Congregations & Fellowships
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Ardmore
Bethabara
Bethania
Bethesda
Calvary
Christ
Christ the King
Clemmons
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Cordero de Dios Fell.
Covenant
Crooked Oak
Enterprise
Fairview
First Moravian (GA)
First Moravian (NC)
Friedberg
Friedland
Fries Memorial
Fulp
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Konnoak Hills
Leaksville
Little Church on the Lane
Macedonia
Mayodan
Messiah
Mizpah
Moravia
Morning Star Fell.
Mt. Bethel
New Beginnings
New Covenant Fell. (Palm Beach)
New Hope (FL)
New Hope (NC)
New Philadelphia
Oak Grove
Olivet
Palm Beach
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Pine Chapel
Prince of Peace
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Rural Hall
Sarasota Fellowship
St. Philips
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Tampa Fellowship
Trinity
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Unity
Willow Hill

THE UNITAS FRATRUM

The Unity Board Meeting
South Africa, March 11-18, 2005

Message to the Provinces of the Unity

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We the members of the Unity Board of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) meeting in Cape Town, South Africa greet you warmly in the Name of our Chief Elder, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a special joy to send you this message from our meeting, a full report of which will be sent to your Provincial Board.

Our host has shown great hospitality, allowing us to share meaningfully in the life and worship of the Province and to experience something of the what makes South Africa a great country. We regret that due to difficulties with visa arrangements the representative from Honduras was not able to attend. However, to our great delight we had representation from all the other Unity and Affiliated Provinces.

This meeting was the first being chaired by our new president Br. Robert Sawyer, of the USA Southern Province, who took over as President of the Unity Board on January 1, 2005. We thank our outgoing President, Br. Angetile Musomba of the Tanzania Southern Province, for the leadership he gave to the Unity during his tenure. Out meeting also elected Sr. Angelene Swart of the South African Province as Vice-President.

We have had the chance to hear directly from the representatives about life in the Unity. We learned about the challenges being faced in Labrador and have asked the American Provinces to journey with Labrador in making a careful review of the work with a view to its strengthening. We heard of the joys and challenges being experienced in Nicaragua, Suriname, Alaska and Britain and Northern Ireland. We assured the Eastern West Indies and Guyana of our love and support as they recover from recent disasters and congratulated Jamaica as they too recover while observing the 250th year of witness in their country. We rejoiced with the four Provinces in Tanzania for the rapid growth that they are experiencing and encouraged the American, Czech and Continental Provinces in the new initiatives for growth they have implemented.

When we realised that there are now several areas of new work being undertaken in the Unity (including Albania, Belize, French Guyana, Zambia, Malawi, Congo, Cuba, Latvia, Slovakia, Eastern Siberia, Eastern Germany, the Northern and Lake Tanganyika areas of Tanzania, Florida and among the Garifuna in Honduras) we concluded that we are at an exciting moment in the life of our church. For that reason, we felt that the time we spent discussing the meaning and role of the Unity today was well spent. We were able again to affirm that we are a single church, existing in provinces that exercise a ministry of mutual accountability and guidance under the administration of the Unity Board. It was a moment then to call each other to fulfil this role of mutual guidance, under the authority of the Unity Synod and the Unity Board, and so foster the unity to which we have been called.

(continued on page 5)

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

"THEREFORE, AS GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE, HOLY AND DEARLY LOVED, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS AND PATIENCE." COLOSSIANS 3:12

Our prayers are with...

Deaths

Rosetta Parks Clark, mother of Don Clark (Salem Congregation) passed away on March 5 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Brenda Stewart, sister of the Rev. Arkon Stewart, pastor of Providence Moravian, passed away on March 7 in Winston-Salem, NC.

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

Illness

Sister Betty Mullen (mother-in-law of The Rev. Lisa Mullen-BCE) in Wilson, NC.

