Labrador Moravian

The Blessing of the Putz - Happy Valley Moravian

2011-12-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

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

2011-11-20T20:17:00.001-04:00

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!

2011-05-05T12:14:00.001-03:00

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!

Labrador Provincial Synod, October 2010

2010-11-02T11:27:00.000-03:00

The Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador (MCNL) held its Provincial Synod in Happy Valley Moravian Church annex on October 22 and 23. Delegates from Happy Valley, Nain, Hopedale, and Makkovik met together, along with Labrador’s representative on the American Board of World Mission (BWM), Loren Jendro. A new Chair of the Provincial Board was elected. She is Linda Saunders-McLean of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Other Board members include Sarah Jensen of Hopedale, Myrtle Groves of Makkovik, and Bob Lyall of Happy Valley. Nain plans to hold a congregational meeting in the near future to choose their member. Rev. Glenna Tasedan, ordained minister, automatically becomes a Board member.

Other items on the agenda were the Book of Order, which is now ready for translation and printing; reports from each congregation; and financial reports. The financial outlook looks bleak after the next five years. With the resources it has at present, MCNL can only guarantee to fund a total of two ordained ministers for about five years. By then, the grant provided by the BWM will have ended, and unless MCNL can raise more money within our province, the churches will have some hard decisions to make.
Highlights from the four congregations include:

a) Nain. The church in Nain has been registered as a heritage building (also the mission house) by the Heritage Foundation of NL. The Nain Heritage Committee has secured funds to begin renovations next year (and will continue to write proposals for the huge sums required). In the meantime, the elders feel that the building is structurally unsafe, especially when there are large numbers attending services. A motion was passed at Synod recommending that the Nain congregation find an alternate space to hold services until renovations make it safe.

b) Hopedale. The chapel servants at Hopedale were commended for the fine work they are doing in keeping the Boys and Girls Brigade going. It meets each week for educational, spiritual, musical, and physical activities. It is a great way to involve the age group that usually drops out from attending church once they ‘graduate’ from Sunday School. Not only that, five of the chapel servants obtained funds to enable them to take advantage of Alpha training in Newfoundland. These are wonderful signs of growth and dedication in the Hopedale Moravian Church.

c) Makkovik. Makkovik has been nineteen years without a resident minister, but the chapel servants have been steadfast in keeping their church going. There are at least seven persons who take turns holding services. Commendation was given to Caroline Andersen, church treasurer, for her exemplary service of record keeping for many years. Given the small population of Makkovik, the congregation is to be commended for the amount of funds they are able to raise to meet expenses.

d) Happy Valley. Happy Valley has had extensive renovations made to the minister’s house (manse) through the assistance of an outside source. It certainly improved the living conditions for our resident minister and her husband. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay also laid down a new water & sewer line, which greatly improved the water quality and pressure in the church annex and manse.

e) St. John’s fellowship. Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss sent a report from St. John’s. At the age of 83, Brigitte still visits the acute care hospitals when they call saying a Moravian is a patient. She also holds a service once a month at the chapel in the Health Science Centre. And whenever some government department invites leaders of various denominations to attend their functions, Brigitte makes sure the Moravian Church is represented. She continues to be a faithful supporter of all church work and workers in Labrador.

Gratefully yours,
Joan Andersen, Retiring Provincial Chair

Moravian Music Festival for Youth

2010-07-13T14:20:00.003-03:00

The Moravian Music Festival was held in Makkovik this year, from June 29 to July 2. This is the third year for the event. It was made possible thanks to a donation from Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss. Smaller donations were also received from Aurora Energy and Nunatsiavut Government’s Recreation Fund.

Poor flying weather played havoc with our schedule, and Nain was unable to travel at all. Christopher Guindon and four members of Nain’s school brass band plan to reschedule for late August or sometime in September. At that time they will play in church.

Rev. Glenna Tasedan of Happy Valley Moravian brought four members of her hand chimes group, and Nancy Barfoot brought four members of the Boys and Girls Brigade in Hopedale. They joined the Sunday School children of Makkovik, as well as two of Natalie Jacque’s violin students, for workshops and a concert. Besides workshops in vocal, violin, and hand chimes, Andrea Andersen of Makkovik instructed groups in use of the Inuit drum as a percussion instrument to accompany some favorite hymns chosen by the participants.

The Music Festival was dedicated to two fine musicians who served their churches for many years, but passed away in January: Amos Lyall and Inga Andersen. Amos was the former Vice Chair of the Provincial Board for the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was also an acolyte for the Happy Valley Moravian, and organist on many occasions. Inga learned to play the organ in 1932 and continued to do so for over 60 years. Throughout her life, Inga served the Makkovik church well by being a Chapel Servant for many years and remained a Lifetime Chapel Servant until her death. In 2009, at the age of 95, Aunt Inga played on stage alongside her brother Jim (age 90), to visitors from a cruise ship. Her passion for music will be missed by all.

After the concert held in church on June 30, the participants were able to take part in the Canada Day activities in Makkovik, as well as tour the museum, fish plant, and walk Poet’s Path.

A welcome to Sr Glenna & Br George Tasedan

2010-03-27T06:41:00.003-03:00

Someone has answered the call!

The Moravian Church in Labrador is pleased to announce that we now have an ordained minister to serve the congregation in Happy Valley.

She is Rev. Glenna Tasedan. Glenna and her husband George drove from their home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to take up their post, arriving on February 12. The weather was not the best as they trekked across the Trans-Labrador Highway. Their UHaul went off the road twice! But thanks to travelers who stopped to help, they arrived safe and sound.

We would like to say a big thank you to Ron and Miriam Lyall who drove from Happy Valley right into Quebec to meet them.

Bishop Paul Graf officiated at the ordination ceremony which took place on February 14, 2010, at the eleven o’clock service in Happy Valley. Also present was his wife Jane, and Loren Jendro, North Dakota, Labrador’s representative on the Board of World Mission.

The Provincial Board is happy to welcome Glenna to serve in our Moravian Province, and a hearty welcome to George. It is a big step they are taking. We trust that this move will be a good one. It will not be an easy time. They arrive just when the Moravian Church in Labrador is trying to promote the idea of greater stewardship.

We pray that their transition will be smooth and that they will find companionship and good will amongst the members of the Happy Valley congregation. Glenna is a talented musician and this gift will be a blessing to the congregation. She hopes to revive the choir and involve the youth through music ministry.

We wish her well.

Sr Joan Andersen

The passing of Amos Lyall

2010-03-27T06:39:00.001-03:00

The Moravian Church in Labrador lost a fine member in January, 2010. Amos Lyall passed away after battling cancer.

Amos served as Vice Chair of the Provincial Board of MCNL. He had been acolyte and organist for the Happy Valley Moravian until a few months before his death. His cheery smile and positive outlook were always an inspiration.

Amos should also be recognized as the person who recommended working on the Inuktitut Bible, getting all books of the Bible under one cover. This project finished in 2009 with the launch of Gudib UKausingit.

Amos contributed in many ways to his church and was a huge supporter of all those involved in the work of the church.

Joan Andersen

Rev David Dickinson

2009-10-11T04:45:00.002-03:00

Labrador fondly remembers Rev. David Dickinson, who passed away after a long illness, October, 2009, in the UK.

He came to Makkovik as a student pastor in 1965. A handsome young man, only 23 years old, and soft spoken. A breath of fresh air amongst the dear old-timers, who were serving here at the time.

Rev. Dickinson wrote this from Fulneck in 1996: “Being called to Makkovik was something beyond my experience … because it was such a different life to the one I knew, I have a number of memories coming near to calamity. The one that stays in my mind the most is of an occasion when I took a walk to the south of Makkovik, across the Makkovik Brook, across the neck of land, and across the next bay. I really went too far, and as I reached the top of the forest to the south side of the bay, and looked on a series of islands, the sun went down. Dropping back down through the forest, I kept slipping into the boles of trees as I was not used to snowshoes and the shot gun I carried froze up. Curiously, I never felt in danger although I guess I was far from safe (and tired).

“As I came down to the rim of the bay, I saw the light of a snowmobile coming across the ice. It was Ted Andersen. My sense of relief was enormous. I was exhausted, with still a long way to go, and no certainty of making it.

“That day has stayed in my mind very clearly and it still reminds me of the degree of care our people on the coast have for one another.”

Rev. Dickinson endeared himself to other congregations that he served, in Hopedale and Happy Valley. He was easy to get along with, and people enjoyed the fact that he visited them in their homes.

He was an artist and his sketches were used to illustrate the booklet entitled “The Moravian Church in Labrador” that was printed in our bicentennial year, 1971.

We in Labrador take comfort in knowing his pain is over. May he rest in God’s peace.

Sr Joan Andersen

Don & Una Saunders

2009-10-08T05:22:00.001-03:00

Happy Valley Moravian Church held a farewell tea for Don and Una Saunders on October 1, 2009. They are moving to New Brunswick in order to be closer to their son and his family.

Just a little history... Happy Valley began in 1943 when three families who had come to find employment at Goose Air Base settled there. They were John Broomfield from Big Bay, Thorwald and Alice (Perrett)Perrault from Makkovik, and Gilbert and Eliza Saunders from Davis Inlet. The men found work with McNamara Construction Company which was building the base, and later worked on the ‘American side’. Gilbert Saunders, one of the founders, was the father of Don Saunders. Don would have been a young lad then. These same families, along with a few more, were instrumental in building the Moravian Church in 1954.

Don and his wife Una have always been actively involved with their community and church. It is with much sadness that we have to say farewell to them, but our good wishes go with them.

The following messages were read during the farewell tea held for Don and Una. They were presented with gifts made from Labrador tartan material, a vest and a shawl.

MESSAGES

Hello Don & Una,

I am only one in hundreds that will miss you in Happy Valley. One of the most memorable instances that I have of Happy Valley is when Bishop Graf and I entered the Happy Valley annex last January and you turned and upon seeing us you welcomed each of us with a big "Welcome Home." You and Una have made Happy Valley and all of Labrador feel like home to me. I am sure that you have made many others feel at home over your life of dedicated service in Happy Valley. I wish you many blessings as you relocate to New Brunswick. I am sure that within several weeks the locals there will feel that they have known you for your entire life. The Spirit of Christ is shown through your life.

Loren Jendro

Hi Don & Una,

Greetings from Lake Mills, WI. We have great memories from working with you and everyone at the church in Happy Valley. Best wishes as you move to your new home in New Brunswick.

Erna & Bill Kiessling

Don & Una,

When I walk into the church, I can feel with how much love it was built, and you were a big part of it.

When I stayed with you, I experienced more fun, laughter, and great work at the women's meetings, than anywhere else -- the heart and soul of the fall fair. Thank you for everything you did and everything you are. May God's rich blessing go with you and continue to bless others through you, as he blessed us.
Brigitte. (Schloss)

Don & Una,

You have been builders of the Happy Valley Church. To say you will be missed is an understatement. It is like removing the cornerstone from the church.

Don, I will miss your smiling presence. You were always there to see what needed to be done. Not only at church, but I remember you shovelling off the roof for Cheryl one winter! I hope you will get a well deserved break in your new home in New Brunswick.

Una, you are an inspiration. You have led so many projects for the church. With your health difficulties, this was not always easy. Yet you did not use that as an excuse to sit back. Your unruffled character encourages others to bear one's burden with dignity. I am so glad that you will now get to spend time with your family. We wish you and Don many joys in your new home.

Joan Andersen
on behalf of the Moravian Church in NL

TRIBUTE AND THANKS by Amos Lyall

This Christmas will mark the 55th anniversary of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Don and Una Saunders have been faithful servants --- chapel servants --- during most, if not all of those years. From working on the construction of the building to shovelling snow in the winter; from sewing curtains and stitching altar cloths; to guiding other chapel servants and many ministers in wise discussion and decisions; from serving apples and candles on Christmas Eve to encouraging young people in their faith; to contributing knowledge and wisdom to provincial conferences and other meetings; in all of this and much, much more, Don and Una have been faithful servants.
On behalf of the Moravian Church in NFLD and Labrador it is my honour and duty to present you these parting gifts, small symbols of our appreciation. May you wear them with the pride that their heritage represents, both as Labradorians and as Christians: one a vest of courage; the other a mantle of protection. God bless you.

BENEDICTION

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Music Workshop Improvisation...

2009-08-18T13:03:00.003-03:00

This is an musical improvisation session; there is a foundational rhythm (the guy on the right w/ the cowbell), and then the drummers are adding their own rhythm to enhance the foundation - for which the staff leader (Andrew) adds his rhythm to it using his own sound. Collectively, they are looking to create music in its own through a variety of percussive sounds. Percussive instruments used at the workshop included: cowbells (not their technical name), indigenous drums, wooden sticks, snare drums, empty 5-gallon water bottles, shakers (made from gourd), and anything just about that made a sound that could be added. This was a break-off group, but the entire workshop participants collectively made their own music. Sometimes, the handchimes were solely used in an improv session. It can be very rhythmic and beautiful.

Sr Glenna Tasedan

Music Workshop

2009-07-13T06:07:00.003-03:00

We had 17 youth a-playing, 16 year-olds a tooting, 15 minute sessions,14 sopranos singing, 13 maids-a-milking (not really), 12 chimes-a-ringing, 11 recorders cording, 10 boys for pizza, 9 girls for chicken, 8 notes per octave, 7 hymns rejoicing, 6 drums-a-drumming, 5 guitars strumming, 4 guest musicians, finally 3 O'Clock!!!!!, 2 parts per canon, and a week at Moravian Music Camp DONE!

Moravian youth from Hopedale, Nain, Makkovik and Happy Valley converged upon Happy Valley Moravian on June 29th, full of an incredible wealth of musical talent. Many brought their instruments including guitars, clarinets, voices, recorders, and trumpet. In addition, Dr. Karen Bulmer came from Memorial University with her tuba, and two students came with a host of African percussion instruments and a trumpet. The kids worked hard in learning to read music, learning music improvisation, and learning Moravian music in a variety of ensembles. Moravian worship was experienced each morning including their own lovefeast. They retreated to their billets at 3pm each day, only to return in the evening for a variety of events; including a soccer game against an All-Star team in which they tied 5 to 5! Go Penguins! It was a stunning effort by all, and many thanks to Coach Joan. Just when you thought John had all the sport talent in the family.

Friday evening the youth shone brightly with a beautiful concert featuring a guitar solo, a youth band ensemble, a brass quartet, 2 handchime groups, a recorder ensemble, the Lovefeast Song, a staff handchime ensemble, a percussion number and 2 choral selections.

To complete the week of fun, the entire Workshop group visited the Interpretation Center, roasted marshmellows at Gosling Lake, and played volleyball at the gym.

The week revealed the kids musical abilities and potential, brought encouragement for them and developed their leadership skills. New friendships emerged and many kids expressed their desire to come to the next workshop.

With Christ, our all in all,

Sr Glenna J. Tasedan

An introduction to Br Gert Zenker

2009-05-05T12:57:00.002-03:00

Br Gert Zenker writes from Nain...

