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From the Sanctuary mmoravianoravian Crossing the threshold of a New Year often brings with it experience, endure, and then transcend, the scrapes and bruises expectations of opportunity for change. There is a desire to create that life presents - much as a rock climber has to feel and overcome JANUARY 2018 essengeressenger new resolutions; a wish for something to be different in various mm the tiredness in arm and leg, and the pain of the scratching and aspects of our lives. We annually cross this threshold in hope. Yet, knocking of limbs against hard, sharp rock. Yet, it is through the reality is that often little, if anything, changes. New resolutions experiencing, enduring, and then transcending the pain, that are soon breached as we resort to familiar patterns of being and stronger glimpses of the light and the truth of God can be doing, in spite of our best intentions. Default positions kick-in as experienced as healing and growth-enhancing. Spiritual growth we unconsciously act out well-practiced attitudes and behaviours. and change requires discipline and effort: daily prayer; small acts Our hopes wither and deflate, and we chastise ourselves with of grace; little shifts in thinking such as gradually learning to see 'whatever happened to our New Year resolutions?' glimpses of Christ in all things and all people; reading scripture and Perhaps, our mistake is in thinking that something fundamental applying its wisdom to personal circumstance; conversing with can change simply because it is a New Year! The hope of a New fellow pilgrims. These all add to the gentle ploughing of new furrows Year message rarely emphasises the effort and discipline that is in spiritual well-being. Expectations of large leaps and strides, or needed for fundamental change. It is given over to God and our the hasty ploughing of new furrows, are unrealistic. They lack the good-intention, with little investment of effort, to bring about the underpinning test of trust that acts as the foothold for the next change. Yet, change within 'self', including spiritual growth (never small move needed to enact change. mind dieting!), is more like a rock climb than a fell walk. Each 'hold' has to be gingerly sought out and tested, and invested with trust, So, this New Year, may we resolve to see the value and miracle of before the full weight of a fundamental shift within our 'self' can small, but nonetheless significant shifts, as we work at the discipline occur. It requires building strength and fostering discipline. It is a that is required for fundamental change in our spiritual lives, and 'working-at' process rather than an 'arrived-at' process. in other aspects of life. May we come to foster realistic expectation, If one studies scripture from many faith traditions, including our and embrace the gingerly-made steps as being more fundamental own, we find that spiritual growth often occurs through wounds than the large leap that carries fragile promise - but which is likely and set-backs, exile and wilderness. Resurrection seems not to be to be broken because it is fragile; for in doing that, we won't be able to happen without crucifixion. To move on in faith is often to disappointed when we cross the threshold of this New Year. Br Peter Gubi, Dukinfield

At Unity Synod in 2016, South Asia British Mission was designated as a Mission Province Board (BMB) with the British Province acting as its supervisor. Sr Roberta Hoey, Sr Zoe TimesTimes theythey areare a-changin'a-changin'

Taylor and Br Bob Hopcroft as © jpellgen News members of the British Mission Board, along with Br Joachim Kreusel and Br Members of the British Mission Board Jørgen Bøytler will visit India and Nepal You may or may not be familiar with the I think some of our parents would not miss a favourite television programme along with Br Phillip Battelle had an in February 2018. Visiting all the song by Bob Dylan in which he sang 'the recognize the world in which we live. The we can still watch it later on 'catch-up' opportunity to visit Elim Home in regions in the South Asia Mission times they are a-changin''. This is very modern technology is mind-boggling. and there were even up-to-date reports South Africa in November. The home Province and a 2 day conference in true and whether you know the song or Mobile phones came in and were as large from the Cape Town Unity Mission cares for the most profoundly Delhi for all serving ministers and intellectually and physically disabled not we now have to remember to write as house bricks, only to be reduced in size Conference on Facebook! © Br Robert Hopcroft students, the trip will be an invaluable children and young adults from opportunity to consider the future and down the new year as 2018. and now they are growing larger again What have we been doing this past year? disadvantages communities in the Western on support from donations to keep going sustainable ministry in this area. so that more can be seen on the viewing Everyone must have used the new five Cape. The work at Elim Home is invaluable and any amount is received with great A new year is often an exciting and Further reports on this trip will follow. screen. And they have to be carried by pound notes and then the ten pound as it is one of only a few full-time residential appreciation. Please get in touch with challenging time. I think back to 1984, everybody, young and old, saying “I'm notes. We have to wait for the new facilities with around fifty residents at any Roberta ([email protected]) if which was to be a significant year in the time. Sadly some children are left at the you or your congregation would be Thank you to all congregations and on the train!” We live in the computer twenties but we have the shiny new home by families who then break contact interested in supporting the Home as a individuals who continued to support light of George Orwell's novel, '1984'. age and don't we know it for we find pound coins. We wonder how things will and are left completely dependent on the whole or individual children who require our mission areas and the wider unity Many of his 'predictions' seem to have there is not an area of life that is not be under Brexit and how much the cost in 2017. Brothers and Sisters all over home for ongoing care. Elim relies heavily further support. taken place as we live under the watchful computer managed. Our grand-children of living will rise as a result of this decision. the world are being supported in eye of 'Big Brother'. And then 2000. That various ways and it is amazing to see are really computer-literate which ought There seem to be so many uncertainties the Unity continue to grow with your was a year to remember with all the not to be surprising as even primary which will really affect those who are on help. We hope you can continue to millennial celebrations. schools have computers installed. If we fixed incomes. support us into 2018 and beyond. continues overleaf Please do get in touch if you are looking for fundraising ideas and projects!

