Congregations & Fellowships
Advent
Ardmore
Bethabara
Bethania
Bethesda
Calvary
Christ
Christ the King
Clemmons
Community Fellowship
Cordero de Dios
Covenant
Crooked Oak
Enterprise
Fairview
First Moravian (GA)
First Moravian (NC)
Friedberg
Friedland
Fries Memorial
Fulp
Good Shepherd
Grace
Holly Springs
Home
Hope
Hopewell
Immanuel-New Eden
Kernersville
King
King of Kings
Konnoak Hills
Leaksville
Little Church on the Lane
Macedonia
Margate Fellowship
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
Palmetto Fellowship
Peace
Pine Chapel
Prince of Peace
Providence
Raleigh
Rolling Hills
Rural Hall
Sarasota Fellowship
St. Philips
Suriname Fellowship
Tampa Fellowship
Trinity
Union Cross
Unity
Willow Hill

Unity Conference of Bishops June 7-15, 2007 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We greet you from the beautiful island of St. Thomas where, in 1732, Moravian missionaries first began work 275 years ago. Eighteen bishops from 13 provinces have gathered for the Third Conference of Bishops of the Unity. We have had the opportunity to meet for worship, prayer, and fellowship with much of our time spent in discussion. Our work together began with reports from the provinces. Many of those reports provided items for our agenda. The Unity Board also provided us with issues for our consideration.

It was a very positive experience to sit around the table as bishops from different parts of the Unity and gain varied perspectives on the mission of the worldwide church. How wonderful it has been hearing from different parts of the Unity and discussing the future direction of the church. We would like to share with you some of the matters discussed and invite you to continue the deliberations in your congregations.

Church Matters

As bishops we are concerned that our Unity may be tempted to define the Moravian Church in terms of practice rather than theology. Therefore, we recommend to the Unity Board that the Standing Committee on Theology make as a high priority the continuation of the discussion concerning “Moravian essentials.” We call upon provincial boards, theological schools, pastors, and church leaders to study and pray about this matter. We bishops, also pledge ourselves to that study and prayer.

• We discussed how bishops may be useful in conflict resolution in congregational life and within provinces.
• We reaffirmed the practice of infant baptism. When parents request infant dedication, we believe the child is already God’s possession and we do not see dedication as a substitute for baptism.
• We shared information about Christian education material that reflects Moravian theology which is appropriate in different cultural contexts. We also identified a need to provide an on-line Moravian theological resource.

Social Matters

HIV/AIDS: The church has AIDS! This affects all provinces. The church is working to address this issue but still needs to do more. Congregations should offer particular prayer support for those suffering and their families. We acknowledge the importance of financial support and therefore the need to work to address political and economic structures. There is a mission imperative to work to ensure that drugs and health-care are accessible for all those who need them.

• There is a need for information and Christian education addressing lifestyle and teaching people to deal with their sexual feelings in a responsible way.
• There is also need to develop pastoral training programs in order to offer love, respect, understanding, and particular intercession for people living with HIV/AIDS.

(continued on page 6)

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

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God....”
Romans 8:28

Our prayers are with...

Deaths

Alice Heller, widow of Jim Heller (former Moravian Theological Seminary teacher) passed away on August 10 in Nazareth, PA.

Robah Kerner Burke, brother of Ray Burke-Pastor of Clemmons Moravian Church, passed away on August 13 in Roxboro, NC.

Martin Wessels, former president of the Moravian Church South Africa Province and of the Lutheran World Federation, passed away on August 22.

Glenn Thore, Sr, father of Chris Thore-Pastor of New Beginnings Moravian Church, passed away on September 2 in Winston-Salem, NC.

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

Illness

Polly Applefield, Moravian Minister
Hal Cole, Moravian Minister
Eric Fry, son of John Fry, Moravian Minister
Norwood Green, Moravian Minister
Sam Propsom, Moravian Minister, Canadian District
Ray Troutman, Moravian Minister

Our prayers are with these.

Pastoral

Sister Lisa Mullen has accepted the call as Director of Children and Family Ministries in the Board of Christian Education where she has been working for the past four and one-half years. Sister Mullen has previously served 11 years in ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (PC-USA). God Bless You!

God Bless You!

Ordination Anniversaries:
September

Congratulations and God Bless You!

Congratulations!

to the Rev. Henry A. Lewis who celebrated his 90th birthday and 65 years in ministry on September 2!

