There are seven Moravian Churches in Ohio. First Moravian of Dover, Schoenbrunn Community, Sharon, Fry’s Valley, First Moravian of Uhrichsville, John Heckwelder in Gnadenhutten and Church of the Redeemer in Dublin. All but the Church of the Redeemer are located in Tuscarawas County. Being located so close gives us many opportunities to collaborate together. I want to tell you about one major event that is about to take place.
On September 22, 2019 at the Mission House in Schoenbrunn Village, Rev. David Geyer will be installed as pastor to not one church but to three. First Moravian of Uhrichsville, Fry’s Valley and John Heckwelder of Gnadenhutten will be sharing a pastor. This is a new concept to everyone here but the joint boards from all three churches have worked hard on their own and together to make this happen. A Shared Ministry Team, which has two lay persons from each congregation, will assist the pastor with everything from visitations to preaching. The ministry team has already had meetings and a retreat with Pastor Geyer to start their work together. Services with Pastor Geyer will be held at each church every other Sunday. The other Sundays will have pulpit supply. This might be a retired pastor, a guest speaker or a member of the shared Ministry Team.
I’m sure there will bumps in the road as this new ministry progresses, but with God’s help, cooperation and compromise, I look for this to be a very successful new model for the future.” For Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.
