From www.alaskamoravian.org

Announcements
Synod 2009 Informational Report
By Pastor Nicholson
Feb 15, 2009, 10:01

OUTLINE:

1. Carrie Paton's Report

2. Bishop Nicholson's commentary on the Spiritual Feast renewal movement.

3. Bible Study at Healing Committee

The following is a special glimpse into some of the happenings at Synod 2009. If any of our members has any questions they are encouraged to contact either Pastor Nicholson at 907-646-7630 or Church delegate Carrie Paton at (907) -345-1057.

Report submitted by Carrie Paton, Anchorage Moravian Church Elder/Delegate

Alaska Moravian Church Provincial Synod Report

February 2 – 6, 2009

Bethel, Alaska 99559

Thank you, AncMC for sending me to represent you for the 2009 AMC Synod in Bethel. It was again a time of connecting with the other Moravian Churches in Alaska and to have a time of sharing, fellowship, and learning from each other. The 2009 Synod was well attended by delegates, Pastor’s, Elders, Trustees, and guests.

Sincerely, Carrie Paton

The theme this year was, “Brotherly Love”, with a theme verse of Hebrews 13:1 “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” We had a good Bible Study on this, as different groups with good discussion on the topic. We were told by our leader to be obedient people, to obey our church leaders so as to make it less difficult for them; to have love and forgiveness to others.

I.        Committee Reports

A.      Alaska Moravian Church Provincial President’s Report was given by Peter Green about his activities over the year. The Alaska Moravian Province has twenty-three (23) church congregations and one fellowship. Peter stressed that individual churches must submit congregation membership updates and assessments. Annual reports to include confirmations, baptisms, weddings, memorial/funeral services by the serving pastor need to be submitted to AMC a month before synod meets.

B.      Traveling Evangelism report was given by James Lewis. In April and May, he went to Good News, Manokotak, Twin Hills, Togiak, Quinhagak, Akiachak, and Atmaulluak. In June, he went to Eek.

C.      Yupik translation report was given by Jones Anaver. The Old Testament is translated and currently is being reviewed. The New Testament is being transliterated from old Yupik writing system to the new Yupik orthography. The completion of the project may take 3-5 years.

D.      Board of World Missions report was given by Ed Dehnert. The missions were able to send Daily Vacation Bible School teams from Wisconsin last summer to Nunapitchak and Kipnuk. They are already planning to send teams up to villages that have not had DVBS or don’t have easy access to DVBS in their villages.

E.       Christian Education/Youth Director Report written by Arthur Coolidge was read. The Youth had a retreat in Tuntutuliak (May, 2008) and a Youth Festival again in Tuntutuliak (November, 2008). Two Youth were able to travel and attend the Mission Conference at Wisconsin in October. The Youth Council was scheduled to meet the weekend prior to the synod but had no quorum. They ask that the Moravian Churches don’t schedule church activities the weekend before synod meets.

F.       ANMC Hospital Chaplaincy verbal report was given by Walter Larson. He has worked as a hospital chaplain until May 23, 2009. Frederick Nielsen is now a hospital chaplain in Anchorage since January 12, 2009.

G.     Alaska Moravian Bookstore verbal report was given by Arthur Sharp. The Bookstore has not been active since May, 2008 due to no funds coming in. The Art guild is interested to lease the building.

H.     Alaska Bible & Theological School Report was given by Tim Samson. Tim Samson is a temporary ABS Coordinator until April, 2009. Spring semester classes will begin next week. Need donations of non-perishable items for the seminary dormitory. There are scholarships available if interested students are out there and don’t have funding available. Correspondence classes may be available in the future. Encourage your local churches to have special offerings or fund raising for the Seminary. Booklet and curriculum available and copies passed out to synod attendees.

I.        Provincial Women’s Fellowship Report was given by Mary Gregory. In June, Mary and Annie Cleveland traveled to Germany to attend a Women’s Conference. Recommendations include more education, partnering with social service agencies, concerning violence in women, abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, counseling skills, confidentiality, family roles, parenting skills. The PMWF had a singspiration in Platinum in August. 2009 WF singspiration is set for May 1-3, 2009, in Eek, pending an approval from the Eek Elders. A workshop is scheduled for March 27-29, 2009 in Bethel.

J.        Provincial Hymnal Committee Report was given by Mary Gregory. The committee is working on editing the Brown Yupik Hymnbook for typos and Sarah Owens is rewriting the songs into new Yupik orthography. Teddy Coopchiak is working on getting notes together for pages 200-347. Sarah is checking the liturgies and some of the songs. Don’t know when the Hymnbook will be done. Some of the discussions included: 1) contact the originator of the translation to fix the words to fit into the notes; 2) for new translations have an ordained pastor review them before they are released; 3) Songs that make presumptions of seeing you in heaven are not encouraged as we don’t have the final say where the souls go after death.

K.      Alaska Christian College Verbal Report was given by Walter Larson. Alaska Christian College is growing, more buildings added. Good many supporters both in Alaska and outside of Alaska.