Sister Linda Fishel (wife of the Rev. Charlie Fishel)

The Rev. David Fischler

The Rev. Joe Gray

The Rev. Norman Byerly

The Rev. Phil Bauguess

The Rev. John Christman

Our prayers are with these.

Pastoral

Sister Sandra Thigpen who has served as pastor of St. Philips Moravian in Winston-Salem, NC since March 2004 will be received into the Moravian ministry on April 10, 2005 at 4 p.m. Bishop Lane Sapp will officiate at her reception.

Sister Angelene Swart of the South African Province was elected Vice-President of the

Unity Board at that board's meeting held in South Africa in March 2005. One vote was cast by each of the 16 provinces of the worldwide Moravian Unity to determine the election. Brother Robert Sawyer had served in the position for the past four years. Congratulations!

Ordination Anniversaries:
April

Congratulations and God Bless You!

World Mission Shop donates $2,000 to Tsunami relief

As a result of the Tsunami event held February 12, World Mission Shop donated $2,000 to Mennonite Central Committee. These funds enable help for immediate needs and a long term plan for relief, development and peace.

(submitted by JoAnne Todd)

Marriages

Serena Wille and John Sides were married in Asheville, NC on March 12. John is the son of Elizabeth and the Rev. Rick Sides, Executive Director of the Board of Christian Education. Serena and John will reside in Washington, DC.

Congratulations!

The Provincial Elders' Conference met for its regular monthly meetings in the Cedarhyrst Conference Room on March 21 and 29, beginning with a time of sharing and intercessory prayer. A written report on the Pastors' Summit was received from the facilitators. Clergy were sent that summary and the PEC will meet with facilitator Dave Odom to consider next steps. PEC also approved a letter on justice for women. PEC sent the letter to pastors and boards.

PEC discussed call processes for the following congregations: Fries Memorial, Macedonia, New Hope (FL), Bethesda, Advent, and Mayodan. PEC received reports from the following pastors who are serving in specialized ministries: Neal Jones of Palmetto Health, Columbia, SC; Bert Hebbert Chin of Vitas Innovative Hospice, Miami, FL; and Robert Wolfe of Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries, Winston-Salem, NC. Their calls were renewed and PEC expressed appreciation for their ministries on behalf of Christ and of the Southern Province. PEC also appointed Joe Moore to serve as a clergy member representing the Southern Province on the Board of World Mission. Brother Moore will fill the vacancy created when Sam Gray accepted a staff position with the Board. PEC also appointed Tom Shelton to represent the PEC on the Faith and Order Commission beginning April 15, 2005. Bob Sawyer has been serving as the PEC representative but asked to be replaced in view of new responsibilities with the Unity Board.

Bob Sawyer reported on the recent meeting of the Unity Board and distributed two documents, "Message to the Provinces of the Unity" and "Towards a Common Affirmation of the Role and Meaning of the Unitas Fratrum and the Unity Board."

(submitted by Bob Sawyer)

Latino Ministry Update

Cordero de Dios Church is hosting a vision-screening program in partnership with NC Lion's Clubs, Sunday, April 10th. If you would like to support this effort by providing refreshments for those participating, please contact Camilla Wheeler at 336-416-9542 for further information.

(submitted by David Guthrie)

April Prayer Days:

• Board of Evangelism & Home Missions-April 24
• Moravian Music Sunday-April 24
• Yokefellow Prison Ministry of NC- April 17

Yokefellow Prison Ministry of NC invites your congregation to pray for its ministry on Sunday, April 17th. A sample bulletin insert has been mailed to churches, which provides a brief history and information on this ministry, which is celebrating 35 years of service to prisoners across our state. Over the years we Moravians have enjoyed a close association with Yokefellows. We hope you will take this opportunity to make members of your congregation aware of Yokefellows and the efforts it is making in bringing the love of Christ to the over 36,000 individuals currently incarcerated in NC.

