Will You Join Us in Prayer?

"God is calling our Province to something important in the coming years. Will you spend some time praying about that while you are here?" The Provincial Elders' Conference is establishing a special place for prayer in connection with seeking God's vision for our province. It is a place we will use, and it will be open for others. In this place there will be a small marker to remind us that any vision comes from God. The marker will contain the words above. Our task, most simply stated, is to be ready to receive the vision God prepares for us. Prayer is an essential ingredient.

We know that prayerful openness for God's vision for us is already a part of our life in this province. We are not starting a new "visioning process." We are affirming what is already happening, and encouraging church boards, pastors, provincial agencies - in fact, all groups and persons in our province - to widen the circles of prayer for vision. We offer the quoted statements above for you to place where people already gather for prayer, or where they might come if invited. These places might be a sanctuary or a chapel, an office, classroom, or board meeting place. It might be the place where people pray at home, or even at work. These simple statements will remind us to pray for an understanding of our province's future life together, and serve to affirm some common ground.

The Board of Evangelism and Home Missions, led by Judy Knopf and Bob Rierson, is using a visioning process with several congregations. We affirm their work, and other processes being used in the Province. The PEC plans to address next year's synod concerning vision. The invitation we present here is intended to support all these efforts and to affirm their unity. After all, if we are in one province and believe in one Lord, He has for us a vision that incorporates all of us with all our gifts.

(submitted by Bob Sawyer)

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

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

Illness

Madge Reece, mother of Jane Vannoy (BEHM), is at home after having a stroke in early September.

Our prayers are with her.

Thanks

Phil Bauguess reports he is doing well and back on a normal schedule now. He thanks everyone for their support and prayers during his recent illness.

Retirements

Brother Tom Minor will retire from active service in the Moravian Church on October 1, 2001. Brother Minor was ordained a deacon in 1966 at Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC. He was consecrated a presbyter there in 1997. His ministry included service in the Eastern West Indies in St. Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago. For the past 16 years he has served as Librarian of Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. We express deep appreciation to Tom and Barbara for their faithful service to the Moravian Church and wish God's richest blessings for them in the upcoming years.

New Mission Education Resources for Children

These are available in the Resource Room, Board of Christian Education. For more information, contact Gail Walker 336-773-1732 or gwalker@mcsp.org.

Congratulations and God Bless You!

Prayer Day for Children (any Sunday in October)

New materials from the NC Council of Churches provide many resources to aid in praying for and supporting children in public education. Included in these materials are a liturgy with hymn suggestions and scriptures with reflections and prayer suggestions. Mallie Graham of Home Moravian helped in the creation of these resources. To access this information, go to http://www.nccouncilofchurches.org/Sabbath/ Sababth_Part1.htm or contact Margaret Norris at the BCE office (336-722-8126) for a copy.

(submitted by Margaret Norris)

The Provincial Elders' Conference met for its regular monthly meetings on September 4 and 18 and began with a time of sharing and intercessory prayer. PEC continued its discussion on provincial visioning and adopted a statement to the Province, printed on page 1. PEC also reviewed their first experience using the new format for the triennial review and noted appreciation to the Messiah church board for helpful feedback. Call processes for Fairview and Oak Grove were discussed.

PEC continued discussions on candidacy and preparation for ministry issues. The PEC's, North and South, meeting jointly in June approved a document that seeks to set out expectations for persons at the point where they have completed ordination requirements and are ready for first call and ordination. (The document is available from the PEC office.) Betsy Bombick and Bob Hunter agreed to be our representatives in reviewing ordination requirements to see whether or not they were adequate to insure that as much as possible candidates would be able to meet the expectations. The discussion also noted the value of a full time 1-year internship and advantages of beginning as an associate pastor. PEC members who recently visited Gordon Conwell Seminary (Charlotte campus) reported on their visit as well.

Synod preparations were reviewed and PEC agreed that Committee and Ministry Group Leaders should be appointed in December, as soon as delegate lists are received. A Unity Synod will also take place in 2002. The Southern Province has three delegates, one appointed by PEC, two elected by synod. The PEC President will attend as the PEC appointee. Unity Church Order states the following: "All provinces are encouraged to consider gender equity in choosing delegates to their respective Provincial Synod and to

Unity Synod." In response PEC will ask the Nominating Committee to put two women and one man on the ballot for delegates to Unity Synod from our province.

