NORTHERN PROVINCE
Mountainview Moravian Church
Due to declining membership and in accordance with Paragraph 1019 of The Book of Order, Mountainview Moravian Church, Hellertown, PA had its final service of worship and thanksgiving on November 24, 2024.
Pastoral Changes
Rev. Greg Behrend, pastor and administrative director at You Belong in Green Bay, Wis., has accepted a 12-month appointment to serve as half time pastor of the Freedom Moravian Church in Appleton Wis.. Greg will also move to half time at You Belong.
This decision comes with the blessing and support of the leadership teams at both Freedom and You Belong, as well as the District Board, PEC, and Emerging Ministries Committee. Rev. Behrend and his family will remain in their home in Green Bay; he was installed in his new part-time position at Freedom on September 22nd. Please hold the Behrend family and the saints at Freedom and You Belong in your prayers as they begin these new ministry relationships together.
Rev. Kevin Marshall was installed on September 29 as the pastor of Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pa. and the First Moravian Church of York, Pa , serving half-time at each church. Brother Marshall and his wife Donnaree Alicia Bailey-Marshall and their children, Rokeya Abigail Michaela and Idara Tendai Makena have moved from Jamaica to serve the Pennsylvania churches. Brother Marshall was ordained at Carisbrook Moravian Church in Jamaica on June 19, 2005 and consecrated a Presbyter on March 13, 2016 at Fairfield in Jamaica. He has served in Jamaica at the Carisbrook, Bethabara, Goshen and Portmore churches. Please welcome the Marshalls and hold their family and the congregations of Covenant and First Moravian in your prayers as they begin their ministry together.
Br. Walter Bishop who has been serving under appointment at New Dorp Moravian Church, Staten Island, NY began serving at New Dorp under call on November 10, 2024.
The Rt. Rev. Amy Gohdes-Luhman has accepted a call to serve as the full-time Director of Mission Engagement for the Board of World Mission. She began her call on November 11, 2024. Prior to the call, Sr. Gohdes-Luhman had served as pastor to Waconia Moravian Church since August 23, 2011. Sr. Gohdes-Luhman was elected as a Bishop at the June 22-25, 2023, synod of the Northern Province and consecrated on November 5, 2023. Please be in prayer for Sr. Gohdes-Luhman, her family, the Board of World Mission and the Waconia Moravian Church at this time of new beginnings.
Rev. Heather Robinson Owens was installed on December 1, 2024, as the pastor of Egg Harbor Moravian Church, Egg Harbor, NJ. Sister Owens and her husband Jason and their twins Jasmine and Joshua, have moved from Jamaica to serve Egg Harbor. Sister Owens was ordained at Goshen Moravian Church on September 16, 2012. She has served at the Harbour View Moravian Church, Goshen Moravian Church, Ballards Valley Moravian Church, Bethlehem Moravian Church and Bethlehem Moravian College as Chaplain. Please welcome the Owens and please hold their family in prayer as well as the Egg Harbor congregation as they begin their ministry together.
The Rev. Dan Miller has accepted a call to specialized ministry at the Interprovincial Board of World Mission (BWM) as their Director of Mission Service. Dan will be responsible for facilitating mission service opportunities to empower individuals to take part in mission both locally and globally. He will coordinate youth and young adult Convos, resource Moravian youth ministries with mission-related programming, and develop intentional leadership training for Moravian clergy, lay leaders, adult members, and youth. Dan will conclude his ministry with Edgeboro Moravian Church on February 2 and begin his work with the Board of World Mission on February 18th, serving from the BWM office in Bethlehem (and wherever our global ministry takes him!). His BWM email address will be [email protected]. We invite your prayers for Dan and his family, the Board of World Mission, and the Edgeboro congregation during this time of transition.
Retirements
Rev. Dawn Volpe has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective July 27, 2025. Sister Volpe was ordained on July 21, 1985, and has served in the Moravian Church at the congregations of Tremont Terrace, Bronx, N.Y.; Trinity, New Carrollton, Md. and Ephraim in Ephraim, Wis. The Church is grateful to Sister Volpe for her 40 years of service to the Moravian Church. Please hold Sister Volpe, her family and the Ephraim congregation in your prayers as they journey through this transition.