Births

Lillian and Tom Shelton-Pastor of Friedberg Moravian Church, are the proud grandparents of two grandsons!

Bobby and Sidney Shelton Youngs have been blessed with a son, Robin Alexander Youngs, born on August 3 in Asheville, NC.

Tommy and Mara Shelton have been blessed with a third child, Fisher Michael Thomas Shelton, born on August 10 in Clearwater, FL.

Chris and Amanda Spaugh Weekley have been blessed with a son, Samuel Christopher Weekley, born on August 19 in Winston-Salem, NC. Proud Grandfather and Uncle are Richard Spaugh-Moravian Minister, and Adam Spaugh-3rd year Moravian Theological Seminary student.

Congratulations!

The Provincial Elders’ Conference met on August 7 and 23, 2007. Burkette, Hunter, Hurt, Sapp, Sides and Sparks were present, and each meeting began with a time of sharing of contacts with pastors or congregations and discussion of specific joys and needs followed by intercessory prayers.

As instructed by the Synod of 2006 in Resolution #34, which calls for PEC to develop a definition or description of “conferential government”, PEC approved a working draft definition which has been forwarded to the Provincial Administration/Ministries Task Force for discussion and feedback. Reports of the Mission Challenge 550 Leadership Team, the Conflict Resolution Resources Task Force and the Intersynodal Conference Planning Committee were reviewed and discussed. PEC agreed to appoint two representatives of the Mission Challenge 550 Task Force to serve on the Intersynodal Conference Planning Committee in order to facilitate communication and cooperation.

Various needs and opportunities were discussed related to congregations and personnel in the Province. Call processes continue at First Moravian (NC), St. Philips, Grace, Bethesda, Mt. Bethel and Covenant.

Current candidates for ordained ministry and other matters related to candidacy were reviewed and discussed. Sr. Lisa Mullen, who has been serving under PEC appointment for the past year at the Board of Christian Education as Director of Children and Family Ministries, was approved for reception into the ministry of the Moravian Church. Sr. Mullen is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA and has served on the staff of BCE for the past four and one-half years. There was also discussion of ministerial student aid and health care insurance for students at Moravian Theological Seminary.

PEC accepted the invitation to lead sessions at the Moravian Ministry Association Retreat on Monday evening and Tuesday morning of the retreat. PEC also agreed to publicize a Pastoral

Letter sent to all congregations from the Unity Conference of Bishops which met in St.Thomas this past June.

At the request of the Board of Evangelism and Home Missions, Bro. Tommy Cole was appointed director of Sunnyside Ministry, effective August 15, 2007. Bro. Ray Burke was appointed to a four-year term on the Archives Board to replace Bro. Tom Shelton whose term has expired. PEC also approved the Archives’ Accession Policy Regarding Financial Records. Sr. Kelly Moore and Sr. Heather Vacek accepted appointments as delegates from the Southern Province to the Unity Women’s Consultation in June, 2008.

Concerning ecumenical matters, a letter of greeting and introduction was received from Richard L. Hamm, the new executive administrator of Christian Churches Together. A letter was also received from Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, explaining actions of the recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Among the Assembly’s actions was the recognition of the Alaska and East West Indies Provinces as included in the full communion agreement between the Moravian Church in America and the ELCA. A report was submitted by Bro. Bob Sawyer on the recent Convention of the Unity of the Brethren Church in Texas, and PEC agreed to invite a representative of the Unity of the Brethren to the Intersynodal Conference next April. PEC acknowledged and agreed to follow the direction of the Southern Province Synod of 1992 that only contributions actually received from congregations for the requested item in the Provincial Budget for National and World Council of Churches would be contributed to the councils on an annual basis.

Various other matters were discussed concerning the life and ministry of congregations in the Southern Province, including identification of congregations scheduled for triennial reviews this fall. PEC acknowledged with appreciation and thanksgiving the dedication of the new wing of Higgins Lodge at Laurel Ridge on August 11, and the reception honoring Bro. Bob Sawyer at Home Church on August 19.

The PEC will meet twice in September for regular sessions, in addition to meetings related to call processes and reviews.

