A tradition carried down from the last days of Jesus' life, our Love Feast and Communion services are meant to recreate the last meal that Jesus shared with his Disciples. Men and women are separated on either sides of the room and each take a simple meal of meat and bread by candlelight. This is followed by a feet washing ceremony during which old hymns are sung while the dust of our travels are washed away. For the one having their feet washed, this is symbolic of our preparation for the following Communion - we need to keep our relationship with God clean and fresh. For the one who is washing another's feet, this is a service of love and humility - it is the sin of pride and superiority that often keeps us from doing Gods service. The Elements are taken last, unleavened bread and juice that is symbolic of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ which was broken and shed for us.

 In early 18th Century Germany, men and women were quickly becoming disenchanted with the established Churches. Sermons were bland and unmotivated, little attention was given to the Scriptures and the Church was quickly becoming institutionalized. The only Churches recognized by the state were the Roman Catholic, the Lutheran and the Reformed Christian; Christians who had religious thoughts that differed from the State's ideology  were known as "separatists". Separatists secretly gathered in their homes to study scripture and to join in praise. The separatist credited with the creation of the Church of the Brethren was Alexander Mack. In 1708, on the banks of the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany, Mack and six others were baptized by trine immersion. They cast lots to see who would baptize Mack and then he, in turn, baptized the other six. This was the humble beginning of the Church of the Brethren. This act also marked these seven Christians as criminals of the state for not worshiping with the State recognized Churches. As the Brethren movement swept over Germany, the Brethren were brought into direct confrontation with the Political Authorities. Some were fined and imprisoned and in response the newly formed Church of the Brethren moved their congregations to America in the 1700's, where they were free to believe the way they were led to. The first Church of the Brethren was started in 1723 in Germantown, PA. 

CONTINUING THE WORK OF JESUS

Though the Brethren as a group have existed for nearly three hundred years, we subscribe to no formal creed. We simply try to do what Jesus did.

Jesus brought a message of life, love, and hope. But he offered much more than inspiring words: He understood that people's spiritual needs also include day-to-day human ones -- food, health, rest, comfort, friendship, and unconditional acceptance. "I am the way," he told his followers. He showed them how to trust, how to care, and how to help.

Steadily, lovingly, even radically, Jesus went about saving the world -- by serving its people. Because we believe his message, we seek to do the same.

PEACEFULLY

Whether the conflict involves warring nations, racial discord, theological dispute, personal disagreement, or mere misunderstanding, Brethren listen conscientiously, seek guidance in the scriptures, and work toward reconciliation. We practice peaceful living.

Our long-standing commitment to peace and justice includes a deep regard for human life and dignity. Brethren reach world-wide to help repair the ravages of poverty, ignorance, exploitation, and catastrophic events. Along with our faith, we bring food, books, classes, tools, and medicine.

Living peacefully, to the Brethren, means treating each person with the attentive, compassionate respect that all human beings deserve.

SIMPLY

Years ago, all Brethren were immediately recognizable because of their plain dress and reserved ways. Today's Brethren live very much in the world, work in a broad range of occupations, and make use of the latest technology.

Continually, though, we try to simplify our lives. Practicing a modest nonconformity, we think carefully about our daily choices. the ideal of simplicity guides our decisions: How will we conduct our business, raise our children, spend our leisure time, tend our natural resources? How will we use our money, and why? How can we live comfortably, but without excess or ostentation?

For the Brethren, such considerations are not a requirement, but a privilege. As we seek to live intentionally, responsibly, and simply, we find a deep sense of purpose. And we find joy.

TOGETHER

Whether worshiping, serving, learning, or celebrating, Brethren act in community. Together, we study the Bible to discern God's will; we make decisions as a group, and each person's voice matters.

During our traditional love feast we gather at the table of the Lord, and each summer at Annual Conference we convene as a denominational family. Because Jesus urged unity, Brethren work alongside other denominations, at home and abroad, in worldwide mission and outreach.

Our congregations welcome all who wish to share with us in another way of living: the way of Christian discipleship, life in community, fulfillment in service.

 

Church of the Brethren

Continuing the work of Jesus.

Peacefully. Simply. Together.

He Will Be There.