Serving
and Sharing Newsletter
Presented by the Provincial Women’s
Board
Special Edition: Looking for God
during the Covid 19 Pandemic
May 7, 2020
Dear
Sister's,
Who
would have thought that three months ago my next newsletter would be written during
a Covid19 Pandemic? I am so thankful for new technology that has enabled
us to be together with our friends, family and churches with virtual visits
without being able to touch each other. For me, the hugging, is what I
have missed the most. I miss hugging my friends, and especially my
family. It is so hard to see them and not hug them. I have missed
my church and being uplifted each week by our Pastor's message and being with
friends who I go to lunch with each week after church. This Pandemic has made
me realize how much human touch and being with other humans means to our
society. I do not feel that we will be the same again as we have all been
touched in different ways during these times. Our Provincial Women's
Board had to cancel our Spiritual Life Retreat at Laurel Ridge during this
time. That is one of the times when all women in the Southern Province
can come together and be with friends that we do not see often, and have our
spirits uplifted by having a meaningful study of God's presence in our
lives. We hope that you will save the date for our next Spiritual Life
Retreat April 23-25, 2021 at Laurel Ridge. Our speaker will be Sister
Donna Hurt, and our theme will be Favorites in our Faith. We hope to see
all of you then.
Our
next meeting together will be the Fall Celebration held at New Philadelphia
Moravian on August 29, 2020. Will have registration at 9:00AM and lunch
will be served at 12:00PM. Please save the date and we will have reminders and
registration forms sent closer to the time and we hope to see all of you there.
This
will be my last newsletter to you as your president. It has been a
pleasure serving you the past two years and words cannot express the joy and
love that I have received by serving as your President of the Provincial
Women's Board. The next president will be Sister Pam Prevatte, who is a member
of New Hope Moravian Church in Newton, North Carolina, and the Vice President
will be Sister Vicki Stanfield, who is a member of Friedberg Moravian Church in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These two ladies are dear to my heart and
will serve you well.
Again,
it has been a pleasure and I wish all of you well and stay safe.
Blessings,
Kay
Vance
The
2020\2021 Spiritual Life Retreat
Thoughts
on the Spiritual Life Retreat by Donna Hurt Many of
us were looking forward to being together at Laurel Ridge last month for the
Spiritual Life Retreat. As the facilitator for that event, I was getting
excited about that weekend, and had thought a lot about what we would explore
within the theme of “Favorites in Our Faith.” But as we all know, the world
turned upside down, normalcy disappeared, and the retreat did not happen. Did
not happen in April of 2020 that is … but will take place in April of 2021
.... April 23-25 to be exact. I've
been asked to share some of the activities we WOULD have experienced last
month, and therefore probably WILL experience next April, when hopefully many
of you can join us on the mountain.
What
two hymns are your favorites, based on the tune or the words, or a meaningful
association that song has with your life? This
will be the question for our Friday night gathering. It might be hard to narrow
personal answers down to only two favorites that touch your heart the most, but
that's the goal. In small groups, we'll share more about those choices, and
then report the hymn titles to the total group so we can see if there are any
overall favorites.
What
is your favorite Bible passage, and might there be any stories in the Old or
New Testament that closely relate to something that has happened in your own
life? Using these questions as the focus for our
Saturday morning session, I'll begin with some teaching moments on the Bible's
division into 10 different sections and why that's important for us to
understand. After discussion in small groups, everyone will share their
favorite passage (probably from memory) with the total group. And we'll watch
to see which sections of the Bible most of these choices come from.
After
the morning session and before lunch, those who wish to participate will be
invited to try their hand at “craft time.”
Who
are several people, living or dead, who have greatly influenced your faith
journey? Are there any places that have special spiritual
meaning for you? Our Saturday evening conversation will be about people and
places. Returning to the same small groups that will gather all three times,
individuals will share the story surrounding their personal answers, and then
each group will creatively record those responses in picture form on a large
poster to be shown to everyone.
On
Sunday morning after worship, which will include some of our favorite hymns and
some of our favorite scripture, we'll gather for brunch to bring our retreat to
a close. So, that leaves nearly a whole year for thinking about how you would
answer my questions during each of the three sessions!!
I
do hope to see many of you at Laurel Ridge in April, 2021.
