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Dates to remember Prayer Notes Richard Ingham 17 January 3rd [Second Sunday after Christmas] John 1: (1-9) 10-18 mmoravianoravian Jan Eternal Word, the same yesterday, today and forever, with whom a thousand years are but as yesterday: lift our eyes above the narrow horizons of this present

world, that we may consider the things eternal in the heavens, where an inheritance 2016 JANUARY mmessengeressenger World Religion Day that is imperishable and unfading is kept for us. Sanctify the life which you have www.worldreligionday.org given us; so that, living with you in this passing world, we may live with you and in you, to all eternity. Give us faith to rest in your sure keeping; confident that you will sustain us to the end, until your love and your likeness is perfected in us. 18 25 Amen Jan Jan January 6th [Epiphany] Matthew 2:1-12 God spoke by the prophets… Father of Lights, dispel all clouds of doubt and darkness surrounding our earthly Week of Prayer for course; that in your light we may see light and come to know you as we are Christian Unity known, and to love as we are loved. You gave to wise men of old a glorious star (Hebrews 1:1) www.ctbi.org.uk to lead them to Christ: grant that we, who have been given a yet more glorious sign, even his holy Cross, may follow and be led by it the whole way to our salvation and your heaven. Amen I believe I've heard God through the picture, the prophet's body 24 January 10th [First Sunday after Epiphany ] Luke 3:15-17;21-22 forms the other diagonal. Jan speaking, but never directly. Christ, who humbled yourself to take the baptism of sinners, and was immediately It always happened through declared to be the Son of God: grant that we who have been baptized into you Does it mean God's word can well go Homelessness Sunday may rejoice to be children of God and servants of all for your Name's sake. Grant people or circumstances. against the grain of our lives? This can that the brightness of your presence may shine in our hearts, and your glory be www.housingjustice.org.uk/ indeed be the case. The Bible and church revealed in our lives. As John the Baptist was sent to be the forerunner, calling Being a minister is the consequence of pages/homeless_sunday.html people to repentance and preparing your way: make us to follow his doctrine, history are full of life-stories that display a calling. But the same is true for being holy life and patient suffering in such a way, that we may turn to you with all a big change after people listened to God our hearts, and be made ready for that day when your glory shall be revealed a teacher, a driver, a baker, a listener, an - just think of the Apostle Paul or of Jan 24 and all humanity shall see it together. Amen encourager, a prayerful person. Jan Hus who paid with his life for speaking January 17th [Second Sunday after Epiphany ] John 2:1-11 what he believed was the will of God. Trying to listen to God can be comforting Education Sunday Jesus, who by your first miracle manifested your glory, so that your disciples Readers may have themselves and reassuring, but at times it can also http://www.cte.org.uk/ believed in you and by your presence at Cana sanctified the holy estate of experienced life-changing encounters Groups/234838/Home/ matrimony. Bless our homes with your presence - a fountain of life, springing up be disturbing. within us, which can make all things new. May your divine instructions be so with God. Resources/Education_Sunday received that no resistance of ours may hinder your working a similar miracle The woodcut by the East German artist /Education_Sunday.aspx within us. As you changed the water into wine, change the poverty of our nature What may be God's message for us Hans Georg Anniès shows the into the riches of your grace; that by the transformation of our lives your glory today? Years ago the ecumenical may be revealed. Amen. characteristics of a prophet who cannot movement was often interpreted as a escape the voice of God. A prophet is first 27 January 24th [Third Sunday after Epiphany] Luke 4:14-21 prophetic message: Work for peace, Jan of all a listener. Son of David, who choose Israel to be your inheritance: look upon your ancient promote justice and care for God's people and take away the blindness which has fallen on them. Grant that they creation. None of these elements can Holocaust Memorial Day may see and confess you to be their true Messiah and that, believing, they may The eyes of the prophet are wide open www.holocaustmemorialday. have life through your Name. Bless those who labour to bring them to the and full of anguish. His face is tense. One exist without the other two. gov.uk knowledge of your truth and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles hand is pointing upwards to the source shall come in and all Israel shall be saved. Amen In a time of wars, grave injustices and of the voice he is obviously hearing. The climate change we will have to raise our January 31st [Fourth Sunday after Epiphany ] Luke 4:21 - 30 fingers of the other hand point into the 31 voices again, but not without careful Jan Son of Joseph, who taught that no prophet is acceptable in his home town and same direction. The thumb behind the listening first. a person's enemies might sometimes be found in his own house; we are sorry ear helps to listen even more carefully. World Leprosy Day that your own people were slow to believe and even tried to kill you when your www.leprosymission.org.uk ministry was scarcely begun. Help us never be afraid of suffering, nor to suffer The hands are almost like a diagonal line Joachim Kreusel without cheerfulness in your service, confident that being yours none can pluck us out of your hand, and fearing you, none can make us afraid. Amen

The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and all Editor: Rosemary Power Design & Artwork communications [email protected] David Bull More on Ockbrook first Official Journal of the Moravian concerning distribution Messenger Editor, 5 Muswell Hill, [email protected] the Poverty ever Beer, Chilli and supply should be sent London N10 3TJ Church in the British Province. Conference and Jazz Festival to the Moravian Book Room Contributions for the Messenger Printed & Distribution Published monthly by the 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 should reach the editor by the 3rd G. R. Walkden authority of the Provincial Synod. 