PROVINCIAL TIES June 2015

— LATEST NEWS & EVENTS —

Unity Women's Desk Two Moravian sisters from the country of Albania, who were instrumental in starting the Lutheran-Moravian Church of Albania, will be visiting in Winston-Salem from June 29 to July 6. There will be an official reception for them at Friedland Moravian Church on July 1, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. They will show a PowerPoint of the work in Albania, and there will be light refreshments as well. Our thanks to Friedland Moravian for hosting this special event. Albania is the poorest and most atheistic country in all of Europe. Come and hear the amazing story of how three women came to know Jesus Christ as Savior through the efforts of Lutheran and Moravian missionaries and how they started a church in their homes as soon as the Communist dicatatorship, which had forbidden any religious worship for over 30 years, fell from power. Today, the Lutheran-Moravian Church in Albania is a part of the European Continental Province. If you would like for them to visit your church, please contact Patty Garner at 725-6413 or at [email protected]. Submitted by Patty Garner

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Executive Director of Sunnyside Ministry We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Holston as Executive Director of Sunnyside Ministry, beginning in mid-June. David has over five years of experience creating, building, and overseeing crisis ministry programs. His has been employed at Rowan Helping Ministries in Salisbury as Director of Shelter Services as well as VA Case Manager, where his duties included staff supervision, grant writing, volunteer coordination, and community relations. David has a passion for crisis ministry and a particular understanding of working with special populations and those who are marginalized. David lives in Lexington and is a lifelong member of Home Moravian Church, where he teaches Sunday School and serves as an usher. The board and staff of Sunnyside Ministry welcome David and are eager to work with him in their mission to express the love of Christ by providing families short-term emergency assistance for life’s basic needs. Submitted by Ruth Cole Burcaw

Moravian Music Foundation News Upcoming Events Salem Band Concert, COWBOYS! – featuring music from the American Old West, familiar folk tunes, and John Williams’ “The Cowboys.” Be one of the first to arrive and receive your free Salem Band schedule fan to stay cool! June 9, 7:30pm on Salem Square, Winston-Salem, NC. Get your child’s photo taken with horse and rider in costume from Silverlin Farms! FREE and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Hot dogs, drinks, and gelato available for purchase. Raindate is August 18th. www.salemband.org The Gray Family will be presenting a variety of music for everyone’s enjoyment June 14 at 7:00pm, 5545 Main St., Bethania, NC. Part of the Bethania Moravian anniversary celebration. The love offering will go to support the relief efforts in the Moravian areas of Khokana and Kathmandu in Nepal (earthquake updates at www.moravianmission.org ) Salem Band Concert, Sports: Our Family Fun night with music for all ages, including American legend “Casey at the Bat,” movie hero “Harry Potter,” and guest athletes from our community. June 23, 7:30pm on Salem Square, Winston-Salem, NC. www.salemband.org Submitted by Erik J. Salzwedel, Moravian Music Foundation

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From the Board of Cooperative Ministries Moravian Leadership Network Are you interested in using your God-given gifts to mobilize the Moravian church of the future? Join the Moravian Leadership Network (MLN) and be part of the solution. MLN joins and strengthens current and emerging Moravian leaders through experiential, group-oriented learning. Apply today to be part of the Class of 2016! Visit our Leadership Development page to find more information and see what previous participants have to say about this valuable program. Hus Legacy Celebration Moravians proclaim John Hus as a martyr to the truth and a faithful witness to the gospel. Join us as we celebrate six-hundred years of his legacy with a special service of worship and communion on Sunday, July 19 at 3:00pm at Home Moravian Church, 529 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC. This service will include music from the Moramus Chorale, provincial band, youth and children's choirs, as well as newlytranslated Hus hymns. The Rt. Rev. D. Wayne Burkette will bring the message. Following the service, all are invited to stay for a reception and discussion led by the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, the Rev. Douglas Rights, and the Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber. Moravian Children's Festival Save the date for a provincial Children's Festival on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Bethania Moravian Church, 5545 Main St., Bethania, NC 27010. This festival commemorates the Moravian children's spiritual renewal in Herrnhut in August 1727. Children's activities are from 2:00pm-3:45pm and include: storytelling, music, games, candle-making, quilting, hayrides, horse rides, & face-painting. A special children's lovefeast service will follow at 4:00pm. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family or group on the historic grounds of Bethania prior to the activities! For more information contact Beth Hayes at [email protected] 336.722.8126. Submitted by Sarah Hubbard

