Moravian Music Festival for Youth

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

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

Rev David Dickinson

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

Music Workshop Improvisation...

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

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

Official Launch of the Inuktitut Bible (part 1)

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

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...

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!

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

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.

A historic day...

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

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!

Moravian Music Workshop in Hopedale

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...

Summer Camp 2008

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...

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...

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.

Conference Highlights

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

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

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