New Fund Established to Aid Pastors in Need

Pastors, like most of us, sometimes find themselves in special circumstances where finances become a problem. Health issues arise that need to be addressed. New seminary graduates, awaiting a call to a church, can find meeting monthly expenses a real hardship. Pastors are not exempt from the financial burdens of the 21st century life-and that life can bring unexpected crises.

A new fund, the "Pastoral Assistance Fund," has been established to aid ministers in financial need due to particular, short-term circumstances. The need for such a fund has existed for some time but was brought to the attention of the Moravian Ministry Association at our monthly meeting in May by Bill Campbell, President. Two churches, Immanuel and New Eden, have already responded with contributions to the fund. This fund will be under the direction of the PEC. Gifts made by individuals to this fund are tax deductible.

For all we ask our pastors to do for our congregations—as the young people would say, serve "24/7"—helping our pastors when serious needs arise seems to be the least we can do. With the establishment of this fund, we can show our pastors we support and stand with them both emotionally and financially.

(submitted by Bob Hunter)

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

Ethel Kanoy, wife of Tink Kanoy, died May 18th in Winston-Salem, NC. Ethel and Tink, members of Fairview Moravian have provided a ministry for more than 50 years, through the use of ham radios to Honduras.

Carl Allen Martin, father of Judy Knopf (BCE/BEHM), died May 20 in High Point, NC.

J.W. Teague, step-father of Carol Griffin (wife of Don Griffin of Bethabara Moravian) died May 29 in Winston-Salem, NC.

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

Illness

Madge Reece (mother of Jane Vannoy, BEHM office) has recently been hospitalized for a broken hip. She is recovering at home in Zionville, NC.

Our prayers are with her.

Births

The provincial offices have several new and very proud Grandmothers!

Abigail Marie Beaman (Grandmother Sheila Beaman, BWM) was born November 25, 2000 in New Bern, NC to David and Annessa Beaman.

Gabriel Alexander Walker, (Grandmother Gail Walker, BWM) was born May 10, 2001 to Jon and Kathy Walker of Kernersville, NC.

Robert Brian Kale (Grandmother Lynn Kale, PEC Office) was born May 30, 2001 to Brian and Debbie Kale in Raleigh, NC.

Congratulations!

Pastoral Changes

Sister Polly Applefield has accepted the call to become pastor of Christ Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. She was ordained May 27 at Covenant Moravian by The Rt. Rev. Graham Rights. Polly begins service at Christ Moravian on June 1 and will be installed on June 10.

Prior to graduating from Moravian Theological Seminary, Polly taught at UNC-Wilmington and practiced as a licensed Psychologist. She has two children, Drew (22) and Rachel (14). Polly's interests include art history, computers, fitness walking, dog training and pet therapy, and gourmet cooking.

Brother Wally Yarbrough has accepted the call to become pastor at Enterprise Moravian Church in Lexington, NC. His installation is anticipated in the next few weeks.

Wally and wife, Linda, have a grown daughter, Melissa. Prior to graduating from Moravian Theological Seminary, Wally was a professor at Penn State in Chemistry and Ceramic Science & Engineering. He previously served as pastor at Canadensis Moravian Church, Canadensis, PA.

Brother Joseph Nicholas has accepted the call to become pastor of Prince of Peace Moravian Church in Miami, FL beginning in early September. He has previously served the Moravian Church in the Eastern West Indies and Jamaica Provinces. Brother Nicholas recently completed five years as the Chairman of the PEC, Eastern W. Indies Province.

Joe and wife, Patricia, have two sons, Justin (15) and Philip (11). Joe is an avid sports fan.

The Provincial Elders' Conference met on May 15 and 22. The meetings began with a time of intercessory prayer and sharing. Call processes were discussed for Enterprise, Christ Church, Oak Grove, and Fairview. PEC also discussed problem solving assistance in several congregations.

Tom Minor has announced plans to retire as Moravian College and Seminary Librarian on October 1, 2001 after 16 years of service there. Presbyter partners were appointed for Luke Bell (David Merritt) and Polly Applefield (Lehoma Goode). PEC has drafted a document on expectations for a person completing seminary and ready for a first call. The draft will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the PEC's North and South. The goal of that document is to clarify what qualities the PECs can expect from candidates who are ready for a first call, then to determine what steps are needed to assure readiness. Marty Hancock, who is a trustee at MTS, will be asked to assist in gathering information for strengthening preparation of candidates. We will seek information on perceptions of Moravian Theological Seminary, and to learn more about Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Wake Forest Divinity School. PEC also began the process for an annual review of candidates. Current candidates are: Jonathan Boling, Hank Jackson, Peggy Matthews, Tim Sapp, Randy Vogler, and Riddick Weber.