Dear Brethren, dear Sisters and Brothers in our Lord,

I'm Brother Gert Zenker, a minister. Born in October 1953, I?' now 55 years old. I am a Protestant theologian and also a member of the Moravian church in Germany. During five weeks I will stay with you in Nain, assisting all congregational work till 26th of Mai. I come from Saxony in Germany, from Herrnhut, this little town precisely, from where the first Moravian missionaries came over to Labrador in the 18th century and founded Nain in 1771. Herrnhut was founded in 1722 on the property, the land of the famous Count Zinzendorf. He is buried on the cemetery there, on the Hutberg. The Moravian Daily Texts (The Daily Watchwords) also come from Herrnhut; they are translated in many languages all over the world.

As to my education and my professional work: From 1973 - 1978 (during five years) I attended the University of Leipzig as a student of theology. In 1978 I got my Diploma. In the years after I did a doctorate. 1986 I finished my thesis for the doctorate degree of Systematic Theology. During 10 years I worked as an ordained Protestant Pastor in two large rural parishes near Leipzig. In the last three month (January till March 2009) I helped with the ministry of the Moravian congregation of Herrnhut in order to prepare spiritually my journey to Labrador.

I'm married. My wife's name is Hannelore (short form: Henny, like Hanny Hettasch). My family and I live in a village of nearly 1000 inhabitants not far from Herrnhut (about 12 kilometers). Two years ago we became members of the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut. We have got three children: five years, three years, and the baby of the family: seven months old. To say the truth, I have also some grown-up sons and daughters; the eldest son, Armin, is 35 years old. In the midst of May I will show you and all interested people in Nain, some pictures of my family and of the region where we live, the so called Upper Lusatia in Saxony, Germany. A beautiful landscape, too.

Now I'm here in Nain / Labrador, to stay with you and doing all work of a Moravian minister: the Sunday Service (step by step), Sunday school, visits, spiritual care, and studies in the school library etc. On Mothers Day 11.15, after the Inuktitut Sunday Service, we will start the Sunday- School, by the help of Sue Webb and others. The time of my assistance in Nain will last exactly five weeks, two are already gone. On Easter Monday I started in Germany, on 21st April I came to Nain, on 26th Mai (after five weeks exactly) I will leave Nain for Goose Bay and turn back to Germany on 3rd of June, 2009.

Why am I here, what's the purpose? There was, last year (and the year before) an interchange of letters between me and the Provincial Board of the Moravian church in NFLD and Labrador. Finally the Provincial Board invited me with the purpose to learn to know each other. To say it short: we try to find out whether we can work together in Nain or not. It will be a mutual decision; the result is yet open on both sides. In case of a good understanding (in case of a call) I could imagine coming back to Labrador next year, with my family, in order to work as a Moravian minister, living with you in Nain for five years and more.

It's not so easy for us to leave Germany for Labrador. In Germany is now full springtime, this means: we have blooming cherry-trees in our garden, children playing on green meadows, a blue sky and warm, summery weather (about 20 degree and more), as now in Vancouver / BC, maybe. Anyway, I like winter and snow. And I like people in Nain, I feel not as a stranger, indeed. Thank your for welcoming me in Labrador, in the Moravian congregation, in your beautiful church, in your town! Thanks to all people here, to the children, to young people I chanced to meet on the road, to the Moravian church elders (to Davis, Gordon and others), thanks to the chapel servants, thanks last but not least to Sister Tabea Murphy for all her kindness introducing me in the English Sunday Service.

Learning to know each other is very important among Christians and other people. We will like the other better when we understand him more. Most important, the main purpose is: that we can hear and understand God's Word, the Gospel of His Grace together (I underline also this together). Understanding the Gospel of Grace would be the best way, I think, in order to understand one another. I'm sure God will show us His way. - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God (2 Cor 3 : 4, the second text of the Moravian Daily Texts at 3rd Mai, 2000).

To make it short: I came to Nain not by my own, not as a tourist. I'm a minister. - For you, for all people in Nain, I bring over the kindest regards and Blessings from the Moravian congregation in Herrnhut / Saxony, and also from the Moravian Provincial Board of the European Continental Province in Bad Boll / Germany. The Brethren in Germany support my journey and pray for us.

We all are human beings, creatures of the One Almighty God. And there is One Moravian Church all over the world. - What might be the foundation? In the Bible, 1 Corinthian 13:13 is written down: ?And now FAITH, HOPE, LOVE abide, these three; and the greatest of them is LOVE. Translated in Inuktitut: Ma'nale makkoa pingasut: okpernerlo, nerriungnerlo, naglingnerlo sokKoserniangilat. Naglingnerlo tamakkonangat anginerpauvok.

Let's praise our Lord! Amen.

Brother Gert in Nain
3rd / 4th Mai, 2009

Labrador welcomes a visiting minister

2009-05-05T07:52:00.003-03:00

Dr.Gert Zenker arrived in Labrador on April 16th. He travelled to Nain on April 21, and is serving the congregation there for five weeks. He comes from Germany, leaving behind his wife and three young children, while he realizes a personal call to serve in Labrador. If the work term proves to be beneficial to him as well as to the Nain congregation, Dr. Gert Zenker would like to return (with his family) to serve on a full-time basis.

He speaks English admirably, and is now making an effort to learn Inuktitut. We are pleased to welcome such a dedicated person into our province. We trust that he will benefit from the experience in Nain and that members of the congregation will be inspired by his faith and ministry.

Happy Valley Youth Sunday

2009-03-17T05:31:00.003-03:00

It was a cold snowy morning, . . . is there any other kind in Labrador during February? . . . and 16 Moravian youth began to assemble in the sanctuary, preparing last minute preparations for their very own youth worship service. Behind them, slowly forming were 2-3 dozen Girl Guides, anxious to take their vows during worship, and lining up with their handchimes to play for the service. With a team of 7 adults, the Moravian youth gathered for 3 weeks prior, to fellowship and plan their own worship service for regular worship time of the Happy Valley Moravian church congregation. The support of the congregation was strong, and the beauty of the worship on Sunday, February 22nd reflected all things coming together for the good of the Body of Christ and to God's glory.

The youth sang songs, shared their message about Christ-the light of the world, reading scripture, and sharing a drama to music, reflecting the abundance of gifts they possessed and their willingness to share those gifts. The Girl Guides brought a beautiful benediction to the service through handchime and organ music. This service was special to all attending, and the pews were full to the balcony. It was a joyful Sunday indeed and we will hopefully explore and use the gifts of our children for years to come.

Sr Glenna Tasedan

Official launch of the Inuktitut Bible (part 2)

2009-03-12T15:15:00.002-03:00

The second half of the celebration was held in the church annex. Hilda Lyall started things off by lighting the kudlik, a traditional Inuit stone lamp, which in the past would have contained seal oil for burning.

Sabina Hunter, coordinator for the Inuktitut Bible Project, introduced and thanked members of the Canadian Bible Society: Hart Wiens, Ed Peters, and national director Ted Seres.

A box of Bibles was presented to a representative from each of the four Moravian congregations.

Sr Joan Andersen
Chair person of the Labrador Province

Official Launch of the Inuktitut Bible (part 1)

2009-03-12T15:01:00.003-03:00

On January 20, 2009, the Inuktitut Bible "Gudib UKausingit" was officially launched at a ceremony in Happy Valley. An Inuktitut Bible has existed in the past, but in ten volumes. They had been printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. Now the Bible is contained in one book. The publication was made possible thanks to funding received from the Tasiujatsoak Trust.

Hart Wiens of the Canadian Bible Society told of their involvement in the project. A video was made during the Launch, and it can be seen at www.biblesociety.ca

Julius Ikkusek of Nain expressed his appreciation for having the Inuktitut Bible under one cover.

The translators expressed their joy at seeing the completed Bible under one cover.

Rev. Brian Burrows (Hopedale) and Bishop Paul Graf (Wisconsin) conducted the bilingual service at the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.

Canadian Bible Society

2009-01-22T12:43:00.002-04:00

Hilda Lyall, Sophie Tuglavina, Sarah Townley, Andrea Webb, K. Naeme Tuglavina and Amos Onalik, along with the Director of Translations Hart Wiens and technical expert Ed Peters from the Canadian Bible Society are working on the second book of the "Walking with Jesus" series.

The translators are all working hard and providing their expertise to this continuing work. There are six books in the series and the first one was translated, completed, and printed before Christmas 2008.

Sophie Tuglavina has said that in Makkovik, the primary teachers are using that first book in their class. The books are geared toward children 0-3 years old.

Hopefully once the series is completed the incredibly gifted translators will work on a more contemporary version of the Bible.

Thank you to them for their dedication and expertise.

Sr Sabina Hunter

News from India...

2009-01-19T02:31:00.005-04:00

Br Russell Winfield writes with news from his latest placing...

Dear All,

I have exchanged the South African Rand for the Indian Rupee and I write to you from my new home in Rajpur, Dehra Dun, which is about 250km north of Delhi, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

I hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year, and are your winter, i hear that after an unusally warm spell of weather you have recently faced a lot of snow and it has got very cold. I have had a hectic few months, from finishing my work in South Africa, spending time at home in England with friends and family, and then travelling round the world to get to India. Leaving Cape Town was very difficult, not least saying goodbye to the street boys I had grown very close to, and the congregation (Moravian Hill) and friends I made during my year.

On my way to India(!) I was able to visit Vancouver and took in a hockey game - the Flames v Canucks, and here is a picture of me in the arena:

The Flames won which I was very happy about, although I could not find any Flames jerseys for a photograph with, so opted for a Canucks one, but my allegiances have definitely not changed. I had a look at the recent NHL standings and Calgary continue to do well, I note that Montreal are going strong, poor old Maple Leafs seem to be suffering!

I flew into India after Vancouver but then had to return home to England as my Grandma passed away. So I actually began my work here on 29th December. Thankfully my train stop was the final stop as I had fallen fast asleep and it was only when the minister of the Church here where I am working boarded the train looking for me that I woke up and was able to introduce myself! Not my best first impression. Dehra Dun is nice, much quieter than Delhi although still quite a bustling place, and the place where I am staying is about 10km outside in an area called Rajpur, which is beautiful.

I am based in a school called the Moravian Institute (MI) which has about 400 K-12 pupils, aged 4-18, and of these 180 or so are boarders. The MI is a free hostel and education facility established in 1963 for underprivileged children from varying backgrounds, be it street children, Tibetan refugees, poorer families, etc. The MI is led by a minister called Revd Thsespal Kundan, who is Principal of the School, and co-leads the local Church. I am staying with Thsespal and his family, in my own room, but share all my meals with them and report to him directly each day. They have truly welcomed me and I feel a really part of their family which has made settling so much easier, and they were very kind and considerate when my Grandma died. The Church is quite a spectacular building, which is separate from the MI although many of the pupils attend (it is their free choice).

My work is twofold, although it may become ‘more-fold’ I figure. Firstly it is in the school helping them with their administration and finances. Dehra Dun as an area is very famous for its education (Doon School is known as the Eton of India), but the cost of these places is very high for most Indians. The school I am based at is a more affordable, in fact free for vast majority of the students, and was started firstly to serve refugees from Tibet who could not afford or access education. The school is well organised and run but they just need some assistance in future planning. I am helping investigate and plan with the aim of improving the conditions and number of pupils that can study here.

Secondly my work is in the Church, helping out the pastors, and will include preaching. The main language here is Hindi, which I have yet to master, but English is widely spoken and understood and so with patience and some translation I am hopeful to be able to get my message across. I also am getting to know a lot of the younger people and I will be working with them as well.

Finally, the food. I wasn’t sure what to expect...being English our national meal is the supposedly Indian inspired Chicken Tikka Massala and our most popular restaurants are Indian, but I have tasted here nothing like what is served in them. Rice makes up the staple part of any meal, with daal and usually some curried vegetables and a rooti (a type of small chipati). Excuse my spellings on all these words. The food is delicious, my portions are always very large. I can easily judge how hot something is going to be by the number of eyes watching me eat...the hotter the more people expectantly wait for me to react, but so far so good.

I should get back to work now, the electricity here tends to breathe, as the lights brighten and dim in some strange rhythmic pattern.

It is no exaggeration to say I miss Labrador greatly, all the people, especially at this time of year.

My prayer is that you are all well, and continue to see God at work in your lives.

God Bless,
Br Russell

Welcome to Labrador!

2009-01-08T04:22:00.002-04:00

The Moravian Church in Labrador warmly welcomes Glenna Tasedan from North Carolina. She has come to serve for six months as Labrador lay minister. This is part of her course work, the final stint towards her Master of Divinity. She currently holds an M.Ed.

Glenna will serve the congregation in the Happy Valley Moravian Church for January and February. She heads to Makkovik for March and April, and if all goes as planned, to Nain for May and June.

Glenna is no stranger to Labrador. She has served at the Moravian Youth Camp held at Gosling Lake for the past two summers. She was also one of the organizers of the Moravian Music Workshop held in Hopedale, July 2008. She sings and plays the organ and it will be a treat to have a trained minister serve our congregations again.

Glenna pictured in 2007 at Gosling Lake

Official Launch of the Inuktitut Bible

2008-12-21T12:36:00.002-04:00

The Bible has existed in the Inuktitut language for a long time, but in seven separate books. The Bible is now under one cover, and the official launch of the newly printed “Gûdib oKausingit” will take place on January 20, 2009 at the Moravian Church in Happy Valley.

This project was made possible by the Canadian Bible Society (CBS)and funding from the Tasiujatsoak Trust, as well as private donors.

Hart Wiens and Ed Peters from the CBS will be there. They did the training in the Paratext program with the translators, Sarah Townley, Hilda Lyall, Sophie Tuglavina, Amos Onalik, and Andrea Webb, along with Coordinator Sabina Hunter. After the launch, they will continue work on the second book in the “Walking with Jesus” series of children’s books.

Rev. John Duff, from St. John’s, will represent the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the CBS.

Two elders from each coastal congregation (Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik) are invited to attend. All will take part in a service conducted largely in Inuktitut.

We look forward also to the visit of Bishop Paul Graf from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He is coming to commission Glenna Tasedan for her work term as lay pastor in Labrador, and will stay for the Launch.

Welcome Rev Brian Burrows

2008-12-21T12:34:00.001-04:00

The Moravian Church in NL is pleased to welcome Rev. Brian Burrows to Hopedale. He arrived on November 21, 2008, and held services that Sunday.

Rev. Burrows is originally from England, but came to Canada in 1962. He served in Canada’s north as an Anglican minister for thirteen years. That is where he learned Inuktitut. He speaks the northern Quebec and Baffin Island dialects, and is keen to learn the differences found in the Labrador dialect.

Rev. Burrows was retired, but felt the call to Hopedale, and we thank him for his decision to share his Christian faith with the people of Labrador. This calling means he will spend time away from his family at Christmas time. Such devotion is an inspiration. Welcome!

A historic day...

2008-10-29T05:48:00.002-03:00

October 23, 2008 was a historic day for the Moravian Church in Labrador. That is when a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Moravian Church in NL and the Anglican Church (Eastern Diocese of Newfoundland and Labrador).

As Chair of MCNL, I was invited to attend the Anglican Synod (Labrador portion) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and at the closing service in St. Andrew's Church on October 23, Bishop Pitman (head of the Eastern Diocese) and I signed the Memorandum.