L.       Christian Native Ministry verbal statement given by Walter Larson. No report. This ministry has been taken over by the Saint Lawrence Island Presbyterian’s.

M.    Treasurer’s Report given by Arthur Sharp.

II.    Business

A.    Provincial Land and Investments. An update was given on the Provincial Land and Investments from SPG (Society for Propagating the Gospel) to AMC (Alaska Moravian Church). Leave alone for now.

B.    Frequency of Synod Meetings President Peter Green informed the Synod that next year, 2010, the frequency of the Synod meetings will be visited and decided whether to have the Synod every 2 years or to continue to have it annually. Most urgent matter has been for the Moravian Church Boards to know the Book of Order. Peter urged the Moravian Churches to study and review the Book of Order.

C.    Endorsement of Ambassadors for Christ Ministries, International (AFCI). Justin Vold presented the AFCI Statement of Faith. This organization work with Billy Graham evangelistic services. They’ve been to Kwigillingok last year. Their goal is to bring the church back to the root of Jesus Christ. Endorsed by the synod. Look forward to working with the Moravian churches.

D.   Nunapitchinghak Camp (Kwethluk Children’s Home) Committee verbal report given by Manig Koenig. Manig reports that the place is vandalized. The buildings are still standing except for the girl’s dorm. Up to this day, has not seen the title or deed to the land. Believes that the Moravian Church owns that land. Lot of work yet to do. The AMC will check with the recording office and the Kwethluk Corporation land department regarding the title/deed of the land. Open dialogue and make short term and long range goals. Many potential resources are out there.

III.   Recommendations

A.      Christian Education &Youth

Brian Henry recognized the Alaska Moravian Provincial Youth Council Officers: Anna Miller, President; Travis Gloko, Vice-President (2010); Gayle Bartman, Secretary (2010); Marcus Alexie (2009), Lonnie Strunk. Thanks to Travis Tikiun, who is the only one here at the synod.

1.       Discussion on fulfilling the Book of Order provisions pgs. 43,44.

2.       Need more adult chaperones for the youth traveling to church sponsored activities.

3.       Discussion on premarital and pre-baptism counseling. The congregation is responsible for the upbringing of the children. We need to be actively involved.

4.       Teach our children about the sacraments and covenants. All communicant members need to be actively involved.

5.       Our children and Youth need programs in our churches.

6.       Need to take a stand in true witnessing. Adults need to be examples. Actions speak louder than words.

Passed.

B.    Pastors and Elders

After much debate and discussion regarding the Spiritual Feast concept and happenings in Manokotak and other villages, a recommendation was put together as follows:

Pastors and Elders Recommendation

The Moravian Covenant for Living, formerly known as the Brotherly Agreement of the Moravian Church principles by Which We Live and Bear Our Witness; the Ground of Our Witness, it is written: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity/love”

The Pastors and Elders Committee recommends to the synod body (to accept) the concept of a Spiritual Feast. It’s a ministry process that is presently utilized as an instrument in a church to ‘seek and save the lost’ and to edify those who are already saved and who have recently found Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The gathering is in reference to a recognized Moravian festival commemorating the August 13^th, 1727 revival when Moravians in Berthelsdorf, Germany, the residents of Herrnhurt were united into the Renewed Brethren’s Church through the Spirit of God.

The spiritual leaders (Pastors, Lay Pastor, Church Elders, Youth Leaders, Sunday school leaders) should strive to maintain a spiritual sustainability of ALL new and existing members, and that all decisions, planning and organizing be in reference to the guidelines of the Alaska Moravian Church Book of Order.

After much debate, discussion, and prayer a secret ballot voting was done. 24/62 Yes and 38/62 No. Did not pass.

C.    2009 Finance and Stewardship Committee

Recommendation #1

Due to complications encountered, after the death of our late Brother, David Nanalook, as pastor of the Moravian Church, whose insurance premiums was paid for, but was unsigned, therefore, causing insurance company, not paying the expected $10,000 to Mrs. Nanalook.

We therefore recommend that more effort be made to complete the application for insurance thoroughly, and the insured be informed of the importance of signing the papers.

Recommendation #2

Salary increase for Pastors or ordained pastors by 20%. Lay Pastors from $650 to $750 per month and the ordained pastors from $750 to $900 per month.

Discussion: Give to the church as much as you can. You can go beyond the said Pastor’s salary to help your pastor in your home church. Both recommendations passed.

3.    Special Offerings. See 2009 Special Offerings calendar. Passed.

Special offering requests for the New Year should be sent in before the synod meetings in order to be taken into consideration.

D.    Evangelism and Outreach

Recommendations:

1.    The appointed evangelist needs prayerful support from all the members of Alaska Moravian faith and all the body of Christ. The evangelist has many tasks to do including pasturing a village and traveling at the same time, which requires prayerful support and may need someone to assist him to witness the events.

2.    All pastors should be encouraging their congregation regularly to evangelize to help in winning the lost. It is biblical that all believers in Christ are called to evangelize and reach the lost sheep.

