Moravian Moravian

Dates to remember Manifestation of Prayer Notes Richard Ingham 13 the Holy Spirit's oravianoravian powers 1727 John 6:24-35 mm Aug Sunday 2nd August [Trinity 9] Son of Man, who has promised that whoever comes to you shall never hunger First missionaries 21 and whoever believes in you shall never thirst; we confess that we have worked AUGUST 2015 mmessengeressenger set off 1732 in vain for the food which perishes. We have tried in our own strength to do the Aug works of God and yet the true work of God is to believe in you, whom he has sent. Feed our souls with spiritual food; with the bread of life from heaven. Grant that we may truly partake of you by faith; that by your grace, through Word and Noticeboard Sacrament, our souls might be fed and finding refreshment of spirit we might be strengthened for your service. Amen Br James Woolford will be Kirchentag Ordained as a Deacon at Wellhouse Sunday 9th August [Trinity 10] John 6:35, 41-51 Moravian Church at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, 10 October. Br McOwat Son of Joseph, who came to your own people who neither recognised nor 2015 will be the officiating Bishop. Please welcomed you, but instead despised and rejected the Lord of glory. Forgive us keep Br Woolford in your prayers as when our hearts have been far from you; when we have hoped for things eternal, The 35th Evangelical-Protestant but turned away from the Holy One of God. Draw us near to you, the living bread he prepares for this, the next chapter Kirchentag took place this year in his service of our Lord. that came down from heaven, that the times to come may not be as the past. Grant us never to grumble at your truth but humbly come to you that we might from 03 until 07 June in Sr Jackie Morton writes: Anyone listen, learn and believe and so know the way that leads to eternal life. Amen Stuttgart, capital city of the state wishing to receive the World Mission of Baden-Württemberg in south- Committee's occasional e-newsletter Sunday 16th August [Trinity 11] John 6:51-58 west Germany. is asked to send a request to Lord, this is your feast, prepared by your longing, spread at your command, Visitors to this enthralling event enjoyed

[email protected] and will then Photos: David Coleman attended at your invitation, blessed by your own Word, distributed by your own be put on the circulation list. temperatures of 35 degrees - doubtless hand, the undying memorial of your sacrifice on the Cross, the full gift of your the Lord approved of what was worship from the early days of the to be monitored. She remembered Br Peter Gubi, Minister of everlasting love, and its perpetuation till life shall end. Lord, this is the Bread of happening there, as the first morning Reformation. I heard another led by Br Luther's words relating to the invention Dukinfield, has been awarded a heaven, Bread of life, that whoever eats, never shall hunger more. And this the after was wet! The defining slogan this Richard of the Taizé Community, and a of printing: that every generation had to personal Chair and has been Cup of pardon, healing, gladness, strength, that whoever drinks, will never thirst year was from Psalm 90:12 - 'damit wir third, given by no less a person than the develop its own wisdom. The indoor- appointed Professor of Counselling again. So may we come, O Lord, to your Table; Lord Jesus, come to us. Amen klug warden' (that we may become wise), State President himself, Winfried sports arena where this was held was and Spiritual Accompaniment at the words displayed everywhere, not least on [E.Milner White] Kretschmann - not because of his rank also filled to its 10,000 capacity for University of Chester (the first in the the bright-red scarves that everyone wore. but because he clearly knew his Bible! another great speaker: Kofi Annan, former UK). In 2016, he will also be a Visiting Sunday 23rd August [Trinity 12] John 6:56-69 With over 2500 events packed into the Secretary-General of the UN. Now aged Scholar at Moravian Theological The Kirchentag always attracts 'big; five-day programme, no-one could share 77, he shared the platform with Rt Rev Seminary in Bethlehem, Holy One of God, who alone has the words of eternal life; when our vision fails names as speakers. One regular in everything! Quite obviously, homework Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, and Frank- Pennsylvania. and our understanding is darkened, live in our hearts by faith. Give us your Spirit participant is the German Chancellor is needed to define a personal schedule. Walter Steinmeier who, while Kofi Annan who is able to enlarge trust when understanding is not clear and deepen faith Angela Merkel, herself the daughter of a I will remember particularly the challenge was in office, had been the German even when sight is dim; that we may continue on in quiet and patient confidence. Protestant Pastor. She took part in a of the Bible Studies I was able to share: Foreign Minister. Mr Annan urged the Make us all that we should be towards you, without grumbling or offence. Be debate about the opportunities and Congregational Register John Bell (from the Iona gathered throng to take responsibility for with us everywhere and at all times, in all events and circumstances of our life; responsibilities of the Community) won hearts freeing the world of conflict, saying that to sanctify and sweeten to us whatever takes place. Never leave us or forsake us digital age. She Baptisms by explaining that, no-one was too young for this, and never in our present pilgrimage here, until we see the Son of Man in glory. Amen. acknowledged that Fairfield although he was too old to do something about it. His Germany, so advanced in Oliver Alexander Garry Davidson Mark7:1-8,14-15,21-23 speaking in English, it quiet, patient arguments for everyone to Sunday 30th August [Trinity 13] so many fields (the phrase 24 May was only his second Vorsprung durch Technik work for peace was greeted with a long Eternal God, forgive us when we have worshipped you in vain; when we have Louis Evan Hall 31 May language! He also led an standing ovation. comes to mind) was not honoured you with our lips whilst our hearts have been far from you. When we act of Reformed worship Communicants exactly in the forefront Another event with political overtones have let go of eternal truth to hold on to human teachings - ignoring your specific in the Castle Chapel; Ballinderry where digital progress was was held in the parish church of commands and substituting our own rules instead. So enlighten our spirits, that consecrated in 1562, Courtney Conroy 29 March involved. She seemed well Mohringen, a southern suburb of the city. the night of sin and the mists of error may be driven away by your inward shining. and situated off the aware of the dangers of Dr Margot Käßmann, one of the first Deaths Give to your Church a new vision and a fresh understanding, that the eternal courtyard of the Old potential misuse of digital women to be consecrated as bishop (she Fairfield message of your Son, undefiled by human traditions , may be hailed as the good Castle with its three tiers communications through served the diocese of Hanover 1999- William Johnson 17 May news of the new age; through Him who makes all things new, Jesus Christ our of stone arcades, it's one oversight; this would need 2010) had been Chair of the Council of Jean Bradley 24 May Lord. Amen of the oldest places of