(submitted by David Guthrie)

Senior Friends Retreat at Laurel Ridge

There will be no Pfohl Retreat at Laurel Ridge in 2005; therefore, it is suggested that Pfohl members attend the Senior Friends Retreat April 25-27. The Rev. Jon Boling will be the Bible study leader. Make your reservation with Laurel Ridge at 888-831-5922.

(submitted by Pat Nelson)

Continuing Education

• April 9, 10am-noon, "Faith-based Nation: Religion and Democracy in America and the World"-Lower Auditorium, Wingate Hall, Wake Forest University. This forum is sponsored by Wake Forest University Divinity School. One of the featured speakers is Katy Harringer, who is a Moravian and an expert on the American Constitution.

• Sunday, April 17 at 7pm at Hope Moravian Church, Terri H. Merritt will speak about the challenges parents and grandparents face for raising emotionally healthy children. Terri is a therapist in Pastoral Counseling Services at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The seminar, designed to discover ways that children can grow up emotionally healthy and happy, is sponsored by Pastoral Counseling Services and is free and open to the public. For more information contact Hope Moravian 336-765-8017.

• April 14 -"Religion and Science in the 21st Century" 9:45 am in R.J. Reynolds Building Auditorium Room 136, Winston-Salem State University. Speaker will be Dr. Walter V. L. Eversley, a former Moravian minister.

• Faith Communities and Global Climate Change sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Churches on Saturday, April 16, 2005, 9 am–5 pm at Home Moravian Church Cost: $20 (includes lunch if received by April 11) $15 for students.

  Join in this inter-denominational conference to learn about how global warming is impacting North Carolina. We will explore environmental problems from the perspective of moral values and religious tradition, understandable science and practical solutions. Learn

how to lead in remedial action by dealing with social and psychological barriers, advocating for sustainable public policies, and reducing congregational energy usage and expense. You will be provided with information to share with your congregation that includes educational and worship programs, in addition to energy saving projects. For more information, contact Alice Loyd at aliceloyd@earthlink.net or 919-781-0023. To register, send your check payable to NC Council of Churches, memo Climate Connection Piedmont to NC Council of Churches, 1307 Glenwood Ave; Ste 156, Raleigh, NC 27605. Brochure available on the Board of Christian Education's web site at www.moravianboardofce.org. Click on "Other Ministries" and select "Church and Society."

(submitted by Susan Hudson)

2005 Summer Lay Seminary

"The Moravian Who Changed the World: The Life and Teachings of Comenius"

John Amos Comenius (1592-1670), "that incomparable Moravian," is the most famous scholar produced by the Moravian Church. He is most famous for his effort to "teach all things to all people" by making education more enjoyable, but he also had a grand vision for reform of church and society. He tried to lead people out of the labyrinth of the world through faith, love, and hope. We'll look at the many sides of this influential Moravian theologian whose motto was "Everything flows freely in the absence of violence."

Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Craig D. Atwood

When: July 8-July 10, 2005

Where: Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp, Conference & Retreat Center

Costs: $95 per person (double occupancy) includes meals and materials. To register, call the registrar at Laurel Ridge 888-831-5922.

(Sponsored by The Board of Christian Education)

Message to the Provinces of the Unity (continued)

It was with great regret, therefore, that the Unity Board had to call the Czech Province and the Czech Unity Undertaking, which is being supervised by the Continental Province to see that by their actions over the recent years they both have effectively broken fellowship with the Unity. The Unity Board had consensus in its belief that the fellowship must be restored for both of them to have their usual participation and privileges in the gatherings of the Unitas Fratrum. We have specifically asked the Czech Province to take steps to re-order the practice of the ordained ministry in their Province, so that is comes in line with the rest of the Unity. The Czech Unity Undertaking for its part needed to show further compliance with the request of the Unity Board. We expect that both the Czech Unity Undertaking and the Czech Province will give evidence of their conformity to the spirit and provisions of the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum. Until there is compliance, certain rights and privileges they enjoy will be suspended. The details of the decision of the Unity Board in this matter will be communicated to your Provincial Board.