3.    All village church should put up a banner near the entrance way to encourage congregants of scriptural passages such as Acts 17:11.

4.    Due to the nature and amount of time it takes for the appointed evangelist to prepare and travel, the position of the evangelist should be a full time position and not to include other assignments (such as pasturing) or installed in a village, as it takes most of his time to focus on evangelism. If at any point the appointed evangelist is unable to keep the evangelism schedule he may appoint other pastor(s) to take his place for scheduled trips.

All passed.

IV. Resolutions

A.      Healing Committee #2009-01

Whereas, God has called us from many distinctive backgrounds, we recognize the possibility of disagreeing or having differences. Often these differences will enrich the Church, but sometimes they can divide,

And whereas, we must consider it our Christian responsibility to demonstrate within the congregational life the unity and togetherness created by God who made us one,

And whereas, how well we accomplish this will be a witness to our communities and churches testifying the validity of our faith in Jesus Christ,

And whereas, the Lord Jesus Christ (the Chief Elder of the Moravian Church) prayed that ALL believers should be of one spirit and to love one another in the way He loves us, remembering that by loving each other, we will make it known to the world that we are Jesus’ disciples,

Therefore be it resolved that; we must make every effort (not by denominational obligations) to avoid a subjective or argumentative spirit with one another and to each fellow believer, realizing that this kind of spirit DOES NOT come from God’s Holy Spirit,

And be it further resolved that; that the Book of Order, v. Our witness in the World, #32; states that we make no distinction among believers, always keeping in mind that, in God’s eyes, there is no distinction between His children who are in Christ –neither male or female, young or old, rich nor poor, etc.

Be it further resolved that; God forbids favoritism and He doesn’t take sides, therefore we as Christians must act and do likewise.

Passed.

B.      Alaska Moravian Youth Council Resolution # 02-09

Whereas, the Alaska Moravian Church recognizes the participation of its youth membership in activities adhered to the gospel of Jesus Christ,

Whereas, the Alaska Moravian Church Youth Council was formed on November, 2001, at Napakiak, Alaska,

Whereas, since January 2002, the Alaska Moravian Youth Council meet annually prior to Synod gatherings,

Whereas, the participation of the Alaska Moravian youth has become exceedingly low in numbers,

Therefore, be it resolved, in hopes for more youth participants, that the Alaska Moravian Church Youth Council sponsored annual meetings become known as “the Alaska Christian Youth Conferences.

Passed.

C.      Provincial Finance Committee

Resolution #09-1

Whereas, Moravian Board of World Mission have set a new assessment figure of $3,000.00 annually beginning in 2007;

Be it Resolved, that the 2004 Evangelism & Outreach Resolution #04-04, stating:”That the Alaska Moravian Church begin to increase its annual support to the Board of World Missions at the rate of 10% or more each year in order to enable more ministry and mission outreaches around the world.”, be it rescinded.

Resolution#09-2

Whereas, expenditures has drastically increased over the period of couple years due to increase in costs;

And,

Whereas, the Communicant membership fee has been the same for number of years;

Be it resolved; that the Communicant Membership (A.E.) fee increase from $38.00 to $45.00 annually beginning in 2009.

Both passed.

Resolution #09-3 (?)

TITLE: ESTABLISHING PROVINCIAL SUPPORT FOR IKAYUUN, INC.

WHEREAS: A special Church Council of the Anchorage Moravian Church in November 2008 approved organization of a Moravian Humanitarian aid organization, to support energy refugees and others moving into Anchorage, Alaska, and;

WHEREAS: The AncMC Joint Boards approved and filed articles of incorporation with the State of Alaska and with the IRS has filed for 501c (3) non-profit status for Ikayuun, Inc, and;

WHEREAS: The stated purposes of Ikayuun is to help individuals and families who (are) need feed, clothing, financial assistance, personal financial counsel, relocation orientation, transport of personal goods, transportation services to individuals and families, transitional housing, the referral and use of community resources, and, as it matures, other initiatives necessary to meet needs,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Church Council members of the Anchorage Moravian Church that its pastor, The Rt. Rev. William Nicholson and Anchorage Moravian Church delegate approach the Alaska Moravian Synod 2009 to prayerfully support the creation and establishment of Ikayuun, Inc. and assure that member congregations of the Alaska Province are aware of this helping Organization.

Passed.