3TJ, and NOT to the Editor. day of the preceeding month. Tel 01931 716703 (page 3) (page 11) More on the Poverty Conference Happy Editing the at Ockbrook 31 October 2015 New Year! Messenger The day was arranged by the Mission and Society committee Another view was expressed by several groups: as Christians we As we have had, and will have, Harvest), or is a special edition (Jan Hus, as I am blind when proof-reading my after a Synod 2014 proposal, proposed by Br Alan Holdsworth should not concentrate on one issue giving the impression that a number of articles on Science), and sometimes it is not explicit own work! and unanimously carried. we do not care about other social issues. Congregations are but serves to pull material together and located in areas which have their own problems, and should do Stewardship, the following is I ask for material by the first week of the After the speakers [see last edition of the Messenger] we split try and make it balance. work relevant to their locality. to explain one aspect of preceding month because all of this work into five groups to discuss how we might tackle the At another level, there are series. Some happens before the edited material and issue locally, nationally, and denominationally. A Can we do have both a national stewardship in a team, the plenary session was then held to present and share campaign and do a variety of are by the same person, as for example the proposed page plan go to Dave Bull planning and the process the ideas and opinions raised. local work? Concern was for layout. Then it comes back, so Kit Shorten's series on the First World the Moravian Church should lead in eradicating child expressed about 'charity by which the Messenger is everything can be proof-read. Then Dave War; while others, like the poverty in the UK: by solving this issue other problems exhaustion', diluting efforts, put together. Commandments series have multiple makes a clean copy and it goes to would cease to develop. spreading ourselves too thinly Graham Walkden for printing and I think of putting together an issue is authors. Sometimes the content fits with and starting something that we distribution, and arrives at your church. don't finish. similar to music. Each section is 'played one of the overall themes, and sometimes by different instruments', and the whole two. There needs to be space for news Other 'unjust structures' were is meant to add up. That may sound of current events, like last year's An unknown number read it online and named as important and possible focuses for the pretentious, but it is good to be ambitious earthquake in Nepal. 1650 copies are printed. A lot of work Moravian Church. These included Global finance, Poverty (shelter, goes into it by a lot of people, as those even when practice falls short! It is good to have a range of writers, male clothing, food),Lack of opportunities, Housing, Relationships who have given their time to writing will My offer to edit was accepted in early and female, of all ages and backgrounds. between children and fathers, Family breakdown, Mental health, Some are accustomed to writing, while be aware. So don't throw away spare Food waste. 2013. From an initial meeting, six themes copies - use them for outreach, dentists' to others it is new. Some pieces are Things that would be helpful are supporting congregations to became apparent, and this was accepted surgeries or other events! at Synod 2014. Apart from 'Youth' translated. Letters and book reviews are find out what the needs are in their local area. Are there charities working to solve these problems? If yes, how can our members (which covers anything from children's always welcome. With Reports and The 'Messenger' is shorter that similar To move, this needs a resolution to Synod 2016. Meanwhile, support this work? Should we help to set up new projects if no activities to the work of young Congregation News, there is a queue for church papers, like the URC 'Reform' lobbying letters should be sent to The Speaker of The House of space, and shortening is done to include other charities are addressing them? professionals), the themes are: social magazine or the Irish 'Methodist Commons and sympathetic MPs; to push for a Private as many as possible. News of Members Bill. A regular feature sharing the work being done in congregations, responsibility, overseas work, art and Newsletter', but unlike them comes out forthcoming events is included in the next will give others ideas, help forge links, and give a focus for prayer. culture, history, and practical theology. 12 times a year, carries no advertisements Other groups said that if we are going to concentrate on this available issue. and is free. One of the heartening aspects The intention is to average a page on issue, a lot of research needs to be done. What is Child Poverty? It was wonderful that so many took time to attend and has been the quality of the articles What are the facts and figures? What is the Government policy participate in this day, and that all six districts were represented. each per month. There is a back page Pictures light up an issue. Please send - submitted. at the current time? What are existing charities doing to address with prayers. Mark Dixon (Chair, Mission and Society Committee), but not too many as the editor then this problem? As a Church what can we do at Province level and doesn't know which are most relevant! Having edited before is a great help. The The themes, to my mind, surround the in our local areas? Eleanor Holllingsworth If children are shown, was parental work takes three to four days a month, core of our work, prayer, and its public permission obtained? but in practice material comes in all the expression. The contents are meant to time. Am I paid? The agreement was an inform, entertain and be helpful for the Every article goes through the same honorarium and expenses. Do I get flak? Summer camp 2016 - Call for preparation of sermons and Bible studies, editing process. It may be held until there Sometimes, and also helpful critique, interest in leadership or action for social justice. The attempt is space, or to fit with a theme in a praise and encouragement. Summer is to get a balance between reflection, forthcoming issue. Grammar, syntax, Joy Raynor writes creativity and information. For example, spelling and punctuation conventions are To return to the orchestra theme - there Camp are plans and technical matters involved, If you would like to be considered for the leadership team of Art and Culture can include a kept the same throughout. A piece may summer camp 2016, 30 July - 06 August, please contact me but the content relies on what people 2016 commentary on a piece of music, or a be pruned - often the shorter the more as soon as possible. PYCC is keen to extend the number of new hymn or short story, while Overseas impact. If major changes are made, or send in, the quality of the 'musicians'. If people available and willing to take part in summer camp. 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A page-long advice. the young people as well as build an appropriate friendship commented so far! For ages 10-17 (on 31 August 2016) article with a picture, perhaps two, is the with them and the other leaders. Age is not a barrier although By tradition the editor decides the front ideal, though shorter articles are Cost £300 (£25 discount for early we do like our leaders to have had at least one year away from There is a style sheet for writing, which camp as a camper before coming as a leader. Energy and page content and the article titles. booking) forms available from LIMITED PLACES accepted, and occasionally a longer one. is sent out on request. A revised version so book early to enthusiasm essential. Reasonable travel costs and the centre Similarly, the Editor writes. I sometimes ministers or Joy Raynor is on page 7. secure one! fees are paid for by the province. If you want to chat about There is a focus to each edition. cover a theme, often with a piece that ([email protected]) it please give me a ring. Sometimes this is seasonal (Easter, has been edited elsewhere - which helps Rosemary Power 2 3 The Moravian Church The Seventh Commandment as a Historic Peace Church Craig Atwood

