Essentials
The BCM
Building, Connecting, & Mobilizing Moravians to live out our Faith!
Volume 5, Summer 2014
connect
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Board of Cooperative
Ministries
Moravian Church, Southern Province
500 South Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-722-8126
www.moravianbcm.org
www.facebook.com/moravianbcm
www.twitter.com/moravianbcm
www.pinterest.com/moravianbcm
Why John Hus
Matters Today
Archivist Daniel Crews to share the “truth of John Hus”
during Fall Comenius Learning Series
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Crews remembers his call to ministry as a boy of 10 or 11.
While strolling through the neighborhood with his mother, he noticed Bishop
Tesh mowing his grass. This afternoon encounter sparked his curiosity about the
life of ministry, shaping his future journey. The ministry of Brother Crews
continues to offer communities of faith an understanding of our Moravian
heritage and hope for the future.
His academic career began at High Point College where he studied
religion. It was during this time that he discovered an interest in the
life and work of John Hus, a Czech priest and reformer whose
followers formed the Unitas Fratrum, which later became known as
the Moravian Church. Brother Crews also developed a love for
literature, particularly works of the medieval period. After completing
his undergraduate work, he journeyed to Moravian Theological Seminary
to begin studying for ministry. During the summers, he took courses from
UNCG earning an M.A. in literature, an area of study that later led him to pursue
a second Ph.D.
Meanwhile, his academic pursuits took him across the Atlantic to begin doctoral
work at the University of Manchester. While in England, he also served a
Moravian congregation in Lancaster. In addition to serving in England, Brother
Crews served in the Virgin Islands, as well as the Moravia, Immanuel, and Mizpah
congregations. He served as Assistant Director of the Moravian Music Foundation
before taking is current position at the Moravian Archives in 1991.
Continued on Page 3
mobilize
New Moravian Resource
Board of Cooperative Ministries
Walter Bishop Jo Beth Boyles Don Britt
Malissa Bumgarner
Tanya Burcham Rachel Desmariais
Peggy Dodson Charles Fishel
Carol Foltz
John Foltz
David Guthrie
Susan Hawkins
Hazel Hooker
Catherine Long
Sabrina Maksi
Marcia Mullins
Jerry Smith
Michael Terry
Joyce Vance
Leibia Willis
Alfred York
Staff
Ruth Cole Burcaw, Executive Director
([email protected])
Beth Hayes, Director of Congregational Ministries &
Resources ([email protected])
The Rev. Doug Rights, Director
of Youth, College & Young Adult Ministries (drights@
mcsp.org)
Heather Stevenson, Administrative Assistant
([email protected])
Sarah Hubbard, Communications Coordinator
([email protected])
Mission
The Board of
Cooperative Ministries
engages and supports
congregations and
RCCs in their ministries
as together we grow in
faith, love and hope,
followingJesusinserving
the world.
God Creates. God Redeems. God Blesses. We respond in faith,
love and hope! This is the heart of Simply Moravian: A Modern
Guide to the Ancient Essentials. This resource introduces you to
the life and times of the early Unity of the Brethren. Readers are
invited to consider the unique ways in which the Ancient Unity
lived out their life of faith. What was most important? What
can we learn from our earliest Moravian brothers and sisters?
How are we being challenged to follow Jesus in the world today? These are a few of the questions you might uncover learning with Simply Moravian.
Churches are using this resource for Sunday school and study
groups of all ages! You will find activities and discussion questions for each chapter, as well as adult devotions
highlighting each of the essentials.
If you are interested in placing an order for Simply Moravian:
A Modern Guide to the Ancient Essentials call the BCM office at
336.722.8126, email us at [email protected], or visit
www.moravianbcm.org!
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www.moravianbcm.org
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Continued from Page 1
During his doctoral work, Brother Crews immersed himself in the study
of John Hus, contributing to the church and scholarship a 459-page
dissertation, typed by his “dear wife.” He says, “I always thought she
should have been given an M.A. for typing the thing!” This particular
work focuses on Hus’s theology of salvation.
While discussing how the teachings of John Hus continue to be
important for Moravian identity today, Crews described the direct work of
the Holy Spirit in the individual, the wisdom of the church, the fellowship
of believers,’ and the experience of others as being of great value. Brother
Crews describes Hus as possessing an unwavering commitment to truth.
“He could not compromise when it came to truth,” says Crews. Leading
up to the time of his death, when asked to recant the accused heresy, he
refused. Hus would not deny words he never spoke.
A special thank you to Brother Crews for sharing his story
Crews identifies courage as another admirable characteristic of Hus. His
of ministry in the Moravian Church!
courage was a kind that seeks truth in all things, while never forsaking the
care of community. For example, when told to stop preaching in his home
city of Prague or else the church would withhold rites and sacraments to
all, he did not stop proclaiming his message. However, he did leave the
Be the Church: The Followers of
city to spare his people suffering. This is a profound reminder of the
Hus in a New Generation
importance of considering our actions and lives of those with whom we
share community. These two extremes, courage and care, were always
November 15, 2014
working together.
