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The Final Word October, 2005

John H. Giesler

October begins with Worldwide Communion Sunday and closes with Reformation Sunday. A favorite book I got many years ago was named, The Pulpit and the Table, the sacrament of the Word and the Body of Christ. We hope you will be inspired by both! We owe thanks to Br. Will Sibert, Jr. and Br. Bob Sawyer for giving us both background and springboards to respond to the events on the Gulf Coast and especially the city of New Orleans. There was so much destruction on a scale we have never before seen in America. The test will be to see how we respond to the needs, which will go on for years. We are grateful to Br. Sam Gray for our Prayer Focus that lifts our hearts and spirits. October is Founders Day at the Seminary and we pray for the “heart of the Church” as it has been for nearly two centuries. We also begin praying for all the parts of our Unity. We will finish that in November. Thanks go to Br. Jack for his description of a very moving program, given by Moravians in America from the traditional mission fields. What an event! Br. Mark Ebert wants you to share in the clean up of Katrina. Take him up on it!

Barbara and I had very exciting trip, one of the best we have ever taken. We went to visit Labrador. We were overwhelmed by the stark beauty of this part of God’s creation. We were impressed with the quality and convictions of the lay people who are now in leadership. We were devastated by the emotional shock at the catastrophe of so many young people committing suicide. We are recommitted to give support and help to these people in need. We were deeply moved by the beauty of a bilingual Holy Communion for August 13^th. We were amazed at what has been done in such a harsh climate in the past and aware of the challenges of the future. The church needs our prayers and guidance as they are facing a hard decision about the future of Labrador and a fair share of the great riches there.  JHG

THE FINAL WORD  - John H. Giesler

ONWARD is published 10 times a year, with two double issues, by the Moravian Mission Society, South, Inc. You can subscribe for     $10 per year. Changes of address and/or checks should be made out to the Mission Society, and mailed to PO Drawer Y Salem Station, Winston-Salem  NC  27108 – Attention Sheila Beaman.  Editor is Rev. John H. Giesler, 1116 Tommy’s Lake RD, Winston-Salem  NC 27105. E-mail John Giesler
 ONWARD is on the world wide web at  www.bethabara.org/ONWARD.htm