Bob Sawyer reported on a visit to the Morning Star congregation where he spoke to the board about what it means to endorse candidates. In the future PEC plans to meet with all boards considering an endorsement. Bob Hunter and Lane Sapp reported on their assessment trip to the Palmetto Health facility, which offers a variety of services including a consultation for congregations, help for pastors going through

burnout, and assessment of potential candidates for ordination. Neal Jones, who formerly served under call in our province, is on the staff there.

A report was received from the Synod 2002 Planning Committee. PEC approved a list of advisory delegates and the Planning Committee's recommendations for slight changes to the ministry groups.

Continuing education requests were approved for Carl Southerland, Kevin Frack, and Hal Cole. PEC received correspondence from Archivist Daniel Crews regarding correction of historical notes in the Daily Texts, from David Guthrie regarding a statement on baptism, and from the Board of World Mission concerning the Asia Ministry and diversity in representation to the World Mission Conference.

(submitted by Bob Sawyer)

New Payroll & Employee Benefits Telephone Number

Effective immediately, please use the following telephone number and extensions for any questions and/or concerns relating to Payroll, Employee Benefits or Accounts Payable:

336-531-0025

Extension 1005-Donna Hampton (Payroll & Employee Benefits)
Extension 1003-Lois Crain (Accounts Payable)

You may call 336-722-7922 for other Treasurer's Office staff.

The Treasurer's Office is happy to announce Dana Arrowood has joined their staff as Office Coordinator. Dana is a 1997 graduate of Salem College. She is originally from Davidson County. Dana and husband, Paul, live in East Bend. Welcome Dana!

Message of the Presidents of the WCC
at Pentecost 2001

Your Spirit upon all flesh.

2001 has been a surprising year from the start, holding us in suspense with a succession of dramatic events, as though humanity were moving in the pain of childbirth (to use the language of Paul), with the potential danger of death and yet the precious hope of new life. So we come once again to Pentecost, after journeying for seven weeks in the light of the unfathomable mystery and infinite splendor of our Lord's Easter resurrection.

It is with this vision of new life that we as Christians face the challenges of this new century which might otherwise overwhelm us. In particular, we rejoice in the knowledge that the ecumenical dialogue is alive among the board families of Christian churches. Today, more than ever before, churches, in spite of their particularities, are called to be passionate in their search for unity, common witness and effective service, "that the world may believe." In this quest, we draw encouragement from the prophetic words of Joel, recalled by the Apostle Peter at Pentecost: "In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17-18).

Considering the profound changes now confronting all of humanity, the famous exhortation from the Apostle Paul, so often read and quoted in our churches, provides the necessary guidance: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and agreeable and perfect" (Romans 12: 1-2, NRSV).

Pentecost today calls us not to spiritual pride, cheap triumphalism, or conformity; not to resignation, neutrality or fatalism, but to hope, commitment and constructive, transforming action which will open the way for a new civilization of the Spirit, of Justice and of Love. What other choice is there for us, as Christians, baptized in the Holy Spirit, but to turn to Christ for renewed strength and spiritual nourishment to follow this calling? Has He not received us into His Church and sent us out into the world to do his will?

As Christians, we must become ever more receptive to the biblical message, calling us to transform and renew our minds and to act as agents of God's will. As churches, we are called to counter the forces that would deny our humanity and divide us into opposing camps. The church, in the world but not of the world, must incarnate the gospel in its own spiritual life and in its works. We are convinced that the Spirit of God calls us to place our creativity at the service of God's purpose and to inspire, transmit and keep alive that vision in the generations that follow. It calls us to have faith in the new tomorrow that we are beginning to shape today.

Therefore, we pray: "Pour out your Spirit on all flesh, O Lord, that we and our sons and daughters, our young and old, both men and women, may be transformed and our minds renewed, that we may see and proclaim your will and be the builders of a new civilization, always in the light of your kingdom. Amen."

Dr. Agnes Abuom, Nairobi, Kenya
Rev. Kathryn K. Bannister, Bison, KS, USA Bishop Jabez L. Bryce, Suva, Fiji
H.E.Dr Chrysostomos, Metr. Of the Senior See of Ephesus, Istanbul, Turkey
H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Damascus, Syria
Dr Kang Moon-Kyu, Seoul, Korea
Bishop Federico J. Pagura, Rosario, Argentina
Bishop Eberhardt Renz, Stuttgart, Germany

Ordination Anniversaries: June

Congratulations and God Bless You!

