Mission Society Musings. The Board of Directors met on March 17, 2015, opening with devotions by Scott Brent.

Transcription

1 O N W A R D The Newsletter of the Moravian Mission Society, Southern Province April 2015 Volume XXXV Issue 3 Mission Society Musings The Board of Directors met on March 17, 2015, opening with devotions by Scott Brent. Jenna Nodine, a student at Salem College and member of Peace Moravian, was present to share her experience of serving at one of our Moravian schools in Western Tanzania last summer. The committee responsible for the upcoming Mission Awareness Dinner reported details about that May 3 rd event, to be held at New Philadelphia. The band plays at 5:30 p.m., and a BBQ dinner follows at 6:00. Mallie Graham, committee chair, announced that all who plan to attend should make reservations by mailing a check for $8.00 to the Mission Society, 500 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC by April 24 th. Come and enjoy great fellowship and food, along with a program of music, a speaker, and commissioning of mission teams. The Board learned that Kernersville Moravian has made a $1000 donation to the Mission Society. These are additional funds for assisting youth and adults participating in mission trips this year. Since the last board meeting, 16 people from 3 churches have applied for grants. The finance committee offered the following information: The 12 missionaries supported by the Mission Society have received their share of the $7000 November lovefeast offering, along with a check for their quarterly support. A one-time gift of $1500 each has been sent to assist the work in our 3 mission areas of Cuba, Peru, and Sierra Leone. A check for $24,000 has been forwarded to BWM and designated for the work in Honduras at the Ahuas Medical Clinic, which is currently undergoing some administrative and financial reorganization led by Rick Nelson. Further information was shared about the dates of April 19 22, when Rick Nelson will be in the Southern Province to report the news from the medical clinic in Ahuas, Honduras. He will speak on Sunday (4/19) at Friedberg (11:00a.m.) and Fries Memorial (4:00p.m.), on Monday (4/20) at Hope (7:00p.m.), and on Wednesday (4/22) at Fairview (12:45p.m.) and Home (6:30p.m.). These presentations will allow time for questions, and will be videoed to be shared on a broader basis. The membership list of all 1200-plus Mission Society members is in need of review and updating. That work was begun by asking for input from the board on specific questions, and it will continue over several months through contacts with the churches for further information. A letter of resignation was received from Tripp May, explaining that because of his many new church responsibilities he must give up work with the board to focus more on those. A discussion followed about who to ask to fill that position for the next 3 years, considering that it should be a person who cares deeply about mission. In This Issue Congregational Missions On the Home Front In Foreign Lands Youth in Action Funding the Mission NC Council of Churches

2 NURTURING MISSIONS AT FRIEDBERG Within Friedberg s Children s Ministry we have four areas where we put our focus each time we meet. We have a worship focus which is on Sunday mornings during the regular worship hour. We meet in Small Groups which is during the Sunday School time. We have a Bible Study which is during the times we meet for Wednesday Night Fellowship. Finally, we have a Missions focus which meets on Sunday evenings during our time called Kids Club. During this time it is a great opportunity to talk about missions and what we can do for our local community. It s important for children to begin to understand that it is not always about them and it is easy to do that through mission work. Some of the projects we have planned for the Winter/Spring semester are Bags for Brenner s, Little Mended Hearts, Children s Home, Touching Davidson County With Love, and Animal Missions. Bags For Brenner s-we are going to start a year-long mission project for the congregation to donate items to be taken to patients at Brenner s Hospital. We had a family that during last Christmas their daughter was in the hospital. They were overwhelmed by the generosity of toys, coloring books, and other items that had been given to her to keep. They have been the ones who have spearheaded this idea and we are going to do a kick-off in January! Little Mended Hearts-Since it is Valentine s during February, and we have had two children in the Children s Ministry have a heart procedure, we thought we would focus on doing something for this group. It has meant a lot to the two families and we want to help and do our part to make other children feel comforted after their surgeries. Children s Home-During the month of March we are going to plan some activities, learn some songs, prepare a meal to take to the Children s Home, and have a service with them towards the end of the month. This will help our children at Friedberg realize that they have so much to be thankful for. Our hope is that we can bring a smile and a sense of belonging to the night we go there! Touching Davidson County With Love-For the past two years we have joined others in our church in doing a project on a Saturday. This year it was on Saturday, March 28. In the past we have made cards, sang songs at a nursing home and then spent some time coloring with the residents there. This year, we hope to do something similar and spread God s love to everyone around! Animal Missions-Our plan in April and May is do some work with and for animals in our community. We have a church member who leads the Hoof and Paw group which is a therapeutic group dealing with horses. We will do some work at her barn and also participate in some of the activities she does with the group. We will also collect food, toys, and other necessities that animals may need in various shelters. We don t want to forget our animal friends!! I Heidi Everhart, Director of Children Ministries 2

