What does the word “church” mean to you? Does it elicit thoughts and memories of the persons, activities, and building which comprise our congregation or a former congregation to which you belonged? Or does the term embrace all who love and follow our Lord? Is the church merely a human institution, or something more – a transcendent reality not yet fully realized on earth as it is in heaven?
I urge you to reflect on the following words from the Ground of the Unity as we prepare ourselves to celebrate World Communion Sunday on October 4th. This is who we, as Moravian followers of Jesus are, or seek to become. We are a connectional body, bound to each other and to all Christians through a common relationship to our Lord. “Unitas Fratrum” is the official Latin name of the worldwide Moravian Church.
We believe in and confess the Unity of the Church given in the one Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior. He died that He might unite the scattered children of God. As the living Lord and Shepherd, He is leading His flock toward such unity.
The Unitas Fratrum espoused such unity when it took over the name of the old Bohemian Brethren’s Church, “Unitas Fratrum” (Unity of Brethren). Nor can we ever forget the powerful unifying experience granted by the crucified and risen Lord to our fathers in Herrnhut on the occasion of the Holy Communion of August 13, 1727, in Berthelsdorf.
It is the Lord’s will that Christendom should give evidence of and seek unity in Him with zeal and love. In our own midst we see how such Unity has been promised us and laid upon us as a charge. We recognize that through the grace of Christ the different churches have received many gifts. It is our desire that we may learn from each other and rejoice together in the riches of the love of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God.
We confess our share in the guilt which is manifest in the severed and divided state of Christendom. By means of such divisions we ourselves hinder the message and power of the Gospel. We recognize the danger of self-righteousness and judging others without love.
Since we together with all Christendom are pilgrims on the way to meet our coming Lord, we welcome every step that brings us nearer the goal of unity in Him. He Himself invites us to communion in His supper. Through it He leads the Church toward that union which He has promised. By means of His presence in the Holy Communion, He makes our unity in Him evident and certain even today. Amen!
Dear Congregation, Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity on the 20th anniversary of my ordination. It is a great joy to serve the Lord as your pastor and to partner with you in carrying out the Savior’s work at East Hills Moravian Church. I shall always think fondly of you whenever I wear my new surplice.
With gratitude and praise,
Pastor Derek