And so as we close our meeting in South Africa, we ask you members of the Moravian Church to make the work of our Church in all its Provinces a matter of ongoing prayer. Moreover we urge you to strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Yours in Christ's Service,
Robert E. Sawyer, President Unity Board

Classified

Choir/Handbell Director: Mizpah Moravian Church is searching for a positive leader to work with members of varied ages and abilities to motivate, direct, teach and share their common joy and love of sacred music and the contribution it makes to the worship service. The Director will plan the music to be performed by both groups for worship and special services and communicate openly and honestly with the pastor and organist on thoughts for the music of the church. Interested parties send resume to: Music Committee Mizpah Moravian Church, 3165 Mizpah Church Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
(submitted by Kathy Long)

Director of Music/Choir: Fries Memorial Moravian Church seeks to hire a part time Director of Music/Choir Director to be responsible for overseeing the preparation and performance of music at church services and functions. Qualifications include a genuine passion for music, especially the music of the church; the ability to teach, lead and inspire choir members of all ages and ability. Send resume to: Search Committee, Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 251 N Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Questions please call Rev. Margaret Leinbach 336-722-2847.

Link to HR Employment forms:

www.mcsp.org/hr/
User Name (required): hr
Password (required): lamb

News from the Mission Field

Mission Awareness Dinner
May 1, 2005
Bethania Moravian Church

"Sharing the Good News through Prayer, Service and Support"

The Mini Mission Fair begins at 5:30pm with music from the Little Church on the Lane praise band. Our meal, prepared by the Bethania Women's Fellowship, will begin at 6:15 (prior reservations required by April 15).

Travel around the world with us as we hear about mission activities in Kenya, Nicaragua and the United States. The Rev. Sam Gray will share the latest updates from the Board of World Mission. For more information, contact Sheila Beaman at 336-773-1732 or sbeaman@mcsp.org.

(submitted by Jack Geis)

Senior Adult Concert

Mizpah Moravian Church
3pm, Sunday, May 1st

The Voices of Experience Senior Adult Choir from Lawndale Baptist Church will present a program of music and worship at Mizpah Moravian Church in Tobaccoville, NC. This group, 70 voices strong, all 65+ years young has toured much of North Carolina. You don't want to miss this program!! It will be inspirational and fun too!

(submitted by Jon Boling)

Trinity Film

TrinityFilm is a new Triad area film series that focuses on movies that move the heart, films that speak to the spirit...Cinema That Stirs the Soul!(tm) The new monthly series will focus on independent films that center on spiritual life and values. The films selected for TrinityFilm will largely be films you won't see anywhere else in the Triad, including independent films that have not achieved wide distribution in the US and foreign films that have not had theatrical distribution in the US at all. All are films that in one way or another are works of cinematic art, and which have a strong spiritual message. Admission is free and showings are held at 7pm on the third Sunday of each month.

The church's Reich Hall has recently been upgraded to serve as the venue for the series, with the installation of a larger screen, a new high-definition digital cinema projector, and a Dolby Surround Sound audio system.

4-17 Beyond the Gates of Splendor 4 & 7pm
5-15 Shadowlands 7pm
6-19 Peace Child/An Unlikely Friendship 7pm

Showings will be followed by refreshments and a discussion for those who wish to participate. For more information—www.trinityfilm.org

(submitted by John Jackman)

Mark your Calendar

September 10, 2005 for the ReachOut PR/Communication Workshop. Stay tuned for exciting workshop information.