The Moravian Messenger Advertisements and Editorial Team, Church House, Design & Artwork all communications 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ David Bull Official Journal of the Moravian concerning [email protected] [email protected] Church in the British Province. distribution and supply should Contributions for the Messenger Printed & Distribution In Cennick's Unity Mission A Service of Moravian Missionaries Published monthly by the be sent to the should reach the editorial team by G. R. Walkden Footsteps Conference Remembrance and Languages authority of the Provincial Synod. Editorial Team. the 7th day of the preceding month. Tel 01931 716703 (page 3) (page 4) (page 7) - Part 1 (page 8) Editorial In Cennick's Footsteps So to learn more about the life and work and other important Cennick sites. I spent the morning of the last day of the Church's liturgical at the Synod of Whitby in the 7th of this great preacher of the Moravian year, the Sunday before Advent Sunday, in a 12th century Church century. Later came the Reformation Sunday morning, we set out to Tytherton Church, in April next year, I will be leading in Wales. It was early Communion and the priest reflected very in its English form and the influence Moravian Church for morning service, via a trip to Bristol and Wiltshire and invite powerfully on the contrast between Christ the King and his of Calvin and Knox in Wales and Kings Langley (the site where Cennick kingdom and our call to fill out the commission in Matthew Ireland. Then the Evangelical Revival, you to join us on this journey. The trip is gave the Langley Village Discourses) and 25:31-46 - the sheep and the goats. The address was well crafted the Oxford Movement, the planned for the weekend after Easter, Maud Heath's causeway. Then off to the and lasted no more than 10 minutes. Then we joined together Pentecostal and Charismatic 6th-8th April and is intended to be a fun in Holy Communion. It was humbling to take part in the central traditions all leading to differences Sr Sarah Groves Foxham Inn for Sunday Lunch - Foxham Gracehill and Ballinderry as well as informative break. We will be Christian rite in a place that had seen Christian worship for over in Church polity and worship. being Cennick's first headquarters in staying at the Haymarket Premier Inn in 800 years. Theology always affects worship - it cannot do otherwise and Wiltshire before he moved to Tytherton. we see that clearly in our own tradition of worship. Bristol and will meet up on the evening After the service members of the congregation made us feel Following that we will be visiting other of Friday 6th. very welcome and showed us their favourite parts of the Church, Today Christians worship in very different ways both here and places in Wiltshire before returning to medieval wall paintings, sculpted pulpit, stone altar and various across the world. Some with great ritual and others with great monuments. They clearly loved their building and prepared to informality; with plainsong and with worship bands; with ancient A visit to John Wesley's New Room in Bristol for the evening. Bristol, the oldest purpose built Methodist spend time with strangers to explain it. There was such a tangible liturgies or modern prayers; with Godly Play or dancing around Anyone who would like to come on this link with the past in that building and with the people in that building in the world and a place where the Church; with 40 minute sermons or 10 minute reflections; trip will be responsible for their own congregation in Wales. with silence or applause; with two or three gathered together Photo of John Cennick taken by many meetings with John Cennick were David Ewart from the portrait in bookings with the Haymarket Premier Yet the worship of the Christian Church has changed significantly or in a packed auditorium. Obviously, we choose what best suits held, is scheduled for Saturday morning. the Gracehill Study Inn, and will need to make their own over the two thousand years since the birth and death of Christ. us, our heritage, personality and life experience being powerful Here, Gary Best, author of 'John Cennick: factors. But what matters in worship is what is at the heart of travel arrangements to Bristol. You will I wonder what the worshippers in Newtown Nottage in the 12th The Forgotten Evangelist: The Story of century would think of our worship in that place now. What the matter - is God the Father, The Son and Holy Spirit worshipped also need a car or a car share A Trip Celebrating John Cennick the First Methodist Lay Preacher Who would they make of the hymns, our preaching and prayers. and honoured - and do the lives of the worshippers reflect the arrangement to get to the Cennick sites - Moravian Evangelist Became the Apostle of Northern Ireland', Early Jewish converts worshipped in the Temple and temple faith they profess? as only Kingswood is easily accessible by published in 2016, will present two one- imagery featured in their writings and worship. Then came the With this increasing variety in worship and fragmentation of Many Moravians know very little about public transport. There will be a small denominations and independent Churches the need for hour talks about John Cennick, touching days of the early Church composed largely of gentiles, John Cennick, yet he was one of the most charge on all who come along on the trip establishing its theology and liturgy during sporadic persecutions Christians to recognize and understand each other grows more on the disagreements between the successful evangelical preachers in the to cover costs at the New Room and a and eventually as an established part of the Roman Empire. important. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is one way leaders of the Evangelical movement, eighteenth century. His activity was the few other items, but the basic cost will Then the schism between the Western Church and the Eastern we can step over the threshold of each other's buildings and including why Cennick and John Wesley Church in the 11th century and the development of differing meet our brothers and sisters in Christ and worship our God in basis of the founding of the Moravian be for the hotel room and transport costs. fell out. Information about the New worship and Church governance. Earlier within the British Isles ways that may challenge or surprise us. May the week from Church in Ireland and the West Country. There is already a small group of us Room can be found at: there had been the development of the Celtic Church which 18th-25th January be a time of building bridges and blessing He was also the first lay preacher in coming from northern Ireland for this was overtaken by the Roman tradition and this was formalized for us all. http://www.newroombristol.org.uk/. Methodism and worked closely with trip and we would love more to join us. George Whitfield, John and Charles On Saturday afternoon, we intend to visit If you would like more information then Wesley and Howell Harris. Yet in the end Kingswood, the centre of the Wesley's please call me on 25653141 or you can Times they are a-changin' Could YOU be the next he chose to work within the Moravian work in the West Country. Sr Patsy contact me via email at continued Church and was known as the Apostle to Holdsworth will show us around [email protected]. Wiltshire before he moved to work in Kingswood Moravian Church and I am Sr Sarah Groves In church life we have been thinking about the Synod resolution Watchword Ireland. hoping that we will be able to get some Minister of Gracehill and Ballinderry Moravian asking us to look at the very difficult but most important subject Born in Reading on 18th