continued inside The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and all Editor Design & Artwork communications Rosemary Power David Bull Official Journal of the Moravian concerning distribution 19b Fairfield Square, Manchester M43 6AD [email protected] Nepal Community in a and supply should be sent [email protected] Church in the British Province. to the Moravian Book Room Contributions for the Messenger should Printed & Distribution update changing world Published monthly by the 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 reach the editor by the 3rd day of the G. R. Walkden authority of the Provincial Synod. 3TJ, and NOT to the Editor. preceeding month. Tel 01931 716703 (page 87) (page 93) Kirchentag 2015 continued Latest news from the Provincial Youth and Children’s Office The UN Convention on Children's Rights the Evangelical Church in Germany until a motoring incident Do you know the rights you have under the United Nations? Probably not all of them. How about the forced her to step down. Now a leading figure in the German Joy's Journal peace movement, her fiery presentation on the Saturday rights of children? A version of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child written for children and evening attracted a huge following. Strangely, although she Summer camp is on the horizon again and by the time you young people can be found at http://crae.org.uk/media/76276/UNCRC_CYP_version.pdf. echoed the thoughts expressed earlier by Kofi Annan, this read this may be over for another year. It will be my eighth The Convention has 54 articles have his or her own beliefs and religion. children to develop fully as people. had not been included in the main programme (it was camp and every year is different, every year is the best ever, that say what rights children have, Article 15 Every child has the right to Article 30 Children must never be adjudged to have been 'too political'). It didn't prevent a every year has its challenges, and every year is exhausting. and how the Government should meet people and to be outside in a group stopped from enjoying their own culture, large number of Kirchentagers from attending. She strongly Every year has become easier - not easy - and less stressful, (this is called freedom of association). religion or language. articulated her displeasure at the way so many crises in the protect those rights. but not without stress; I've learnt to just let it happen, all the Article 16 The law must protect every Article 31 Every child has the right to world were being mishandled: everyone, even migrants, planning and preparation, my skills and those of the camp Article 1 A child is a person aged 17 or child's right to privacy. rest, play and to do things they enjoy. deserved to be treated fairly. staff rise to meet every eventuality, whether it is a broken under. Article 17 Governments must make sure Article 32 Children must be protected The Friday evening is traditionally given over to Eucharistic brace wire, upset tummies, terrible food, wasps, last- minute Article 2 All the rights in this Convention children get lots of different information from harmful work. staff changes, or cancellation of the Irish flights two days belong to all children. about all sorts of things. They should Article 33 Governments must do worship in many different styles and languages. I was able protect children from harmful to share in the Moravian one, held in a suburban parish before camp. I am sure that the success of camp isn't down Article 3 Children must always be a top everything to protect children from illegal priority. information. drugs. church. The service was led by Bishop Theo Clemens, based to all the work we put in but to the base layer of prayer for Article 18 Governments must support Article 34 Governments must protect not far away in Bad Boll. I was invited to share in the camp and its participants that you all support us with before Article 4 Governments must do all they can to protect children's rights. parents. Parents must always try to do children from being hurt sexually. distribution with the church's German Pastor, with the Rev and during camp. Your contribution is it beyond value. what is best for children. Article 5 Parents can give children advice Article 35 Governments must do Elijah Spalbar Gergan from Ladakh in India and a Pastor This month I attended the NSPCC and help about their rights. Article 19 Every child must be protected everything to protect children from being from Tanzania. Taking part in the service were the members conference: 'How safe are our children?' from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect taken away or sold. Article 6 Every child has the right to be and bad treatment. of the Efatha Choir from the Moravian Church in Dar es where their latest report on child alive and to be the best person they can Article 36 Governments must protect Article 20 Children who do not live with Salaam; I would describe their singing as 'different'! After protection in the UK was launched. be. children from all other harm. the service we all shared together in refreshments of many their parents have the right to extra This was a really good conference with Article 7 Every child has the right to a protection. Article 37 Every child has the right to kinds - a brief glimpse of the unity of Christians found in a huge range of speakers over two name and nationality, and to be cared protection from torture and very bad for by both parents. Article 21 The child must be the top treatment. bread and wine. days. The list of attendees was quite priority in adoption. Article 8 Governments must protect the Article 38 Children must be protected interesting and diverse from head The final - Sunday - morning of the Kirchentag brought an child's right to a name, a nationality and Article 22 Children who are refugees, or from wars and from joining the armed estimated 100,000 people to the closing Eucharistic service teachers to social workers, from charity a family life. trying to be refugees, have the right to forces. extra protection. on the edge of the city by the river Neckar. There were 4000 workers to web developers and every sector Article 9 Every child has the right to keep Article 39 Governments must give good instrumentalists in the brass band to lead the singing. How between. The report is available for everyone to read at in regular contact with both parents so Article 23 Disabled children have the support to children who have been http://www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/research-and- long as this is the best thing for the child. right to a full life, and to be part of the abused or hurt. long does it take to serve so many with bread and wine? community. resources/how-safe-are-our-children-2015. It is an interesting Article 10 Decisions about a child going Article 40 Children who are in trouble About ten minutes! The sermon was given by a young lady, Article 24 Every child has the right to a parish priest from Hildesheim, who urged us to remember reflection on what issues there around child protection and to live in another country should be made with the law have many extra rights, quickly and fairly. the best possible health. the fellowship we'd shared, and to try to ensure that we used safeguarding. Going to conferences like this helps me have a including the right to privacy, the right Article 11 Governments must work Article 25 Children who are in care or to a lawyer and, wherever possible, the such memories to embrace all those in need in our troubled better knowledge of what is happening in the wider world in together to stop children being taken who live away from home for health right not to go to court or be sent to world. regards to child protection, and not just the focused church illegally to another country. reasons should have their care checked prison. world. regularly. Work has already started on planning the next one - in late Article 12 Every child has the right to Article 42 Governments must tell express his or her views, and those views Article 26 Governments must support May 2017. Centred in Berlin, there will also be events in I managed to keep this journal going for a year, as requested, everyone about all the rights in this must be taken seriously. every child's right to have enough money. Convention. many other cities associated with the life of Martin Luther and I hope you have found it interesting and a bit of an insight Article 13 Every child has the right to Article 27 Children have the right to get Articles 41 to 54 These articles say how - Wittenberg, Eisleben, Halle, Weimar, Leipzig and Magdeburg to what my job involves and the variety of the tasks I do, some express him or herself and to receive all everything they need to develop fully. children's rights should be checked, and exciting, some dull, but overall I love my job and try to do it among them - in what will, of course, be the 500th anniversary kinds of information and ideas (this is Article 28 Every child has the right to how governments should promote, year of the Reformation. It will be some event! to the best of my ability. called freedom of expression). education. protect and respect all the rights in this David Bunney Article 14 Every child has the right to Article 29 Education is about helping Convention.

