Emerging Ministries in the Northern Province
An “Emerging Ministry” is a Moravian-led endeavor recognized by the Provincial Elders’ Conference, but not directly affiliated with any one particular Moravian congregation. These Emerging Ministries stand as new endeavors ranging from a church plant to various need-focused ministries.
Esperanza for Bethlehem in Bethlehem, PA: Iglesia Esperanza for Bethlehem is a worshiping congregation with a very active weekday ministry focused on the Latino community, especially children. Their goal is to bring hope to people who are dealing with overwhelming deficits including economic, medical, transportation, employment, educational, and legal. Pastors Tracy and Rhonda Robinson lead Esperanza for Bethlehem. Click here to learn more.
You Belong in Green Bay, WI: You Belong is a developing faith community exploring new ways to walk in faith while being grounded in accessibility, inclusivity, love, and compassionate care. As a community, they seek to serve families, caregivers, and individuals of all abilities through their programs and worship opportunities. Pastor Greg Behrend and Amy Behrend lead You Belong. Click here to learn more.
Ministries & Agencies of the Northern Province
Larger Life Foundation: The Larger Life Foundation is a special and unique ministry. Founded in 1920 by a small group of dedicated Moravians, their goal was to establish an endowment fund of $750,000 with the income to be shared with Synod-designated Moravian agencies. They envisioned the positive impact that regular income from invested funds could have on the life and mission of the church — something that would give Larger Life to the church now and in the future. A firm foundation for the LLF Endowment was laid through gifts and bequests that spanned decades. The $750,000 goal was met and surpassed. Today, LLF assets have grown to over $10,000,000 and its mission is realized through financial assistance, loans, and grants to numerous ministries and churches in the Moravian Church, Northern Province. Click here to learn more.
Moravian Open Door: Moravian Open Door is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing transitional housing and supportive services to the homeless, distressed, and underserved population of New York City. Their ministry serves those individuals who are fifty and older with the goal of helping them regain their independence and security, and assisting them in moving to appropriate, permanent facilities. Click here to learn more.
Northern Province Archives: The Moravian Archives collects, preserves, and makes available the historical records of the Moravian Church in America, Northern Province, and its members. The Moravian Archives is the official repository for the records of the Moravian Church in America, Northern Province and also holds records from the Moravian Church in Alaska, Labrador, Nicaragua, and the Eastern West Indies. Click here to learn more.
Provincial Women’s Board: The Provincial Women’s Board empowers women to claim themselves as a vital part of ministry in the life of the church. Its purpose is to encourage and facilitate the organization and strengthening of women’s groups throughout the province, to cooperate on matters of mutual interest with organizations for women’s ministries in other provinces of the Moravian Church, to represent the women of the Northern Province in denominational and interdenominational activities, and to encourage all women to participate in programs of local congregations and the church at large. Click here to learn more.
Society for Promoting the Gospel: The Society for Promoting the Gospel (SPG) was chartered in 1745. Its purpose is to “provide support for the Mission Enterprises of the Moravian Church, Northern Province.” Membership is open to any communicant member of the Moravian Church. Today, the SPG oversees investments that continue to promote the gospel through support of the Board of World Mission and other mission causes of the Northern Province.
Tricklebee Café: Tricklebee Café is a pay-what-you-can community café in Milwaukee, WI, that offers healthy meals, food-service training, and spiritual nourishment. They seek to be a peaceful gathering place in a neighborhood that has experienced much neglect and violence. By providing fresh, healthy, locally-grown food to anyone regardless of ability to pay, they address food insecurity by feeding the immediate need of hunger, while providing resources to educate and inspire people to make a habit of healthy eating. Rev. Christie Melby-Gibbons leads Tricklebee Café. Click here to learn more.
