ONWARD Page 2 May 2005

UPCOMING PENN MAR MORAVIAN MISSION MEETING

The annual Penn Mar Moravian Mission Society is coming up! How else can you travel the globe in such a short time? Adults, younger Moravians, youth groups and advisors, lay members too. Mission experiences of the Rt. Rev. Blair Couch, Rev. Cynthia Geyer, Rev. Davis Geyer and Graceham Moravian’s Youth Mission Team are part of this big event.

Hop on board! Saturday, 16 April 2005 starting at 9:30am at Covenant Moravian Church, 901 Cape Horn RD in York, PA; with fellowship, refreshments and lunch all part of this GREAT EXCURSION PACKAGE! For information, contact Br. Jeff Gehris at 301.271.2379. Join Penn-Mar Mission Society with your support!

BR. DAN CREWS GIVES THE CMHS A NEW VISION OF MISSION

Speaking to over 50 members of the Cherokee Moravian Historical Society, the Moravian Archivist made the mission of the Moravians in the 19^th Century come alive. He had recently given much the same speech to the National Trail of Tears Society in Oklahoma, and in the words of Sr. Anna Smith, “he was mobbed by the Cherokees”. He used some new research and newly translated quotes about the missionaries and the Cherokees. They were so grateful that they want to have the speech published so they can share it with their families and friends. “Cooperation and respect” was the theme of his speech and there were few dry eyes even among the Moravians who have read a great deal about our mission. When the mission was turned over to the Lutherans at the beginning of the 20^th Century, most Moravians forgot about this vital part of our history. Even the fine book by Bishop Schwarze did not keep these memories alive. Now because of the recovery of the Springplace God’s Acre in NW Georgia, the state archeologist is swamped with jobs to recover the days and places most Georgians have tried to cover up. Now the people of Oklahoma are beginning to restore the memories of Moravian work at New Springplace. We are living in a new age and Moravians and Cherokees want to restore the respect and cooperation that was so vital a century ago.

RALEIGH REACHES OUT AND LANDS ON THE FRONT PAGE

The Raleigh Moravian Church made the front page of the News and Observer paper with pictures, a great write up and if you look it up on the World wide web you can even listen to the band play chorales. (http://newsobserver.com/news/story/2256381p-8636085c.html) (All without a space.)

Members Keith Kapp and Hubert Fort, both originally from Winston-Salem, have helpful comments about the meaning of the service. It is a long but well written article with good quotes from many people and a helpful description of just how they carry out the service in God’s Acre. Many will join them next year or even before because of this article.

In the words of a new Moravian who took up the alto horn to play in the band; the high point is the closing hymn, Sing Hallelujah, Praise the Lord. There’s a palpable sense of community not only with the people around me, but with generations of Moravians who have played in this style before us. It’s great to feel that connection!

We were also happy at the fine publicity given to the Sunrise Service in Salem, at which over 7000 were in attendance. We take for granted such traditions, but to see many three and four generations of band players witnessing to their love for the Lord in a lifetime of commitment is a powerful sign that is not easily explained. Many times we are taken for granted by the media, but as this was the 70^th consecutive radio broadcast by WSJS, it was given good coverage that brought many more people to the celebration. This confession of faith and the beauty of the well-prepared service touches the hearts of many to receive the risen Christ as a part of their own personal faith.

DENTISTS ARE SOUGHT FOR POSSIBLE SERVICE IN MISSION

We have been requested to ask our congregations to publicize the need for dentists to serve short term in Ahwas, Honduras and perhaps in other locations. We would like to place their names on a volunteer list to send up to date information regarding mission opportunities in the future. Please have them send their names and addresses to sbeaman@mcsp.org

Thank you, Sheila T. Beaman