(submitted by Wayne Burkette)

Director of Sunnyside Ministry

The Board of Evangelism and Home Missions is pleased to announce the appointment by the Provincial Elders’ Conference of Carl T. “Tommy” Cole as Director of Sunnyside Ministry, effective August 15, 2007. Tommy and his wife, Betty, are members at Home Moravian Church. Brother Cole graduated from NC State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and completed a marketing management program at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He retired in 2003 from a career as an executive in the oil industry. Prior to becoming a Moravian he was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving in congregational leadership positions and was involved in social service and mission ventures such as Habitat for Humanity, short-term mission trips, and home repair ministries. Brother Cole brings many gifts and strengths to the ongoing mission and ministry of Sunnyside, including a strong calling to make a difference in the local community by meeting the needs of those our Lord has called “the least of these my brothers and sisters.” As he takes up responsibilities we ask for your prayers for God’s guidance and provision for this ministry of compassion in Christ’s name for him, the staff, and the volunteers at Sunnyside Ministry.

(submitted by David Guthrie)

Rio-Anderson begins as Chaplain of Salem Academy and College

Salem Academy and College is pleased to announce the arrival of the Rev. Amy Rio-Anderson as the new chaplain for the Academy and College. Rev. Rio-Anderson is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She is a graduate of Greensboro College and Duke Divinity School where she earned her Master Degree in Divinity. She also did post graduate work at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and is enrolled in a Doctor of Ministry program with a track in Spirituality and Story.

Rev. Rio-Anderson has been involved in campus ministry for nine years. She is excited about the opportunity to work closely with the Moravian Church as well as work with Salem students both in and out of the classroom.

Cup of Covenant Service

Sunday, September 16, 3 p.m.

(band prelude begins at 2:30 p.m.)

Bethania Moravian Church
The Rev. Tim Byerly, speaker

All Moravian Ministry Association members and families are invited. Refreshments and fellowship following the service.

(submitted by Moravian Ministry Association Planning Team)

Moravian Ministry Association Retreat

September 24-27, 2007
Laurel Ridge Camp & Conference Center

The Rev. Dr. Doug Bailey will be speaking to us about collaborative ministries, which we believe to be quite relevant in light of the calls of the 2006 Synod to assess our provincial structure. Doug is interested in developing praxis oriented models for leadership development that help church leaders work together in developing and implementing ministries relating to mission, evangelism and community. Registration deadline is September 11. Contact the PEC office for registration forms.

(MMA Planning Team)

Fall Celebration

For All Women of the Moravian Church

Saturday, September 22
Unity Moravian Church

Fellowship begins at 9am; program at 9:30am; Bible and Mission Study. The cost of lunch is $8 with the Presidents meeting after lunch.

(sponsored by the Provincial Women’s Board)

Fall College Age Retreat

November 2-4, Laurel Ridge
Why Stay Moravian?
Leader: Rev. Dr. Neil Routh

Come and enjoy a weekend away of spiritual growth, study, worship, laughs, good food and fellowship! For registration and information, contact Brad Bennett, 336-722-8126 or bbennett@mcsp.org or bradb53.

(submitted by Brad Bennett)

Fall Youth Rally

October 7, 3:30—6 p.m.
Fairview Moravian Church

Come join Middle/Senior High Moravians on October 7. Theme: Moravians Through Time: A Faith that Endures with a special concert by “The Acoustic Blend” and program leader the Rev. Russell May. Fellowship, worship, pizza, fun, and discussion; cost-$5.

(sponsored by the Youth Commission and the Board of Christian Education)

Prayer Day for Older Adults

September 23, 2007

Sunday, September 23 is Older Adult Sunday. This provides an opportunity to celebrate the ministry and vitality of older adults as they serve in our congregations and in the community. Suggested worship resources will be provided to each congregation by the Board of Evangelism and Home Missions.

(submitted by David Guthrie, BEHM)

Moravian Archives and Moravian Music Foundation

Lunchtime Lecture Series
2007 – 2008

September 13
Luke of Prague: Theologian of the Unity
C. Daniel Crews

October 11
Stories from the Unity Brass Festival in South Africa
Nola Reed Knouse

November 8
How Do We Keep Things? Methods of Data Storage and Retrieval
C. Daniel Crews and Nola Reed Knouse

December 13
topic TBD
lecturer TBD

January 10
Letters from the Cherokee Mission
C. Daniel Crews

February 14
Christian LaTrobe at 250 (1758-1836)
Nola Reed Knouse

March 13
“Moravians At Play”: a mini-recital
Beth Wall Hyland and Nola Reed Knouse

April 10
By Popular Demand:
Audience-Selected Topic
C. Daniel Crews and/or Nola Reed Knouse

May 8
topic TBD
lecturer TBD

Lectures are held in the Spaugh Recital Hall at the Archie K. Davis Center, from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m., on the second Thursday of the month. Admission is free; bring a lunch if you like!