December 1718, access to Whitfield's Tabernacle nearby. Church of the elimination of UK child poverty. This will go on as will the this year will be the 300th anniversary of Then later on to Hanham Mount, the site discussions about human sexuality in which some congregations Editor? Cennick's birth. of much open air preaching in Kingswood are now engaged. Where there are problems it would seem that much that is problematical stems from the ways in which The Daily Watchword is an essential part of our ongoing ministry we interpret the Bible. The times are certainly a-changin'. It in the British Province. After many years of hard work and was said that the Bible seemed to support slavery as it was commitment, Sr Jackie Morten has stepped down as editor of 12th European Women's Conference 2018 prevalent in times when the Bible was being written but that the Watchword. The Provincial Board are actively trying to find changed with a growing knowledge of the love of God as shown someone willing to take on the role. We will not understate that Theme: 'Freedom in Christ' John 8:36 by Jesus. Our early Brethren had it so right when they turned to this is a serious commitment but hopefully one that is very Dear Sisters, sisters of the Netherlands and the conference will include Sunday the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5, 6 and 7) for fulfilling. service and lunch at Zeist with a chance to tour the settlement their guidance and instruction. We cannot do better than our The 12th European Women's Conference will be held at The editor is responsible for gathering the material and there. founding fathers and we must remember that as Zinzendorf Brandpunt, Zeist in The Netherlands from Thursday 28th June assembling it, for writing the Foreword and the Daily text sections said 'the Church exists for mission.' Emil Brunner (Theologian) to Monday 2nd July 2018. The closing date for applications is 31st January and a deposit of the Textbook. German material is received in June each year of £20 will then be required with a completed application form said 'The Church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning. The cost of the conference inclusive of the Thursday evening and needs to be translated by the editor. Note that the Almanac from those who have received confirmation that they have been Where there is no mission there is no Church; and where there meal to Monday breakfast will be £340 in a shared room, with and the daily prayers are prepared by other volunteer allocated a place. Any further information can be obtained from is neither Church nor mission, there is no faith.' the limited possibility of a single room for an extra charge of contributors, the editor will 'recruit' and coordinate them. The Sr Wendy Hopcroft. I believe our much loved Moravian Church needs to concentrate editor is also responsible for obtaining all necessary copyright £15, plus the cost of travel to Zeist. Brandpunt is a Christian Centre at Doorn, close to Zeist and our Moravian settlement Yours in Christian Love, much more on its mission. Some attempt this but we need to permission. It is up to the editor to work to his/her house style The EWC Planning Team be looking out from the church much more than we do. I want to ensure a consistent look to the book. there. When applying, advise can be given on travel to and from to challenge us all in these a-changin' times to pray and see the conference so that, where possible, this can be co-ordinated. European Women's Conference Planning Team: Please contact the Provincial Board if you would be interested what we can do for Jesus in this new year of 2018. Our province has an allocated 20 places and we now welcome in this role. We would consider a team effort, and would look any applications for these limited places, particularly from any Susanne Gärtner (Germany) [email protected] A Happy New Year! for another third party for German translation if necessary. sisters who have never attended a conference before. Conchita Landbrug (Netherlands) [email protected] Br John McOwat Sr Roberta Hoey The Bible studies and discussions will be led by Sr Benigna Wendy Hopcroft (British Province) [email protected] Ep. Fra. Provincial Board Carstens of the European PEC, with workshops offered by the Roberta Thompson and Kathleen Kitson (Northern Ireland) 2 3 Another perspective on the © Br Phillip Batelle Unity Mission Conference 2017 Our time during conference was heavily scheduled and with so much to fit in to just six days it was necessarily so. It wasn't all study, presentation and workshops however; we were given some fantastic opportunities to interact with our fellow delegates and explore places of Moravian interest linked to our theme of Mission. As (it seems) with any Moravian event; food was a big part of the conference. The hotel catered extremely well for so many guests with at least three or four options to choose from every meal. These included some local dishes but also regular international favourites and, of course, all followed by cake and desserts a plenty! The 15th to 20th November 2017 highlight of the week being the 'Braai' which is basically a South Unity Mission Conference Cape Town, South Africa African style of BBQ. © Br Daniël Claas During our meal times and break times we were encouraged to sit with brothers and sisters from other provinces and 'network'. These chances don't come along too often for us to come together as a Moravian Unity in Mission: Giving Heed to God's Call in the 21st Century Unity and it was within these networking times that we really got to know each other better as well as sharing stories from past experiences in each other's provinces. This was my first visit to South Africa. It is a diverse country with had little opportunity for missionary work, however their way The third day of the conference was given to us to choose what a chequered history. When in the centre of Cape Town, you of life attracted many people. They insisted that Christian we would like to do. There were three excursions available: Mamre could be forgiven for thinking that you were in a city in Western existence must be a witness by its very nature. - a still active Moravian mission church and settlement; Genadendal Europe, with tall office buildings, shopping malls, and impressive - a historic village and museum (the oldest mission station in South Br Atwood from the USA gave a paper on Moravian missions Africa); and also a Cape Peninsula Bus Trip. civic buildings. However, when you get into the residential areas