Donna
Hurt
With
the impact of COVID 19, I appreciate the Provincial Women's Board's decision to
cancel the Spiritual Life Retreat in April of this year., however, I am very
disappointed that I will not be able to attend this moving
experience. In addition, I truly looked forward to Sister Donna Hurt
being our speaker. She is an inspiration to all who know her or
about her works. I also look forward every year to spending time at the
beautiful Laurel Ridge Conference Center. Most of all I look
forward to being with many of our Moravian Sisters as a wonderful opportunity
for all attending to renew fellowships, our spirits, and our faith as we
draw closer to God and one another. Hopefully, many of us will be together
soon again. Blessings to all, Dottie Sayers
Unity Moravian Church, Lewisville, N.C.
Unity Moravian Church, Lewisville, N.C.
From
Sunnyside:
Then
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for
us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” - Isaiah 6:8 (NRSV)
Daily,
Sunnyside Ministry is hearing this call and is serving our community with Food
and Financial Assistance. Normally you would hear us saying, “we need your help
as a volunteer.” You might hear us telling you how your group could volunteer.”
Now we are unable to have volunteers in the building. You will hear these requests again very soon
but for the time being, we need your support in other ways.
An
example of the many creative ways to help us is seen at Friedberg Moravian
where the Women’s Fellowship organized a drive thru food drive in honor of the
churches 284th anniversary. It really is as wide as your
imagination.
We
need two things right now, food and money, in no particular order. We have seen
an increase in food requests of 70% over the last month and a half. During this
same period, finding food resources has been difficult and our costs for food
have increased by about 75%.
The
other thing that we ask of everyone is that you pray for us: for the staff and clients at Sunnyside
Ministry, that we are safe during these uncertain times; that we have the resources
we need and that we are soon back to business as usual.
God
is with US, even in our Social Distancing, Quarantining Lives
In
all my years, I can count on my one hand the times I’ve used “sequestered” in a
conversation, in a sentence, in a thought! Now, it is ever present in all
the above. I miss the fellowship of my sisters who are also
sequestered. But here is what I know and what gives me comfort during
these uncertain times: “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need
to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help
you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 (The
Message translation) I am claiming that promise and someday soon, God will
rejoice with us as we’re able to “un-sequester.” Blessings, Judy Albert,
Mizpah Moravian Church, Tobaccoville NC, PWB member
In
case you didn’t know, I’m a ‘people person’. I haven’t hugged anyone in such a
LONG TIME!
I
have watched church services and Holy Week Readings on my iPad, being grateful
for the technology that is available to me.
I
have used this time to make masks for all my family and in-laws. Ever the
mom, protecting my kids, grandkids and extended family.
I‘ve also
joked often that I’m going to be the size of an elephant when this is over
since I seem to be eating much more often! Thankful that we can still get the
supplies that we need in my area.
I’m
enjoying being outside during most of these beautiful days with MANY people
walking all over the neighborhood.
Love
and Peace, Patti West, Clemmons Moravian Church, Clemmons NC, PWB member
Upon
receiving the email from the PWB asking for reflections of God during this time
I was having mixed emotions concerning COVID19. I prayed and God led me
to The Lord's Prayer where I received peace.
After
praying I felt led to contact my church members who are shut-ins and members
who live alone.
When
I started calling what a "joy" of happiness I could hear in their
voices to receive encouragement during this stay at home time period we all are
experiencing. I shared Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious
about anything , but with every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God ", with each phone call I made
which gave me joy and comfort from God knowing I had brought
"sunshine" through a phone call.
Julia
Horton
1st
John 3:11
I
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has had His Hand in this pandemic by
bringing us closer together not only to our friends and loved ones but to Him
also. Every morning before breakfast my husband Gray and I pray together
the Moravian Blessing. After that I read aloud from the Moravian Daily
Text, Mornings With Jesus (from Guidepost) and finally the Daily Guidepost
Devotional. Of these three books the Daily Text has been spot on giving
us hope and comfort during these difficult times. I feel that this is no
accident and the Lord is speaking directly to us through the scriptures, hymns,
and prayers.
Recently
a lady from Friedberg who sits beside me in the choir called me to check on
Gray and I. She shared a poem written by a female Methodist minister that
was sent to her by a friend. I found it very moving and touching and I
would like to share it with my Moravian sisters.
Pandemic
What
if we thought of it
as
the Jews consider the Sabbath-
The
most sacred of times?
Cease
from travel, buying, and selling.
Sing.
Pray. Touch only those
To
whom you commit your life.
Center
down. When your body is still,
Reach
out with your heart.
Know
that we are connected in ways
That
are terrifying and beautiful.
