Mission and outreach on behalf of the Savior, rather than denominational expansion, was the initial focus of Moravian work In North America. Collectively and individually the church willingly made great sacrifices to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to persons who otherwise would never have heard it.
This summer’s Eastern District Synod (June 22-25) seeks to re-kindle our passion for the Savior’s ongoing work through a special focus on local and world mission. Before joining together in mission teams to prayerfully consider congregational and district mission initiatives, delegates will participate in a “hands-on” mission learning experience at one of many sites throughout the Lehigh Valley. It is hoped that their experience will inform the work of synod and encourage Eastern District congregations to reach beyond the walls of the sanctuary and their member rosters in spreading spreading God’s Word.
The title of the synod is taken from the third stanza of “Sing Hallelujah, Praise the Lord,” written by the late Moravian bishop Edwin Kortz:
But not for us alone this news
was brought by Christ our Lord.
‘Twas meant for all the world to hear
and thus with one accord
with all God’s children everywhere
his name and sign with pride we bear.
To us, to us this task is giv’n:
to spread God’s word. Amen.
I find it interesting that God has most abundantly blessed the Moravian Church whenever its members have “lost themselves” in the Savior’s work with little concern for how doing so would benefit them individually or institutionally. Perhaps as we reflect on our history there are lessons for us as we set the ministry priorities of our congregation and district.
- Pastor Derek French