Dear Edgeboro Family & Friends,

Over the last few weeks, hurricanes and the upcoming presidential election have been two newsworthy topics that have been on the minds of many. Needless to say, these things have been sources of worry, concern, and anxiety because of the uncertainty that surrounds them and the very limited control we have over them. In the face of all of that, it seems like a little bit of hope would go a long way.

One of the most hopeful things that we can remember as people of faith is that there is nothing can separate us from the love of God. In response to that inseparable bond of love that God established with us, we are called to and vow to live with faith, love, and hope in all areas of life. Centuries ago, Moravians put this to words in the Brotherly Agreement, which has been updated over time and now known as the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living. While some of you might be familiar with this important church document already, I wanted to take the opportunity now to share a few parts of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living that I think are relevant to the things we have been or will be witnessing so that we can continue to keep in mind the hope and love that God brings to us and others.

As we ponder how to be generous and helpful to others in difficult times,
As we care for the environment and pray for those in the path or the wake of natural disasters,
We remember…

“We deem it a sacred responsibility and genuine opportunity to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to us: our time, our talents, and our financial resources. We view all of life as a sacred trust to be used wisely.”

“Together with the universal Christian Church, we have a concern for this world, opening our heart and hand to our neighbors with the message of the love of God, and being ever ready to minister of our substance to their necessities.”

As we agree and disagree with others,
As we encounter political divides before and after the election,
We remember…

“We will be eager to maintain the unity of the Church. Realizing that God has called us from many and varied backgrounds, we recognize the possibility of disagreements or differences. Often these differences enrich the Church, but sometimes they divide. We consider it to be our responsibility to demonstrate within the congregational life the unity and togetherness created by God who made us one. How well we accomplish this will be a witness to our community as to the validity of our faith.”

“We will not hate, despise, slander, or otherwise injure anyone. We will ever strive to manifest love towards all people, to treat them in a kind and friendly manner, and in our dealings with them to approve ourselves upright, honest, and conscientious, as becomes children of God.”

“For the sake of the peace which we have with God, we earnestly desire to live peaceably with all people and to seek the peace of the places where we dwell.”

As we see the debates, protests, ads, articles, and social media posts, go vote, and see everything that comes with this election year,
We remember…

“Considering it a special privilege to live in a democratic society, we will faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of our citizenship, among which are intelligent and well-informed voting, a willingness to assume public office, guiding the decisions of government by the expression of our opinions, and supporting good government by our personal efforts.”

Thank you for all the ways – mentioned and not mentioned above – that you witness to your faith in Christ as members and friends of the Moravian Church. It truly has and will make a difference. I pray that God will grant us the hope, love, wisdom, and peace to be faithful witnesses each and every day.

Humbly witnessing with you all,
Pastor Dan