in the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the spiritual renewal © Sr Zoe Taylor you see that there is still a big gap between the richest and We all decided to split up so we could cover all the trips available. of 13th August 1727, the refugees of Herrnhut became pilgrims poorest. Pristine seafronts and large mansions contrast with the Srs Roberta and Zoe chose Genadendal, Br Michael set off on the and missionaries. Zinzendorf believed that missionary work is Cape Bus Trip, and Br Robert and I went along to Mamre. Mamre townships and their closely packed metal shacks. and this love is to be made real in service. Prayer is also an motivated by love of God and of all people, is about helping important part of mission, and is something that we can all do. was an extremely interesting place; like any other Settlement we Any meeting of Moravians from different provinces is also a people to see God's work among them, and that missionaries find in our own province it hosts a large, simple church (with pipe place of diversity, and never more so than this Mission should learn the language and culture of those people. People Br Jørgen Bøytler from Denmark gave the final paper on mission organ), school, 'God's Acre', the old mill, cafe/shop and housing - all filled with members of its community who work and live as Conference, with nearly 200 delegates from 35 countries. There from all walks of life, including many women, were involved in and culture. Church is about community, and church communities need continuous building and strengthening. He members of the church. The actual church holds up to about 300 are differences of culture, finance, theology and tradition. There this work. people but the listed membership is nearly 4,500. The final part of are also differences in how we are treated in our society, which also talked about the importance of the Unity, saying that Unity Having heard something about our history, the conference is a gift, a task and a witness. our tour of Mamre was a stop at the cafe which had prepared an was brought home when our Indian brothers and sisters told excellent Braai for us. During discussion over food we found out turned to the modern context and understanding of mission. us how their government wants to get rid of Christianity from There were also various workshops throughout the conference more from one of our fellow delegates who had actually spent five India by 2021, and showed graphic images of the persecution Br Reichel from Germany gave a paper on world mission in the on topics such as refugees and immigrants, women and mission, years in Mamre as a missionary. that some Christians have faced. last century, during which the and the impact of Pentecostalism. One of the workshops that Sunday was our next trip out and after a short stroll in the warm centre of gravity of Christianity summer sun, we arrived at the local Moravian Church. The A meeting of Moravians is also a I attended was about a new book that is being produced called has moved southwards. He conference and the congregation came together wonderfully here place of unity. We share a common 'Our Moravian Treasures.' The subtitle is 'A Manual of Topics spoke about 'transforming and with the church doors wide open; songs were sung loudly and heritage as well as common values for Theological Education in the Unitas Fratrum.' It looks like it mission': mission is about service presented to all. This was followed by a 'quick' photo and principles. During the first two will be a fantastic resource not only for those training for church opportunity of all the delegates and then a trip to the District 6 transforming the world and days of the conference we heard a service, but also in confirmation classes and for general use in museum. District 6 was one of the many areas heavily affected individual lives, mission also number of papers on the history of congregations so that we can all understand more about our during the apartheid in the 1970's. Upon entering the museum transforms those who we were met by a number of guides who had all lived in District 6 missions, both in the wider church heritage and the origins and meaning behind our traditions. participate in it, and mission is and been forcibly removed at one time or another. Each of their and specifically in the Moravian being continuously transformed We also met in small groups through the week, with each group tales was heartfelt and gave us a glimpse into the confusion and Church. in changing landscapes. containing people from different regions across the world. This upheaval communities felt at that time. The keynote address was given by was an opportunity to find out what is happening across the As the sun began to sink into the cooler, more relaxed afternoon Sr Swart from South Africa gave Dr Daryl Balia, a Methodist scholar Unity, and to see both the differences and similarities. Towards our day was finished off with a return to the Moravian Church for a paper on congregational from South Africa. He spoke about the end of the conference each group made a presentation, a 'Musical evening'. This was another large presentation with local © Br Phillip Batelle mission in a globalised world. performers, singers, bands and a selection of talents from all over the connections between the Moravians and Methodism, the and following these a suggestion was made that the Unity Mission is something that should also happen in our own the Unity on full display. early missionaries in South Africa, and gave an outline of the Board should develop a mission statement for the whole Unity, communities, but for many congregations this needs courage, modern context for mission. something that will unite us in our mission whatever our context Finally came Monday and the last piece of our schedule was Holy to step out of our comfort zones, as well as preparation. might be. The whole conference were united behind this idea Communion. Done in a very traditional South African format, it We then heard papers from Brs August and Abrahams, both differed slightly from what we were used to Br Sam Gray from the USA gave a paper on doing mission today. as one way to keep the momentum from South Africa, about mission in the wider church from the going, as well as everyone being but held true to everything it stands for. He talked about some principles for doing mission today, and Unfortunately some of the delegates had beginning of Christianity through to the beginning of the 20th committed to taking home what they gave concrete examples from around the Unity. The context in already departed by this point but the hotel century. There have been times when church expansion and which many churches now find themselves is working with both had learnt and shared to encourage all conference room was still quite full as we colonisation have gone hand in hand, however in more recent un-churched and post-church people, and so we sometimes of us to give heed to God's call to mission gathered together. A selection of ministers times the goal has been the formation of indigenous, self- need to think beyond traditional church forms. today. presided as the conveyors of the bread and governing, self-supporting, self-propagating churches. wine, with some of them wearing traditional Br Joemath from South Africa gave a paper on the spirituality Br Michael Newman cultural dress. Br Halama from the Czech Republic gave a paper on mission in Fulneck of mission. To love is the ministry and mission of the disciples, the Ancient Unity. As an outlawed community, the Brethren Br Phillip Battelle Ockbrook 4 5 Moravian Missionaries and Languages - Part 1

This is the first of two articles which grammars and dictionaries written by managed to gain a decent knowledge what sounded best or which was the best consider the use of native languages in Moravians were never printed or if they of the language, this is in part because way of translating a new term or concept. Moravian missions and the linguistic were printed copies were not available the Cherokees were reluctant to teach Doubtless there was a considerable mix ability of missionaries. and, in true medieval fashion, those later them, saying that it was impossible to of linguistic ability among the Paragraph 19 of the 'Instructions to missionaries who wished to use them learn if they had not been born a missionaries. Some specialised in the Brothers and Sisters in the service of the were obliged to copy their own version Cherokee. The situation with Cherokee language while others simply learnt Gospel among the Heathen', produced out by hand. Church House archive can be contrasted with the Delaware and enough to get by. Walter Perrett, the Lower Wyke Moravian Church in 1784 by August Spangenberg, bishop contains a beautifully handwritten version Onondaga languages. David