The Blessing of the Putz - Happy Valley Moravian

 

Five different kinds of moss collected, Labradorite, river sand & rocks (before the freeze), driftwood - was a congregation experience.  Then, working around a very talented model train landscape artist's varied job hours, the landscape got built, the electricians created spotlights, the northern lights were airbrushed, penlights on, frankinsence added, and the figurines were delicately put in place.  We stood there all amazed.  It is a beautiful, and quietly tells the story of Emmanuel, "God with Us."

“And Behold! Wisemen came from the East.”


Last Sunday we combined a Christmas sing-along with our Putz opening and all visitors were completely mesmerized. This was a tradition in Labrador from many years ago of the Hettasch family. Thanks be to God for the effort by many who came together to begin this new tradition alive again in Labrador.
The mountain landscape was created out of plaster and foam, there is a sandy road the wisemen are traveling on with their heavy-burdened camels, the shepherds are abiding in the fields when a host of heavenly angels descend, the wisemen are visiting King Herod’s castle tent in the desert, and the holy family is resting in a cave typical of that in Jerusalem. The landscape reflects the region of Labrador with its beautiful varieties of moss and rocks, yet the star of Bethlehem came from Germany, the figurines were hand-painted in Italy and donated from a home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
We all look forward to next year as a putz changes year to year. It is a wonderfully unique way of sharing the story of Jesus with the congregation and community, and has drawn many in the congregation together. Thanks be to God! May Christ rest upon your heart; shining His love to all the nations; bringing us hope! Please enjoy the pictures. 

 "And there were, in that country, shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone ‘round about them and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people!"





"The wise men came to Herod and said,  “Where is he who is born King of the Jews for we have seen his star and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the King heard the news, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.  And he called together his chief priests and scribes and asked of them where the child was to be born.  And they said:  “In Bethlehem of Judea for thus it is written by the prophets.”  And Herod said to the wise men;  “Go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me news that I may come and worship him also.”  And the wise men went their way,"

"Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"

 

Ordination of Beatrice Hope

September 25, 2011 was a proud day for the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. At a service in Happy Valley Moravian Church, Beatrice Hope made history as the first woman from Labrador to be ordained as a Moravian minister. Beatrice graduated from Queen’s College (affiliated with Memorial University of Newfoundland), in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Theology. In May of 2010, Queen’s College presented Beatrice with the Core Values Award, given to a student who most shows the characteristics of Jesus.
Bishop Paul Graf from Wisconsin officiated at the ordination service. Members of the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church in NL and the representative from the Board of World Mission were present for the service.  Beatrice’s parents also came from Nain to share in the special event. Surrounded by her friends and family, Beatrice, well known for her singing, sang “Draw Me Nearer” as her testament of faith.
The following day, Beatrice left on the MV Northern Ranger to serve the congregation of Hopedale Moravian Church.
Congratulations, Beatrice, for persevering through the challenge of being away for the years of study, and for achieving so well in the program! Labrador Moravians look forward to her sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all proud of Beatrice!

He Is Risen!

Brass Band in Happy Valley Moravian

The season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter is indeed a special time in the life of Moravians of Labrador.  The joy of our salvation comes to life in English and Inuktitut; through the Word of God and through Moravian hymns and anthems.  What a bless-ed journey it is each year, and it is with good reason that Moravians around the world are referred to as the "Easter People."    

This year's Lenten journey into Easter became even more alive with the beautiful music performed by the combination of the congregation musicians and the talents of Dr. Tom Gordon & his team of MUN musicians.  The Nain, Makkovik, Hopedale, and Happy Valley congregations were treated to hear some of the locally composed choral anthems of generations before, as well as beautiful Moravian hymns of an ensemble of 2 trombones, 2 trumpets and a euphonium. This heritage is truely something to be very proud of and "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

MUN musicians performing at Long Term Care

Many many thanks to the Memorial University School of Music contention and we look forward to the compilation of all of Dr. Gordon's efforts forthcoming.  On behalf of the Province and each congregation, THANK YOU!

Thank you as well to all of the congregation musicians; utilizing their talents, their memories, and to all that led worship for the benefit of all.  What a blessing it is to be brothers and sisters in Christ; united one in the Name of Christ.  May blessings abound as we all come together in unity in spirit; worshipping our Sovereign Lord God.  Amen!