Southern Province Hosts ECP Pastors

Eleven German pastors who serve the Moravian Unity from Herrnhut, a hospital in Niesky, and other congregations in Germany to congregations in Barbados and Paramaribo visited the Southern Province from April 26-30.

The purpose of their trip was to learn how pastors in the U.S. work with the challenges of ministry and to form cross-cultural collegial relationships. Local Moravians served as hosts and hostesses and cordially invited the visitors into their homes.

During their stay in Winston-Salem the eleven visited Old Salem, Bethabara, and worshiped with their host families. Two informal dialogue sessions among the ECP pastors and Moravian pastors and DCEs from the area, and the PEC were held along with a reception for them to meet the community.

At the dialogue sessions discussion centered on the challenge of sharing one's faith in many different and sometimes alien (resisting) contexts. As the world and society have changed, some noted that people have become more fearful of close contact and don't know how to ask questions or may not even care about faith issues. In some instances society has changed so much that holding certain values destroys relationships. One visitor shared how things have and have not changed in East Germany and the consequences of being a believer. In Europe the church and state are not separate as they are in the U.S. so the visitors were very interested in how politics and religion interact here.

It was agreed that Moravian means different things in different cultures. Balancing heritage while moving into the future is necessary because it can be a blessing as well as a hindrance to new ways and ideas. All agreed it is much more effective to model our faith rather than to talk about it. Pastors felt challenged to help their members grow so they can relate authentically in the world. Accepting people and living out an uncompromising gospel of what Christ's grace really means and presenting the Chief Elder not the organization is the goal. These Moravian pastors face many challenges in today's world but one pastor summed up by saying, "God is able to renew hearts and that is what Moravians everywhere have to share."

(submitted by Lynn Kale)

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

Annie Kimball Durham, mother of Elayne Green (wife of Worth Green-New Philadelphia Moravian), died April 14 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Brother Werner Marx, retired Moravian Minister, died April 22 in McLean, VA. He dedicated nearly 40 years to missionary service in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

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

Illness

Phil Bauguess, Moravian Minister, has had surgery and is at home recuperating.

Our prayers are with him.

The Provincial Elders' Conference met for a retreat on March 25-26, 2001 at Arbor Acres in Winston-Salem, NC. The Methodist Retirement Community graciously gave the PEC use of the Club House for its meeting. The focus of the retreat was on candidacy for ordination and preparation for ministry. After much fruitful discussion Lane Sapp volunteered to expand the current "Expectations for Graduating Candidates" document by writing descriptions and categorizing areas that would indicate a person's readiness for ordination. Some of the categories would be: academic accomplishments, personal characteristics, leadership qualities exhibited, and understanding the distinctiveness of the Moravian Church. This expanded document will also be cross-referenced to other documents that outline the process for the PEC and the candidate. The expanded document will help the PEC communicate with the seminary what it expects of a student at graduation and determine responsibilities of PEC and the church in the overall education of candidates. PEC will continue to individually review and evaluate the situation of candidates attending seminaries other than MTS. It re-affirmed its requirement for a one-year resident study at MTS.

Board Endorsements PEC will send pages 1-3 of the "Steps to Ordination" document (formerly "Whom God Calls") to all pastors and put a notice into the provincial newsletter once a year regarding the seriousness of a church board's endorsement of someone for candidacy.

Candidacy Document Some changes were made to the checklist in the "Steps to Ordination" document including requiring the endorsement from the home congregation's board to be done within a year of beginning the process.

Bishop's Role PEC decided that bishops would be assigned within the first year of the candidate's acceptance. PEC will consider ways the bishops might become more involved with the candidates in a role of preparation and mentoring and ask them how they see their role in this area.

At the retreat PEC also reviewed a recent reference to homosexuality in an issue of Onward. As a result of the discussion the following statement was placed in the PEC Report in Provincial Ties for April: "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."

