RESOLUTIONS AND ELECTIONS

OF THE

PROVINCIAL SYNOD

OF THE

MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE

2014

Moravian College Bethlehem, Pennsylvania June 19-23,2014 Table of Contents

Officers and Delegates ...... 1

Synod Committees ...... 6

Elections ...... 9

Resolutions adopted by the 2014 Provincial Synod ...... 10

Committee on Ministry to, with, and by Adults and Older Adults ...... 10

Care and Nurture ofClergy ...... 12

Church and Society ...... 18

Finance ...... 25

Healthy Congregations ...... 34

Identity, Purpose, and Organization ...... 41

Lay Leadership Developn1ent ...... 48

Local and Global Missions ...... 50

Relationships with Others ...... 56

Spiritual Formation ...... 60

Stewardship ...... 64

Ministry to, with, and by Youth and Young Adults ...... 70

Ad Hoc Committee of Thankfulness ...... 74

Resolutions Defeated ...... 78

Resolutions Postponed Indefinitely ...... 79

Index ...... 81 OFFICERS AND DELEGATES

Synod Officers Chair Richard E. Santee, Jr. Vice-Chair Graham Kerslake Secretary Jill Westbrook Assistant Secretary Marie Couts Parliamentarian Gary L. Harke

I. Voting Delegates by Virtue of Office (see Book of Order ~1 08.2) A. Ordained ministers of the Moravian Church-Northern Province serving under call, appointment, in specialized ministry, or released for other service: 1. Jason Andersen, West Salem, IL- West Salern!WDEB 2. William Andrews, Upper Marlboro, MD- St. Paul's 3. Richard Beck, Calgary, AB- Good Shepherd 4. Wendy Beck, Calgary, AB- Good Shepherd 5. Darryl Bell, Lewis Center, OH The Promise 6. David Bennett, Bethlehem, PA- PEC/EDEB 7. Barbara Berg, Watertown, WI - Watertown 8. Jennika Borger, Palmerton, PA- Moravian College 9. Marian Boyle, Green Bay, WI West Side 10. Mark Breland, Lititz, PA -Lititz 11. Richard Bruckart, Riverside, NJ- First (Riverside) 12. C. Hopeton Clennon, Bethlehem, PA Central 13. Jeffrey Coppage, York, PA- Covenant 14. M. Blair Couch, Allentown, PA- Calvary 15. Rebecca Craver, Edmonton, AB- Edmonton 16. M. Lynette Delbridge- Staten Island, NY- Castleton Hill 17. Brian Dixon Victoria, MN - Lake Auburn 18. Otto Dreydoppel, Jr., Nazareth, PA- Specialized Ministry 19. Dean Easton, Lancaster, PA- Lancaster 20. Michael Eder, Chaska, MN- Chaska 21. Eileen Edwards, Sherwood Park, AB Good News/Common Ground!BECD 22. Ian Edwards, Sherwood Park, AB- Good News/Common Ground 23. Wellesley Ferguson, Staten Island, NY - F ellowshipN anderbilt Ave. 24. Terry Folk, Nazareth, PA- Schoeneck 25. Lance Fox, Coopersburg, PA MorningStar 26. Derek French, Helleiiown, P A -East Hills 27. Judith Ganz, Bethlehem, P A Board of World Mission 28. Jane Gebler, Watertown, WI- Ebenezer 29. Jeffrey Gehris, Nazareth, PA- Nazareth 30. Cynthia Rader Geyer, Bethlehem, PA- Eastern District Staff 31. David Geyer, Bethlehem, PA- College Hill 32. J. Christian Giesler, Bethlehem, PA- Edgeboro 33. Matthew Gillard, Edmonton, AB- Heimtal 34. David Glasser, St. Michael, MN- Safe Harbor (emerging ministry) 35. Stephen Gohdes, Calgary, AB- Christ 36. Amy Gohdes-Luhrnan, Waconia, MN- Waconia 37. Lloyd Gooden, Lebanon, PA- Lebanon 38. Laura Gordon, Bethlehem, PA -Advent 39. Charles Harewood, Jamaica, NY- First (NY) 40. Keith Harke, Bethlehem, PA- West Side 41. Jodie Harney, Bethlehem, PA- Mountainview 42. Kevin Henning, Emmaus, PA- Emmaus 43. James Hicks, Green Bay, WI- PEC/WDEB 44. Trina Holmberg, Unionville, MI- Unionville 45. Patricia Honszer, Easton, PA First (Easton) 46. Vicki Jens-Page, Banning, CA Morongo 4 7. Christine Johnson, Gnadenhutten, OH- Fry's Valley 48. Darrell Johnson, Gnadenhutten, OH- John Heckewelder/EDEB 1 49. Melissa Johnson, Nazareth, PA- Palmer Township 50. Michael Johnson, Brooklyn, NY- John Hus/EDEB 51. Franklin Jones, Rochester, MN- Berea 52. Dean Jurgen, Lititz, PA- Lititz 53. Andrew Kilps- Cinnaminson, NJ- Palmyra 54. Matthew Knapp, Sturgeon Bay, WI- Sturgeon Bay 55. Sue Koenig, Thurmont, MD- Graceham 56. Kerry Krauss, Sister Bay, WI- Sister Bay 57. Reid Lauderman, Leonard, ND- Bethel/Goshen 58. Kurt Liebenow, DeForest, WI- Christian Faith 59. Staci Marrese-Wheeler, McFarland, WI- Lakeview 60. Gary Marsh, Bethlehem, P A - Director of Stewardship 61. Andrew Meckstroth, Staten Island, NY - Castleton Hill 62. Christie Melby-Gibbons, Downey, CA- Downey 63. Elizabeth Miller, Bethlehem, PA PEC 64. Jennifer Moran, Maple Grove, MN- Christ's Community 65. Bruce Nelson, Lake Mills, WI- Lake Mills/WDEB 66. Jay Petrella, Dublin, OH- Church of the Redeemer 67. Mary Lou Plummer, Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Wisconsin Rapids 68. Tracy Pryor, New Philadelphia, OH- Schoenbrunn 69. Eric Renner, Hawley, MN- Shepherd of the Prairie 70. Janel Rice, Bethlehem, PA Central 71. William Rinderknecht, Dennison, OH- First (Uhrichsvile) 72. Tannnie Rinker, Lanham, MD - Trinity 73. Rhonda Robinson, Bethlehem, PA- Esperanza for Bethlehem (emerging ministry) 74. Tracy Robinson, Bethlehem, PA- Esperanza for Bethlehem (emerging ministry) 75. Dorothy Rohn-Habhegger, Davenport, ND Canaan 76. Gregg Schafer, Newfoundland, PA- Newfoundland/Canadensis 77. Rebecca Sisley, New Philadelphia, OH- Sharon 78. David Sobek, Altura, MN- Our Savior's 79. Richard Thierolf, Lititz, P A - Specialized Ministry 80. Duane Ullrich, Staten Island, NY- New Dorp 81. Katie VanDer Linden, Madison, WI -Glenwood 82. Jeffrey Van Orden, Hope, IN- Hope 83. Joshua Viste, Edmonton, AB- Millwoods 84. Dawn Volpe, Ephraim, WI Ephraim 85. John Wallace, Dover, OH- First (Dover) 86. Bruce Weaknecht, Egg Harbor City, NJ- Egg Harbor 87. Margaret W ellert, Staten Island, NY Great Kills

B. Other persons (ordained and lay) in pastoral service under appointment by a District Executive Board: 88. Lillette George, Union, NJ Battle Hill 89. Earl Goulbourne, Springfield Gardens, NY- Grace 90. James Lavoy, Allentown, PA- Calvary 91. Nigel Powell, Brooklyn, NY - United 92. Ronald Rice, Lititz, PA- Reading 93. F. Rowan Simmons, Toronto, ON- New Dawn 94. Christine Stack, Stevens Point, WI- Kellner/Rudolph 95. Gary Straughan, Green Bay, WI- Daggett 96. Wanda Veldman, Pittsville, WI- Veedum 97. Bevon White, Silver Spring, MD- Faith

C. Bishops of the Northern Province (not included in A above): 98. Paul A. Graf, Sturgeon Bay, WI 99. Douglas H. Kleintop, Easton, PA 100. James C. Hughes, Downingtown, PA 101. Kay Ward, Rudolph, WI

2 D. Lay members of the Provincial Elders' Conference and District Executive Boards: 102. JeffBrandt, Green Bay, WI- WDEB 103. Nancy Chandler, Columbus, IN- WDEB 104. Susan Dreydoppel, Nazareth, PA- EDEB 105. Cindy Fahney, Jefferson, WI- WDEB 106. Wilton Grannum, Brooklyn, NY- PEC 107. Peg Greiner, Lititz, PA- EDEB 108. Blonde I Jones-Grant, Bronx, NY- EDEB 109. Judy Kaaua, Victoria, MN - PEC 110. Bruce Loppnow, St. Charles, MN- WDEB 111. Jackie Pasquinelli, New Philadelphia, OH- EDEB 112. Bryan Peacock, Edmonton, AB PEC/BECD 113. Marion Perrin, Edmonton, AB - BECD 114. Brandon Salyzyn, Ft. Saskatchewan, AB- BECD 115. Doug Thompson, Edmonton, AB BECD 116. Ralph Wanamaker, Jr., Bethlehem, PA- EDEB 117. Jill Westbrook, New Philadelphia, OH- PEC 118. Richard Winans, Palmyra, NJ- EDEB 119. Thomas Zimmer, Unionville, MI- PEC

E. Other ex officio voting delegates: 120. Christina Giesler, Bethlehem, FA-Provincial Controller 121. Graham Kerslake, Radium Hot Springs, BC - Synod Officer 122. Richard Santee, Bethlehem, PA- Chancellor/Synod Officer 123. Jan Harke, Bethlehem, PA- Provincial Women's Board

II. Voting Delegates by Virtue of Election (see The Book of Order ,108.b) A. Lay representatives selected by congregations 124. Marie Abbuhl, Tuscarawas, OH- Sharon 125. Charles Achenbach, Bethlehem, PA- Central 126. Ron Albaugh, Powell, OH- Church of the Redeemer 127. Cheryl Back, Thurmont, MD- Graceham 128. Gary Bailey, Lititz, PA- Lititz 129. V emon Bartz, Ft. Saskatchewan, AB - Bruderheim 130. Brenda Bell, Hustler, WI- Rudolph 131. Emily Bolmer, Bethlehem, PA- ED Youth Delegate 132. James Booth, New Philadelphia, OH- First (Dover) 133. Steve Brockert, Lake Mills, WI- Lake Mills 134. Damley Browne, Brooklyn, NY First (NY) 135. Stephanie Bruno, Stephenson, MI Daggett 136. Alice Camp, Egg Harbor City, NJ- Egg Harbor City 137. Carolyn Campbell, York, PA- Covenant 138. Ruth Camuse, Bethlehem, PA- Mountainview 139. David Clake, Calgary, AB- CD Youth Delegate 140. John Deuchert, Green Bay, WI- West Side 141. Becky Dillon, Dennison, OH- Schoenbrunn 142. Lou Dishong, Nazareth, PA- Schoeneck 143. Gerry Downes, Etobicoke, ON- New Dawn 144. Dee Downing, Sherwood Park, AB- Good News 145. Theodore Dunning, Bronx, NY- Tremont Terrace 146. John Egerton, Bath, PA- Advent 147. Paty Eiffe, Bethlehem, PA- College Hill 148. Evadne Elliott, Irvington, NJ- Battle Hill 149. Chris Evenson, Sturgeon Bay, WI- Sturgeon Bay 150. Winnifred Farquharson, Bronx, NY- United 151. Christianne Featherstone, Edmonton, AB - Edmonton 152. Nicole Fowles, Delaware, OH- The Promise 153. Paula Frank, Lanham, MD Trinity 154. Amy Frantz, Bethlehem, PA- East Hills 155. Charles Frey, Thurmont, MD- Graceham 3 156. Dorinda Gaines, Easton, PA- First (Easton) 157. Robert Geiger, Gnadenhutten, OH- John Heckewelder 158. Carmen Gesinger, Waconia, MN- Waconia 159. Keith Gohdes, Mapleton, ND- Canaan 160. Kenneth Hall, Detroit, MI- Grace 161. Joe Harris, Watertown, WI- Watertown 162. Paula Harris, Waterloo, WI- Ebenezer 163. Ralph Hasewinkle, Sumner, IL, West Salem 164. Robert Hauck, Allentown, P A - East Hills 165. Holly Heffernan, Calgary, AB- Christ 166. Lisa Herbers, DeForest, WI- Christian Faith 167. Glenn Hertzog, Nazareth, P A- Schoeneck 168. Lowell Hewitt, Fargo, ND- Shepherd of the Prairie 169. Adelia Hobart, Dover, OH- First (Dover) 170. Valerie Holmes, Calgary, AB- Good Shepherd 171. David Ruberg, Northfield, MN- Northfield 172. Yvette Hunte, Brooklyn, NY- Fellowship 173. Patricia Jones, Upper Marlboro, MD- St. Paul's 174. Allan Joseph, Bronx, NY- United 17 5. Dana Kenney, Easton, P A - Palmer Township 176. Phil Kietzke, Madison, WI Glenwood 177. Trudy Knipple, Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Saratoga 178. JohnKnokey, York,PA First(York) 179. Rex Knowlton, Cinnaminson, NJ- Palmyra 180. Brian Lauderman, Whitehall, PA Edgeboro 181. Tammy Lavoy, Greentown, PA- Newfoundland 182. Jane Lawson, Cambridge, WI- London 183. Harold Lehman, Edmonton, AB - Mill woods 184. Janice Loppnow, St. Charles, MN- Berea 185. Tina Lorenz, Palmyra, NJ First (Riverside) 186. Heather Maczko, Phillipsburg, NJ- Palmer Township 187. Mandy Mastros, Bethlehem, PA - Lititz 188. Eleanor McCullin, Sister Bay, WI- Ephraim 189. George Mentzer, Schaefferstown, PA- Lebanon 190. Carolyn Merryman, Whitehall, PA- Calvary 191. Robert Mock, Reading, PA - Reading 192. Evadne Morrison-Taylor, Farmingdale, NY- Grace 193. Hank Naisby, Coopersburg, PA Central 194. Nancy Nelson, Lake Mills, WI- Lake Mills 195. Jaynie Norman, Port Washington, OH- Fry's Valley 196. Mary Olson, Altura, MN- Our Savior's 197. Chris Pauley, Banning, CA- Morongo 198. Erica Peart, Brooklyn, NY- John Hus 199. Charlie Peterson, Waconia, MN- Waconia 200. Paul Peucker, Bethlehem, PA- Central 201. Peter Pfundtner, Menasha, WI- Freedom 202. David Piper, Durbin, ND- Goshen 203. Dana Price, Nazareth, PA- Nazareth 204. Charlotte Rand, Chaska, MN- Lake Auburn 205. Lynn Reichman, New Philadelphia, OH- Sharon 206. Joan Reid, Brooklyn, NY- John Hus 207. Laurie Reid, Edmonton, AB- Rio Terrace 208. Tammy Riesgraf, Chaska, MN- Chaska 209. Nancy Rinderknecht, Dennison, OH- First (Uhrichsville) 210. Leon Roesler, Leonard, ND- Bethel 211. Tom Rymar, Lancaster, PA- Lancaster 212. Madeline Santee, Whitehall, PA- Advent 213. Glenniver Sargeant, Staten Island, NY- Castleton Hill 214. Tammy Schaab, Cologne, N J Egg Harbor City 215. Carole Schachter, Bethlehem, P A - Edgeboro 4 216. Linda Schaefer, Fish Creek, WI- Sister Bay 217. Barbara Schmidt, Pittsville, WI V eedum 218. Jodi Seese, Canadensis, P A- Canadensis 219. Megan Smock, Yorba Linda, CA- Downey 222. Tom Snavely, Lebanon, PA- Lititz 221. Beth Sowatzke, Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Wisconsin Rapids 222. Ellen Steele, Staten Island, NY- Great Kills 223. Jenn Straumann, Maple Grove, MN- Christ's Community 224. Steve Sweet, Greensburg, IN- Hope 225. Mary Catherine Tachovsk.ry, Bethlehem, PA- Central 226. Cheryl Thompson, Center Valley, PA- MorningStar 227. Linda Toggart, Bethlehem, PA College Hill 228. Karen Urban-Dickson, Sturgeon Bay, WI- Sturgeon Bay 229. Michele Vesely, Gnadenhutten, OH- John Heckewelder 230. Betty Voelker, Edmonton, AB Heimtal 231. Tracy Vreeke, Sturgeon Bay, WI - Sturgeon Bay 232. Jennifer Walker, Silver Spring, MD- Faith 233. Peggy Walker, Waunakee, WI- Lakeview 234. Barbara Walters, Kunkletown, P A- Palmer Township 23 5. Hamilton Ward, Philadelphia, P A - Redeemer 236. Rodney Ward, Nazareth, PA Nazareth 237. Anita Watkins, Columbus, IN- Hope 238. Sarah Wegner, Bethlehem, PA- WD Youth Delegate 239. Jim Williams, Lake Mills, WI- Lake Mills 240. Cody Wilson, Columbus, IN- WD Youth Delegate 241. Linda Wisser, Emmaus, PA- Emmaus 242. Loretta Wudel, Edmonton, AB -CD Youth Delegate 243. Douglas Yochum, Bethlehem, PA- West Side 244. Christine Young, Unionville, MI- Unionville 245. Harvey Zeiss, Emmaus, PA Emmaus 246. Patrick Zimmerman, Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Kellner

B. Retired ministers 247. Reed Acheson, Allentown, PA 248. Jane Harberg, Sister Bay, WI 249. Stephen Nicholas, York, PA 250. Dennis Rohn, New Philadelphia, OH 251. David Wickmann, Nazareth, PA 252. Hermann Weinlick, Minneapolis, MN

HI. Ecumenical and Advisory Delegates (Non-voting):