Group Committee Sessions

Pastors and Elders: Bishop Jacob Nelson

Healing: Bishop William Nicholson

Christian Education and Youth Leadership: Carl Ekamrak/Tim Samson

Finance and Stewardship: Arthur Sharp

Evangelism and Outreach: Rev James Lewis

THIS COMMENTARY IS ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL FEAST RENEWAL IN THE ALASKA PROVINCE (Only partially presented to the Synod floor due to time constraints)

Provided by Bishop William Nicholson

February 5, 2009

First let me share that I am glad that the Pastor’s and Elders Committee, headed up by Bishop Jacob Nelson of the Alaska Moravian Church, is willing to come up with a "compromise recommendation" (rather than a binding resolution) that enhances renewal in the Alaska Province. This recommendation is one that can be implemented by the churches that are ready based upon their understanding of God’s Holy Word and a move of God’s Spirit upon the Communities. (Note: later after passionate and lengthy floor debate the following recommendation was voted down by Synod - 24 yes and 38 no)

The recommendation reads as follows: “The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, formerly known as the Brotherly Agreement of the Moravian Church principles by Which We Live and Bear Our Witness; the Ground of Our Witness, it is written: ‘In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity/love’.

The Pastors and Elder’s Committee recommends to the Synod body that the concept of the Spiritual Feast is a ministry process that is presently utilized as an instrument in a church to “seek and save the lost” and to edify those who are already saved and who have recently found Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The Gathering is in reference to a recognized Moravian festival commemorating the August 13, 1727 revival when Moravians in Berthelsdorf, Germany, the residents of Herrnhut were united into the Renewed Brethren’s Church through the Spirit of God.

The spiritual leaders (Pastor, Lay Pastor, Church Elders, Youth Leaders, Sunday School leaders) should strive to maintain a spiritual sustainability of ALL new and existing members, and that all decisions, planning and organizing be in reference to the guidelines of the Alaska Moravian Church Book of Order.”

My thoughts: After much soul searching, prayer and study of the Holy Scriptures as I understand them, I would like to share that I support the concept of the Spiritual Feast in the Alaska Province.

Dr. Kurt Vitt former, Theological Director for the former Alaska Moravian Seminary, said the Church sanctuary is the living room of the church family. In our own homes we express ourselves in many ways. According to my study of the scripture it is ok to express anger as long as we deal with it before the sun sets. Also from scripture, we can learn that it is ok to have emotions in ministry and in worship experiences; the Old Testament says that David danced before the Lord. He shouted with all of his might. People of that day thought their king was crazy because he loved the Lord so much!

My own observation is that there is now a spiritual movement of God’s grace and liberty that is transforming lives and has moved an entire village to live for Christ. It’s amazing that the Chief VPSO of Manokotak, Alaska has testified before the healing committee that he is having trouble to keep himself busy because crime is so low. God is answering our prayer for revival; it’s beginning. Literally this is happening in our Province through the Spiritual Feast. I’ve been to one and I have written about it objectively within my understanding of Holy Scripture and my own experience with the Holy Spirit.

In the course of the three-day Spiritual Feast in October 2008 I observed a series of worship services with lots of singing. Also evidenced were great testimonies glorifying our Lord Jesus. I saw Spirit-filled singing by duets, choirs and even young children. I also saw spiritual healing -people being called to repentance and committing their lives to our Savior. Evidenced in the sharing is a call for holiness and more Christ-likeness. As the Spirit of God moved, people were being filled by the Holy Spirit. After the service I saw prayer for physical healing. Marriages were restored. What was surprising for me was to see exorcisms. I personally saw two young people set free this way. Through the every member ministry, God’s Word was shared in clarity and power. A big message that seemed to come throughout the services is that the people must heed a clear warning - the Return of Jesus is close! So clean up your lives and begin living for the Savior! Also what the Spirit of God appeared to be is saying is that Church leaders and individual Christians need to preach and share the gospel in the presence and power of the Holy Ghost while manifesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

After my first Spiritual Feast experience, as an impartial observer, I was left with a strong feeling that God wants not only to transform individual lives; He wants to make the Moravian Church better and stronger in fulfilling its basic mission of winning the lost! It appears to me that a new form of worship (actually a New Testament early Church form that has been revived) is happening which gives Moravians an opportunity to experience an every member ministry full of freedom and variety of expression.

The Spiritual Feast appears to be a powerful expression that is now advancing the Great Commission to the hurting and sinful people. Alaska’s villages have the highest incidence of alcohol and drug use, sexual molestation cases, and suicide. Our society is one that has taken a turn downwards in Christian values in the last two decades. Divorce is prevalent; broken relationships are everywhere; illegitimate children are numerous. Our Church has lost some of its traditional influence, but now I am hopeful, if we are open to it, we may be able to regain more influence to better the quality of life in the villages we live in. This may happen not only by the traditional or older elders of the Church, but through the vibrant hearts of those yielded believers who are obedient to scripture and to the Holy Spirit and want to make things better.

When the Holy Spirit moves the greatest gift, love is in operation! In I Cor. 12:7 it says the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. It is true when the spiritual gifts are in operation the bible says, “therefore if the whole church comes together in one place and all speak in tongues (which is one of the manifestations of the spiritual gifts) and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say you are out of your mind?” (I Cor. 14:23).

