About Us

Margate Moravian Story

Under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Nicholas and Rev. Cedric Palmer, the Margate Moravian Fellowship started in 2004 as an outreach of the Prince of Peace Moravian Church in Miami. Over the years, we have been served faithfully by Rev. Percival Gordon, Rev. Errol Gentles and Rev. Frank Barker. In May 2023, Margate Moravian Church was granted congregational status. Average weekly attendance is 60 (in-person and online). Worship services are vibrant and inspiring, focused on praising God in diverse ways, heavily influenced by the Caribbean backgrounds of most of the members. Our current Pastors are: Rev. Dr. Dion Christopher, Rev. Eulencine Christopher, Rev. George Bedford and Pastor Envoy Hodgson.

There is an emphasis on full participation by our members in the life of the church, recognizing and appreciating their various gifts. Therefore the Youth Group, Women’s Fellowship and Men’s Association are each responsible for conducting a number of Sunday Services during the year. In addition to regular items by the choir, members are encouraged to minister in song and other appropriate ways.
The Bible Study/Teaching sessions on Wednesdays cover spiritual and other associated life issues.
The youth ministry includes special activities for our young people such as a Family Fun Day, Vacation Bible School and Youth Retreat.
Special emphasis is also placed on ministering to the sick, shut-ins, and hungry homeless.

MORAVIAN HISTORY

  • The Moravian Church is a mainline Protestant denomination with more than 550 years of Christian history.  Founded in 1457, before the Lutheran, Presbyterian, or Methodist churches; Moravians have long focused on faithful living and Christian unity.
  • Rather than concentrating on divisive doctrines, the Moravian Church preaches the basics of the faith, which all Christians share in common. Moravians are encouraged to live out their faith through service to those in need. Our mission work has concentrated on the poor and the powerless.
  • Jesus said “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matt 25:35–36 ).
  • The seal of the Moravian Church dates back to the sixteenth century, possibly earlier. In the center is the Lamb of God, a favorite symbol of the early Christian church. The Lamb is holding a staff, and from the staff waves the  glorious banner of victory. On the banner a cross is clearly displayed. The uniqueness of the lamb symbol for Moravians is the inscription attached (often in a circular band): “Our Lamb Has Conquered, Let us Follow Him.”  This symbolizes the triumph of Christ over death, sin, and the power of evil through His sacrificial death.  It combines faith in Christ with active discipleship in following His path of love and service.
  • To many, the term [Moravian] may denote Czech European ancestry, but to members of the Moravian church, the term helps to define our Christian beliefs. Few are direct descendants – all are spiritual descendants of the ancient Brethren. We come from all nationalities, all races, all religious backgrounds, and many walks of life to devote our life to Christ.

Moravian Background

Our faith is relationship – relationship with Jesus Christ. This provides a basis for relationship with each other. This should always be the foundation of our understanding of Moravian identity. The statements below as a way to describe this relationship.

  • Moravians believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • Moravians believe that Jesus Christ is the way to God and God’s way to us.
  • Moravians believe that a personal, heart-felt relationship with God through Jesus Christ is an essential part of faith.
  • Moravians hold that faith in Jesus Christ must also be a community experience.
  • Moravians believe the Church is called into existence by Jesus Christ to serve Him and follow Him.
  • Moravians find guidance for doctrine and faith through the Bible.
  • Moravians share God’s love in word and deed with people of other cultures and in all the world.
  • Moravians have a heritage of creativity in our music and worship.
  • Moravians believe that discerning God’s will is a task to be shared among many leaders rather than to be vested in a single person or office.
  • Moravians place great value on their ties with Christians of other Moravian provinces and with Christians of other denominations throughout the world.