Many local organizations have generously volunteered support for our Food Co-op, and West Side Moravian Church has certainly been a shining star among them.

Figuring first and foremost in their mission statement, the calling to “nurture each other” ranks high among the congregation’s values. The Moravian Church’s history of educating local families and providing resources to those in need dates back to the 1860s, and West Side’s continued vigilance in seeking out the needs of the neighborhood, as well as its desire to bring our neighbors together and serve them with love, compassion and a spirit of inclusiveness, makes the cooperation between our two groups a harmonious match.

The Food Co-op’s mission aligns well with West Side Moravian’s desire to feed the community, both literally and figuratively. As Pastor Keith Harke explains, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Maggie Wellert, “’Feeding’ has been an important metaphor throughout the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. West Side Moravian Church works with our neighbors in varied feeding ministries. Feeding body and spirit is a sure way to serve God by serving our neighbors. It is also natural to partner with another neighbor, the Bethlehem Food Coop.”

Offering a gathering place for our Annual Meeting and an inviting setting for the Food Co-op-West Side Community, Cooking, Conversation events, the BFC Cookie Swap and Gingerbread House Workshop, among others, West Side Moravian Church has offered invaluable support to us. For that, we are extremely grateful.