The Moravian Church in 1727 was known as a renewed religious community that tried to become more like the early Christian Church; that’s why today we celebrate Moravian Pentecost and the Lovefeasts after the pattern of the early church. Church historians recognize that man’s traditions have a way of creeping in. Certainly by 600 AD the Christian Church became a human institution with clergy and man-made rules. The several hundred translations of the Holy Scriptures were limited by the Roman Catholic Church to one called the Vulgate. The ancient Moravian Church was formed to bring renewal and truth and it was born as the first Protestant Church in 1457.

Today in the 21^st century God is again calling his humble Church to renewal! A Holy Ghost movement is again touching the established Churches. It is impacting our Church in Alaska. As we are being called to renewal God is calling us to study the Holy Scriptures? Personally during Synod 2009 I was convicted to re-read the Book of Corinthians in light of the currently issue of the Spiritual Feast phenomenon. Paul the Apostle’s experience in the Church at Corinthians is a model which I believe God’s people are being called to do more and more in the days ahead! The Manokotak Moravian Elders are obedient to this call. I am glad that the Anchorage Moravian Church elders are doing this obediently through the outstanding non-denominational singspirations held in Anchorage, Alaska. Are you willing to heed this call to allow your spiritually endowed church members to involve themselves in lay ministry?

The Corinthian Church model is an every member, believer-priest ministry. Again this is the model I see operating in the Spiritual Feast model pioneered in Kwigillingnok and now used as a renewal model in Manokotak, Alaska. In I Cor. 14 Paul talks about a Church that functions not by a one man clergy like we have today; it’s an every member ministry. This early Church ministry was conducted by everyone that had a spiritual gift. Our study of the scripture tells us that each believer at least has one gift to edify the Church. In I Cor. 14:26 says, “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” Then Paul provides more direction in verse 33 – “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” The Spiritual Feast is a fulfillment of this New Testament model. If we vote against this model, we may be voting against the purity of the scripture as taught by the Apostle Paul.

Lastly in spiritual renewal, I personally believe God wants us to learn to express and enjoy our emotions much more than we do, especially in regards to our fellowship with God. What can be more wonderful or more emotionally stirring than feeling in the presence of God? In the life of the church I’ve learned that emotionalism for the sake of emotionalism is wrong when it is emotionalism expressed for its own sake, without any roots or reason. I have heard again and again that we need to not seek the experience, but seek Christ and when he touches a person, that one will be full of joy which is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Emotion in my mind is a response to God the Holy Spirit working; it is an expression of joy. We should seek Christ and Him crucified, our hope of glory! When renewal comes there is great joy!

As I have studied the role of the bishop in the Unity, I have learned that a key aspect of this episcopacy is to receive from Christ, and to give to the Church, spiritual guidance. The decisive point is that “the bishop is called to a priestly-pastoral ministry in the framework of the Unity, yet in a given Province”.

So too I have learned that from the 2007 Minutes of the Unity Meeting of the bishops that “the office of the bishop in its function as a symbol of the continuity of the Church’s ministry or as a focus of unity for the church as a whole is vitality connected with the work of the Holy Spirit.” The bishop minutes goes on to say that “renewal comes from the Holy Spirit, therefore the bishop is sensitive to new expressions of ministry based on Christian love in a charismatic leadership and willingness to serve the brethren and sisters with patience, courage, and vision.”

The bishops of the unity (surprisingly for me) shared that “traditionalism and stress on formal positions, will not help us; needed is constant renewal”. So too, as the bishops dealt with the work of the Holy Spirit, they have come up with the following statement on the Charismatic movement in the Unity: “The Moravian Church came out of a type of charismatic experience, ie. Moravian Pentecost. Bishops of the Unity recognize that Charismatic Christians are part of the contemporary Church.” A big concern among the Bishops at the same conference is that they feel that “charismatic worship can divide congregations”. They said, “we recognize that both traditional and modern models of worship are needed and that the church needs to and must provide new expressions of worship especially to meet the needs of young people. If we don’t allow this then our young people will go to other churches which will not be Moravian. Allowance for gifts must be used in Moravian worship services”

As a Bishop of the Unity and of the Alaska Province I am concerned about the unity of the Moravian Church congregations, its life, and doctrine. We need to stick together under one umbrella (which is the Alaska Moravian Church Book of Order). It is my prayer that the unity and continuity of the Alaska Province will be preserved until Christ comes again. Unity will be preserved as long as all Church leaders are willing to pray, communicate, stand on the truth of the Holy Scripture and do whatever we can to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior and make things better for our Church in love. As we submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and teachings of the Bible, and allow the spiritual gifts to flourish, we will be able to deal with all of our community ills and make our villages a better place to live.