253. Judy Angleberger, Beaver, PA -Presbyterian Church (USA) 254. J0rgen B0ytler, Christiansfeld, Denmark- Unity Business Administrator 255. D. Wayne Burkette, Pfafftown, NC- Synod Chaplain 256. Marie Couts, Gnadenhutten, OH- ED Staff/Synod Officer 257. Frank Crouch, Bethlehem, PA Moravian Theological Seminary 258. Neva Rae Fox- Episcopal Church 259. David Guthrie, Winston-Salem, NC- Southern Province PEC 260. MaryAnn Hanas, Bethlehem, PA MCNP Staff 261. Gary L. Harke, Harrisburg, PA- Synod Officer 262. Norma Lorincz, Edmonton, AB- Common Ground Community Cafe 263. James Marek, Taylor, TX- Unity of the Brethren 264. Paul McLaughlin, Winston-Salem, NC- Moravian Ministries Foundation 265. Tracy Merrick, Wexford, PA- United Methodist Church 266. Gwyneth Michel, Bethlehem, PA- Moravian Music Foundation 267. Mike Riess, Bethlehem, PA- Board of Communication 268. June Sterling, Ottawa, ON CD Staff 269. Jim Winkler, Washington, D.C.- National Council of Churches 270. Samuel Zeiser, Allentown, PA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 5 SYNOD COMMITTEES

ADULTS AND OLDER ADULTS, MINISTRY TO, WITH, AND BY 1. Dana Kenney 9. Tom Rymar 2. Lloyd Gooden 10. Theodore Dunning 3. Reed Acheson, chair 11. Otto Dreydoppel 4. Robert Hauck 12. Tom Snavely 5. Christine Stack 13. Ruth Camuse, secretary 6. Barbara Schmidt 14. Evadne Elliott 7. Eleanor McCullin 8. Adelia Hobart

CARE AND NURTURE OF CLERGY 1. Melissa Johnson 10. Kevin Henning 19. Charles Harewood 2. Chris Giesler 11. Reid Lauderman 20. Dawn Volpe 3. Keith Harke 12. Dee Downing 21. Charles Frey 4. Richard Thierolf 13. Karen Urban-Dickson 22. Duane Ullrich, secretary 5. Thomas Zimmer 14. Laura Gordon 23. Lynnette Delbridge 6. James Hicks 15. Gary Bailey 24. Pat Honszer 7. Gary Straughan 16. Bruce Nelson 8. Brian Dixon, chair 17. Vicki Jens-Page 9. Hermann W einlick 18. Barbara Berg

CHURCH AND SOCIETY 1. Heather Maczko 10. Janel Rice 18. Harold Lehman 2. Carole Schachter 11. George Mentzer 19. David Piper, co-chair 3. Betsy Miller 12. Ron Albaugh 20. Janice Loppnow 4. Anita Watkins 13. Kay Ward 21. Paul Peucker, secretary 5. Ralph Hasewinkle 14. Charlie Peterson 22. Douglas Yochum 6. Evadne Morrison-Taylor 15. Amy Gohdes-Luhman, 23. Christine Young 7. Carolyn Merryman co-chair 24. Carolyn Campbell 8. James Lavoy 16. Laurie Reid 25. Leon Roesler 9. Rick Beck 17. Josh Viste

FINANCE 1. Christina Giesler 10. Jane Harberg 19. Sue Dreydoppel 2. Graham Kerslake 11. Rex Knowlton 20. Paul McLaughlin 3. Jeff Van Orden 12. Jodie Harney, secretary 4. Judy Kaaua 13. Mary Catherine Tachovsky 5. Lowell Hewitt 14. James Booth 6. June Sterling 15. Jackie Pasquinelli 7. Keith Gohdes 16. Andy Meckstroth, chair 8. Steve Brockert 17. Ralph Wanamaker 9. Allan Joseph 18. Jane Gebler

HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS 1. Jill Westbrook 10. Nancy Nelson 19. Bill Andrews 2. Jennifer Moran 11. Rebecca Craver 20. Jennifer Walker 3. Paul Graf 12. Steve Gohdes 21. Gregg Schafer 4. Charlotte Rand 13. Stephanie Bruno 22. Damley Browne 5. Linda Wisser, chair 14. Patrick Zimmerman 23. Bruce W eaknecht 6. Kerry Krauss, secretary 15. Marie Abbuhl 24. Je:nn Strauma:nn 7. Joe Harris 16. Nicole Fowles 8. Tracy Robinson 17. Andy Kilps 9. Wanda Veldman 18. Tina Lorenz 6 IDENTITY, PURPOSE, ORGANIZATION 1. Jay Petrella 10. Gerry Downes 19. Linda Schaefer, 2. Margaret Wellert, chair 11. Dave Bennett secretary 3. Blair Couch 12. Eric Renner 20. Darrell Johnson 4. Ron Rice 13. Matt Knapp 21. Christine Johnson 5. Jason Andersen 14. Jim Williams 22. Jaynie Norman 6. Gwyn Michel 15. Rich Winans 23. Katie VanDer Linden 7. Frank Jones 16. Rick Bruckart 24. Glenniver Sargeant 8. Nancy Chandler 17. Tracy Pryor 25. Wellesley Ferguson 9. Dean Easton 18. Dave Wickmann

LAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 1. Barbara Walters 2. Valerie Holmes 10. Trudy Knipple 19. Robert Geiger 3. Mary Lou Plummer, 11. Carmen Gesinger 20. Sue Koenig secretary 12. Cindy Fahney 21. Kurt Liebenow 4. David Huberg 13. Hank Naisby 22. Jan Harke 5. Holly Heffernan, chair 14. Earl Goulbourne 23. Phil Kietzke 6. Peter Pfundtner 15. Beth Sowatzke 24. Michele Vesely 7. Harvey Zeiss 16. Tammy Riesgraf 25. Paula Harris 8. Kenneth Hall 17. Joan Reid 9. Ellen Steele 18. Peggy Walker

LOCAL AND GLOBAL MISSIONS 1. Judy Ganz 10. Jane Lawson 19. 1l1arion Perrin, secretary 2. Trina Holmberg 11. Darryl Bell 20. Cheryl Thompson 3. Megan Smock 12. John Wallace 21. Dean Jurgen 4. John Knokey 13. Cheryl Back 22. Wilton Gnumum 5. Bryan Peacock 14. Betty Voelker 23. Emily Bolmer 6. Chris Evenson 15. David Geyer, chair 24. Cody Wilson 7. Amy Frantz 16. Nancy Rinderknecht 8. Paty Eiffe 17. Ian Edwards 9. John Egerton 18. Doug Thompson

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS 1. Christie Melby-Gibbons 10. Mandy Mastros, 18. Bruce Loppnow 2. Tammie Rinker, chair secretary 19. James Hughes 3. Wendy Beck 11. JeffBrandt 4. Dana Price 12. Lillette George 5. Charles Achenbach 13. Lou Dishong 6. Chris Pauley 14. Terry Folk 7. John Deuchert 15. David Glasser 8. Staci Marrese-Wheeler 16. Loretta Wudel 9. Mark Breland 17. Norma Lorincz

SPIRITUAL FORMATION I. Derek French 7. Jodi Seese 13. Tracy Vreeke 2. Michael Eder 8. Lisa Herbers 14. David Clake 3. Linda Toggart 9. Alice Camp, secretary 15. Glem1 Hertzog 4. Peg Greiner, chair 10. Patricia Jones 16. Stephen Nicholas 5. Beth Rohn-Habhegger 11. Rebecca Sisley 6. Hopeton Clennon 12. Mary Olson

7 STEWARDSHIP 1. Jeff Gehris 9. Lynn Reichman 2. Gary Marsh 10. Dave Sobek 3. Robert Mock 11. Rowan Simmons, chair 4. Winnifred Farquharson 12. Yvette Hunte 5. Marian Boyle 13. Blonde! Jones-Grant, 6. Paula Frank Secretary 7. Sarah Wegner 14. Dennis Rohn 8. Doug Kleintop

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS, MINISTRY TO, WITH AND BY 1. Steve Sweet 10. Madeline Santee, chair 19. Bill Rinderknecht 2. Cynthia Geyer, secretary 11. Jennika Borger 20. Eileen Edwards 3. Jeff Coppage 12. Erica Peart 21. Brandon Salyzyn 4. Hamilton Ward 13. Michael Johnson 22. Christianne Featherstone 5. Brenda Bell 14. Bevon White 23. Brian Lauderman 6. Rhonda Robinson 15. Vern Bartz 24. Tammy Lavoy 7. Nigel Powell 16. Dorinda Gaines 25. Lance Fox 8. Becky Dillon 17. Tammy Schaab 9. Matt Gillard 18. Rodney Ward

8 ELECTIONS

Provincial Elders' Conference The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth D. Miller, Bethlehem, PA Wilton Grannum, Brooklyn, NY Judy Kaaua, Victoria, MN Jill Westbrook, New Philadelphia, OH Thomas Zimmer, Unionville, MI

Larger Life Foundation Wendy Brockert, Lake Mills, WI William Kiessling, Lake Mills, WI Steve Pasquinelli, New Philadelphia, OH

Linden Hall School for Girls Trustee The Rev. Ron Rice, Lititz, P A

Moravian Academy Trustee Barbara Heske, Bethlehem, P A Pamela Larimer, Bethlehem, P A Christian Rice, Coopersburg, P A

Moravian Theological Seminary Trustee The Rev. Brian Dixon, Victoria, MN The Rev. Dr. Eileen Edwards, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada The Rev. Katie Van Der Linden, Madison, WI

Provincial Women's Board Linda Rabbach, Watertown, WI - Western Region Pat Baldwin, Hope, IN - Mid-States Region Rhonda Robinson, Bethlehem, P A- Eastern Region

Unity Synod 2016 The Rev. Dr. Michael Johnson, Brooklyn, NY The Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler, McFarland, WI

9 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED 2014 SYNOD MORAVIAN CHURCH NORTHERN PROVINCE

Ministry to, with, and by Adults and Older Adults

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

RE: Ministry Across the Adult Lifespan

Whereas, our communities and congregations are aging, and we are called upon by Christ to minister to those in need, and

Whereas, adults need support or assistance as they transition through challenging stages of their lives; e.g. illness, military service, death, divorce, relocation, and retirement, and

Whereas, adults sometimes feel alienated from their church families as their life circumstances change, and may feel unimportant and undervalued, and

Whereas, persons have lives ofvalue and gifts to share at all stages of the lifespan, and

Whereas, persons may reach stages of their lives where they need additional support to continue their active life within the church, and

Whereas, there is a need for guidance as congregations explore how the untapped energies, experience, and capabilities of our aging members can be utilized; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province affirms the gifts and value of adults and older adults and encourages congregations to join their pastors to implement programs that support adults throughout their lifespans, promote their enthusiasm, and utilize their gifts, knowledge, and experience for the benefit of our churches and communities; and be it further

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province suggests that Lifespan Ministry resources be submitted to the Healthy Congregations webmaster for possible inclusion on its website and posted to other locations as appropriate.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

RE: Archival Collection of Oral Histories of Moravian Adults/Seniors

10 Whereas, Moravian congregations hold dear the importance of our heritage, and the denomination supports many activities to document that history, and how it informs our present and future as a church, and

Whereas, Moravian congregations and the Northern Province of the Moravian Church continue to document our history from a variety of perspectives and maintain them in an archival collection as a growing body of infmmation for future generations of Moravians, scholars, historians, students, and the community at large, and

Whereas, accounts of our Moravian heritage, told in first person, are vital for preserving an important part of that history for future generations, and

Whereas, older adults within our congregations will feel valued and honored as they participate in this process, and

Whereas, individual Moravian congregations would welcome an opportunity to work with the larger Moravian Church using a coordinated and consistent method of collecting oral traditions as told by our senior members; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (3) The Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church will seek leadership from the Interprovincial Board of Communication and the Moravian Archives for collecting and preserving the oral histories of our adults and older adults, focusing on faith traditions and expenences.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 16th Plenary Session)

RE: Emerging Ministry in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Whereas, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Moravian Church has been in ministry since 1746,and

Whereas, recent circumstances, namely an aging membership, declining financial resources, and changes in the demographics of its community, have necessitated new choices for the life and ministry of the Lancaster congregation, and

Whereas, the leadership and membership of the Lancaster congregation have responded to this seeming crisis with faith rather than fear, and

Whereas, the Lancaster Moravians have discerned a need for services to older adults in their community, and

11 Whereas, Lancaster Moravian Church has sold its suburban property in preparation for starting an adult day services center in the city, and

Whereas in a new emerging ministry the worship, fellowship, Christian education program, and outreach of the Lancaster congregation will be completely integrated with the adult services center, therefore be it

Resolved: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, commends Lancaster Moravian Church for its creativity and courage in undertaking a new form of servant ministry, and be it further

Resolved: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province commends to all congregations of the province, including those facing an uncertain future, the example of the Lancaster Moravian Church which has found a means for congregational renewal in a unique ministry of service.

Care and Nurture of Clergy

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province­ Appendix C of the Report of the Provincial Elder's Conference Report

Whereas: the Committee on the Care and Nurture of Clergy has reviewed Appendix C of the Provincial Elder's Conference Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province accepts with gratitude Appendix C of the Provincial Elder's Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and be it further,

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the work of Mary Ann Hanas, Director of Human Resources and Benefits, and Marie Cestone, Administrative Assistant, and the Human Resources and Benefits Commission.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province- from the Bishops Residing in the Moravian Church, Northern Province

Whereas, the Committee on the Care and Nurture of Clergy has reviewed the report from the Bishops residing in the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and,

12 Whereas, the Committee appreciates the ministry and spiritual presence of the Bishops who reside in the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and,

Whereas, the Care and Nurture of Clergy Committee notes that the work of the Bishops is not confined to any one geographical area; that they serve the entire Unity of the world-wide Moravian Church, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from the Bishops residing in the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and be it further,

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province recognizes and expresses its deep appreciation for the many years of faithful service to the Unity and the Province by the Rt. Rev. Milo Loppnow, the Rt. Rev. Warren Sautebin, and the Rt. Rev. Arthur Freeman, who are now in the more immediate presence of our Savior.

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the nth Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province from Moravian Theological Seminary

Whereas, the Committee on the Care and Nurture of Clergy has reviewed the report from Moravian Theological Seminary, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from Moravian Theological Seminary and endorses the future direction of the Seminary as outlined in the report.

Fifth Partial Report (Received in the 13th Plenary Session)

Re: Recommendation on the Election of a Bishop

Whereas, the Committee on the Care and Nurture of Clergy (the CNC) has considered the election of a bishop(s) by the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, and

Whereas, the CNC values the work of our bishops and notes that there are two bishops residing in the Western District and five bishops residing in the Eastern District, and

Whereas, the bishops of the Moravian Church, Northern Province have met during the inter-synodal period and do not see a need to elect another bishop at this time,

13 THEREFORE the Committee on the Care and Nurture of Clergy recommends that the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province not elect a bishop(s) at this time.

Sixth Partial Report (Adopted in the 13th Plenary Session)

RE: Clergy Transitions and Retirement

Whereas, pastoral ministry is a journey with a beginning, middle, and end, each with its own transitions and challenges; and

Whereas, there are challenges, joys, concerns, and a need for growth along the way; and

Whereas, there are limited District and Provincial financial and staffing resources available to help address clergy needs and growth; and

Whereas, collegial relationships are beneficial in sustaining clergy on their journey; and

Whereas, district clergy retreats or clergy staff meetings already fulfill some of these relational needs; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province requests the districts, which already provide for annual clergy retreats (Eastern and Canadian Districts) or staff meetings (Western District), to include in those events specific time and programs to address such areas as: financial planning/goals; intentional orientation for newer pastors; discussion on problem areas within ministry; strategies for establishing collegial support; part-time and hi-vocational ministries, and, planning for successful transitions, beginning, mid-journey and nearing retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED: (10) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province recommends that the districts address transitional, financial, and retirement strategies with their clergy, on a triennial basis.

Seventh Partial Report (Adopted in the 13th Plenary Session)

Re: Support and Expectation for Pastors Serving Part-time and Their Congregations

Whereas, many congregations in the North American Moravian Church and in other denominations are no longer able to pay the benefits and salaries required to call a full-time pastor; and,

Whereas, congregations may wish to benefit from the leadership of a theologically trained, ordained pastor on a part-time basis; and,

14 Whereas, pastors who serve in part-time settings may need other vocational skills and opportunities for part-time employment in order to supplement their income; and,

Whereas, the demands of and opportunities for ministry for both full and part-time pastors are great, challenging both pastors and church boards to agree on priorities and to set just and equitable expectations of their pastors; and,

Whereas, the Book of Order of the Northern Province does not set forth expectations for either full-time or part-time pastors and there are current inconsistencies between calls for part-time pastors; and

Whereas, pastors, local church boards, and denominational leaders need greater clarity in setting reasonable expectations particularly for pastors serving in full and part-time positions; and,

Whereas, clarity about these expectations would be particularly helpful during the call process but also for boards and their pastors as their congregations face shifts and changes in their needs and in their ability to compensate staff; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference of the Northern Province to appoint a task force or working group which will • develop guidelines for pastors in part-time service including average expectations for hours worked per week and average number of Sundays or worship days required each year; and • develop equitable guidelines for benefits • develop standard procedures to be used during the call process to help congregations and part-time pastors begin their relationships with reasonable boundaries and expectations and to assess their relationship on a regular basis in the years that follow; • explore the realities pastors and their congregations will face when pastors need other employment and are bi-vocational; and • investigate ways for the Provincial Elders' Conference to provide career counseling and training opportunities for pastors who need to convert their pastoral and life skills into other part-time work; and • investigate and draw upon resources that our full-communion partners have developed for their part-time and bi-vocational pastors.

15 RESOLVED: (12) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference to report these findings back to the next Northern Province Synod.