News from the Provincial Treasurer's Office New Chief Financial Officer - On behalf of the Provincial Support Services Board (PSSB), I am pleased to announce that Robyn Glance will be joining us Monday, June 8, 2015 as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Yes, we are changing the name of the Provincial Treasurer position to better describe the duties and roles of this office. I also want to thank Katherine Wilkerson, Chair of the PSSB, for her leadership in conducting the CFO search. Robyn has worked for Orthopaedic Specialists of the Carolinas (now called OrthoCarolina) for the past 23 years, 7 of them as their Chief Financial Officer. Robyn is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Robyn and her husband, Jeff, are members of Christ Moravian Church. continued pg. 4

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Robyn’s work e-mail address will be [email protected] and her phone number will be same as mine, 336-793-0093. I will transition with Robyn for the first several weeks she is here and hope to be re-retired by the end of June. Please join me in welcoming Robyn to her new role as CFO and her ministry to the Moravian Church. 2014 Church Audits – Audits of all Churches were due in to the Treasurer’s Office, or is that now the Chief Financial Officer’s Office or how about just Provincial Office, by May 15, 2015. As of this writing, almost half of our churches’ audits are still outstanding. Instructions and forms went out to all Church Treasurers and Trustee Chairs in early March and they are also available on the web at mcsp.org. Just click on “Resources” and then “Congregation Annual Reports.” If your Church audit has not been completed, please do so as soon as possible. Submitted by Ted Leinbach, Provincial Treasurer, Interim

Sewing Dressess for Nepal Kernersville Moravian and New Philadelphia Moravian are beginning a sewing project for Nepal. They will be sewing pillowcase dresses that will be shipped to Nepal periodically throughout the year. If you are interested in helping with this project, please call Judith Bullock at Kernersville Moravian Church (336-993-5472 or 336-6712012) or Jane Wynne at New Philadelphia Moravian (336-768-3542). Kernersville meets in the Activity Building every other Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m beginning June 2. New Philadelphia will be meeting during the summer until September. You may wish to begin a sewing group at your congregation as well. Submitted by Sheila Beaman

From the IBOC: Discounts on 2015 Daily Texts! Beginning June 1, all remaining 2015 Moravian Daily Texts and 2015 Desk Calendar & Plan Books will be available at a 50% discount! Order additional copies for your congregation, give them as welcome gifts to new members, get a second copy for camp or traveling, or start recording your thoughts with a Daily Texts Journal edition. This sale includes in-stock 2015 paperback, hardcover, journal and large print editions, international versions, 2015 Directory & Statistics and 2015 Desk Calendars, while supplies last. Discounted prices will be reflected on our web store on Monday, June 1. For more information or to order, call Arlene at 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38, email her at [email protected], or visit store.moravian.org online anytime.

PEC News May 2015 The Provincial Elders' Conference met May 4 and 18, with all members present. These meetings included a time of sharing news and needs from across the Province, and intercessory prayer. continued on pg. 5