The Memorandum of Agreement paves the way for an Anglican minister to serve the Moravian congregation at Hopedale. It is hoped that a minister will arrive there before December of this year.

Sr Joan Andersen

MUN Brass Ensemble

2008-09-28T06:12:00.003-03:00

What a treat! Thanks to Dr. Tom Gordon, Director of the School of Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Moravian churches in Labrador get to hear a genuine brass band once again!

This is because the MUN Brass Ensemble is on tour…2008 Labrador Tour. Directed by Dr. Karen Bulmer, the students include:

On Trumpets...
Aaron Hodgson
Jill Dawe
Jennifer Murphy
Heidi Adams

On horn...
Kjellrun Hestekin

On trombone...
Chris Miller
Stephen Ivany
Phillip Holloway
Aiden Hartery

On tuba...
Celina Barry

They give a concert of various tunes and music styles, including some Moravian anthems such as the Hosanna, which sounds very stirring. After the intermission, they play a selection of Moravian hymns to which the audience can sing along.

The Brass Ensemble will be performing at the Labrador Interpretation Center in North West River and in the Moravian Churches at Happy Valley, Makkovik, Nain, and Hopedale, September 21 – 24.

Thank you to the Brass Ensemble for giving an impromptu concert at the Paddon Home for Senior Citizens. Although the request was given at short notice, the group readily complied, and perhaps this audience was the most appreciative!

Music Workshop in Hopedale

2008-07-26T10:00:00.003-03:00

Submitted by Christopher Guindon

From the first note played on the keyboard as camp-goers entered the classroom in Amos Comenius Memorial School, students and camp facilitators alike were in for a wonderful experience. Over the course of the next 4 days, students from Makkovik, Goose Bay, Nain, and Hopedale were exposed to a wonderful, enriching program of Moravian music and worship. Rev. Tim Byerly would open with a few scripture readings and a morning prayer followed by singing of hymns or rehearsal of pieces for the big concert on Friday. There was singing, throat singing, instrumental music, drum dancing, and studies on music theory and history. Thanks to the musical talents and leadership of Rev. Tim Byerly, Bishop Sam Gray, and Mrs. Glenna Tasedan, Mr. Jamie Jackman, Ms. Natalie Fost, and yours truly, Christopher Guindon, students were given the chance to discover, through music and worship, more about themselves as musicians and as Christians. There were presentations and discussions on recent work done by Dr. Tom Gordon on various Moravian hymns, manuscripts written in Hebron decades ago, music scores, and some Moravian artifacts. Natalie Fost spoke on the tradition of throat singing and drum-dancing and Dr. Gordon spoke on its initial relationship with the Moravian Church and how it has become more accepted by the church as a part of a native culture over time. Over the course of the four-day camp, Bishop Sam Gray spoke on the history of Moravian music from the year that Jens Haven traveled to Nain as a Moravian missionary in 1771 to the acceptance of Inuit drums and other instruments by the church in the late 1900’s to early 2000’s.

One of the interesting things about the camp was that, thanks to Bishop Gray’s worldly experience, everyone at the camp had the opportunity to learn about Moravian music in Churches in other communities in Labrador and also far away countries such as Nicaraqua, Nepal, Tanzania. Emphasis was made on the fact that Moravian music does not have to fit one genre or style and it does not (well not anymore) have to be performed by any specific set of instruments. Moravian music is music performed by Moravians, anywhere in the world. There was also time spent on discussing the history of the Moravian Church and the settlement of Hebron in Labrador.

Every evening, members in the camp were invited to an activity after supper. On Tuesday, there was a hike; Wednesday, a softball game; Thursday was a karaoke night (hosted by Jamie Jackman) where some camp members took the opportunity to come out of their shell. On Saturday, members of the camp were taken on a fishing trip which lasted the whole day. Our gracious Hopedale hosts took the time to ferry 13 students and 7 facilitators up to Adlatok Bay in one longliner and four speedboats. It was a smooth ride to Marjorie and Brian’s cabin. The weather was very cooperative. When we arrived, Marjorie had fresh trout fried for all hands! Good times seemed to have been had by everyone who attended the outing. The trip was also an ideal situation for camp members to appreciate the scenery and take in the beauty of the Labrador wild. What better way to end a visit to Hopedale?

My experience with the camp was two-fold. For one, I was given the opportunity to teach students at camp about their instruments and how to better understand the music we were rehearsing. I was given various opportunities to try my hand at bringing out creativity and musical cognizance from the talented students from Hopedale, Nain, Makkovik, and Goose Bay, and answering technical questions about playing an instrument or using your voice to make music. I also got the chance to see more of what makes Labrador so beautiful. That would be its areas of undisturbed natural beauty.

I had the privilege of meeting “Uncle” Jim Andersen who is known for his photographs and having the most complete record of communities of Labrador, his musicianship, and his kind and friendly demeanor! He along with the other facilitators at the camp had been very encouraging and supportive every day towards myself, one another, and the students which undoubtedly contributed to the Moravian Music Camp’s overall success. Hearing Jim’s stories and fiddle playing was a real inspiration for my musical spirit and has strengthened my drive to share my own musical experience with anyone who is willing to listen and to make it fun for people who are not too sure what they think about music in general.

In my opinion, the camp was a great success. If the objective of the camp was to share our gifts and the word of God and strengthen students’ knowledge base around music through immersing them in the general and musical history of the Moravian Church, then I would say the camp had done just what it had meant to do. I would certainly like to see this happen as an annual event. I think it would be very beneficial in many ways to coastal communities and their students.

In my opinion, the camp has been a true success and could not have happened without the guidance and expertise of our facilitators, the hospitality of our hosts and camp chefs, and, very importantly, the active participation of the students from Hopedale, Nain, Goose Bay, and Makkovik. Bravo to everyone who contributed to this wonderful week of fun through worship, music, and activities.

Thank you all!
Christopher Guindon

Music Festival Photos...

2008-07-23T17:01:00.001-03:00

Moravian Music Workshop in Hopedale

2008-07-23T16:38:00.003-03:00

The following is submitted by James R. Andersen (Uncle Jim)

It came as an interesting surprise when Joan Andersen called me and asked if I would be interested in taking part in a Music Workshop in Hopedale. I missed the plane on Monday, but by Tuesday I was there. Breakfast in the school gym at 8:00, lunch at 12, and quitting at 5:00.

I shall always remember as I walked in the Music Room most of the workshop participants was seated. Bishop Sam Gray was at the organ playing Morning Has Broken with his winning smile to all in the room. With the Text for the Day and a short scripture lesson, the whole cast, with instruments and everybody else singing the beautiful hymn Fairest Lord Jesus, the Music Workshop was begun with tremendous enthusiasm.

The rest of the days was occupied with practices in different classrooms with whatever kind of instrument they usually play. Instruction sometimes was given on the big blackboard in the music room, by the leaders of the music group, Bishop Sam Gray or Dr. Tom Gordon. It was all just a wonderful experience.

On Friday afternoon at the big gym, we all went down taking our musical instruments, and each group of performers done their rehearsal for the concert which started at 6:30 p.m. People came from the town to relax and listen to these students that came from Nain, Goose Bay, Makkovik, and Hopedale. Each took joy in doing their part what they was there for. We all just enjoyed a grand evening of fellowship.

On Saturday a tour to Adlatok some thirty miles in Hopedale Bay was very well planned and organized. To start off at 9 a.m. about 10 or 12 people in a big decked boat and several large speedboats carrying 4 or 5 passengers. When we arrived at Adlatok, the ones in the fast speed boats had been there for some time. There was a big dish of fried char, hot tea, cookies, and buns, plenty to serve the thirty people who made the boat trip. After a good hot meal, the majority went on up to the big river some six miles beyond, while the rest walked down a quarter of a mile where my great-grandfather Edward Mitchell from England built his house. This was in the early 1800’s. The house where my mother was born and raised until she met my dad, who was the son of Torsten Andersen from Norway, and was the first man to settle down in Makkovik, who had a family of five boys and six girls. This old house at Adlatok had a second storey with three big dormer windows in the roof. When I was a boy and teenager, Dad always took us to Adlatok, a cruise to Mom’s home, by dogteam. In that house there was a big Heintzman Piano, a Pianola, a small room like a library. It was full of books. Grandpa Mitchell had it all, and here I was at age 89, just filled with memories.

On Sunday morning at Hopedale church, where Mom and Dad was married in the late 1800’s, Bishop Sam Gray officiated the closing service while Dr. Tom Gordon played the organ. A big thank you to Rev. Tim Byerly, Glenna Tasedan, Bishop Sam Gray from North Carolina, Dr. Tom Gordon from the School of Music at Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland. And also to Sister Marjorie Flowers who played a major part in keenly helping us all in many ways, including transportation to and from the workshop. Incidentally, it was Marjorie’s and her husband Brian’s comfortable cabin where we all dined together when we arrived at beautiful Adlatok.

I hope if any of you young students happen to read my report on the Music Workshop at Hopedale, support our Moravian Church. Don’t give up. To lose is not a failure. It’s an experience.

Uncle Jim

Note from Chairperson: Uncle Jim participated in the workshop as a resource person. He played his violin, and gave information about Moravian music and brass bands that were an important part of the Moravian churches in Labrador up until the 1970’s. He is well-known for his collection of photographs and videos which document community life in and around Makkovik. He has a DVD for sale entitled “James Andersen: Over 50 Years of Taking Pictures” and a photo exhibit of the same title at TheRooms in St. John’s.

Summer Camp 2008: A few photo's...

2008-07-19T15:30:00.001-03:00

Summer Camp 2008

2008-07-19T15:27:00.000-03:00

The 2008 Moravian Youth Camp at Gosling Lake is now a memory, but one filled with joy, excitement, and encouragement in our faith in Jesus Christ.

Although all aspects of camp were joy-filled, some of the highlights were the renewing of friendships, new relationships, exploring the beach of Northwest River, the positive interaction between staff and campers, the Inuit games and music, tie-dying t-shirts, the fun of making music together, and photographing it all. Excitement surely included the soccer game, "Go Beavers!" who took a loss this year, but are clearly focused for next year's contest. Then there was the black bear who visited during breakfast. As the camp director was trying to fearfully maintain composure while trying to figure out how to protect 27 campers and 8 staff, the crowd of campers (and remainder of staff) explode out of their chairs to take pictures and chase the bear. The beautiful black bear quietly exited the premises leaving nothing but fresh paw prints. Swimming, of course, is always a main event, only usurped by the canoeing, or should I say "canoe-towing" as many see the excitement of tipping canoes over in the shallow waters a much more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most encouraging moments of camp came during our small BREAKOUT! groups. Exploring our faith, our lives, and how all of that comes together as disciples of Christ as well as sharing our concerns and questions we've had over the past year.

The week ended with the dedication of a prayer quilt where the kids could offer prayers and concerns they had, and placing their handprint around the cross on the quilt. The quilt will be hung in the HVGB Moravian Church to be used as a prayer ministry in daily holding our youth in prayer.

Profound thanks go to Joan Andersen and the Labrador camp staff; Beatrice, Nancy, Natalie, Anita, Diane, and Tanya for their willingness to serve Christ at the youth camp.

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; ..... eager to serve;..." 1 Peter 5:2 NIV

Thank you with the fullness of my heart for the priviledge of spending time with your precious youth. They are exciting, filled with energy and ideas, and are joyful fun to be with.

With the love of Christ,
Glenna Tasedan

Music Worshop in Hopedale...

2008-05-30T05:21:00.001-03:00

Music Workshop
Hopedale
Mainly geared towards junior and senior high school students
July 8th – July 13th 2008
Travel days, July 7 and 14.
(Begin on Tuesday and conclude workshop on Saturday, with a presentation on Sunday.)

The Moravian Church in NL is pleased to sponsor this Music Workshop. It is the brainchild of Bishop Sam Gray and Rita Andersen. Other musician leaders include Glenna Tasedan, Rev. Tim Byerly, Dr. Tom Gordon, and Natalie Fost. Students from each of the four Moravian congregations are invited to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will be devotional, educational, creative, practical, and fun.

Deadline for applications: June 16th
Registration fee for those travelling in: $75.00

Summer Camp at Gosling Lake...

2008-05-30T05:19:00.001-03:00

Summer Camp
For 13 to 15 year olds
June 29th – July 6th 2008
Deadline for applications: June 16th
Registration fee is $75.00 per camper

Labrador Christian Youth Camp
Gosling Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Labrador Christian Youth Camp offers a wide range of outdoor activities in the wild beauty of Labrador. The week will be a great opportunity for young people to canoe, hike, swim, play games, learn about God, and many things besides. Participants (5) from Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, and HVGB are invited to attend, along with Moravian leaders from the United States. Bishop Sam Gray will accompany the two returning leaders, Glenna Tasedan and Rev. Tim Byerly. Each community will also send a leader/chaperone.

Bring: Bible, sleeping bag, toiletries, swim suit, rain gear, warm coat, bug repellent, snacks, musical instrument, flashlight.

Anglican / Moravian - is a shared ministry possible?

2008-05-05T10:57:00.004-03:00

On April 28, 2008, Archdeacon Geoff Peddle of the Anglican Church, Eastern Diocese of NL, traveled to Makkovik to meet with the MCNL Chair, Joan Andersen. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the possibility of working with the Moravian Church to help deliver the Christian message.

The Anglican Church has received numerous requests to enhance their ministry in Labrador, and in particular northern Labrador. They want to know if there is any way to work alongside the Moravian Church and provide an ordained person to live on a permanent and full-time basis in one of the communities and work with both Moravians and Anglicans to build up the Christian Church in those communities.

As Chair, I find this a very exciting offer. Since I took on this role in January of 2007, my goal, and that of the MCNL Board, is to staff each of our four churches with an ordained minister. We have put the call out to the Moravian Unity worldwide. We have also written to the Arctic Diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada, as well as to the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission. What prospects do we have? One person in training in the United States has expressed an interest in coming to Labrador in 2009. We have one Labradorian who will begin study at Queen’s College in September towards a Bachelor of Theology. This offer from the Anglican Church to staff one of our churches by this fall is very encouraging.

The Provincial Board of MCNL, in the preliminary stages, is open to the idea, for these reasons:

We are both CHRISTIAN churches. The label you put on a church is not as important as its ability to communicate the Christian message.

Our service formats differ, but not all that much.

A person from our own province or country would perhaps adapt more easily to our lifestyle and culture because he/she already shares so much in common.

These questions were put forward to Archdeacon Peddle:

Question: Will our church still be called a Moravian Church if there is an Anglican minister?
Answer: Yes, it will be a Moravian Church. It will simply have a minister who has been trained in Anglican theology. The Anglican Church does not plan to convert members of a congregation, but to minister to them.

It is important to note that Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss received her theological training at Queen’s College which is an Anglican School of Theology. Rev. Ray Hunter (deceased) was trained at an Anglican Seminary. His daughter, Sabina Hunter, received her Associate in Theology diploma from Queen’s College. Other Moravian lay persons have taken courses from Queen’s College. Beatrice Hope, our candidate for ministry, plans to study at Queen’s College.

Question: If a person seeks confirmation, will he/she be confirmed as a Moravian or an Anglican?
Answer: If he/she chooses to be confirmed as a Moravian, that is what he/she will be. However, if an Anglican asks to be confirmed as an Anglican, that is possible also.

