“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Being faithful followers of Jesus Christ is a shared endeavor. We best grow in our faith, our understanding of Jesus’ teaching, and our attempts to follow his example when we do so in community.
That is why, since the beginning of the church, those responsible for the spiritual care of its members have stressed the importance of regularly gathering with other Christians. The author of Hebrews writes: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering… and…consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” (10:23-25)
Being the church is a matter of mutual care, encouragement, and accountability. The Joint Board and I have prayerfully considered how to elicit spiritual growth, “love, and good deeds” among members of East Hills Moravian Church.
We believe that encouraging all who are physically able to attend worship each month is a natural starting point. This fulfills promises made during the liturgy for Confirmation and Affirmation of Baptism used whenever persons choose to become part of our congregation. We take seriously the liturgy’s statement of our “obligation to love and nurture” each member “in Christ” and take you at your word when you affirmed your desire to “participate actively in Christ’s church, serving God all the days of your life.” We have covenanted to be intentional about encouraging you to take full advantage of the benefits of your church membership and will be reaching out if we have not seen you in a while.
We are aware that life together is complicated. As frail humans, we all have flaws and “fall short of the glory of God.” If you have been disappointed by unmet expectations or wounded by fellow church members or leaders we pray that God will bring healing to you and spiritual growth as you extend God’s grace to others in the spirit of the Lord’s Prayer: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
I will close with Paul’s words to the Colossians: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (NLT)
Resolve not to let excuses and the call of the world stand between you and the blessings Godintends to provide through gathering together with God’s people.