The temporary church on the rice field Nepal update From Br Nagendra Pradhan We are all doing well by the grace of God. small children. Among the two Moravian Churches here About twelve families have lost their homes in Nepal, one at Khokana village got big in the earthquake and they are living in the cracks in the building. So we have decided rice fields. to build a new place for worship. The work is half done now as you can see on the The Lord gave us the opportunity to baptize four new believers at the church recently. photos. We have not been able to conduct Ground breaking other fellowships which we used to have We all need your prayer support. Saturday worship on weekdays. We still need Sunday school The house-fellowships have just started rooms for children and few rooms for the after two months. They are very thirsty for Everyone Day-Care centre where we have around 26 the fellowship. Food time helps

86 87 Karl Barth and the Re-Appraisal of Zinzendorf The Law A lawyer writes Last month Br Richard Ingham wrote about coveting in a on Sunday modern society. Below, we consider one aspect of another Livingstone Thompson Part 2 Commandment, keeping the Sabbath in a modern society.

Sunday Service a week. Mrs Mba's employment contract said she could be Introduction his Christian faith. He refers to Zinzendorf's comment on the required to work on Sunday. Despite this she had been allowed Bible, 'it is so for me',” as a way in which to understand how One of the earliest acknowledgements in the law reports that In Part 1 of this series we begun looking at the contribution to take every Sunday off for about 2 years. Her employer found scripture speaks to us as individuals today. [Theology and Church: Sunday is to be treated differently from other days comes from this increasingly difficult. It required her to work on Sunday. made by Karl Barth to our appreciation of Zinzendorf's theology. Shorter Writings 1920-1928, London: SCM Press, 1962, p. 297]. a case in Scotland in 1627. The court was asked to give effect She refused and brought a claim for religious discrimination. Barth's positive appraisal of the Count has, on one hand, helped to a document which had been signed on Sunday. The judges He refers to Zinzendorf as the 'greater counterpart of Pietism', to restore Moravian confidence in Zinzendorf as a theological reluctantly agreed but said that it should not happen again: She lost her case. The three judges in the Court of Appeal all whose role in world evangelization has not yet been equalled. agreed that she should lose, but differed in their precise mind that should be taken seriously today. On the other hand, Barth believes that Zinzendorf, along with Johann Sebastian '… The law is inclined to make a statute, to eschew the like in reasoning. They were influenced by the fact that abstaining though, because Barth relied on Zinzendorf largely to support time to come, that no such acts should be done upon that day, Bach and others, should be regarded as Protestant saints, saying from work on Sunday was not in their view a 'core belief' held his preferred way of speaking of Jesus, his assessment of the the same being the Sabbath, wherein all acts should cease, by a large number of Christians, and the employer persuaded that Protestantism should not be ashamed to chant, under the worth of Zinzendorf has helped to harden a view of Zinzendorf which behoved to have a warrant from a judge, seing (sic) that them that there was no viable or practical alternative way of heading of thanksgiving, 'a short litany of saints with the names day was appointed for divine service and for no other act …'. as a radical Christocentric theologian. This is like a double-edge running the home effectively. of J. S. Bach, Zinzendorf, P. Gephardt, Terseegen, Bodelschwingh, sword which will make it difficult for us to see Zinzendorf Until 1999 a writ could not be served (that is to say, the official For an employer to insist on someone working on Sunday is and Sudar Singh'. [Theology and Church, p. 331]. differently from through the Christo-centric lens that Barth has document beginning court proceedings could not be formally always potentially discrimination. delivered to the person to whom it was addressed) on Sunday placed over his writing. In this second part we will look at the Shops This weighty view about Zinzendorf places him in sort of expect in very special circumstances. The rules provided that: theological weight behind Zinzendorf and the challenge we theological straight-jacket, which makes it difficult to read him '…no process shall be served or executed … on a Sunday except, Employees (but not people working thorough an agency) in face when we try to read him in new and different ways. a different ways. For example, people doubt whether Zinzendorf shops have been given special protection since 1994 when the in case of urgency, with the leave of the Court…'. can be of any relevance in helping us to respond to the challenges rules restricting shops opening on Sunday were very much Re-discovering Zinzendorf The rules were completely revised that year. As a result such relaxed. A shop worker, unless he has been employed only to of religious diversity as we face it in the world today. What else Several writers within Moravian and ecumenical circles have documents can be served on Sunday, but generally they take work on Sunday, may give his employer formal notice opting but the condemnation of anything that is not Christian could effect as if served the next day. out of Sunday work; the notice takes effect after three months. noted Barth's reference to Zinzendorf as perhaps the only be expect from him? A bailiff, or enforcement officer, seizing goods because a debt For these purposes, 'shop' means retail premises and includes genuine Christocentric of the modern age and who must also due under a court order has not been paid, cannot do so on hairdressers but does not include catering businesses. There is be called the first genuine ecumenist. [Church Dogmatics IV, 1, Human Faith vs saving Faith Sunday. National standards for enforcement officers nothing an employer can lawfully do to prevent all of its shop 683] However, not as many people seem to be aware that Finding a way to resolve the conflicts between different religions recommend that enforcement should not take place on Bank workers opting out of Sunday working, except by employing Barth's understanding of justification, as distinct from people to work only on Sunday. is a formidable challenge we face today. For Moravians to Holidays, and that all religions and cultures be respected. sanctification was based in part on his reading of Zinzendorf. What about work? Large shops, which are defined under the Sunday Trading Act He lists Zinzendorf beside Martin Luther as being important respond to that challenge we need to dig deeply into our own 1994 as those having an internal sales area of more than 280 influence on his thoughts. The distinction between justification religious tradition for helpful resources. Barth's weight Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides square metres, are restricted in their Sunday opening hours. and sanctification Barth claims, are based on 'legitimate notwithstanding, we must therefore look at Zinzendorf as a that: They may open for no more than 6 continuous hours between considerations which can be traced back to the younger Luther, source to help us in developing an approach that is suitable for 'Everyone has the right to freedom of … religion; this right 10am and 6pm provided they give advance notice to the local A Protestant Theology of Religious Zinzendorf and H. F. Kohlbrügge.' [Church Dogmatics IV, 2, our own church. In the book, includes freedom … to manifest his religion or belief in worship, authority. Pluralism (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1962) p. 504] He expresses preference (2009), I show that a fresh reading of Zinzendorf can teaching, practice and observance...' There are specific exceptions in relation to Jewish shop owners for Zinzendorf's theological ideas saying they were better than yield helpful material to guide the Moravian community in its The Article goes on to say that the freedom can only be limited who choose to close on Saturday. the rigid attempts at correctness that are found in philosophers interreligious relationships. For example, we find in Zinzendorf as far as 'necessary in a democratic society in the interest of Smaller shops are not covered by these restrictions and can like Kant and