Church of the Brethren
We are a congregation open to all
During the summer, we know schedules can get kind of busy. So, starting May 25th, we've decided to gather as a community for worship at 10:00 o'clock AM. We pause to worship God and celebrate a sense of community. Upon the benediction, we move along with the rest of our Sunday.
We will return to a 9:45 AM Sunday School hour, 10:30 Fellowship Time and an 11:00 Worship time on September 7th.
We hope you will join up with us whenever you can!
We at the University Park Church of the Brethren are diverse in our understanding and application of the Bible. This diversity reflects the richness of scripture itself and the ineffable mind of God. We believe that our shared experience in the church enriches the journey of our lives and helps to strengthen our faith.
Our congregation is affiliated with, and supports, Supportive Communities Network. SCN is a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests. It is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members. For more information, contact Annabeth Roeschley at the BMC office or email bmc@bmclgbt.org.
SCN Goals
1. To offer support, resources and opportunities for dialogue among congregations which welcome gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members;
2. To encourage meaningful dialogue at the denominational level;
3. To offer support and resources for individuals who are working toward welcome.
We affirm our common humanity as children of God and embrace variety in color, culture, age, gifts, abilities, and perspectives. We welcome those of diverse socioeconomic circumstances, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationships, and family structures. We strive to provide an inviting and supportive community of faith and to affirm the dignity of every person.
When you hear discussions on the "historic peace church," they are referring to three denominations of which we are one. The other two are Mennonites (which have connections to the Amish) and the Religious Society of Friends (often referred to as "Quakers"). Claiming Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," we feel we can do no other than to act in non-violent ways as we engage with the violent ways of the world.
Jesus calls us to walk humbly together in our shared humanity, serving those in need while confessing our own needs, living justly, and standing with the oppressed. Knowing that diversity can enhance strength, creativity, and vision, we welcome partners in ministry and new members from across the spectrum of human experience to help us follow Jesus’ call.
We Learn Together
During three of the four seasons of the year, we have an intergenerational Sunday School class. We have the ability to teach a correspnding lesson for those who are too young for an intergenerational discussion.
We take the summers off, but we will resume our class on September 7th @ 9:45 AM
We believe in the "priesthood of all believers." That's theological lingo to say, "God has given each of us gifts to contribute to the whole." We may ride on different skateboards, but, at the end of the day, we're all pitching in to help God's kingdom draw more near. And, together, we celebrate and remember the One who gives us life and breath!