3 YOUTH IN ACTION GRAVEYARD SHIFT SUPPORTS MISSIONS The Calvary Moravian Youth Group has been assigned a number of graves to clean in the Moravian Graveyard by the Salem Congregation and members of Calvary in order to raise funds for their summer mission endeavor. Their friends in Belfast, Ireland with whom they worked last summer in mission activities will be coming to the US to attend Laurel Ridge and participate in mission projects with the Calvary youth. The crew in Northern Ireland was so very generous while they were there, paying for literally everything once the Calvary youth arrived. It is now their turn to provide for the Belfast team. The Home Moravian Youth were busy on Friday afternoon cleaning a number of graves that were assigned them. The group does this as a service project as well as being able to raise funds for their youth activities. CALVARY MORAVIAN HOSTS EASTER BREAKFAST 7:15 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 A.M. SUNDAY, April 5, 2015 Donations will support the Sunnyside Ministry Come enjoy eggs, country ham, grits, biscuits, and red eye gravy 3

4 THE 2015 MORAVIAN BUILD BEGINS THIS SPRING! The Salem Congregation is sponsoring a Moravian Build to help a local partner family purchase a Habitat home All Moravians are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer to help build it! The Habitat Moravian House is being built in memory of Rev. Dr. Cedric Rodney Construction begins April 25 on site at corner of W. 14th St. and N. Cherry Street To sign up please visit Habitatforsyth.volunteerhub.com Or contact Debbie Cesta at Donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 339 Witt St., Winston-Salem NC Contribute online at habitatforsyth.org. Designate Moravian Build on check or online payment. Questions X106 or joanne.davidson@habitatforsyth.org 4

5 GOOD SAMARITANS RETURN TO FRIES All are invited to join the Good Samaritans for a Nicaraguan celebration at Fries Memorial Moravian Church all day on Saturday, April 25 beginning at 12:00p.m. The Good Samaritans are a group of Moravians with roots in Nicaragua. This group helps raise funds for retired Nicaraguan Moravian pastors and their widows who have no retirement. They hold 6-8 celebrations each year and all of the money raised is given to retired pastors and widows in Nicaragua. Leibia Willis, Board of Cooperative Ministry board member, is a member of the Good Samaritans and extends a special invitation for you to join us for this special day of Nicaraguan food, Christian fellowship, great music, and giving! COME JOIN US FOR FOOD FELLOWSHIP MUSIC HOME CHURCH SUPPORTS CUBA The Home Moravian Church World Mission Committee is holding a Shredding Event on April 11, 11 AM to 2PM in the Fine Arts Parking Lot of Salem College. After paying the shredding company, all money will support the Mission Work of the Moravian Church in Cuba. Any documents with SS No., old tax records, personal information, brokerage info, will be shredded right before your eyes. It is "cross-cut" and will never be distinguishable again. Our location is right behind the Moravian Archives and the Moravian Music Foundation, next to the graveyard. Drive Up; Deposit material; Drive away!!! Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5

6 Youth in Action GRAVEYARD SHIFT SUPPORTS MISSIONS The Youth Group from Fries Moravian has been working hard the past few months to raise money for their mission trip this summer to Jamaica. They will be cleaning at least 86 graves they have been assigned by the Salem Congregation and individuals from Fries and also Konnoak Moravian. Their mission experience will include joining with youth from the WI area to do projects at Camp Hope. 6

7 Around The World 7 (Continued Page 10)

8 RCCs SUPPORT MISSION PAST AND PRESENT Dan Springs Studying Characteristics of Healthy Congregations Dan Springs Conflict Management Training Dan Springs Fellowship Potlucks Dan Springs Stop Hunger Now hunger relief event Dan Springs Adopted a Laurel Ridge Lodge Florida Springs Florida Springs Florida Springs Florida Springs Florida Springs Florida Springs Men's Retreat on Balancing Life District Harvest Youth Mission Trips (New York, Mississippi, Laurel Ridge) Women's Retreat Youth Retreat Fellowship Events Mt. Ararat Joint Shoebox Effort (Christmas) Mt. Ararat Christian Fun Day (proposed) Mt. Ararat Revival Series Mt. Ararat Fellowship Events Mt. Ararat Chopped Wood for heating for the less fortunate. North Branch Joint Renewal Lovefeast Service North Branch Joint Picnic North Branch Gather to receive presentation on Sierra Leone Petersbrook Lovefeast and Candle Service at Retirement Home Petersbrook Breakfast Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Petersbrook Adult Mission Trip (planning or completed) Petersbrook Pumpkin Carving Petersbrook "Congregational Swap" Petersbrook Thirty Hour Famine Program Petersbrook Combined Vacation Bible School Petersbrook Youth Mission Trip Petersbrook Laurel Ridge Mission Camp Petersbrook Concert on the Lawn 8

