{"id":24653,"date":"2024-11-20T09:38:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T09:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=24653"},"modified":"2024-11-22T17:06:51","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T17:06:51","slug":"annville-community-pledge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2024\/annville-community-pledge\/","title":{"rendered":"Annville inspires with Community Pledge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Michael Shearer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On election day, Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren\u2014which served as a polling site\u2014also offered voters a separate \u201cpoll\u201d inviting them to pledge actions that strengthen the community. In a world of political division, it recognized the importance of uniting around shared values and everyday service that uplifts everyone in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create a welcoming environment and express gratitude for their neighbors, church volunteers handed out 39 dozen free donuts and approximately 200 cups of coffee, generously donated by Cleona Coffee Roasters. While enjoying their treat, voters were encouraged to participate in a Community Pledge, committing to one of three simple actions to improve the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respondents could choose from actions such as \u201cPick up trash around town\u201d (26 percent), \u201cSay hello to my neighbor\u201d (41 percent), and \u201cHold the door for someone\u201d (33 percent). Actions were designed to be achievable and focused on kindness, responsibility, and connection. By encouraging tangible actions, the church aimed to spark a shared vision of service that transcends differences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe were especially pleased by the number of people who asked, \u2018Can I choose all three?\u2019\u201d said co-pastor Paul Liepelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRegardless of the political outcome, we\u2019re thrilled that 297 neighbors pledged to help make our community stronger,\u201d said a church representative. \u201cWe believe our faith is best expressed in acts of love and peace. It\u2019s the small acts we commit to daily that build the foundation for a stronger, more compassionate community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All code, graphic assets, and videos for this project are available on GitHub, freely accessible to anyone looking to foster community engagement and encourage positive actions in their own neighborhoods. Contact Annville Church of the Brethren at www.annvillecob.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find more Church of the Brethren news:<\/p>\n\n\n