Question: Would we still use our Moravian hymnals and liturgies?
Answer: Yes. We would not seek to change the way anything is done.

Question: What about our traditions…our festival days, such as Children’s Day, Young People’s Day, Married People’s Day, our lovefeasts, Advent and Christmas traditions? Would we still keep them?
Answer: Yes. The Anglican Church will work alongside the Chapel Servants.
Moravian traditions will continue.

That is not to say that the Moravian Church is a stagnant church and does not want to change. We do like to learn new hymns, for example. As one Board member put it, “It is always very enriching to be exposed to and to share in the differing traditions of our brothers and sisters in Christ.” However, many staunch churchgoers would feel threatened if their institution no longer did the things that they hold dear. The Archdeacon assured us that the Anglican Church wants to work with us.

The MCNL Board will discuss how such a partnership would work. What responsibilities would we have, and what would we expect of the other church. A Memorandum of Agreement would need to be drawn up.

In the meantime, consultation will have to take place at the community level to see if a congregation is open to the idea of a shared ministry. The MCNL Board will decide how to go about this.

The Anglican Church has made it clear that they will only come if they are invited by MCNL. They would only come if there was a chance for the ministry to be a success.

Sr Joan Andersen

Happy Birthday Regula...

2008-05-01T12:08:00.002-03:00

On April 27, 2008, the friends and church family of Regula Schule gathered together after the service to celebrate with Regula her 80th birthday.

There were many who came to honor Regula in the years that God has given to her. It was a privilege, for me personally, to take part in this joyous occasion.

From 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., most of the time revolved around eating and mingling with others. A 10 minute presentation was shown twice during the 2 hours which was created by Greg Matthews. It included pictures of Regula in her very early years on up until the present day, and the various places she has been and her life of ministry to others.

We are truly thankful for the choices Regula has made in her years to serve the Lord. She has been such a blessing to many people and continues to be even to this day.

A big thanks to Evelyn, Wilma and Darla for heading up this celebration and setting everything up for the occasion, as well as to Pearl for her special cake-making skills.

God bless you. Regula, for blessing us with your life and God with your service!

Carl Sonnichsen

Employment Opportunity

2008-04-24T05:31:00.002-03:00

THE APPLICATION DATE FOR THIS POST HAS NOW CLOSED

============================================

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
TEMPORARY, PART-TIME

The Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador (MCNL) requires an:

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Qualifications
Possess a minimum of two years of post secondary education in office administration or related field;
Have excellent administrative abilities and experience, and be self-motivated;
Be able to work with a minimum of supervision;
Have excellent oral/written skills;
Be proficient with computer applications and office equipment;
Be prepared to work with volunteer leaders from four communities;
Knowledge of Inuktitut an asset.

Duties
Responsibilities will include preparing correspondence, minutes (and getting translation done), arranging meetings/travel/accommodation, filing, record keeping, preparing written reports, and delivering all invoices and receipts to the bookkeeper. Some research as time permits, on ongoing projects, along with typing. Some sorting and filing of archival materials. Practice good office organization and procedures.

Communicate with Provincial Chair, MCNL Board members, the Board of World Mission, Moravian Unity (worldwide organization), congregations and members. Office administrator is the contact for all incoming communication.

Duration of employment: May 12, 2008 to March 27, 2009
Hours of work: 15 hours per week
Wages: $15.00 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay
Workplace: Office located in the Happy Valley Moravian Church annex.

Deadline for application: May 8, 2008, at 4:00 p.m

Please send resume to this address:
MCNL, Hiring Committee, P O. Box 220, Station B, Happy Valley, Labrador, A0P 1E0.

Or email: joanders@nf.sympatico.ca

Conference Highlights

2008-03-15T11:47:00.003-03:00

Here are some highlights from the Provincial Conference of the Moravian Church in NL that was held in Nain, March 4-6, 2008.

* It was great to have Bishop Paul Graf attend our conference. He held the devotionals each day, and could speak to spiritual issues as they came up, with much wisdom.

* Bishop Graf was able to hold congregational meetings in Makkovik, Nain, and Happy Valley. Bad weather kept us from getting to Hopedale on Thursday. However, Bishop Sam Gray will be visiting Hopedale the week of July 7th, so that will hopefully make up for it.

* The conference went very well in Nain. We are especially grateful to the translators/interpreters, Katie Winters and K. Naeme Tuglavina, who did the simultaneous translation. This made the conference flow very smoothly. It was also great to have the use of the Nunatsiavut Government board room, so aesthetically pleasing, spacious and comfortable. And equipped with the microphones and headphones for translation.

* We got to meet representatives from each community, and to share reports from each congregation. We share similar concerns: small attendance, no ordained ministers, not much support for the few volunteers who keep the churches going. Hopedale has great involvement from youth on the last Sunday in each month. The school concert band, under the direction of Nicole Burt-Shuglo, accompany all the hymns at these services. Happy Valley has outreach with the Correctional Center, the Pine Lodge residence, and the Paddon Home for Senior Citizens.

* We had a presentation from Heather Angnatok about programs offered by Nunatsiavut Government’s Youth Division. We are impressed with how the programs bring youth and elders together. We put forward the request that if we do get a minister to serve the congregation, he or she could partner with the Nunatsiavut Youth programs as a way of reaching out to youth, and strengthening the spiritual focus.

* We had a presentation from Gary Baikie impressing upon the church representatives the need to preserve the old church properties in Nain, since they are historical icons, and with Nain becoming the gateway to the Torngat National Park, it will be important to keep these heritage buildings, and be able to tell their story.

* We talked about the need for congregations to become more supportive financially. Each congregation is expected to pay an annual fee ($5000) (4500 for Makkovik) to the provincial treasury of the Moravian Church in NL.

* Each church brought their financial statements, and while they are all in good standing at present, if we ever do get ministers and have salaries to pay, each congregation will need to raise part of that expense. The overall aim is that the Labrador Moravian Church will become self-sufficient and be able to meet all its expenses. Right now, we still get a hefty sum from the American Board of World Mission, but they are decreasing it each year, in hopes that we can become independent of them.

* We accepted in principle the revised Book of Order. It was revised by Rev. Sam Propsom, and we have since added some amendments and inserts. Dr. Hans Rollmann revised the section on the early history of the Moravian Church.

* The Book of Order will include in its appendices the process that one would follow if he/she wishes to become a lay minister, or an ordained minister.

* We talked about the need for church repairs in at least three communities. Loren Jendro, Labrador’s representative on the Board of World Mission, hopes to get some work crews from the U.S. to help local congregation groups get repair work done during the summer.

* The Inuktitut Bible will be printed under one cover, and we hope to hold the launch at some time this year. Plans will be made for a launch to be held in Nain.

* The Coordinator position was extended for one more year, to be reassessed again before March 31, 2009.

Sr Joan Andersen

Provincial Conference

2008-02-18T04:24:00.001-04:00

The Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador will be holding a Provincial Conference in Nain, March 4-6 2008.

Board members, lay ministers, and delegates from each congregation will attend. Loren Jendro, Labrador’s representative on the Board of World Mission, as well as Bishop Paul Graf will be there.

Some of the agenda items include ratifying the revised Book of Order; drawing up the process to follow for ordination; ministry in Labrador and how to move our present situation forward; Moravian Youth Camp; Moravian Music Workshop; launch of the Inuktitut Bible; reports from each congregation; and more.

Bishop Graf will visit each church while in Labrador:
March 3- Makkovik
March 4 – Nain
March 6- Hopedale
March 7 – Happy Valley

At that time he will help each congregation assess themselves, to gauge how each church is growing in various areas, and to draw up a profile of the minister they want to serve them. This will help MCNL to better match a person to a place should inquiries from ordained ministers come in.

Sr Joan Andersen
Chair, MCNL

Alaska Conference

2008-02-18T04:18:00.002-04:00

I went as a youth representative of the Labrador Moravian Church to Bethel, Alaska. The first day we attended the Provincial Women’s Meeting. There were woman from each church to discuss things such as projects their church ran during the past year, projects for the coming year, planning a Singspiration.

As well, the President Mary Gregory gave a special speech which I found inspiring. It was titled Walking the Talk and Faith. An important meeting that I participated in was the between the members of the First Nations Outreach. First Nations Outreach is a joint partnership between the Labrador Church, Alaska Province and the Morongo Church in California. It was developed to build capacity of each entity to be a more powerful force in protecting its youth from social problems, as each Church face similar social situations.

At the Synod myself, Joan, Loren Jendro (member of the Board of World Mission) and Arthur Coolidge (Lay Minister in Alaska) met to discuss how to better communicate with each other. As the distance between each church is extensive with the cost of travel expensive, it was suggested to form an online working group. This working group could include things such as a calendar to post events of each church, a place to post documents, and a discussion page. Each member of the First Nations outreach could have an access code to this online working group and add things to it, see what other members have added. This should be a great way to keep up to date on what is happening with each church with First Nation outreach initiatives.

Overall, this was an interesting trip, I have met some really inspiring people, and I hope to work with the First Nations Outreach in the future.

Tracy Evans

Makkovik

Alaska Synod

2008-02-18T04:06:00.002-04:00

I had the privilege of visiting our Moravian brothers and sisters in Bethel, Alaska. We attended the Women’s Conference on February 2 and took part in the Sunday evening service on February 3, which was conducted by participants at the Women’s Conference. On Feb 4 the Synod began. Representatives from 23 congregations were present.

I gave a presentation with the message that Labrador has put out a call for ordained ministers to serve in our congregations. I also extended an invitation for some youth along with a leader to attend the Moravian Music Workshop to be held in Hopedale beginning July 7. (We have also invited a representative to attend our Provincial Conference being held in Nain.)

Our impressions of the whole experience were extremely good. Alaska Moravian Church is self-supportive. They are an independent province. Attendance at Bethel Moravian Church is high. The use of their native language is dominant, but most people we met were entirely bilingual. Their church services have a more evangelistic tone than ours. The singing was beautiful. A lot of four-part harmony, and about three different organists took part in one service.

On the last evening there, I attended a three-hour memorial service for pastors who had passed away during 2007. David Nanalook, who had visited Nain a few years ago, was one.

Overall, it is good that the lines of communication are open between Alaska and Labrador, since we have much that can be learned from each other, and shared.

Sr Joan Andersen

Chair, MCNL

Upcoming Events...

2008-01-30T08:20:00.000-04:00

The Moravian Church in Alaska will be holding a Women’s Conference (Feb 2) and Synod (Feb 4-8) in Bethel. Joan Andersen, Chair of MCNL, will be attending, along with a youth, Tracy Evans from Makkovik. Tracy is Nunatsiavut’s Coordinator for the Status of Women, and will give a presentation at the Feb 2 Conference. Joan has a two-fold purpose for going: to spread the word to a wider audience that Labrador has sent out a call for ministers, and to further the Moravian First Nations Outreach partnership that was formed after last year’s Synod in Alaska.

The Provincial Conference of the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador will take place in Nain from March 4-6. Board members, lay ministers, and delegates from each congregation will attend. Loren Jendro, Labrador’s representative on the Board of World Mission, as well as Bishop Paul Graf will be there. Some of the agenda items include ratifying the revised Book of Order; drawing up the process to follow for ordination; ministry in Labrador and how to move our present situation forward; Moravian Youth Camp; Moravian Music Workshop; launch of the Inuktitut Bible; reports from each congregation; and more.

Bishop Graf will visit each church while in Labrador. One of his aims is to put together a profile of the minister each congregation would like to have, so that when we do get inquiries, we can better match a person to a place.

Sr Joan Andersen
MCNL Chair

Children's Day at Happy Valley

2008-01-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, January 20, 2008 the Happy Valley Moravian Church held its Children's Day.

The celebrations began with a Lovefeast at the 11 a.m. service. There was enough buns and juice for everyone!

After lunch we held activities in the afternoon beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a sing a long with camp director for the Labrador Christian YOuth Camp, Vicki Roeder-Martin and her helper from Katimavik Samantha. After singing the kids played games outside in the parking lot with capture the flag the favourite.

We then came in for a warm up playing Skip Bo with Simone Daniels being the Skip Bo champion. We had a snack of juice, hot chocolate, potato chips and cup cakes thanks to Regula Schule! Thank you Regula and yum!

Then we played another game of capture the flag and concluded with a movie. Joining in the celebration at the end of the day was a potluck with the congregation.

Thank you to all who helped, Beatrice Hunter, Justine Obed, Elias Daniels, Vicki and Samantha, Regula and the choir, Amos Lyall, Beatrice Hope, Rose Pamak, and Sue Felsberg. What a blessed and truly enjoyable day for all.

Sr Sabina Hunter

Sunday School Christmas celebration in Makkovik

2008-01-04T09:46:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures taken during this year's Sunday School Christmas service.

Caroline Groves and her assistant Cathy Semigak led the Sunday School children in a version of the "Friendly Beasts" at this year's children's Christmas pageant.

It is good to see aspects of the Christmas story reenacted by children. Even 2 year-old Lucas Lane took part as an angel!

The children would like to wish everyone much happiness in the New Year.

Eulogy and Remembrance Tribute

2007-12-15T16:42:00.000-04:00

Following the passing of Revd Siegfried Hettasch please find the eulogy given by his daughter, Hannie (Hettasch) Fitzgerald, along with the remembrance tribute given by Revd Olaf Andersen.

Eulogy
Dad first saw the light of day on February 1st, 1915, in Nain, Labrador where he was the youngest of 6. As was the custom for Missionary children in those days, he was sent to a boarding school in Kleinwelke, which was near Bautzen in Germany. During holidays, he stayed with his Uncle Hans (who was a friendly person), and his aunt Tante Lottie who apparently was extremely strict! However, maybe Dad needed some discipline when you hear him tell of his escapades while at the boarding school….

There was a teacher who was not liked very much, and one day while the teacher was absent from the school, some of the boys, including Dad got his bed out of his room and hoisted it up a tree in the school’s garden! Needless to say, when the teacher came back late in the evening, he was not happy!

Another time, Dad and his pals got up to other mischief for which they had to pay a fine to the local municipality….when it came time to pay up the boys came in and one by one, each put their share of the fine, penny by penny, on the desk……

At the age of 16, he left school and went to Herrnhut, Germany to become an apprentice and learned wall-papering, upholstery, carpeting and saddlery over a period of 4 years. He traveled everywhere by bicycle, once cycling from central Germany to the west of Holland to visit relatives! After his apprenticeship, he went to England for 3 years of Theology, and 9 months of medical training (which was required of missionaries), where he also learned to speak English.

He was ordained as a Deacon in the Moravian Church on August 14th, 1938 after which he returned to Labrador. Missionaries in those days had to be a “jack-of-all-trades” and Dad was no exception. He was a doctor, a dentist, a teacher, a mechanic, a justice of the peace, a hunter, a fisherman and sometimes a referee in local family fights!

While stationed at Nain, he met and fell in love with a Dutch teacher whom he married August 18th, 1940 and they had 4 children, the first of whom died at the tender age of 9 months when a bad flu epidemic took over the whole village of Hopedale in 1942.