9 Salem Creek Joint Vacation Bible School Salem Creek Vacation Bible School with St. Phillips Salem Creek Children's Festival for Province Salem Creek Community Summerfest Lovefeasts at Retirement Home (Clt) or Prison (W-S) Mission Festival Sierra Leone work (including Solar Energy Project) Gave resource support to Latino Ministry Conference Women's Day event Encouragement and support to member fellowship (Palmetto in Spartanburg) Sharing of Best Practices Studying Small Groups South Branch Stories and Songs Event with cookout. (twice) South Branch Men's Breakfasts South Branch Raised Bed Garden Project with Anthony's Plot South Branch Chili Supper with Mission focus and benefit South Branch Pulpit Rotations South Branch Stop Hunger Now hunger relief event (upcoming) South Branch Chicken Stew and Square Dance (donations to charity) South Branch Samaritan Inn volunteering (overnight) South Branch Emergency Homeless Shelter Supplies collections South Branch Winterization of low-income homes South Branch Conflict Response Type workshop South Wachovia Brunswick Stew South Wachovia Minister Swap South Wachovia Barbecue fundraiser to support RCC South Wachovia Lovefeast for local school South Wachovia Worked on better communication between Board members in RCC Sunrise Fish Fry as Fellowship Event Yadkin View Women's Gathering Yadkin View Sharing Ministry ideas, approaches, and methods Yadkin View Music Festival (twice) Yadkin View Mission Project (upcoming) 9 Yadkin View Attended Resource Center Presentation Yadkin View Youth/Family Movie Night

10 MARX REPORT CONTINUED 10

11 Pray Every Day April, Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Pray for the Woo Family, returning to US due to health concerns for Mom. 2. Mandy Thursday. Comfort ye your people, says your God. Pray for Annie Thiessen (health issue) and her family. 3. Good Friday. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that all who believe in him may not perish but have everlasting life. Pray for Dusty & Christin Harrison ( 4. You are people holy to the Lord your God. Pray for Brian & Heather Marx ( Bmarx@maf.org) 5. Easter Sunday. Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. Pray for hearts to be renewed as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 6. Christ says,"i am the first and the last, the living one." Pray for Safiatu and Mohamed Braima in Sierra Leone. 7. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ. Pray for Jill Kolodziej, Dir. of Antioch, and those considering to be 2015 Servants. 8. Let the little children come to him and do not hinder them. Pray for Ed Dehnert and Barb Weide Alaska Bible Seminary, Bethel, AK. 9. Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord. Pray for Drs. Bill and Peggy Hoffman with HIV/AIDS ministry in Tanzania. 10. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Pray for Michael, Cecilia, and Blessing Tesh in Kenya. 11. The God of peace be with all of you. Pray for Michael and Brenda Brent with Campus Crusade in Croatia. 12. Sunday. You are the salt of the earth. Pray for C & V and Family in campus ministry in TX. 13. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Pray for K & C serving the Magi People in the Middle East. (safety) 14. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul. Pray for Dr. Louis and Susan Sutton with WEC.(World Evangelization for Christ) 15. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Pray for Ruth Snyder and Claire Wilson with Changed Choices. 16. The Lord is in the right, I have rebelled against his word. Pray for Adopt-A-Village Program in Tanzania. 17. The Lord judges the people. Pray for the Likewise Aids Ministry. 18. "Now go, and I will be with you and teach you how to speak." Pray for Steve & Ann Marx (smarx@maf.org) with MAF in Idaho. 19. Sunday. His dominion shall be from sea to sea and to the ends of the earth. Pray for the solar and the food program in the Sierra Leone Moravian Church. 20. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. Pray for Annie B. Mission with Star Mountain in Palestine; 21. Lord, teach us to pray. Pray for the Clinic in Ahuas, Honduras. 22. For freedom Christ has set us free. Pray for a summer Intern to work with BWM. 23. Your days of mourning shall be ended. Pray for R and B in the Sudan. 24. Christ says, "I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance." Pray for Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement. 25. The Lord our God is righteous in everything he does. Pray for the advisory board of the Unity Women s Desk. 26. Sunday. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving. Pray for Joe Jarvis and the work with Cuban Moravian Church. 27. Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. Pray for shut-ins who are unable to get out to worship. 28. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Pray for the leaders of our Mission Societies and BWM. 29. You, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. Pray for ministers, Sunday school teachers, and church leaders. 30. Happy are those who make the Lord their trust. Pray for camp directors and workers. Helen Gulledge, Editor helengulledge1090@gmail.com 11

12 MORAVIANS AND FRIENDS REFLECT DURING CROSSWALK. Contact the Mission Society: ONWARD 500 S. Church St. Winston-Salem, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 12