Moravian Church in North America

In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.

Moravian Church in North America
North: Bethlehem, Pa.
South: Winston-Salem, N.C.

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The Moravian Magazine, May 2012

Open publication - Free publishing - More moravian camps

On the cover: A view from "on the mountain" at Laurel Ridge, N.C.

Spiritual growth in the great outdoors

“Most of our learning today comes from books or such media as television. Most of us live in crowded cities. We ride on concrete streets and highways. We even worship at a fixed time on a fixed day. Because of this we have a special need to discover anew the wonder of God’s creation. We need time for reflection, for prayer, for worship. We need to open our lives to God’s call for commitment, for service. This we find in the environment of a church camp.” — Bishop George G. Higgins, June 1962

Bishop Higgins’ words from 50 years ago still ring true today. The Moravian Church’s commitment to outdoor ministries offer an escape from the fast-paced world and unique opportunities for spiritual growth in both children and adults.

Hope Center: Memories are made here

Clean Sock Award…Capture the Counselor…Buddy Check…TP Shuffle…Heart Attack Hill.

Hope Conference & Renewal Center will be echoing with these phrases and many others in 2012, as it begins its 56th year of outdoor ministry in Hope, New Jersey. (If you wonder what any of the phrases mean, ask a recent camper in your family or congregation!) A full summer of events is scheduled, beginning with the Eastern District Confirmation Retreat in early May, through Memorial Day activities, five youth camps, and two specialty camps. The camping season ends in October with Quilt Camp, a fall women’s retreat.

Laurel Ridge invites campers to spend time on the mountain

Laurel Ridge invites you to spend time on the mountain this summer as we celebrate our 52nd season of youth summer camps and our 10th year of mission camps.

The summer begins with College Camp (May 30-June 2). Linda Osborne, Erin Key, and the Reverends David Merritt and Matthew Allen will lead the program based on the book, “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?” This camp is a great opportunity to spend a few days at Laurel Ridge enjoying activities such as swimming, sports and campfires while also engaging in small group and total group gatherings with music, discussions and more.

Mid-states ministry offers camping for Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois

The camping ministry in the Mid-states—for Moravian congregations in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois—is unique from all the other Moravian camps in that each one is held at a different location. Mid-states camping does not have its own campground and facilities. Some might consider this a mixed blessing: while we also don’t have to worry about year-round upkeep, we do have to deal with a variety of sites and people. This can also be a plus in that it gives our youth a variety in not only the programming but also the location.

"Come, Follow Me" to Camp Van-Es

We at Van Es Camp and Conference Centre are excited to open up for our 71st summer of camping for the Canadian district. Our theme for this year is “Come, Follow Me” which we borrowed from the Board of World Mission.

Also this year, we are excited to have Brother Brandon Salyzyn come back to be the coordinating director, serving in so many great ways which help to make Van Es a safer, better place.

Working together to promote Moravian history

Two organizations whose purpose is to collect, promote and share the history of the Moravian Church are now working more closely together to bring Moravian history to life.

The Moravian Archives of the Northern Province, based in Bethlehem, Pa., and the Moravian Historical Society, based 10 miles north in Nazareth, Pa., have entered into a unique affiliation that will share expertise, collections and capabilities.

A Moravian and Muslim answer to an Imam's request

An amazing story is unfolding in West Africa thanks the vision and commitment of Little Church on the Lane, Messiah Moravian Church and two remarkable Moravians.

Mohamed and Safie Braima left their African homeland for the abundant opportunities available in America. They settled in Charlotte, N.C., joined Little Church, and built a comfortable life of meaning and service in that mission rich community. For about 30 years they lived and enjoyed the American dream.

Latino Ministries Conference addresses expanding ministry

In March, 96 Moravian brothers and sisters from 11 different congregations and fellowships across the Southern Province gathered at First Moravian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with the purpose of discussing, sharing and learning together about this exciting ministry.

The Southern Province Latino Ministries Conference is an outward expression of the awareness and concern of Moravians throughout our province, to reach out in Christ’s name to the growing Hispanic population in our communities.

Ponderings: Yes, I've been to Laurel Ridge

Since coming to the Moravian Church two years ago this month, many a Southern Province Moravian (and quite a few from the North) have asked, “So, have you been to Laurel Ridge?” And for far too long, my answer has been, “Nope, not yet.”

That answer was almost always greeted with an incredulous look and an admonition to get there as soon as possible. To a person, they describe the beauty, serenity, peacefulness and spiritual feeling of being “on the mountain,” then wax rhapsodic about the fun and growth that camping brought to their Moravian lives.

What does it mean to be Moravian? An invitation to share

We all have our own perspective and insight on what it means to be a member of The Moravian Church In America. The faith, the traditions, the music, the fellowship, the belief, the worship, the history, the people...they all play a role in defining who we are as the people of our community of faith.

As part of the Interprovincial Board of Communication’s ongoing efforts to help tell the story of today’s Moravian Church here in the U.S. and Canada, we’re looking for your thoughts, insights and viewpoints on just what it means to be Moravian today.

Book Review: "Less Clutter. Less Noise." by Kem Meyer

People often ask who I turn to for ideas and inspiration for church communication. While I have a whole collection of writing, design, photography and communication books on my bookshelf, one I continually refer to — and heartily recommend — is Kem Meyer’s “Less Clutter. Less Noise. Beyond Bulletins, Brochures and Bake Sales.”

Written from the perspective of a church communicator — Meyer is the communications director for Granger Community Church in Granger, Ind. — “Less Clutter” focuses on helping church communities connect with both long-time congregants and potential new members. Using real-life stories to illustrate her points, Meyer presents an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand “short-course” in communication strategy and methodology.

Official Provincial Elders' News for May 2012

Northern Province

Moravian Music Sunday, May 6, 2012
The fifth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2012, has been designated as Moravian Music Sunday. The purpose of this observance is to help all congregations become more familiar with our rich heritage of Moravian music. Music is an expression of faith, and thus continuing creativity is to be encouraged.

Southern Province

Christ Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Brother David Marcus has accepted the call to serve as pastor at Christ Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. He has served as associate pastor at New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC for the past eleven years. Brother Marcus was installed at Christ on May 13, 2012.

Moravian Daily Texts

05/18/2013

Saturday, May 18 – Psalm 66:8-15
Proverbs 12; 1 Corinthians 15:29-41

Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

All things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16

Heavenly Father, we are overwhelmed by the majesty of your creation and your care for us. At every stage of our lives you generously provide for all our needs. We praise you for your great goodness and the gift of your dear Son. Amen.

Buy the Book

Moravian Magazine

May 2013

In this issue, we feature our annual round-up of Moravian Camping Ministries in North America, plus stories of Moravian youth in action. Read online.

Online Catalog

Zinzendorf's Pennsylvania Journey

Count Zinzendorf speaks once again in this collection of sermons preached during his sojourn in Pennsylvania in the 1740s. These sermons, translated by Craig Atwood and Julie Tomberlin Weber, will touch your heart as they did those who heard them more than 250 years ago.

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