Ninth Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

Re: Active Health Care Benefits

Whereas: the Affordable Care Act is changing the landscape regarding health care insurance in the United States, and Whereas: the cost of our current Active Health Care Benefits is a source of significant financial stress for our congregations, and

Whereas: pastors currently continue to receive Active Health Care Benefits even when a congregation fails to fully contribute, and

Whereas: those covered do not contribute to the premium cost of the Active Benefits, and

Whereas: the Committee acknowledge this is a difficult subject to address, and

Whereas: those covered have been blessed to have Active Health Care Benefits, and

Whereas: we also acknowledge that the current method appears not to be sustainable for our congregations, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (15) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province entrusts the Provincial Elders' Conference to instruct the Human Resources and Benefits Commission to explore all options to reduce the cost of the Active Health Care Benefits package.

Eleventh Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: The Need for On-going Education Regarding Active Benefits and Pension

Whereas: the 2014 Provincial Synod Committee on the "Care and Nurture of Clergy" wish to express our deep appreciation to the Human Resources and Benefits Commission and the Provincial Elders' Conference for providing the "Breakdown of the 2014 Active Benefits Assessment" (Pie Chart), and

Whereas: continuing education of each congregation concerning the Active Benefits and Pension Plans is necessary and desirable, therefore be it

16 RESOLVED: (18) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to develop and implement a process to educate the congregations on the Active Benefits and Pension Plans of the Northern Province.

Twelfth Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

RE: Valuing Equality of Pastoral Service When Calculating Pension

Whereas: the current pension plan (Defined Benefit) reflects an equal valuing of all our pastors' service, i.e. everyone currently receives $37 per month of"vested" and "credited" service, and

Whereas: any change made to our pension plan should continue to honor an equal valuing of our pastors' service regardless of their ministry setting, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (19) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference, advised by the Human Resources and Benefit Commission (HRBC), to explore all potential pension plan designs that honor our core value of equally valuing all pastors' service.

Thirteenth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: Unpaid Benefits and Unpaid Pension

Whereas: the 2014 Provincial Synod Committee on the "Care and Nurture of Clergy" wish to express our deep appreciation to the Human Resources and Benefits Commission and the Provincial Elders' Conference for providing the "Breakdown of the 2014 Active Benefits Assessment" (Pie Chart), and

Whereas: the current funding for pastoral and employee health benefits are currently underfunded by an amount in excess of$825,000, and

Whereas: the current funding for pastoral pensions are currently unpaid from congregations by an amount in excess of $76,000, and

Whereas: the size of the unfunded balances stated herein above will continue to increase unless action is taken during the inter-synodal period, and

Whereas: the current delinquencies cannot continue without threatening the viability of the benefits and pension plans in their current form for all pastors and for all congregations of the Northern Province at all levels, therefore be it

17 RESOLVED: (20) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to establish a process to seek payment of assessments in arrears for the Benefits and Pension plans.

Church and Society

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Inclusiveness

Whereas, there is division of opinion in the Moravian Church, Northern Province, regarding whether or not it is appropriate to ordain and call gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships; and

Whereas, regardless ofthe outcome of the 2014 synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, some, out of deep conviction, may rejoice and others, out of deep conviction, may mourn; and

Whereas, it is a cherished principle for Moravians to be strengthened by the diversity of our fellowship; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, affirms the commitment of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, to be inclusive of differing views regarding whether or not it is appropriate to ordain and call gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships; and be it further

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, affirms that all clergy and members of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, are free without penalty to speak, write, and express their perspectives on the appropriateness of ordaining and calling gay and lesbian clergy living in covenanted relationships, provided that such expressions are done in a charitable manner, as is fitting for brothers and sisters in the Lord; and be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference, in the interest of living peacefully together as brothers and sisters in Christ, to offer appropriate follow-up gatherings for congregations ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, in a timely manner following the conclusion ofthe 2014 Provincial Synod.

Second and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 14th Plenary Session)

Re: The ordination and pastoral service of gay and lesbian individuals, whether single, married, or in covenanted relationships

18 Whereas, the Moravian Church Northern Province has been prayerfully addressing the topic of sexual orientation and the participation of gay and lesbian persons in the church since the 1974 Synod by passing the following resolutions:

1974 "RESOLVED: (29) that the Moravian Church reaffirm its open welcome to all people by specifically recognizing that the homosexual is also under God's care; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (30) that the Moravian Congregations will extend an invitation to all persons to join us in a common search for wholeness before God and persons; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (31) that as Christians, recognizing our common sinfulness and the miracle of God's grace, accepting God's pardon, and together striving to help free each other from bonds of fear, despair and meaninglessness, fitting us for lives of commitment, responsibility, witness, service, and celebration in God's Kingdom, we will share in this venture as children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ toward wholeness."

1994 "RESOLVED: (31) All segments of the Moravian Church (provincial, district, regional, congregation, individual) be encouraged to continue in prayer as individuals and as groups for openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit with regard to our understanding ofthe issue of homosexuality.

"RESOLVED: (32) The 1994 Northern Provincial Synod reaffirms the Homosexuality Resolution of the 197 4 Resolutions of the Moravian Church Northern Province on Social Issues ... (As noted above)

"RESOLVED: (33) Although the Moravian Church is not agreed on the question of the acceptability of homosexual practice, congregations are urged to make available support systems for people whose lives are affected by homosexual issues and to encourage individuals to seek appropriate training to lead such groups; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (34) 'Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to support those rights and liberties for homosexual persons. We see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting their rightful claims.' (from the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 1992) Moreover, we condemn acts of violence and coercion against persons who are homosexual or are perceived to be homosexual.

"RESOLVED: (35) The 1994 Northern Provincial Synod affirms the intention of the Provincial Elders' Conference, Northern Province, to develop balanced educational materials on homosexuality for use in congregations in their quest for understanding on this issue."

19 1998 "RESOLVED: (7) The Provincial Synod of 1998 affirms and commends the research, resolve, and courage of the Eastern District Christian Education Commission, the EDCEC Church and Society Committee, the Saturday Forum Planning Committee, and the panel participants for planning and bringing the Saturday Night Forum on homosexuality to Provincial Synod of 1998; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (8) The 1998 Provincial Synod thanks all those who attended and participated in the Forum for their openness and soul-searching courage; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (9) The delegates to the Provincial Synod of 1998 shall encourage the members of their home districts to continue a dialogue on homosexuality and other sensitive issues within the church."

2002 "RESOLVED: (1): The 2002 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province shall recommend full participation (membership, activities, and lay leadership) in the congregation for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (2): The 2002 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province shall affirm the resolutions of the Synods of 197 4 and 1994 concerning homosexual persons; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (3): The Human Sexuality Task Force shall be commended for its efforts and the congregations of the Northern Province shall be urged to distribute this guide to their members and use it in their congregational programming; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (4): Every member of the Moravian Church shall be urged to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our understanding of the issues pertaining to sexual orientation and direct us all to our unity in Christ.

"RESOLVED: ( 5) The 2002 Synod of the Northern Province shall recognize that persons who are homosexual can be members of our church because they are children of God and seek to know God's grace which is freely given to all people who have faith in God; and be it further

"RESOLVED: ( 6) Homosexual individuals shall be supported and affirmed by being allowed to celebrate their lives as individuals and/or couples completely within the bounds of the church and under the grace which our Creator imparts to all persons; and be it further

"RESOLVED: (1 0) The church shall continue to enter into dialogue in a Christian manner with homosexual persons in order to understand their lives and their spiritual walk."

2010 "RESOLVED: (1) The Provincial Elders' Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, in partnership with the district boards, shall sponsor (including provisions for dialogue materials and any necessary resource persons) congregational forums in the year 2011 for the purpose of collaborative dialogue and prayer discernment of the Christian service of homosexual persons, and be it further

20 "RESOLVED: (2) The 2012 Eastern, Western, and Canadian District Synods are directed to establish time with the synod process for non-legislative, collaborative dialogue and prayerful discernment regarding the Christian service of homosexual persons, and be it fmther

"RESOLVED: (3) The Provincial Elders' Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, in consultation with the Bishops of the Northem Province and the District Boards, shall provide a summary report and corresponding legislation regarding the Christian service of homosexual persons for consideration by the 2014 Synod ... "

and

Whereas, in response to the resolutions approved at the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, and in light of the long history of prior resolutions,

• the Provincial Elders' Conference named the Human Sexuality Task Force and charged it with planning and leading "Holy Conversations" in regions and congregations across the province, • the Human Sexuality Task Force sponsored 30 regional sessions of Holy Conversations, involving 1,002 persons in all areas of the province, • Holy Conversations were also held at the Western, Canadian, and Eastern District Synods of 2012, with opportunities for feedback and reporting to the Provincial Elders' Conference, • many congregations held one or more additional Holy Conversations and considered other recommended materials for the purpose of prayerful discernment and dialogue, • an online survey was made available to all in the province who wished to provide input to the Provincial Elders' Conference, • a meeting, held in Chaska, MN on April26-28, 2013, to honor the synod call for consultation, gathered together all members of the Provincial Elders' Conference, members of all three District Executive Boards, all Northern Province bishops capable of traveling, and all members of the Human Sexuality Task Force, and • this April 2013 gathering, led by an outside facilitator, offered an opportunity to hear and consider a variety of voices and perspectives from around the province and among the leadership, which provided input to the Provincial Elders' Conference to craft legislation as called for by the 2010 Synod;

be it therefore

RESOLVED (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province expresses its gratitude to members of the Human Sexuality Task Force for the hard work of spirit-filled conversations and leadership in crafting and implementing the Holy Conversations over the course of three years. This Synod also expresses its appreciation to all members of the Moravian Church Northem Province who courageously participated in any of the Holy Conversations, offered feedback, and prayed about and for this process; and

Whereas, the Moravian Church Northern Province has been in prayer and conversation about this matter since 1974 and more intentionally so since 2010

and

21 Whereas, the provincial elders have been m prayer and conversation about this matter, mindful of: • Our Moravian theology o All persons are made in the image of God ("Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness ... ' "Genesis 1:26) and are blessed and beloved sons and daughters. o By the movement of the Holy Spirit God calls into ministry those whom God chooses, regardless of status or life situation ("As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. " Galatians 3:27, 28). • Our Moravian understanding of essentials o Our well-known and beloved motto, "In essentials unity, in non­ essentials liberty, in all things love" informs our faith and our relationship with others. For many of us it lacks an historical context, which leads to uncertainty about what is essential and what is non­ essential. ~ From the earliest days of the Unitas Fratrum (Agreement of Rychnov 1464) [Rudolf Rican, History of the Unity of the Brethren (Bethlehem, PA: Moravian Church, Northern Province, 1992), 35] the church defmed three categories of our faith and life together: Essentials, Ministerials, and Incidentals. The distinction between Essentials, Ministerials, and Incidentals was refined by Moravian theologians such as Luke of Prague and Jan Blahoslav, and these categories were incorporated into Moravian catechisms, confessions of faith, and hymnals. (Rican, 405-418. See also Craig Atwood, Theology of the Czech Brethren (University Park, P A: Penn State University Press, 2009), 215-242) ~ Essentials are of two kinds: gifts of God and the human response to God's grace. The first three Essentials are God's gifts: God creates, Jesus Christ redeems, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies. The second three Essentials are the human response to God's grace: Faith, Love, and Hope, and there is no true Christianity without Faith, Love, and Hope. ~ Ministerials are sacred tools given by Christ to lead people to what is Essential and are sacred only when they are used to lead people to Faith, Love, and Hope. The Unitas Fratrum classified the following as Ministerials: first and foremost the Bible, the Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) and Rites of the church (confirmation, marriage, confession, and funerals); the ordained ministry; church discipline; and doctrine (creeds, confessions of faith, and catechisms). ~ Incidentals reflect local preference, traditions, tastes, culture, needs, and customs. • Our Moravian understanding o{Scripture o The Holy Bible leads us to the essentials; it is not an essential in and of itself and we trust God, through the Holy Spirit, to continue to lead us into truth, within the limits of our knowledge and our understanding of scripture.

22 o The Ground of the Unity states: "The Triune God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only source of our life and salvation; and this scripture is the sole standard of the doctrine and faith of the Unitas Fratrum and therefore shapes our life." (Ground of the Unity, par. 4) o "As Moravians, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified as our confession of faith, ... we do not believe that Jesus points us to Scripture so that we can find the answers there, but rather that Scripture points us to Jesus so that we can find the answers in him." (Guiding Principles of Biblical Interpretation, p. 4-5; Prepared by the Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission November 2, 2011; Amended and Adopted by the Southern Province Provincial Elders' Conference - March 5, 2012; Amended and Adopted by the Northern Province Provincial Elders' Conference- April 12, 2012) o "It is not scripture and our conformity to a particular interpretation of it that unites us, but rather Christ, our Chief Elder, who holds us together by keeping us all close to him." (Guiding Principles of Biblical Interpretation, p. 5) Our Province's relationship with the Worldwide Moravian Unity o We value the relationship among all the provinces of the Unity as a precious gift. o When speaking about homosexuality, the 2002 Unity Synod resolved that "this issue does not rise to the doctrinal equivalent of the New Testament confession, 'Jesus is Lord' but it is a biblical, theological and pastoral issue on which the church must dialogue. " o The 2010 Unity Board resolved "that the issue of homosexuality can be discussed in the Unity Provinces, taking the Ground of the Unity and the cultural and legal implications into consideration and that this issue is not belonging to the essentials of the faith and the church." (Unity Board resolutions 201 0) o The Northern Province complied with the request of the Unity Board of 2010 to refrain from any legislation until after the Unity Board meeting in May 2014. Our Province's rigorous ordination review process o There is a careful process for evaluating candidates for service and ordination that includes District Candidacy Review Committees, a criminal background check and a certified career assessment report, a theological treatise (credo), completion of academic requirements, ongoing assessment by the Ordination Review Committee, and final recommendation to the Provincial Elders' Conference. • The Northern Province bishops' letter to the church o "The Bishops of the Northern Province have been involved with and continue to be in prayer about the ongoing conversations and possible legislation for the 2014 Synod regarding the ordination of gay and lesbian persons who are in a committed relationship. We very carefully, prayerfully, and passionately discussed the issue at our recent meeting and we now humbly offer this response to the church that we serve. While we all agree that it is time for the Northern Province to make a decision on the issue and to move boldly forward in mission, we do not agree on what that decision should be or even on how it should be made. With this in mind, we feel it important that we ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to approach the continuing conversations and possible decisions with care, prayer, and grace. We are of one voice in saying that we love the Savior and we love our church. We are of one accord in saying that even though we do not agree on all parts of the issue, none of us will think any less of each other or

23 the church that we love and serve if the decision is not what we would have wanted. We agree we are called to serve the entire church and we will continue to do this with conviction. You can trust that we will continue to be available to serve and to be in prayer for congregations, clergy, and the entire Moravian Unity. We affmn the privilege and right each of us has to speak publicly to this issue as we feel led, speaking solely for ourselves and not for the Bishops collectively. Fundamentally, we agreed to never leave the table around which we are called to worship God and to pray for and encourage one another in Jesus' name." (Written December 16-17, 2012, and disseminated to the church in January 2013), and

Whereas, the church has satisfied the mandate of the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church, N orthem Province, be it therefore

RESOLVED (5) Individuals, regardless of sexual orientation and whether single, married, or in a covenanted relationship, who have satisfactorily met all the educational requirements, have completed the Ministerial Candidacy Review and Ordination Review Process, and have been approved for ordination by the Provincial Elders' Conference, are eligible for ordination upon receipt and acceptance of a call; and

Whereas, all clergy are expected to abide by the Standards of Responsible Behavior (as cited in the Book of Order ~202e2), which states that "Ordained ministers, while single, are called to a life of celibacy (sexual abstinence); those who are married are called to a life of sexual fidelity to their spouse." In some locations, same-sex marriage is legal and in others it is not; be it therefore

RESOLVED (6) The Book of Order ~202e2 shall be amended to read "Ordained ministers, while single, are called to a life of celibacy (sexual abstinence); those who are legally married are called to a life of sexual fidelity to their spouse/partner; those who cannot be legally married and who desire to make a lifelong commitment must be in a covenanted relationship before God which requires continuous loyalty of the individuals toward each other and calls them to a life of sexual fidelity to their partner;" and be it further

RESOLVED (7) The Provincial Elders' Conference will create for use in the Moravian Church Northern Province a rite for solemnizing a covenanted relationship, and will continue to maintain records regarding the relationship status of its ordained ministers; and

Whereas, the Book of Order ~211 states, "It is a principle of the Moravian Church that a pastor cannot be forced upon a congregation against its will. No minister can become the pastor of a congregation without the consent of a two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Joint Board of Elders and Trustees or unified church board," be it therefore

RESOLVED (8) In the call process, District Presidents and/or those meeting with Joint Boards will fully disclose the relationship status, as known and where appropriate, of those being presented for call or appointment; and

24 Whereas, the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, acknowledges that Moravians of good faith hold widely differing opinions on the ordination and pastoral service of gay and lesbian individuals, whether single, married, or m covenanted relationships, be it therefore

RESOLVED (9) As the body of Christ, and as individual members of that body, we live within the wide embrace of God's love and grace and thus are empowered to allow space for differing positions within the Moravian Church, Northern Province. As fellow servants with the bishops,* we will strive to remain at the table around which we are called to worship God and to pray for and encourage one another in Jesus' name. (*Statement of Bishops ofthe Northern Province December 16-17, 2012)

Finance

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report of the Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund

Whereas, the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province passed the Third Partial Report of the Care of Clergy Mission Team regarding the creation of a Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund, and

Whereas, a five member board was charged by the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) to offer tangible support to our clergy who experience a financial need due to a "disabling illness or injury ... who need assistance providing for their food, shelter and/or safety;" to establish guidelines for how it would function and identify the criteria and means for application and distribution of funds; and to develop ways to solicit gifts to this fund to augment the annual budget amount of$12,000, and

Whereas, the Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund Board (CEAFB) serves at the discretion of the PEC, decisions for grant request were made only by the CEAFB and were processed through the Controller's Office. All grants were completed with strict confidentiality, and

Whereas, eight clergy have received grants totaling $20,364 in this fund's first three years of existence, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends and thanks the members ofthe Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund Board [The Rev. Keith Harke, (Chair) Mr. Gary Bailey (Eastern District); Mr. Alexander Macdonald (Western District); Mr. Joachim Schubert (Canadian District); The Rev. Tammie Rinker (member-at-large)] for their diligent work in providing emergency assistance to our clergy; and be it further

