by Craig Atwood)

Salem College's Continuing Studies registration continues through August.

Pension Increase

The Financial Board approved an increase of 2.78% in the pension payments to be effective January 1, 2002. The benefit will increase from $36.00 to $37.00 per month times years of service. The action was based on the recommendation of the Pension Committee following that committee's review of actuarial data and investment performance. (submitted by Rick Cartner)

For Your Calendar: August

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

Address Correction Requested

Address Book

No new addresses.

Deadline for the September issue of Provincial Ties is August 30.