 |
|
Ephrata, PA |
My parents were members of The Mennonite Church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. I was baptized into the church by pouring at the age of 14. Both of my parents wore the plain garb which was required in those days. The men wore coats much like the Nehru jacket with no collar and the women wore a cape and prayer head covering. By the time I became a member of the church, rules were more lenient for men, but not for women. I never wore the plain garb. My dad put it away in the late 1950's. Today very few in that church wear plain clothing.
The Mennonites came out of the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century. Menno Simons, who was once a priest in the Catholic Church in Holland is accepted as their founder. They place a great deal of importance on adult baptism (by pouring), non-resistance, and simple living. The Mennonites have always had an episcopal type of governance where the churches in a particular district are governed by a bishop. In more recent years, the bishops have relinquished much of their power and their is a de facto congregational type of governance in place.
|
|
Lancaster, PA |
When I was married in 1955, I became a member of the Church of the Brethren, which was my wife's church. At that time I was re-baptized by trine (pronounced "triune") immersion which was then a requirement. Shortly after that time, people were taken into the church without re-baptism. We have been members of the Lancaster Church of the Brethren in Pennsylvania since 1960.
The Church of the Brethren, which began in Schwarzenau, Germany in 1708, has its roots in Radical Pietism, but was strongly influenced by the Anabaptists who later became known as the Mennonites. Alexander Mack is accepted as their founder. The Brethren who were known as the German Baptists until the twentieth century, came to this country in the eighteenth century. They also believe in adult baptism (by trine immersion), pacifism, and the simple life. Their form of governance is congregational in nature. Some of the congregations have lay moderators, and some have a member of the clergy as the moderator in charge.
|
|
Church, Venice, FL |
After I retired in 1988, my wife and I began wintering in Venice, Florida where we attend Trinity Presbyterian Church (USA). We became affiliate members at Trinity in 1994.
The Presbyterian Church has its roots in the Reformed movement inSwitzerland. Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin are generally accepted as the founders of the Swiss Reformed movement. Later on the church became a well-established faith in Scotland under the influence and teachings of John Knox. The church was carried to this country mainly through Scottish immigration. The Presbyterians place an emphasis on "Doing things in good order." The church is governed by Presbyters and the individual congregations make up the various Presbyteries. The individual congregations are governed by a board of elders known as the Session.
With a background from the more conservative Mennonite Church, the more liberal Brethren Church, and the mainstream Presbyterian Church, I have developed a theology which is a mixture of all three. I consider myself to be a liberal both theologically and politically. I do not subscribe to the inerrancy of the scriptures. Yet with the solid Biblical training I have gotten in all three churches, I feel that I am well grounded in my faith and I sense a deep need to work toward the fulfillment of God's Kingdom here on earth.
Copyright © Jay D Weaver - 1995