The_Celebration_of_Communion

Becoming_a_Member_of_the_Antioch_Church_of_the_Brethren

Church_Policy_on_Baptism

Consecration_of_Children_and_Parents

Anointing_for_Healing

Prayer_Chain_Ministry

The Celebration of Communion

Our congregation celebrates the bread and cup communion after the example and teaching of our Lord five times each year: The second Sunday of February, the second Sunday of July, and during the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  We also celebrate the bread and cup communion as part of the full love feast on the Saturday before Easter and the Saturday before the first Sunday in November at 7:00pm.  The full love feast is a beloved time of worship and fellowship which includes the washing of feet, a fellowship meal and the bread and cup communion after the example of the Last Supper which Jesus shared with his disciples (John 13).  We practice open communion which means that it is not necessary to belong to this congregation in order to take communion.  We encourage all who have made a commitment to Christ to celebrate communion with us.

Becoming a Member of the Antioch Church of the Brethren

The final hymn of the service is called the dedication hymn.  If you would like to become a member of this congregation, you are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary as this hymn is being sung.  Our pastor will meet you there to determine your intent and to share a brief prayer with you before you return to your seat.  Following the service, the pastor will contact you to discuss your desire to make this commitment of faith and to set a date for receiving you into membership.

We accept members by Baptism, by Transfer and by Reaffirmation of Faith.

Baptism means you would like to make a commitment to Jesus Christ and to this church in which your membership will be held.  Baptism is by trine immersion and is for people old enough and mature enough to understand the meaning of choosing to follow Jesus Christ.

Transfer means you are a member of another church and want to place your membership at the Antioch Church of the Brethren.  It is not necessary for you to arrange a transfer letter.  The pastor will contact your former church.

Reaffirmation of Faith is for people who have previously made a commitment to Jesus Christ in this or another congregation but whose membership is no longer held by any church.  You now would like to begin afresh with a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ and to His church.

Church Policy on Baptism

For those interested in membership by transfer or reaffirmation of faith, we accept other forms of Christian baptism.  If you have been baptized in another tradition, it is not necessary to be immersed.

Consecration of Children and Parents

Periodically, throughout the year, parents will bring young children for dedication.  This is a time to give thanks for the birth of their child and for the congregation to commit itself to providing nurture, love and support for the child and parents.  Contact a pastor if you are interested in bringing your child for dedication.

Anointing for Healing

Periodically, throughout the year, the worship service will include a time for persons to come forward and be anointed with oil for healing and wholeness according to God's grace and wisdom.  The anointing service is also conducted upon request in the home or hospital.  This service is a source of God's grace and power.

Prayer Chain Ministry

One of the ways we regularly open our lives to the transforming power of God is prayer.  Several dozen members and families in the congregation participate in a prayer chain ministry throughout the week.  If you would like for the congregation to be in prayer for a special concern or to offer thanksgiving for a blessing received, please call our pastor.