Air Force Chaplain Service

The Air Force Recruiting Service is seeking 40-45 new chaplains this year who can provide ministry to persons of their own faith, and provide for the free exercise of religion for all people. Interested persons may contact their AF Chaplain Recruiting Office for qualifying information, 800-803-2452. Bob Sawyer is the Ecclesiastical Endorser for both Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church.

Become a Part of History: Salem College

Enhancing the Lives of Students and Providing Top-Notch Education To Our Community Since 1772

Salem College Continuing Studies: For women and men age 23 and over; flexible scheduling; quality options for prompt degree completion. First or second degree, professional development-your choice! Register now through August.

For more information about taking courses at Salem College, call the Continuing Studies office at 336-721-2669.

(submitted by Brett Pesce, Continuing Studies)

Graduates

Julie A. Atwood (wife of Craig Atwood, Chaplain, Salem College) received a Master of Education-Educational Leadership from UNC-Greensboro.

Lynnette Dellbridge received her Ph.D. from Union.

Riddick Weber received his M.Div. from Duke University.

Congratulations!

Three Educators Receive Provincial Certification

Three of our educators serving in the Southern Province received their provincial certification during May. They are-

Joe Hoover - Friedland
Judy Knopf-BCE/BEHM
Heather Stevenson- Advent

The synods of 1995 and 1998 called for an emphasis and affirmation for the work of the professional educators serving in the province. Certification is the process which recognizes, endorses, and supports the educational competence, personal maturity, professional growth and denominational accountability of our educators. Best wishes to Joe, Judy and Heather in their continuing ministry, and to the many other educators who help keep our mission of education so significant.

(submitted by Rick Sides)

About our Moravian Motto

"Where did the Moravian motto come from?"

The question has arisen often enough that a brief summary may be helpful.

I once heard over National Public Radio a theologian assert that St. Augustine used the motto, "In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things love."

That may be. St. Augustine certainly was prolific enough to have written it.

Our own Moravian historians attributed it to John Amos Comenius, but I always discounted that until bingo! there it was in Matthew Spinka's succinct biography, John Amos Comenius, That Incomparable Moravian (page 147 of the 1967 reissue).

It is from The One Thing Needful (Unum necessarium), which Spinka calls Comenius's last published work, a "beautiful prose poem, which may be regarded as the summary of his philosophy." Spinka continues: "In this book, which may be likened to Augustine's Confessions, Comenius appears once more what he really had been throughout his life—a simple believer, a mystic, to whom union with Christ was his all in all. For the church he had this last word of advice: 'In all things essential unity, in those less needful (which are called additions), freedom; and in all things love to all.'"

Spinka footnotes the motto by saying it is a "paraphrase of the celebrated expression of 'Rupert Meldenius' (P. Meiderlin, 1626) (see John T. McNeill, Unitive Protestantism [New York, 1930], pp.267 f. and n. 12)."

Spinka's footnote is supported (blessings on Internet search machines) by several authorities (except those who favor Augustine) who trace the motto to Rupert Meldenius, a pseudonym for Peter Meiderlin (1582-1651), an irenic Lutheran theologian who taught and died in Augsburg. Meiderlin used the phrase in Prarenesis votiva pro pace. . ., published in the 1620's—the early years of the devastating Thirty Years War.

It is doubtful that Comenius considered it a "motto" as we do, though obviously he was acquainted enough with it to use it in one of his own writings as a memorable word of advice for the churches.

Evidently the saying did not carry into the renewal period of the Moravian Church in the 18th century. Br. Craig Atwood, our resident Zinzendorf authority, does not recall running across the motto in any of Count Zinzendorf's writings or any other Moravian writing in the 1700's.

The motto probably began to appear within the Moravian Church in the mid 1800's when Edmund de Schweinitz inspired a revival of interest in the Ancient Unity. I believe I saw the motto in The Moravian of the 1860's, when de Schweinitz was editor, and by 1900 it had appeared in The Wachovia Moravian. It first appeared regularly in a Moravian publication in 1907 as part of the cover design of the British Province's Moravian Messenger. It was incorporated "as expressive of the spirit of our Church," the publication informed readers.

