Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we enter the month of July, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness through every season. Summer brings opportunities for rest, family gatherings, travel, and recreation, but it also offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the blessings God has poured into our lives.

The Psalmist declares, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Each new day is a gift from God, filled with fresh opportunities to grow in faith, serve others, and share the love of Christ.

During these summer months, it can be easy to become distracted by busy schedules and changing routines. I encourage each of us to remain steadfast in our walk with the Lord. Continue to make time for prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship. Our spiritual growth does not take a vacation. In fact, some of the most meaningful moments with God occur when we intentionally slow down and listen for His voice.

July also reminds us of the importance of gratitude. We thank God for the freedoms we enjoy and for those who have sacrificed to preserve them. As followers of Christ, we are especially grateful for the freedom found in Him—a freedom from sin and a new life filled with hope,
purpose, and eternal promise.

As a church family, let us continue to be a light in our community. Whether through acts of kindness, service projects, encouraging conversations, or simply extending a helping hand to a neighbor, we have countless opportunities to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways. The world needs the hope of Christ now more than ever.

Thank you for your faithful prayers, generous support, and commitment to the ministry of our church, especially as I navigate the loss of Alice, my partner in life and ministry for 47 years. It is a joy and privilege to serve alongside each of you here at the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren. I look forward to all that God will accomplish in and through our congregation in the months ahead.

May the Lord bless you and your family with His peace, protection, and abundant joy throughout this summer season.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Eddie Edmonds
PS: Please remember I am in my office on Thursday’s. I want to hear from you! Please call Allyson and schedule a visit to talk together!

Dear Church Family,
From Pastor Eddie, a servant of the Lord Jesus. Grace and peace to you in the name of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

To all the saints in Christ who are at the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren., (Philippians 1:1-2, edited) Periods of transition can bring a mixture of emotions—hope, uncertainty, anticipation, and reflection. As we enter this season together, I want to encourage each of us to remember that while leadership may change, God’s faithfulness never does. The church has always belonged to Christ, and He continues to guide His people with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.

An interim season is not simply a time of “waiting” for the next pastor. It is also an opportunity for renewal, growth, and preparation. God often uses these moments to strengthen relationships, deepen prayer, and clarify vision. I encourage you to remain active in worship, ministry, and fellowship as we seek together what God has next for our congregation. This “in-between time” is a God empowered time and our opportunity to recommit our lives and
energy to His kingdom.

One of the greatest strengths of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is the love and care shown among its members. I have already witnessed many acts of kindness, service, and encouragement that reflect the heart of Christ. Continue to support one another, especially those who may feel anxious or uncertain during this transition. God calls us to live together in our faith, to laugh and cry together and dare to be different from the world. Please also keep the pastoral search process and those called to serve on that committee in your prayers. Pray for wisdom for church leaders, discernment for the search committee, and
guidance for the person God is preparing to serve this congregation in the future. Most importantly, pray that we remain united in spirit and focused on the mission God has given us—to love God, love people, and share the hope of the Gospel. The words of Isaiah 40:31 offer a timely reminder:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles…”

Thank you for your faithfulness, your patience, your friendship and your willingness to walk together through this “in-between time” chapter of ministry. I am grateful to serve alongside you and look forward to what God will continue to do in the days ahead. I plan to work from the church office on Thursdays and will work from home the remainder of the week. Saturday will be my scheduled day off. I will be available vie phone, email, facetime (not Facebook) or
by appointment on Thursdays. I look forward to hearing from you in the days, weeks, months ahead.

With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Eddie Edmonds

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
It’s hard to believe that it was a year ago that I shared with you that I would be retiring on May 31, 2026. Here it is now, May 2026 and I am writing my last Pastor’s Pen. Many of you ask me if I’m counting the days. Or you remind me that I just did my last…Love Feast…Christmas Candlelight Service…Deacon Meeting…etc.

I haven’t been counting the days, not in the sense that I’m anxious to finish my days of employment; but more in the sense that I am aware that a transition in my life is coming and I have things to complete and things to begin as my service as your pastor comes to a close.

I am aware that my responsibilities of planning weekly and special services, attending meetings, providing pastoral care are coming to a close. That leaves me with a feeling of sadness, but at the same time, I look forward to an old familiar freedom of worshipping with a congregation and participating in special events and services…without the responsibilities.

I am excited to have more time to be with Don. For 34 years, he has been by my side as a faithful pastor’s spouse, which is not an easy task. He has made many sacrifices through the 34 years of my ministry. Now he will get to put up with me every day. It will be a life filled with new adventures, Babe, and I am looking forward to it.

At the same time, I will not stop listening to God’s voice. A friend from the Westminster Congregation whom some of you know, Jeffrey Scott, used to remind the congregation that there is nowhere in the bible that says when we reach a certain age we get to stop serving God. I agree with that. But, there certainly will be things I will not be able to do here at Hagerstown COB, because you will have a new pastor to carry on pastoral responsibilities…but…in time…I will be free to work side-by-side with you through some ministries.

God has truly blessed me with the call to serve as your pastor. You are an amazing, faithful, serving, playful congregation…and your next pastor will be blessed and privileged to lead you, as I have been. During the interim, Pastor Eddie, will have that honor. I am praying for Pastor Eddie and for the Pastor who will be called to serve this congregation. Don and I will be looking forward to remaining members at HCOB…continuing the journey as brothers and sisters in Christ…to grow our faith and follow in obedience to God.
God Bless You,
Pastor Twyla