Ritschl and theologians like himself and Bultmann. an interesting distinction between saving faith and human faith. public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, open freely. or for the protection of the rights and freedom of others'. [Church Dogmatics IV, 2, p. 799] For Zinzendorf, every human being possesses human faith but Discussion saving faith is held only by the person who is oriented to Jesus A Mr Copsi relied on Article 9 in 2005 when his employers, WWB Barth also found significant theological material in the hymns I leave it to others to explain the prohibition on Sunday work as Lord and Saviour. Other outstanding theologians in the Devon Clays, wanted him to work a new shift pattern which of Zinzendorf. For example, he welcomed Zinzendorf's use of would require him to work on Sundays. He had been offered in Christianity. modern period, for example, Rahner, Sobrino, also speak of the expression 'Jesus Christ is pro me' Zinzendorf's I-hymns alternative jobs by WWB, but it could not guarantee that he human faith, indicating the inborn human orientation towards How far should the law force an employer to allow an individual (hymns in the first person). Some people have criticized the would never have to work on a Sunday. He refused the to observe religious belief and practice? How far should an God. Appreciating that everyone human being has an orientation subjectivism in Zinzendorf's hymns, saying it leads to an alternative offers and was dismissed. The Court decided that individual press his own views on others? How relevant is the towards God is something that allows us to begin conversation WWB had done all it could reasonably have been expected to individualism in the Christian faith. Barth believes though that impracticability of making alternative arrangements? with people of other religious faiths as well as with people who do to accommodate Mr Copsi's religious beliefs. Mr Copsi lost it should be acknowledged that the Christian faith 'is … from What is the work which one might object to perform? Paid work have no awareness of saving faith. his case. first to last “I-faith”, which can and should be sung in I-hymns.' for the profit of someone else? Mrs Mba [Church Dogmatics IV, 1, p. 757]. In the final part of the series we will look further at contemporary Mere catching up with tasks not completed earlier in the week? More recently, in 2012, Mrs Mba, a Christian holding sabbatarian Zinzendorf research, which is helping to show the wider What of a self-employed person working in his own business? Saint Zinzendorf? beliefs, was employed by the London Borough of Merton in a application of Zinzendorf's understanding of the Christian children's care home. Staff worked on a rota system seven days Paul Mitchell Barth loved the sense of urgency with which Zinzendorf applied Gospel. 88 89 Spiritual Accompaniment and Counselling Moravians and Lapland Book Edited by Peter Madsen Gubi, London/Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2015. £16.99 review ISBN 978-1-84905-480-5 eISBN 978-0-85700-861-9 While not all early Moravian Church and threatened the pure Lutheran to Archangel on the White Sea coast on In her foreword to this excellent book, Elaine Graham, Grosvenor around pain…..and that we could missionary journeys met with doctrine which the Swedish Crown and the condition that they took turns at the Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Chester, do nothing about the pain we Church vigorously upheld. At this stage the oars. This journey would have taken them observes that: 'It is times of physical illness, emotional distress, experienced except pray'. We have success, they may still be of brethren must have become aware of an along the Sukhona and Dvina rivers, a loss or other occasions of vulnerability that often lead us to more choices, and therefore more interest both for their own sake existing Church presence in Swedish journey of some 700 miles. Passports were confront profound questions of meaning and existence'. She expectations, around pain today. And we now have access to and for the way in which they Lapland; in fact the Swedish Lutheran necessary for travel within Russia and at suggests that the essays in the book represent a valuable source many remedies that offer an easing of physical pain. But the Church had been ministering in Lapland Archangel the authorities refused the for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Spiritual Directors and other pain of soul and spirit still holds elusiveness and a complexity illustrate that distinguishing since the sixteenth century. brethren permission to continue on their skilled helpers to inhabit these spaces with integrity and that may be acutely frustrating. Jane Williams, Associate journey north. Christmas 1737 brought a feature of the early Moravian The Brethren nonetheless decided to discernment in the service of human flourishing and well-being. Professor in Clinical Pastoral Counselling at Moravian Theological Church: a constant sense of continue with their plan and in October group of Samoyeds to Archangel, which Seminary, Bethlehem, PA, comments that: 'This warmly encouraged the Brethren to make a further 1734 crossed the Baltic to Oulu in Western The book offers a wide range of articles from various leading accessible resource affirms that with deep reverence for the divine protection. attempt to obtain the necessary papers. Finland (Finland was then under the specialists, based on their practical experience. Sister Elizabeth mystery of the human journey, and for the Presence greater On 01 January 1734 three Moravians from This second application was not well Swedish Crown). Oulu lies just south of Obbard feels that those individuals who, while primarily devoted than ourselves who journeys with us, both Spiritual Herrnhut were selected to preach the Finnish Lapland and it is here that they received and they found themselves cast to some form of spiritual ministry, can benefit from into prison as spies. Their case was not Accompaniment and Counselling can instruct and inform each Gospel to the heathen peoples of northern took up a study of the Lapp language. In understanding and exercising, when appropriate, the skills of a helped by their passports, where they were other to the benefit of clients'. Europe, the Laplanders and the Samoyeds. February of the following year they counsellor. Peter Gubi in his introduction observes that pastoral The Laplanders (frequently referred today described as tradesmen although admitting encountered their first Laplander who care, like Spiritual Accompaniment and Counselling, needs to My feelings are that this book will be a wonderful resource for to as 'Sami') are a nomadic, mainly to being missionaries. From prison they requested that one of the Brethren should be 'flexible, variegated and able to respond at different levels all who are devoted to a measure of pastoral care, and should reindeer-herding, people inhabiting accompany him on his return north. The were taken under armed guard to St of existence, according to human need'. In his chapter on form part of the training for ordained Christian ministry. It is 'Lapland', an area stretching from northern Brother returned to Oulu after a month, Petersburg. On the journey south, as the Forgiveness, he takes the bold step of questioning himself as to practical, readable and instructive. On a personal note, I Norway across Sweden and Finland to the unable to communicate in the difficult Lapp party crossed a frozen lake, the ice broke. witnessed a major crisis in Peter's own life when, as a student Two of the Brethren together with the two whether it is right for a Christian counsellor to navigate his/her Kola Peninsula in Russia. Samoyeds refer language. (Hottentot and Lapp appear to Minister, he agonised over his future in ordained ministry, and guards fell into the water and the third client/accompanee towards forgiveness. It is a difficult question, to various native tribes, distantly related to be the only languages that Moravian the PEC finally accepted Peter's offer for non-stipendiary service. Brother pulled them out. The guards were and Peter, as a therapist and a Christian, would wish to promote the Laplanders, who live from hunting, missionaries failed to master.) The position The research manifest in this book, and his recent appointment so astonished that the Brother made no forgiveness, but he points out that it is not possible in all cases, fishing and reindeer-herding in an area of the Brethren in Oulu became increasingly as Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment at stretching from Russian Lapland in the west attempt to escape, that their previously especially where sickening experiences are involved. Ruth Bridges, uncomfortable as relations with the local Chester University, will tell you that it was the right decision. to the northern tundras of Asiatic Russia. Lutheran church deteriorated. In spring severe attitude, we are told, changed in her article on the spirituality of pain and suffering, states that And Peter combines all this with a caring ordained ministry to What the Moravians knew about the they moved north to Tornio at the tip of completely. The Brethren's case was heard pain puts us acutely in touch with ourselves. It is an inevitable the Dukinfield congregation, and to the Moravian Church. Laplanders is unclear but almost certainly the Gulf of Bothnia. by a military court whose decision was aspect of being human. She quotes N. J. Koller: 'traditions and expulsion from Russia with the further very little. The Danish connection will have Their work with local churches again met spiritualities come from a time when there were few choices Graham Mallinson played a part in bringing Lapland into their threat that should they return they would the resistance of the clergy. This and the be burned alive, the punishment at the consciousness as Norwegian Lapland was knowledge that the Lutheran church was under the Danish Crown and Zinzendorf, time for religious crimes. They returned already active among the Laplanders broken-hearted to Herrnhut. whose cousin was the mother-in-law of the convinced them that they should abandon A Canticle of Thanksgiving Danish king, had close relations with the their journey. Despite the Lutheran A second attempt to preach to the Catching the Spar Danish court. Quite what the Moravians Laplanders was made the following year, 1 Love . ever- / lasting / love presence, Laplanders held on to many is God's / precious / gift to / all: knew of the Samoyeds is also unclear but heathen customs and beliefs and had the 1739, when two other Brethren travelled As we thank You, our God, may your / love . fill our / life; Fulneck Heritage Day probably very little beyond travellers' Moravians been allowed to continue with once more to Tornio. From here they accounts. the mission they may well have achieved travelled north in the company of a Ever- / lasting / love . love of / God. Swedish Lapland was chosen as the first the success which went to another Pietist Laplander and a herd of 500 reindeer. After The story of Jan Hus, area of mission as it seemed to promise movement among the Laplanders, a journey of 12 weeks they reached the 2 Peace . for our / healing, / peace; Saturday the greatest opportunities. The brethren Laestadianism, a hundred years later. Barents Sea where they procured a boat faith's re- / ward and / gift of / God: the forerunner of the were already aware of the activities of the and sailed 230 miles west through As we thank You, our God, may your / peace dwell / in us; 12 Sept In spring 1736 the Brethren returned to treacherous and stormy waters among, it Moravian Church Danish Lutheran Church in Norwegian Stockholm and turned their attention to calm,, en- / folding / peace . peace of / God. 10am to 4pm Lapland and came to the view that a is said, whales which threatened to overturn the Samoyeds. The Nenets are a Samoyed their craft, before they eventually landed mission in Swedish Lapland would be less tribe living to the east of Lapland and it is 3 Grace . such a- / mazing / grace; Events unfold revealing the intriguing 600-year- likely to involve friction with local clergy. As on an island off Norway (probably wondrous / gift of / God to / all: probably to these that the Brethren now Magerøya). Here they lodged with the local old connection between the Bohemian reformer was the custom, the Lot was drawn and made their way. Via Königsberg As we thank You, our God, may your / grace shine / in us, proved favourable. magistrate. One of the Brethren was Jan Hus and the historic settlement of Fulneck (Kaliningrad) they travelled to Moscow offered the job of school-master but both daily re- / newed by / You . gracious / God. The first leg of the journey took the brethren where they wintered with the intention of decided that their services in an area with • Watch the exciting dramatization joining a trading caravan north as soon as to Stockholm. Here attempts were made schools and churches were not needed. 4 Joy . overflowing / joy, of the trial of Jan Hus in 1415 by the locals to dissuade them from their the weather permitted. In May 1737, while After three years they returned to Tornio gift that / lifts the / soul to / God: Free plan on the grounds that, as outsiders, they they waited for the roads to clear, a great where they prepared the ground for later As we thank You, our God, may your / joy . fill our / hearts; • Explore the grounds following Entrance would be driven off either by the local clergy fire broke out which engulfed the Kremlin Moravian work among Swedish Lutherans; over- / flowing / joy . joy in / God. the settlement trail and other or by Lapp magic (a skill for which the and destroyed much of central Moscow, this time, it seems, meeting less resistance children’s activities including the house in which the brethren Laplanders had long been noted). The first from the clergy. Praise . never- / ending / praise • Experience the wonderful scenery on the part of that advice at least made sense as were lodging. They barely escaped with 5 Fortunately the story of the Moravian for these / precious / gifts of / God: guided tour under Swedish law (the Conventicle Edict their lives, Church and Lapland does not end there As we thank You, our God, may our voices / ever / rise of 1726) religious meetings not authorised In early summer they set off from Moscow and a later article will look at Moravian inn songs of / love . To our / glorious / God. • Enjoy music played on the historic organ by the Swedish Lutheran Church were on the first leg of their journey, the 300 influence on Laestadianism, a branch of disallowed. The purpose of this law was to miles to Vologda. At that time rivers were • Enquire in the fascinating museum Lutheranism widespread among the Chanting suggestions: TA Walmisley in F (ch.22, MHB) halt the spread of Pietist movements (of the main means of transport in Russia and Laplanders today. • Expect tasty homemade cakes which the Moravians were one) which here they fell in with a Dutch merchant Words: Paul Gubi, 2012 Walford Davies in C (ch.42, MHB) challenged the monopoly of the national who offered to take them on his river boat Adrian Wilsdon 90 91 Creation Br Ingham's reflections on creation in which, although elegant and plausible, God. Community in a the June 2015 Moravian Messenger had to be discarded in favour of the 'big One need lose no sleep over the 'missing' misunderstand both the way in which bang' was that of 'continuous creation. link. The 3.2M year old 'Lucy' was found the Bible was written and the way in Interestingly, one of its proponents, in 1974 and 4.4M year 'Ardi' in 1992 changing world which science functions. Did God literally Thomas Gold, had in 1947 proposed an both in Ethiopia, and more recently even dictate the original Bible or did he guide ingenious, but biologically improbable, older finds in Kenya. We are not someone who felt they were prayerfully theory for the way our hearing is descended from monkeys but we do following God's inspiration? God sharpened up. This remained just a share the same ancestors with them, a continues to inspire people today and as theory until 1978 when David Kemp fact which is confirmed by our almost One of the intriguing aspects of late-twentieth-century prayer and Bible reading. We also pray daily on a rota for each a scientist I feel that it is his calling to discovered sounds coming out of the ear. identical DNA, the ancestry in fact, going Christianity in north-west Europe has been the growth Member. help reveal the wonders of his world and I was sceptical (this was my field of back through fish. Whilst it is very ecumenical Christian community. Some communities have We account to each other in local 'Family' groups, defined by creation. But this does not necessarily research) and embarked on a long series satisfying to fit the last piece in a jigsaw grown in response to a perceived need to offer Christian witness where we live, not necessarily by who are friends are! We discuss mean I will always come