PEC Night at Laurel Ridge was planned and the following PEC appointments approved: Moravian Music Foundation Board - Gerry Smith (Olivet); Moravian Ministries Foundation - John Hartley (Raleigh, member of the Provincial Financial Board). We express appreciation to Lessie Dunn (Music Foundation) and Susan Bourner (Ministries Foundation) for their effective and dedicated service on these boards.

In closing Bob Sawyer shared some interesting responses from young people at last summer's Youth Convo. Among other things, they were asked about perceptions of their pastors, and how they thought their peers would react if they said they had accepted a call to ordained ministry. The youth in turn had some interesting questions for the PEC representatives present. All agreed it was an interesting and worthwhile exchange. (submitted by Bob Sawyer)

The Unity & The World Show Support

Following the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the Moravian Church has received many messages from across the Unity offering compassion and prayer. What an incredible grace God sends through His people—near and far! We have heard from heads of provinces in Jamaica, Honduras, South Africa, Britain, European Continental, Surinam, Tanzania South, Czech Republic, and Germany. Many of the messages have come from present and immediate past presidents of the Unity Board, a minority group in the Czech Republic, bishops in Germany, pastors in England, Canada, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and the World Council of Churches.

(submitted by PEC Office)

Classified

Executive Director—Prodigals Community, Winston-Salem, NC - Seeking person with minimum of 3 years experience in the field of drug and/or alcohol abuse and grounded spiritually in Christianity. Must have an undergraduate degree and minimum of three years work in religious or non-profit organization. Send resume to: Search Committee Chair, Prodigals Community, PO Box 10141, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 or fax 336-785-4647.

Oops!!

"For Your Calendar" in the September Provincial Ties had some incorrect dates. The following is correct:

Youth Leader Training Event w/Wayne Rice— Sept 7, 2002

Jr/Sr High Rally @ Calvary 4-6:30—Oct 7

Synod 2002: Called By Christ to Serve Together

Important Reminders:

Since all pastors will be at synod on Sunday, April 21, arrangements should be made by pastors and elders for worship leadership that Sunday.

Delegates to Synod 2002 must be submitted to the PEC Office by December 3. Please plan your Church Council before this last day for submission.

Boards/Agencies/Institutions/ Executives: Synod Reports for 2002 are due by October 15, 2001. Please return to the PEC Office using template form.

Pfohl Fund & Aldridge Memorial Education Fund

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 worth 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 (3rd Monday in January, March, May, 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 is $750 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 . An additional amount of $750 per year is now available for Moravian Seminary in the South classes.

DCEs can apply for $500 and $750 per year to be used for Moravian Seminary in the South classes. While the $500 can be used for any approved training, the $750 can be used only for Moravian Seminary in the South classes.

Youth Leader Training

Saturday, October 20
Christ Moravian Church
10:30 am –2:00 pm

Ginny Ward Holderness will lead this event entitled, "Called to Make a Difference." There is no charge to participate and lunch will be provided if registered. Call or e-mail Brad Bennett, BCE, to register-336-722-8126 or bbennett@mcsp.org. This event will be held in Florida in November.

(submitted by Brad Bennett)

New Beginnings Celebrates First Year

The New Beginnings Moravian Community that is forming in the Huntersville /Lake Norman area is pleased to announce our 1st year celebration in recognition of our covenant-community. Please come celebrate with us and join us for our very 1st annual Church Picnic and Celebration Sunday September 30th @ Jetton Park-Waterfront Hall / Lake Norman, Cornelius NC.

Our time of celebration will begin together in worship that morning @10:30 am and the festivities will continue @ Jetton Park on Lake Norman @ 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Come join us for Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, music and praise, and all kinds of fun stuff on the side!

Call the church office 704-655-8050 for times and directions or BEHM @ 336-725-6413.

(Submitted by the Rev. Chris Thore)

Holly Springs Opens Charter

On the evening of Saturday, September 15th the Moravian Church in Holly Springs celebrated the opening of our charter. That evening 41 adults came forward to affirm their baptismal covenant and with their signature committed to our effort to grow God's kingdom. Within the next couple of weeks others will sign the charter (persons who were not able to be with us on the 15th), bringing our numbers beyond 50. We thank everyone for your prayerful support of this new effort, and encourage you to consider ways that your church can become involved with the development efforts in Holly Springs and Huntersville.