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SYNOD / STRATEGIC DIRECTION PEC continued discussion and work toward the fulfillment of Synod Resolution # 8 (Safe Sanctuary Policy), #17 (Cornerstone Fund), #18 (“Manna” Ministries), and # 20 (Collaboration with WFU Divinity School). CHURCHES AND LEADERS The PEC continued work with congregations in various stages of the call process: First (NC), Fulp, Little Church on the Lane, Messiah, Oak Grove, Union Cross, and Unity; and discussed and made changes to guidelines for interim pastorates. PEC noted the upcoming retirement of Tommy Cole as Director of Sunnyside Ministry (June 30), and received updates about the search process for a new Chief Financial Officer of the Province. PEC met with Carol Foltz to discuss a report of her research project about care and support of clergy; met with a pastor regarding his current ministry; appointed Envoy Hodgson as a Congregational Acolyte at Prince of Peace church; and reaffirmed plans for a healthy boundaries training workshop to be scheduled in the fall for all pastors and DCEs. PEC discussed results of quadrennial reviews at Immanuel New Eden, Covenant, and New Hope, and plans for the review at New Philadelphia and Mizpah; and responded from requests for assistance from the Good Shepherd congregation regarding its vote to conclude its ministry at the end of May. BOARDS, COMMITTEES, and COMMISSIONS The PEC received and discussed reports from meetings of the Interprovincial Board of Communications (Apr. 10-11), the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, the Laurel Ridge Board of Directors, and from the Candidacy Committee; and continued discussion of appointments to the Ordination Review Committee. PEC responded to a request from the Board of Trustees of Salem Academy and College and appointed L. Duane Davis and McDara P. Folan, III to second four-year terms; and, appointed three members to the Board of Trustees of Salemtowne: Evelyn P. Acree, Valene K. Franco, and Chris Perry. UNITY AND ECUMENICAL PEC accepted an invitation from the Unity of the Brethren (TX) for the PEC president to attend its biennial Synodical Convention, July 10-12; discussed appointments to the NC Council of Churches Committee on Church Unity, as well as the upcoming retirement luncheon for Rev. George Reed, NC Council Executive Director; received a report from Graham Rights regarding his participation May 9 in the ordination of Peter Eaton as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Southeastern Florida; and (via Graham) received news that, after some years of dialogue, the Church of Ireland has welcomed a relationship with the Moravian Church in Great Britain, which will include possible interchange of clergy. OTHER MATTERS PEC discussed the Florida Lay Theological Education Program, and considered passing administration of funds for this effort to the Florida District RCC; reviewed guidelines and processes for new church development; and discussed recent inquiries from four pastors in other denominations regarding service in our Province. PEC approved a request from Home Moravian Church to obtain a loan for the purchase of property, upon recommendation of the PSSB. PEC discussed a Provincial fund raising policy proposed by the PSSB. Submitted by David Guthrie

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Reception for Tommy Cole Sunnyside Ministry is very sad to see Tommy Cole retire as Executive Director. He has worked diligently for almost eight years. Progress in facilities, programs and financial income has taken place. We are thankful for the work he has done. The Program Board of Sunnyside Ministry is planning a reception for him on Sunday, June 14 at Trinity Moravian Church from 2:30 - 4:30. There will be a program of recognition for Tommy at 3:15 p.m.. Everyone from is invited. So, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 14. Submited by Mallie Graham, Sunnyside Program Board

The Moravian Ministries Foundation “Empower people to see that generosity is one of the defining traits of a growing follower of Jesus. If our goal is to follow Jesus closely and represent him well, surely generosity will be an important part of that. Not a grudging agreement to give some of my money here or there when pressed or pressured, but an authentic generosity that finds joy in giving. People come to see that all the contentment and joy that they have been taught they will find by acquiring and keeping money and things, they will actually find in becoming more generous. They have been designed by God to give, not to amass. The scriptures are filled with exhortations for God’s people to be thankful, and to live lives of gratitude. When people are encouraged to think of their lives more in terms of gratitude and contentment as they grow in this adventure of following Jesus, they are fre e to think more seriously about generosity.” - Harold Percy How does your church encourage its members to grow in generosity and gratitude? Do you need new ideas? Let the Moravian Ministries Foundation help! Please call Chi-Chi Messick, MMFA Vice President, at 888.722.7923 to see how we can assist your congregation or agency as it works to talk more honestly about money and ministry. Submitted by Laura Sides Watson

Newsletter Notes From around the Southern Province Play ball! at BB&T Ballpark on June 19 for Moravian Heritage Night with the Winston-Salem Dash playing the Salem Red Sox. “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be played with gusto by the Moravian Lower Brass. And we hear tell a rumor that Music Foundation Director Nola Reed Knouse has harmonized a little ditty for the Seventh Inning Stretch. (We promise to practice our part this time.) “ZAP!” reports Fairview of its April 9 lightning strike. “The metal cross on the steeple came crashing down; a power surge knocked out the air conditioning and heating control panel, sound system, organ, and a telephone line.” Anything left? Yes. The Church building is still standing. All are safe and well. And worship went on the next Sunday “with fans blowing, pastor and lay leaders speaking loudly, and piano playing.” Besides, it was right in the midst of Easter the-Lord-is-risen season. Trustees have the matter in hand, insurers and repairers at work, etc. Organ will take a while to sort out, so “we continue to make a joyful noise with piano accompaniment.”

