Brethren anniversary celebration

Surrendered, Transformed, Empowered

A celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren denominations will be hosted by AMBS's Institute of Mennonite Studies, October 2 and 3.

"Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit" is the theme of the Church of the Brethren Annual Meeting, and will provide a framework for AMBS to explore the history of Brethren-Mennonite relations, current programs and future opportunities for ecumenical cooperation.

The events will commemorate the August 1708 baptism of eight men and women in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany. This movement combined Anabaptism and Pietism and led to the founding of the denominations which have evolved into the present-day Brethren Church, Grace Brethren Church and Church of the Brethren.

Jeff Bach, Brethren historian and director of the Young Center of Anabaptist and Pietist Studies in Elizabethtown, Pa., will be the keynote speaker. His subject will be historical landmarks in the development of Brethren life and commonalities Brethren and Mennonite share. Additional speakers are Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Brethren Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind.; and Tom Schiefer, moderator of the Brethren Church General Conference.

The public is invited to the following events:

• Thursday, October 2, noon to 1 p.m.: Luncheon Forum, Jeff Bach, speaker
  Lambright Center Dining Room; lunch available for $5
• Friday, October 3, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Chapel address, Ruthann Knechel Johansen, speaker
  Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount
• Friday, October 3, 7-8 p.m.: Worship service, Hymn singing, reflections by Bach, Johansen and Schiefer
  Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount
  A free-will offering will be taken

Books and resources from Brethren Press will be available at the seminary's bookstore, open Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.