Ordinances of the Church
The Service Of Anointing
The service of anointing has been used for generations by the Church of the Brethren as a rite for healing. The Brethren believe that God intends people to be whole in
body
mind
and spirit.
The anointing service recognizes that wholeness is experienced only as a person’s relationship to God and others is open and honest. Anointing with oil for healing is a means of God’s grace and blessing intended to bring restoration of wholeness and health.
Traditionally, anointing is for three reasons:
1) forgiveness of sin
2) strengthening of one’s faith
3) and healing and wholeness of body, mind
and spirit according to God’s grace and wisdom.
Ash Wednesday
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. On Ash Wednesday many pastors dip a finger or thumb in black ashes and make the form of the cross on the foreheads of worshipers. Many Christians keep the symbol on their head for the entire day. It is a reminder of one’s sorrow for one’s sins. It is a sign of humility and the need for forgiveness. Also, the cross on the forehead reminds us of the death of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. A special Ash Wednesday service will be held in the sanctuary. You are urged to attend.
An Ash Wednesday Prayer
Dear righteous Lord, we enter the holy season of Lent confessing our many sins that separate us from you. We’re sincerely sorry for offending you repeatedly through our thoughts, our words and our actions – and often our inactions, too. Forgive us, Lord, and show us your tender mercy. Restore and strengthen us to become your faithful and faith-filled servants. During our Lenten journey, remind us to show mercy to other people, just as you’ve shown mercy to us. In Jesus name, amen.
The Meaning of Communion
"Do this in remembrance of me." With these words ringing in our ears, we regularly celebrate communion. As we drink the cup and eat the bread, we reflect on Christ's sacrifice and look forward to his return. Yet communion is more than memorial. Our continued participation in this powerfully symbolic ceremony molds our thinking and brings to life deeply spiritual truths in very concrete ways. It shapes our identity as a people of God and provides the truly blessed assurance that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The "message" of communion is important and deserves our full attention.