Legislation Passed by Our Eastern District Synod of 2004
A Brief Overview of Resolutions and Reports

Camping and Outdoor Ministry
(1) The intersynodal report of the Hope Conference and Renewal Center for the calendar years 2000 – 2003 shall be accepted and approved with the Synod’s expression of thanks to the Administrator and Board of Management of the Hope Conference and Renewal Center
(2) The Synod directs the Hope Management Board to provide the EDEB Eastern District Executive Board (EDEB) with an annual review, prepared by an independent, certified public accountant, of the finances of the Hope Conference and Renewal Center, including capital funds.
(3) A Camps, Conferences, Youth and Christian Education Quota for the Ohio Moravian Churches shall be continued at $4.00 per communicant member for the intersynodal period
(4) The Camps, Conferences, Youth and Christian Education Quota received from the Ohio congregations shall be returned to the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission for the financial support of Camps, Conferences, Youth and Christian Education programs in Ohio. The EDEB will be charged with returning the quota money to the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission
(5) The Synod encourages the Hope Conference and Renewal Center Board of Management with the concurrence of EDEB to complete the replacement of the four (4) remaining original cabins in the most prudent and cost effective way possible, and
(6) The Synod urges the Hope Conference and Renewal Center Board of Management and the EDEB to permit the utilization of funds acting as an endowment pursuant to the agreement dated December 15, 1998, for the purpose of capital improvements at Hope Conference and Renewal Center to the extent permitted by law and the terms of said agreement and in the most prudent way possible to insure that the fund not be depleted, and
(7) The Synod shall permit the Hope Conference and Renewal Center Board of Management to raise the additional funds to complete the construction of the remaining two (2) cabins replacing the original 1946 cabins, two (2) summer long staff cabins, and appropriate office space at Hope Conference and Renewal Center as feasible with the approval of the EDEB and as funds become available. Surplus from this fund drive shall be used for future capital projects at Hope Conference and Renewal Center.

Christian Education/Spiritual Formation
(1) The Synod shall approve the continuation of the position of Director of Christian Education accountable to the EDEB through the Eastern District Christian Education Commission
(2) The Synod shall establish a new quota for communicant members over the age of 18 to partially fund the position of Eastern District Director of Christian Education through the next intersynodal period as follows:

(3) The intersynodal operations and ministry report of the Eastern District Christian Education Commission shall be accepted and approved
(4) The Synod expresses thanks to the Eastern District Christian Education Commission and its chair, the Rev. David Danneberger, for their work in preparing the operations and ministries report and for the ministries in which they are engaged.

Church and Society
(1) The Synod shall provide for the establishment of a Commission on Church and Society as a standing Commission to meet approximately 4 times annually and consist of 5-7 persons, lay and clergy, as named by the EDEB
(2) The Synod shall charge the Commission on Church and Society to collect and disseminate information, make available leadership training, facilitate faith in action, and provide a framework for local congregational involvement in current and emerging social ministry
(3) The Synod shall require the standing Commission on Church and Society to provide an annual report outlining the work of the Commission to the EDEB
(4) The Synod shall provide the standing Commission on Church and Society with an annual budget amount of $3,000.00 for the intersynodal period 2004-2008
(5) The Synod recommends to the 2006 Northern Provincial Synod of the Moravian Church the establishment of a Northern Provincial Commission on Church and Society.
(6) The Synod voices a strong opposition to the expansion of the gambling industry
(7) The Synod shall encourage congregations and individuals to write letters to appropriate legislators to oppose any expansion of the gambling industry, and the District Board shall direct correspondence conveying our position to the appropriate state legislators
(8) The Synod shall include prayer on this matter in its worship times, and urges the delegates, congregations, and individuals to make this a regular matter for prayer.
(9) The Synod commends the members of the Moravian Open Door Board of Directors, Development Committee, Staff, and Supporters for their focus on transitional housing ministry and implementation of enhanced administrative procedures; and be it further
(10) The Synod applauds the leadership and management of Moravian Open Door Director, Jonathan Acheson
(11) The Synod commends its membership and the membership of the Northern Province for their generous support of the ministry of Moravian Open Door, Inc.; and be it further
(12) The Synod continues its financial support of the Moravian Open Door, Inc. through grants, fundraising programs, and activities
(13) The Synod encourages the Moravian Open Door, Inc. Board of Directors to continue the pursuit of individuals with grant writing skills to generate additional funding.