Rev. Wanda Weidman has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective November 14, 2024. Sister Weidman was ordained on December 11, 1983, and consecrated a Presbyter on February 28, 1988. Sister Weidman was licensed to serve at Big Oak, Yardley, Pa.; assisted at Evangel, Toms River N.J.; accepted a call to specialized service as a Navy Chaplain at the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, R.I. and the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois. She served in Okinawa, Japan; Philadelphia, Pa.; Charleston Naval Base, S.C. and Virginia Beach, Va.. Wanda served as an interim pastor at Good Shepherd, N.Y. and she served as pastor at Covenant Moravian Church, York, Pa. The Church is grateful to Sister Weidman for her many years of service as Navy Chaplain and pastor. Please hold Sister Weidman in your prayers through this transition.
Rev. Rhonda Robinson has been granted permission to retire from the active ministry of the Moravian Church, effective December 31, 2024 . Sister Robinson was ordained on February 10, 2013, and was consecrated a Presbyter on May 23, 2021. Sister Rhonda has served as a church planter since February 2013 as a part-time pastor with the Esperanza emerging ministry in Bethlehem, Pa.. The Church is grateful to Sister Robinson for her service to the Moravian Church. Please hold Sister Robinson, her family & the Esperanza ministry in your prayers.
Clergy Updates
Br. Lance Fox, who had been serving at Castleton Hill Moravian Church, Staten Island, New York since October 2017, was granted a leave of absence by the Provincial Elders’ Conference, which was effective September 24, 2024.
Sr. Trina Holmberg, who had been serving the Anglican Church of Canada since January 1, 2021, was granted a leave of absence by the Provincial Elders’ Conference, effective October 1, 2024.
Sr. Jodie Harney who had been serving at Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown, PA since August 31, 2009, was granted a leave of absence effective December 1, 2024.
Br. Andy Kilps who had been serving at Hope Moravian Church in Hope, Indiana since August 4, 2014, was granted a leave of absence effective October 28, 2024.
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
King Moravian Church
The Rev. Zach Dease has accepted the call to be the Pastor of King Moravian Church, King, NC. Brother Dease will conclude his ministry as Pastor at Macedonia Moravian Church, Advance, N.C. on December 29, 2024. A service of installation will be held at King Moravian on Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:00 am. Brother Dease was ordained a deacon on March 17, 2013 and later consecrated a presbyter on July 29, 2018. Please keep the King and Macedonia congregations in prayer during this time of transition.
Bethania Moravian Church
We celebrate with the Bethania congregation that The Rev. Linda Seippel has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Bethania Moravian Church. Sister Seippel has also been approved by the PEC for reception into the Moravian Church as a Deacon transferring her ordination credentials as a Baptist minister into the Moravian Church. A service of reception and installation is being planned. Stay tuned for further details.
New Philadelphia Moravian Church
We celebrate with the New Philadelphia congregation that The Rev. Paul Stutzman (Interim Pastor at Hopewell Moravian Church) has accepted the call to be the Associate Pastor of New Philadelphia Moravian Church. Brother Stutzman will begin ministry at New Philadelphia Moravian Church on March 1, 2025.
Retirements
The Rev. Douglas Rights requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry effective December 31, 2024. Brother Rights was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on June 19, 1983 and consecrated a presbyter February 16, 1992. Brother Rights served as associate pastor at Kernersville Moravian, Kernersville N.C. He also has served as pastor at Hope Moravian, Hope, Indiana, Morning Star Moravian, Olivet Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. and King Moravian, King, N.C. He also served as the Director of Youth, College and Young Adult Ministries. We express deep appreciation to Doug for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
The Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry on December 31, 2024. Brother Giesler was ordained in 1986 and then served as pastor of Bethesda Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. and Redeemer Moravian, Richmond, Va. From there he served for eight years as the Chaplain at Moravian College and Theological Seminary and later became the Director of Youth Ministry for the Eastern District. He served the Edgeboro and Emmaus congregations in Pennsylvania, and was elected a Bishop of the Moravian Unity by the Synod of the Northern Province in 2010. His final role was as director of mission engagement for the Board of World Mission. We express deep appreciation to Chris for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
The Rev. Dan Nelson requested and was granted permission to retire from active ministry effective February 25, 2025. Brother Nelson was ordained a deacon in the Moravian Church on October 18, 1987 and consecrated a presbyter November 28, 1993. Brother Nelson has served as pastor at Makkovik Moravian Church, Labrador, Canada, Fulp Moravian Church, Walnut Cove, N.C., Bruderheim Moravian Church, Bruderheim, Alberta, Canada, and Friedberg Moravian, Winston-Salem, N.C. where he has served since May of 2014. We express deep appreciation to Dan for his faithful and dedicated service to the Moravian Church and wish him many blessings in retirement.
