NORTHERN PROVINCE SYNOD OF THE MORAVIAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA BEING HELD AT MORAVIAN COLLEGE, BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, will be the host location of Synod of the Northern Province, Moravian Church in North America. The approximately 300 delegates present will make decisions with regard to life and practice at the provincial synod, guiding the ministry and mission of the church. Provincial synods are held every 4 years. The most recent synod, or general business meeting, is to be held June 15 -19, 2006, and is a gathering of clergy and laypersons representing about 28,000 members in 102 congregations in 13 states in the U.S. and two Canadian provinces. The worldwide Moravian Church consists of 19 provinces with nearly 800,000 members, half of who live in Africa and 80% of whom are persons of color.

One of the highlights of the synod will be the opening worship and keynote address delivered on June 15, 2006 at 1:00 pm.

The keynote will be given by the Right Reverend Claude E. Payne, D.D. of the Episcopal church. He is Co-Author with Hamilton Beazley of the book Reclaiming the Great Commission, which is the theme for this quadrennial gathering of the Moravian Church Northern Province. Bishop Payne will share the story of how the Diocese of Texas used the principles of Jesus to fashion a well-known renewal of that diocese. Recognizing the spiritual hunger in contemporary culture, he reminds us that the model for renewal is found in spiritual and community relationships. Congregations are not isolated islands fending for themselves, but in reality a part of the larger Christian community whose support and resources can be leveraged by building relationships between believers, congregations and denominations. These relationships have been a hallmark of the Moravian Church all throughout its almost five hundred and fifty year history. As the church takes seriously the brotherhood and sisterhood of all believers, it becomes apparent that Christ is not only essential for individual faith, but that Christ is also the common message that we share with one another in the discipleship process.

The Provincial Synod of 2006 of the Moravian Church Northern Province will seek to spell out the common ground needed in congregations for the common growth of faith as we address issues of ecumenical relationships and the sin of racism. The church shall address these issues that have caused us to drift from the tenants of the great commission.

Elections for various denominational leadership positions will be another highlight of the synod, as well as an evangelism session led by Dr. Glenn Stoudt of Moravian Theological Seminary. Members of the synod will be encouraged to share their stories and learn how important faith sharing is to the development of the faith life. Members are also give the opportunity to develop relationships with fellow attendees at synod as well as spending time exploring the Bethlehem and Greater Lehigh Valley Community.