June 14, 2002
The Thirty-Ninth Synod of the Northern Province commenced on June 14, 2002 with a worship service mixing traditional and praise elements. Barry Lehman called delegates, visitors, and clergy to worship. Members of the district boards led the service.
“First, last, and always focus on Jesus and let nothing get in the way,” was the theme threaded throughout the hearts and minds of those in attendance.
The keynote message, “Vital and Viable: The Challenge of Being Children of the Living God,” was brought by the Rev. Dr. Michael. Dr. Kinnamon was introduced by the Rev. Gary L. Harke, Executive Director of the PA Council of Churches. Dr. Kinnamon concentrated on Paul’s theology of Christian Community and while he mentioned the common tensions of differing groups within the church family, he stressed the strength in diversity.
He said, “In an either/or era, Moravians are a ‘both/and’ people.” He continued, “Ours is an age where we celebrate the diversity of the church yet we have not found a way to live in that diversity.”
As the synod began, Dr. Kinnamon encouraged the group to concentrate on Romans 15:1-7, the emphasis being, “Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you for the Glory of God.”
Worship service ended with all being challenged to, over the days of synod, “Bring Prayerful Focus on Jesus and the Moravian Church as His Servants in the 21st Century.”