Church Government
(1) The representatives on the boards and committees of the Eastern District from the geographic area of NE PA be designated Lehigh Valley North and Lehigh Valley South with representation as follows:
LEHIGH VALLEY NORTH: Newfoundland, Canadensis, Schoeneck, Nazareth, Palmer Township, Easton First, Advent, East Hills, and Edgeboro
LEHIGH VALLEY SOUTH: Coopersburg, Grace Center Valley, Mountainview, Emmaus, Calvary, Midway Manor, Central, College Hill and West Side
(2) The Synod directs the EDEB to develop and disseminate a parsonage assessment form annually to all congregations. This form may include noted concerns of both parsonage occupant and parsonage committee, as well as repairs and future improvements,
(3) The parsonage committee of each congregation should complete and return a parsonage assessment form to the Eastern District office by December 31st of each year.
(4) The EDEB shall retain legal counsel to prepare an appropriate policy and document(s) to assist local congregations in securing the appropriate background checks for persons entrusted with leadership positions who come in contact with the more vulnerable persons of congregations, such as children, youth, aged, disabled, etc. and to further assist our congregations in broadening their awareness and developing their own policies and procedures,
(5) The Synod recommends to the congregations of the District, the Continuing Education program at Moravian Theological Seminary to be held April 2005 entitled “Keeping Our Kids Safe in Church” and encourages the participation of our congregations.
(6) The Synod accepts with thanks the report and gratefully acknowledges the work of the EDEB by the singing of the “Birthday” hymn.

Communication and Technology
(1) The EDEB shall provide training in the area of church newsletter development through district-wide workshop(s) using up-to-date technological tools such as video-conferencing,
(2) The EDEB shall provide training in the area of basic website design and maintenance through district-wide workshop(s) using up-to-date technological tools such as video-conferencing.

District Institutions/Ecumenical Agencies
(1) The annual operations and ministry reports of Moravian Hall Square of Nazareth Pa, Inc. for the fiscal years, June 1999-June 2003, Moravian Manor, Inc. for the calendar years 2000-2003, Sperling-Zimmerman Memorial Home for calendar years 2000-2003, Moravian Open Door Inc. for the fiscal years June 2001 to June 2004 (estimated), the Ohio Moravian Ministries Commission for the calendar years 2000 to 2003, Moravian Hall Square Historic District for the calendar years 2000 to 2003, and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches for the calendar year 2003 shall be accepted and approved;
(2) The Synod expresses thanks to those agencies for their work in preparing the operations and ministries reports, and for the ministries in which they are engaged.
(3) The F.O.S.T.E.R. Fund Committee report for the 2004 Eastern District Synod shall be accepted and approved;
(4) The Synod commends the F.O.S.T.E.R. Fund Committee for its continuing efforts toward growth, stewardship and outreach to meet the stated purpose of the F.O.S.T.E.R. fund, and encourages the committee to implement the recommendations of the report.

Evangelism and Outreach
(1) The Report of the Eastern District Evangelism Commission to the 40th Synod of the Eastern District of the Moravian Church, Northern Province is accepted with gratitude for their service offered during the 2000-2004 intersynodal period.
(2) The Synod asks every congregation to commit to participate and contribute to the success of the 2020 Vision. Possible means of participation include:

(3) The Synod directs the EDEB to remind congregations frequently to join in this great venture, and to challenge capable congregations to become reproducing churches,
(4) The Synod asks all congregations to consider areas where they might begin a daughter church and to communicate this information to the EDEB;
(5) The Synod asks congregations, pastors, the EDEB, the candidate review committee, and all who work with pastors and ministerial candidates to present the challenge and opportunity of church planting whenever it might be appropriate, and to help pastors, potential pastors and lay people to hear the call of God to plant churches;
(6) The Synod encourages church members, synod delegates, congregations, Joint Boards, and the EDEB to become prayer partners with the New Church Strategy Committee in the matter of starting new churches; and each synod delegate is challenged to recruit additional prayer partners using materials provided by the New Church Strategy Committee.
(7) The Synod authorizes a per member assessment for New Church Development/Redevelopment of $3.00 per communicant member (over age 18),
(8) The Synod directs the EDEB to search for means other than per member assessments to fund new church development, including, but not limited to partnerships of existing congregations,
(9) The Synod directs the EDEB to request funds from the Northern Province Provincial Elders Conference, New Church Development/Redevelopment Fund, and the Northern Provincial Synod of 2006 to support feasibility and start up costs for new churches up to a level of $30,000 (over and above $150,000) per new church start.