The Unitas Fratrum was the first peace army were instructed to seek out non- seek to live in peace with all people. church.1 Our church was founded in 1457 combat roles. If they had to fight they Disputes were to be settled through Please forgive a personal note to begin with. Arising from the partner betrays the trust upon which relationships depend, and during a period of intense religious should try to wound rather than kill. conversation rather than violence. advice to writers by Dan Mannix In 'Memoirs of a Sword counts as an adulterer.7 By the same token, where a marriage conflict and persecution. Brother Gregory Swallower' to ‘Write about what you know about’; I hope that has failed, the bonds severed by mistreatment or neglect; for a During the Protestant Reformation, the Although the Moravians did not condemn and his companions were frustrated that our Editor did not think of me as a practised adulterer, when partner to er, er 'make other arrangements' as a free agent, is Unitas Fratrum established ties with the the military per se (and had many friends the State church had beautiful worship she commissioned me to contribute this piece, nor a victim of surely legitimate. Calvinists in Geneva, and they drifted in the military) members of the Moravian and sophisticated theology but had the same. I am not in a position to follow Mannix's excellent further away from their original peace Church were not allowed to enlist. Those forgotten the weightier matters of Jesus' witness. In 1618, some of the prominent who did so were generally removed from advice, and have no first-hand knowledge of adultery either as Adultery and the Bible teaching. In a little village called Kunwald membership in the church. Moravians victim or as predator. 'Pastoral Observer' is as near to the members of the Unity participated in the The Book of Hosea is perhaps the touchstone of Biblical attitudes they tried to create a Christian also did not participate in capital subject as I ever came, so I do hope that that is close enough. rebellion against the Habsburg rulers. to adultery. The anguish and despair of the prophet from the community that followed the Law of punishment, although they did not During the ensuring Thirty Years War adultery of his wife Gomer, are moving in the extreme, and we Christ as presented in the Sermon on the protest the state's authority to try capital (1618 - 1648) the Unitas Fratrum was Adultery as Betrayal come close to understanding his dismay. Only the consciousness Mount. Gregory drew heavily on the destroyed by religion persecution and cases. It is not surprising that Moravians 'Adultery hurts', one victim told me, and that just about sums of God's grace can match up to the devastation Hosea suffers writings of Peter Chelvicky who insisted violence. Thousands of Moravians went settled in the Quaker colony of that Christ's commandment to love our into permanent exile; others tried to keep Pennsylvania. up the responses of all those who find themselves so betrayed. from Gomer's betrayal. neighbours and our enemies is central to That strong word is justified because of the awful destructive the faith alive in secret in their homeland. Even that great hero David is revealed as all too fallible over his our faith. Peter frequently pointed out During the American Civil War, there were force that is released by the discovery of the breach of trust fling with Bathsheba and the sly killing of Uriah. that it is impossible to love someone The greatest Moravian scholar in history, Moravians in both the Federal and implied by adultery. So treacherous is the offence that adultery while killing or maiming them. The John Amos Comenius, lived during this Confederate armies. It is sadly was for a long time the only behaviour that was held to justify As we see from right early, in Exodus 20:14, through the prophets violent era. He is most famous for his illuminating that the first war that original Brethren were uncomfortable severing the bonds of marriage; viz Matthew 19:9 ‘And I say to the New Testament, The Biblical view of adultery is wholly books on education reform, but Comenius Moravians fully endorsed was one in with the way churches use the violence to you; whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and negative, a view not altered by one of the very best stories in of the Old Testament to justify violence. also dedicated himself to the cause of which brother fought against brother. By marries another, commits adultery.’ Of course we only hear the whole Bible, now sadly threatened by the scholars (who Even though the ancient Israelites had peace. Toward the end of his life he wrote: 1865 the Moravians had largely forgotten from the victim on this. Perhaps some brave 'Jack the Lad' will think it may have been added later), John 8:3-11, 'The woman engaged in warfare, that does not mean 'Mankind has had enough of folly and their four-hundred-year history of that Christians may violate the war, and it is to be hoped that the time pacifism. Some even denied that the enlighten us all on the feelings from the other side of the coin. taken in adultery'. Although Jesus refuses to condemn her, he does not condone the adultery, rather he challenges the Commandments given by Jesus. It is the will come when all men are exhausted Unitas Fratrum had ever been a peace In the meantime I must say that if morality is to do with what with wars and return to peace. 