25 RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province thanks MaryAnn Hanas for serving as a provincial resource to the Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund Board; and be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province realizes the value of The Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund and supports the continuation of this assistance for our clergy with appropriate funding as determined by the Provincial Elders' Conference.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

RE: Appreciation to Common Ministries Funding Task Force

Whereas, after many hours ofhard work during the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, the Mission through Resources Team determined that a method of calculating each congregation's commitment to Common Ministries of the Province could be established based on an individual congregation's history of income and history of giving to our Common Ministries which would be equitable, but sufficient time to complete the detail work of that task was not available; and

Whereas, the 2010 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province called for development and implementation of a new model of giving to fund our Common Ministries, as indicated by the following resolution:

RESOLVED: (17) The Book of Order ~705 regarding formation of annual Provincial budgets shall be suspended for the budgetary years 2012-2014; the Provincial Elders' Conference shall be directed to develop and implement a method of determining each congregation's financial commitment to our Common Ministry based on an individual congregation's history of income and history of giving to our Common Ministries; the Provincial Elders' Conference shall report to the Provincial Synod of2014 regarding the results of this method.

and

Whereas, in the fall of2010, the Provincial Elders' Conference appointed a Common Ministries Funding Task Force, consisting of a subset ofthe2010 Synod Mission through Resources Team members and chaired by the Resources Team Chair, to develop and implement a new model of giving; and

Whereas, the Task Force, building on the work begun by the 2010 Synod Resources Team, designed a Common Ministries Funding method that was specific to each congregation based on its pattern of envelope and offering plate giving (Line 1 income) and its Common Ministries payments - an income-based approach that acknowledged each congregation's individual stewardship; and

26 Whereas, the Task Force requested, received and utilized feedback on the new Common Ministries Funding method from the Provincial Elders' Conference and eight stakeholder congregations; and

Whereas, the new Common Ministries Funding method was rolled out and explained to the District Boards and congregations with distribution of a written document prior to a series of conference calls in August and September 2011 that included an on­ line presentation, and each congregation received its individual2012 Common Ministries Commitment amount in September 2011; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends and thanks the members of the Common Ministries Funding Task Force- Andy Meckstroth, Chair, Tina Giesler, Lowell Hewitt, Judy Kaaua, Graham Kerslake, Jay Larson and Mary Catherine Tachovsky- for their leadership, diligence, creativity, and communication in the development and successful implementation of a new Common Ministries Funding method.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Continuation ofNorthern Province Finance Committee

Whereas, the Northern Province Finance Committee (NPFC) has provided interim reporting of the new Common Ministries Funding method through gathering feedback via Survey Monkey and reporting to the Provincial Elders' Conference and to the officers of the Northern Province congregations; and

Whereas, the work of the NPFC was deemed invaluable by the President of the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) because it reduced the amount of time spent discussing financial matters during their meetings and allowed them to be better stewards of their time concerning ministerial issues; and

Whereas, the NPFC revision of the financial section of the annual report simplified the completion of the report by the appropriate individuals; and

Whereas, the information that the NPFC shared with the Finance Committee of the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province through pre-synod mailings as well as during the first committee meeting offered clarity and transparency that enabled better understanding among the committee members; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province affirms and appreciates the work of the Northern Province Finance Committee; and be it further

RESOLVED: (6) The Northern Province Finance Committee shall continue as an advisory group to the PEC through the next inter-synodal period.

27 Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province- Larger Life Foundation of the Moravian Church, Northern Province

Whereas, the Finance Committee reviewed the report from the Larger Life Foundation (LLF) of the Moravian Church, Northern Province; and

Whereas, the committee appreciates the work ofthe LLF of the Moravian Church, Northern Province to provide loans to congregations, semi-annual distributions to core agencies and discretionary grants; to be responsible stewards of the assets of the LLF to ensure the fund is managed professionally, and to communicate the purpose and good works of the LLF to all Moravians in the Northern Province; be it therefore

RESOLVED (7) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from the Larger Life Foundation as written; and be it further

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the Larger Life Foundation for their faithful and diligent service and rejoices in their excellent efforts of being good stewards of the fund, and be it further

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province commends the efforts of the Larger Life Foundation in assisting the ministries of the Province.

Fifth Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 of the Moravian Church Northern Province- Benefits (Disability Insurance, Pension Fund, Active Health Care Fund and Supplemental Health Care Fund for Retirees)

Whereas, the Finance Committee reviewed the Benefit Reports of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and

Whereas, the Finance Committee is comfortable the reports accurately present the fiscal activity pertaining to the benefits for the periods ending December 2010 through December 2013, and

Whereas, the Finance Committee is concerned with the impact of partial payment of the pastors' insurance premiums experienced since 2007 which has accumulated into an overall shortage of $825,000; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (10) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the Benefits Reports as written; and be it further

28 RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province affirms the delinquency of some congregations in paying their share of pastor's insurance assessments that has led to a shortage of $825,000 is unacceptable and unsustainable and must be addressed by the Provincial Elders' Conference, the pastors and the congregations.

Sixth Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Remembering the Moravian Church Northern Province in Your Wills

Whereas, the Moravian Church Northern Province now operates with an income based budget which has made the funding of new ministries challenging, and

Whereas, the provincial funds that are undesignated bequests will not last forever, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church Northern Province has great hope for the future of our province, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (12) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province is aware ofthe provincial financial difficulties concerning new ministry endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED: (13) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages all members of churches in the Northern Province to remember the Moravian Church Northern Province in their wills and bequests.

Seventh Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Electronic Tithes and Offerings

Whereas, as Christians we are called to support our churches through our time, talents and treasures, and

Whereas, in scripture we read that "all shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you." (Deuteronomy 16: 17) and we read in the gospel of Matthew "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21) and

Whereas, not every member of the churches of the Moravian Church Northern Province attends worship every Sunday and if they do they occasionally forget their offering envelope or some members would prefer to not have to remember to bring an offering envelope; and

29 Whereas, we live in a culture where many individuals do their personal banking electronically and some congregations are successfully receiving contributions electronically; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (14) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages congregations to explore the opportunities available for their congregation to begin electronic collections of tithes and offering.

Eighth Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Review of Deacon Supervision Program

Whereas, the Finance Committee appreciates and values the current deacon supervision program and recognizes its benefits to recently ordained individuals, and

Whereas, the committee thanks the Provincial Elders' Conference, District Boards, congregations, and the deacon supervisors for their implementation and support of deacon supervision process, and

Whereas, the current deacon supervision program would be more helpful if expectations and guidelines were more clearly defined; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (15) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to develop a task force to examine the guidelines for, and the expectations of, the Deacon Supervision Program in order to better define and delineate the specific duties and expectations ofDeacon Supervisors to better support and mentor newly ordained clergy; and be it further

RESOLVED: (16) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to provide the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Districts of the Moravian Church Northern Province with the results of the Deacon Supervision Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED: (17) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to provide training and support for deacon supervisors.

Ninth Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Common Ministries Commitment Funding Methodology: Continuance, Affirmation, Review and Adjustment Consideration

30 Whereas, the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province called for the development and implementation of a new model of giving to fund our Common Ministries (Resolved 17), and

Whereas, the developed and implemented income-based method has been used for the years of2012 and 2013 and for year-to-date 2014, and

Whereas, suggestions have periodically been made by individuals and congregations in the Moravian Church Northern Province to improve, correct or adjust the Common Ministries Funding Methodology, and

Whereas, the Finance Committee ofthe 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province has examined and analyzed the results to date ofthe Common Ministries Funding Methodology; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (18) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province shall affirm and continue the income-based Common Ministries Funding Methodology; and be it further

RESOLVED: (19) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province requests that the Provincial Elders' Conference continue to monitor and examine the Common Ministries Funding Methodology and endeavor to make possible adjustments of the baseline percentage, possibly by utilizing a five-year average rather than the current three-year average, and by attempting to narrow the wide range of assigned percentages and amounts.

Tenth Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Appendix B of the Report of the Provincial Elders' Conference

Whereas, the Finance Committee has received and reviewed the intersynodal Financial Reports of the Moravian Church Northern Province presented to it at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, and

Whereas, the Committee gratefully acknowledges the work of the Northern Province Finance Committee during the intersynodal period; be it therefore

RESOLVED (20) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province receives with appreciation the financial reports found in Appendix B of the report of the Provincial Elders' Conference of the Moravian Church Northern Province.

Eleventh Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Gratitude for the Sheep We Sometimes Forget

31 Whereas, from the time of Christ our ancestors of faith have benefited greatly from those who have been wise and faithful stewards of the resources given by God, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church has had many saints who have served the church through their frugal management, diligent oversight and compassionate meticulousness, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church, Northern Province has been blessed by the service of many staff members who labor behind the scenes, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church, Northern Province has been blessed by the service of dedicated servants who labor in the vineyard of our financial resources; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (21) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province recognizes with deep and abiding gratitude the committed and grace-filled service of Gloria Reisinger, Provincial Elders' Conference Administrative Assistant, who diligently and cheerfully keeps us all informed and organized with a spirit of love and service; and be it further

RESOLVED: (22) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province recognizes with deep and abiding gratitude the dedicated service of Tina Giesler, Provincial Controller, and Tammy Curcio, Assistant Controller, whose commitment to accurate, complete and transparent financial reporting is essential to the functioning of the Moravian Church Northern Province; and be it further

RESOLVED: (23) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province recognizes with deep and abiding gratitude the service ofMaryAnn Hanas and Marie Cestone for the care with which they assist ordained servants through their management of the benefits provided by the church; and be it further

RESOLVED: (24) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province recognizes with deep and abiding gratitude the committed service of Lucille Lightcap, Eastern District Administrative Assistant for her faithful service to the church which vastly surpasses her District portfolio; and be it further

RESOLVED: (25) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province shall show its appreciation for the commitment, dedication and loving service to the Moravian Church that these individuals provide in a tangible and loud manner.

Twelfth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: The 2015 Budget

32 Whereas, to reach forward responsibly and press on in implementing our common ministries requires financial support and commitment, and

Whereas, the 2015 Budget as presented reflects our core values and the common mission and ministries of the Moravian Church Northern Province, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (26) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province adopts the 2015 budget as presented and asks the Provincial Elders' Conference to distribute the attached letter concerning Faith Gifts to all congregations.

An Open Letter to the Moravian Church Faith Gifts

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province- Finance Committee thanks you for you and your congregation for many years of faithful giving to support the common work of ministry done on your behalf of Provincial Staff, Boards and Agencies. When the whole body works in concert together greater things can and have been accomplished.

During the last intersynodal period a new common ministries funding method was implemented. As a result, the Provincial operating budget is now "income based", which means the amount of income the Province has available from congregational support and other limited funding resources, determines the annual budgeted expenses. In other words, just as a family's spending is limited by the family's anticipated income, so too the Provincial budget expenses are limited by its anticipated income.

As the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province considered new ideas and dreams for the future, recognizing that a body with no dreams is a dying body, many proposals were made and supported. These future dreams cannot be realized without drawing on resources faithfully given in the past.

While we are excited about and strongly affirm the new common ministries funding method that helps to fund the Province's operational needs, this method may not always provide sufficient funds to fully support new ministry opportunities. The Synod Finance Committee identified two potential sources to fund new ministry opportunities. There may be other ways to fund these ministry opportunities and the Province is open to hearing about these options.

One of the identified ways to fund new ministry opportunities is to use available existing Provincial financial reserve funds (currently estimated at $1 million dollars) which ifused regularly would eventually deplete the resources provided by good stewards in the past.

The second identified funding option is a faith gift: "A faith gift is an amount a congregation chooses to give to support the Northern Province operating budget above and beyond their calculated common ministries commitment."

33 Now that you are more aware ofthe funding challenges facing the Moravian Church Northern Province, what can we all do? As representatives of our congregations, we can bring home our enthusiasm for future programming, challenging our members and boards to consider a yearly faith gift. Our hope is that faith gifts will enable the Provincial Elders Conference to further implement ideas and dreams from this Synod and into the future.

Yours in faithful service, Synod Finance Committee

Healthy Congregations

First Partial Report 1 (Adopted in the 12 h Plenary Session)

RE: Acceptance of the Report from the Moravian Music Foundation

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations has read and reviewed the report of the Moravian Music Foundation; and

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations is delighted with the Foundation's efforts in preserving traditions and promoting ways of celebrating new expressions of Moravian music; and

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations is encouraged by the great responsiveness of the Moravian Music Foundation to meet the needs of our congregations; and

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations applauds the Moravian Music Foundation in its effort to preserve, celebrate and cultivate Moravian music; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province receives with joy the report of the Moravian Music Foundation, and be it further,

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province celebrates the work and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse, Director; Gwyneth A. Michel, Assistant Director, and Margaret Brady, Office Manager, and the Board of Directors of the Moravian Music Foundation as they endeavor to proclaim the Gospel message with a distinctive Moravian voice.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

RE: Acceptance of the Report from the Interprovincial Board of Communication

34 Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations has read and reviewed the report of the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC), and

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations continues to see the ministries of the IBOC as a source of health for the Church and hope for the world; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of the Interprovincial Board of Communication; and be it further

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province commends the faithful and enthusiastic work of our Executive Director Mike Riess, Renee Schoeller, communication assistant; and Arlene Clendenning, customer relations/business assistant during the past intersynodal period.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

RE: Acceptance of Report from the Emerging Ministries Task Force

Whereas the Committee on Healthy Congregations has read and reviewed the report ofthe Emerging Ministries Task Force and,

Whereas, the Committee on Healthy Congregations anticipates that the seeds of love, faith and hope that all congregations plant will grow in health in due season; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of the Emerging Ministries Task Force and affirms the work of Pastor Darryl Bell for his labor of love; and be it further

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province commends the faithful endeavors of Z-Tree and Pastor Rebecca Craver and SONrise and Pastor Kate Dekker as courageous efforts to share the Gospel; and be it further

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province praises the work of the Lord being done through Safe Harbor and Pastor Dave Glasser; Esperanza for Bethlehem and Pastors Tracy and Rhonda Robinson; and The Connection and Pastors Ian and Eileen Edwards; and be it further

35 RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference to discern the leading of the Spirit toward courageous experimentation and spiritual growth among our established and emerging ministries.

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 16th Plenary Session)

Re: Formation of a Healthy Congregation Task Force

Whereas, the 2010 Moravian Church, Northern Province Synod Mission Team within the Congregations saw the seven characteristics of healthy congregations as a 'useful tool' for congregational use, denominational use, reporting and accountability and congregational support1 and,

Whereas, Sister Betsy Miller, in her 2014 State of the Church address, "Glimpses of God's Work Among Us," said that because of the other work of the Church in the intersynodal period, the PEC was 'unable to roll out initiatives that would build on that earlier work' and,

Whereas, there is a continuing opportunity for our congregations to grow ever healthier in purpose, worship, community, mission and service, leadership, stewardship and spiritual formation and,

Whereas, the Healthy Congregations committee is passionate about the significance and value of the seven characteristics of healthy congregations and believe it is of the utmost importance for the future of our church that conversations about these characteristics occur among all of the members of our congregations; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province directs the PEC to create a Healthy Congregations Task Force to evaluate and recommend to the Provincial Elders' Conference a strategy to foster a culture of health and vitality within our Moravian congregations, fellowships and emerging ministries; and be it further

RESOLVED: (10) This Healthy Congregations Task Force will be appointed by the PEC. This task force will have one primary objective: to submit to the PEC a recommendation for future action concerning the Healthy Congregations initiative; and be it further

1 4th and Final Report, Mission Team with Congregations, Resolutions and Elections of the Provincial Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province 2010, pg. 27

Submitted with concurrence from the Finance Committee 36 RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province shall fund this task force for 2 years at US $7500 per year. Following the 2016 budget year the task force shall be funded or disbanded at the discretion of the PEC; and be it further

RESOLVED: (12) The Healthy Congregations Task Force shall report after each meeting to the PEC during the intersynodal period.

Fifth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 16th Plenary Session)

RE: Common Ministries Commitment Funding Methodology

Whereas, the 2010 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province called for development and implementation of a new model of giving to fund our Common Ministries, as indicated by the following resolution:

RESOLVED: (17) The Book of Order ~705 regarding formation of annual Provincial budgets shall be suspended for the budgetary years 2012-2014; the Provincial Elders' Conference shall be directed to develop and implement a method of determining each congregation's financial commitment to our Common Ministry based on an individual congregation's history of income and history of giving to our Common Ministries; the Provincial Elders' Conference shall report to the Provincial Synod of 2014 regarding the results of this method; and

Whereas, a new Common Ministries Funding method was rolled out and explained to the District Boards and congregations with distribution of a written document prior to a series of conference calls in August and September 2011 that included an on­ line presentation; and

Whereas, congregations received updates about the new Common Ministries Funding method through interim reports prepared and distributed in April2012 and April 2013 by the Northern Province Finance Committee; and

Whereas, congregations had the opportunity to provide feedback on the new Common Ministries Funding method by participating in on-line surveys made available in October 2012 and November 2013 to Pastors, Elders' Vice-Chairs, Trustees' Chairs and Treasurers; and

Whereas, survey results, as reported to congregations, demonstrated a high level of understanding of the new method, an appreciation for how well the method was explained, a belief that the new income-based method is fairer than the previous per capita method, and support for continuing the new method; and

37 Whereas, as a result of the new Common Ministries Funding method, the Provincial operating budget is now developed based on what income will be available to the Province with expenses budgeted and managed accordingly; and

Whereas, congregational participation in payment of the Common Ministries Commitment, as measured by the total amount received for Common Ministries compared to the amount requested, has improved during the intersynodal period under the income­ based method; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (13) The Book of Order ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province shall be revised according to the changes outlined below.