From the Provincial Treasurer's Office

Health Insurance - I mentioned last month that we have renewed our Provincial health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS). Subsequently, as most of you now know, N.C. Baptist Hospital has announced that it will be canceling its contract with BCBS, effective June 4, 2005. Baptist Hospital will then become an out-of-network provider and although participants may still use Baptist Hospital, they will have to pay out-of-network costs. There are some exceptions. Baptist Hospital physicians are still considered in-network so participants can still see these doctors. Also, participants who have an acute, chronic or terminal illness or are pregnant, may still be eligible to continue receiving in-network benefits from Baptist Hospital for a transition period. Baptist Hospital may also still be used in-network for emergency care or for care that is not reasonably available at other hospitals in the area. We will keep you up to date if there are any new developments in this area.

Sales Tax Refunds - How would you like to receive a discount on almost everything you buy at the store? Well, that is what Churches can get due to their non-profit status. I am sure that most churches already file for sales tax refunds (or have sales tax exemption certificates), but if you don't, you are walking away from "free" money.

Here are some simple rules to follow to claim a refund. (I am speaking from a North Carolina point of view but I understand the same holds true in some other states.)

• claims for refunds are made every six months using Form E-585 (in North Carolina). This form is available on the web at www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/sales.html.
• sales taxes are refundable on "direct tangible personal property" as long as it is shown separately on the supporting invoice.

• sales taxes paid on building materials and supplies are also refundable as long as they are shown separately on the contractors' statements. (If you are doing a building expansion, this can be a significant amount of money.)
• some items are specifically excluded such as taxes on utility bills, car rentals, hotel taxes, prepared foods (i.e. meals purchased from a restaurant) and reimbursements to employees or individuals. This last item is very important to remember if you are making a major purchase, such as a computer or appliance for the church. For the sales tax to be refundable, this purchase needs to be done directly by the church and not by an individual who then gets reimbursed.
• in any case, you have to keep the detailed records to support your claim, so it is important to identify qualifying sales taxes every time an invoice is paid. (Do it on the front end, not after the fact.) It does take some effort, but in a year's time it can really add up.

Again, this is something that every church should be doing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give Lois Crain (the resident expert) a call at (336) 722-7922, ext. 1003 or to call your State Department of Revenue.

2004 Church Audits - Audits of all Churches are due in to the Treasurer's Office by May 15, 2005. Instructions and forms went out via e-mail to all Church Treasurers and Trustee Chairs in early February. If no one at your Church seems to have gotten this information, please give us a call and we can send it to you via regular mail.

(Submitted by Ted Leinbach, Provincial Treasurer)

Provincial Children's Mission Lovefeast

February 27
Fairview Moravian Church

Sponsored by The Board of World Mission and The Board of Christian Education

"Just as important as the offering of money was their gift of themselves. This worship was a gift of their creativity and their time. This was a true love offering."

The children's offering was designated for Tsunami victims, as well as others in desperate need through the Board of World Mission.

"We tend to protect our children or we feel that they won't understand the difficult and tragic things that go on in our world. Not only can they understand, but also they can respond in an appropriate and meaningful way. Seeing their response and the depth of their response was very meaningful...very touching."

"Being surrounded by the voices of children inspired me."

Madeleine Atwood signs the benediction "Go Now in Peace."

A stick dance to "Arise My Love" is performed.

Blessed are the pure in heart...

During Epiphany Bishop Graham Rights invited us to listen to some texts and to imagine the story with a different ending. As he read the story of the Magi and I re-read text, I wondered, "What if the wise men had deferred to King Herod and dismissed their dreams of clear warning that they should go home by another way? What if Joseph had not listened to the angel who came to him in a dream, shaking him out of his much needed slumber?" God's promise to extend the gift of salvation was being born in human beings who need to protect the innocent ones.

The same goes for all of us-God places dreams in our hearts. Mine is simple: equip the children and their families for their ministries. So when some of us felt called to respond in a worshipful way to the Tsunami victims, we knew that we couldn't let these dreams die. When we gathered with a group of children from the Province and asked them what they thought about a children's mission lovefeast, the children were decisive and compassionate. They listened intently and then one of them said, "What about Sudan we can't leave them out…for that matter, what about Afghanistan, Iraq, Tanzania, Israel and the Palestinian people. Other concerns were lifted up and when all was said and done, ten nations were included on our prayer and love-offering list. We would share a lovefeast in their honor, and we should have heart-shaped cookies. We would make our own offering plates too!