The only way to travel within Northern Labrador in the 1940’s and 1950’s was by boat, dog team or plane depending on the season. In the summer Dad’s Inuit church members went to their fishing camps spread out across the region, so Dad needed a boat if he was to visit them. While stationed at Hebron, he saw an unused 40’ lobster boat hauled up on shore at Saglek, (a US Airbase) some miles north of Hebron, and asked if he could buy it. He was told it was not for sale, but later when the boat had been dragged over the rocks to the water’s edge and had a hole punched into her side, Dad was told he could have her for free. He patched her up, built on a bigger cabin, and the “Hebron” was born and used by Dad for many years. We all have many happy memories of trips on the “Hebron”.

When skidoos came on the market, he bought one for his own use. While on a hunting trip one winter, his skidoo blew a gasket. Unfortunately no-one had spares, so being the jack of all trades that he was… he cut a new one out of the bottom of his frying pan and left the holey remains of the frying pan suspended over a dead tree!

Dad had dentures from the age of 12 years when he developed rickets which caused all his teeth to fall out. Out of necessity, he learned to make his own dentures. This was a good thing because of the time he was checking a trout net, then had a coughing fit which resulted in his teeth falling into the harbour!! He often joked that perhaps one day he would catch a fish wearing his false teeth!

Dad was fluent in 4 languages; English, German, Dutch, and Inuktitut. He often acted as translator for visiting VIP’s. In 1976 at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Moravian Church in Nain, he was translating into Inuktitut what the Church VIP members were saying, and vice versa when the locals spoke. At one point, he got a bit mixed up and started paraphrasing one English speaker’s words, instead of translating into Inuktitut!

Dad was always full of stories and loved to talk to outside churches about his life and work. He would tell them about the time he was conducting a burial in the graveyard when the ground was wet; he stood too close to the edge which caved in. He had to keep a straight face as he climbed out and carried on with the service as if nothing had happened.

Dad always loved having children around him. When he retired in 1980, after 42 years of service, it was natural for him to want to be near his grandsons, Paul and Tim; who were living in Aylmer, Quebec at that time. Because of this he built a house in Perkins, Quebec where they lived for 16 years.

In 1996 he and Mom moved into Sarsfield nursing home, where they were given the best of care and became part of the family. He was always a gentleman, and will be missed by all.

In finishing, I would like to say the Lord’s Prayer in Inuktitut:

Nalegak Gude, atatavut Kilangme, attit nertortaule,
nalegaunet Kailaule; pijomajat piniartaule nuname sorlo Kilangme;
uvlome piksaptingnik tunitsivigitigut; idluinivut issumagijungnaikkit, sorlo uvagut idluitulivigijivut issumagijungnairvigigaptigit oktortaulungnermut pitinata; piulitigulle ajortumit;
Nalegaunek pitsartunerlo, ananaunerlo, pigigangne issoKangitomut,

Amen.

Remembrance Tribute

As a child, teen, and adult, the name “Hettasch” has always been synonymous with the Moravian Church in Labrador. I remember my parents talking of Rev. Paul “Pa” Hettasch. I also had the honour of working for 2 years with one of Siegfried’s sisters, known to everyone as “Auntie Kate”. She was certainly ahead of her time as far as women in ministry go. Then there was Siegfried…..young Hettasch ….. as many of the older people referred to him.

While serving the Church in Labrador for a few years and struggling with the Inuit language, I worked with an elderly gentleman who was very patient and understanding. He encouraged me by saying that I pronounced the Inuktitut words very well, especially when reading them. The problem was, understanding what I was reading! I asked this man about previous Ministers and how they were understood by the Inuit people. He made the following reply;
“If you want to hear the Inuit language spoken grammatically correct, listen to Rev. Peacock. If you want to hear it spoken as the Inuit speak it, listen to Rev. Siegfried Hettasch”.

Siegfried was a very practical man and therefore was understood by the Inuit people. If you wanted something done, you learned to do it yourself. If you wanted something fixed, you learned to fix it yourself. I believe that this was something all of the people in Labrador appreciated about him. I remember the many hours he spent in the engine house, which was the village power plant, getting the lights to go on again. I remember someone telling the story of a caribou hunt when Siegfried’s snowmobile got a broken piston….he fashioned a new piston head from a tin cup. The engine started, and even though there was not much power, he managed to bring the caribou to the nearest community where spare engine parts were available.

Traveling by open boat with family and friends, or on a mission trip for the church, Siegfried was the captain, first mate, and engineer. He knew the land, respected nature and was very knowledgeable about directions. All this was in the days of compass and common sense….there was no GPS then.

I believe that the greatest compliment I could pay Siegfried would be to say that he was a “people-pastor”. He made time for people, he tried to understand them and how they lived. He knew their strengths and their weaknesses, and worked to the best of his ability with what he had.

From someone who knew Siegfried Hettasch and who wishes he could have known him better, “Servant of God, well done
Rest from your loved employ.
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter your Master’s joy!”

Rev. Siegfried Hettasch, 1915-2007

2007-11-28T05:27:00.001-04:00

Rev. Siegfried Hettasch passed away on November 25. The Moravian Church in Labrador would like to express condolences to his family members.

He was born in Nain, the son of Rev. Paul Hettasch; ordained in 1938, and began his ministry in Nain. His mother tongue was German, but he was fluent in Inuktitut and English. Rev. Hettasch was serving in Hebron at the time of relocation and followed his flock to Makkovik, where his language ability helped ease the transition for some.

Many people speak highly of his being a jack-of-all-trades. A church record book at Makkovik lists the following as his profession: saddler, upholsterer, decorator, paperhanger, missionary……no doubt his own humor coming through there. Add to that the other duties he is known to have had in Makkovik: taking care of things medical when the nurse was away; maintaining the mission boat; doing carpentry work; hen keeper and gardener; and the list goes on. Caribou hunters tell the story of how Rev. Hettasch’s snowmobile broke down while hunting inside of Davis Inlet. He made a packing for a cylinder head from a cast-iron frying pan, using an axe and a chisel!

Rev. Hettasch was predeceased by his wife Frieda (1913-2001).

Here are the funeral arrangements as provided by his daughter, Hannah:
Visitation on Monday, Dec.3rd, 2-4 and 7-9pm, at Kelly's Funeral Home on
Carling Ave, Ottawa.

Funeral on Tuesday, Dec 4th, at 10am in the Chapel at Kelly's with interment
of Mom AND Dad together in Capital Memorial Gardens following.
Rev. Olaf Andersen will be officiating.

Sr Joan Andersen
Chairperson, MCNL

News from abroad...

2007-10-28T08:14:00.000-03:00

Brother Russell Winfield was with us for a year from last September, and as he continues his work for the Moravian Church overseas, we hear from him on his arrival in Cape Town, South Africa…

Dear Labrador Friends,

Hello from Cape Town, my home for the next twelve months!

I miss being in Labrador a lot – it doesn’t seem long ago that I was just settling in Makkovik and dressing as a pumpkin for Halloween parties. It will seem strange this winter not having the snow, in fact we are just moving into summer here, and not getting to spend Christmas in Makkovik, Easter in Hopedale or seeing the ice break up in Nain will be sad, I do terribly miss being there with you all.

Below I have tried to outline a little bit of what has been happening over the last few weeks…

District Six, Cape Town

Cape Town is beautiful – I am living in an area called District Six, which has had a tumultuous history following the forced relocation of non-whites during apartheid into townships, and now is undergoing the slow process of land being returned to the people who were forcibly removed, and homes rebuilt. No homes survived as they were all bulldozed, and indeed one of the few original building that remains is the Church that I am working for. The Church is on the left of the picture, and then on the right is the house I am staying in, that was formally a Church manse, but is now used as a B&B, it is a lovely place for me to stay.

District Six as an area is itself somewhat of a paradox. During the day all is relatively calm and peaceful, however I am unable to go outside in an evening. This I guess is true of many parts of Cape Town, but there is an element of danger here that I have not experienced before. Travelling on the trains is also not to be done, nor are the buses particularly safe! What this means is that I am now exploring the option of purchasing a car, which will help with my own travels but also with the youth and the older people in the Church.

My work

My work here is varied but my role here for the next twelve months is threefold:
1. Provide pastoral leadership for the District Six Church
2. Develop a vision for outreach with the Technical College (situated next door)
3. Explore and develop the concept to use the facilities in District Six as a training centre to learn about mission and missional imagination in the context of Cape Town.

Well that’s what they tell me anyway. It all seems quite daunting to be honest!

What it has meant in the first few weeks is that I have begun to try and establish links with the young people in the area, attending youth groups and events, to evaluate what work is already taking place. I have also begun the process of identify what other organisations and work is ongoing so that we can support that and not duplicate anyone else’s work. I am keen to get involved with social justice related projects, such as homelessness, as I feel this is important for both the Church to be active in and also for the wider community to be passionate about. It will be interesting to see how things develop and I am very much in God’s service as I do not have a clue!

On Saturday the Church suggested it would be beneficial to attend the Women’s Conference about 90 minutes drive outside of Cape Town, so off I went. The clue was in the title of the conference really – I arrived to be the only man but they seemed pleased enough to see me, all 212 (two hundred and twelve!!) of them, and I had an enjoyable time learning about the work they have been doing. One of the challenges that I face the world over is introducing myself – my pronunciation of R’s is obviously not what it should be and so invariably I become “Wilson” or “Whistle” or “Roger”! As I vaguely attempt saying my name a third or fourth time to some confused person I can see them begin to glaze over and so they opt for just using my surname – which is usually adapted to “Winfred” or “Wilford”. All in all it means I have to be pretty alert to anyone calling my name as I have a number of pseudonyms!

Cooking

The weather is hot here, well after 12 months in Labrador most things seem hot I guess, and not to be outdone – I have begun cooking somewhat disastrously ‘hot’ meals. Now I am not the next masterchef by any stretch of the imagination but I have begun branching out slightly. I started with a simple beef stir fry which was nice but a bit plain, until I discovered something called Chilli Atchar – which sounded like it would do the trick, so I bought a jar and chucked about a quarter in with my stir fry. Reading the ingredients told me the main ingredient was green chilli’s, and for any accomplished chef this may have set the alarm bells ringing. Sadly I am no accomplished chef. I tucked in and it seemed to have a bit of oomph to begin with, and then it just went downhill. My mouth felt like it had just exploded and my eyes began to water, I persisted though as I had made it myself, and that was not a good idea either. Come half way through the plate I could no longer see due to tears, my nose had well and truly joined the party, and my mouth was now seriously in danger of giving up the fight completely. In a blind panic I managed to find my way to the bathroom and grabbed the first thing that I could – mouthwash. Now I don’t know what goes in a mouthwash, but “Never mix with Chilli Atchar” should be on the label! It basically just became some sort of nuclear event in my mouth. After about 2 hours of a near death experience (for my mouth at least) things began to calm down and I was able to bring a bit of balance back to my day, and a few days and I can begin to taste things again. Still, a lesson learnt at least.

Until I am more settled that is about all the news for now, it doesn’t seem much at all but I think people thought I had disappeared completely and so wanted to put something in writing.

I shall write again before Christmas when I will have a lot more news about the work I am doing and a lot less about cooking disasters!

God Bless,
Russell

Inuktitut Bible Project Update

2007-10-25T05:33:00.000-03:00

On October 23-24, 2007 Hart Wiens, Director of Translations with the Canadian Bible Society and Sarah Townley, Hilda Lyall, and Sophie Tuglavina, Inuktitut translators, met for two full days and completed the translation of the first book of the ‘Walking with Jesus’ children’s series. The title for the first book is called "The Birth/Childhood of Jesus".

The completed translation continues in the process of being typeset, where the format of the Inuktitut text is prepared for printing. Hopefully once the typesetting is done a print of the first book will be available for use by Christmas.

The team plans to meet again after Christmas to continue to work on two more of the six book series. The text will be made available to the Lay Ministers for reading during the Christingle services on Christmas Eve.

Sr Sabina Hunter

Birthday greetings to...

2007-10-03T02:48:00.000-03:00

Happy Birthday, Brigitte Schloss!

October 3, 2007, Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss turns 80! And she is just a growing girl…..in knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality. She has her PhD but says that academics in itself don’t necessarily make you a good human being…..you have to listen, and learn, and keep on growing. And, she says, Labrador has taught her most of what she knows. This is where her heart really is, even though her health now keeps her from traveling north.

She came to Labrador as a missionary teacher in 1950, arriving in Makkovik on her birthday, where she taught for two years. Then three years in Nain. In 1955 “They made me leave Labrador to go on furlough!” but she couldn’t wait to get back. And in 1956 when she returned to Nain on the Winnifred Lee, as she rounded the bend, small boats were heading out to meet the ship. People in the small boats began calling her name and she knew she was back in “heaven”.

After Nain, she taught in Happy Valley (1959-1971) with time away to complete her B.A.(Ed.), and later her M.A. After that she went to Toronto/London, Ontario, to obtain her PhD in Language Teaching and Learning. Upon completion she became a Professor at MUN, and Co-ordinator of the TEPL Program. This position (1981-1988) got her straight back to Labrador where she always longs to be.

By this time she was interested in doing full time church work and obtained a terminal sabbatical.

In 1988 the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church in Labrador asked if she would do chaplaincy in St. John’s.

In 1988 also, she lost sight in one eye. This helped her decide to retire and devote more time to her church work. In 1995 she was ordained, in Nain, on her birthday!

Brigitte Schloss still visits in-patients at hospitals in St. John’s. She has had to give up pastoral visits to the penitentiary and Waterford Hospital, but enjoys meeting with Labradorians whenever they come to visit.

Just this weekend, she sent down a bag of knitted goods, her own handiwork, to contribute to the Ladies’ Sewing Circle sale here in Makkovik, but I know we are not the only community she does this for.

She continues to support lay ministers in each of the four churches in Labrador, and that is very highly appreciated.

If you are in St. John’s, you can catch her service the last Sunday of each month, at the chapel in the Health Science Center.

So it is with great pleasure that we wish Brigitte many blessings on her 80th birthday, from all her friends in Labrador!

Sr Joan Andersen
Chairperson, MCNL

Pastor Olie Andersen reaches 40

2007-09-24T07:57:00.000-03:00

Pastor Olie Andersen has reached 40 years of ministry, and we have recieved the following note from his congregation:

"Hello to our Labrador Friends! Pastor Olie Andersen has reached his 40th Anniversary as an ordained minister serving our Lord and Savior. The Saratoga Moravian Church in Wisconsin is having a special celebration Sunday, Sept. 23rd. We would love to include any special greetings from his family and friends in Labrador. I know this is late getting to you, but maybe you could pass the word around and/or forward this to the appropriate people. Please email any greetings you may have and we will share them during the worship service. If anyone would like to send a card later it would be more than welcome too. Please give thanks during you worship for this servant of God and his witness to Jesus word.

Serving Christ,
Jeanne Eggebrecht
smoravch@wctc.net
Saratoga Moravian Church"

And Sr Joan Anderson has sent back the following message on behalf of the MCNL:

"Dear Olie,
Congratulations on your 40th anniversary of ministry. What about the stamina and endurance of these Labradorians, eh?!

Labrador is proud to have one of our own serving God and others for the many years that you have answered the call.