Zeisberger station head in Labrador, became a real of the Moravian Church, reads: of Beck's Greenlandic dictionary (1734), (1771-1808), the 'Apostle to the expert in the Labrador dialect of Inuit all 500 pages carefully copied out by Br Indians', produced not only a grammar 'The next object of a missionary must and was critical of those missionaries A Service of M Eberle, a missionary to Greenland, of both languages but a seven-volume who did not make the effort to improve be the acquisition of the tongue of the some 90 years later. dictionary of Onondaga and a Delaware their skills. A recent writer on the Inuit © Sr Jane Dixon Remembrance country. When the heathen have learnt dictionary plus several translations. a European language this is The advantages of preaching in the dialect of Labrador has taken a very comparatively easy. It is a much more native language can be illustrated by Apart from preaching in native languages critical view of the earliest grammars and When the Text for the Day of visiting Ypres and then travelled to difficult task to master the native those instances where the missionaries and translating the Bible and other dictionaries complied by Moravians. They 11th November says: Spanbroekmolen, the site of the Lone Tree language of barbarous tribes, such as the either preached in English (on the basis religious books the Moravians also taught were, she writes, compiled by people with Cemetery. They found his grave and laid a Greenlanders, Esquimaux, Indians and that sufficient English was understood in these languages at Moravian schools no more understanding of what a 'I will be a wall of fire all round wreath of remembrance poppies and paid Tambookies.' by the native people) or made use of an and produced textbooks of various kinds. grammar is than any other carpenter of (Jerusalem), says the Lord. their respects to Private Edgar Smith, 'Uncle This could itself put them on the farmworker and the spelling systems were Edgar'. What he appears to mean wrong side of the authorities. invented by ignorant men as best they (Zechariah 2:5a)' is that where there is no The government which took could. This seems a rather harsh criticism Then last year Marilyn saw a display of common language, as is control of the Mosquito Coast in and somewhat anachronistic since a What more can you do than build knitted and crocheted poppies as a likely to be the case with 1894 introduced a rule that scientific approach to language a wall of fire! Remembrance tribute in Thirsk on BBC's tribal peoples who have had Spanish only should be used in description was still a long way off. The little contact with On Saturday 11th November at 10.45am, Look North and was so impressed and the schools and schools breaking fact is that untrained people did as well Europeans, the task is so the congregation and friends of Lower moved she thought - we could do that. As this law were liable to a fine. The as they could, probably making numerous much the greater. Wyke Moravian Church gathered to pay 2017 would mark the centenary of Uncle Moravian schools taught in the egregious errors in the process, but Edgar's death it seemed fitting to aim for Tambookies, incidentally, are local Mosquito language and their respects to the fallen soldiers of the the Themba people of nevertheless managing to make 2017 as the year this would happen. were then obliged to close for themselves understood in speech and Great War. South Africa who speak several years until the policy was The first balls of red and black wool were Xhosa. Spangenberg was writing. The inspiration for the day came from Sr reversed. bought in November 2016 and people were not introducing a novel idea Learning and speaking to natives in their Marilyn Greenhough who as a young girl here but reflecting what was A similar problem arose in own tongue is not without problems. would ask her mother, 'What happened to commissioned and cajoled into making poppies. The original aim was to make already the practice of Surinam, a Dutch colony on the Native people are likely to be unused to Uncle Edgar?' All they knew was that he 2,400 poppies to span the length of the Moravian missionaries. north-east coast of South hearing their language spoken by a had been in the army, gone to war and was America. The colony was a approach to church. With volunteers from Böhmisch and Beck, on European and will frequently have missing, presumed lost in action. Later in mixture of peoples, many local congregations and friends the number arriving in the Greenland difficulty in understanding what is said. life she wrote to the War Graves brought as slaves from Africa, Whereas in this country one is wholly of poppies received is estimated at over mission in 1735 to replace interpreter. When a Moravian missionary Commission and received the following and the most useful was a 'creole' (a used to hearing English spoken with every 3,000. Christian Stack, made a covenant to presence was established on the information. mixture of different languages including sort of strong foreign accent, that is not 'prosecute the study of the Greenlandic Mosquito coast (now part of Honduras English with a basic grammar) as indeed the general experience of speakers of Once the poppies were made we held days language with assiduity, patience and and Nicaragua) in 1849 the preaching Edgar Smith was born in Halifax on 6th it still is today. It was this language which minority languages. The foreign accent when teams would assemble the poppies hope'. Beck, at least, seems to have was at first in English to those who could February 1887 and baptised on 20th March the Moravians learnt and in which they is likely to strike them, at the least, as onto the plastic netting. In themselves succeeded because three years later he understand it. Those who could not are 1887. The 1901 census shows him living produced thousands of New Testaments, comical. We know that the Labrador Inuit these turned into days of fellowship and was translating the gospels into that then reported to have complained that in Halifax and employed as a draper's hymn books and school books. The Dutch on occasions addressed the missionaries fun. language. Such an achievement in so 'the English have a book which speaks errand boy. He had two sisters, Emma and government however wished to enforce in 'missionary Inuit', imitating their short a time frame strikes one as quite of God and they therefore know more Rena May. In the 1911 census they had We hope that this was seen as a fitting Dutch as the official language and accents and grammar. And missionaries extraordinary and must reflect an about God than we do. God loves the moved to Boothtown Road, Halifax and he tribute to all the fallen heroes of the First refused to recognise for aid purposes speaking the language may not always astonishing commitment. Feats such as English only; he takes no notice of the World War and indeed of all those who schools which did not teach the language. have been welcome: an outsider had was now working as a cotton twiner. On this were not however unusual. They are Indians'. have lost their lives in the defence of our all the more impressive given the fact The Moravians were then obliged to gained access to a previously private 30th December 1911 he married Annie country since that time. that many Moravian missionaries had Preaching was also in English to the import at considerable expense teachers space - an attitude not unknown today Butterfield and they had two daughters, either little academic background (if they Cherokees, one of the few languages from the Netherlands with the result that among speakers of European minority Nellie and Elsie. He enlisted in