(submitted by Hal Atkins)

Prayer Day for World Mission

The Provincial Elders' Conferences of the Northern and Southern Provinces have authorized the second Sunday in October as an annual day of special prayers for world mission. The Board of World Mission (BWM) encourages congregations to remember in corporate prayers and liturgies on October 14 those past and present who have left their own people to proclaim the gospel to those yet unreached. Prayers are requested for Moravian brothers and sisters in our partner provinces of Alaska, Costa Rica, Eastern West Indies, Guyana, Honduras, Labrador, Nicaragua, and Western Tanzania. Prayers are also requested for those who are sharing the good news of the Gospel through BWM's Asia Ministry and the outreach to the Mixtec Indians of southern Mexico.

For specific prayer requests for our missionary families (Propsoms, Thiessens, and Goff-Rudy's) and from our partner provinces, please see the BWM web site - www.moravianmission.org or contact the Mission Education Office 336-773-1732 or e-mail gwalker@mcsp.org.

During October may we join our hearts in continuing prayers for our nation and in special prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of the harvest, that multitudes from every people will join us in confessing Him as Lord to the glory of God the Father.

(submitted by Gail Walker)

How Many Traits of an Excellent Congregation do you Have?

Recently I had the opportunity to spend three days at a conference in New Orleans on "Excellent Congregations" sponsored by the Parish/Congregation Study Group from UNCW. The conference was a gathering of Catholic Parishes and Protestant Congregations who were interested in striving for "Excellence" within their local churches. One of the things that fascinated me most about the two year study that was done of excellent churches was the common traits found among these growing and thriving congregations. There were in fact twenty-six common traits. Now not every church had all twenty-six but they all had a great number of them in common. I will share only several of these traits with you.

1. These churches exhibited vibrancy, an excitement about living the Christian life. Their faith was alive and challenging. Each day, each activity, each gathering, each meeting, is brimming with possibilities and these churches want to seize those possibilities.
2. They are risk-takers and self starters. They hold on to what works and discard that which does not. They are always looking for new and better ways to reach and serve people. Failure is not seen as a defeat. People are allowed and even encouraged to try new things.
3. They reach beyond their comfort zones in inviting new people to be a part of their fellowship. They ask themselves tough questions.(Who are we? Why are we here? Are we doing what God has called us to do? What would Jesus do if he were a part of this fellowship?) While they are not belligerent or self-righteous, they have a new power to go places they would never have dreamed of going, to let words come from their mouths they might once have kept secret in their hearts.

4. They offer the tools for a deeper relationship with God. They are not a social club. They challenge themselves to forge a real, living and enduring relationship with the Almighty. And they are willing to take part in the spiritual disciplines to help make that happen.
5. They preach and practice forgiveness and acceptance. In "excellent churches" people feel immediately accepted, embraced, and welcomed for who they are as a child of God. There are no hoops to jump through, no social ladder to climb, people are welcomed and loved right now, at this point in their journey of life. There are no hollow handshakes and plastic smiles but a deep appreciation for a person's presence and an acknowledgment that everyone is welcome in God's house. People leave feeling like they have just been to a family reunion . . .because they have!

(submitted by Jon Peterson)

GEMEINSCHAFT

10th Anniversary Reunion
Saturday, November 10
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Trinity Moravian Church

Everyone who has ever taken Gemeinschaft is invited to gather for a time of fellowship, celebration, remembrance and worship. Please help us pass the word by contacting those you know who have taken Gemeinschaft. Groups may plan to come and sit together.

This reunion will start with a "potluck" meal and end with a time of worship led by the Rev. Patty Garner, a former coordinator of Gemeinschaft. Reservations are not necessary, but we would like to know if you are coming! Contact Judy Knopf at 336-722-8126 or jknopf@mcsp.org.

(Submitted by Judy Knopf)

For Your Calendar: October

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

Address Correction Requested

Address Book

Ted and Margaret Wilde
75 NW 209 St
Miami, FL 33169
305-690-0230

Tom Minor: johntom_185@msn.com

New Beginnings Moravian Community: genesis1@compaq.net (office)

Deadline for the November issue of Provincial Ties is October 22.