The Provincial Elders' Conference met for its regular meetings on April 3 and 24, and began each time with sharing and intercessory prayer. Call processes for the following were discussed: Enterprise, Prince of Peace, Oak Grove, Fairview, and Christ Church. PEC also voted to extend to Frank Crouch a call for service as Vice President and Dean at Moravian Theological Seminary, a position to which he has recently been appointed.

Lane Sapp presented his draft for expanding the Expectations for Graduates document. PEC will review and discuss it at the next meeting. The Hope congregation owns a graveyard about a mile and a half from its building. On request of the congregation, PEC approved their pursuing designation of the graveyard as a historic landmark. On request of the boards at the Leaksville congregation, Br. Bert Gullett was approved as a congregational acolyte.

Bob Sawyer reported on the most recent Financial Board meeting and a proposal for new job descriptions and performance review materials. A new consultant has been retained to assist with restructuring the computer filing system.

Lynn Kale will represent the PEC at the next meeting of the Synod 2002 Planning Committee. She will explain possible new ways of handling reports and resolutions. PEC will review the list of committees and ministry groups from 1998 Synod at its next meeting and make recommendations to the Planning Committee. The 2000 year-end statistics will be used in determining the number of delegates for each congregation.

continued on page 7

Synod 2002 "Called By Christ to Serve Together"

How a Proposal Becomes a Resolution
Every four years synod delegates from each congregation are given an important assignment. They determine the goals and future direction/actions of the Southern Province. One of the ways that is done is by approving legislation. In this month's column we will focus on the path a proposed resolution follows to become adopted. Approved resolutions are incorporated into the guidelines governing the Southern Province, the Book of Order.

Proposed resolutions are "created" in three different ways:

1. Submitted by an individual, board or agency prior to synod.
2. Presented by an individual during a business session at synod.
3. Developed by a committee/ministry group at synod.

Any individual, agency, or board who wishes may write a proposed resolution and submit it to the PEC Office before synod. (Information on wording and format is available from the PEC Office.) The proposed resolution is assigned to a synod committee. (At each synod about 20 small working groups called committees or ministry groups are formed to focus on major areas. For example, at past synods there have been groups on Discipleship, Finance, Government, Living in Christian Community, Local Outreach, Older Adults, Stewardship, World Outreach, etc. Each delegate participates in one committee.) The assigned synod committee may modify the proposed resolution and may or may not bring it to the business session for discussion and vote. (Business sessions are also called plenary sessions because everyone attends.)

At synod an individual may present a proposed resolution during a business session. The

proposed resolution must be seconded. If it is seconded, it is referred to the committee or ministry group working in the area related to the proposed resolution. That committee or ministry group may, at a later business session, bring it up for discussion and vote.

Committees or ministry groups may also develop proposed resolutions during their work at synod as well as working on the ones assigned to them. The committee/ministry groups determine whether to bring a proposed resolution assigned to them or developed within the committee to the business session for consideration. However, if the committee declines to bring a proposed resolution to the business session, a 2/3-majority vote of synod may bring it out of committee. Proposed resolutions that have to do with changes to rules and regulations or the constitution are referred to the Govt. Committee and that committee brings it to the business session. Proposed resolutions requiring funding of $2,500 or more are referred to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee brings these to the business session indicating costs to churches and the province.

Proposed resolutions are adopted by a simple majority vote and are then valid resolutions. After synod the boards, agencies, and congregations are notified of legislation that affects them. A booklet is prepared which includes all the resolutions, reports and elections from the synod. Resolutions are also incorporated into the Book of Order. (Each committee or ministry group may write a report to synod, which will be included in the booklet but does not require a vote of approval.) (submitted by Lynn Kale)

Classified Potpourri

Union Cross Moravian is seeking a part-time Director of Christian Education-approximately 25 hours per week. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Doss, 336-769-2411.