The worship design team, ages ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, got to work. They decided that they should wear ribbon sashes in the colors of the different nations for whom they were praying. They wanted to process to an African song, and there would be 15 children calling us to worship who were encircling the gathered congregation. They practiced a stick dance to "Arise My Love" and decided that they should greet one another and the congregation with a greeting used in India and Indonesia called, "Namaste, " (Naum-estay, which means to Christians, "Christ in me greets Christ in you").

As the children ages five to eleven, dressed in black with vibrant sashes of color greeted us with a deep bow, we were all called to deeper worship. So many adults found the same word to describe this service, "Beautiful!"

Just the other day, one of the parents called me aside at a Wednesday night supper. He had recently spied his daughter outside on a spring day motioning the sign language to "Go Now in Peace," which she and others had sung for our worship benediction…a reverent prayer of her own. "Go now in peace, serve the Lord with gladness." Our younger sisters and brothers, true disciples, understand much more than we credit them, and they want to respond in prayer and worship. Jesus was emphatic about how we might enter the kingdom of heaven. God places dreams in children's hearts too. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," …and they might help all of us see a little clearer.

(submitted by Lisa Mullen)

"Service of Music"

April 24, 10:30 a.m.
Clemmons Moravian Church

Winston-Salem State University Choir
University Burke Singers
University Men's Chorus

Clemmons Moravian welcomes Spring Tour 2005 from Winston-Salem State University (70+ singers) under the direction of D'Walla Simmons Burke.

The choir has become nationally known and invited to perform for local, state and national events including performances before the governor of North Carolina and President George W. Bush. The Burke Singers are a female a cappella vocal ensemble founded in 1995. After two years of planning, this event will truly be a blessing to the congregation and our guests.

It will be one of the only performances of the choir in this area and in a church setting for their Spring Tour 2005. The church band will play a prelude on the grounds beginning at 10 a.m. Make plans now to attend and bring a neighbor!

Clemmons Moravian Church will celebrate Moravian Music Sunday on April 10th with a Lovefeast at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Apple Blossom Festival
April 17, 2005

Willow Hill Moravian Church will hold its 68th Apple Blossom Festival on April 17. Guest speaker is the Rev. James C. Newsome, Jr. The band program will begin at 2:30 pm with the service at 3 pm. This is a service of praise to God for the beauty of His creation, especially that of the apple tree blossoms. Please invite congregations to participate in this worship.

(submitted by John Kapp)

Ministers' Care Plan

Compassionate care is available

The emotional and spiritual health of ministers is crucial to the effectiveness of their ministry and the health of the congregations they serve. The Southern Province of the Moravian Church & Baptist Hospitals/CareNet make confidential and compassionate care available in times of need for ministers, DCE's, and their families.

The Ministers' Care Plan (MCP) makes the services of pastoral counselors of CareNet center available at subsidized rates to eligible members and their families. MCP also honors preferences for qualified therapists when travel to a CareNet center would be a hardship.

Strictly confidential—The names of participating clergy and their families are not divulged to anyone, even though the Southern Province provides direct financial assistance through MCP.

Who's Eligible? Full-time, ordained ministers and directors of Christian education serving churches in the Province are eligible; spouses of these are also eligible. Eligible ministers, DCE's, and their families can expect to pay $20 per standard session. The remaining costs are covered by the Southern Province up to a maximum of $800. (Approved sessions through CareNet cost $40 to the Province which would typically allow 20 sessions. After the maximum of $800 per family is reached there is a 12-month waiting period for further eligibility.)