2 hypocrisyof her accusers, and does not pursue the issue of her New Testament that should govern the church. is good for people (and it is), then adultery, being devastatingly lives of Christians. partner. Instead he exerts the authority of God's grace. We are Comenius revived the waning peace Moravians on both sides of the Atlantic hurtful, is immoral. witness of the Unitas Fratrum and made thus reminded that His mercy may extend even to the most Members of the Unitas Fratrum were fought in World Wars I and II, thinking treacherous adulterer, should he try to be more faithful to those forbidden to serve in the military or even it central to his theology, teaching, and that their fight was just. During the peace Adultery and Marriage who have trusted him (or her). to serve on juries since they might ethics. Violence is contrary to the nature movement of the 1960s, some Christians have long held the view that a lawful marriage is the participate in the harming of others. This of Christ and should be banished from Moravians tried to claim the church was John Wilkinson right and proper framework for couples living together, but strict pacifism was threatening to rulers the church. He urged his readers: a peace church, but it was hard to 'Whenever you encounter one of your whether from within a legal framework or not, an unfaithful who expected the church to sanctify the convince the federal government of that neighbours, regard him as yourself in violence of the State. As a result, hundreds since the church also had military another form (which he is), or indeed as of Moravians were harassed, arrested, chaplains. By 1969 the question of peace God in another form, for he is the image tortured, exiled, or killed. As time passed, and war divided Moravians, and it it grew harder for the Moravians to of God, and God will be watching to see 3 remains a point of contention. maintain such a strict pacifism and how reverently you treat him.' separation from the state. There were a Comenius tried to preserve the witness Still, the fact remains that the Unitas WCC and Refugees few nobles who offered protection to the of the Unitas Fratrum through his Fratrum was the first peace church. For The Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general these observations: 'As Christians we communities.' Church, but only if members were willing writings, and he lived in hope for a better four hundred years the Moravian Church to assume the duties of citizenship, such maintained a fairly consistent peace secretary of the global ecumenical body share the belief that we see in the other day when those who profess Christ would “At this time of the Christian year, we as serving on juries. Gradually the elders live as Christ commanded. Decades after witness, but this was largely forgotten The World Council of Churches, has issued the image of Christ himself (Matthew remember God's great love for the world moderated the original non-violence. his death, a new generation of Moravians during the titanic conflicts of the past its call to member churches to remember 25:31-46) … The experience of two centuries. The question we face in in the gift of Jesus Christ. And we read Members were allowed to serve on juries, chose to go into exile so that they could the refugees. “According to the annual migration and crossing of borders is but they were to temper justice with live according to the teachings of the the 21st century is whether the Moravian report of UNHCR, the United Nations known to the Church of Christ. The Holy once again of the flight of his family in mercy. Eventually, Brethren were allowed New Testament. Under the leadership of Church should reclaim this identity and refugee agency, the number of human search of a safer place than home. We to serve in the military, but only if they Count Zinzendorf, they formed a become a peace church again. This is not Family were refugees; the very were forced by the state. Brethren could covenant community called Herrnhut in a question of history, but of faith, love, beings forcibly displaced from their Incarnation of Our Lord is a crossing of also remember the Master's later not be professional soldiers, and Germany. The Brotherly Agreement they and hope. How will this generation homes is at least 59.5 million, up from the border between the Human and the teaching, as recorded in Matthew 25:40: members who were conscripted into the signed in 1727 stipulated that they would respond to the Law of Christ? 51.2 million in mid-2014 and 37.5 million Divine.' The same religious 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one just a decade ago. These daunting figures representatives concluded, in part, 'As of the least of these who are members 1 This is explored in my book The Theology of the Czech Brethren from Hus to Comenius (Penn State University Press, 2009). represent tens of millions of women like churches this is an opportunity to share of my family, you did it to me'.” 2 John Amos Comenius, Panorthosia or Universal Reform, ch. 1-18 and 27, trans. A. M. O. Dobbie (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995), 57. Mary, men like Joseph and children like more widely experience and expertise in 3 Ibid. 197-198. The WCC has also made a short video to the infant Jesus…” offering spiritual and pastoral support, Originally published in The Moravian March 2010. Abridged version here is reprinted with permission of the author. accompany the Christmas message. Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood is Charles D Couch Associate Professor of Church History at Moravian Theological Seminary. Material in this article appeared ecumenical and interfaith cooperation The Moravian Magazine “In a recent communiqué on the refugee in and is reprinted with the author's permission. crisis, church leaders in Europe made and building bridges between diverse Source: Praxis Newsletter. 4 5 Guidelines for writing for the The Moravian Mission to the Jews Moravian Messenger

The German Pietist movement from Jewish emancipation would have to wait unconverted brethren. In 1746 he Lieberkühn's 30 years of mission to the Please submit in Word (any version) or Use U.K. spellings, punctuation and which the Moravians emerged was much another hundred years. Saxony, allowed two Moravians of Jewish Jews brought little success. While few were Open Office (not in pdf, Publisher etc.), grammar. occupied with the significance the Jewish Zinzendorf's state, had aimed since the converted many, he wrote, were brought and without layout. This makes it easier background to marry in a ceremony that Give Dates in this form: 10 December people held for Christianity. In Romans Reformation to exclude Jews from its included Jewish rites and with hymns to reflect seriously on his message. That to edit and then to lay out. brought an end to any formal Moravian 2015. Chapter 11 verses 25-26 St Paul tells us territory. In 1777 a hundred were driven sung in a mix of German and Hebrew. Congregational News is ideally up to 'mission to the Jews' and Zinzendorf's that after the full number of Gentiles out of Dresden, the capital. To the north, He also added a petition for Israel (i.e. 250 words plus two relevant photos. It Give all numerals under 10 in words. Jewish community was never realised. have come to Christ the hearts of Israel the King of Prussia referred to them as is helpful to send photos separately. Jewish people) to the litany, the first time Towards the end of his life Zinzerndorf Give titles of books etc. in italics. will no longer be hardened and they too 'locusts bringing ruin to Christians' and a Western Church had made a prayer for accepted