Para. Current I Existing Book of Order Revised Book of Order ~705a The Provincial Budget The Provincial Elders' Conference shall The Provincial Budget annually set Hj3 a Budget listing an the The Provincial Elders' Conference shall anticipated expenses for Provincial annually :Qre:Qare an income-based budget Administration. This shall be sent to the utilizing Common Ministries funding Joint Board of each congregation when the from each congregation and listing all the quota, giving the share of the Budget to be antici:Qated ex:Qenses of the Province. raised BY each congregation, is distriButed. This shall be sent to the Joint Board of each congregation :Qrior to the beginning of the budgeted year. ~705b Congregations shall also be given a The Common Ministries Commitment suggested quota for the support ofthe shall be based on congregational income service agencies ofthe Church and for as Synod may determine. Recognizing Benevolences, such as the mission \Vork of that each congregation is blessed and is a the Church. Congregational quotas shall blessing to the :Qrovince, each be calculated in a manner that is equitaele congregation's Common Ministries for all congregations, as Synod may Commitment shall be calculated in a determine. The fair share quotas shall Be manner that is fair for all congregations. assigned based on reported commUE:icam memBers '•vho ha\'e reached their l gtll Birthday as of DecemBer 31 of the preceding year. ~706 Each congregation is urged to include its Each congregation shall include its quota for Provincial Administration in its Common Ministries Commitment, as annual budget and to remit to the confirmed by the Finance Office, in its Provincial Comptroller in quarterly annual budget and remit monthly payments, or monthly payments. Under no payments to the Provincial Controller circumstances shall the receipts for a unless a different 12ayment schedule is specific benevolence Be used to meet the made in advance with the Provincial quota for Pr0'1incial1\dministration. Controller. ~709 Delinguencies Delinguencies The joint boards of the congregations are The joint boards of the congregations are charged with the responsibility of the charged with the responsibility of the

38 payment of their annual quotas payment of their annual Common (Administration District and Province, Ministries Commitment and District Provincial Benevolences and District Assessments. SeH'ice Ministries,lDistrict Programming.:) ~710 The unpaid quotas for Provincial The unpaid Common Ministries Administration, District A.dministration, Commitment and District Assessments of Pro;'incial Bene'<'olences and District any congregation will not be excused nor Serv-ice Ministries/District Programming of removed from the books of the Provincial any congregation will not be excused nor Controller and/or District Treasurer removed from the books of the Provincial except by specific action of the controller and/or District treasurer except Provincial Elders' Conference. Such by specific action of the Provincial Elders' action shall be reported to the next Conference. Such action shall be reported Provincial and District Synods. to the next Provincial and District Synods. +his 'tviU include the amot:mts dt~e, the reasons for the delinqt~ency and what steps >.vere taken or v,,m be taken to collect the delinqt~ent amotillts. ~804 The Provincial Women's Board (Delete this paragraph because Provincial The Provincial Women's Board shall be Women's Board is no longer a separate one of the causes of the Church in the assessment and is included in the annual assigned quotas of the province. Common Ministries Commitment.) ~905 Membershii! of District Synods (No change) B-Voting Members by Election (a) l)and2) 3) The right to lay representation of (Delete this paragraph) any congregation in a District Synod shall be contingent upon the full and complete payment of all quotas for Provincial and District Administration. ~1019 The Congregations General Princii!les

Ineffective Governance2 Viabiiitv2 and Dissolution of Congregations (changes only in section c)) c) A congregation shall be deemed to c) A congregation shall be deemed be viable when it gives evidence of to be viable when it gives a majority of the following: evidence of the following: • Active confirmed • Active confirmed communicant members; communicant members; • Ability to consistently • Ability to consistently achieve a quorum for achieve a quorum for the the business of its business of its executive executive boards and boards and Church Church Council; Council; • Lay leadership • Lay leadership sufficient

39 sufficient to carry out to carry out worship and worship and program program life; life; • Minimum of 85% e 100% participation in particiQation in payment Administration Quotas; of Common Ministries • ~0% participation iH Commitment and District CommoH Ministry Assessments; Quotas; ell 100% particiQation in • i\eility to maintain Qayment of pastor's pastoral compensation benefits (insurance and in keeping with retirement); pro'•'incial guidelines en • Ability to maintain at least a half time leadership compensation Basis:: commensurate with the ' • Prudent care of its real size and ministries of the estate - maintaining its congregation or emerging properties in good repair ministry; as a trust for future • Prudent care of its real generations, secure from estate- maintaining its the threat of weather, properties in good repair vandalism, neglect, or as a trust for future abuse; generations, secure from • Engagement in local the threat of weather, ministries, such as VBS vandalism, neglect, or (Vacation Bible abuse; School), food pantries, • Engagement in local child care, scouting ministries, such as VBS programs, community (Vacation Bible School), education and support food pantries, child care, groups, etc. scouting programs, community education and support groups, etc. ~1035 CHURCH RECORDS CHURCH RECORDS Every pastor is expected to care for the Every pastor shall care for the records records and other documents of the and other documents of the congregation congregation 'vvhich the pastor serves. which the pastor serves, including comQletion of the Annual Report in a timely manner. ~1037 REPORTS OF CONGREGATIONS REPORTS OF CONGREGATIONS In the last month of each year the In the last month of each year the Provincial Elders' Conference shall send te Provincial Elders' Conference shall the pastor ef each congregation three send each congregation an annual elank:s for the statistical report concerning reQort form to be correctly completed, the pastoral charge on the last day of the and signed by the pastor(s} and named year, all copies to ee correctly filled eut ey officers of the congregation; one copy to the pastor and signed ey the elders and be filed with the records of the

40 trustees; one copy to be filed with the congregation, one copy to be forwarded records of the congregation, one copy to be to the District Executive Board forwarded to the District Executive Board concerned, and one copy to the concerned, and one copy to the Provincial Provincial Elders' Conference not later Elders' Conference not later than the day than the day designated by the designated by the Provincial Elders' Provincial Elders' Conference by which Conference by which reports for the reports for the previous year are to be previous year are to be filed. This blank filed. The Annual Report shall call for shall call for such information as to such information as to membership, membership, finances, activities, and finances, activities, and spiritual spiritual conditions as may be deemed conditions as may be required. The desirable. The report as to membership report shall be the basis for shall be the basis for quotas and synodal congregational synod representation and representation for the year that follows. Common Ministries Commitments for subsequent years. ,1105 STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP The Provincial Elders' Conference shall The Provincial Elders' Conference shall, prepare an annual budget for the fair share prior to September 30 of each year, quotas of the Province, and circulate this to distribute to congregations their the congregations prior to the last quarter Provincial Common Ministries of the year. Commitment amount for the next year.

Submitted with concurrence of the Finance Committee

Identity, Purpose, and Organization

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Reports of the Western District Executive Board, Board of Elders of the Canadian District, and Eastern District Executive Board

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization, has received and reviewed the Report of the Western District Executive Board presented to it at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and

Whereas, the Committee rejoices in the various ministries of the Western District such as: Try Ministry, Cobweb, Marquardt Village and Auburn Manor, Clergy Leadership Groups, and Congregational Encouragement; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of the Western District Executive Board; and be it further

41 RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends and celebrates the Western District Executive Board for their dedication and work to nurture and support all congregations and their ministries; and be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends and celebrates the Western District Executive Board for their dedication and work to nurture and support all clergy; and be it further

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province rejoices for the work that the Western District Executive Board has done and will continue to do; and

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization, has received and reviewed both oral and written reports from the Board of Elders of the Canadian District; and

Whereas, the report of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District detailed the work of the district and referenced the work of the congregations as they planned for and initiated the construction of a new lodge at Camp Van Es; and

Whereas, the report of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District detailed the evolution of"The Connection" into the "Common Ground Cafe;" and

Whereas, the report of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District was supplemented by additional oral comments which detailed the enthusiasm of the district for the emerging ministry named "The Common Ground Cafe;" and

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization is energized to learn that this emerging collaborative ministry was and is supported by volunteer participation, which has resulted in a sense of ownership and hopefulness within the Canadian District; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District; and be it further

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the Board of Elders of the Canadian District for its faithful work and commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization has received and reviewed the report of the Eastern District Executive Board; and

42 Whereas, during the inter-synodal period the Eastern District Executive Board led through a time ofboth challenge and opportunity by enabling local congregations to do innovative ministries through such opportunities as the AID program (Assessment, Inquiry, and Development); and

Whereas, the Committee is inspired by the emerging collaborative ministries in the Eastern District such as the worshipping community of Iglesia Esperanza and the adult day service ministry being developed through the Lancaster Moravian congregation; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province receives with gratitude the report from the Eastern District Executive Board; and be it further

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the Eastern District Executive Board for its faithful work and commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province and Appendix A of the Report of the Provincial Elders' Conference

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization, has received and reviewed the Report of the Provincial Elders' Conference presented to it at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and

Whereas, the Committee gratefully acknowledges the leadership of the Provincial Elders' Conference during the intersynodal period; and

Whereas, the Provincial Elders' Conference structured its work around the following areas: Identity; Healthy Congregations; Care and Nurture of Leaders; Relationships with Others; Administration and Finance; Human Sexuality/Ordination; and IPO-Restructure; and

Whereas, the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province called for action regarding the "Christian service of homosexual persons" and a study of the structure of the Moravian Church Northern Province; and

Whereas, the Committee gives thanks for the graceful attention given by the Provincial Elders' Conference to the matters directed to it by the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province; and

Whereas, the Committee gives thanks for the many hours of work the Provincial Elders' Conference dedicated in response to the direction of the 201 0 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province; and 43 Whereas, the Committee offers grateful appreciation for the grace and sensitivity shown by the Provincial Elders' Conference to the diverse voices within the Province; and

Whereas, the Committee acknowledges those who have been received into or retired from service to the Province during the intersynodal period and notes that the death of clergy spouse Cynthia Gohdes, Appendix A, page 4, should be listed as February 19, 2014 (not February 29, 2014); be it therefore

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of the Provincial Elders' Conference; and be it further

RESOLVED: (10) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province acknowledges the hard work and graceful and sensitive attention paid to matters that were directed to the Provincial Elders' Conference by the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report of the Moravian Archives

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization, has received and reviewed the Report of The Moravian Archives presented to it at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province; and

Whereas, the Committee expresses gratitude for significant work accomplished during the intersynodal period; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of The Moravian Archives; and be it further

RESOLVED: (12) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province acknowledges with gratitude the work done at The Moravian Archives.

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Report from Moravian College

Whereas, the Committee on Identity, Purpose, and Organization, has received and reviewed the Report of Moravian College presented to it at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and

44 Whereas, the Committee gratefully acknowledges the leadership of President Christopher Thomforde and celebrates his retirement in June, 2013; and

Whereas, the Committee welcomes President Bryon L. Grigsby to the leadership of Moravian College as of July, 2013; and Whereas, the Committee applauds the achievements and honors earned by students and faculty of Moravian College; and

Whereas, the Committee appreciates the renovations, innovations, and improvements to the facilities of Moravian College; and

Whereas, the Committee recognizes with gratitude the six years of exceptional leadership offered by Lyn Chynoweth, as chair of the Moravian College Board of Trustees, ending in April, 2013; and

Whereas, the Committee welcomes Kenneth J. Rampolla to the position of chair of the Moravian College Board of Trustees beginning in April, 2013; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (13) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province receives with appreciation the report of Moravian College; and be it further

RESOLVED: (14) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province celebrates with grateful appreciation the work and contributions of President Christopher Thomforde and Trustee Lyn Chynoweth; and be it further

RESOLVED: (15) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province welcomes President Bryon Grigsby and Trustee Kenneth Rampolla to their positions of leadership at Moravian College.

Fifth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

RE: Report of the Provincial Elders' Conference on Identity, Purpose, and Organization

Whereas, The 2010 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province called for a study of the structure of the province, as indicated by the following resolutions:

RESOLVED: (11) During the inter-synod period of2010 to 2014 a study commission oftwelve (12) persons across all parts ofthe Moravian Church- Northern Province shall be established by the Provincial Elders' Conference to engage the congregations ofthe Moravian Church - Northern Province in discussion about how the current Provincial structure does or does not meet Provincial needs and to gather

45 recommendations about suggested changes to the Provincial structure; and be it further

RESOLVED: (12) The Study Commission on the Provincial structure shall have membership appointed by each District Board (four members from the Eastern District, four members from the Western District, two members from the Canadian District) and two members at large appointed by the Provincial Elders' Conference; and be it further

RESOLVED: (13) The Study Commission on the Provincial structure shall report their collective findings and make recommendations based upon their study to the Provincial Elders' Conference no later than June 2013; and be it further

RESOLVED: (14) The Provincial Elders' Conference will prepare a recommendationfor the 2014 Provincial Synodfor consideration at that time.

and

Whereas, the Provincial Elders' Conference hired a consultant and formed a Task Force according to the guidelines established at the 2010 synod. The Provincial Elders' Conference expanded the scope of the resolutions and charged the Task Force to "develop a comprehensive process that would ground the study of structure in our understanding of God, the Moravian Church, and ourselves as members of the Body of Christ. By exploring our identity-whose we are, and our purpose-what we do, we hope to structure ourselves to maximize how we express our identity in Christ and our purpose as servants of the risen Lord." The Task Force submitted its report to the Provincial Elders' Conference in December, 2013; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (16) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province extends its gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Identity, Purpose, Organization Restructure Task Force (IPO Team) for their diligence in research, creativity in crafting experiments to help our province practice "living into a new way of being," and imagining a new structure in light of a discerned identity and purpose; and

Whereas, the IPO Team was able to complete most ofthe mandates from the 2010 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, but did not engage congregations in regional conversations across the province for input and reflection; be it therefore

46 RESOLVED: (17) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province receives the report of the IPO Team (IPO Report) with gratitude, and commends it to the Synod for consideration and conversation; be it further

RESOLVED: (18) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province authorizes the Provincial Elders' Conference to develop, and fund from existing project support funds, a process of regional Holy Conversations across the province that will be held from August 2014-November 2015. The purpose of these Conversations is to engage congregations in listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit as participants consider the IPO Report and the work ofthe 2014 Synod IPO Committee. The Provincial Elders' Conference will receive and review the insights of these Conversations and provide summary recommendations to the congregations no later than February 15, 2016; and

Whereas, the IPO Report calls for cultural change as much as structural change, and such cultural change takes time and courage to bring about; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (19) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference, at the Provincial Elders' Conference's discretion, to encourage adaptive change experiments related to Identity, Connectivity, Leadership & Call, and Congregations in Context (Section IV, IPO Report); and

Whereas, while the insights of the IPO Report and other information are valuable, it is difficult to anticipate the outcome of the Holy Conversations that will be scheduled following the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province. Given that uncertainty, and wishing to remain open to the leading of God's Spirit, the province may wish to gather for prayerful discernment and learning from the time of Conversations and Experiments, and may choose to call for a specific change in structure; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (20) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province authorizes the Provincial Elders' Conference to call, if necessary, a Special Synod to be held in 2016 to consider only the proposed recommendations submitted by the Provincial Elders' Conference for restructure and to receive outcome summaries for any experiments held in the intersynodal period; and

Whereas, if it is deemed necessary, the 2016 Special Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province is to be convened for a specific purpose and not for the conduct of the general business of the church; be it therefore

47 RESOLVED: (21) Any Special Synod called by the Provincial Elders' Conference shall in no way alter or modify the regular quadrennial schedule of Provincial Synods as provided by the Book of Order (Par. 109(a)).

Lay Leadership Development

First Partial Report (Adopted in the gth Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church- Northern Province from The Provincial Women's Board

Whereas, the Committee on Lay Leadership Development reviewed the report from the Provincial Women's Board; and,

Whereas, the Provincial Women's Board has faithfully provided educational resources including Faith Development, study books and mission education materials, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report of the Provincial Women's Board; and be it further

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province applauds the Provincial Women's Board for their faithful service; and

Whereas, The Provincial Women's Board has requested prayers and support of the synod body, pastors and lay leaders of the congregations, be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Church to uplift in prayer the work of the Provincial Women's Board and its mission to empower all women to follow God's call.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

RE: The Nurture of Lay Leadership in the Northern Province of the Moravian Church

Whereas, the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province recognizes the need for action concerning the development of lay ministry leadership; and

Whereas, the Western, Eastern, and Canadian Districts have identified the development of lay leadership as critical for the health and growth of our existing congregations; be it therefore

48 RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference in conjunction with the District Boards to encourage congregations to identify and equip lay leaders to discern and develop their individual God-given gifts and talents to further Christ's ministry; and

Whereas, resources, such as CROSSROADS Lay Leadership Training Program of the Moravian Theological Seminary, have been effective in providing training to lay persons but have not been easily accessible across the province; be it further

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference, in consultation with the Moravian Theological Seminary, to explore the expansion of resources, such as CROSSROADS Lay Leadership Training Program, in a variety of formats accessible across the province and report progress to the 2016 District Synods of the Moravian Church Northern Province.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

Re: Ministries to, by and for Men of All Ages

Whereas; there is currently no established Provincial organization focusing on ministries to, by and for men of all ages, and

Whereas; events such as Women's Conference, Regional and District-wide workshops and retreats sponsored by the Provincial Women's Board demonstrate that gender-specific ministries have merit, be it therefore

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference, in cooperation with the District Boards, Christian Education Commissions, and other agencies deemed appropriate, to develop and implement self-sustaining events such as conferences and retreats for men at a Provincial, District and/or regional level; and be it further

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages congregations and regional clusters of congregations to explore and develop opportunities for men to gather for spiritual nourishment, Christian fellowship and mentoring.

Fourth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

RE: Pentecostal Charge to Lay Leaders

49 Whereas, God calls each of us into relationship with God's self who is continuously creating and transforming; and

Whereas, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us; and

Whereas, the Holy Spirit bestows upon and sustains humanity with a variety of gifts including that of leadership; and

Whereas, the Moravian Church has flourished from its roots in lay leadership; and

Whereas, the Moravian Church has experienced and continues to experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit bringing new life to the Church; and

Whereas, each lay person in attendance at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province is recognized as a leader; and

Whereas, a healthy church relies on both lay and ordained leadership; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province challenges lay participants at this Synod to return to their home congregations with the inspiration they received here and continue to utilize their gifts, including that of leadership, and be it further

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province encourages lay participants at this Synod to return home to participate with the Holy Spirit to enliven, empower and embolden all in living the Good News.