WEATHER POLICY: If the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are closed because of weather, or if schools close early for weather, the lecture will not be held.

working to address this issue but still needs to do more. Congregations should offer particular prayer support for those suffering and their families. We acknowledge the importance of financial support and therefore the need to work to address political and economic structures. There is a mission imperative to work to ensure that drugs and health-care are accessible for all those who need them.

• There is a need for information and Christian education addressing lifestyle and teaching people to deal with their sexual feelings in a responsible way.
• There is also need to develop pastoral training programs in order to offer love, respect, understanding, and particular intercession for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Homosexuality: The bishops were asked by the Unity Board to consider and discuss the preliminary paper on homosexuality prepared by the Unity Standing Committee on Theology. We had very heartrending discussions and learned much about the diverse views held around the Moravian world. We agreed that marriage is between one man and one woman, and we agreed that in our pastoral care we must offer the love of Christ to all God’s people.

• We believe that this is a matter that will require continuing prayer and discussion.

The Death Penalty: The bishops in conference considered the use of the death penalty. We regard the death penalty as state murder and know that any human judicial system is not infallible. Therefore, as human beings we do not have the right to take away the life that belongs to God [Romans 14:7-8].

• The bishops recommend that the congregations of our province be encouraged to examine and discuss the use of the death penalty in the light of the teaching of Jesus Christ regarding the value of human life.

Unity Matters

We reported on discussions within our respective provinces with Christian communions as well as other faith communities. Further discussions focused on the role and meaning of the Unity, mission outreach, and the relationship between bishops and the provincial boards where they reside.

As we have been together this week, we have been mindful of the pain that is being felt in some provinces in our Unity because of conflicts and church divisions. We grieve that anyone would have to suffer broken relationships and we call all people to be at prayer for individuals, congregations and provinces as they seek reconciliation and renewed fellowship within the Unity.

As we celebrate 275 years of mission work around the world we are thankful that God has given us new opportunities for mission and that persons continue to answer the call to mission in our church. We commend this letter to your attention and urge you to join with us in prayer and action for all the above concerns. We thank our Lord for your faithfulness to God and the Church and pray God’s blessing upon all of you as you work and witness to the love of our Lord Jesus.

“May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24]

With every blessing,

Newsletter Notes

From around the Southern Province

Time was, churches consisted of just the surrounding community, those who lived within an easy distance, preferably walking. But with the advent of the automobile and especially good roads, church members might live 30 miles or more apart. An advantage is that our “regional” churches can be more diverse. A disadvantage is that we might not know everyone in church, that we are less and less a church family. Calvary, which is in the heart of Winston-Salem, is establishing a fellowship committee with the goal of bringing its regional members together as a church family. Pray Calvary meets with success, and other churches can benefit from its example.

A cool thought for the hot late summer season: winter coats. Konnoak brings this to mind. It seems the ushers have noticed several coats that have been hanging around for at least six months. Come September, any unclaimed coat will be put to good use at Sunnyside Ministry.

Members of Trinity have been given a nifty suggestion: recruit a replacement. It can be a neighbor or friend or co-worker. Then bring that person to church. Remember, your faith is so wonderful it deserves sharing.

Last December’s Candle Tea is over! That’s the announcement from Covenant, as all the cookie tins were sent back to the cookie maker. “Finally,” Covenant declares, “Candle Tea 2006 is put to bed.”

Home Church points out a billboard on I 40/Business 85 near the Lee Street exit #41 in Greensboro. It’s a painting of flowers entitled “April Showers.” The artist is Bill Gramley, retired Moravian minister.

— Richard W. Starbuck, Moravian Archives

Ancient Unity meets the Internet

Moravian Archives celebrates the 550th anniversary of the Moravian Church with the two most important surviving documents of the Ancient Unity on its web site at www.MoravianArchives.org.

Ratio Disciplinæ, the church constitution of the Ancient Moravian Church, is now posted on the Internet. Formally adopted in 1616 and first published in 1633, Ratio describes the church’s structure and workings, which were already well-established practice by the 1490s.

