"Your Word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
Fall 2013 Brings Big News at the MCNL

With the coming of fall (amazingly, the warmth of the summer hasn't quite arrived as yet) the MCNL begins a new chapter in its history of promoting biblical literacy among all.  We will be beginning a new Bible Initiative, available without charge to all Labrador Moravians.  The Bible Initiative seeks to grow our own leadership, to grow biblical literacy especially with the vacancies of pastoral leadership, and will help to grow our existing lay leadership, new lay leadership, as well as prevent burn-out of existing leadership.
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...,"  Ephesians 1:13
Phase 1 of the Bible Initiative will be an 8-month biblical survey of the Old and New Testaments in partnership with the Ockenga Institute of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  The coursework will include online lectures, a workbook, textbooks, pastoral classes in-person, online pastoral class discussions, and "iron sharpens iron" online discussion, all leading to a certificate of completion.
If you're interested in taking the 6-week classes, you may contact MCNL Provincial Chairperson Sarah Jensen scjensen03@hotmail.com or the Rev. Glenna J. Tasedan gjtasedan@gmail.com.  

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

2012 MORAVIAN SUMMER YOUTH CAMP

      The 2012 Moravian Summer Youth Camp for Labrador youth ages 10 - 15 was a beautiful time of abiding in God and His creation.  The youth camp took place at the new cabin in Little Bay South (Hopedale) where the weather was perfect, the fishing ideal, and the worship and fellowship outstanding.  Seventeen youth; 3 from Happy Valley Goose Bay and 14 from Hopedale participated.  In addition to their bible study and journaling, activities that marked this camp included fishing, swimming, t-shirt tie-dying and other crafts, music, Inuit games, and watching bears from afar.  The special guest (Moses) appeared, and many new friendships were built.

      Many many thanks go out to Piercey and Francis Boas, Jim Nitsman, and to the Hopedale community for all their assistance in cooking, fixing, making things happen, and transporting the campers on their fishing excursion. 

 

 

2012 Moravian Youth Camp Campers and Counselors

LABRADOR MORAVIAN YOUTH CAMP

Hopedale, NL

August 13-17th, 2012

Youth ages 12-15 years

This year's camp includes:  bible study, crafts, drama, photography, a fishing trip, and an aboriginal day.  Discover God's Word in the midst of God's creation. 
Cost:  $75.00   Reduced air travel may be available upon requested.
Contact:  Sarah Jensen   709-933-3687 or the Rev. Glenna Tasedan  828-339-6970
Registration deadline is July 22nd.  Download/print the registration form here.

Registration for Summer Camp August 13-17, 2012       

Offered by the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador at Little Bay, near Hopedale

Head counsellors:  Sarah Jensen and Rev. Glenna Tasedan

Name:         ___________________________________      □ Boy      □ Girl

Date of birth:  ____________________

School grade (as of June 23) ________________________

Contact details of parent/guardian in case of emergency:

          Name:_________________________________

          Telephone:  ____________________________

          Address:  ______________________________

          Email address: __________________________ 

Home congregation:  □ Hopedale  □Happy Valley   □ Makkovik    □Nain
Food allergies:  ___________________________________________

Current medication:  _______________________________________

 _______________________________________________________

Medical Condition(s):  _____________________________________

________________________________________________________

MCP number:  ______________________

Any other information:  ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________

 Skills (such as ability to swim, music, etc.)  ______________________

__________________________________________________________

Name of parent / guardian (please print)  ________________________

Signature of Parent / Guardian        _____________________________
Signature of chapel servant         _______________________________

Please return this form with payment of $75.00 to "Labrador Moravian Youth Camp", c/o Sarah Jensen, Hopedale, NL

Deadline for registration is July 22nd.

The Blessing of the Putz - Happy Valley Moravian

 

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

“And Behold! Wisemen came from the East.”


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

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





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

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

 

Ordination of Beatrice Hope

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

He Is Risen!

Brass Band in Happy Valley Moravian

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

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

MUN musicians performing at Long Term Care

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

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

Labrador Provincial Synod, October 2010

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

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

The passing of Amos Lyall

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

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

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.