up with the right of experiments which, to my surprise, all puzzle, the picture becomes clear long through community , and to gain the support and challenge of our finances, what we tithe and where, and what is more difficult, answers. supported Gold and Kemp. before this point. In any case, even if one like-minded people. As a Member of one of them, I have found how we spend the other ninety per cent. Even if this just concerns Science divides into two types, theoretical When it comes to evolution we don't link were missing there are so many other it a particular way of life, to which some people are called, even shopping, holidays or the mortgage, it shows what we think is and experimental, and it is a competitive have just a theory but a truly massive strands in parallel that the edifice of when they live dispersed. essential. Originally intended to make sure that no one suffered sport between devising experiments to amount of experimental data supporting evolution is secure. The Iona Community was founded in 1938 by a Church of hardship, this is now a way to acknowledge, in a society private disprove a theory and devising new it! God was intelligent enough to devise Returning to creation, what use would it Scotland minister, George MacLeod, a minister in some of about income, what we have, what we value, and how we use theories to explain the discordant results. a system which would run itself according have been for God to say to his Glasgow's most impoverished areas, and an outspoken advocate our consumer power. When both sides are satisfied the theory to his rules, and he does not need to keep amanuensis: 'Don't forget about DNA!', for social justice, a former soldier turned pacifist. To him, the We account for the use of our time. This was instigated in the is accepted and although we may say interfering to update it or keep it going. when neither he nor his readers would Community was for young Church of Scotland ministers and early years, allegedly because the tradesmen did not believe 'proved' this not in the literal way that a Evolution takes place by means of a large have understood. God reveals to each students, and he set them to work under unemployed tradesmen the ministers could do a full days' work. Nowadays the mathematical theorem can be proved. number of extremely small steps. Each generation according to their rebuilding the ruined abbey buildings on the Hebridean Island temptation of those with jobs to overwork is strong, and this Later, a more general, or all-embracing step is triggered by a mutation in a gene understanding. I am even receptive to of Iona, so that it could become a ministers' training college. rule provides a useful check. the idea that the Biblical creation story theory or new experimental data will in the DNA caused by radiation or other The island pattern included manual work but also debating We also calculate the amount of carbon our lifestyle has cost might never have been intended to be almost certainly come along which forces malfunction which is usually damaging pressing social issues. Visitors began to attend these the planet each year and seek ways to reduce the effect. revision. But generally the old theory in its effects and so fails to reproduce or taken literally but is an attempt to convey 'conferences' and discussions, and like many before and since The best-known part of the Rule is that we act for justice and remains valid within the limitations that dies out within a few generations. the majesty and power of God, but not found that the island experience was life-changing. Iona has peace, usually in our locality. Some do so in extraordinary ways. were tested. For example Newton's Occasionally, however, the mutation is being my field, I would defer to Biblical been a place of prayer for fifteen centuries and something there One, now aged 80, takes destitute refugees into her home, theories of motion and gravitation were favourable and gives that individual an scholarship on that issue. As a scientific seems to speak to people in a special way, making conversation provides them with a key, a bedroom and a hot meal each day. accepted for many years until Einstein advantage over its contemporaries which theory, of course, it fails at virtually every possible. started thinking about the implications stage. Others in her 'Family group' help out with the cost of fares for eventually results in its progeny becoming Seventy-three years later, staff run the rebuilt abbey and another essential meetings, shoes and so on. Several members have of travelling on a light beam, namely, To sum up, God created the 'big bang' dominant, it is a very slow process as residential centre, where similar weeks intended to provoke been Ecumenical Accompaniers for Peace in Palestine-Israel. A that time would then stand still! Since (and someday we may understand how), demonstrated by the fossil records. Some thought and debate continue. A recent fortnight spent there recently-qualified doctor spent a year in a clinic in rural Uganda. then an extremely accurate atomic clock followed by 'inflation', expansion of the changes can be quicker: a species of moth found retired Dutch people, Americans and a group of young Another is exploring alternative economies on a Hebridean has been flown round the earth on a jet universe, condensation and coalescence inhabiting urban areas became darker Swedish students and professionals present, while people arriving croft: they have just started growing tea! Others campaign plane and found to lose a small fraction of matter into clouds, contracting further during the heavy industrial era to increase alone and joining in the week's community came from many publicly against poverty and inequality. Several keep up the of a second compared with a stationary to produce galaxies and stars where heat, its camouflage and is now turning lighter parts. prayerful protests against nuclear weapons at Faslane naval clock in accord with Einstein's 'special pressure and radioactivity produce atoms again. There is also have a youth adventure centre on the Isle of Mull, base in western Scotland, and some have been arrested as the relativity' and, even more recently, light of larger mass, some of this material The eye is an excellent example of originally set up for public schoolboys and Borstal inmates, and price of non-violent action based on conscience. Radical social has been found to bend around massive being ejected to form planets. As these evolution in which changes occur now used mainly by inner-city groups. Dedicated youth work in commitment is by no means confined to full members - one objects in accord with his 'general cool, chemical combinations occur, concurrently. As Br Ingham implies, what Glasgow over the years brought many groups to what is a very island volunteer returned to his native Kenya and has set up a relativity'. Nevertheless Newton's eventually producing organic chemicals use would a good lens be without different experience of life. sacred earth project, aimed at justice in land use. equations remain accurate enough for and elementary life, which by processes sufficient light cells to make use of it? In everyday purposes and indeed for most of mutation and survival of the fittest, The Iona Community Members are dispersed. They are A description of a Community focuses on the ideal, and we fact both features (as well as others such space programmes, whilst Einstein's light humans and thousands of other Christians with a commitment to social justice and a willingness frequently fall short. Our commitment to each other and the as brain networks) evolve concurrently so bending is currently being used in search creatures and plants have evolved. Then to live by a common rule and to meet as regularly possible for Gospel may not always be as strong as we believe. It may be that all remain roughly matched. Vision of the mysterious 'dark matter' and 'dark about 400 years ago a man came along prayer and sharing our stories and challenges. that our work needs to change direction radically. There are is such a useful attribute that it has energy' yet to be understood. and wrote the complete works of Some Members have some form of church ministry, mainly in constant challenges in running the island centres. But there evolved independently several times in Shakespeare. If this is Br Ingham's deprived areas, or in new forms of church life. Others are voluntary seems to be the grace present to draw us back when we go off- Even Einstein had problems in different creatures. Even