Local and Global Missions

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 7th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province- Board of World Mission in North America

Whereas, the committee on Local and Global Missions reviewed the report from the Board of World Mission in North America and,

Whereas, this committee appreciates the work of the Board of World Mission in North America carrying out the vision and setting the foundation for future partnership and collaboration; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from the Board of World Mission in North America as written; and be it further

50 RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the Board of World Mission for their faithful and diligent service and rejoices in their efforts to be collaborative by being good stewards of both financial and human resources.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 7th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province- Moravian Open Door

Whereas, the committee on Local and Global Missions reviewed the report from Moravian Open Door and,

Whereas, Moravian Open Door provides a tremendous ministry in housing and supportive services for homeless, distressed, and underserved individuals 50 years and older in New York City and,

Whereas, this committee appreciates the work of Moravian Open Door carrying out the vision and setting the foundation for future partnership and collaboration; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from Moravian Open Door as written; and be it further

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends the Moravian Open Door ministry for its deep compassion and over 25 years of faithfully providing housing and supportive services for homeless, distressed, and underserved older individuals in New York City.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province- Society for Promoting the Gospel

Whereas, the committee on Local and Global Missions reviewed the report from Society for Promoting the Gospel and, Whereas, the Society for Promoting the Gospel has expanded its offer of grants to include individual and congregational endeavors and,

Whereas, the Society for Promoting the Gospel continues to be a faithful supporter of the Board of World Mission in North America; therefore be it,

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from the Society for Promoting the Gospel as written.

51 With concurrence of Finance Committee

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 13th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province- Moravian Academy

Whereas, the committee on Local and Global Missions reviewed the report from Moravian Academy and,

Whereas, this committee appreciates the work of Moravian Academy; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts the report from the Moravian Academy as written; and be it further

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages Moravian Academy to lift up the Gospel of Christ as a primary emphasis in the spiritual life of the institution.

Fifth Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

Re: Ratification ofBoard of World Mission Constitution Revisions

Whereas, the current Constitution of the Board of World Mission states that it may be amended by the action of the synods ofthe Alaska, Northern and Southern Provinces, and the Convention of the Unity of the Brethren, all concurring and each acting according to its own rules; and,

Whereas, the scope and opportunities for mission work evolve with time and it is appropriate to review and update the Constitution to reflect current understandings and operations and this has been done by the Board, in conjunction with revisions in its Bylaws; and,

Whereas, the Board of World Mission has reviewed its Constitution and has revised its Bylaws and finds the proposed changes to the Constitution as desirable for carrying out the work assigned to it; and

Whereas, it is desirable for the Board to have the ability to increase the diversity of its members and/or to include expertise in specific areas that inform our work by having the capability of appointing up to four delegates-at-large, in place ofthe two we currently appoint (Membership #1 and le); and,

Whereas, it is desirable to have a systematic change of Board membership for at-large delegates, with a suggested limitation of two terms of four years each (Membership #I.e); and,

52 Whereas, the Board of World Mission no longer has a Director ofMission Education and recognize that all staff are advisory members without vote (Membership #4); and,

Whereas, there are other provinces and mission organizations with which it is beneficial to coordinate our mission endeavors, and thus the category of Affiliate Membership is added as a non-voting participant to provide for these relationships (Affiliate Membership); and,

Whereas, the Provincial Board active in areas where mission personnel are serving is responsible for oversight of these mission personnel (Duties ofthe Board #6); and,

Whereas, the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum provides for the convening of a Synod once a mission area has become a mission province, which then gives it the right to elect its own bishop and thus this role for the Board of World Mission is eliminated (Duties ofthe Board, #7); and,

Whereas, the term "unordained" is not proper terminology for someone who has not been ordained, and this has been changed accordingly (Calls and Appointments #3); and,

Whereas, these revisions were approved by the Board of World Mission Directors at its fall meeting, October 5, 2013; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province shall approve the proposed Revisions to the Constitution of the Board of World Mission, as noted in the attached Proposed Revision dated October 5, 2013, that allow up to four Directors-at-Large with a specified term limit, that permit Affiliate Membership to the Board of World Mission, that delete the Board role of providing a bishop, and that correct wording.

Sixth Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

Re: Emerging Ministries

Whereas, emerging ministries offer a unique experience for those interested in varied expressions of church, beyond current customs and practices, that do not fit the previous models and categories of ministry; and

Whereas, examples of emerging ministries are Common Ground in Sherwood Park, AB, Canada, Adult Day Care Services, Lancaster, P A, Safe Harbor Church, St. Michael, MN, and Iglesia Esperanza, Bethlehem, PA; and

53 Whereas, section 9 of The Ground of the Unity states that "We pray the Lord ever anew to point to us the way to reach our neighbors, opening our hearts and hands to them in their need"; and

Whereas, many in our culture have moved away from church involvement, yet God still wants to reach them; and

Whereas, emerging ministries that focus on meeting a particular need may reach many people, even if those ministries don't become congregations in the traditional sense; and

Whereas, the Provincial Elders Conference has shifted its emphasis from only traditional church planting to a broader perspective of "emerging ministries"; and

Whereas, new churches and emerging ministries provide new opportunities to reach people who may not be reached by an established church; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province affirms the Provincial Elders' Conference for having recognized the need for alternative ministries and having established the Emerging Ministries Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED: (10) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders Conference to continue to explore various emerging ministries in addition to church planting.

Seventh Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

Re: Spiritual Solidarity with Sisters and Brothers in Honduras

Whereas, for more than 60 years the Moravian Church in North America has had a special relationship with the Moravian Church in Honduras as one of our partner provinces and through the sending of missionaries and mission teams to walk alongside our Honduran sisters and brothers; and Whereas, Honduras has experienced a rise in gang violence - it now has the highest homicide rate per capita in the world with 6,200 killings, or 82.1 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010 alone (UN report, 10/2011 ); and

Whereas, this gang violence is directly connected to the trafficking of illegal drugs that are eventually sold in North America; and

Whereas, the pastors and churches and people of faith in Honduras are unable to speak out against the gangs and the illegal drug trade without the risk of retaliation that threatens their personal safety; and

54 Whereas, we in the Northern Province have the freedom to speak out against the drug­ related violence that threatens the quality of life of the people in Honduras; and

Whereas, we have the responsibility to discourage complacency by raising the awareness of the struggles that others face; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province calls upon its congregations and agencies, with the help of the Board of World Mission, to raise awareness and engage in educational activities on how the sale and consumption of illegal drugs in North America results in violence and exacerbates human rights violations that threaten not only the quality of life, but life itself, for our sisters and brothers in Honduras; and be it further

RESOLVED: (12) That, since pastors in Honduras cannot speak out against gangs and violence without risk to their personal safety, the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province urges pastors and leaders in churches throughout the Northern Province to speak out from their pulpits to give voice to the Hondurans' plight; and be it further

RESOLVED: (13) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province calls upon the members of its congregations to realize that awareness and education concerning the consumption of illegal drugs must begin "at horne," and move outward into neighborhoods and communities; and be it further

RESOLVED: (14) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages its congregations and agencies, in a spirit of solidarity, to hold the people of Honduras and our global partners in prayer; and be it further

RESOLVED: (15) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province, encourages its members in various settings to call on our nations' governmental leaders to assess our foreign policies and drug policies to address situations of human rights violations, illegal drug trafficking and violence that impact the quality of life for our sisters and brothers in Honduras.

Eighth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 15th Plenary Session)

RE: Unity Women's Desk Fundraising Campaign

Whereas, the Unity Women's Desk was affirmed by the Unity synods of2002 and 2009, and

Whereas, the Unity Women's Desk has been functioning with Unity Board approval and supervision since 2011, and

Whereas, the Unity Women's Desk exists to further the status of women by addressing the following areas of concern to women: 1) Education, 2) Violence against Women, 55 3) Employment and Overcoming Poverty, 4) Health Issues of Women and Children, 5) Parenting for Justice, and 6) Supporting Women in Ministry, and

Whereas, the Unity Women's Desk since 2012 has affected the lives of over 40 girls and women with scholarship grants, five groups of women with business loans, hundreds of women and men with our monthly PrayerList, and numerous groups of women with support for developing women's conferences in their own countries; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (16) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province affirms the significant work ofthe Unity Women's Desk with women throughout the Unity, and

Whereas, in addition to donations from congregations and individuals in North America, the Unity Women's Desk receives $500.00 per annum in Unity support, and

Whereas, the Unity Board has sent a request to each Province asking for support for the Unity Women's Desk, and

Whereas, the Unity Women's Desk is seeking authorization to raise $250,000.00 in both the Northern and Southern Provinces for the purpose of funding a Scholarship Fund, a revolving Projects Fund, a Loan Fund and an administration fund, and

Whereas, The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Southern Province referred this request to the Provincial Support Services Board to conduct an assessment of the merits of a fundraising campaign and make its recommendations to the Provincial Elders' Conference, Southern Province, and

Whereas, a fundraising campaign of this magnitude may impact the Moravian Church, Northern Province's capacity to fund existing and emerging ministries; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (17) The 2014 Synod of Moravian Church Northern Province shall forward to the Provincial Elders' Conference for consideration the request from Unity Women's Desk to conduct a fundraising campaign with a goal of$250,000.00 in the Northern Province.

Relationships with Others

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 7th Plenary Session)

Re: Book of Order revision

56 Whereas, The Church Order ofthe Unitas Fratrum (COUF, 2009, Chapter XIII, ~683) states, "In the event that an ordained minister is received from another denomination, the Provincial Board is free to receive him or her as a Deacon or Presbyter as it deems appropriate," and

Whereas, The Book of Order, Northern Province (2010, Chapter III, ~204 g) states, "In the event of the reception of an ordained minister from another denomination into the ordained ministry of the Moravian Church, the minister shall be received as a Deacon. [1995 COUF, ~685]," be it therefore

RESOLVED: (1) The Book of Order, Northern Province (2010, Chapter III, ~204 g) be revised to read, "In the event that an ordained minister is received from another denomination, the Provincial Elders' Conference may receive him or her as a Deacon or Presbyter as it deems appropriate,"

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province- Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee

Whereas, the committee on relationships with others reviewed the report from The Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee (LMCC), and

Whereas, this committee learned about concrete examples of how this partnership is being carried out in areas of mission and disaster relief, leadership and clergy exchanges, collaborative vacation Bible schools and youth ministries, outreach ministries, the sharing of facilities, among others, and

Whereas, this committee appreciates the work of the Lutheran Moravian Coordinating Committee for their work in encouraging collaborative ministries and activities; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the Report from the Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee as written, and be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church commends the Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee and encourages the continuation of collaborative ministries and outreach.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province- Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee

57 Whereas, the committee on relationships with others reviewed the report from The Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee (MECC, and

Whereas, this committee appreciates the work of the Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee for their work in determining how to carry out full communion between the two denominations and how to communicate this to both clergy and laypersons; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the Report from the Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee as written, and be it further

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church commends the Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee and encourages the continuation of collaborative ministries and outreach.

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Report to the 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province- The dialogue with the United Methodist Church

Whereas, the committee on Relationships with Others reviewed the report on the dialogue with the United Methodist Church and,

Whereas, this committee appreciates the dialogue team for their work in determining how to move toward a full communion agreement; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report of the dialogue with the United Methodist Church as written, and be it further

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends those individuals who participated in the dialogue with the United Methodist Church and encourages the continuation of efforts to move toward full communion.

Fifth Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Report of the Ecumenical Officer to Northern Provincial Synod 2014

Whereas, the committee on Relationships with Others reviewed the report of the Ecumenical Officer to the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province, and

58 Whereas, this committee appreciates Brother Hermann Weinlick's role as the volunteer Ecumenical Officer for the Moravian Church Northern Province and his passionate dedication to ecumenism while in retirement. Brother Weinlick goes above and beyond expectations and is an outstanding steward of provincial resources; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report of the Ecumenical Officer to the Northern Provincial Synod as written, and be it further

RESOLVED: (9) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends Brother Hermann Weinlick for his dedication to the role of Ecumenical Officer.

Sixth Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: Ecumenical Mission

Whereas, Moravian congregations and individuals have been involved in ecumenical missions for many years, and

Whereas, Moravian Disaster Response, Northeast Moravian Disaster Response, and North Dakota Moravian Mission Society have been involved in ecumenical disaster response and rebuilding, and

Whereas, other Moravian congregations have been involved in ecumenical ministries within their own local areas, and

Whereas, mission is a "way of life and not just a trip," therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1 0) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province commends those congregations, organizations, and individuals who continue to be involved in ecumenical mission efforts; and be it further

RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages local congregations, groups, and individuals involved in ecumenical mission to avail themselves of the Director of Mission Engagement from the Board of World Mission for educational, promotional, and program assistance.

Seventh and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: Youth delegate exchange to the national youth conferences and youth activities with our ecumenical partners

Whereas, the Moravian Church in North America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Episcopal Church are working toward fuller communion, and 59 Whereas, encouraging combined youth efforts with our ecumenical partners will work toward normalizing the tri-fold communion between the Moravian Church in North America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Episcopal Church, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (12) Participation in ecumenical youth events such as camp, mission projects, retreats, youth groups, and other youth events shall be strongly encouraged by the Provincial Elders' Conference, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church in North America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Episcopal Church host national youth gatherings every few years, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (13) Funds of up to $6,000 shall be designated to provide scholarships for six youth delegates from the Moravian Church Northern Province, to participate in the national youth gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (July 15-19,2015 in Detroit), and funds ofup to $6,000 shall be designated to provide scholarships for six youth delegates from the Moravian Church in North America to participate in the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) (20 17, TBD ); and be it further

RESOLVED: (14) Delegates who receive scholarship monies to attend the national youth gathering for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2015 or the Episcopal Youth Event in 2017 would be expected to report back to their local congregations and their respective district regarding their experiences at these events; and be it further

RESOLVED: (15) Invitations for youth delegates should be sent to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church for the 2017 Youth Convocation for the Moravian Church in North America; and be it further

RESOLVED: ( 16) The Provincial Elders' Conference is asked to explore the possibility of planning a combined international youth gathering for the year 2020 inviting all available youth from the Moravian Church in North America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Episcopal Church to participate.

Concurrence with Youth and Young Adults Committee Financial Impact: One time Cost $12,000

Spiritual Formation

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

Re: John Hus Memorial Year 2015

60 1 Whereas, July 6, 2015 marks the 600 h anniversary of the martyrdom of John Hus and his courageous effort to reform the church, which is regarded by many as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation; and

Whereas, the Southern Provincial Synod of the Moravian Church has designated 2015 as a year to honor the memory and teachings of John Hus; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province expresses our gratitude to the Southern Province and our brothers and sisters around 1 the world for their efforts to honor the legacy of John Hus during the 600 h anniversary year ofHus's martyrdom; and be it further

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province urges each congregation, individually or cooperatively, during the year 2015 to observe the July 6, 1415 anniversary of the martyrdom of John Hus.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 12th Plenary Session)

RE: Incorporation of Spiritual Formation Practices in Christian Education

Whereas, personal relationship with the Triune God and our response in faith, hope and love are essential in our spiritual journey; and

Whereas, Moravians, both traditionally and in the present, have recognized the interrelationship of intellectual education and spiritual formation; and

Whereas, the Eastern District, Northern Province, and Southern Province of the Moravian Church in America are in the process of creating curriculum to educate members of all ages in who we are as Moravians; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church-Northern Province commends Marie Couts and the Spiritual Formation and Education Team of the Board of Cooperative Ministries (Moravian Church-Southern Province) who are developing curriculum to meet the educational needs of the denomination; and be it further

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church-Northern Province requests the Provincial Elders' Conference to forward the attached letter to the Spiritual Formation and Education Team ofthe Board of Cooperative Ministries (Moravian Church-Southern Province), the congregations of the Northern Province, and others as the PEC deems appropriate.

61 Letter The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church-Northern Province commends the Spiritual Formation and Education Team ofthe Board of Cooperative Ministries (Moravian Church-Southern Province) for the ongoing work on developing a unified curriculum for Moravian education. As Moravians we worship a God who creates, redeems, and sanctifies, and we respond to God's grace with faith, love, and hope. Spiritual formation is critical to noticing God's action in our lives and nurturing our response of faith, love and hope in God.

This Synod affirms the Spiritual Formation and Education Team ofthe Board of Cooperative Ministries (Moravian Church-Southern Province) for their efforts to develop a curriculum that incorporates spirituality along with Moravian history and traditions. Spiritual formation is the ongoing development of our personal relationship with God, connecting your head to your heart. It is integrating religious education and spirituality. Spirituality accepts the truth that we don't have all the answers and must have faith in God to see us through difficult situations. It is about developing the ability to hear the gentle guiding voice of God speaking to you. Spiritual formation and religious education are not opposing ideologies; rather they form a symbiotic relationship that are woven together to form a more complete base for our faith.

The 2014 Northern Province Synod recommends the Spiritual Formation and Education Team of the Board of Cooperative Ministries (Moravian Church-Southern Province) include space within the curriculum for encounters with the Holy Spirit. This Synod invites you to consider including moments of silence and prayer. Techniques such as prayer, silence, and meditation could be increasingly incorporated as is deemed developmentally appropriate for each age group. Lanie Grafs article on the 21st century choir system (The Hinge, Summer 2012, Vol. 18), may be a useful resource. The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church-Northern Province appreciates the efforts of the Eastern District and Southern Province Initiative on this matter.

In hand and heart, The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church-Northern Province

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: Fostering of Spiritual Growth in Clergy and Approved Ministerial Candidates for Ordination

Whereas, Moravians have a theology of the heart which is based primarily on a personal relationship with the Triune God through Jesus Christ our Savior which informs our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ; and

Whereas, spiritual formation is more than just the education of Christians, it is the lifelong development of our personal relationship with God in all aspects oflife; and

Whereas, the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) has approved the funding of spiritual direction, coaching, and supervised peer groups for clergy and approved ministerial candidates for ordination to support them in their spiritual growth; and 62 Whereas, spiritual direction, coaching, and supervised peer groups can contribute to the spiritual health and well-being of all clergy and ministerial candidates; be it therefore

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province commends the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) for its support of spiritual direction, coaching, and supervised peer groups for our clergy, serving under call or by appointment, and approved ministerial candidates for ordination and encourages the PEC to continue financial support, at or above the 2014 level, throughout the intersynodal period; and be it further

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province asks the Provincial Elders' Conference 2014-2018 to encourage our clergy and approved ministerial candidates for ordination to seek out spiritual direction, coaching and/or supervised peer groups to continue their spiritual growth and the development for their capacity for leadership and assist them in identifying these programs and resources.