Halifax into Marilyn and Paul are most grateful to all had it was not as specialists in language which Moravian missionaries never Moravian schools were never as successful languages. The German missionaries in the West Riding Regiment as a Private (No those who have helped in any way to bring study) and that the structure of the mastered (Hottentot and Finnish seems as elsewhere. In both these cases, the Queensland, Australia, who had learnt 20635) and served with two other this weekend to fruition; whether through to be the other two). In consequence the Mosquito Coast and Surinam, the languages they were studying frequently the local tongue reported that if the regiments; the 14th Labour Corps knitting, crocheting, sewing or knotting, had little in common with European Moravians preached in English and had Moravians, surely rightly, chose to use aborigines did not want to be understood Lincolnshire Regiment as a Private (No a Cherokee translate. This itself was not the language in which they could reach making refreshments or helping in any way languages. There were also instances they would speak in a different dialect or 39748) and the 81st Company Labour to bring the display together. A warm thank where they had to learn a second always effective as, so we are told, the the most people. what was possibly a secret language. Corps also as a Private (No 124959). He interpreter was often drunk. That aside, you. language first in order to have access to How well did the Moravians know these In the next article I shall look at some of was killed in action on 5th July 1917. He how could the missionaries know whether a grammar of the native language. various languages? 'Knowing' a language the scholarly work of Moravians in the was laid to rest in Lone Tree Cemetery in All donations made on the day were sent the interpreter was giving an accurate Walter Perrett, who was sent to Labrador is, a little like being able to play the piano, field of language description. to the Royal British Legion for their appeal translation? Belgium, Plot 1, Row B Grave 20. The in 1892 as a 22 year old, had first to learn which might cover an ability to play cemetery contains 88 First World War and to Lister House care home sponsored German to gain access to the While there is no doubt that Cherokee is Chinese Chopsticks with two fingers or a Adrian Wilsdon burials. by the Royal British Legion. comprehensive grammar of the Labrador a very difficult language for a non-native Liszt concerto by heart. Translations were Volunteer Archivist, dialect by his fellow Moravian missionary, speaker to acquire and very few made with the help of native speakers with thanks to Lorraine Parsons, In December 2013 Marilyn and Paul Sr Jane Dixon Theodor Bourquin. Also, many of the missionaries - Moravian or otherwise - as they alone would be likely to know Moravian Archivist Greenhough made the journey to Belgium Lower Wyke 6 7 Location, location, location … Researching John Cennick At the time of writing, it has been just its publication here. over two months since I took up my Call The Life & Times of a CAMRA to service the congregations of Baildon Branch During the summer of 2015, I had completed the third year Church, University Road, Belfast quite often in my travels. I and Horton, having moved into the of four in my University of London (part-time) B.D. It had had also visited the Moravian settlement in Gracehill, Co. Yes, the plague [sic] gives it away: manse in Baildon a couple of weeks been a challenging but stimulating time, especially as I was Antrim. The latter was just ten minutes away from our house earlier. One lesson I learned prior to arrival it's Pub of the Season again. The also in charge of the Church of Ireland parish of St Mary near Ballymena. I began to wonder if I might find something was the complexities of location, not only Bulls Head in Baildon of the manse but the church too: receives the latest one, or Magdalene, Belfast. As my wife Sally will tell you, there have or someone that would connect Zinzendorf to Gracehill in although they are joined together they rather those in charge been few periods in my life when I have not been studying some interesting way. have different postcodes. Directing the of it do. That'll be Paul © Tyke Taverner for something. I am the ultimate eternal student. Perhaps it's Zinzendorf was already now becoming an exciting prospect removal company to the postcode for and Juanita then. The the plaque referred to and Elsie, because I feel that it's the best way to stave off the onset of the manse would make their job far more Bulls Head is a cosy, 'the star of the show in this pub.' for research, even more so than Spener. Shantz's book referred dementia, or because I simply enjoy the excuse to do all that difficult than giving them the church's two-roomed place with to him as 'one of the most colorful and intriguing figures of It is nice to know that not only is postcode and telling them, 'I am next good beer (as you reading and take all those exams. Sally thinks there must be Baildon on the CAMRA map (as you eighteenth-century Pietism' and added that he was 'without door.' However, this is only one example would expect) and a tidy something medically wrong with me, since I actually seem would expect), and that there is no need doubt one of the most original figures in all of church history' of how one's location can play a part in beer garden for those summer to enjoy taking exams. Most people do as few as they can to set the Satnav: we're at the rear of and 'the most discussed German religious figure of the making life interesting. Another example evenings. It also has what most pubs do the Bulls Head, but that we are fully get away with and move on. In my case the obsession with is found in the following article that not: a fully working Moravian Chapel in eighteenth century'. That was quite an accolade for a figure functioning. Long may that continue. You study is well nigh pathological. appeared in the November/December the back yard. How's that for one-up- previously unknown to me! know where we are! issue of Tyke Taverner, the beer pub-ship? In July 2015 I therefore I began to think to myself that it I knew I was on to something that I hoped would lead me consumers' magazine for Bradford and Br David Howarth would be great to take time out from my ministry and do The accompanying photographs show Baildon down stimulating avenues that would enrich my own beyond. Permission has been granted for some really serious study, without other major commitments. understanding of ministry and enable to be more effective The last time I had done that had been 1981-4, so I felt that as a pastor, communicator, and theologian. Alert now to the Mission and Society Committee invite everybody to a I had earned the right to a study sabbatical, after 28 years Moravian Church and Zinzendorf I read Edward Langton's teaching and 10 years in ministry. The imminent milestone At Ockbrook History of the Moravian Church and then the last piece of the One day workshop of my sixtieth birthday looming up at the end of 2016, made Saturday 10th March 2018 Drinks provided, research plan slipped easily into place in the figure of John me more certain and determined it was now or never. But focussing on renewal please bring Cennick. Langton wrote particularly enthusiastically about at 10.30am to 4pm your own lunch what could I possibly want to study? Well, a few ideas began Cennick's evangelism in Ireland: 'With such effect did he and growth in the Further information from to come to mind that summer, as I did some general reading Mark Dixon (Chair) [email protected] preach that those who wished to hear him