Vision Of The Evangelism & Outreach Committee
The Evangelism and Outreach Committee strongly endorses the 2020 vision of the Moravian Church-Northern Province; however, we believe that the success of this initiative rests on the collective efforts of our members in each of our already established congregations in order to keep alive the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations. Evangelism begins with a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and a willingness and desire to communicate with passion and invite others into that relationship. Although each congregation will use varying methods and relevant strategies, possible avenues through which this may occur are:

Finance
(1) The financial report of the Treasurer of the Executive Board of the Eastern District, Northern Province, for the intersynodal periods comprised of the calendar years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 shall be accepted and approved.
(2) The funds collected for the Communications Commission for the years 2000-2004 be made available for use through other district agencies, commissions, and/or entities.
(3) The Synod, on behalf of each and every member of the Eastern District Moravian Churches, thanks with great appreciation Theresa Kunda and Tina Giesler

(5) The Synod, on behalf of each and every member of the Moravian Church, shows appropriate appreciation as a whole and as individuals to Theresa Kunda and Tina Giesler.
(6) The Synod accepts and affirms the 2005 budget as presented.

Lay Ministry
(1) The Synod affirms the need for the expression of appreciation to the Laity who serve our churches and denomination;
(2) The Synod encourages congregations to observe special occasions such as Lay Ministry Appreciation Sunday, a fellowship hour, an appreciation covered dish dinner, a commissioning service, or any other creative activity to show appreciation for the contributions of the Laity to the life of the church;
(3) The Synod encourages congregations to communicate their appreciation for the work of the lay members in various ways including, but not limited to: sending notes, offering regular prayer support, highlighting the work of the Laity in church newsletters, giving certificates of recognition, or maintaining an affirmation bulletin board;
(4) The Synod asks the Eastern District Christian Education Commission to compile a list of materials that churches can use as resources for ideas for the affirmation of the Laity.
(5) The Synod shall encourage congregations to pursue programs and tools that will help the laity identify spiritual gifts; and be it further
(6) The Synod shall encourage congregations to utilize small groups experiences, to initiate and support discovery of spiritual gifts by laity;
(7) The Synod shall encourage congregations to provide nurture and support through training, spiritual direction, and retreat opportunities such as, but not limited to Cursillo, Journey through Faith, or Walk to Emmaus.
(8) The Synod shall encourage the EDEB or those it so delegates to facilitate conferences or gatherings of Moravians and interested non-Moravians who work in the same occupational fields. The purpose of these gatherings would be to:

(9) The Synod shall encourage the EDEB or those it so delegates to assist occupational groups who undertake common mission projects to find sources of grant funding to evaluate, publicize, and celebrate the outcome of their work together.
(10) The Synod shall encourage the EDEB to ask an appropriate commission of the district to assist congregations or clusters of congregations in developing community outreach projects which will meet a need in the larger community; which have the potential to include Moravians from more than one congregation; and which have the potential to involve non-Moravians;
(11) The Synod shall encourage the EDEB to explore means outside the normal district funding sources to develop a grant pool to help fund community outreach projects in the local congregations.
(12) The Synod shall ask the EDEB to request an appropriate commission to reinstitute a program of regional training for newly elected or inexperienced elders and trustees in our congregations.
(13) The Synod shall encourage the EDEB to establish a Commission on Spiritual Life to promote, educate, and initiate programs to enhance the spiritual journeys of all members of the Eastern District. The Commission will be funded with funds collected during the 2000-2004 intersynodal period and a $.10 per member (over age 18) assessment.

Ministry By and With the Aging
(1) The Synod shall direct its elected members of the Board of Trustees of Moravian Manor to do all in their power to persuade the Board of Moravian Manor to staff the Department of Pastoral Care with a full-time equivalent Chaplaincy position.
(2) The Synod shall recognize the senior members of their congregations, as a valuable and viable part of the church’s service to their congregations, communities, and our Lord, by inviting senior members to participate fully in the life of the church to the best of their ability;
(3) The Synod shall encourage all Moravian Churches in the Eastern District to provide opportunities for the older generations to tell their stories and be heard, thus enriching all of our lives,
(4) The Synod shall reaffirm the fourth Sunday in September each year as a time to recognize older generations; and be it further
(5) The Synod shall encourage each congregation in the Eastern District to invite older generations to assist in planning and to participate in the 4th Sunday in September older generation celebration service.
(6) The 2008 Eastern District Synod shall have a committee to focus on ministry to and with the aging,
(7) The churches of the Eastern District shall pray regularly for the denomination’s current and future ministries to and with the aging;
(8) The Synod encourages each congregation to become part of at least one ministry to the aging in its community;
(9) The Synod shall be encouraged to share with one another their excitement for and experience of new and/or expanded ministries to and with aging;
(10) The Synod encourages all congregations to develop and implement additional intergenerational programs, thus uniting all members into a harmonious body by sharing their faith, talents, wisdom, knowledge and skills;
(11) The Synod calls upon all congregations to provide a safe environment for all persons;
(12) The Synod encourages all congregations to make available to its members information and training opportunities concerning the prevention of physical, mental, and financial abuse of aged persons, and to encourage awareness of these issues and work toward their prevention;
(13) The Synod directs the Eastern District Christian Education Commission, working with the Interprovincial Board of Communication, to develop appropriate intergenerational materials for distribution to our congregations.