***

Post Synod thoughts and questions offered by Bishop Nicholson: I feel that the quality of dialogue at this year's synod was good. This CONTINUES TO BE necessary so OUR church can move forward. There are still incorrect preceptions or misunderstandings out there. One of them is that we have a Moravian doctrine which we must follow. It is my feeling there is no such thing as Moravian doctrine. If you can find such an instrument, please let me know. However I think we can all agree that we have in our AMC Book of Order an important document entitled ,"The Ground of the Unity", a definitive theological statement which we all follow. We must read it like we have never read it before! So too, even more importantly, it is up to us to study God's Word and flesh it out so that lives will continue to be transformed and add to our Alaskan Churches. Certainly there needs to be more theological reflection on the work of the Holy Spirit and the need to come to grips with other issues such as whether "wonders, visions, and dreams" have a viable place in our comtemporary Church. The Book of Order needs to become as familiar as our Bible to us. Are we in the last days? If so, are we responding to what the Spirit of God is now saying to the Churches? Are our Church too complacent or "lukewarm" as the biblical book of Revelations says? Are we preparing for the harvest in our communities? Are we implementing Synod 2008's resolution to study the spiritual gifts and implement them to combat suicide and evil? Is it worthwhile to study the spiritual feast experience at Manokotak and discover why crime is down to unprecidented levels (as attested to by the Chief VPSO). We heard eloquently that this troubled town and its Moravian Church has been literally transformed by God's Word and His Spirit? We recognize that the Alaska Moravian Church yet still does not have a definitive statement on the Spiritual Feast. Is there a need to develop one by the Presbyters and Bishops? Even if there are disgreements or misunderstandings on how we do things in our Moravian Churches, can we agreed to look to the scriptures and to the Spirit of God to really truly understand what is going on today? Are we teachable by God's Holy Spirit as we encounter His Word and apply it to win souls, or are we simply products of human tradition and must do things the way we have done things for the last 50 years? Does the Book of Order address the need to develop new forms of worship to meet contemporary needs? All these are good questions to ask ourselves. Many more questions must be asked! May God bless us all as we continue to mature in Christ by growing more in love and unity! And may we all pray that our Pentecostal heritage will come alive, again! If we are obedient, we may more fully fulfill the calling God has placed upon each one of us within the Alaska Moravian Church!

***

The following is a Bible Study in which Bishop Nicholson led discussions on during Synod. Those in attendance were from the villages of Akiak, Dillingham, Kongiganek, Nunapitchuk, and Tuntutliak:

2009 Synod Bible Study

Theme: Brotherly Love

Theme verse: Hebrews 13:1

February 3, 2009 - 9:30 AM - 12 Noon

Introduction:

Conflicts that develop in our Church families are big issues that we may face…...

Before studying Hebrews 13:1, turn to Colossians 3:12-14 and read it.

As you read the scripture list the seven (7) attitudes and actions (straight from the passage) that help us avoid and resolve conflict with family members:

The correct answers from Colossians are:

Let’s pray. God give us clean hearts of love, hearts full of assurance, a heart that knows that it is pleasing and acceptable to God—is a heart that loves even as God loves. This is what we should seek, a clean heart is wrought not by loving in word, but by loving in deed. We remember the Bible admonition is, 'Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves' (James 1:22)". God give us grace and forgiveness to love even those we disagree with, those that have hurt us. Help us to understand and be reminded that as brothers and sisters of the eternal kingdom that you want us to get along. You want us to be in unity and to practice the Golden rule with each other at all time. Help in our heart relationships first with you God and then with our brothers and sisters. Help our churches to be places of good relationships as we show to the world God’s love as a beacon of light. In Christ name. Amen.

Remarks: Hebrews 13:1: "Let brotherly love continue". Paul the Apostle says, "Fulfill my joy by being of the like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one purpose" (Phil. 2:2 NKJV). For the Alaska Moravian Church these are interesting times; Synod 2009 will go down as being a significant one. For the first time in history that I know of two bishops, the President of APB and five Presbyter met to share and discuss their responses or understandings of the Spiritual feast. We met yesterday from a bit after 3 pm to 5:30 PM. Anytime you get leaders together in one room different opinions surface.

Dialogue is healthy for the Church, so that issues can be dealt with in sincerity and truth. It helps us to make the church a place where Christ can work out His purposes in our midst. According to our Moravian Church Book of Order our Church was founded on a three fold ideal of faith, fellowship and freedom and a practical Christian life rather than on doctrinal thought or church tradition. It’s really about faith as a meaningful experience in every day life.

In our Church today we may need to listen to the practical admonition from Hebrews 13:1. We may need to practice love more now than ever before. Why? There may be controversy in the local Church; I can’t believe how many people are attending Synod this year. It is probably the year with the greatest number of guests that I can imagine. It sounds like from Manokotak alone there are almost 20 people here.

We have to realize that there is a move of God in the Alaska Province. When there is a move of God, Satan doesn’t like and he will try to oppose it. I know in two or three community the Spirit of God is at work in an unusual way. For example in Manokotak there has been an out pouring of God’s grace and His Spirit which is transforming many people. Manokotak was a place of crime, murder, addictions, a place where people literally would argue drunkenly on the vhf radio. Now I am told that the community has changed; the church is full, bible studies are common place, and many people are being transformed by God’s grace. Manokotak Search and Rescue tells me that this year only one search and rescue was performed. Before the Spiritual Feasts the Search and Rescue team would be called out sometimes three times in one week.