The Eastern District Christian Education Commission of the Moravian Church, Northern Province is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries. The primary focus of this ministry is to help churches recruit, train and support adult youth leadership. Mail or fax resume no later than May 31 to: The Rev. Ron Rice, 3730 Jacksonville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017; Fax 610-868-0507.

Trinity Moravian is seeking a part-time secretary to assist the current administrative staff-flexible hours. For more information, please call the church office, 336-724-5541.

Provincial Women's Board

The Provincial Women's Board met on April 23 and appointed Tommie Gambill ( former vice-president, PWB) to assume the vacated position of President for the remainder of the term. Dottie Via will serve as vice-president for the remainder of the term.
(submitted by Emma Gordon)

Moravian Ministerial Association

June 7th, 10:30 a.m.
@ Fairview Moravian

George Reed, Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches will present a portion of the program. (submitted by Bill Campbell)

Dr. Frank Crouch New Vice President & Dean of Seminary

Effective July 1, 2001, Dr. Frank Crouch will become the new Vice President and Dean of the Seminary. He replaces Dr. David Schattschneider, who will retire in June after 13 years as Dean.

Dr. Crouch brings outstanding credentials and demonstrated leadership to his new role as Dean. He earned a BA degree in English at the University of North Carolina in 1977. He graduated from Moravian Theological Seminary with a M.Div. Degree in 1980, and he received his doctorate in New Testament Studies from Duke University in 1996. Since 1996, he has served as an assistant professor of New Testament at the Seminary, where he has designed and taught courses in all areas of New Testament Studies.

Dr. Crouch has been a leading force for change and progress at the Seminary. In addition to his exceptional work in the classroom, he has served as faculty representative on the Seminary's Strategic Planning Steering Committee, where he has actively participated in initial efforts to implement the Seminary's recently developed strategic goals and initiatives.

Dr. Crouch was the primary author of a successful grant request to the Lilly Endowment for $1.2 million in 1998, which resulted in the construction of an addition to the Bahnson Center and a state-of-the-art distance learning center in the Seminary. As Chair of an Educational Technology Committee, he also has overseen the implementation of that same Lilly Grant. Under his leadership, the committee has directed such initiatives as the design and delivery of videoconference courses in both Bethlehem and Winston-Salem.

As an ordained Moravian pastor since 1980, Dr. Crouch has served as associate pastor of Fairview Moravian and as pastor of Providence Moravian, both in Winston-Salem. We join Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary in welcoming Frank in his new role.
(submitted by Ervin J. Rokke)

Getting to Know Our Agencies: Moravian Ministries Foundation

Begun in late 1997 (then known as the Interprovincial Office of Planned Giving), The Moravian Ministries Foundation has developed into a full service 'stewardship support' ministry, serving the Northern and Southern Provinces. As expressed by our vision statement, "…The Foundation is dedicated to informing, educating and receiving charitable gifts for every believer who wishes to support the Moravian cause of his/her choosing…"

What does this mean: 1) we see a primary role as raising the level of awareness about the need for every Moravian to prepare a Will; 2) we want to encourage and challenge members to set aside at least 10% of their estate to the Church; 3) we need to educate members about the various forms of planned gifts that offer an opportunity to give a gift, and receive a tax deduction and lifetime income, avoid capital gains taxes and simplify the probate process; and 4) we don't engage in promoting giving to any particular need or cause, at the expense of others. Our experience indicates that people who express interest in planned gifts, know what they want to support; therefore, the Foundation's job is to help them fulfill their charitable interests.

Why is this work so important? Recently, the Foundation Trustees held a retreat led by Barlow Mann, VP of Robert F. Sharpe & Co, an expert in planned giving. Mr. Mann called attention to a recent study done by Boston College that projected that over the next 55 years $55,000,000,000,000 in wealth will pass from generation to generation and then again. He also indicated that the vast majority of Americans do not have valid estate plans. In addition, Mr. Mann told the Trustees that while private philanthropy is thriving, Americans fall well short of the goal of "tithing" through their estates. Some estimates indicate that American will give just 1% of their estates to charities.