We wish you joy on your special day of celebration, and as you reflect back on your years of ministry, may they bring you a strong sense of accomplishment.

May God bless you and Rita, who has worked beside you through it all.

Sincerely,
Joan Andersen
Chair, Moravian Church in Labrador"

FASD Awareness Day

2007-09-12T10:25:00.000-03:00

Sunday 9th September was the International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness day (ninth day of the ninth month, related to the nine months of pregnancy).

The Department of Health & Social Development (DHSD) here in Makkovik partnered in the afternoon service.

At four intervals duringthe service, Elsie Evans, Community Health Worker, read out facts about FASD.

Afterwards a meal, prepared by DHSD, was shared in church.

More information on the day can be found at: http://www.fasday.com/

A Belated Thank You

2007-08-29T06:35:00.000-03:00

I realised I had not written a note on the blog about the conclusion of my time in Labrador other than the postings about the Summer Camp we ran in July, and to pass on my sincere thanks for the truly wonderful time I enjoyed in Labrador.

The end of camp also sadly signalled the end of my time in Labrador (for now), and I departed home for England via Vancouver. I have had an enjoyable month back home catching up with friends and family and it has been a real privilege to be able to speak about the wonderful experiences and people I met in Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik and Happy Valley Goose Bay.

My 11 months in Labrador was a truly life changing experience and I genuinely loved every moment, from getting used to the cold weather, to trying new foods, to being involved in Church and community life.

I wish I could write every single persons name from every community as way of thanks but that would take far too long, but my thanks and prayers are with you all.

I can be personally contacted on russjw@hotmail.com. One day I do hope to return to Labrador and spend more time with you all, God willing, I will just have to be patient and see what the future holds.

The Moravian Church in Britain & Ireland are now sending me to South Africa to help work with a Church in District 6 of Cape Town, a different type of challenge, and this winter won’t feel the same without the snow, skidoo, and seal skin gloves!

I miss you all,
Yours in Christ,
Br Russell Winfield

Moravian First Nations Outreach

2007-08-29T06:22:00.000-03:00

The first meeting of the Moravian First Nations Outreach will be held in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on October 5.

This is the same time and place as the meeting of the Board of World Mission.

Loren Jendro, Will Sibert, Bishop Paul Graf and Sabina Hunter will be there.

Labrador Fishery Legacy Workshop

2007-08-21T17:00:00.000-03:00

Each year the Battle Harbour Historic Trust organizes the Labrador
Fishery Legacy Workshop. The topic for the 2007 workshop is the role of
the churches in the lives of people who lived and worked on the coast of
Labrador and made their living from this incredible fishing industry.
Guest speakers will present a series of talks on a variety of topics
including the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Southern Labrador,
the Moravian Church on the North Coast, the influences of itinerant
ministers and clergy, and other topics related to the significance of
the Churches in the coastal communities.

2007 is an ideal time for this workshop as it is the 150th anniversary
of the consecration of St. James the Apostle Anglican Church at Battle
Harbour. The Trust, in conjunction with the Anglican Church, is
planning a celebration to mark this historic occasion. The workshop
will coincide with the celebrations which will take place on Sunday,
August 19.

For more on Battle Harbour information please visit www.battleharbour.com

For more information on the workshop or traveling to Battle Harbour,
call Gordon Slade (Chair, Battle Harbour Historic Trust) at 709-728-6329
or email gordonslade@yahoo.ca or information@battleharbour.com

Revd Sam Propsom

2007-08-03T15:04:00.000-03:00

Many of you will know the news of Revd Sam Propsom's recent ill health, here is a link to keep up to date with his progress:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samuelpropsom

Please keep Sam, Debbie and all the family in your prayers.

Past photo's

2007-07-31T05:17:00.000-03:00

Here are a couple of photo's taken and supplied by Sr Brigitte Schloss.

Two cannons overlooking Nain harbour. Photo taken in the 1980's. One cannon was moved here from Okak. They stood in front of the church and were fired to welcome the Harmony (Moravian Mission ship) when it arrived. They have since been buried under landfill.

This photo was taken in 1952 in Nain. It shows Rev. F. W. Peacock and Nain elder, Martin Martin, looking at the newly printed revised New Testament in the Inuktitut language. On the inside cover page, it reads: TESTAMENTITAK; London; The British and Foreign Bible Society; 1952.

The Oldest Protestant Church

2007-07-20T15:41:00.000-03:00

Last week I was privileged to help Labrador Moravians celebrate their 550th anniversary as the oldest Protestant church by presenting two lectures at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River. The anniversary event featured the Hopedale School's brass band under the inspiring direction of Ms. Nicole Burt, award-winning music teacher at Amos Comenius School. Mr. Amos Lyall of North West River and the provincial chair of the Moravian Church in Labrador, Ms. Joan Andersen of Makkovik, presided. My anniversary lectures included these reflections.

In 1457, sixty years before Martin Luther began his Reformation in Germany, followers of the reformer Jan Hus settled in a small community in northern Bohemia. Hus's attempt to reform and revive a church in crisis had led to his arrest, trial, and subsequent burning at the stake in Constance four decades earlier, resulting in upheaval and bloodshed among the Czech people.

Eventually a national church movement emerged, in search of spiritual, theological, and institutional renewal. Hus's revival and martyrdom spawned a spectrum of different factions, especially radical Taborites (named after their main city) in southern Bohemia and more moderate reformers under Archbishop Rokycana of Prague.

Yet even in Prague's famous Tyne Church, where Rokycana continued Hus's legacy as a powerful reform preacher, people led by the archbishop's nephew, Brother Gregory, a tailor, came to believe that hope did not lie with institutions and individuals but in communities guided by Christ through his Holy Spirit. The movement around Brother Gregory grew and received new spiritual impulses from Peter Chelcicky, a lay theologian and original thinker who powerfully contrasted the church of his day with the apostolic ideal. In his most famous book, The Net of Faith, Chelcicky compared the Christian message based on Scripture with a large fishing net that pulled humans from the ocean of the world.

As humankind struggled for salvation, two great whales had torn the net of faith-a worldly pope and a pagan emperor. Chelcicky counselled his fellow Christians to abstain totally from earthly power and to separate themselves wherever possible from the world.

Brother Gregory's group, influenced by people like Rokycana and Chelcicky, moved into the mountain village of Kunvald, in the parish of a congenial and blameless priest, Father Michael. This separation from the world, expressed in the move to Kunvald in 1457, marks the beginning of the Old Moravian Church. Over the next ten years, the movement defined itself gradually as a religious fellowship separate from the Roman Catholic Church and distinct from other Hussite groups.

This process of normative self-definition transformed the group into a Christ-centered body of believers with its own priesthood and bishop, elected by the drawing of lots. Their most distinctive spiritual experience was the effort to arrive at unanimous decisions in community. "Thus God renews his church by renewing his Holy Spirit," they declared in an early synodal statement, "so that they might serve him and each other through the love of the Spirit, so that in the last days like in the beginning of the apostolic faith many are of one heart and of one soul." Their search for unity in unanimity found expression in the official Latin name for the Moravian Church, Unitas Fratrum (Unity of the Brethren), and the Czech original name, Jednota bratrska (Brotherly Community).

Setting high ethical standards for themselves, Moravians have always sought to avoid conflict and competition with other Christians by planting their missions in places where no other missionaries had gone-as, for example, on the north coast of Labrador. Although they were often persecuted, Moravians nevertheless made significant cultural contributions, such as translating the Bible into the common language of people who received them. They also promoted universal education for male and female children, which became a reality in Labrador as early as 1780. One of the founders of modern education was the seventeenth-century Moravian bishop Amos Comenius, after whom the school in Hopedale is named.

In the fifteenth century, people in German-speaking areas of Moravia responded to the evangelization of the Czech Brethren but experienced much repression after the Thirty Years War. Many German-speaking Moravians fled to Saxony, where Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf permitted them to practice their religion freely and settle on his estates in Herrnhut.
Zinzendorf renewed the old Moravian Church in 1727 and established a worldwide missionary effort.

There is an especially relevant link between the Old Moravian Church in today's Czech Republic and Labrador Moravians. Among the earliest missionaries to the Inuit who established Nain in 1771 was a couple from Moravia, Johann and Elisabeth (Ertel) Schneider. Johann's and Elisabeth's families were leaders in preserving the old Moravian Church in Moravia during the persecution. On 19 February 1776 in Nain, Johann Schneider baptized Kingminguse, who became the first Inuk to be converted in Labrador.

That baptism related Labrador to Moravia in a direct way, spiritually and personally. The Schneiders later pioneered in Okak and Hopedale and lie buried in the oldest graveyard in Hopedale, where their withered stone markers can still be seen today.

Dr Hans Rollmann

(Dr Rollmann is Professor of Religious Studies in Memorial University and can be reached by email: hrollman@mun.ca)

Summer Camp 2007 photo's

2007-07-17T11:27:00.000-03:00

If you wish to see more of the photo's from the Summer Camp please visit this link:

http://www.4shared.com/dir/3255682/bd5979c1/sharing.html

You will need the password everything

Summer Camp 2007

2007-07-14T21:53:00.000-03:00

On July 1st till 8th 29 young people from the Moravian Church gathered at Gosling Lake Christian Youth Camp, Labrador. Some 10 months previous the late Bernie Broomfield had the vision to reinstate the youth camp for Moravian young people from all across Labrador, and this camp was the fulfilment of that vision.

The camp was attended by 6 young people from Hopedale, 6 from Makkovik, 6 from Nain, 9 from Happy Valley Goose Bay, and 2 from North Carolina, USA. The leadership team was made up of one person from Hopedale (Sarah Jensen), one from Makkovik (Rebecca Pretty), one from HVGB (Sabina Hunter), one from Nain (Russell Winfield) and 3 from North Carolina, USA (Revd Tim Byerly, George & Glenna Tasedan). We were also fortunate to have Emily Osmond and Joshua Wahl who are working full time for the Labrador Christian Youth Camp this summer.

On Sunday the young people from the coast arrived (on 3 separate planes), the US contingent was already in town, and the Happy Valley participants travelled out to the camp. After sharing in some food and playing some games (Volleyball and Touch Football) we settled into our groups for the week and took the time to get to know each other.

Each day followed a fairly simple pattern for the morning. Firstly we would serve breakfast at around 8.30am for an hour (expertly prepared by George everyday). The young people would filter in throughout this hour, and immediately following breakfast we would move to a time called “Daybreak” – a 20 minute session basically opening the day up to God, singing a couple of songs and giving the chance for the leadership to share a few thoughts. After this we would have some free time for the young people to relax whilst the leaders spent time in prayer for 15 minutes or so.

The rest of the morning would be split between “Explore” and “Create”. Within “Explore” the young people would be split into groups of 4 or 5 with a leader(s), and would look at the day’s theme, discuss different subjects, have role playing games and just be able to share things within that group of friends. “Create” was a time for creative work – and the youngsters would rotate between: photography, creative writing, photo framing, food, drama and music. This would take us up to lunch – which the young people prepared.

The afternoons were slightly more varied depending on whether we were on site or off site. On site activities included canoeing, archery, hiking, t-shirt painting, and volleyball. Off site activities saw us visit the 5 Wings Swimming pool twice (Tuesday and Friday) and the Soccer pitches to play the Goose Bay All Star team (we beat them 13 – 2!). After these acitivites when we were off site we visited Pizza Delight, A&W and Subway for food. When we were on site we had the privilege of two ladies from Happy Valley (Ann Marie and Wilma) visiting the camp site to cook the meal for us all. On Wednesday evening we stayed in Goose Bay a little longer to go ten pin bowling.

On the Friday of camp we visited Happy Valley congregation to serve a buffet of food and present an informal service, inviting the local congregation and friends, as well as Hopedale music band, who were in town for the 550th Celebrations. Despite being a very warm evening this was a lovely time for us all to share in worship together. On the way home we treated the young people to a visit to Tim Hortons for a drink and a donut!

The evenings on camp site were mixed between celebrations – in which we sung songs, performed drama skits, interviewed staff, and looked at photo’s of the day, along with more informal activities such as a quiz, and on the last night, a dance. Each evening ended with “Simmer Down” – an end of day review as we gave thanks to God for the day just enjoyed.

During the week the camp was also featured on CBC Radio, CBC Television, and The Labradorian Newspaper.

Despite some problems with flights up the coast, all the young people made it home safely by Monday afternoon, and back to their respective communities. The details given here are brief, so please do talk with the young people from your community to find out more about our week together.

We thank God for a wonderful week, for 29 wonderful young people, for the wonderful weather, and the chance to serve Him in this way.

Yours in Christ,
Br Russell Winfield

Summer Camp thanks...

2007-07-13T04:53:00.001-03:00

The young people of Labrador have just finished their week long summer camp and here is a list of companies and organisations that helped make it happen (in no particular order). Pictures and report will follow shortly.

Torngait Services
Voisey Bay Nickel Company: http://www.vbnc.com/
Innu Mikun: https://www.provincialairlines.com
Aurora Energy: http://www.aurora-energy.ca/
Serco: http://www.serco-na.com/
Valley Business Equipment Inc
Scotia Bank

Also each congregation fund raised for the young people and the activities.

Thank you to everyone who made this camp happen.

550th Celebrations

2007-07-13T04:44:00.000-03:00

The weekend of July 7 and 8 was an enjoyable one for Moravians in the Lake Melville area. Guest lecturer Hans Rollmann, professor of Religious Studies at Memorial University, as well as the ten members of the Hopedale school band, arrived on Friday afternoon, in time to take in the buffet supper provided by the Moravian Youth Camp. Campers and their leaders held a gathering in the Happy Valley Moravian Church to give an overview of their week at camp. A good crowd showed up to enjoy the meal and the band music and the PowerPoint presentation. You could not help but notice the joy and enthusiasm amongst the campers and staff. There was a fine balance of activity at the Gosling Lake Camp: athletic, creative, and reflective.

On Saturday evening, Dr Hans Rollmann spoke to a nearly full house at the Labrador Interpretation Center. He gave a very interesting and informative talk about the early beginnings of the Unitas Fratrum in Czechoslovakia, as well as the history of the Moravian Church in Labrador. Sandra Watts, director of the Labrador Interpretation Center, had arranged to have the photo exhibit “Labrador Through Moravian Eyes” on display there. She had also secured copies of Dr. Rollmann’s book “Labrador Through Moravian Eyes” and these were available for sale.

Refreshments were provided during an intermission, after which the Amos Comenius Memorial School Band under the direction of Nicole Burt, delighted us with their music (brass and woodwind). They have a repertoire of hymns learned during the year, since they play once a month in the Hopedale church for Sunday services.

On Sunday morning, the band played for the church service at the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Zipora Hunter remarked that she was very proud that her grandson, a member of the band, was there to take part in the 550th celebration. She, along with her late husband, Rev. Renatus Hunter, had been part of other milestones in the Church chronology, and could hardly have imagined while taking part in earlier celebrations, that their grandson would be a part of the 550th celebration! By the way, the preacher at this service was Rev. Tim Byerly from North Carolina, who had just finished serving as pastor at the Moravian Youth Camp, Gosling Lake. In response to a comment that these members of the Hopedale band are the church of the future, he said that really they are the church NOW.