that the time for the conversion If you have notice of a forthcoming will be saved. in 1737 expelled 140 Jewish families Israel a regular part of its liturgy. of the Jews had not yet come. A month event, please mark it so it can go in the In the text, give the title and sub-titles from Berlin. In these circumstances in bold, sentence case. There were two Pietist interpretations of before his death he told the Brethren to next issue. If you send a poster, please Zinzendorf's Pietist approach is all the In 1738 Zinzendorf sent the missionary these verses: some thought that the show concern and love for the Jews and also send the plain text. For quotes use single inverted commas more creditable. Leonard Dober to Amsterdam, a city with not to forget them before the throne of conversion of Jews would not take place a large Jewish population, to spend a Letters are welcome, but may be (except for quotes within quotes, where God's grace. double are used). until the second coming, others that year in the Jewish quarter. Dober shortened. missionaries should be sent Interested Jews were still approached and met with little success and in 1739 Book reviews are also welcome. Please Your submission is appreciated. It will forthwith to the Jews. This Samuel Lieberkühn, a competent in certain situations, for example the be edited, though if major changes are Jerusalem Leper Home, proselytizing ensure that the title, author, publisher, preoccupation gave the Pietists a theologian, arrived in his stead. place of publication and date are suggested it will be returned for your greater respect for Jews than was certainly continued, although played agreement. If so, please retain all Lieberkühn immersed himself in the down in published accounts of the home. included, and ideally also the ISBN. If otherwise common in Germany. you have a picture of the front cover, house-style changes with regard to Jewish way of life and religion. He Jewish converts to the Moravian Church that is helpful. hyphenation, capitalisation, paragraph Spener, Zinzendorf's godfather and acquired a rabbi as teacher and a remained sufficiently rare for notices of one of the founders of Pietism, wrote breaks and so on; and mark any further thorough knowledge of doctrinal the occasion to appear in Periodical Normal length for a full-page article is that the remembrance of the origin changes you wish to make in red or and historical writings, liturgy and Accounts. What Lieberkühn did achieve approximately 900 words with a through 'track changes'. of the Jewish people should make the Hebrew language. He attended was to improve relations and picture. Shorter articles are welcome. it fitting that Jews should be shown synagogue twice a day, gained understanding between the two faiths. Some longer ones are accepted: please Your article may not be published immediately, as this depends on how more love than others. access to private meetings and Moravian tolerance and ecumenism contact the Editor. retains that attitude to those of the Jewish much is received and how your piece religious societies and was accepted From his teenage years Zinzendorf faith, several of whom have been Relevant photographs are welcome, balances a particular issue. had been concerned with the fate into Jewish homes. So popular did employed at the Ramallah Home. but please make sure you have the of the Jewish people and with how he become that he was named owner's permission. Thank you and enjoy writing! they might be convinced that Jesus Rabbi Shmuel (Samuel) by his Jewish Adrian Wilsdon Christ was the Messiah promised in The Great Synagogue, Amsterdam friends. their scriptures. He shared the A paper submitted by Lieberkühn to general respect Pietists had for the Jewish Enquirers' Day Y-Pray? An exciting weekend Synod in 1764 gives an interesting insight people and was on friendly terms with a Zinzendorf was counted among those Noticeboard Saturday 23rd January 2016 conference for young women, into the difficulties he faced which were, number of Jewish families. His sympathy Pietists who considered a mission to the at of course, of a quite different order to Br Peter Vogt writes of his new book David Howarth writes: Do you sense God is 29 April - 01 May 2016 with them may be gleaned from a Jews a necessity. He had his own Von Goethe bis Grass - Herrnhuter in der calling you to ordained ministry? This is a big King's Park Centre, Northampton. distinctive views on the part they were those encountered by missionaries to the fictitious dialogue he wrote in 1739 Literatur ('From Goethe to Grass - question and one that the Provincial Board £99.Contact Women's World Day between a Moravian traveller and an to play in the spread of Christianity. In a 'heathen'. It was hopeless, Lieberkühn of Prayer for further details. 01892 wrote, to attempt to demonstrate that Moravians in Literature'). It is an would encourage anyone to explore. So, if innkeeper who considered himself talk before Moravians in London in 1743 your answer to the above question is YES, or 541411. [email protected] Jesus was the Messiah based on Old anthology of literary texts that include cheated by Nathan, a Jewish merchant. he related his 'plan for the whole affair even if you are unsure or would like to know www.wwdp.org.uk. Testament prophesies for this simply references to Herrnhut and the Moravian (The conversations were among several of the heathen': 'It is believed in our Church. The volume covers 230 years more, why not come along to the intended to teach Moravians how to Church,' he told his audience 'that the resulted in endless controversies of ENQUIRERS' DAY. To register an interest, or textual interpretation based on rabbinic from the time of Goethe to the present. proselytize.) conversion of the Jews and of all Israel It documents the significant cultural to know more, please speak to either your The World Mission Committee glosses. If instead he tried to give proof must take place before the proper impact of Herrnhut and the Moravian minister or Br David Howarth (email: of the British Province has recently sent The traveller defends Nathan before the of Jesus's Messiahship by his admission conversion of the heathen can proceed Church, as well as the phenomenon of [email protected], telephone out its Newsletter. It is a pleasure to innkeeper by pointing out that a Jew may to the High Priest and by God's action in and we look upon all that we have done how a religious group has been observed 020 8883 3409). The programme and venue be able to send out the fourth in this well charge more because his choice of raising Him from the dead this simply will reflect those attending. to date among the heathen as first fruits and described in literature. If you believe series of occasional newsletters. We occupations is restricted by law and he provoked further disputation: had he seen only'. Thus only when the Jews were you could review this book, please contact hope you make