So living our vision is very important. To date, we have helped individuals create over $5.5 million in planned gifts that will benefit local congregations, Provincial and Interprovincial ministries and affiliated agencies. We publish two newsletters. Giving & Receiving reaches over 10,000 Moravian households and speaks to issues of planned giving and estate planning. A Common Spirit is targeted to church leaders and addresses a wide range of topics, including

planned giving, stewardship, capital campaigns and others. We are also working with a growing number of congregation and agencies in an effort to speak to their members about these issues. Finally, we speak to the entire Church through stories in The Moravian. Nevertheless, we believe there is still a great deal that needs to be accomplished before we can we say we have fulfilled our vision.

In addition to our planned giving services, the Foundation offers an endowment management program. Known as the Moravian Common Fund, this service allows churches and agencies to invest their endowments and permanent funds with other churches and agencies in a well managed portfolio. State Street Global Advisors from Boston is the investment manager for the Common Fund. Created in April 1999, the Common Fund has over 23 churches and agencies participating that have invested almost $15 million. While the Stock Market has not been kind, the Common Fund has outperformed the Market.

Finally, last year, the Foundation launched Morning Star Campaign Services. Morning Star is a fee for service consulting program that assists churches and agencies in planning, preparing and conducting capital campaigns. To date, we have assisted Fargo (ND) Moravian Church, Veedum (WI) Moravian Church and Peace (Charlotte) Moravian Church. We have a commitment from New Dorp (Staten Island) to assist with their up-coming effort and we hope to soon announce two more "clients." The fees for Morning Star's services will be in 4% to 6% of the eventual campaign goal - well below most for-profit consulting firms.

As you can see, the Foundation offers a full range of stewardship services. While we are pleased with the level of interest and support, we hope your church and agency will call on us. Remember, if we - the Church - are not prepared to help our fellow Moravians fulfill their philanthropic interests, who will?

Paul D. McLaughlin, President
Chi-Chi Z. Messick, Director of Development

Moravian Ministries Foundation
POB 10932, Salem Station
Winston-Salem, NC 27108
888-722-7923 or 336-725-2589 pdmcl@ix.netcom.com
czmessick@mindspring.com

continued from page 3

PEC has been asked to contribute an additional $7,500 for the World Mission Conference, BEHM has requested permission to seek funds for needs at Sunnyside, and some of our official delegates to the Women's Consultation in South Africa will probably need some supplemental funds to cover their travel costs. PEC agreed that contributions may be sought from particular congregations or organizations that might be interested, but that general solicitations should not be made to congregations.

One congregation interviewing candidates for a church educator position reported that one or more candidates had been ordained in another denomination. PEC was asked whether such a person, if employed, could serve communion. PEC agreed that it was not appropriate for such a person to do so, but will request that the Faith & Order Commission give consideration to the matter.

PEC also discussed ways of strengthening advocacy for women in ministry, and of hosting an event for all approved ordination candidates in the province. Several continuing education requests were approved.

Betsy Bombick gave a brief report on the status of The Hinge, a journal now in its tenth year. Craig Atwood is the new editor.

Arbor Acres has requested permission to use the Wachovia Arbor graveyard parking area as parking and access to its new garden on the adjoining property. Arbor Acres gave assurance that the parking area would be maintained and priority would be given to any official functions on the Wachovia Arbor property. PEC approved the request.
(submitted by Bob Sawyer)

Margaret Norris Joins BCE Staff

Margaret A. Norris joined the staff of the Board of Christian Education on April 1 on a part time, interim basis as Director of Children and Family Ministries. She has served as Director of Christian Education in the Raleigh and Winston-Salem area, been a teacher and curriculum coordinator for the Montessori School of Winston-Salem, done contract Christian Education consulting with several Moravian congregations, and provided leadership for workshops and continuing education events as a certified trainer in the United Methodist Human Sexuality Education Program. Margaret has been a long time program planner and volunteer leader in the provincial junior youth rallies and the pre-junior camps at Laurel Ridge as well as an active participant in the Christian Educators Association here in the Southern Province.