the crudest course, calling to a challenging Christianity that draws us to understanding quantum physics and of 'explosion in a print works' I find it both sector workers, medics, academics, social workers, trades possible light detection confers a plausible and truly wonderful, much more grow in the Spirit, and to seek to influence our world. course I share these difficulties. unionists, businesspeople and writers. The older trades like tremendous advantage over none at all. so than the creation story of Genesis. coalmining are still represented - just. Probably the best-known At a time of upheaval in church life, becoming a member of an Nevertheless, we cannot, even in biology, Evolution is a case of 'horses for courses', The scientific view of God's creation also Member is the hymn-writer and speaker John Bell. In May, a 'intentional Community' can be a life-affirming choice, though escape its implications. The sensitivity of each species evolving so that it is adapted avoids the problem of understanding why seventy-year-old Member narrowly missed being elected to it is only one way of living out the Gospel. Community life in processes such as photosynthesis, to its specific niche in the environment. God does not intervene in natural Parliament for the first time. But most are not well-known outside this dispersed form is not an alternative to local church, but magnetic navigation by birds, and our Although we tend to assume that disasters. His power is revealed in the way their local communities - which are at the core of the something that anchors, and allows us companions on this sense of smell, are all impossible to humans are the pinnacle of evolution he inspires others to help, comfort and commitment.. specific part of the Christian journey. explain by classical physics but can be birds have better eyesight, bats have support the injured and the bereaved. Our Rule of Life, to which we re-commit each year, requires daily Rosemary Power solved using quantum physics. better hearing, many animals are An old theory which proved plain wrong stronger, and we in turn depend on many Pat Wilson Published previously in the Methodist Newsletter. The current programme for the centres on was 'phlogiston' as an element of micro-organisms for our own existence. The author has a background in research Iona (the Abbey and MacLeod Centre) can be found on the website. www.iona.org.uk. combustion, and a more recent theory Each is 'fit for purpose' and made by physics, in particular in the field of hearing. 92 93 Members of the Church Committee for us. but all present wish Patsy and disadvantaged in society in conjunction Congregation News were able to join a large gathering at her husband Paul every blessing for the with other churches in Lisburn, and Lisburn Civic Centre when Sr Patsy future. We have truly appreciated the provide food and clothing as part of a Holdsworth was given the unique love and care Patsy gave, not only to Christian effort group.At the end of term On the day of we mourn his passing. Until he became working for Leominster Council. honour of a civic reception. Many the congregation, but to the many other we will as usual be presenting each child Harley Owens' too ill. he was always there on a Sunday representatives came to to pay tribute organisations, who benefited from her A keen gardener, he also loved tinkering leaving the village Primary School with funeral, a bud and told us many stories about his past in his shed. In their living room is an to her work, not only for the drive and commitment. As we continue appeared on the in his modest way. He was in the RAF congregation at Ballinderry but in our work all the congregation is helping a Bible and this tradition is appreciated array of silver cups which he won as a by both children and parents. We have amaryllis plant and served in Egypt and Jordan, where darts player. He played for many teams Lisburn City and the greater Belfast and we enjoyed a very successful enjoyed the last few months as more that he had his regiment guarded King Hussein and took part in a national competition, area. The Deputy Mayor and members sponsored walk and a car-boot sale inspired me to many times. He took part in our The News of the World Cup, where he of organisations presented her with organised by the M.W.A. which raised of our local community have joined in grow many years Remembrance Sunday service every reached the finals. gifts to thank her for the outstanding over £600 the events with the church, and we have ago by giving me year although he was so ill last contribution she has made to us all helped the local youth club which is very He and Joy celebrated their Golden The major project of trimming and the bulbs. It had November. during her stay in the Irish Province. Sr maintaining the trees around the important in a small rural area. Sr.Violet never bloomed before, but thanks to Wedding in 2012. We and his family Holdsworth's final service was held in a He also was a fund of knowledge about rejoiced with them. He was the head garden and God's Acre is now complete. Best is producing our monthly his wife Joy, who advised me to chop the history of Leominster because he packed church with many visitors The repair of windows in the church has newsletter and her lively mix of fact and it back and leave it to lie dormant, there of a loving extended family. Daughters Ballinderry present, including the new Mayor of worked here as a driver, engineer and Judy and Tracie gave him five now been finished and all the church message is appreciated, as are the it was, out of season but timely, Lisburn and his wife and we all later builder after his RAF service. He helped grandchildren and two great grand and Manse windows are being services of all the lay preachers. The especially as it was also at Easter time. build the old cider factory which is now enjoyed a truly stupendous cake! repainted as part of our on-going repair Leominster children. He was proud of them all and Sunday School children sang songs and The four blooms that resulted were Aldi's, the Minster School and Wigmore they continue to support Joy. The congregation presented Patsy, programme. The M.W.A have very kindly presented readings on Children's Day indeed beautiful. who had come to us as a student, with provided the funds for a new modern- High School. He also worked at and although small in number they With Joy and his family, as a church, Cadbury's for a while, ending his career Dilys Howard a specially hand-bound book and other style noticeboard which is more visible gifts, including many from the children to pedestrians and traffic.We continue performed very creditably. of the congregation. It was a sad time our work in helping the materially Marilyn Marshall We have had another busy year at which were exciting new outreach work. after serving as treasurer for over twenty Kilwarlin. As usual we had a Ulster fry On 06 August we had a church tour years. breakfast after our Easter morning followed by a barbeque for a group of On 07 December there was a very service, catering for over forty members young American Moravians from North What a difference a Day makes The Name the Doll, which was dressed from the church and district. The week special service when we made Billy and by our oldest member, raised £25. Carolina as well as members of Ann Hare and Cathy Law members of About 2 years ago the ladies of the before, we had another successful Embrace Ballysillan. On 24 August we the church. Baildon Congregation were invited by Our latest venture ( the brainchild of Orange service accompanied by had a cradle roll service followed by a one of the group) was the Nativity Bailey's Mill accordion band. On the the Guide Leader to visit the guides one soup lunch which was well attended. Eight young people attended the youth Scene. There were many un-Moravian first of June the young people led our evening and try to teach the girls to We plan to have a second, inviting weekend in Cultra and six children words uttered over this. Sr Gloria David Sunday school prize-giving service they knit. people baptised before 1970. attended the pantomime at the Lyric was presented with it as she left Baildon were all presented with a personalised Rev Paul Holdsworth led the anniversary Theatre. The young people led an I had not picked up a pair of knitting Moravian hoodie. needles for nearly forty year and I was to begin her much-awaited retirement. service with a memorable extremely excellent Christingle service, which She seemed very pleased with our The annual garden party once again wobbly jelly as a visual aid. At Harvest followed the baptism of Charlie Law. not alone. So a little practice was called for. Could we still knit? Can you efforts. was very well attended and this year we had Rev Steve Mc Whirter in the Another highlight was on 29 March we were treated to accompaniment morning and Rev Tim Close in the remember how to cast on ? Can we If we had not accepted the invitation