It is in Manokotak that there that the spiritual gifts are manifesting themselves in a powerful way. There people are being won for the kingdom, people are hungry for the Word of God, exorcisims are happening, and there is a very big submission to the things of God. Praise God for what he is doing through the Spiritual Feast. There are people that do not understand the Spiritual Feast, therefore they are rejecting it wholesale. There are many things that we don’t understand in God’s word; there are things that seem contradictory possibly, but yet the healthy thing is not to reject it. If we cannot understand or comprehend it, we need to pray about it until God gives us the proper understanding of what He is doing in our midst.

We know that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Satan is the slickest intellectual around; in fact he is smarter than the world’s greatest criminal lawyer. He can fool our intellect if that is all we are going by. The intellect is wonderful when totally submitted to God and renewed by the Holy Spirit.

The Alaska Moravian Chuch does not have a theological statement about the Holy Spirit's work or what God is doing now in our midst; all we have for our Church for theological understanding is the Ground of the Unity and the Creeds as listed in our Church Book of Order

Brotherly love is about health in the life of the Church. Love should sustain us and keep us in unity in the midst of any controversey. Do we have any controversy now. I believe there are many now that are talking about the Spiritual Feast renewal movement. As I said earlier, the Presbyters of the AMC and the two bishops of the church met yesterday from 3 pm-5:30 pm to address the concern about this Holy Ghost movement within our church and how it may be dividing our churches. An interesting comment that came out of our discussion is a scripture that was shared by Presbyter Grant Shimanek near the end of the meeting. The selection was Paul the Apostle speaking in Philippians 1:15-18. I think it is important to read this outloud: "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."

Reflecting on the Spiritual Feast I attended in October 2008 in the village of Manokotak, I saw that Christ was preached and glorified in many ways. Brother Abraham George is one of the elders of the Manokotak Moravian Church. We should rejoice that many souls are being won for the kingdom of Christ through his ministry. What would Paul say about brother Abraham? Indeed we should rejoice that Christ is being preached. We should not criticize others or judge them; this is God’s business. What should we do? Instead of criticizing or condemining one another, we should be edifying one another and building one another up. If there is falsehood the elders deal with this within context of the local Church.

Certainly if we do not understand what God’s Spirit is doing. We should not quickly reject it. There are many things in God’s word we cannot understand yet. We don’t reject it. We need to wait upon God to give us the wisdom to comprehend what God is doing in these end times.

As Moravians we must always strive to live in brotherly love certainly. Let’s not judge one another; let’s agree to disagree sometimes! This is ok; it helps to make good decisions that glorify Jesus Christ.

As Moravians we are known for our unity and love for one another in the fellowship. According to the Moravian Book of Order our unity is based upon the reconciliation we each have in Christ Jesus. When we first encounter Jesus Christ, he challenges us to maintain our unity always in love.

According to my understanding from John the epistle writer, the love Apostle, a characteristic of our unity is based God’s love showered on us. In verse 1 of I John 3, its says, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” They are some that never really know this love until the Spirit of God comes upon them. We all know of individuals that have been changed through salvation. We look at ourselves. God’s love has been showered on us; we can show this love to others.

I remember the image or example of a hopeless man in Los Angeles that Pastor Fred Nielsen, our Anchorage Hospital Chaplain ministered to while he was on vacation. He said it doesn’t happen very often, but God gave him a spiritual word of knowledge. God told him to go over to speak to a man who looked in total despair. When brother Fred spoke to him he asked him if he would be willing to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. He responded, "Jesus will not forgive me". Fred asked, "why?". The man said, "I am a murderer". Fred then shared that God’s grace and love is so great that he can forgive him of any sin and murder can be forgiven. The man said, "I murdered another man". Brother Fred responded again by saying the Lord can forgive him for that too! By then, the man was under conviction by the Holy Spirit. The end of the story is that brother Fred led him to the Lord. The destitute man's entire countenance changed from utter despair to great peace and joy.

I’m sure that most of us understand that God first loved us and gave us his transforming and regenerative love. John in his letter I John 3:18-24 shares words on our love response back to God. Here we find thought on what it takes to really love God. Here is a basis for our unity. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”.

Do we really love God? Do we have a clean heart? If our hearts are really clean, then we love God; but if our hearts condemn us, then we do not love God. How then can we have a clean heart? In these end times as God pours out His Spirit, He wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, but He wants us to grow in holiness too. So often we take for granted that God does not answer our prayers. Why? It seems we can pray for someone a hundred times and yet God does not answer our prayers. What's wrong?

Maybe we need to do something different. Maybe God is not answering our prayers because we are not watching our conduct and our speech. Let’s take a look at Eph. 5:25-27. (Read) This is what God wants His Church to be.

