The following terms reflect the culture of the Church of the Brethren, a denomination grounded on the principles of Anabaptism and founded through the Pietist efforts of Alexander Mack, in the summer of 1708 near the small German village of Schwarzenau. This resource is not an exhaustive compilation of all denominational terminology, which might also be garnered from other Brethren works, such as the Brethren Encyclopedia, Brethren Bibliography, European Origins, Brethren in America, Ephrata Cloister, 19th Century Acculturation, Brethren Timeline, Brethren Groups, and Brethren Genealogy. You are encouraged to share your comments, suggestions, or corrections with the Web Administrator.

Washington Office

This office was closed in March of 2009 due to financial challenges realized at the denominational level. For many years the Washington Office had monitored legislation in the U.S. Congress and tracked national and international developments that could have affected the Church of the Brethren. It also served to advocate social justice issues and inform members about vigils, protests, rallies, and published a newsletter called “Witness to Washington.”

Work Camps

Summer projects coordinated for young adults, senior high, and junior high youth through the Youth/Young Adult Ministry of the General Board. These projects involve such varied activities as construction, teaching, making repairs, conversation with the elderly, general cleanup, interacting with residents, and many projects are in foreign countries. Interested persons must reserve one of the few openings and sustain all expenses. The first work camp schedule to go online was through COB-NET for the Year 1997.

See also Youth / Young Adult Ministry.

World Communion Sunday

Religious ecumenical observance of many Christian denominations on the first Sunday of October.

World Day of Prayer

Religious ecumenical observance of many Christian denominations on the first Friday of March.