It must be remembered that Comenius used it in the context of Christian faith, not as a proclamation of "anything goes" or "everybody else must give way to what I want to do." Certainly the motto is, as Comenius understood it, a sublime statement of Christian forbearance, acceptance, and love.

(submitted by Richard W. Starbuck, Moravian Archives, 2001)

Salem Band Concerts 2001

Salem Square, Winston-Salem, NC
Tuesdays - 8:00 p.m.

June 5
June 19
July 3
July 24
August 7
August 21

(submitted by Jeff Whitsett, Director)

New Director of Communication

Deanna Hollenbach has been appointed Director of Communication for the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church in the US and Canada. Her duties include editing the Moravian; overseeing production of the North American editions of the Daily Texts, managing major publication projects, and directing the national website for the Moravian Church. Deanna will begin her work on June 25. Welcome Deanna!

Local Board Endorsement of Ministerial Candidates

The Southern Province calls for endorsement by local Boards of Elders (or Church Boards) of persons who are applying to the PEC for approval as ministerial candidates. To assist the local boards in making a decision regarding endorsement, the PEC is providing suggested guidelines. In the future, PEC plans to meet with all boards considering an endorsement. Each congregation should keep on file the following guidelines:

Guidelines for Local Board Endorsement of Ministerial Candidates

1. What evidence of commitment to Christ do you see in the person's life?

2. What qualities of personality and leadership does this candidate display which would cause you to view him/her as suitable to be your pastor?

3. How do you assess this person's motivation for ministry?

4. How do you assess this person's emotional, spiritual, and mental health?

5. What is this person's self-image and how does he/she relate to others?

6. Does this person seem to have the gifts needed for effective parish leadership?

Synod 2002: Called By Christ to Serve Together

Electing Your Delegates

What would you like to see provincial and congregational leadership focus on for the next four years? Do you know that synod determines the provincial budget and the method that calculates the contribution requested from each congregation? Have you ever wondered how the contributions to the provincial budget are spent? The answer to these questions and many more can be found at synod.

Provincial agencies and boards look to synod for future direction. When they go to Black Mountain next April, delegates to Synod 2002 will have a voice in the decisions that will determine the direction of the Moravian Church, Southern Province. If you doubt that one vote means much, don't forget our last national presidential election.

The work of synod falls into three broad categories: provincial policy and procedures; budget and finance; and elections. Those who attend synod should have knowledge of or be willing to learn about the structure and government of the church. They should be a diverse group of women and men of all ages, some who are detail-oriented and some who have a vision for the future with ideas on how the church can be more effective for Christ in a changing world. Being elected a synod delegate is not like a political campaign or a popularity contest. The Book of Order states in Paragraph #403 "In representing the interests of their electors or their office, members of synod must not lose sight of the interests of the province

province and of the Unity as a whole. Members of a synod vote according to their own conviction and are not bound by instructions of their constituents given beforehand."

The responsibility of a delegate is to be prayerful about the work, attend any pre-synod meetings, read and study introductory material carefully, be familiar with those nominated to fill vacancies in boards and agencies, participate in a ministry group or committee at synod, enjoy the many opportunities for worship and fellowship, and make a report to the congregation upon your return.

The PEC Office is preparing a notification letter for each congregation regarding their number of eligible delegates to Synod 2002. (A registration form will be included.) Your communicant membership from the year 2000 will be divided by 125. If there is a remainder of 63 you will be entitled to an additional delegate. (Please note the Book of Order, Paragraph #1550 Rules and Regulations III for further details on the method for electing delegates and the requirements for congregations that enable their delegates to be seated.) Alternates are to be elected as carefully as official delegates. Delegate and alternate names must be received in the PEC Office by December 3, 2001. (If your congregation's bylaws call for a December or January Church Council, you will need to call a special council for electing synod delegates.)

Our prayers are with each congregation as you elect your delegates. We look forward to a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and becoming equipped for more effective service to Christ and his church at the Synod of 2002.

(submitted by Lynn Kale)

Classified Potpourri

The Hussite Bell Ringers, Inc. are dissolving and liquidating the following assets:

• Handbells remaining and including a three octave set of Schulmerich with cases ($5300).
• Hundreds of copies of music-many now out of print ($ .25 each).

For additional information, contact Jim Salzwedel, 336-794-1747.

(submitted by Jim Salzwedel)

Moravian Ministry Association

July 5th, 10:30 a.m.
@ Fairview Moravian

• Bob Rierson and Judy Knopf, BEHM, will present the first part of the program.
• Bob Sawyer will give a brief update on PEC and Unity matters.
• Election of officers for 2001-2002.