Missions
(1) The Synod strongly recommends that each congregation designate a member as a “mission contact” to communicate mission endeavors and assist the pastor in keeping mission at the forefront of the congregation;
(2) The Synod asks the Board of World Mission to send each congregational “mission contact,” the pastor, and mission societies communications regarding mission endeavors;
(3) The Synod asks the Eastern District office to maintain a mailing list, including electronic mail, for the congregational “mission contacts” and transmit communications regarding mission endeavors when requested by the Board of World Mission.
(4) The Synod requests that the Board of World Mission provide information to the congregations regarding HIV/AIDS and the impact and projected longevity of this pandemic;
(5) The Synod requests that the Board of World Mission work in partnership with the Western Tanzania Province to develop programs to address the needs of these orphans for the coming generations.

A Vision for Renewing Our Commitment to Missions
The Missions Committee recognizes the need for the Moravian Churches of the Eastern District to reclaim its passion and vision for missions. Imagine what God could do if:
1) every congregation sponsored a short term mission project
2) every active clergyperson had regular opportunities to participate in mission endeavors
3) every seminary student had an opportunity for a short term mission endeavor
4) our congregations provided mission opportunities for high school and college students
5) every congregation prayed intentionally during worship for Moravian missions
6) every congregation provided a regularly scheduled “Mission Moment” during worship
7) every congregational newsletter had a mission update or prayer list
The Mission Committee invites a higher level of awareness as we prayerfully consider our current mission involvement and seek the Lord’s leading to step out in faith and expand His kingdom through missions.

Moravian Identity and Worship
(1) The Synod shall establish a Music and Worship Task Force under the auspices of the Eastern District Christian Education Commission to provide educational opportunities and resources relating to worship education for clergy, music staff, lay leaders and congregations;
(2) The Music and Worship Task Force shall develop and distribute materials to educate our congregations regarding our rich Moravian history of change, in order to foster and nurture creativity and innovation in worship, which may include but not be limited to:

(3) The Music and Worship Task Force shall develop and offer regional educational workshops, which may include but not be limited to such topics as:
(4) The Music and Worship Task Force shall create, develop and distribute worship resources, which may include but not be limited to:

Pastoral Ministry
(1) The Synod shall direct the EDEB to be responsible for communicating Resolution #19 of the Committee on Church Vocations and Personnel Benefits, as adopted by the Northern Province Synod of 1994, to each congregation annually,
(2) The Synod directs the EDEB to disseminate annually to Eastern District congregations a response form asking the Joint Board of each Eastern District congregation to report the congregation’s progress in fostering the personal, spiritual, and professional well-being of ordained clergy serving that congregation.
(3) The Synod shall direct the EDEB to call to the attention of the Northern Province Synod of 2006 that the current sabbatical leave policy requires re-examination and revision so that a meaningful sabbatical leave policy can be fully funded and implemented.
(4) The Synod asks each of its constituent congregations prayerfully to consider increasing the amount available for the continuing education of its pastor(s) from the current minimum of US$500.00,
(5) The Synod shall direct the EDEB President, or those whom s/he delegates, to inform pastors and congregations annually of existing extra-congregational funding for the continuing education of clergy and of the mechanisms for receiving these funds,
(6) The Synod shall direct the EDEB President, or those whom s/he delegates, to explore ways of supplementing congregational funding of continuing education for pastors through development efforts, such as strategic partnerships with the Moravian Ministries Foundation or the Larger Life Foundation, the preparation of grant proposals, endowment creation, or any other means deemed feasible by the EDEB President or his/her delegates,
(7) Money raised by the EDEB for the purpose of funding continuing education for pastors shall be used to supplement the US$500.00 currently provided by each congregation to each of its ordained clergy. This money shall be disbursed in a method deemed appropriate by the EDEB.
(8) The Synod recommends that each congregation of the Eastern District establish a Pastoral Support Committee to provide encouragement and support for its pastor(s).