them available to those is therefore unable to expand into wider Jesus and could 'Jesus be God' if God converted would the true harvest of the Editor. in your congregations who do not have areas of business. He also pays higher had raised Him from the dead? To avoid taxes than a Gentile and the belief that heathen be brought in. Fellowship Weekend access to the internet. If you know of becoming lost in an even deeper maze Addresses 01- 03 April all Jews are rich is mistaken since many For a Jew to abandon his religion was of doctrinal arguments Lieberkühn added anyone who would like to receive these Br Livingstone Thompson is now Join us at Shallowford House for a weekend are destitute. They have, he continues, a seen as a betrayal of history, family and that the Trinity was out of bounds as it letters, please ask them to send an at: 5 Mill Mews, Culcavy Road, Hillsborough of fun, activities and a chance to recharge sense of honour towards God which most community. Zinzendorf seemed aware was difficult enough for a Christian to email to [email protected] to be BT26 6JD. 02892682322. your spiritual batteries. Christians lack and there are many of this point and incorporated it into his understand, let alone a Jew. Lieberkühn added to the list of subscribers. We are reasons to hold them in the highest £137 per person. Contact Sr. Elisabeth plans. A group of Jewish converts (a 'first saw the approach of experience to be of is to be found indebted to the American Board of esteem and show them our respect. Sr Rosemary Power Hollindrake, 01274 579919 fruit' to prepare for the conversion of all far greater value than explanations of World Mission and the Herrnhuter at [email protected] [email protected] These words should be seen in the Jews) would be set up within the Christian doctrine. As he put it: 'None and [email protected], Missionshilfe for allowing us to use their context of Germany at the time. A special Moravian community which would retain can believe the Deity of Jesus but such 0777 6220 285. Reserve a place: Br. Paul Greenhough 01274 material. There will be more about this tax was demanded of a Jew when he Jewish traditions and Mosaic Law, thus as have experienced grace, pardon and 872633 [email protected] in the next issues of the Messenger. travelled, married or became a father. enabling a link to be kept with their deliverance from sin.' 6 7 A Minister Reflects Messenger Index 2015 Compiled by Peter M. Gubi (snr) A Living Wage Paul Mitchell 44 Remembering War Bettina Lumm-Hoffmann 5 A minister reflects Kit Shorten 126, 141 Sir John Purser Griffiths Edna Cooper 58 Memorabilia for 1916 Are we easy in our skin? Judith Carpenter 26 Spotlight on Gomersal C Shorten & M Newman 8 Assisted Dying - legal perspective Paul Mitchell 32 Spotlight on Kingswood Lorraine Cross 33 Based on nothing & still counting Richard Ingham 69 Spotlight on Tytherton Peter M.Gubi 81 Breaching the Barriers Rosemary Power 16 Spotlight on Wellhouse Ken Evans 20 Kit Shorten's transcriptions of the Gomersal diary continue Bullying and Us John Wilkinson 30 Stewardship Terry Cross 114 Charity Begins Paul Mitchell 101 Summer Camp Appeal for Funds 39 Once more we review another year and to recall the events of Congregation life to your prayer and earnest consideration. Christmas in Nepal Br. & Sr. Pradhan 133 Summer Camp Taster Day Annabel Thornton 39 the year which has passed. This brief record is in the hope that Christmas light Rosemary Power 138 Tanzania News Andreas Tasche 27 The Sunday School has suffered from the same complaint which The Commandments Michael Newman 140 the recollection of past mercies may lead us to increased trust Christmas of Yesteryear Gloria David 139 has its symptom in a decreased morning attendance, both of Christmas Quiz Augustus Gottlieb 135 The Resurrection Patsy Holdsworth 43, 51 in our Heavenly Father's wisdom and love and to fuller Thou shalt not steal David Bunney 125 teachers and scholars. In the afternoon the numbers keep up Community in a changing world Rosemary Power 93 consecration to his Service in the year we now commence. Conference on Moravian Music etc:Lorrain Parsons 28 Traugott Bachmann in Tanzania Adrian Wilsdon 78 much as usual. The scholars have raised money to send parcels Contra the Bully John Wilkinson 57 UK Poverty: What is it? Alan Holdsworth 97 We have lost some who were very closely connected with us. to our soldiers and have carried on the prize-giving contest as Creation Pat Wilson 92 UN Convention on Children's Rights 87 in former years, besides other social activities. At the beginning Creation vs evolution Ted Wilson 104 Unity Women's Desk Patricia Garner 113 Wanting what you shouldn't Richard Ingham 76 The toll of war has claimed two young lives who had been of the winter the elder boys expressed a wish for the Gymnasium Do not make a graven image Patsy Holdsworth 100 brought up in our school under the influences of our Church Dukinfield, Fairfield & Countess Julie Andrews 45 Week in Herrnhut. Adrian Wilsdon 136 to be resuscitated. An Instructor was found but lost again owing Easter Quiz Augustus Gottlieb 38 Zinzendorf and Parliament 1749 Hilary Smith 66 Services. They were also brothers of one home, Tom and Fred to increase of engagements which could not be refused. Now, Eastern District Training Day Edwin Quildan 51 Zinzendorf and Theology L Thompson 77, 89, 102 Wright. Our hearts have gone out in very affectionate sympathy the father of one of our scholars is training them and some of Ecumenism failures & futures Rosemary Power 4 Book Reviews Election Resources Joint Public Issues Team 46 to our Sister Wright and her family in this great sorrow, a sorrow the elder girls in Swedish Drill. A little history of Science Rosemary Power 53 which has invaded thousands of homes in this our land. Let it European Province and Refugees B. Carstens 128 Extreme Crafts for Messy Churches Joy Raynor 98 The pressure of financial needs led the Congregation Council European Women's Conference J.Cooper, A Geary, E Hipwell 106 Introducing Science & Religion Rosemary Power 53 bind us closer together, that we can each of us attend as occasion Faith & Science in Church David Coleman 52 to determine upon a Sale of Work. As time went in interest grew, Is this a Woman: inside RavensbruckRosemary Power 34 arises to the ministry of consolation and share with one another Fairtrade at Fortnight at 20 David Bunney 13 Speaking from the Heart Len Broadbent 46 in the comfort of God. until the day in question. We enjoyed a successful time. It was Fellowship Weekend 2015 Jackie Morten 82 Spiritual Accompaniment Graham Mallinson 91 a Young People's Bazaar, not that the work was monopolised Following a Passionart Trail Roesmary Power 25 The Life of Mrs Elizabeth Mary Bates Rosemary Power 46 The war has of course affected our services and not for the by them, but they were invited to cooperate in it and to suggest. From Jerusalem to Ramallah Adrian Wilsdon 