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New Philadelphia lets it all hang out with a congregation survey on the Internet at http://www.newphilly.org/pdf/NPMC_WorshipSurvey_2015.pdf. Fascinating ideassuggestions-reading. Surprise/no surprise. Wide spectrum from don’t change a thing to change everything with most in the middle. Sounds just like Our Church. Or Every Church. And Clemmons is also embarking on a self-study on what the church means to its members and what dreams they have for its future in serving both members and the wider Clemmons community. We note with sadness the closing of Good Shepherd, set for May 31. With Br. Lane Sapp as its founding minister, Good Shepherd held its first meeting October 4, 1988, in Kernersville Elementary School and celebrated charter Sunday in its own new church on February 12, 1989. But in the last 15 years decline set in and — despite dedicated turn-around efforts — finally all but exhausted the congregation and its financial resources. And so on May 3 a called Church Council unanimously took the decision. Prayers and blessings to all concerned as we turn another page in the life of the Southern Province. Submitted by Richard Starbuck

For Your June Calendar 4 8 14 25-28 29

MMA Meeting, 10;30 am, Trinity Moravian PEC Meeting Retirement Reception for Tommy Cole, Trinity Moravian, 2:30-4:30 12th Moravian Women's Conference, MD PEC Meeting

Concerns and Celebrations As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:14

Deaths: Sister Sybil S. Rights, wife of bishop Graham H. Rights, entered the more immediate presence of the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, at Salemtowne, in Winston-Salem, NC. Please hold Graham; daughter, Susan Gatland; son, John G. Rights; and the entire Rights family in prayer. Prayers are invited for Susan Jamjoum and her family in Jerusalem on the death of her husband Zak Jamjoum, Friday, May 22. Zak was the Holy Land guide for hundreds of Moravian pilgrims to Israel since the early 90’s. He will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren that live in Israel, Jordan, and the United States. (submitted by Rick Sides)

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Ordination Anniversaries for June, 2015 Bradley Bennett.....................31 yrs. Walter Bishop........................10 yrs. Wayne Burkette.....................46 yrs. David Burkette......................58 yrs. John Christman......................45 yrs. Daniel Conrad........................33 yrs. Rebecca Craver........................8 yrs. Frank Crouch.........................35 yrs. Charles Fishel.........................52 yrs. Billy Flippin...........................18 yrs. Carol Foltz..............................37 yrs. Chris Giesler...........................29 yrs. John Giesler............................57 yrs. Norwood Green......................63 yrs. David Guthrie.........................29 yrs. Thomas Haupert......................35 yrs. James Hughes.........................68 yrs. Wilma Israel...........................11 yrs. Judith Justice..........................20 yrs. Roger Kimball........................55 yrs. David Marcus.........................19 yrs. Henry May.............................52 yrs.

Tom Minor.............................49 yrs Joseph Moore.........................17 yrs. Kelly Moore………….…….17 yrs. Jack Nance.............................50 yrs. Jimmie Newsom, Sr................52 yrs. Jimmie Newsom, Jr.................40 yrs. James Newsome......................28 yrs. Robert Rierson........................51 yrs Douglas Rights........................32 yrs. Graham Rights.........................55 yrs. John D. Rights.........................30 yrs. Neil Routh...............................25 yrs. Lane Sapp...............................28 yrs. Tom Shelton............................37 yrs. Jack Vaiden.............................43 yrs. Barry Vernon...........................39 yrs. Robert Wolfe...........................25 yrs.

Director of Christian Education Anniversaries June, 2015 Frances Huetter.....................47 yrs. Fran Saylor.............................3 yrs. Audrey Parsons.....................48 yrs.

Congratulations and God Bless You!

Deadline for submission of articles for the July Issue of Provincial Ties is June 24.

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