On Sunday evening, Dr. Hans Rollmann and the Hopedale school band again went to the Labrador Interpretation Center, to an appreciative crowd, though smaller than the first evening, about 75% full. Stella Saunders, representing the St. John’s fellowship, was there to enjoy the second evening of history and music, Moravian style. The Master of Ceremonies, Amos Lyall, was moved by the fellowship and sharing. Everyone was impressed at the wealth of knowledge that Dr. Rollmann has of Moravian history. Zipora Hunter said, “He knows more about us than we know ourselves!”

Dr. Rollmann brought back to Labrador, valuable books that he had borrowed from Nain and Hopedale, having made digital copies of them at Memorial University. He was able to point out to us certain facts which are not common knowledge to most Labradorians. For example, Nain has a copy of the first extended Biblical text, published in Barby, 1800, containing extracts from the Gospel, for Passion Week readings, that had been translated into Inuktitut. The FIRST such book in Labrador Inuktitut! It was possibly an important factor in the receptiveness of the Inuit to the gospel. Another book was probably the first Labrador liturgy, published in 1830 at Bautzen, near Herrnhut, in Inuktitut. There are also newsletters printed in Nain dating back to 1902! The Moravians greatly promoted and aided the development of a high standard of literacy in Labrador.

Dr. Rollmann organized an international symposium on Moravian history in 2002 that was held in Makkovik and Hopedale. Articles presented by the historians during that symposium will get printed into a booklet this year, thanks to Dr. Rollmann’s initiative. More information about Moravians in Labrador can be found at Dr. Rollmann’s website: www.mun.ca/rels/morav/index.html

All in all, the weekend of July 6-9 was indeed a memorable one.

Makkovik Sunday School

2007-06-30T09:47:00.000-03:00

Makkovik Sunday School has just finished for the current year after an eventful 9 months of fun, games, teaching and learning about God.

The Sunday School was expertly led by Rebecca Pretty, the music teacher from the school who brought passion and a tremendous commitment to the group. She was ably assisted by Cathy Semigak.

Once a month the Church has held a family orientated service and encouraged the Sunday School to take part, and they have also produced much of the decoration on the walls of the Church with posters of memory verses and bible passages they have learnt during the week.

The Sunday School uses the Veggie Tales curriculum which has been great fun, and it was from Makkovik setting the standard of Sunday School that Nain borrowed the idea to use this resource as well. It really has been a blessing to have a good curriculum as it eases the burden from the volunteer leadership.

The parents of the children have been incredibly helpful, supporting the leadership and also assisting in many of the activities. The final Sunday School of the school year finished with a big party and was enjoyed by all.

Car Wash Fundraiser

2007-06-26T10:38:00.000-03:00

The kids from the Happy Valley Moravian Church raised $270.00 dollars on June 17th, 2007 that went towards their youth program Youth Quest and sending 9 kids for Camp July 1-8, 2007. Unfortunately due to a forest fire that was close to town, they were ordered to cut it short by the Town Office. The kids had a great time and enjoyed the time!

Nain Sunday School

2007-06-22T09:31:00.000-03:00

Some weeks back we wrote (see post on May 24) about a new Sunday School starting in Nain, and here are some pictures of the young people enjoying their time. So far numbers have been great, we started with 17, then went to 25, then up to 37, then last week 17 again (it was Fathers Day).

This weekend will be the last Sunday School of summer (June 24th) before starting up again in September.

A big thank you to everyone who has been involved, especially all the volunteers who come along on a Sunday, Big Land and Northern Foods for donating juice, and the Family Resource Centre for allowing us to use their building.

Enjoy the photo's...

Some of the children with "Bob & Larry"

Engrossed in the puppet show

Bernie Broomfield Memorial Merit Award

2007-06-11T09:27:00.000-03:00

The Moravian Church received donations after the death on November 12, 2006, of Chairperson Bernie Broomfield. The Provincial Board decided that since the youth had been a strong focus of attention under Bernie’s leadership, a merit award would be given out each year to a youth who was active in the Moravian Church. An award of two hundred dollars would be handed out at the closing of Sunday School in June of each year. The Provincial Board asked each congregation for a candidate’s name, and from these one was chosen to receive the award.

(Sr Joan Andersen presenting Cathy with her award)

The first recipient of the Bernie Broomfield Memorial Merit Award is Cathy Semigak of Makkovik. Cathy is a Level II student who has been helping Miss Rebecca Pretty with the Sunday School ever since September. She was confirmed in the spring of 2006. She has played with the violin group in church on a couple of occasions. She attends church services in the afternoon and has done Bible readings at that time. Ms. Pretty says, “She has been a great help with the Sunday School and the students really enjoy her presence. Cathy, thanks for all of your hard work in helping with Sunday School! Please continue to lift Cathy up in prayer as she continues in her Christian walk.”

(Sunday School leaders Cathy and Rebecca)

Sr Joan Andersen,
Chair, Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador

Unity Board Meeting Report by Sr Joan Andersen

2007-06-08T16:16:00.000-03:00

It was great to feel the unity and diversity around the table at the Unity Board Meeting held in Barbados. There were representatives from most provinces around the world. (See link on right for more information.) The language spoken at Unity meetings is English, but away from the table you could hear Spanish, Swahili, and German. The various English accents lent a special flavour to the discussions. It was interesting to be reminded that South Africa, where Unity Board President Angelene Swart comes from, has eleven official languages. And here in northern Labrador we sometimes think that having two is a struggle!

(Photo courtesy of Moravian Church East West Indies Province web site) Rev. Robert Hopcroft seated at bottom right.

The bus picked up delegates at 7:30 each morning and returned us to our hotel around 9:00 p.m. We had full days, with meals cooked and served by ladies from the Moravian churches in Barbados. (We quickly acquired a taste for flying fish, ocra, and mangoes!)

Each morning started off with devotions at Sharon Moravian Church, conducted by a different minister from the Barbados area each time. Bishop Sam Gray played the organ at these services. Then we moved to the D. C. Moore Educational Centre next door where the meetings were held. There Bishop Gray started each day with Bible Study. This was a very meaningful time. Everyone got a lot from these sessions which had the theme “Discerning God’s Mission Through our Unity AND Discerning Our Unity Through God’s Mission”. There was singing and prayer also.

It was good to hear the reports from each province. I learned that some provinces, especially in Africa, are increasing their congregations rapidly. I presented the report on our Labrador province and told them about our desire to find full-time ministers for each of our four congregations. The Unity promised to support our efforts in prayer. Some suggested we write our request to their provinces to see if any candidates would step forward to serve. They also encouraged us to try to find our own candidates from Labrador to ordain. It was enlightening to hear of challenges faced in other provinces and how they are being dealt with.

On Saturday all delegates were given a bus tour of all the Moravian churches in Barbados. The tour guide was Rev. Dorothea Rohde who is the minister at Gracehill Moravian Church. She gave us some historical insights into the Moravian presence in Barbados. That afternoon we went to a picnic being held by three church congregations as part of their celebration of the 550th anniversary of the worldwide Moravian Church and were happy to have members of the Unity present to join in the festivities. Bishop Sam Gray showed more of his talents by entering the sack race, lime and spoon race, and being a genuine good sport (see below!).

On Sunday each minister was assigned a church in which to lead a service. Since I am not a minister, I got to accompany Sister Angelene Swart to Penuel Church at 8:30 a.m. and Mount Tabor Church at 10:00 a.m. Both congregations are served by Rev. Dr. Cicely Athill-Horsford . Penuel Church is very small and modest, with about fifteen persons present. But the singing and fellowship in that congregation was fantastic. Mount Tabor had an attendance of about two hundred. I was struck by the large number of youth, and persons of all ages who were in attendance. Some of the youth accompanied the singing with tambourines. One young girl sang a solo that she had written herself. Two more youth did the Bible readings. The whole congregation belts out every song of praise with vigor. The singing was lively with some clapping.

The Unity members went to the manse for a dinner prepared for us by church members. Then at seven o’clock we went back into Mount Tabor Church for an evening of song, dance, and instrument playing by mainly youth, and some adult choirs. Several churches took part in this presentation. Each Unity delegate was announced, giving name and where from, and was then led in on the arm of one of the young choir members. It was a gala occasion. One choir had even learned a song in Swahili especially for our African visitors.

This is the 550th anniversary of the worldwide Moravian Church, but it is also the 275th anniversary of the beginning of mission work by the Moravian Church. This work continues, and two new mission areas have been identified. One in Lima, Peru and one in southeast Kenya. Mission work started in the Caribbean, so it was fitting that we should meet together in the Caribbean at this time. We had a warm welcome and were treated royally. All delegates came away refreshed spiritually, with new ideas and information, and supportive of our brothers and sisters in this Moravian family.

Front row: Cora Antonioa (Nicaragua), Clement Mwaitebele (Southern Tanzania).
2nd row: Paul Gardner (Jamaica), Angelene Swart (South Africa), Brinmore Phaul (Guyana).
3rd row: Wayne Burkette (U.S. Southern Province), Peter Green (Alaska), Jackie Morten (Britain), Sadock Simwanza (Tanzania, SW Province),.
4th row: Joan Andersen (Labrador), Maarten Mingoen (Suriname), Bishop Nicodemo (Western Tanzania).
5th row: Frieder Vollprecht (Germany), Leopold Pixley (Costa Rica), Erord Simae (Tanzania, Rukwa Province), Bishop Sam Gray (South Carolina, U.S.A.)Top: Errol Connor (Eastern West Indies).

Sr Joan Andersen

Chair, Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador

Carl Sonnichsen reports on the Genaille's Labrador Tour

2007-06-08T15:32:00.000-03:00

I would like to report on the 2 weeks in which Bert and Liz Genaille were present in Labrador ministering to verious communities through song, testimony and preaching.

It was my pleasure to accompany the Genailles during their time here and can say they are a wonderful couple to work with. Both of them have a real heart to share the simplicity of the Gospel with others and also have a longing to bring people to a deeper walk with God.

I should acknowledge a husband and wife in North Carolina, USA, who, previous to the Genailles plans to come, were praying for Labrador and had contacted Tribal Trails (mentioned below) about the Genailles testimony on TT's website, with no knowledge of their plans to come to Labrador. We see this as part of God's grand plan beyond our doing. We are also grieved to hear that the husband, Fred, has succumbed to cancer only 1 month after discovery. May God give his wife, Judith, the grace to go on.

The morning after arriving, Bert and Liz were interviewed on CBC Radio for about 15 minutes. The recorded interview would be aired several times throughout the week. Laura and I had the Genailles stay with us when they arrived and are grateful to our friends, Herman and Linda, who so graciously fed all of us a couple of good traditional meals at their home.

The Genaille's being interviewed for CBC Radio

The first 2 nights in Northwest River were well attended. Being acquainted with Country Gospel, I was able to accompany the Genailles with my harmonicas. I thought it would only be during our time in Northwest River but it continued on the entire tour. I was glad to be able to help in that way. With the number of CD's sold on the first 2 nights in NWR, I was wondering if there would be enough to go around through the entire tour. There were also a number of people from Goose Bay who drove the 40 minutes to meet the Genailles. A number of people from Sheshasheit, an Innu community across the River, also came.

After 2 nights in NWR, we made our way up Labrador's Coast, stopping for the first 2 nights in Hopedale. Thanks to Marjorie for setting up 2 different homes for us as accommodations, as well as to the Flowers clan for putting us up. Shortly after arriving in Hopedale, the local radio station gave the Genailles time to introduce themselves to local residents. I ended up interviewing them along with a couple songs from some of their CD's. We met in the Moravian Church the first night. Since the Genailles are flexible in their style, part of the night turned into a time of singing for everyone who attended. During the stay in Hopedale, the Genailles were able to take in some of the traditional Children's Day celebrations. It was also good to get about town a bit and meet with various residents. The concert for the 2nd night would be held in the gym of the Amos Comenius School.

Bert speaking in Hopedale

Some of the young people in Hopedale

The very next morning, we left for Makkovik and were assured that there would be several skidoos and kamotiks to pick us up. Sure enough, there they were, almost into June and still beating around town on top of the remainder of last Winter's snow, of which there was plenty, especially in Makkovik. As usual and in style with Makkovik, we received a very warm welcome. Bert brought the message for the 4 p.m. service and a couple of primer songs for the evening. After a cold plate for all those who attended, the evening service began a couple of hours later. Uncle Jim (87 years old) and Henry came along with their instruments of choice and joined in on a few numbers.

A Makkovik welcoming party!

The very next morning, we were taken by skidoo and kamotik back to the airstrip to make our way to Natuashish, the only Innu (Mushuau Innu) community on the Labrador Coast. A resident pastor with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland picked us up and both he and his wife so kindly looked after our lodging and meals. We ended up staying in Natuashish for an extra night due to inclement weather to the south (Makkovik, actually) which kept any flight from getting to us. This would reduce our 2 nights in Nain to just one. But it wasn't without reason. I was able to visit with a young couple that 3rd evening who I have known from the past to help them through some issues they are struggling with. During our stay, both Bert and I were able to visit with the Chief and some of the staff as well as with another family. With a handful of Christians there in Natuashish (workers from the outside) it was good to take in the Christian fellowship. The Christians there are actively involved in the community and are seeking to be a testimony for Christ in various ways. During our time in Natuashish, Bert and Liz were interviewed over telephone by the OKalaKatiget Radio Society in Nain.

Our last day would be spent in Nain, the most northern Inuit community in which Laura, the kids and I lived for 5 years. The Genailles were able to meet some of the staff at OKalaKatiget Radio Society. We made our way to visit with several homes before the evening concert in the Moravian Church. It was good to see the number of people out.

Outside Nain Church

The Genailles were well received in each community, as well as the 120 CD's which they brought with them. They left with barely a handful of CD's. They have another CD coming out which was not available during the tour.

Nain congregation

Though there was a minimal amount of more in-depth, one-on-one counseling, I observed that the Genailles were a great encouragement to both believers as well as to those on the fringes who have not made a decision for Christ. I, myself, was blessed to spend 2 weeks with Bert and Liz. Their love for God and people has been an inspiration to me, and I know to others. It was also good to laugh together (and boy did we laugh). It was difficult to see them go, but we hope to see them return again along with possibly others who will also come to minister to the Labrador communities around us. There were others that were wondering why the Genailles didn't come to their communties such as Postville and Rigolet. Possibly next time when there is more time set aside for such a tour.

Carl, Liz and Bert

A common thread that ran through this tour was people's acquaintance and admiration of the television program our Mission (NCEM) produces called Tribal Trails, a half-hour Native Gospel program that is aired all across North America. People equate Tribal Trails to authentic and down-to-earth people whose lives God has transformed, and the Genailles were no exception. People in each Labrador community respected and admired the Genailles for their genuine character and approach.
After arriving back in Goose Bay, the Genailles would minister in 2 local churches- the Happy Valley Moravian Church and the Northern Cross Community Church, as well as the Labrador Correctional Centre. They were also invited to accompany 2 local men who bring music to the elderly residents of the Paddon Home.

A big thanks to all those who oversaw the needs of our transportation both on arrival and departure in each community as well as moving the equipment from place to place. Thanks also to those who helped to get the word out and the posters hung before the Genailles arrival.