Certainly through the shed blood of Jesus we are justified by faith and God sees us and accepts us through the blood of Jesus. We are fully righteous, but yet in conduct and word often times we fail. How can we be perfect as our heavenly father in heaven is perfect? I think God wants to transform our behavior. Transformation comes by being cleansed by the washing of the water and the word. In Romans 12:2 it says, “and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

It used to be that holiness and sanctification was taught more; it’s not; maybe that’s another reason why God is not answering our prayers. Maybe we need to fast and pray more. An example is a pastor who had a daughter that had a disease that the doctors could not heal. He went up on a mountain for 30 days and nights before God answered his prayer for total healing.

In verse I John 3:18-19, it says “let us not love in word or deed, but in deed and truth”. “And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him”. In Anchorage Alaska there are many needy people on the streets. In a strategic planning process, we are looking at what we can do to bring food and clothing to those that need it. We organized a new 501c3 organization call Ikayuun, Inc. to meet these needs.

Most people will talk about and express concern for the needy and suffering. But think about this: if some has hurt you or done something you do not approve of; do you still love that person? Are you willing to forgive that person? How many times does it say in the Bible to forgive?

In I John 3:14 it says, "we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loved not his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in Him.” I would hate to be called a murderer.

Once we find Christ as our Savior and we are regenerated we must watch our conduct or how we treat others. Certainly we are righteous in God’s sight through the blood of the lamb, but we need to watch our conduct in our family relationship.

In verses I Peter 3: 8-18, Peter addressed everyone as “ye all” and encourages them (not discourage them) to develop virtues appropriate in their relations with others.

BE YE OF ONE MIND: Peter encourages us as believers in Christ Jesus no matter what religion, people, race, or background we come from to be as one mind.

Paul also encouraged us in Romans 12:16 as it is written, “Be of the same mind one towards another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Paul reminds us to live in harmony with each other and not to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people and not to think you know it all!

Again in Philippians 2:2, Paul encouraged the unity of Christians should exist in having the same love and being in one accord of one mind. In verse 3, we as Christians should think of other Christians as being higher than us of higher esteem. Paul is really encouraging us to uplift each other; humbling ourselves and to think of others as better than yourself.

On another issue, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, and as we watch our conduct we will watch our speech. Does our tongue create problems? How?

Loving our brother means that we also need to watch our tongues. Is the tongue tamable? Let’s read James 3:4-15, which should be very familiar for most of you.

Words can create such devastation; our tongues can be a sword. We need to watch what we say! Once those words are shared, its like an arrow that flies toward its target; we cannot take it back once it goes. Words are like water going out under the bridge….once it goes it is gone. Words have tremendous impact.

The Bible says, that the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

We really need to watch our tongues and ask God to help us in this area. Remember the scripture from Romans 16 about those that cause divisions and offenses.

(Give brief thoughts on use of the proper use of the tongue: Share some thoughts from the message I gave last Sunday at Anchorage Moravian Church)

In closing love is the most important spiritual fruit listed. There are other fruits. Without love the other gifts would not exist. Joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, humility and discipline would not exist without love.

Certainly brotherly love is a big mark of Christian conduct. We are brothers and sisters according to God’s Word. We have a blood relationship. God is Creator and He has created all men as one blood. Acts 17:24-27. God is our father. All we have to do is say the Lord’s Prayer. "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name......"

We are a Spiritual Family. We know that all the things that happen in a physical earthly family can happen in the family of God. There are many positive things we can experience? We can share affection, feelings like love, kindness, obligation to respect one another, edify one another, tolerate one another.

And we need to be watchful about the negative things that can divide the family? Since we live close to one another, in the life of the Christian community or church we sometimes have differences of opinion. When we have hurt feelings, anger or arguments, bitterness or we are complaining or criticizing one another we should seek forgiveness

Once forgiveness is given we can love each other and allow the Spirit of God to unify us more.

Synod 2009 Healing Committe issues identified:

The Healing Committee initially spent time identifying what healing issues that should be addressed in the Alaska Province. Little time was spent talking about them. However it may be worthwhile to quickly read the list of problems that need to be prayed about and worked on in the future:

Youth and Elder Gap
Need to Encourage Youth
Drug & Alcohol abuse and need for OverComers in Christ, a Christian AA type group
Criticisms happen in the local church; need for more love and unity
Pastors and Lay Pastors should be more active in dealing with family problems
Elders need to be more helpful in identifying problems and helping pastors to deal with them. The main problems shared
1. Big need to minister to couples living together out of marriage.
2. Concern for how to deal with divorce and separated couples
3. Another big one is how to deal with illegitimate children
There is a need for local churches to develop bylaws which will help Elders and Trustees Board to better fulfill their responsibilities.
The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living should be obeyed to stop discrimination between outsiders and insiders, based especially upon geographical location, i.e. where one comes from.
Before people return to the villages after attending Spiritual Feasts they should be teach especially the baby Christians not to judge others.

Notation by Bishop Nicholson who chaired the Healing Committee: Please note that these issues have been shared for the pastors, lay pastors, and other spiritual leaders to do everything they can to bring healing to strengthen the Church. No recommendations came out since it was felt that several written resolutions adopted by the local boards and/or Church Councils need to be looked at, first, and limited time we had to meet.