had to come two before my final year of B.D. courses were to start in September. British Province Elisabeth Hollindrake (Secretary) [email protected] or three hours before the time of service'. He clearly had I wanted to study something that would relate to ministry in impressed Zinzendorf who referred to him as 'Paul revived'. a helpful and inspiring way and that would enable me to Unity Youth Heritage synthesize my previous specialisms in German, in theology My research plan was at last in place: to find out about Do you sense God is calling and in history. Ideally, it would be a course of study that would Cennick's apprenticeship as an evangelist, to discover what Tour 2018 enable me to link Germany, England and Ireland in some he learnt from his illustrious mentors George Whitefield, John you to ordained ministry? and Charles Wesley and above all, Count Zinzendorf. How The second Unity Youth Heritage Tour, the “New World Heritage creative way. Tour” will take place 9th-22nd August 2018. The tour will include could a young man like Cennick make such an impact in such This is a big question and one that the The first piece of the jigsaw fell into place when I was reading visits to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Winston-Salem and Laurel Ridge, a short time, how did he develop spiritually from Anglican, to Provincial Board would encourage anyone through Stephen Backhouse's Compact guide to Christian North Carolina. The tour will expose participants to Moravian History Methodist, to Moravian? What might we still learn from him in the United States and provide the opportunity for cultural and to explore. History. Just after the section on the Reformation, which I spiritual engagement with other young people from the Unity. today? How might his example, his energy, his faith, continue So, if your answer to the above question is YES, or even had been studying the previous year for London University, Through an application process, the Provincial Board will select two to inspire us to take courageous steps for Jesus 300 years if you are unsure or would like to know more, why not I read about Pietism and Philip Jakob Spener. His book Pious delegates, one male and one female between the ages of 18-35 come along to the... after Cennick's birth? years, to represent the British Province. All costs for the trip, including Longings of 1675 struck a chord with me, as I now know it travel, insurance and accommodation, will be covered by the did with many others in the seventeenth and eighteenth By the time I have to submit the thesis of some 80,000 words Province. Enquirers’ Day centuries and since. It seemed to get to the heart of the in September 2019, I hope to have discovered the answers Requirements for participation in the event: matter: practical Christianity which was genuine, to these and other questions. Academic research yes, with all 1.Delegates must have a track record of being active in the rigour required by a PhD, but also youth work in their churches. Saturday 20th transformative of both individuals and society. If it was needed in 1675, it was certainly even more needed in 2015! a pilgrimage with Cennick and 2.Be prepared to present a 10 minute cultural presentation. January 2018 Zinzendorf that might help to The section also mentioned a certain Count Zinzendorf, whom 3.Be prepared to engage in discussions regarding youth recapture some of their vision to work in their Provinces and the Unity. I had never heard of before. Another book on Pietism - Douglas To register an interest, or to know more, please speak to revive the Church today. It will be an 4.Provide a report on the trip to the British Province through either your minister or Br David Howarth (email: Shantz's Introduction to German Pietism - gave more the Provincial Board and the PYCC upon return. enlightening journey. [email protected]). The closing date for information about Zinzendorf and mentioned the Moravian Please contact Sr Joy Raynor at [email protected] for next year’s day is 9th January 2018. The programme Church for the first time. I knew that Moravians were Rev. Bob Cotter further details and application forms which must be returned by and venue will reflect those attending. Ballymena 31st January 2018. represented in Northern Ireland, since I passed the Moravian 8 9 Western District Conference Notices Congregational Register Kingswood was the venue for the Western held at Sarum College in Salisbury was Congregation news seemed to feature District Autumn meeting on the 4th judged to be a success. Future study days issues relating to property, but each Baptisms November 2017. The opening prayers are being considered as well as perhaps church had something positive to add 26th March 2017 Brodie John Watson Belfast were led by Br Holdsworth. The PEC extending the District Rally to incorporate and 2018 sees the 275th anniversary of Cliftonville Report was presented by Sr Hoey and themed discussion. the church at Tytherton. Now that is something to celebrate! The business of 25th June 2017 Luke Vernon Mullan Belfast raised many interesting questions about It was decided that the Faith, Order and Conference was completed by 1:20 pm Cliftonville governance, mission and the role of Ecumenical Committee Papers on Human and the Cup of Covenant was led by Sr 8th October 2017 Sophia and Ethan Berry Fulneck youth representatives. A report from the Sexuality will be discussed on a day to Holdsworth. Working Group on Areas of Injustice in be arranged by the district. A Moravian © Tonya Fitzpatrick, World 26th November 2017 Reuben Vater Fulneck Footprints. All Rights Reserved the District and the District Weekend was facilitator from outside the district will Sr Judith Ashton Week of Prayer for presented by Sr Holdsworth. The weekend chair the discussion. Brockweir Adult Baptism © Renske Bouwens Christian Unity 2018 3rd December 2017 Laura Flynn Gracehill Congregation News In October we had an The week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from afternoon of entertainment the 18th-25th January. with music, drama and Received into Membership This year's theme is 'That All May Be Free' using Exodus refreshments. It was 15 a song of triumph over oppression. Oppression and 5th November 2017 Sr Hilary Smith Fulneck Brockweir organised by Brockweir slavery takes many forms with the historic memory of Amateur Dramatic Society 5th November 2017 Br John Holmes Fulneck 'There is music in the air.' and showcased talented slavery and continuing legacy of colonialization alongside September, as well as being the start of the church people within the village. We contemporary issues of violence, human trafficking and 5th November 2017 Sr Mary Holmes Fulneck addiction in all its forms. The material has been prepared financial year is always a busy month, as our Soup also held an auction in the 3rd December 2017 Ryan Flynn Gracehill Lunches resume and the Soap Box Derby has interval, selling local by Churches in the Caribbean and takes up the challenge become a firm fixture in the paintings and photographs to work for reconciliation which includes repentance, calendar. We sell refreshments donated by former member reparation and the healing of memories. There are 1.4 to raise money for our building Sr Mary Garton. It was million Christians living in the Caribbean region, across a fund but we also like to have tinged with sadness as she had died a few weeks vast geographical spread of island and mainland territories. From Church House a presence amidst the earlier and we remembered her with great affection. They represent a rich and diverse tapestry of ethnic, linguistic thronging crowds. For many The event