With concurrence of Care and Nurture of Clergy

Fourth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: Fostering Spiritual Formation and Growth Throughout the Northern Province

Whereas, Moravians have a theology ofthe heart which is based primarily on a personal relationship with the Triune God through Jesus Christ our Savior which informs our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ; and

Whereas, spiritual formation is more than just the education of Christians, it is the lifelong development of our personal relationship with God in all aspects oflife; and

Whereas, the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC) has facilitated the spiritual growth of the clergy and ministerial candidates through financial support of spiritual direction, coaching, and supervised peer groups; and

Whereas, there is further need to assist congregations in their development of intentional ways to offer spiritual growth for members of all ages such as: spiritual direction, contemplative worship, spiritual disciplines, individual and group discernment, retreat ministries, small groups, a 21st century choir system, etc.; and

Whereas, available resources and resource persons to facilitate spiritual growth vary greatly by region across the Northern Province; and

63 Whereas, the Spiritual Formation Committee of the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province is aware that there are resources and resource persons throughout the Northern Province, and has identified gifts within members of this committee who are willing to assist the PEC; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province requests the Provincial Elders' Conference explore the creation of a task force on spiritual formation (the lifelong development of our personal relationship with God in all aspects of life) to seek out ways to assist congregations and districts in the development of spiritual formation practices and report back to the 2018 Provincial Synod its work and progress; and be it further

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to contact Sister Peg Greiner, Brother Derek French, Sister Linda Toggart, and/or others as needed to assist in the creation of a task force on spiritual formation.

Stewardship

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 7th Plenary Session)

RE: Director of Stewardship Moravian Church Northern Province

Whereas, the 2014 Northern Provincial Synod Stewardship Committee has received both oral and written reports from the Rev. Gary Marsh, Director of Stewardship Moravian Church Northern Province, and Whereas, the Rev. Marsh has excelled in communicating the Biblical principles of stewardship through intentional meetings with the leaders of the congregations of the Moravian Church Northern Province, creating and providing workshops, leadership forums, education materials, and creativity in worship, etc., therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province shall accept, with gratitude, the report from the Rev. Gary Marsh, Director of Stewardship Moravian Church Northern Province, and be it further

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province thanks the Rev. Gary Marsh for his faithful service and ministry as the Director of Stewardship; and be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province shall affirm the necessity and funding of the position of Director of Stewardship Moravian Church Northern Province for the next intersynodal period.

64 Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 17th Plenary Session)

RE: The Stewardship of Gun Safety

Whereas, we follow Jesus as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and Lord of all oflife (Rev. 19:16); and

Whereas, throughout the New Testament we clearly read an advocating for peace and non­ violence (Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 26:52, Luke 6:27-29, Romans 12:20-21); and

Whereas, we live in a society that evidences many and varied forms of violence; and

Whereas, according to the Public Broadcasting Service, 1,384,171 victims of gun violence died between 1968-2011 (more deaths than all U.S. wars combined); and, according to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 38,000 victims of gun violence have died per year in the U.S. since 2010 ;and, since the shootings at Newtown, Connecticut, there have been 74 school shootings; and

Whereas, many states within the United States allow individual citizens (other than law enforcement, military and security personnel) to legally carry guns, especially hand guns, by securing a concealed weapons permit; and

Whereas, a significant number of members and other active participants of Moravian congregations, Northern Province have legally secured a concealed weapons permit; and

Whereas, most, if not all, Moravian congregations ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province disallow on their church campus aspects of what is legal within our civil society including smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling/games of chance on the church campus; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province legislates that all Moravian churches in all states of the Northern Province require that each building in the common area of the church campus be "gun free", a requirement that all people, even those who have a legal concealed gun permit (other than law enforcement, military and security personnel) will not carry their weapon in any building in the church campus unless otherwise approved by the local church board ..

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

RE: Stewardship of Peace

65 Whereas, the two nations represented at this 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province have found themselves in a virtual state of "permanent war" since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001,and

Whereas, this 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province recognizes the plurality of opinion when it comes to a decision to enter into a "just war", and

Whereas, the response from the mainstream religious community, and specifically the Moravian Church, Northern Province, has been generally tepid regarding its collective expression of concern during these recent years of war and conflict, and

Whereas, our nations will continue to be involved in decisions regarding this virtual state of "permanent war" for years to come, and

Whereas, we follow Jesus as the Prince ofPeace and Lord of all oflife, and

Whereas, throughout the gospels Jesus clearly advocates non-violence at all levels, and

Whereas, many have reminded us of the call for Christians to live lives of peace, such as Dietrich Bonhoffer who wrote, "The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. In doing so they overcome evil with good and establish the peace of God in the midst of a world of war and hate." (The Cost of Discipleship, Touchstone, 1959, pages 112-113 ), therefore be it

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province will ask the Provincial Elders' Conference to identify appropriate provincial, district, and ecumenical committees and agencies that can encourage and assist congregations in advocacy work, including but not limited to letter writing, asking each leader to carefully and prayerfully consider the biblical demands of all choices regarding armed conflict and war, consider the words of Jesus seen by many as the Prince of Peace, and enter into armed conflict and war as an absolute last resort to resolve such conflict and strive for a secure lasting peace, using every other tool at their disposal such as diplomacy and extensions ofhumanitarian aid.

With concurrence of the Church and Society Committee

Fourth Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

RE: Collective Pastor Staff Compensation

Whereas, currently in the Moravian Church Northern Province pastor compensation utilizes a salary scale based upon years of experience which was originally developed by a Provincial Synod and implemented beginning January 1, 2004, and

66 Whereas, the more experienced clergy are at the higher end of the salary scale and may be financially out of reach of some congregations who would benefit from their gifts and experience, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church Northern Province is re-examining its structure, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province recommends the Provincial Elders' Conference to take into consideration a method whereby clergy compensation be paid by the Provincial Elders' Conference from a common pool of funds. Part of this consideration would be to develop a method for how these funds would be collected and disbursed, therefore allowing and encouraging each congregation to have the ability to call any pastor with any experience or at any salary level who would best serve their congregation.

Fifth. Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

RE: Update of the Pastoral Salary Grid

Whereas, paragraph 221 ofthe Book of Order states the recommended pay scale for pastors serving churches in the Northern Province, adjusted January 1, 2004. and Paragraph 222 directs the Provincial Elders' Conference to 'annually review the standard salary ranges and make appropriate revisions in recognition of economic and job market factors and the effect on congregations; and

Whereas, the salary range in the Book of Order has not been adjusted by the Provincial Elders' Conference since 2004 and may not be appropriate for the current financial market; and

Whereas, the cost ofliving in the United States has increased 26.4% since 2004,2 and our current 2014 salary grid has remained unchanged; and

Whereas, we recognize that our clergy are a valuable resource to our denomination; and

Whereas, congregations' Joint Boards look to the Provincial Elders' Conference for recommendations as to the appropriate salaries by which they should compensate their pastors; be it therefore

2 http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation/inflation. php?amount= 1OOO&year=2004

67 RESOLVED: (7) The Book of Order of the Moravian Church Northern Province shall be revised, taking into account the increase in the cost of living in the United States and Canada, and shall be changed to read as outlined below:

Par Current I ExistinK Book of Order Revised Book of Order ~ The following standard salary ranges The following standard salary ranges 221 shall become effective January 1, 2004: shall become effective January 1, 2016:

Years of Experience Minimum Salary Years ofExperience Minimum Salary 0-5 $28,000 0-5 $30,000 6-10 $33,000 6-10 $35,000 11-15 $40,000 11-15 $42,000 16 plus $4§,000 16 plus $47,000

And be it further

RESOLVED: (8) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages each congregation to at least increase the pastor's compensation at the level of the cost of living each year; and be it further

RESOLVED: (9) The Provincial Elders' Conference will abide by paragraph 222 of the Book of Order, which reads: ,,222. The Provincial Elders" Conference of the Moravian Church-Northern Province shall annually review the standard salary ranges and make appropriate revisions in recognition of economic and job market factors and the effect on congregations," making quadrennial review and any recommended changes to paragraph 221 to the next Provincial Synod.

Sixth Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

RE: Stewardship and the Power of Garment Purchases

Whereas, April24, 2014 marked the one year anniversary of the deaths of 1,135 garment workers in the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh; and

Whereas, according to the April 24, 2014 website of "Workers World" although over $20 billion comes into the economy of Bangladesh from clothing exports, there are 4 million garment workers in 5,000 garment plants in Bangladesh today who are still being paid "starvation wages" and working 15 hour days in dangerous working conditions; and

Whereas, US retailers such as WalMart and The Gap have refused to sign the accord signed by many other retailers and clothing manufacturers demanding safe working conditions and higher wages for garment workers in the plants that produce clothing they sell, WalMart, The Gap and companies that market 28 other brands

68 of clothing made at Rana Plaza factories establishing a separate and weaker non­ legally-binding plan with little funding; and

Whereas, Western governments have a responsibility to insist on safe working conditions in factories making garments sold to both western companies or consumers; and

Whereas, we, the delegates of the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, have a "power of the purse" in how we choose to purchase garments; therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1 0) We strongly encourage members of the Moravian Church, Northern Province to become better informed through such websites as shop with meaning.org, onegreenplanet. org and ethical consumer. org about the garments we purchase and will make every effort to purchase only garments that are made and sold by companies such asfairtradeusa.org andfairtees.org that ensure garment workers are working in safe conditions, working reasonable length days, and receiving a living wage, a wage in their setting that will allow them to have the income to purchase the necessities of food, shelter, clothing and health care; and be it further

RESOLVED: (11) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province asks the Provincial Elders' Conference to identify appropriate provincial, district and ecumenical committees and agencies that can encourage and assist congregations in advocacy work, including but not limited to letter writing asking that they strive to better regulate at a national, state and provincial level the importation of garments from foreign nations, insisting that workers in those nations work in well regulated and safe conditions, work reasonable hours, and receive what is considered a living wage in their setting, certainly beyond the substantially low wages that many receive now.

Seventh and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 18th Plenary Session)

RE: Environmental Stewardship

Whereas, the Moravian Church Southern Province enacted like legislation at the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Southern Province; and

Whereas, on November 25, 2003 the Provincial Elders' Conference of the Moravian Church Southern Province adopted a document that originated from the Commission on Church and Society of the Moravian Church, Southern Province titled "Caring for Creation"; and

Whereas, "Caring for Creation" contains statements from "The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living" and "The Ground of the Unity" as well as portions of liturgies from the Moravian Book of Worship calling and reminding people of faith about

69 our collective and individual responsibility to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to our care and to seek and attain what is best for all people; and

Whereas, the 201 0 Synod of the Moravian Church Southern Province established a "Strategic Direction for the Southern Province" between the years 2012-2014 that included that a "Priority Initiative for Stewardship shall be: We will claim and affirm our stewardship of creation and all God has given us as an essential part of our discipleship with Jesus Christ," therefore be it

RESOLVED: (12) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province affirms what was enacted by the 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Southern Province regarding environmental stewardship, that the "Priority Initiative for Stewardship shall be: We will claim and affirm our stewardship of creation and all God has given us as an essential part of our discipleship with Jesus Christ"; and be it further

RESOLVED: (13) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province urges all congregations to include stewardship of the earth announcements, liturgies and prayers as part of services of worship and opportunities of Christian Education for all ages throughout the year; and be it further

RESOLVED: (14) Stewardship Commissions and Committees and Christian Education Commissions and Committees of each District will work with District and Provincial Program Staff to develop educational materials regarding environmental stewardship, also researching and providing excellent materials from the ecumenical community; and be it further

RESOLVED: (15) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference, District Boards and Churches in States and Provinces where drilling for petrochemicals is actively taking place and vital to the economy of that State or Province to communicate with elected and appointed legislators overseeing the extraction of these petrochemicals encouraging that all such efforts be done in an increasingly clean and safe manner, consistent with what we believe to be vital regarding environmental stewardship, reminding all elected and appointed legislators overseeing the extraction of petrochemicals that all people are to be stewards of creation, evidencing an expressed care for air, water and land for this and all future generations.

Ministry to, with, and by Youth and Young Adults

First Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

RE: Youth Ministry Coordinating Team

70 Whereas, the Ministry To, With, and By Youth and Young Adults received a written report from the Youth Ministry Coordinating Team, consisting ofTravis Kerslake representing Canada, Amy Sue Bomberger representing the Eastern District, Greg Behrend representing the Westem District, and Rev. Josh Viste, convener, and

Whereas, the Youth Ministry Coordinating Team encouraged and celebrated youth and young adult ministry through two youth leadership training events, the 2013 Youth Convocation in Greensboro, NC, and

Whereas, the Youth Ministry Coordinating Team met faithfully to wrestle with ministry and mission opportunities to, with, and by youth and young adults throughout the N orthem Province, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province accepts with gratitude the report from The Youth Ministry Coordinating Team.

Second Partial Report (Adopted in the 11th Plenary Session)

RE: Youth and Young Adult Involvement in the Church

Whereas, the 2014 Synod the Moravian Church, Northem Province has benefited from the participation of the young adult delegates in attendance, and

Whereas, our Lord, Jesus Christ was a young adult when He began his three-year ministry, and

Whereas, the congregations of the Moravian Church, Northem Province can benefit by better utilizing the gifts and talents of the young adults in our local congregations, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (2) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northem Province recognizes and affirms the active participation of the young adults at this 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, and therefore be it further

RESOLVED: (3) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages all congregations of the Northern Province to make a conscious effort to encourage, affirm and support the participation and contribution of their youth and young adults, including intentional opportunities on church boards.

Third Partial Report (Adopted in the 17th Plenary Session)

RE: Web-based Resources for Youth, Young Adults, and their Leaders

71 Whereas, the Interprovincial Board of Communication has established an interprovincial website for the Moravian Church in North America (moravian.org), and

Whereas, the Board of Cooperative Ministries, through the Moravian Church in North America website, includes a well-organized web-based lending library consisting of resources for a variety of ministries and missions, and

Whereas, the Northern Province of the Moravian Church has multiple avenues to coordinate, validate, and communicate both traditional and electronic resources for youth and young adults, and

Whereas, there is a need to designate a centralized location to access resources, infonnation and connection for our youth, young adults and leaders, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (4) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Interprovincial Board of Communication to create a Youth and Young Adult web page to be added to moravian.org, and be it further

RESOLVED: (5) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province encourages the Interprovincial Board of Communication to include on the Youth and Young Adult web page items such as:

• Youth and young adult leadership resources, • A calendar of youth and young adult events, • A blog or hub for shared celebration of our youth and young adult ministry and missions, • Resources including a lending library and social media database, • A clearinghouse for all registration forms for youth and young adult camps, retreats, gatherings, and other events, • A Google hub for our youth, young adults, and leaders to connect for discussions, • A listing of youth and young adult leaders, staff, and other interpersonal contacts, • Other social media links; and be it further

RESOLVED: (6) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province strongly urges the Provincial Elders' Conference to secure or identifY a staffperson(s), paid or volunteer, to work with representatives from each region of the province, to coordinate and administer the newly established youth and young adult web page.

Financial impact: One time cost: $2,000.00

Fourth and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 13th Plenary Session)

RE: Distribution of Available Resources for Youth, Young Adults, and their Leaders

72 Whereas, the Eastern District Christian Education Commission has evaluated and approved several web-based and traditional curricular resources for youth and young adult ministries, and

Whereas, leaders are sometimes unaware of the existence or location of these resources, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (7) The 2014 Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference to take the necessary steps to ensure a curricular resource list (sample attached) for youth and young adult ministries to be disseminated to each congregation in the Northern Province.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry Web and Other Resources Youth (ages 13 -18) WEB W\Vw.thethoughtfulchristian.com- (Presbyterian) click on "downloadable studies"- there is specific material for youth and young adults (other ages available as well) with leader guide - purchase and download only topics you want www.feastingontheword.net/curriculum - (Presbyterian) lectionary based -downloadable by year/not sessions www.thewiredword.com- (Communication Resources) an internet resource for adults but youth and young adults are using it and can handle it...ties current events into theology www.cokesbury.com- "LinC" (Youth Connecting Faith and Life)- email subscription- weekly - helps teens examine relevant faith and life issues using the latest music, movies, news, and current events http://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/- (Lutheran) lectionary based- on-line downloadable; posted every Wednesday -links current news story and scripture texts- purchase individually by topic - some free available w-vvw.cpyu.org- Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU)- Helping parents, youth workers, educator, pastors and others understand and reach today's youth culture. Sign up for free weekly resources sent directly to your email address. www.creativevouthideas.com- sign up for weekly emails from [email protected] for great readymade youth and young adult programs including games, object lessons, and Biblical references along with theological reflections

MoreThanDogeball.com- daily reflections, blogs, and other inspiring material for Youth and Young Adult Leaders

73 BOOKS Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries- Practical tools and structures for youth workers to lay a strong foundation for youth ministry that is not build on a person or latest, greatest youth ministry trend.

Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clark- Gives youth workers what they need to help foster a faith that sticks with youth for a lifetime. Presents a summary of Fuller Youth Institutes quantitative and qualitative research along with the implication of this research, including tested and proven program ideas.

Single-Digit Youth Groups by Marcey Balcornb- Focuses on activities for churches with only a few youth. Includes information that helps develop skills for working with small youth groups.