Know
that our lives are in one another’s hands.
(Surely,
that has become clear.)
Do
not reach out your hands.
Reach
out your heart and your words.
Reach
out all the tendrils of compassion
That
move where we cannot touch.
Promise
the world your love,
For
better or for worse,
In
sickness and in health,
So
long as we all shall live.
Written
by the Rev. Lynn Ungar
March
11, 2020
Blessings,
Vicki
Stanfield, Friedberg Moravian, Winston-Salem, VP Provincial Women’s Board
My
yard and neighborhood have never been more beautiful...fragrant white wisteria,
blossoming pink dogwoods, Hershey red azaleas in full bloom. God gives us signs
of His sovereignty each day.
My most peaceful moments have come in the evening when I see the Moravian stars shining in the darkness. It reminds me of God’s presence shining down upon us.
Barbara Davis, Advent Moravian Church
My most peaceful moments have come in the evening when I see the Moravian stars shining in the darkness. It reminds me of God’s presence shining down upon us.
Barbara Davis, Advent Moravian Church
Easter
morning when my alarm went off, I rolled over and grabbed my phone so I could
listen to the sunrise service. I was comforted by the sound of the voices
of both John and Mary Rights. The birds were singing (still not sure if they
were on the broadcast or outside my window). When the minister got to the part
in the service where we would, under different circumstances, be walking to the
graveyard, I hopped out of bed, grabbed my robe and a blanket and headed to my
patio. I too was going to watch the sun rise. As sunrises go, this was less
than spectacular, the clouds were mixing in there, but it was still MY Moravian
sunrise. The Lord is Risen!
The
Lord Is Risen indeed! Martha Johnson, Konnoak Hills Moravian, Winston-Salem,
NC, Board Member
Being
home for weeks has been productive and interesting. I have spent many hours
working in the yard and flower beds. As
I worked, I listened to birds singing and spoke or waved to neighbors as they
walked by. My time in the yard was very peaceful and our yard has never looked
greener or more beautiful.
Life
has been interesting in adjusting to worship without being in a church
building, not shopping for that new spring outfit, or getting takeout from my
favorite restaurant. During this time I have come to rely on internet more than
ever. I learned about Zoom and how to use it. Holy Week services, Easter, and
Sunday services have been on the computer in my home. I celebrated Maundy Thursday Communion
sitting in my den watching a computer screen.
My circle at Macedonia had our April meeting through emails from our
creative circle leader to all ladies.
Moravian
Facebook Fellowship helps me connect with Moravians around the world. I have
listened to brass bands from South Africa, daily devotions from St. Thomas, and
our local group of ministers and musicians who give a Wednesday devotional and
music program. Each day I look forward
to the “Musical Moment” presented by Becky Lepore, Director of Music at Central
Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA. She is an amazing musician and plays a
familiar hymn on piano or organ.
During
this unusual time, one of my favorite events was the challenge by other
Moravians to “let our light shine” by hanging our stars and letting “Our Light
Shine” until life is back to normal. Moravians from many Provinces shared
pictures of their stars shining and giving Light and Hope to all the world.
My
“new” normal has allowed more time to do things I enjoy doing and has expanded
my use of technology. I keep up with family and friends through my computer and
phone. Now I “attend” church services and
other events of the Moravian Church while sitting in my home looking at a
screen. Susan Parker, Macedonia Moravian Church, Advance, NC, Board Member
Photo by Susan Parker |
God
has blessed me with wonderful neighbors who phone, text, or call across our
yards to be sure I'm OK. They ask if I need anything. Some go for 3-4
items at the grocery for me telling me we'll settle up later when I offer to
pay for these items. They were watching out for me last year when I came
home from the hospital and my daughter's in June from having back surgery in
late May.
Sure do miss not going up the mountain for Spiritual Life Retreat this year. Ada Vernon
Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC
Sure do miss not going up the mountain for Spiritual Life Retreat this year. Ada Vernon
Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, NC
The
Fairview Congregation is very blessed to have people taking care of each
other. Due to us not having a Lovefeast at church, one couple delivered
Lovefeast and hot cross buns to 100 people. Neighbors baking for
neighbors, buying items for people not able to leave homes, calling each other
is our way of helping during this pandemic. Enjoying being with our
family more and not rushing to appointments, taking walks and seeing
nature. Hopefully we will have our 90th Birthday Party in June
and remember our Fall Fare on November 14th. Stay safe and
keep a song in your heart.