Ratio joins the Confession of 1535, the principal statement of faith of the Ancient Unity which was endorsed with a preface by Martin Luther. Both documents, very rarely published, are now freely available as “e-books” on the Internet.

(submitted by Richard Starbuck)

NeXtstep Concert Benefits AIDS Orphanage Project

On Saturday, October 20, Fairview will have a Men’s Fellowship Barbeque Supper, as well as a concert on the field beside the parking lot. We are calling the concert the NeXtstep Concert. On that Saturday tents rising up on the field will draw attention to the important events going on here at the church. The Barbeque Supper will raise money for the AIDS Orphanage Project that the Men’s Fellowship has been supporting through the Board of World Mission for the past two years. The NeXtstep Concert will feature groups from local Moravian Churches and performers with Moravian ties. Members of the Children and Family Life Commission will be helping with games and outdoor activities for kids to make this a truly festive occasion. We hope that people who come to hear music will also come in and buy barbeque and that people who come to eat barbeque will walk over to hear some good music. In addition, we will have activities to raise money for and promote awareness of the CROP Walks which will be taking place around the Winston-Salem area the next day.

(submitted by Riddick Weber)

Hope on the Inside

Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries
Friday, September 7, 2007

The Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries will sponsor an outreach/crusade for the inmates at the Forsyth County Jail. Nationally known speaker, author, and pastor, Dr. Tony Evans will join us on September 7 as we pray for those touched by crime, poverty, drug abuse and brokenness in our community.

To kick off the event, your presence and prayers are needed at 6:30 pm at the Forsyth County Jail at 201 N. Church Street as we create a Prayer Circle around the jail. Please join us following the time of prayer to hear Dr. Tony Evans at 7:30 pm, at Reynolds Auditorium at 301 N. Hawthorne Road.

For more information contact the Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries at 336.759.0063 x 37.

(submitted by Robert Wolfe)

Special Mission Gathering

With Mohamed & Safiatu Braima
September 23, 3 p.m.
Fairview Moravian Church Fellowship Hall

Fairview’s Missionary chapter is holding a special mission gathering on September 23 featuring their missionaires to Sierra Leone, Mohamed and Safiatu Braima.

The Braimas have spent the last eight months in their remote village of Luawa-Yiehun, where they have already built a library and begun filling it with books; and are about to complete the building that will be their place of worship. This new-born Christian church is growing by leaps and bounds with nearly 100 adults and as many children. If you are interested in learning more about this Moravian mission, don’t miss hearing their incredible story.

(submitted by E. Artis Weber)

Classified

Mizpah Moravian Church in Rural Hall, NC seeks a Choir and Handbell Director, preferably with keyboard/organ abilities. Inquiries should be directed to Randy Young at [waterfallsntime@windstream.net] or Jon Boling at [jeboling@triad.rr.com].

Laurel Ridge is now taking applications for the position of Assistant Director. This person will have the primary responsibility for marketing and programming for Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center. This person will work closely with the entire administrative staff, the BCE program staff, and with other individuals, groups, churches, and organizations. The Assistant Director works closely with the Director, Operations Manager, and Facilities Manager in a management team, and acts as director in the absence of the Director.

Minimum requirements include a four-year college degree in a relevant field, previous experience in a relevant position. Experience or training in marketing and public relations is desired. This person is expected to live on site in housing provided.

Send resumes to:
Mike Warren, Director
Laurel Ridge, 124 Pendry Drive
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
336-359-2951; 888-831-5922
fax: 336-359-2470

Pilgrims of Ibillin

Pilgrims of Ibillin is dedicated to supporting Christian communities in the Holy Land in their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence with Jews and Muslims. For additional information or to receive a newsletter contact:

Dr. Robert E. Sawyer
Executive Director, Pilgrims of Ibillin
PO Box 21461
Winston-Salem, NC 27120-1461
336-499-5310
e-mail: pilgrims@triad.rr.com

Joy on the Mountain!