31, 41 better. Many of our young men have gone to swell the national From Prayerlist for Women's Desk Patricia Garner 21 Congregation News Thanks are due to all took part and the many that did so is a Gracehill Village Square David Johnston 29 Baildon 95, Ballinderry 35, 95, Bath Weston 71, Bedford 94, army. The following from Congregation and Sunday School happy sign for the future. The Women's Guild worked with Hope Springs Eternal Bishop John McOwat 37 131, Brockweir 23, 71, 119, Cliftonville 143. Fairfield 10, 95, have joined during the year: Arthur Brook, Harry Brook, John remarkable devotion and were rewarded by taking the largest I was a stranger and you welcomedJ. Welschen 129 Fetter Lane 22, 130, Fulneck 11, 59, 83, 118, 130. Gomersal 11, Willie Brook, Arthur Gore, James Otway, Ernest Sampson, Harry Jan Hus (c 1369 - 1415) Lorraine Parsons 61, 62 119, Gracehill 47, 119, Hornsey 35, 118, Horton 10, 130, amount of any individual stall. The Young Women and girls Kingswood 22, 131, Kilwarlin 83, 94, Leominster 94, Wright, Percy Wilby, Clifford Kershaw, Harold Smithson, Leonard John Amos Comenius David Bunney 64 arranged a Garden Party in the Church Grounds which all Kirchentag 2015 David Bunney 85 Lower Wyke 10, 47, Ockbrook 94, Royton 9, 107, Salem 11, Wright, Illingworth Rycroft, Selwyn Crossley, Percy Holmes, enjoyed. The Congregation Service Party also did well, as always, Labrador Mission & Epidemic Adrian Wilsdon 19 118, Tytherton 59, University Road 107. Law on Sunday Paul Mitchell 88 Gilbert Stooke, Richard Naylor, Willie Brown, Fred Wright (killed). and to all these we express our thanks. The heavy deficiency District Conferences And News Lay Preachers' Training Weekend 2 The complete list of members is 25. Of these, one has been Eastern 8, 105, Midland 8, Western 8, 83, Yorkshire 59, 142. has been much reduced if not wiped out, and for this we are Light in the Darkness Samuel Webb 49 discharged from service and two have been killed. I am glad thankful. The Women's Guild met monthly in earlier part of the Making babies Paul Mitchell 55 Hymns All by Paul Gubi to say that in letters many of these speak with affection of their year for lectures and social gatherings. When it was decided to Making of a bishop Jackie Morton 1 A Canticle of Thanksgiving 91 association with the Congregation and Sunday School. To have hold a Sale of Work they took up the matter with splendid Martinmas liturgy for peace Rosemary Power 124 A Table Grace 113 a number like this (many of whom were in regular attendance) Medical Ethics Dr. David Johnston 54 God's Peace At Your Coming 82 enthusiasm and energy. They raised funds by means of a jumble Methodist Tax Justice Network (MTJN) 46 Harvest of the Spirit 113 removed from the life and activity of the Congregation is a sale, and then met weekly for sewing during the summer and Mission & Society Conf: Alan Holdsworth 162 Inseparable Love 60 serious matter. We look forward, if God will, to their return, but this service in this way and at the Sale of Work is very gratefully Moravial Again Laura Wood 123 The child-like Response 30 meanwhile let us supply the energy and enthusiasm which we remembered and appreciated. War conditions make these Guild Moravial Blog 2015 by several delegates 112 The Greatest Love 12 Moravians & Inuit Adrian Wilsdon 6 have found amongst them. meetings very difficult to continue, but we hope to maintain Moravians & Inuit Language Adrian Wilsdon 18 Joy's Journal & Youth Zone Joy Raynor them, if at all possible. 3, 15, 27, 40, 51, 68, 75, 86, 99, During the year 1915the average attendance had dropped. Moravians & Lapland Adrian Wilsdon 90 Moravians & Temperance Adrian Wilsdon 103 During 1916 the same movement continued but not in the Letters to the Editor The Men's Guild is not dead - but is waiting for the end of the Moravian Breweries in Germany Adrian Wilsdon 115 Edna Cooper 14, Alan Holdsworth 74, Roseita Burton 74, same ratio, and was caused by many absentees in the light war. The Sewing Meeting has met with its accustomed regularity Moravian Church in Estonia Adrian Wilsdon 65 Ted Wilson 74, Gwen Gribble 111, Adrian Wilsdon 116, warmer summer evenings and later in the dark moonless nights. and while not seeming to carry the quantity of goods that Moravians in Britain & Scientific... Adrian Wilsdon 56 Richard Ingham 122, Libbey Mitchell 131. Moravian Mission of the1790's Rosemary Power 80 If these are taken from the calculation we remain about the turned up at its stall at the Sale, demonstrated that good work Music for Easter David Bunney 42 Notice Board and P.E.C.Notes same. But still there is cause for grave concern. The attendance had been done quietly behind the scenes. The Choir has been MWA Day 2015 Annette Woolford 79 3, 24, 30, 48, 71, 72, 84, 96, 98, 108, 120, 127, 132, 144. at morning worship has fallen of considerably. People are forming unable to meet with any regularity for practice but it leads us My Two Grandfathers R.Traitler-Espiritu 121 Poetry new habits of life, and that very quickly. It is not a good habit in singing, nonetheless. Nepal Earthquake Br: & Sr: Pradhan 63, 73, 86 Conifers Margaret Connor 14 Nativity Play David Newman 137 surely to loiter away a whole afternoon of the Lord's Day. Just God who calls our species special D. Coleman 52 War conditions are felt as much probably in our Choir News from Khalatse Samson Thangpa 27 Gordon's Garden Tomb Margaret Connor 40 now we are all aware of the extraordinary conditions amongst Obituary Joyce Mellowes Peter M Gubi 34 membership as in any other by preventing contributions and I brought you flowers Margaret Connor 116 us. But is not that all the more reason why we as members of Opposing the Bully John Wilkinson 70 regular work. For all services received, we are grateful. The Great Game of Creation Michael Newman 50 the Church of God should not do our best and wherever possible Ordination of Br. James Woolford 143 The suicide bomber girl Godfrey Meynell 82 Peter Gubi's Consecration Sue Selby 68 Western Knitter Rosemary Power 116 meet in his House to render Him an early sacrifice of thanksgiving We cannot think of the Old Year without thinking of the New Prayer for Elections 57 and prayer? This and other matters of a similar import should Year. It may be that just now is sowing time and not reaping. Prayer for my Enemies Saint Anselm 14 Prayer Notes be discussed in a brotherly and prayerful spirit at a Church Let us sow then some Truth by knowing the Truth, sow patience Prayer of Thomas Merton 1915 - 1968 111 Back page of each issue Richard Ingham Provincial Men's Fellowship Alan Holdsworth 117 meeting. These things are vital. They touch very closely the and love by unselfish and consecrated service. Sow abundantly Refugees at the gates of Europe Rosemary Power 109 Y.P.M.A. Paul Greenhough. spiritual lives of us all. I commend this feature of our and in the season we shall reap if we faint not. Refugees in the past M. Newman & H. Smith 111 Notes and 2014 Results 75 8 9 Congregation News Ockbrook

