Makkovik Sunday School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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