was, however, successful in that it and religious traditions, with a complex variety of Provincial Diary for January people, it's their first encounter connected the church with villagers who don't with the Moravian Church and governmental and constitutional arrangements. normally attend services and demonstrates that 9th-10th January PEC, BMB and Estates Property we make it as painless as we are still relevant in an increasingly secular age. Resources and more information is available from the possible! The BBC were also Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website: Church House We have just entered Advent and the village has filming for CBBC using a drone www.ctbi.org.uk. which caused some once again decided to become part of a giant 24th January Membership and Assessment Review excitement, though not as advent calendar with one window being revealed Ockbrook much as the thrills and spills each night. As we gather in the dark muffled against of the time trials. The go-carts the cold, food and mulled wine are often provided A 27th January PYCC have become more and more by the householders as we await each night's grand Pilgrimage Fairfield imaginative, trailing smoke reveal. It's great fun and draws us together in and in the case of the 'dog' fellowship, 'saints and sinners', believers and non- to the Holy squirting the crowd with water believers pondering the meaning of Christmas. as it hurtled past. Land Dates to © Br Philip Ashton Sr Judith Ashton 1 New Year's Day Claire and Stephen remember! Maxwell are planning a pilgrimage to the Holy 6 Epiphany Cliftonville Land in conjunction with McCabe Travel and they would welcome people to join Br Scott Peddie has been unwell since March. The congregation has agreed to move 7 Christmas Day - Orthodox We hope he will be restored to health again to an afternoon service on Communion them. Details and tours are organised by McCabe and the brief itinerary includes time in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, soon. Sunday as an experiment in the New 14 New Year - Orthodox Nazareth, Caesura, and a trip to Star Mountain. More Our grateful thanks to Br Derick Woods for Year and Br Thompson has agreed to taking our services and arranging the rota for be responsible for it. Sr Sarah Groves has information is available for those interested. 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity offered to attend Committee meetings (ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2018/) lay preachers in the district, and to Br Len Cost per person is set to be £1,645 which includes staying Broadbent and Br Desmond Quaite who have and we are grateful to both ministers for this encouraging input. in a twin-bedded room in Jerusalem and Tiberias, with full presided at Communion and other services; 25 Burns Night also to Mark Kernohan, Eunice Hoey, Carol Brodie John, the son of Jenny and board. Also included are: return flights (from Manchester Ackah, Rev. Ken Doherty, a retired Presbyterian Graham Watson (great grandson of Airport to Tel Aviv), travel by an air-conditioned coach, a (http://hmd.org.uk/) minister and hospital chaplain, and Mrs Linda Kane who have all Winnie and Billy Boreland) was baptised on 26th March, and guide, and entrance fees. Not included is travel insurance 27 Holocaust Memorial Day helped to maintain our services. Luke Vernon, the son of Rod and Pamela Mullan on 25th June, although this can be booked alongside the deposit. (www.housingjustice.org.uk/ by Br Len Broadbent. We have a number of members who are no longer able to attend The deadline for deposits to confirm your place on this trip 28 Homelessness Sunday Event/homeless-sunday-2018) church; others are sick at home or in hospital and two are due 110 Christmas gift shoe boxes, a carton of cardigans and jumpers is 25th January 2018. However, there needs to be 15 people for surgery this month. Their pastoral care was a great cause for and two bags of blankets have been dispatched by the young (www.leprosymission.org.uk) concern, but since Br Livingstone Thompson kindly offered to fit people and teachers to bring Christmas cheer to children in other in total for the trip to go ahead. For more information please 28 World Leprosy Day this in with his own two congregations at the recent Irish District places. contact Claire by e-mail at: [email protected]. Conference at Cliftonville, his visits are much appreciated. Sr Edna Cooper 10 11 From the Sanctuary mmoravianoravian Crossing the threshold of a New Year often brings with it experience, endure, and then transcend, the scrapes and bruises expectations of opportunity for change. There is a desire to create that life presents - much as a rock climber has to feel and overcome JANUARY 2018 essengeressenger new resolutions; a wish for something to be different in various mm the tiredness in arm and leg, and the pain of the scratching and aspects of our lives. We annually cross this threshold in hope. Yet, knocking of limbs against hard, sharp rock. Yet, it is through the reality is that often little, if anything, changes. New resolutions experiencing, enduring, and then transcending the pain, that are soon breached as we resort to familiar patterns of being and stronger glimpses of the light and the truth of God can be doing, in spite of our best intentions. Default positions kick-in as experienced as healing and growth-enhancing. Spiritual growth we unconsciously act out well-practiced attitudes and behaviours. and change requires discipline and effort: daily prayer; small acts Our hopes wither and deflate, and we chastise ourselves with of grace; little shifts in thinking such as gradually learning to see 'whatever happened to our New Year resolutions?' glimpses of Christ in all things and all people; reading scripture and Perhaps, our mistake is in thinking that something fundamental applying its wisdom to personal circumstance; conversing with can change simply because it is a New Year! The hope of a New fellow pilgrims. These all add to the gentle ploughing of new furrows Year message rarely emphasises the effort and discipline that is in spiritual well-being. Expectations of large leaps and strides, or needed for fundamental change. It is given over to God and our the hasty ploughing of new furrows, are unrealistic. They lack the good-intention, with little investment of effort, to bring about the underpinning test of trust that acts as the foothold for the next change. Yet, change within 'self', including spiritual growth (never small move needed to enact change. mind dieting!), is more like a rock climb than a fell walk. Each 'hold' has to be gingerly sought out and tested, and invested with trust, So, this New Year, may we resolve to see the value and miracle of before the full weight of a fundamental shift within our 'self' can small, but nonetheless significant shifts, as we work at the discipline occur. It requires building strength and fostering discipline. It is a that is required for fundamental change in our spiritual lives, and 'working-at' process rather than an 'arrived-at' process. in other aspects of life. May we come to foster realistic expectation, If one studies scripture from many faith traditions, including our and embrace the gingerly-made steps as being more fundamental own, we find that spiritual growth often occurs through wounds than the large leap that carries fragile promise - but which is likely and set-backs, exile and wilderness. Resurrection seems not to be to be broken because it is fragile; for in doing that, we won't be able to happen without crucifixion. To move on in faith is often to disappointed when we cross the threshold of this New Year. Br Peter Gubi, Dukinfield