The funds for this tour came from several places: The Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, the Moravian Church of Newfoundland & Labrador and the Moravian Mission of North Dakota and the reduced fees and free flight arrangements were made by our friends at Air Labrador. We are grateful to all these people for making this tour possible through their generosity.

Lastly, thanks to those of you who backed up this ministry through prayer. We believe this was much more than just a musical tour. It was evident that hearts were touched and we will trust God to build on the work He has begun.

Thank you, Bert and Liz, for coming to Labrador to share your hearts, lives and the Gospel with the people here.

Gratefully submitted,
Carl Sonnichsen
Northern Canada Evangelical Mission

EDITOR'S NOTE: A special mention should be made for Carl's efforts and dedication in arranging, organising, and bringing to fruition this special trip. Without his hard work none of this would have happened. Thanks Carl.

Unity Board Meeting

2007-06-03T09:01:00.000-03:00

The Provincial Board meeting was held in Barbados last month and below is the letter sent to all provinces from the Chair of this meeting. Our own Sr Joan Andersen attended this meeting representing MCNL and she will post her own report shortly.

THE UNITAS FRATRUM
THE UNITY BOARD MEETING
BARBADOS, MAY 18-24, 2007

MESSAGE TO THE PROVINCES OF THE UNITY

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We the members of the Unity Board of the Moravian Church, Unitas Fratrum, meeting in the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados greet you in the name of Jesus our Chief Elder. We have chosen for our theme: Discerning God’s Mission Through Our Unity.

We expressed our appreciation to our immediate past President, Br. Robert Sawyer (Southern Province, U.S.A.) for the leadership he gave to the Unity during his tenure as President. Sr. Angelene Swart (South Africa Province), Vice President of the Unity Board was elected as President in November 2006. Our meeting elected Br. Paul Gardner (Jamaica Province) as Vice-President. We have been inspired by Br. Sam Gray’s daily Bible Studies throughout the meeting. We enjoyed the generous hospitality of our host the Barbados Conference of the Eastern West Indies Province. It has been a joy to share in worship in the congregations and to have fellowship with members and their families.

As we meet we are cognizant of the fact that we are gathered in a year of special anniversaries. It is the 550th Anniversary of the Unitas Fratrum, the 275th anniversary of Moravian Missions, and the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. It is indeed a moment of special significance and as a Unity we recognize the need to recommit ourselves to be faithful to the Mission of our Lord. We must continue to treasure the legacies of our church and forge ahead to be relevant in the various contexts within which we are exercising ministry. It means that we should be faithful stewards as we build bridges of harmony and peace across the world; across cultures and peoples. The Abolition of the trading in Africans reminds us that we must recommit ourselves to uphold the dignity and worth of all human beings who are created in the image of God.

The reports that we received from the Provinces provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful things that God is doing in the Provinces of the Unity. The area of new work being undertaken represents the church’s commitment to continue to do mission both within and without our respective Provinces. We had to grapple with the challenges being experienced by many of our provinces and empathize with our sisters and brothers as they seek to discern God’s will in the face of many challenges.

The Czech and the Honduras Provinces continue to be a concern of the Unity. We ask you to commit these Provinces of the Unity to our Lord as we pray for real unity in this our 550th year of witness. The fellowship that these provinces enjoyed has been fractured and we remain resolute in our attempt to search for restoration of such fellowship to all parties within the Unity. As we work towards this realization, we must recommit ourselves to the principles of the Unity; affirming and embracing this unity of the church in its diversities. We must remain a single church of mutual accountability to the Unity Synod and the Unity Board.

We accepted the Moravian Church in Congo and the Moravian Church in Zambia as Affiliated Provinces. The Moravian Church in Northern Tanzania, Moravian Church in Eastern Tanzania and Zanzibar and the Moravian Church in Malawi as Mission Provinces. The South-Eastern section of Kenya was accepted as a new Mission Area under the supervision of Western Tanzanian Province and the San Juan de Lurigancho area of Lima, Peru was accepted as a Mission Area under the supervision of the American Board of World Mission. Our decisions will be taken to The Unity Synod for ratification.

Sisters and brothers, we are conscious of the nature of the world in which we are exercising the ministry of the Church. We ask each Province to be discerning of the time and the context within which such ministry is being exercised. We urge you, therefore, to commit to prayers the work of our Church in all the Provinces of the Unity.

May God grant us success in our work and in our attempt to heal relationships within the Unity.

Yours in His grace,
Angelene Swart
President, Unity Board

Nain launches a new Sunday School...

2007-05-24T12:23:00.000-03:00

This week see's the launch of a new Sunday School in Nain.

Each Sunday at 1pm volunteers from within the community will host a Sunday School for 5-10 year olds (and a few younger ones).

Elsie Diamond and Russell Winfield are getting the group started and will create a schedule so that all the parents and volunteers can get involved. The Moravian Church has kindly donated the curriculum (Veggitales) and is funding the craft resources each week. The teaching is split into six 8 week modules and we start with "Faith" this Sunday.

For those in Nain please do send your children along and speak to Elsie or Russell about volunteering. For those outside of Nain, please keep the group in your prayers.

Location: Family Resource Centre, Nain
Time: 1pm -2pm
Ages: 5-10 (younger children welcome but parents must remain)

Happy Valley Church Choir performance...

2007-05-22T16:09:00.000-03:00

For those in the Happy Valley Goose Bay area, this Thursday (24th May) @ 7pm the Happy Valley Church Choir are due to perform at the Arcturus Theatre, $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children.

All are encouraged to attend what will be a wonderful time of worship and fellowship.

Please call Sr Sabina Hunter for more information.

P.S. I will also try and ensure someone with a camera is in attendance so we can post some pictures.

The Inuktitut Bible

2007-05-04T11:26:00.000-03:00

In 2005 the Moravian Church in Newfoundland & Labrador (MCNL) and the Canadian Bible Society partnered to gather, correct and edit the current Inuktitut Bible that is presently in 7 books and print it in one complete edition.

The MCNL had sought volunteers who are all seasoned translators in their own right, whowere willing to commit to this important project and they included Andrea Webb, Sarah Townley, Sophie Tuglavina, Hilda Lyall, and Amos Onalik.

Presently the spell checking and correcting of all the New Testament is completed, and there are now 8 books that still need to be completed and they are: Joshua, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah.

Once completed, hopefully by the end of May, pre-publishing can be done this summer and typesetting can begin in August, and printing in October.

The translators received training in March of 2007 in the use of a program called Paratext. The Canadian Bible Society uses Paratext for all their translation projects. Another program called Keyman allows the translators to type the unique symbols in Inuttitut, for example the symbol for the long vowel sound or the small K.

The translators are using the new spelling system that was developed by the Torngasok Cultural Centre. With these great tools, they are translating a children's reading series called"Walking with Jesus". Using the Good News Translation and the current Inuktitut Bible as helps, this translation will be easier to read and understand.

The original Inuktitut Bible was translated by German Missionaries and they had translated that Bible from the Martin Luther Version. The MLV is difficult to read and understand even in English, so this new translation will be more helpful, understanding, and easier to read.

Pray the translators will continue on in their great and awesom task. They have been patient, understanding, and are able to work together. May we continue on in this great purpose, for all to know God's Word.

Sr Sabina Hunter

Sr Schloss writes with an update on her work at the St John's fellowship...

2007-05-03T17:49:00.000-03:00

In 1988 I took early retirement from my position at Memorial University in order to go back into full time church work. The Board suggested visiting Moravians that are in - or are sent to - hospitals or the prison. Since in this Province, chaplaincy is done on a denominational basis (e.g. Anglicans care for Anglicans, R.C. patients by R.C., etc.) I was warmly welcomed by the various pastoral care committees in all the institutions. It turned out that a number of Moravians also live in the area – either they were married here, had jobs, or special needs (mental health, addictions, or previous convictions.)

On the first Christmas I was asked to conduct a candle service. From this, regular monthly services in a hospital chapel developed. They are publicly announced and open to all. Attendance varies from 2 or 3 to 20. At the candle service, there are usually 30.

From the outset and for several years I took classes at the local Anglican seminary (Queen’s College). The Bible Society invited me to over three terms on the Board. When the local Council of Churches was formed, I became a member of the executive and still am. At every ecumenical or interfaith function, I am invited to represent our church. When the 250th anniversary of the Moravian presence in Labrador was celebrated, the sisters of the Roman Catholic hospital organized a service of Thanksgiving in which nearly all the other denominations participated.

My ordination (in Nain, 1995) opened the doors even wider. Unfortunately, for health reasons, I reluctantly gave up the regular visits to the Penitentiary and the psychiatric hospital. Visits to the acute hospitals (children’s and general) continue as needed. So is the representation on the pastoral care committees and the Council of Churches. Visits elsewhere are also made to outpatients and in crisis (e.g. news comes that a family member has died, often through suicide).

I am deeply grateful to the church for having me called to this service through which I can still serve the Labrador people.

The opportunity and needs are great.
Pray the Lord of the Harvest.

Respectfully submitted,
Sr Brigitte Schloss
St. John’s Fellowship

The new blog...

2007-05-03T17:45:00.000-03:00

I would like to sincerely congratulate our volunteer worker from England, Br Russell Winfield, for coming up with the idea for the Labrador Moravian blog! He has moved the Labrador Moravian into the modern age. Thank you, Russell, for your great work. We look forward to more stories from your post in Nain.

This is also a good means to hear from Moravians who have travelled afar and would like to keep in touch with their church. It's a good place to exchange views and ideas also.

With high regard,
Sr Joan Andersen

Broadcasting from Nain…

2007-04-26T12:31:00.000-03:00

Fran Williams is part of the team that broadcasts television and radio from the OKâlaKatiget Society in Nain, Labrador. Some of you may be familiar with the name Ok Society as it is sometimes referred.

The radio station has been broadcasting from the old mission house since June 1985. The OKâlaKatiget Society was first incorporated in 1982. The building, shown in the picture below, was originally built by the Hudson Bay Company and became a Cottage Hospital before being a boarding school house, and then finally its incarnation as Radio and TV centre.

This summer a new building project is being undertaken and will be hopefully completed by February 2008 allowing the OKâlaKatiget Society to move into new premises.

Fran started working at the OKâlaKatiget Society in Nain back in May 1984, and she is now a part of a team of 10 people, 4 of whom work on Radio, 4 on TV, and 2 in management roles. I have listed the current employees below.

The radio show broadcasts from Nain and can be heard from Happy Valley Goose Bay all the way up to Nain, with a potential target audience of roughly 7,000 people. There is live content broadcast from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-5pm Monday to Friday, and while they are not on air then CBC North is played.

On a Sunday morning they have two hours devoted to religious content. From 10–11am they broadcast the Nain Moravian Church Inuktitut Service live as the Church has been equipped with the necessary technology allowing this to happen. This means that this native language service can be heard across coastal Labrador by anyone with a radio. They also broadcast from 1-4pm on a Sunday afternoon, giving 20 hours total broadcast time per week.

There is a real mixture of content on the radio, including local news and interviews, a mixture of music styles and lots of requests. Fran says she enjoys the variation that her job brings, which means the job is never boring and allows her to keep up-to-date with both regional and national news, and meet lots of interesting people. Also as it is plays such a key role within the community they are very quick to receive feedback on the things that do and don’t work.

They have a great website set up with loads of information and it is well worth checking out at www.oksociety.com This is updated by the radio team daily with community news.

Current Employees of the OKâlaKatiget Society are as follows:

Fran Williams (in picture below)
Mitchell White (in picture below)
Bonnie Lyall
Joanna Dicker
K.Naeme Tuglavina
Maria Harris
Sarah Abel
Sybella Tuglavina
Paul Murphy

News from the Chair…

2007-04-23T21:31:00.000-03:00

It’s the 550th anniversary of the worldwide Moravian Church. As we think back to the early history of the Unitas Fratrum, we remember the difficulties those early believers faced, but even persecution did not destroy their faith. This gives us hope today.

In Labrador our congregations have been without a minister for several years. I would like to thank all the volunteers who keep our churches going. A service is held every Sunday. Sunday School lessons continue. Confirmation classes are still offered. Workers have spent time improving the graveyards. Mountains of snow have been shoveled away from entryways and windows. Furnaces are kept running. Weekly vacuuming is done. And then there is the offer of prayer and fellowship whenever a family is in need. Thank you to all of you who step up to do good in the name of our Chief Elder.

With Nunatsiavut achieving self-government, we are seeing greater power to the people. It is up to the Moravian Church to play a part in this empowerment. Training is needed for our church leaders. The talk has turned to putting out a call for full-time ministers. That is a must if we are to serve the spiritual needs of each community.

Sr Joan Andersen

News from Nain...

2007-04-23T21:27:00.000-03:00

We are pleased to announce that we have begun refurbishing the electrics in the Church and will have a new lighting system by the weekend (Sunday 29th April 2007).

The chapel servants held a meeting last week to decide on what would look best in the Church and we are hopeful that the congregation and community will appreciate this new look.

Here is a photo of the Church:

Happy Valley Goose Bay congregational news...

2007-04-23T21:24:00.000-03:00

There are two confirmation students this year and they are Betty Broomfield and Barb Webber. They have decided to complete the Alpha Course by May 27, 2007.

Sunday School is offered by Beatrice Dicker and with this Youth Ministry we also have Youth Quest.

Youth Quest is run from September to May of each year. This past year the children who are aged 5 to 15 have received their own Bibles. We are sad to see Claude and Muriel Queval from the Mennonite Central Committee and Gail Kuo and Ron Miles our volunteers, leave this year. We are thankful to Carl and Laura Sonnichsen from the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission who continue to help as well some parents. We pray for additional leaders to help us for next year.

Sr Sabina Hunter

Congregation news from Hopedale...

2007-04-23T21:23:00.000-03:00

Hopedale was pleased to have two applications for confirmation of Rachel Tuglavina and Agnes Abel and their confirmation service took place on Palm Sunday.

Every Sunday evening we meet together for a time of choruses and prayer, led by Nicole Burt and Reuben Flowers. It is a tremendous time of fellowship and a great opportunity to relax and spend time praise God and seeking His voice.

Sunday School continues to be well attended and on the last service of each month we invite the school choir to come and perform and also have a few snacks and drinks after the service. It is so good to have the young people involved and they bring a tremendous blessing to all of us with their singing, musical instruments and enthusiasm.

Makkovik writes with news of their music group…

2007-04-23T21:21:00.000-03:00

Makkovik's music group was started in the fall of 2006 by Russell Winfield and Rebecca Pretty.
It is usually held on Wednesday nights at the church and we have since moved to the school until Lent services and Easter
are over.

Rebecca usually opens and closes with a prayer as she is the leader of our group. She is doing a wonderful job with us and special thanks to her for all her time, dedication and effort she puts into our group. Thanks so much Rebecca.

There are about 14 of us who get together and have performed at many services now. We seem to be very well recieved by the congregation. We are always looking for new members anyone is welcome to come along. We always have a good laugh!

Kim Andersen

Note from the editor…

2007-04-23T20:55:00.000-03:00

This is the first post of the Labrador Moravian blog in 2007.

We have decided to use a blog to communicate up-to-date news of Church life here in Labrador to those both inside the province, and those further afield.