New Philadelphia Moravian
Church
Therefore, Brother Crews says, “I find him rather balanced.” As followers
9:00-3:00 p.m.
of the teachings of Hus, the life of the Ancient Unity reveals many of these
same characteristics. They, too, celebrated the life of this courageous
Event Leaders: Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews; Francis
martyr who loved Christ and his church. The archives preserve hymnals
Rivers Meza, Chaplain Supervisor and Hispanic/
Latino Liason, FaithHealth NC, Wake Forest Baptist
from as early as 1618, which assign hymns and liturgies in celebration of
Medical Center, Executive Director of the American
John Hus. Imagine the cloud of witnesses with whom we join when we
Waldensian Society, and others!
remember a brother who teaches us so much about our response to God’s
gifts of grace.
More information
2015 marks the 600th anniversary of the martyrdom of Hus. The
coming soon!
Comenius Learning Series will participate in preparing for this celebration
with a November 15th event featuring the Rev. Dr. Daniel Crews as
speaker. Save the date and let us learn together!
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News from Salem Creek RCC
Upcoming Events
2014
Summer
Senior Friends Advisory Council, July 24, 2014,
Advent Moravian Church , 2:00 p.m.
Refreshments, 2:30 p.m. Meeting
August 17th Children’s Festival, Bethabara
Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, 2:00 p.m.
Fall
Board Retreat, September 20, 2014
Senior Friends Fall Rally, October 14, 2014
Kernersville Moravian Church , 12:30 p.m.
Comenius Learning Series, Be the Church:
Followers of Hus in a New Generation, New
Philadelphia Moravian Church,
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Visit www.moravianbcm.org
for a complete list of events.
The Salem Creek RCC, Trinity, St, Phillips, Messiah & Home, is collaborating
once again this year for vacation bible school. This year’s theme is “Our Bible,
Many Books, One Story.” VBS begins on Sunday night July 27 at Trinity
Moravian and moves to Home Moravian for Monday and Tuesday nights. Each
congregation is responsible for specific activities as we work together offering
classes for adults, youth and children.
Salem Creek RCC is partnering with Bethabara Moravian Church and the
BCM’s Roots & Wings Family ministry for the August 17th Children’s Festival:
Day of Prayer and Covenanting on Sunday, August 17, 2014. This celebration
provides an opportunity for children and families to learn about Moravian
heritage, while affirming the role of children in our churches. Folks are
encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds of the church or
Historic Bethabara Park. Activities begin at 2:00 p.m. and include: costumes,
re-enactments, games, storytelling, Gemeinhaus tours, historic crafts, music and
much more! A special children’s lovefeast service featuring a special interactive
children’s message and puppet show will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a band
prelude at 3:45 p.m.
A gap in food assistance programming the week before the new school year will
leave many students in our community who face food insecurity without the
assurance of at least one daily meal. Salem Creek RCC is providing an outreach
to meet this need by offering vacation bible school, lunch included, during this
time of need! This program begins the week of August 18th at St. Phillips
Moravian Church.
Submitted by John Foltz, Trinity Moravian Church, PEC Appointee, Chair of Advocacy
& Mission Ministry Team
August 17th Children’s Festival
Day of Prayer and Covenanting for the Children
commemorating the Moravian children’s spiritual
renewal in Herrnhut on August 17, 1727
For all children and youth of the Southern Province
and their families!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Bethabara Moravian Church
2100 Bethabara Road | Winston-Salem, NC 27106
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www.moravianbcm.org
News from
Salisbury Road RCC
The Salisbury Road RCC held an eggs-lent sandwiching making venture on
Sunday June 1st at Little Church on the Lane. Operation Sandwich supported
the Charlotte Urban Ministries and their endeavor to feed those in need. New
Beginnings, Peace, Little Church on the Lane and the Palmetto Fellowship were
able to come together and make around 900 sandwiches. The Friedberg Youth
have done this with Anthony’s Plot Outreach. Some members of Friedberg and
New Beginnings took part in an ongoing ministry to give packets of Moravian
Cookies to members of our armed forces in thanks for their service and to let
them know that we are praying for them. We are always looking for ways to
help our mission in Sierra Leone and will be working to amass funds to pay for
the solar panels needed there. Our ministers take turns worshipping with the
Palmetto Fellowship in Greenville, SC. Our RCC in February had a Chili
Cook-Off and plan to make this a yearly event. These Sunday projects are our
SOLE Projects (Serving Our Lord Everyday). Even though we are far from each
other we come together to serve Jesus by helping others and praying for each
other.
Submitted byTanya Burcham, Friedberg Moravian Church, RCC Representative
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Member Spotlight:
Hazel Hooker
I have family in many different places. My father’s side of the family
hails from Nicaragua and my mother’s side from Costa Rica. After
living in the United States for the majority of my life, both of my
parents retired in their respective home countries a few years ago. I
have one brother who resides in Atlanta with his wife and much of
my extended family lives in Miami, although many are also
located in various areas of the U.S. For the last 10 years my dog
Bernie resided with me until recently when he passed away from
cancer. I attended Florida International University (FIU) in Miami,
FL for both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I earned two
bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry and later a Master’s
degree in Public Health. This fall I will be returning to school to
begin my studies in the Higher Education doctoral program. I
loved FIU so much I decided to work there. My entire professional
career has been in academic advising. I began as an academic
advisor and am now an Assistant Director of First Year Programs.
