The Old Order German Baptist Brethren, a sister group to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is currently meeting in Pennsylvania. The group, which traces its heritage to Alexander Mack and 1708 as does the FGBC, is one of six groups (along with the FGBC) which participates in the Brethren Encyclopedia Project.
Here is an excerpt of an article from the Chambersburg, PA, newspaper about the conference. To read the entire article, click here.
Thousands of people from as far away as California are to arrive in New Franklin this weekend for the Old German Baptist Brethren Church’s annual conference.
Two large tents are being erected today to accommodate the expected 4,000 participants from 55 church districts in 16 states — a dining tent where two meals a day will be served during the conference, and a council tent. About 50 ministers will speak from a center table. Seating is divided, brethren and men on one side, sisters and women on the other side…
…Old German Baptist Brethren believe in non-resistance and non-conformity to the world. They don’t swear and they wear plain clothing that conforms to scriptural laws of modesty and simplicity.
Worldly influences — such as television, radio, stereo and the Internet — are not acceptable in their homes, although Brethren do have telephones and electricity. “We think electronics should be a tool, not a toy,” said the media committee representatives who met with a reporter…
…Worship will be conducted at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday through Monday with short morning worship services at 7 a.m. Sunday and Monday. A 7 p.m. Monday service will be in the council tent and at the Antietam, Browns Mill and Falling Spring meeting houses. The general public is welcome and invited to attend the preaching services.
Only members may participate in a communion service at 5 p.m. Sunday, but others may attend and observe. The service involves self-examination, feet washing, the Lord’s Supper (a full meal of beef, broth and bread crumbs, bread and water), the salutation of the holy kiss, and communion using unleavened bread and wine. About 600 members are expected to participate.