Christ
Moravian Our women have been keeping busy in spite of the current COVID
19.
We
have been communicating through cards, phone calls and even through our
computers. We were able to mail our shut ins Easter cards. We are still working
on our Lenten Project sponsored by our church. We collected canned goods
for Sunnyside Ministry and collected items for City with Dwellings. The project
has been extended until the end of April. We also with our congregation had a
flower cross in front of the church office. People from the neighborhood came
by along with our members also came and brought flowers. We are looking forward
when we get back together and continue our projects.
Greetings
from the Women's Fellowship of Bethania Moravian Church! The Women of
Bethania stand strong during this difficult time and continue to serve those in
need, several of our women have made masks, in fact over 900 to donate to
our health care workers and to those of our congregation that need one.
We have a Blessings Box outside which people can come by and get masks.
We are continuing to provide for our Shut Ins by dropping off food and other
essentials.
We
have hope that soon we will be able to gather in our church as one
again. But for now, our Interim Pastor, Judy and our choir director,
Scott with the help of Scott's wife provide us worship services via
Facebook. We can't thank them enough for their service to our
congregation.
Please
stay safe and take care. Prayers for those who are need and with God's
blessing we will return to some normalcy.
Barbara
Peiffer, President, Bethania Moravian Church, Women's Fellowship
Sunday
May 3rd, in honor of our 247th anniversary the Friedberg Women's Fellowship
sponsored a drive by drop in Food Drive benefiting Sunnyside
Ministries. The goal of the Women's Fellowship was to collect 2,470 lbs of non-perishable food items for Sunnyside. We far exceeded our goal
with a collection of 5, 316 lbs. of food items. David Holstein stated that it was the largest food donation ever to Sunnyside. Along with greeting our fellow members with waves from our cars we were serenaded by a few members of our band playing familiar Moravian Hymns. It was a wonderful experience and one we will never forget.
Vicki Stanfield
Ministries. The goal of the Women's Fellowship was to collect 2,470 lbs of non-perishable food items for Sunnyside. We far exceeded our goal
with a collection of 5, 316 lbs. of food items. David Holstein stated that it was the largest food donation ever to Sunnyside. Along with greeting our fellow members with waves from our cars we were serenaded by a few members of our band playing familiar Moravian Hymns. It was a wonderful experience and one we will never forget.
Vicki Stanfield
Blessing
Boxes
Does
your church have a blessing box? Let us know. We are hoping to publish
information about Blessing Boxes around the Province in the next newsletter. pwbmcsp@gmail.com 336.722.4911
Helping
Happenings
Sunday Morning At Konnoak Hills Moravian
Food Drops Continue for Sunnyside Ministry
10:00 to 12:00 noon
In the Coronavirus Economy, crisis ministries such as Sunnyside Ministry are
challenged to address an increasing food insecurity in our community.
David Holston, Director of Sunnyside has said: As long as we have the staff
to open the building, people to help us serve our neighbors, and food to
meet the need, Sunnyside Ministry will remain open.
The staff and a heroic team of Sunnyside college scholarship recipients
continue to sustain Sunnyside’s critical services. Our Sunday morning
donations in March and April have contributed to the 250 family-size food
orders distributed each week. Since March 22, we’ve, donated over 3,000
pounds of groceries.
We have also been blessed to receive a supportive call from Moravian friends in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This couple is sending a portion of their
stimulus checks to add to our food donations. We also thank our
band members and Bobby and Lily Rominger for bringing musical praise to the
parking lot in these weeks.
All are invited to make this opportunity a weekly habit. In these days of
uncertainty and social instability, it is also a way to maintain the weekly
rhythm of the Sabbath.
Red
Cross Blood Drive - Saturday, May 9th
11:00
- 3:30
Konnoak
Hills Moravian Church - 3401 Konnoak Drive
To
schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
Enter sponsor code "Konnoak Hills Moravian"
We're
supporting the Red Cross in its mission to maintain the critical
blood supply needed in these extraordinary months. Additional safety protocals
are now in place. Donors will be asked to wear face masks covering mouths and
noses (masks supplied if needed). Appointments are highly encouraged to help
manage donor flow and social distancing. Temperatures will be taken at the
door. Guests will not be able to attend (e.g. friends and children) All canteen
refreshments will be pre-packaged.
In
times of crisis, we often witness the best of humanity
as people roll up a sleeve to help those in need. Be a life-saving blessing.
Next Serving and Sharing Newsletter Published
August 6th
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