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Visiting for the first time?
Visiting a new place can be overwhelming, but at Springfield Church of the Brethren, we aim to make your first visit comfortable and welcoming. Here's some information to guide you and set expectations.
How do I get to your church and how do I enter? You can find us at the intersection of Albrecht and Lessig, nestled on the hill in Springfield Township. Access to our parking lot is available from both Albrecht and Lessig Streets. Upon entering through the main doors under the large awning, head to the top of the stairs. Our friendly members will greet you warmly, offer assistance, and address any inquiries you may have. Choose a seat wherever you feel most comfortable. Accessibility We have two ADA accessible entrances. The main door under the awning features an elevator connecting to the Sanctuary/Sunday School floor and the Fellowship Hall below. The door near Lessig Street has a ramp leading directly to the Sanctuary/Sunday School floor. Both floors have ADA compliant restrooms for your convenience. Please note that the upper floor with the balcony is currently inaccessible except by stair, however it's not in use for any events. Click Here For Maps What should I wear? Feel free to dress comfortably when you join us. Pastor Andrew usually wears a button-up shirt and slacks, but there's no dress code for others—just come as you are! Will my children be well cared for? Children are welcome in our services. We have excellent childcare and nursery for infants through nursery school for those who wish for childcare. (The children's nursery is located a the back of the Sanctuary and the infant's room is on the upper floor, off of the balcony.) What is the worship service like? Our gatherings are laid-back, focused on enjoying fellowship with each other and God. We rejoice through music, prayer, and Scripture, blending traditional and contemporary styles to honor the diverse talents within our community. Regarding communion (Eucharist), our practice may differ from what you're accustomed to. We typically observe communion twice a year, during summer and winter worship services. Additionally, we include communion in our fall and spring celebrations of Love Feast. Love Feast, what's that? Love Feast, also known as the Agape Meal or the Last Supper, holds a significant place among our ordinances. Biannually, we come together for a serene, contemplative gathering, reenacting Jesus' final meal with His disciples. During this service, we symbolically wash one another's feet (or hands), share a communal meal, and partake in communion. Our Love Feast intertwines prayer, Scripture readings, and music, reflecting our heritage dating back to the Early Church practices. Traditionally exclusive to Brethren members, we now extend our invitation to anyone seeking to experience the Spirit's movement in this ancient ritual. Wish to join? Spring: We meet on Maundy Thursday at 7pm. (The Thursday before Easter) Fall: Typically we meet on the evening of World Common Sunday, at 7 pm. This year it is October 6th, 2024. You wash feet? And what's an Ordinance? Some Christian faith traditions have Creeds and Sacraments. A Creed is a formal doctrine of beliefs that serves as the foundational structure of a tradition's or individual's faith (e.g., Apostles Creed & Nicene Creed). Sacraments are religious ceremonies that convey Divine Grace or Spiritual Blessings to participants (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist, & Confession). The Church of the Brethren does not observe either. If we were to adopt a creed, it would be the entire New Testament, as it forms the core of our faith. We do not believe that a human written creed or doctrine would only restrict our understanding of the vastness of God's grace and wisdom. We do not engage in sacraments as we do not believe that human actions can convey Divine Grace or Blessings, but we can engage in actions that respond to the freely given Divine Grace. Ordinances are actions directed by the Bible (thus "ordained") in response to grace and faith. Therefore, we practice adult Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20), Anointing (James 5:13-16), Foot Washing (John 13:12-15), and Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Foot Washing is a practice directed by Jesus, symbolizing our continual call to serve one another. It serves as a reminder that the path of faith is characterized by servanthood. |
Sunday Worship at 10:30 Sunday School at 9:30
Worship VideosLast WeekWe would love to have you join us for worship this week at 10:30 in the church building! But we understand that life can be complicated and coming in person isn't always an option. Please join us online at the link below live or watch it later in the week.
This WeekLast Week's Worship
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We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!
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Sunday Worship10:30 am
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