If the need for counseling is determined to be "medically necessary," the minister/DCE will be expected to first use the mental health benefits of the Province's group health insurance as primary coverage. When insurance benefits are denied or exhausted, the eligible person may begin to draw on MCP assistance.

A brochure outlining these benefits and listing some of CareNet's professional counseling resources is available in the PEC office. For more information you may contact the CareNet Office at 336-716-7578 or e-mail-sscoggin@wfubmc.edu.

All inquiries are kept confidential.

Newsletter Notes

From around the Southern Province

The cocoon of scaffolding has come down, and the "new" 1896 Boys School in Salem is now sporting a new roof. Since it is in a historic district, the owner, Salem Congregation, had to use the same type of material as the original: slate. It cost a pretty penny, $147,665 to be exact. But think of it this way. It should last 100 years, and by the time another roof is needed we'll all be long planted in God's Acre. And some of the old slate was salvaged and sent to Fries Memorial so paintings could be made on them and sold to raise money for the church. Now that's really recycling.

Oak Grove, Rural Hall, and Fulp observed Lent this year in a special way by having a pulpit exchange for the Wednesday evening services. Matthew Allen (Oak Grove), Jim Newsome (Rural Hall), and Dan Nelson (Fulp) rotated among the churches, leading the services and speaking on "The Seven Last Words from the Cross." Each night's offerings went to the East Stokes Outreach Ministry.

Cryptic comment from Peace's Board of Trustees: "Cause of the mysterious wind noise in the Sanctuary is still being investigated." Can it be? The new sanctuary "sings"? Keep us posted on the mystery, Peace sleuths.

Consider this an annual reminder. When winter weather knocks out a Sunday church service, it also knocks a hole in Sunday church collections. But it doesn't faze the utility and other bills. Winter weather knocked out two Sundays in January, which has put many church budgets two weeks in the hole. Keep that in mind, and let's be extra generous when the collection plate comes around. (Florida churches can ignore this reminder, but then hurricane season is just around the corner.)

We are accustomed to thinking of declining membership, which the Southern Province has been doing since an all-time high of 22,808 in 1971. But there is a counter trend. In January King welcomed 15 through adult baptism or confirmation. Olivet's confirmation class is the largest in recent memory. New Philadelphia has issued a call for more volunteers in its nursery. Peace has added a class for second and third grade Sunday school. A children's handbell choir is begun at Konnoak Hills. All these are signs of vitality. May all our churches share in this growth.

- Richard W. Starbuck

Deadline for the May Issue of Provincial Ties is April 28

Wanted: Photos of your Church Steeple

If you are a frequent visitor to the www.moravian.org website, you will see that one square on the home page is dedicated to showing pictures of steeples of our Moravian Churches. The IBOC is currently collecting photos of steeples to rotate in and out of this block. If you have a scan of a picture or a digital picture of your church steeple, please send a copy to Deanna Hollenbach, Director of Communication, at deanna@mcnp.org. (medium to high resolution on these types of pictures is preferred for web use).

If you only have a hard copy photo of your steeple, send the photo with return address information on the back to: Interprovincial Board of Communication Moravian Church, Deanna Hollenbach, Director of Communication, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016. We will return any photos we receive as soon as we're done placing them on the website. This is a great way to make sure your church is part of the denominational website.

(submitted by Deanna Hollenbach)

Address Book

Joe and Kelly Moore
6205 Dupont Lane
Tucker, GA 30084
(h) 770-270-9190
revjoemoore@bellsouth.net
pastorkellymoore@bellsouth.net

Jimmie Newsom, Sr.:
jimmienewsom318@bellsouth.net

Konnoak Hills Moravian:
khmc3401@bellsouth.net

John D. Rights:
jdrights@bellsouth.net

Richard Spaugh:
rspaugh2@triad.rr.com

Moravian Church in America, South
Provincial Elders’ Conference
459 South Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Address Correction Requested

For Your Calendar: April