Present and past Directors of Laurel Ridge-Mike Warren, Rick Sides, Bill McElveen

On Saturday, August 11, the Salem Wing of Laurel Ridge’s Higgins Lodge was dedicated and “stewards of the vision” rejoiced and celebrated. Despite temperatures in the 90s, 300 people gathered on the Lodge’s new covered entrance as a ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the newly renovated and expanded Higgins Lodge. Music echoed over the top of the mountain as participants, accompanied by a 48-member band led by Hubert Fort, sang “Joyful Joyful, We Adore You.” Mike Warren, Laurel Ridge director, recognized board members, former Laurel Ridge directors, and campaign committee members, all of whom had an opportunity to wield the giant scissors. Special recognition was given to John and Mary Jane Dewees, Growing for a Lifetime campaign chairs, who spent countless hours heading up this very successful effort. Over $2,030,000 was raised, surpassing the $1,950,000 goal, in the campaign which began in 2003.

Guests moved into the new Morning Star Conference Room as the service continued with Liturgies of Rejoicing and Dedication. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne Burkette spoke the words of dedication – “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we dedicate this Salem Wing of Higgins Lodge to the service of the Triune God for the strengthening of the life and mission of the church of Jesus Christ.” Thanks be to God!

(submitted by Chi Chi Messick)

Provincial Women's Board increases training funds available to clergy

Clergy of the Southern Province are reminded of assistance for continuing education available from the Pfohl Fund. This Fund was inaugurated in 1955 by the Provincial Women’s Board in recognition of the more than 50 years of service given by Bishop and Mrs. J. K. Pfohl to the Southern Province and in appreciation for all they did for the women’s work throughout these years. Clergy may apply for assistance for study and travel in the interest of the Moravian Church. Requests may be made every two years. Pastors seeking an advanced degree may apply for three consecutive years. The amount of the aid provided is based on financial need, available funds, the plan for study, and the value of education to an individual’s future service. An application form is available in the PEC Office or from the Provincial Women’s Board. Application should be submitted to the PEC Office (and will be forwarded to the Provincial Women’s Board) at least 30 days in advance of the Board’s meetings (2nd Thursday in January, April, September and November). Information on the event and its appropriateness to the individual’s service in the Moravian Church should accompany the application.

The Pfohl Fund amount available for training has been increased to $500 per year from the Provincial Women’s Board.

Directors of Christian Education in the Province are reminded of assistance for continuing education available from the Herbert W. and Maye S. Aldridge Memorial Education Fund. The Aldridges were long-time active members of the Ardmore Congregation. Applications for aid from this fund are made to the PEC by written request.

The Aldridge Fund amount available for training is $500 per year.

Upcoming Fall Events at Laurel Ridge

Fall Festival

Saturday, September 15th from 11 am to 5 pm. Laurel Ridge is hosting its first Fall Festival. This fun-filled day for all ages includes music, face painting, games, magician, children’s crafts, canoeing, hiking, and inflatables. A variety of Moravian and local musicians will perform throughout the afternoon. Enjoy a full day of activities for just $7 per person or $25 per family. A delicious lunch will be available for $5 per person or if you’d like you can bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy on the mountaintop. Get a group together to spend an afternoon at Laurel Ridge…fun with friends, cool mountain air, gorgeous views, and great food.

Second Sunday Supper at Laurel Ridge
Sunday, September 9th at 5:00 pm
Fall is the perfect time to head for Laurel Ridge and enjoy a delicious Second Sunday Supper. Come up in the afternoon to hike, fish, drive on the parkway, meditate in the labyrinth, or simply sit back and watch the natural world at work. Dinner will begin at 5:00 pm. The menu will be glazed ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, salad, and dessert. Cost is $10 per person.
Upcoming 2nd Sunday Suppers: October 14th and November 11th

Women’s Gathering at Laurel Ridge October 19th – October 21st
Join leaders Rev. Lehoma Goode and Julia Simmons for our Annual Women’s Gathering. Together we’ll lovingly explore the many transitions women encounter in their life’s journey. Expect to be blessed by this awe-filled weekend of spiritual renewal, conversation, relaxation, meditation, music, and laughter.
Cost for the weekend is $130 per person (double occupancy). Scholarship money available by request.

Moravian Mountain Christmas
December 1st and December 8th
What better way to spend a Saturday during Advent than at Laurel Ridge’s Moravian

Mountain Christmas? You’ll be able to enjoy both the music of guitars and dulcimers, along with traditional Christmas music with Moravian brass bands. Activities for all ages include craft making, hayrides, scherenschnitte, cookie decorating, and candle dipping. Saturday meals are available without reservation for a cost of $6/lunch and $8/supper. Daytime activities are offered by donation. A variety of accommodations are available. Call for reservations. There will be plenty of hot chocolate, apple cider, and spirit-filled fellowship to keep everyone warm! Register early if you plan to stay overnight.