Southern Province Youth Ministry
We are excited to announce that both part-time Youth Ministry Specialist positions have been filled! We welcome Monique Richards for the Florida/Georgia District region and Ethan Smith for the North Carolina Region
These positions are in response to Synod resolution #31. We hosted listening sessions, worked with existing youth planning teams, and leaders passionate about youth ministry in developing the job description for these positions. The Commission on Congregational Development is looking forward to learning more about the needs of congregations through youth ministry consultations and regional events. We are continuing to work on finding grant funding to further support youth in the province.
Obituaries
Constance Hazel Marie Schulze (Fenske)
Constance Hazel Marie Schulze (Fenske) entered the more immediate presence of her Savior on July 23, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born on September 10, 1932, in Wetaskwin, Alberta, she was the third daughter of Helmund and Martha (Rentz) Fenske. After her High School graduation from Camrose Lutheran College, she entered the School of Nursing of the Royal Elexander Hospital in Edmonton. She graduated with an R.N. degree with the highest standing in her class in April 1954.
Connie was joined in marriage with Eric Schulze on June 3, 1954, and together they raised four children and served in church ministry in two provinces in Canada, Antigua and St. Croix in the West Indies, and three states. She and Eric travelled during redirection years visiting retired pastors and missionaries for the Reformed Church for 11 years.
The Rev. John D. Hoenig
Brother John D. Hoenig passed away peacefully into the nearer presence of our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Veterans Home in Vineland, N.J.
Brother Hoenig was born on July 9, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the son of the late Adolph and Adeline (Brick) Hoenig. Brother Hoenig graduated from Moravian College in 1978 with a B.A. and from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1980 with an M. Div. He was ordained on January 6, 1980, and consecrated a Presbyter on June 10, 1984.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Jayne Price on March 23, 1968, at the Vanderbilt Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y. They had two children.
Brother Hoenig served the Palmyra Moravian Church, Cinnaminson, N.J., served in specialized ministry as director of Christian ministry with Church Stewardship Administration Counselors and served Philadelphia Third Moravian Church in Philadelphia, Pa.. John took a leave of absence from the Church to serve as a chaplain with the Red Cross at the 9/11 site to work with survivors.
A memorial service was held for Brother Hoenig at the Wiley Church in Marlton, N.J. on September 21st with a private burial at Ocean View Cemetery in Staten Island, N.Y.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland: NJVMH Welfare Fund, 524 NW Blvd, Vineland, NJ 08360 (IMO – John Hoenig)
The Rev. Franklin C. Jones
Brother Franklin C. Jones passed into the more immediate presence of our Chief Elder, Jesus Christ, during the morning of November 23, 2024.
Brother Jones was born on March 18, 1940, in Allentown, Pa. He was the son of the late Franklin C. Jones and Anna Susan (Seip) Jones. Brother Jones graduated from Moravian College in 1962 with a B.A. and from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1965 with an B.D. In 1973 he graduated from Gettysburg Theological Seminary with an S.T.M. He was ordained on May 9, 1965, and consecrated a Presbyter on June 14, 1970.
He was united in marriage to Carole Anne Altemose on August 18, 1962, at the Old Moravian Chapel. He was a loving father to his daughter, Louellen Sue and to his son David Allen.
Brother Jones served the Newfoundland Moravian Church, Newfoundland, Pa., Graceham Moravian Church, Md., Berea-Our Savior’s Moravian Church in Minn., and Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Minn. Brother Jones returned to Berea Moravian Church and served several years after his retirement.
Brother Jones earthly body has been lovingly donated to the Mayo Clinic. A celebration of life service will be held sometime in the spring.
Those wishing to make a contribution to honor the work and life of Br. Franklin, can do so to the Board of World Mission. To give online visit www.Moravianmission.org/give indicating the gift is in memory of Rev. Franklin C. Jones.
Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May
Sister Jeannette Elizabeth Cherry May, 73, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 unexpectedly at her home. Jeannette, known by all as “Jeannie,” was born on June 19, 1951.
Jeannie had recently completed the course work for becoming a Director of Christian Education and was awarded the certificate posthumously.
Jeannie was an essential partner alongside her husband, The Rev. Tripp May, with their dedication to the ministry of the church. Their creative nature blossomed together as they led dozens of puppetry and drama teams, youth groups, and Bible School events. They were both on the founding team of a creative ministries festival called Curtain Call founded in 1978 and continued with it for 30 years.
Jeannie is survived by her husband The Rev. Tripp May; her son, The Rev. Russ May (Rebecca Post-May); her daughter, Elizabeth Ann May (Martin Campbell).
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at Trinity Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C.