Although I teach the First Year and Leadership Seminars, my main
projects involve coordinating academic advising at Freshman Orientation and
coordinating our First Year Seminar and Exploratory courses, which includes
instructor training and curriculum development. My office specializes in
helping exploratory students determine what major/career they should pursue.
I also enjoy reading and traveling!
What do you most appreciate about being Moravian?
I grew up Moravian and attend New Hope in Miami, FL. I’ve always viewed the
Moravian Church as my extended family. I feel at home amongst Moravians
wherever I go. I also enjoy our music, hymns and more contemporary pieces.
Describe your involvement with the BCM.
I’ve been with the BCM from its inception; initially as a RCC representative and
now as a PEC appointee. Most of my work with the BCM has occurred as part
of the Leadership Network (MLN). The first cohort just completed the program
and we are currently looking for individuals interested in participating int the
next.
Spark your imagination.
Share your wisdom.
Enrich your ministry.
Visit our online library!
Go to resource.moravian.org
What are most excited about for the Moravian church as we continue
to move forward serving Christ together in the world?
I’m looking forward to us learning more about each other as churches make
connections through their RCCs. I also believe that pooling our resources will
help us accomplish more with respect to mission and social justice issues.
Do you have a favorite scripture or quote that inspires you?
My favorite scripture is Psalm 23, however, “Cast all your anxiety on him,
because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) has been very helpful as of late.
Hazel Hooker is a 2014 PEC appointee to the BCM and has served since 2010.
Staff Spotlight:
Sarah Hubbard
I grew up in the beautiful mountains of East
Tennessee. I completed my undergraduate work at
Lee University, studying in the school of religion
where I met my husband, Rev. Andrew Heil. Our
shared interest in ministry led us to study at the
Wake Forest University School of Divinity. It was at
this time that we began to form relationships with
Moravians!
I love spending time with my family. I enjoy
baking, sewing, and learning the pleasures and
woes of growing a garden. Teaching Sunday
school gives me life.
What do you most appreciate about being
Moravian?
I am drawn to the Moravian understanding of
knowing Jesus as being an experience of great joy.
This gift of grace feels congruent with my journey
of faith. I also appreciate the Moravian spirit of
simplicity.
What is your role at the BCM?
I am the Communications Coordinator for the
BCM. I help with all things communications,
mostly helping congregations connect with our
programs, events, and ministries.
Do you have a favorite scripture or quote that inspires you?
I continue to find this passage of scripture particularly meaningful: “I
pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may
be strengthened in your inner being with power through his spirit, and
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being
rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to
comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:16-19
Sarah began her work with the BCM in Fall 2013. She
is a member of Hope Moravian Church.
Meeting You Where You Are
BCM staff and volunteers are ready to go
anywhere we’re needed! From facilitating
full congregational workshops to
working with church boards and RCCs
on a number of ministry topics, we’re ready to help!
. Living the Essentials
. Community & Neighborhood Ministry
. Discover Your Spiritual Type . Small Church Ministry
. Ages & Stages of Faith
. Technology & Communications
. Getting Youth Engaged in Church
. Environmental Stewardship and more!
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connect
Board of Cooperative
Ministries
Moravian Church, Southern Province
500 South Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-722-8126
www.moravianbcm.org
www.facebook.com/moravianbcm
www.twitter.com/moravianbcm
www.pinterest.com/moravianbcm
We’re Looking for Leaders...
The Moravian Leadership Network is a program sponsored by the
Board of Cooperative Ministries. Its mission is to equip and strengthen
current and emerging leaders in the Moravian Church, Southern
Province through experiential group-oriented learning. Participating in
the Moravian Leadership Network invites learners to discover how God
is calling them to serve. Whether clergy or laity, this program helps
Moravians discover and live out their gifts in their church, community,
and world!
Applications are now being accepted for the
Moravian Leadership Class of 2014-2015.
To apply visit www.moravianbcm.org or call 336.722.8126.
“The Moravian Leadership Network enhanced my understanding of spiritual
leadership by creating a path for personal introspection. Through examination of
spiritual gifts, types and practice, biblical models, basic leadership dynamics, as
well as generational differences and Moravian identity, I was able to map a
personal course for growth and development. As a Director of Christian
Education, I will undoubtedly use the knowledge and skills in my professional
role, but I am also eager to share ideas and concepts with others.”
-Paula Hall, King Moravian Church
“...Not only did I learn a lot about Moravian History and leadership, I also
discovered a lot about myself...”-Matthew Pace, Christ Moravian
“What a terrific experience!”- Katherine Wilkerson, Raleigh Moravian Church