Contact Laurel Ridge to register for an event or to get further information at 888-831-5922. You can also request to be added to our event email distribution list.

Continuing Education

• Lay Seminary, Fall 2007

  “Hebrew Words to Live By” by Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman: Friday, November 9, 7-9 pm through Saturday, November 10, 9am-4pm at Fries Memorial Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. The fee is $35/person and includes Saturday lunch and materials. For additional information or registration forms contact Heather Stevenson, Board of Christian Education, 336-722-8126 or email [hstevenson@mcsp.org].

• The Clark A. Thompson Lectures 2007
  Home Moravian Church, October 12-14, 2007

From the Day of Blood to the Day of the Lord: Church State Relations in the History of the Moravian Church

Dr. Jindrich Halama, Czech Republic
The Rev. Dr. Hans-Beat Motel, Germany
The Rev. Dr. David Schattschneider, Bethlehem

For a detailed schedule of the weekend or to make reservations, please call Home Church-336-722-6171 or [home1771@homemoravian.org].

(Continued on page 11)

• Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches Workshop

Saturday, November 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Hope Moravian Church is hosting “Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches,” led by David Guthrie. Topics for this one-day event include: the nature and role of conflict; conflict in the New Testament; understanding and improving your own style of response to conflict, interpersonal peace-making skills, and understanding conflicts in groups. The workshop is sponsored by the Conflict Resolution Resources Working Group (from Synod 2006). Cost: $25 for materials and lunch. Churches are encouraged to send a team of 3-5 leaders.

(Submitted by David Guthrie)

Prayer Day For Christian Education

Christian Education Sunday in the province is September 9, 2007. Along with other printed materials in the Resource Center at 500 South Church Street, the Board of Christian Education distributed resources entitles “Genesis Sunday… A Sunday of Beginnings “ in our June quarterly packet that congregations might want to use as they observe this special Moravian prayer and recognition day. This information is also on our website under Curriculum/Resources, and click on Seasonal Worship Ideas. As the staff of the Board of Christian Education, we offer this prayer for your church to use in worship:

O God of love and grace, we praise you for the power and inspiration you have breathed into us to make a church on earth. We thank you for the faith, nurture, and persistence of our own family who have taught us to pray, to learn and live out the scriptures, and to stand up for your kingdom. Through our Christian Education ministry both in church and at home, we have both heritage and future. Lead us in preparing the way so that all may find life in the household of God. Be present with us now on this special day of worship and prayer for Christian Education, and lead us to walk closer with you in newness of life and faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

(submitted by the Board of Christian Education Staff)

From The Provincial Treasurer’s Office

2006 Audited Financials of the Province
The audited 2006 financial statements of the Province are available on the web at www.mcsp.org. On the home page, the link is at the top of the right hand column. All churches will receive a bound copy of this report at the Stewardship Dinner, but if you need additional copies to send to a bank or for whatever purpose, feel free to print them off the website. It is 20 pages long and makes for interesting reading!(?)

Provincial Stewardship Dinner
On behalf of the Provincial Financial Board and the Treasurer’s Office I want to say “thank you” to everyone who has signed up for this year’s Stewardship Dinner. The dinner is on Thursday, September 13 at Kernersville Moravian Church and we currently have 175 people signed up to attend. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. but please plan to arrive early so that we have enough time to get everyone signed in. For those of you who may not have ever been to Kernersville Moravian, from Winston-Salem take Business I-40 East to Exit 14 (S. Main Street), turn left and the Church will be about 8/10 of a mile on the left.

Like the audited financial statements mentioned above, this year’s budget presentation will also be posted on the Province’s website. (Last year’s presentation is currently available but will be replaced shortly.) You can find it under Resources/Provincial Finances. If you are not able to make the Stewardship Dinner and have any interest in how the Provincial budget works or where the money goes, I encourage you to look at the presentation. It will be available in both PowerPoint and hard copy formats.

(submitted by Ted Leinbach, Provincial Treasurer)

Address Book

Debbie Good-Erickson
19 Blue Heron Farm Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
336-416-6080
mooonbaby@yahoo.com

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

Address Correction Requested

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