Stewardship
(1) The Synod will encourage member requirements to be developed by each congregation to include:

(2) Congregations applying to the EDEB for reduced non- mandatory district quotas would, as a condition of approval, be required to seek assistance from
(3) Congregations who have not formally applied for reduced district quotas and do not meet their mandatory quotas will be advised by the EDEB to seek assistance from
for the purposes of developing and implementing a plan for increased stewardship.
(4) The Synod encourages all churches in the Eastern District to take advantage of the resources and programs offered by the Office of Stewardship to promote more effective stewardship efforts;
(5) The Synod commends the efforts of the Office of Stewardship and prays that God will guide its works,
(6) The Synod recognizes and commends Rev. Gary Marsh for his dedication and efforts to promote more effective stewardship throughout the Eastern District and the entire Northern Province.
(7) The Synod encourages churches in the Eastern District to:
(8) The Synod commends the efforts of the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America and prays that God will guide its works;
(9) The Synod recognizes and commends the staff of the Moravian Ministries Foundation for their dedication and efforts throughout the Eastern District and the entire Northern Province.

Urban Ministry
(1) The Synod shall provide for the continuance of a standing Commission, the Urban Ministries Commission established by the 2000 Synod of the Moravian Church – Eastern District to address the critical problems that our inner city/urban congregations are facing;
(2) The Synod shall charge the continuing Urban Ministries Commission with (1) informing, educating, advising, equipping, and reporting to congregations on issues related to inner city/urban ministries and possible responses to those issues; and (2) providing a forum for those serving in urban/inner city settings and those interested in urban ministry to engage in dialogue, and share experiences and visions;
(3) The Synod provide the standing Urban Ministries Commission with a budget amount of $10,000 for the intersynodal period 2004-2008;
(4) The standing Urban Ministries Commission shall meet no less than three times annually; consist of approximately 6-7 persons appointed by the EDEB; and provide an annual report to the EDEB outlining the ways in which it has educated, advised, and equipped congregations on issues related to inner city/urban ministries and possible responses to those issues.
(5) The Synod shall support and encourage the formation and implementation of a formal cultural diversity training program at Moravian Theological Seminary,
(6) The Synod shall direct the EDEB to recommend to the Moravian Theological Seminary to make available cultural diversity training for all ministerial candidates of the Eastern District,
(7) The Synod shall direct the EDEB to recommend to the Moravian Theological Seminary that it encourage ministerial candidates to complete a portion of their supervised ministry requirements in a culturally diverse setting;
(8) The Synod shall direct the EDEB to recommend to the Moravian Theological Seminary that it maintain a membership in the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education, and make information concerning its congresses and educational programs available to faculty and students.
(9) The Synod acknowledges receipt of the report of the Moravian Open Door, Inc. and expresses its appreciation to the Board of Directors and staff for their work in preparing the report,
(10) The Synod encourages congregations to continue to support the Moravian Open Door through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, including regular visitation by members and youth groups of congregations in the District for fellowship and service.
(11) The Synod shall request that the New Church Start Strategy Committee explore the possibility of starting new congregations among Spanish-speaking people;
(12) The Synod shall encourage congregations to identify individuals who are bilingual and discern with them opportunities for church service.
(13) The EDEB, in conjunction with the Urban Ministries Commission, shall advise pastors of opportunities for continuing education and equipping in the field of urban ministry and shall, where possible, enable pastors to take advantage of such opportunities;
(14) The EDEB shall provide for an orientation to urban ministry for pastors considering acceptance of a call to an urban/inner city congregation.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry
(1) The Eastern District Christian Education Commission shall explore the possibility of designing a standard Confirmation program/curriculum for the Moravian Church Eastern District;
(2) The Eastern District Christian Education Commission shall report the results of the standardized Confirmation study to the EDEB during this intersynodal period for further action.
(3) The Eastern District Christian Education Commission will establish a Regional Youth Ministry Team to help support and assist the director of Youth Ministry,
(4) Youth from each region, except Ohio, will be represented on the Regional Youth Ministry Team with the specific number to be determined by the Director of Youth Ministry,
(5) The Young Adult Ministry Task Force being formed should include representatives from all regions, except Ohio, of the Eastern District.
(6) The report from the Eastern District Youth Ministry Director is received and accepted with gratitude,
(7) the Eastern District Youth Ministry Director, Chris Giesler, is commended for the work he has done within the Eastern District of the Moravian Church-Northern Province.

Visions of the Youth and Young Adult Committee
As part of the discussion of the Youth and Young Adult Committee, the following items are being presented to the 2004 Eastern District Synod of the Moravian Church, Northern Province as vision statements:

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