Margaret grew up in the Raleigh Moravian Church. She is currently active in the Home Moravian Church with husband Keith and children, 11-year old Kathryn and 2-year old Thomas. Welcome Margaret!
(submitted by Rick Sides)

Janda Visits North Carolina

The Rev. Canon Clement Janda, the general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches based in Nairobi, Kenya visited Winston-Salem, NC on May 1-3. Janda, a longtime friend of the Rev. John Mendez of Emmanuel Baptist, talked about how churches here can work on projects with churches in Africa. During his visit to Winston-Salem, he spoke with ministers and clergy, the Winston-Salem Urban League and faculty and students at Winston-Salem State and Wake Forest Universities.

New Director Installed at Laurel Ridge

On Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00 p.m., there will be a Service of Installation at the Activities Center at Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center. Mike Warren, who began his duties in February of this year, will be officially installed as Camp Director of Laurel Ridge. Mike has been very active in Raleigh Moravian Church and served as Choir Director for that congregation. We are pleased that Mike, and his wife, Dee Ann, have already embraced Laurel Ridge as their home, and Mike has taken on his new responsibilities with enthusiasm and hard work.

Prior to the Installation Service that afternoon, there will be a "Blessing of Summer Camp" to begin at 2:00 p.m. at the bell. This symbolic opening of camp will feature a walk to 6 stations on the camp grounds where a reading, action, and prayer will take place. Members of all congregations are invited to take part in this new event.

Other activities to be held during the afternoon for all ages include hay rides, hikes, swimming, canoeing on the lake, and the group interaction course. A reasonably priced barbecue dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. where participants can enjoy good food and fellowship in the Leinbach Dining Hall.

Church leaders are encouraged to share this information with your congregations and make plans to attend.
(submitted by Scott Venable on behalf of the Laurel Ridge Board)

1st Annual Reverend Burton Rights Memorial 5K Walk/Run

Saturday, May 5, 2001 - 9:00 AM
Wake Forest University
Reynolds Gym

In honor and remembrance of Burton Rights, the Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation staff is combining two of his passions; exercise and helping others less fortunate, as a fundraiser for a "patient scholarship" fund. This fund will be used to support patients financially unable to pay for participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program. Brother Rights was a devoted and enthusiastic participant in the Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for 19 years. For more information to participate on May 5, contact Andrea Cox at 336-758-5395.

Industrial Areas Foundation

There is a new opportunity to address the social concerns of the Winston-Salem community in a positive way. The Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), an interfaith, non-partisan grassroots community organization, has been invited to Winston-Salem by the Interfaith Partnership for Advocacy and Reconciliation. IAF has trained interfaith community organizations across the nation, including H.E.L.P. in Charlotte, NC, to effect needed change by bringing together diverse groups of people around common goals. IAF will hold two orientation sessions on May 15. The first one, for clergy, will be held at First Baptist Church East Winston, 700 Highland Ave, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Ministers' Conference of Winston-Salem and vicinity. An evening orientation, open to anyone, will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, Room 115. (Use the 4 1/2 Street entrance.) For more information, contact Bob Hunter, 336-725-5811, or Lehoma Goode, 336-722-6171.
(submitted by Lehoma Goode)

Where are These Moravian Ministers Now?

At a recent meeting, PEC decided to contact former active Moravian ministers. We were very pleased to receive replies from many of them. Those listed below have given us permission to share their current addresses, etc. with you.

For Your Calendar: May

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

Address Correction Requested

Address Book

New Beginnings Moravian Community
442 S. Main St., Suite 21
Davidson, NC 28036
704-655-8050
Email: cctcat@aol.com

Deadline for the May issue of Provincial Ties is May 31.