MISSION:POSSIBLE

Board of World Mission
Volunteer Opportunities
Summer, 2001

ALASKA
Bethel Project-Dates: June 14-August 17 Energy-efficient construction of one unit of a duplex apartment including foundation framing. Skilled and unskilled volunteers needed. Aleknagik Project-Dates: August 18-31 Exterior wood painting of recently constructed pastor's house; building a deck; completing some plumbing; structural leveling and improvement; landscaping

LABRADOR
Dates: July 14-26
Church foundation repair-skilled and unskilled labor needed.

For more information contact: NC Congregations, Mark Ebert, 336-764-5486, etebert@bellsouth.net; FL/GA Congregations, Nazario Budier, 305-541-6089, Budier@juno.com

(submitted by Gail Walker)

News From Florida

"Sewing Machines for Nicaragua"

Prince of Peace Moravian Church, through their Mission and Social Action Committee, is helping to provide equipment, tools, and fabric for a sewing project sponsored by ODISRAAN. They are collecting sewing tools and fabric for shipment to Nicaragua. Financial donations will be used to purchase sewing machines and other equipment.

ODISRAAN is a private voluntary organization, formed in Bilwi by physically disabled men and women, with encouragement from the Nicaraguan Moravian Church. This organization seeks to help its members support themselves, reach out to others, and win recognition for the physically handicapped as full members of the church and community in northeastern Nicaragua.

Getting to Know Our Agencies

Board of World Mission

The Board of World Mission (BWM) is the overseas mission sending and supporting agency of the Moravian Church in America. It continues the work begun in 1745 by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, North America's oldest Protestant mission society. Founded in 1949, BWM acts on behalf of the Northern Province, Southern Province, and Alaska Province of the Moravian Church, and the Unity of the Brethren in Texas.

BWM supports outreach ministry in Asia and among the Mixtec people of Mexico, as well as in specialized ministries in Labrador (Sam and Debbie Propsom). Consistent financial and prayer support are provided to the partner provinces of Guyana, Nicaragua, Honduras, Labrador, Western Tanzania (including outreach to the Sukuma people), Alaska (for the Chukotka Native Ministry in Siberia) and Costa Rica. Disaster and emergency relief are provided to all other provinces as circumstances necessitate. The Board carries out an extensive mission education program and is a member of Church World Service and Witness, an ecumenical mission agency.

A representative Board of Directors oversees the work of the Board of World Mission, which is also accountable to the synods of the Moravian Church in America. Meeting semi-annually, the directors determine BWM's goals, policies, and areas of mission involvement, and appoint all staff and overseas personnel. The Southern Province Directors are The Rev.

Timothy Byerly, Ms. Helen Gulledge, Dr. Bob Sawyer and Mrs. Katherine Sparks.

The content and purpose of the mission of the Board of World Mission is best expressed in words taken from the Ground of the Unity, the doctrinal statement of the Moravian Church.

The Lord Jesus Christ calls His Church into being so that it may serve Him on earth until he comes. The Unitas Fratrum (Moravian Church) is, therefore, aware of its being called in faith to serve humanity by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It recognizes this call to be the source of its being and the inspiration of its service. As is the source, so is the aim and end of its being based upon the will of its Lord.

We believe and confess that God has revealed Himself once and for all in His Son Jesus Christ; that our Lord has redeemed us with the whole of humanity by His death and his resurrection; and that there is no salvation apart from Him.

The Unitas Fratrum (Moravian Church) recognizes the Word of the Cross as the center of Holy Scripture and of all preaching of the Gospel and it sees its primary mission, and its reason for being, to consist in bearing witness to this joyful message. We ask our Lord for power never to stray from this.

The Board of World Mission is grateful for the prayer and financial support it receives from congregations in the Southern Province. For more information on BWM's programs, including opportunities for volunteer service and weekly prayer concerns, please see BWM's web site--www.moravianmission.org.

(submitted by Gail Walker & Sheila Beaman)

For Your Calendar: June

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

Address Correction Requested

Address Book

Jon & Bonnie Peterson
4320 Pine Hollow Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28412
910-397-9567
Email: covenantmoravianchurch@yahoo.com

Friedberg Moravian Church info@friedbergmoravian.org
Tom Shelton: tshelton@friedbergmoravian.org

Galen Hahn/Hope Moravian Church Galenhahn@mybluelight.com

Deadline for the July issue of Provincial Ties is June 28.