Kilwarlin when Stuart and Adam Law were from Ardarragh Accordion Band. evening. The church looked and smelt purl? The day arrived with limited from the Guides this would never have confirmed and Camilla Law became a happened. Thankfully we had a sunny day and amazing. On 16 November on Church success on both side, yet a pleasant tinsel-sparkly variety. They became church member. We may be a small Baildon church and district members and local Service Sunday we presented Sr Hazel evening was spent with our Guide congregation but it is wonderful to see popular and we raised about £150 from We are now knitting ( toys mainly) to community were once again very Law with a painting of the Church, a Company. However more importantly raised funds for our Brothers and Sisters it grow. these alone. By Christmas 2014 we did generous. A number of our members cheque from the congregation and a it triggered a dormant talent. not wish to see another hedgehog . We in Nepal. Orders can be taken: please attended the Portrush summer services celebratory cake, to mark her retirement Sr Eunice Hoey We have grown in confidence. We also formed a small craft group which contact Liz Simpson. started by knitting a few hats, scarves meets weekly in the church hall. We had [email protected] and gloves. We then ventured into toys. a stall for this group at the last Moravian We were lucky to have good weather popular. history of our church from Alan Wendy Huggan for our garden party - sunny,warm,slight We were saddened by the sudden McGibbon while enjoying tea and Hedgehogs were our next venture, the Market, which again was very successful. breeze but no rain. The crowds came death of Stewart Horrobin. The church cakes. out to enjoy the day in beautiful was full for his funeral service,and we We must organise events to raise funds surroundings. It was opened by our were invited to join his family for lunch to pay for repairs on the manse which Sunshine And Showers Stockport on 31 May. The Fairfield team good friend Rhoda from the Anglican in the Lecture Hall afterwards, where include total rewiring and are asking church who encouraged us to spend of 25 ladies and Patrick braved the awful we learned just how much he had done for donations and interest-free loans. On 18 April members and friends were Regrettably the good weather did not our money on the many stalls, where weather to complete the race and raise for our church in his unassuming way. We look forward to the coming of our extend to all our activities this spring; books, ice creams, hot dogs, invited to the college to celebrate the funds for Cancer Research- special We will certainly miss him. new minister, Br Joachim Kreusel ninetieth birthday of Br Alf on 03 May approximately 50 sisters refreshments and much more was (Bishop), and are grateful to retired celebrated their festival with tea in the thanks to Sr Anne Wood for organising available. There was a cake We took part in Christian Aid collections Stonehewer. The sun was shining and ministers and members who have taken college. This year our guest speaker was and motivating the team. competition, a fancy dress competition, and the Hunger Lunch and continue to Alf was in fine spirits, and his family services in the interregnum. Sr Janet Cooper who spoke to us about coconut shies, plenty to sit and watch show groups round the church and provided a lovely buffet tea and We try hard to ensure that our the aims and ideas of the Moravian fundraising is not all about Fairfield, and gossip with friends, with pleasant Settlement where they enjoy seeing We are now making plans for Heritage musical entertainment. What a lovely Ockbrook background music. We made more than the amazing garments made by the Day which will focus on the history of Women's Association. It is nice to get even though with such old buildings the Lecture Hall and its uses in the past. way to celebrate the birthday of a the opportunity to get to know Janet a maintenance is expensive. In recent last year too! There were guided tours Single Sisters long ago when there was gentleman who has been such an round the settlement which are always no electricity. They love to hear of the Marie Rose little better as she and Phil will be months we have had a Jumble sale, a important part of church life for many moving into the manse. We then had table top sale and a Swop shop for members and friends over a long the congregation Whit Walk on 24 May, church funds. However we also have The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's, set in been achieved with great sensitivity, interpretation of Shakespeare's Henry period of service as our church when about 30 members processed after church coffee each month and Fairfield the former St Luke's URC/Moravian and much evidence of the building's V by Jules Crossley, Bedford School's organist. Many of us have been behind the band in our local area. raise funds for worthy causes such as church in Bedford, was officially opened history as a church is still evident. Director of Theatre. In her opening privileged to have him play at our the North West Air Ambulance and The on June 26th by HM Lord Lieutenant Among the guests were two former speech, the Lord Lieutenant spoke of family weddings, christenings and And worse! Believe and Achieve Trust to support for Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis before ministers of St Luke's, the Revds Fred her hopes that the building in its new funerals. (I believe he still goes in The worst of the weather came when those affected locally by meningitis. invited guests. The conversion to a Linyard and David Bunney, who were guise would continue to be accessible church during the week to keep his 26 runners and walkers took part in the theatre, costing more than £6m, has treated to a performance of a new to everyone. hand in). '5K Race for Life' at Woodbank Park in Margery Sutcliffe

Bedford David Bunney 94 95 Dates to remember Manifestation of Prayer Notes Richard Ingham 13 the Holy Spirit's oravianoravian powers 1727 John 6:24-35 mm Aug Sunday 2nd August [Trinity 9] Son of Man, who has promised that whoever comes to you shall never hunger First missionaries 21 and whoever believes in you shall never thirst; we confess that we have worked AUGUST 2015 mmessengeressenger set off 1732 in vain for the food which perishes. We have tried in our own strength to do the Aug works of God and yet the true work of God is to believe in you, whom he has sent. Feed our souls with spiritual food; with the bread of life from heaven. Grant that we may truly partake of you by faith; that by your grace, through Word and Noticeboard Sacrament, our souls might be fed and finding refreshment of spirit we might be strengthened for your service. Amen Br James Woolford will be Kirchentag Ordained as a Deacon at Wellhouse Sunday 9th August [Trinity 10] John 6:35, 41-51 Moravian Church at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, 10 October. Br McOwat Son of Joseph, who came to your own people who neither recognised nor 2015 will be the officiating Bishop. Please welcomed you, but instead despised and rejected the Lord of glory. Forgive us keep Br Woolford in your prayers as when our hearts have been far from you; when we have hoped for things eternal, The 35th Evangelical-Protestant but turned away from the Holy One of God. Draw us near to you, the living bread he prepares for this, the next chapter Kirchentag took place this year in his service of our Lord. that came down from heaven, that the times to come may not be as the past. Grant us never to grumble at your truth but humbly come to you that we might from 03 until 07 June in Sr Jackie Morton writes: Anyone listen, learn and believe and so know the way that leads to eternal life. Amen Stuttgart, capital city of the state wishing to receive the World Mission of Baden-Württemberg in south- Committee's occasional e-newsletter Sunday 16th August [Trinity 11] John 6:51-58 west Germany. is asked to send a request to Lord, this is your feast, prepared by your longing, spread at your command, Visitors to this enthralling event enjoyed