Young Adults (ages 18- 30) WEB Moravian Church Without Walls - An online community for Christians to come together as they grow in their faith and go out to serve the Lord. http.//rncwithoutwalls. wordpress.corn/ Find us at Facebook.corn

http://youngadults.ag.org- provides resources to empower young adults to use their gifts for the benefit of all people and the purposes of God

http://www.relevantrnagazine.corn- a magazine on faith, culture and intentional living

www.thewiredword.corn- (Communication Resources) an internet resource for adults but youth and young adults are using it and can handle it. .. ties current events into theology

More ThanDogeball.corn - daily reflections, blogs, and other inspiring material for Youth and Young Adult Leaders

BOOKS Who's Got Time? Spirituality for a Busy Generation by Teri Peterson and Amy Fetterman­ Contemporary, hip, conversational, and practical. Suggests new ways of incorporating spiritual practices into the busy lives of Gen X, Y, and beyond. Generation EX-Christian- Why Young Adults are Leaving the Faith ... and How to Bring Them Back by Drew Dyck- Shines a light on the growing trend of young people 'sprinting away' from the church and proposes effective responses that go beyond slick services or edgy outreach.

Ad Hoc Committee of Thankfulness First and Final Partial Report (Adopted in the 20th Plenary Session)

Re: Showing Christian Thankfulness for a job well done

74 Whereas, the body of Christian souls gathered here for the 42nd Synod of the Moravian Church Northern Province clearly had nothing at all better to be doing during this completely beautiful June weekend, and

Whereas, a significant part of demonstrating our Christian fellowship and love is to give thanks for those who give all, and

Whereas, those brave souls who have participated in the development and execution of this 42nd Synod of the MCNP will not be getting anything much except our appreciation, and

Whereas, the Lord fully knows no one else wants to do it, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (1) the 2014 Synod ofthe MCNP recognizes and expresses its sincere thanks to:

• The Synod Planning Team, Sisters Melissa Johnson, Blair Couch, Betsy Miller and Karen Naisby and Brother Hank Naisby, for the hands and hearts they dedicated to the effort of making Synod happen;

• Brother Naisby, for sharing his very big cup;

• Sister Maggie Wellert and Sister Kate Reynolds and their vast hoard of radical yam­ workers for filling the cup to overflowing with blessings for us all;

• Gary Marsh, Chuck Stoltz and all who ferried us from and to airport and bus stations, on our original schedules and on very adjusted schedules, near and far at all hours of the day and night.

• Sister Gloria Reisinger who guarantees that there is a Northern Province and our office staff Sisters Lucille Lightcap, Tammy Curcio and Marie Cestone; Brother Peter Diehl and the tellers; and Sister Cheryl Tubio and the pages without whom we would have accomplished less work and generated a lot less recycling materials.

• Our Chairperson, Brother Richard Santee, for his excellent leadership in shepherding a raucous and unruly flock through many sessions, polkas and waltz-like graces;

• Our Vice-Chair, Brother Graham Kerslake who brought new pronunciation to the word process and new meaning to the phrase, "taken up in a subsequent session";

• Sisters Jill Westbrook and Marie Couts, our Synod Secretary and assistant secretary, for keeping track of the mayhem that takes place at Synod recording it in such a way that makes us look like we know what we're doing;

• Our Chaplain, Brother Wayne Burkette, who offered us spiritual guidance in the form of prayers, sermons and pastoral updates in an English-type language approximating "Yankee";

75 • Our Parliamentarian, Brother Gary Harke, who conveyed a sense of calm in such an assured manner that order was maintained without any effort;

• Sister Missy Herzog who planned our worshipful worship in wonderfully worshipful ways;

• Sister Gwyn Michel and the many members ofthe ever-changing Clancy Brothers Fun­ time worship band for keeping us vaguely close to the intended key of our many hymns;

• The wonderful singers from Central Moravian Church who reminded us why Moravians are justifiably respected for their ability to sing with joy to God;

• Brother Jeff van Orden and the nominating committee who managed to gather a slate of nominees for the various positions that were required by Synod without use of lassos, paddy wagons or bribes;

• The Chairpersons and secretaries of our various committees who worked so well together in preparing reports and recommendations so that history will remember that we did something here;

• Brother Bryon Grigsby and the staff of Moravian College for their gracious hospitality including the provision of large chairs and picnic tables;

• Brother Dan and Brother Bruce who successfully projected our stuff onto ginormous screens so we could see what the heck we were doing;

• Brother Mike Riess, Sister Kat Lehman and Sister and Sister Renee Schoeller, for making sure they captured our best sides when they photographed us grimacing, yawning and slowly nodding off;

• Sister Natalie Riess, who took the pictures of our clergy with great professionalism and without having her camera break

• The various boards, agencies, and institutions of our Province who made sure we actually made it through yet another intersynodal period; • The very bravest among us who have accepted our call of our Lord and Synod to serve the Church during the next intersynodal period as the leaders of our Province;

• All the many unsung saints who have worked behind the scenes to make the Synod happen who were apologetically forgotten within the bounds of this memorial; and be it further resolved

RESOLVED: (2) We express our gratitude moment by moment and throughout our lives, to Jesus Christ the Chief Elder of our Church for his grace mercy and peace and his ability to redeem this gathering in such momentous and moving ways, committing ourselves to him during this intersynodal period; and be it further resolved

76 RESOLVED: (3) All who share these sentiments of thanksgiving are asked to spontaneously and unexpectedly rise to adopt this report in a loud and boisterous (completely spontaneous) demonstration of thanksgiving in a manner sure to give the Synod chair a properly apoplectic duck-fit.

77 RESOLUTIONS DEFEATED

Care and Nurture of Clergy

Tenth Partial Report (Defeated in the 19th Plenary Session)

Re: Life Insurance Benefit for Clergy

Whereas: the cost of our current Active Benefits Assessment is a source of significant financial stress for our congregations, and

Whereas: the Moravian Church, Northern Province provides $138,000 of Life Insurance at no cost to those currently covered (i.e., clergy, lay provincial employees and participating interprovincial agency employees), and

Whereas: those covered are not currently allowed to purchase supplemental life insurance under the group plan, therefore: be it

RESOLVED: (16) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province encourages the Provincial Elders' Conference to set the Life Insurance benefit to $50,000 at no cost to those covered, thus reducing the cost by an estimated amount of $150 per congregation per year, based on the 2014 rates, and be it further

RESOLVED: (17) The 2014 Synod ofthe Moravian Church, Northern Province directs the Provincial Elders' Conference, advised by the Human Resources and Benefits Commission, to explore the option of providing those covered to purchase supplemental coverage for themselves, their spouse and their children under the Provincial plan.

78 RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED INDEFINITELY

Ministry to, with, and by Adults and Older Adults

Fourth and Final Partial Report (Postponed in the 19th Plenary Session)

RE: Benefits Assessment and Clergy Health Care

Whereas, the Moravian Church is a fellowship community born of the Holy Spirit, and is a denomination unified in polity, hymnody, and tradition, and lives in holy relationship with God and in God's love for one another, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church is a community of people who recognize in each other the image of holiness, and whose relationship with one another in Christ is motivated out of equity and benevolence towards one another, and

Whereas, the Moravian Church values the spiritual leadership of its clergy, a value historically revealed in provision for housing for the clergy and family, the provision of a salary scale which values dedication and determination, and offers benefits which provide for health care, insurance, and pension for those clergy, and

Whereas, benefits for active clergy, staff, and retired servants have been provided through congregational assessment to fund a self-insured plan through Highmark, a plan which currently is underfunded by $825,000 as a result of non- and under-payment of ministerial health care assessments, suggesting that we have not cared for others in the manner that we ought, and

Whereas, the current congregational assessment, approximately $20,000 for each pastor ($12, 178 for clergy and $7,250 for retirees and ancillary costs), now strains, and often exceeds, the ability of a congregation to meet their financial commitment, therefore be it

RESOLVED: (6) The Provincial Elders' Conference shall initiate an examination into the consequences of possibly terminating the current Group Health Care Policy, which offers $12,178 in health care, and promoting the Affordable Health Care Act, the Law of the Land, as an alternative means of health coverage, and be it further

RESOLVED: (7) The Provincial Elders' Conference shall work in partnership with congregations and pastors to explore options for providing Affordable Health Care Act coverage with congregational subsidy, and be it further

79 RESOLVED: (8) The Provincial Elders' Conference shall continue funding ancillary costs through an escrow account funded through individual congregational assessments of approximately $8,000 per annum in lieu of the current assessment of approximately $20,000 per annum, and be it further

RESOLVED: (9) The Provincial Elders' Conference shall study the impact of terminating the Group Health Care coverage for retired clergy, staff, and others who would be without such health coverage.

80 INDEX

A Active Health Care Benefits ...... 16 Ad Hoc Committee of Thankfulness ...... 7 4-77 Adults and Older Adults, Ministry to, with, and by ...... 10-12, 79-80 Archival Collection of Oral Histories ...... 10-11

B Bailey, Gary ...... 13 Behrend, Greg ...... 71 Benefits Assessment and Clergy Health Care (postponed indefinitely) ...... 79-80 Benefits, Unpaid and Unpaid Pension ...... 17-18 Bishops Residing in the Northern Province ...... 12-13 Board of Elders ofthe Canadian District (report accepted) ...... 41-43 Book of Order (revisions) Common Ministries Commitment (associated paragraphs) ...... 37-41 Covenanted Relationship ...... 24 Receiving a Pastor from another denomination as a Deacon or Presbyter ...... 56-57 Pastoral Salary Grid ...... 67-68 Board of World Mission (report accepted) ...... 50-51 Board of World Mission Constitution Revisions, Ratification of ...... 52-53 Bomberger, Amy Sue ...... 71 Brady, Margaret ...... 34 Budget, 2015 ...... 32-34 Burkette, Wayne ...... 75

c Care and Nurture of Clergy ...... 12-17,78 Cestone, Marie ...... 12, 32, 75 Church and Society ...... 18-25 Chynoweth, Lyn ...... 45 Clendenning, Arlene ...... 35, 76 Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund (report accepted) ...... 25-26 Clergy Transitions and Retirement ...... 14 Common Ministries Commitment Funding Methodology ...... 30-31, 37-41 Common Ministries Commitment Funding Task Force, Appreciation to ...... 26-27 Compensation, Collective Pastor Staff ...... 66-67 Couch, Blair ...... 75 Couts, Marie ...... 75 Curcio, Tammy ...... 32, 75

81 D Deacon Supervision Program, Review of...... 30 Delegates of Synod ...... 1-5 Diehl, Peter ...... 75

E Eastern District Executive Board (report accepted) ...... 41-43 Ecumenical Mission ...... 59 Ecumenical Officer (report accepted) ...... 58-59 Ecumenical Partners, Youth Delegate Exchange with our ...... 59-60 Education Regarding Active Benefits and Pension, The Need for Ongoing ...... 16-17 Election of a Bishop, Recommendation on ...... 13-14 Elections ...... 9 Electronic Tithes and Offerings ...... 29-30 E1nerging Ministries ...... 53-54 Emerging Ministries Task Force (report accepted) ...... 35-36 Emerging Ministry in Lancaster, PA ...... 11-12 Environmental Stewardship ...... 69-70 Equality of Pastoral Service when Calculating Pension, Valuing ...... 17

F Faith Gifts ...... 33-34 Finance ...... 25-34 Finance Committee, Continuation of Northern Province ...... 27 Freeman, Arthur ...... 13 French, Derek ...... 64

G Garment Purchases, Stewardship and the Power of...... 68-69 Gay and Lesbian Individuals, whether Single, Married, or in Covenanted Relationships, Ordination and Pastoral Service of ...... 18-25 Giesler, Tina ...... 27, 32 Gratitude for the Sheep We Sometimes Forget ...... 31-32 Greiner, Peg ...... 64 Grigsby, Bryon ...... 45 Gun Safety, Stewardship of ...... 65

H Hanas, MaryAnn ...... 12, 26,32 Harke, Gary ...... 76 Harke, Keith ...... 25 Healthy Congregations ...... 34-41

82 Healthy Congregations Task Force, Fonnation of a ...... 36-37 Hewitt, Lowell ...... 27 Honduras, Spiritual Solidarity with Sisters and Brothers in ...... 54-55 Hus, John, Men1orial Year 2015 ...... 60-61

I Identity, Purpose, and Organization ...... 41-48 Identity, Purpose, and Organization (report accepted) ...... 45-48 Inclusiveness ...... 18 Interprovincial Board of Communication (report accepted) ...... 34-35

J John Hus Memorial Year 2015 ...... 60-61 Johnson, Melissa ...... 75, 76

K Kaaua, Judy ...... 27 Kerslake, Graham ...... 27, 75 Kerslake, Travis ...... 71 Knouse, Nola Reed ...... 34

L Larger Life Foundation (report accepted) ...... 28 Larson, Jay ...... 27 Lay Leaders, Pentecostal Charge to ...... 49-50 Lay Leadership Development ...... 48-50 Lay Leadership, Nurture of...... 48-49 Life Insurance Benefit for Clergy (defeated) ...... 78 Lightcap, Lucille ...... 32, 75 Local and Global Missions ...... 50-56 Loppnow, Milo ...... 13 Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee (report accepted) ...... 57

M Macdonald, Alex ...... 13 Marsh, Gary ...... 64, 75 Meckstroth, Andy ...... 27 Men of All Ages, Ministries to, by, and for ...... 49 Michel, Gwyneth ...... 34, 76 Miller, Betsy ...... 75 Ministry Across the Adult Lifespan ...... 10

83 Moravian Academy (report accepted) ,...... 52 Moravian Archives (report accepted) ...... 44 Moravian College (report accepted) ...... 44-45 Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee (report accepted) ...... 57-58 Moravian Music Foundation (repmi accepted) ...... 34 Moravian Open Door (report accepted) ...... 51 Moravian Theological Seminary (report accepted) ...... 13

N Naisby, Hank ...... 75 Naisby, Karen ...... 75

0 Officers of Synod ...... 1 Ordination and Pastoral Service of Gay and Lesbian Individuals, whether Single, Married, or in Covenanted Relationships ...... 18-25

p Pastor Staff Compensation, Collective ...... 66-67 Pastoral Salary Grid ...... 67-68 Pastors Serving Part-Time and Their Congregations, Support and Expectations for ...... 14-16 Peace, Stewardship of ...... 65-66 Pension, Unpaid and Unpaid Benefits ...... 17-18 Pension, Valuing Equality of Pastoral Service when Calculating ...... 17 Pentecostal Charge to Lay Leaders ...... 49-50 Provincial Elders' Conference (report and appendices accepted) ...... 12, 28-29, 31, 43-44 Provincial Women's Board (report accepted) ...... 48

R Rampolla, Kenneth ...... 45 Reisinger, Gloria ...... 32, 75 Relationships with Others ...... 56-60 Reports, Acceptance of Bishops Residing in the Northern Province ...... 12-13 Board of Elders of the Canadian District...... 41-43 Board of World Mission ...... 50-51 Clergy Emergency Assistance Fund ...... 25-26 Eastern District Executive Board ...... 41-43 Ecumenical Officer ...... 58-59 Emerging Ministries Task Force ...... 35-36 Identity, Purpose, and Organization ...... 45-48 Interprovincial Board of Communication ...... 34-35

84 Larger Life Foundation ...... 28 Lutheran-Moravian Coordinating Committee ...... ,...... 57 Moravian Academy ...... 52 Moravian Archives ...... 44 Moravian College ...... 44-45 Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee ...... 57-58 Moravian Music Foundation ...... 34 Moravian Open Door ...... 51 Moravian Theological Seminary ...... 13 Provincial Elders' Conference ...... 43-44 Provincial Elders' Conference, Appendix A (clergy report) ...... 43-44 Provincial Elders' Conference, Appendix B (financial reports) ...... 28-29, 31 Provincial Elders' Conference, Appendix C (benefits) ...... 12 Provincial Women's Board ...... 48 Society for Promoting the Gospel ...... 51 United Methodist Church, Dialogue with ...... 58 Western District Executive Board ...... 41-43 Youth Ministry Coordinating Team ...... 70-71 Resolutions Adopted ...... 10-77 Resolutions Defeated ...... 78 Resolutions Postponed Indefinitely ...... 79-80 Reynolds, Kate ...... 75 Riess, Mike ...... 35, 76 Riess, Natalie ...... 76 Rinker, Tammie ...... 13 s Santee, Richard ...... 7 5 Sautebin, Warren ...... 13 Schoeller, Renee ...... 35, 76 Schubert, Joachim ...... 13 Society for Promoting the Gospel (report accepted) ...... 51 Spiritual Formation ...... 60-64 Spiritual Formation and Growth throughout the Northern Province, Fostering of...... 63-64 Spiritual Formation Practices in Christian Education, Incorporation of...... 61-62 Spiritual Growth of Clergy and Approved Ministerial Candidates, Fostering of...... 62-63 Spiritual Solidarity with Sisters and Brothers in Honduras ...... 54-55 Stewardship ...... 64-70 Stewardship, Director of ...... 64 Stewardship and the Power of Garment Purchases ...... 68-69 Stewardship of Gun Safety ...... 65 Stewardship of Peace ...... 65-66 Stoltz, Chuck ...... 75 Synod Committee Listing ...... 6-8

85 T Tachovsky, Mary Catherine ...... 27 Thomforde, Christopher ...... 45 Tithes and Offerings, Electronic ...... 29-30 Toggart, Linda ...... 64 Tubio, Cheryl ...... 75 u United Methodist Church, Dialogue with (report accepted) ...... 58 Unity Women's Desk Fundraising Campaign ...... 55-56 Unpaid Benefits and Unpaid Pension ...... 17-18 v Van Orden, Jeff ...... 76 Viste, Josh ...... 71

w Web-based Resources for Youth, Young Adults, and their Leaders ...... 71-7 4 Weinlick, 1-Iermann ...... 58-59 Wellert, Maggie ...... 75 Westbrook, Jill ...... 75 Western District Executive Board (report accepted) ...... 41-43 Wills, Remembering the Moravian Church Northern Province in your ...... 29

y Youth and Young Adult Involvement in the Church ...... 71 Youth and Young Adults, Ministry to, with, and by ...... 70-74 Youth Delegate Exchange with our Ecumenical Partners ...... 59-60 Youth Ministry Coordinating Team (report accepted) ...... 70-71

86