The Lecture Hall at Ockbrook It was great to see young couples and Fairfield Moravian Church hosted its their children enjoy the atmosphere that first ever Beer, Chilli and Jazz was created by great food, drink and live On 04 July we had a Stars and Stripes afternoon tea to raise Festival in November. It was jazz music. Some of the jazz artists money for Church Funds. It was a lovely opportunity to spend such a success that we featured were young musicians from some social time together. On 05 July the brethren started Ockbrook School and further afield. Many would like to do it again and their Festival Day with breakfast in the college. On 12 July our locals supported the Festival and the augment it with a Summer young people hosted a Youth Service. These are always very Lecture Hall was filled to near capacity popular with the congregation. They baked cakes and raised barbeque and Beer Festival from opening time until closing time - 12 wider community. On 26 September Sr Lyn Dumbevand hosted £108 towards their New Year Trip to the theatre. in July. Noon - 6 pm. a McMillan Coffee afternoon and raised over £500, and Br 11August turned out to be a fine day, much to the delight of Reg Knighton and family did the Memory Walk in Heaton Park The Lecture Hall first started out as a Sr Joyce James who hosted a coffee afternoon with a Bring Stockport to support the Alzheimer's Society, and raised £1100. brewhouse for the Inn which is attached and Buy and a tombola at her home. She raised £333.50 for to it. So, it was nice to see it being used church funds. As a congregation we support a local foodbank through weekly collection of food gifts: regrettably the need for this support for its original purpose once again. There Autumn leaves can be quite a problem on the Yorkshire stone seems to be growing. were four breweries featured at the flags so sweeping them up to ensure safe passage for our Festival: Draycott Brewing Company visitors was just one of the many tasks needed to open the We held a very successful Jumble sale on 20 October and on (owned by Brother Greg Maskalick), the 20 and 21 November we were entertained by a Youth Church, College and Museum for the Heritage Weekend on Amber Ales, show with participants from the Uniformed Groups, Sunday 12-13 September. It requires a lot of work for members and Shardlow School and the Youth Club. A recipe for chaos you may think friends to ensure the church has beautiful floral decorations, Brewery and Full people to do tours and offer information, others to play musical but actually it was a very enjoyable event. Mash Brewery. pieces and provide tea and coffee. Visitors often give donations 28 November was the date of our Christmas Fair, another There were and are charged for refreshments, so the weekend raised occasion that requires a lot of planning. The weather was not several types of £1600 for church funds. kind, however we raised £1663.45. chillis on offer all Whilst sometimes outsiders looking in may feel that churches Margery Sutcliffe made by Sister can be inward looking, we are very aware of the needs of the Maskalick and served out of the Lecture Hall kitchen. Swindon University Road Please visit Ockbrook Moravian Church on Facebook and you can rest assured 2015 was yet another very busy year, leaders are always at hand. The congregation was saddened by that you will be informed about the next for we seem to have had a great deal the death of Br Hiram 'Herby' Speers festival and other events. We have run several fund raising events, going on in this part of the Lord’s on 03 July 2015, surrounded by his including Teddy Tombolas for Nepal. Greg Maskalick vineyard. As well as keeping up weekly wife and family. He was 82. Herby We helped to host Dasha and Luda, worship there have also been and his wife Annie were about to two girls from Belarus through the extracurricular activities and various Chernobyl Children scheme and they celebrate their sixtieth wedding challenges that we have been rising up enjoyed their time in Swindon and at anniversary. They were supported Leominister Congregational Register to in the last year. during Herby's last months by their our church events. Baptisms Received into Membership We are indebted to all those who have son Stephen and daughter-in-law Ann. Our oldest member, As well as raising money for the Shoe Gracehill led services at Swindon, especially when Herby's elder son Johnny and Joy Owen's aunt, Royton Box Appeal, we served as a collection Frankie Davenport 15th February we were without a minister, including Nesta Radnor, died on Tom Turner 4th October centre as well. This year we created 500 daughter-in-law Kim were able to Cathreine Taylor 13th September members of the congregation. We 09 October. She fell boxes, and checked, along with extra make the journey from Canada to see Eva Mewha 18th October Deaths mostly meet in the church, but and broke both lower volunteers, 4002 boxes before they were him. A few months before Herby was Matthew McCord 25th October Fulneck occasionally we gather in the small hall, legs on her 98th sent out to the Ukraine, Liberia and called home, his granddaughter Tara Joyce Jones 16th September with a cup of tea, and make a joyful birthday, 12 Albania. It is good to know that broughther baby daughter Abigail Baptisms noise to the Lord, which seems to work thousands of children will benefit from September, after Fairfield quite well. from Canada to see him. Gracehill these efforts, with no hurdles to jump living in the care Lewis Michael George Haldane 18th October We have maintained our involvement through and no political or religious Herby is sadly missed by his home, West Eaton for Ray Daniel Owen 22nd November Robert Paisley 1st July with the groups that use our church and points to be made. grandchildren in London, Bangor and 8 years. Barbara Small 22nd September halls, which include Beavers, Little Canada, and by all those who knew Marriages We look forward to another busy year Dilys Howard Scamps and Rainbows. Both Beavers him. His funeral service took place at Gracehill in 2016 and pray that we will reflect Fairfield and Rainbows have long waiting lists. Elizabeth Mewha the Lord’s light and love into the world University Road Moravian Church on Alan Kelshaw 13th October The new leader, who is referred to as and Jamie Corsby 30th July around us. 07 July. ‘Tiger’ by the Rainbows, is trying his Geraldine McFarland Harry Bradley 16th October best to help out, and experienced Anna Grant Helen McVeigh and James Brennan 11th September Douglas Atkinson 28th October

10 11 Dates to remember Prayer Notes Richard Ingham 17 January 3rd [Second Sunday after Christmas] John 1: (1-9) 10-18 mmoravianoravian Jan Eternal Word, the same yesterday, today and forever, with whom a thousand years are but as yesterday: lift our eyes above the narrow horizons of this present