Caldwell and Kareha recognized with 2008 Alumni Awards

The Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Caldwell (MDiv ’69) and the Rev. Dianne Kareha (MDiv ’93, MAPC ’97) were selected by their fellow alumni to receive the John Hus and Bishop Kortz awards. They were honored on March 6th at the 2008 alumni reunion for the work that they’ve accomplished in their respective fields of ministry and counseling, and for their unrelenting dedication and service to the community and to the Seminary.

Since 1974, the John Hus award has been presented annually to a Moravian Seminary graduate whose outstanding service and loyalty to ministry has brought distinction to the profession of ministry and to the Seminary. 2008 recipient Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Caldwell, currently serving as senior pastor of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, was affirmed for his faithful commitment to parish ministry that has remained vital throughout his 39-year career. He was recognized for leadership roles within the community that have forged and strengthened important bonds between the Church and organizations including Moravian College, the Bach Choir, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, and the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce.

Caldwell was introduced by Carol Reifinger ‘84, his pastoral colleague at Central Church of 23 years. In her introduction she recognized how Doug’s ministry is underscored by the value he places on relationships and on his visionary leadership. She recognized his ministry as pastor of the Reading, College Hill and Central churches; and his service as Vice President of the Eastern District Executive Board for 12 years.  His vision and collaboration with other community and church leaders was affirmed as she spoke about him being a founding member of each of these vital and thriving organizations: Moravian Hall Square, the FOSTER Fund, Bethlehem Area Moravians, Moravian Development Corporation, Moravian Village, and the Moravian Seminary Alumni Association.  He also played a key role in establishing a partnership between Central Church and the Sikonge Moravian Church in Tanzania, East Africa, where he helped to implement the construction of a new church building for Sikonge and encouraged the work of Central members, Drs. Hoffman and Kraybill, as they initiated HIV/AIDS protocols and organized the Orphans’ Program. Reifinger closed by saying that “I have certainly observed and learned from Doug that relationships are to be honored and cherished.” Included among those cherished relationships are those of this family, his wife Barbara and children, Douglas Jr. and Ashley, and two grandchildren.

The Bishop Kortz MAPC Alumni Award was established in 2004 and honors a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling graduate of the Seminary who has achieved excellence in the field of pastoral counseling ministry and who has brought distinction to the work and ministry of the Seminary. More than a decade of service to the community and an active ministry in the Lehigh Valley are only a few reasons why the Rev. Dianne S. Kareha was chosen as the fifth recipient of the Bishop Kortz award. Rev. Kareha has combined a successful career in pastoral counseling with pastoral ministry to the residents at Luther Crest, where she serves as chaplain. Dianne also serves as director of music at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fogelsville, and parish associate for First Presbyterial Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Mary Ann Hamm ’05, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, introduced Rev. Kareha. Dianne completed her MDiv in 1993 and returned for her MAPC four years later. Dianne’s work at Luther Crest is focused on grief counseling, often taking the form of listening and helping these individuals sort out decisions with which they are wrestling. She leads worship and Bible studies several times a week and also serves as a supervisor for Seminary students interning at Luther Crest.

Rev. Hamm recognized that Dianne lives out her faith in many ways and reflects God’s love and grace throughout her work and relationships. She has been involved in many community service projects over the years, including serving as coordinator for the Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk and quickline coordinator for Bread for the World. At Luther Crest, she also coordinates a CROP Walk for residents and staff.

Dianne lost her husband, Dr. Michael Kareha, in 2004. She then decided to set a goal to participate in at least one mission-related trip every year. Past opportunities have included a trip to Nicaragua, delivering dental supplies to Project CURE in Nashville, TN, and rebuilding a home in Mississippi. Dianne has two grown sons, Stephen and Peter.

The Seminary is grateful to recognize the work and gifts of its graduates and affirms the ministry, leadership and vision of its 2008 alumni award recipients, Douglas Caldwell and Dianne Kareha.